IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE DISCHARGE OF LIQUIDS WITHOUT DISTURBING THE SEDIMENT THEREIN, AND FOR CONTROLLING SUCH DISCHARGE SO AS TO PREVENT WASTE
Year: 1881

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Carl Hermann von Ullner at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd July 1881.
CARL HERMANN VON ULLNER, of Euston Road, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE DISCHARGE
OF LIQUIDS WITHOUT DISTURBING THE SEDIMENT THEREIN, AND FOR CONTROLLING
SUCH DISCHARGE SO AS TO PREVENT WASTE."
The objects of this Invention are, firstly, to draw off the liquid contents of vats,
tanks, cisterns, and other vessels and reservoirs in a clear condition without
disturbing the sediment at the bottom; and, secondly, to control the outflow of
such liquid contents so as to prevent any waste thereof, and when desired to afford
a brisk flush.
My improved apparatus is both extremely simple in construction and thoroughly
effective in operation, and consists of a perfectly straight tube of any convenient
dimensions open at both ends, which tube passes through the bottom of the vat or
other vessel to which it is fitted, and to which it is externally made sound all
round so as to prevent leakage. Such tube is of sufficient length to reach up to
about an inch below the surface of the liquid contained in the vat or other vessel
when the same is filled.
Over this tube (hereafter termed the inner tube) a second tube about twice the
circumference of and about an inch longer than the inner tube is fitted. This tube
(hereafter termed the outer tube) has its lower end left open, while the upper end
is closed with indiarubber, leather, or in any other manner which will serve to so
effectually close the upper end of the inner tube when the top of the outer tube is
resting thereon as to prevent leakage.
This outer tube is so fitted that either the tube itself or the top thereof may be
raised or lowered at will, while sufficient space, exists between its lower end and
the bottom of the vat or other vessel to allow of the liquid circulating freely
between the two tubes by ascending through the outer and descending through
the inner tube without perturbing the dregs or sediment in the bottom of the vat
or other vessel, the action being similar to that of an ordinary syphon. Thus
Prino 271

page_text: when the liquid rises between the tubes it compresses the air contained in such
space and immediately upon raising the outer tube itself or the top thereof such
compressed air rushes down the inner tube, carrying the liquid contents of the vat
or other vessel with it.
But immediately the upper end of the inner tube is again closed by lowering
the outer tube itself or the top thereof until it rests upon such inner tube the
outflow will cease. Such outflow will however recommence immediately the outer
tube or the top thereof is again raised, no matter at what level the liquid contents
of the vat or other vessel may be until the vessel is empty; the cause of this being
that the atmospheric pressure upon the surface of the liquid causes it to seek to fill
up the vacuum created between the top of the inner tube and the closed top of the
outer tube when the latter is raised.
My improved automatic syphon regulator is well adapted for use in distilleries,
breweries, and elsewhere, and is also of great value for domestic purposes, such as
regulating the flow of water from cisterns as it prevents waste, at the same time
that it affords a brisk flush when required.