Valve manifold for distributing water to 23 vessels
Cisterns, quarter-turn taps a b c d, and a self-acting valve gear
The sheet studies a water-distribution system: a row of vessels drawn across the top and, below, several screw-and-valve fittings shown in detail. The notes advise that the hour-cisterns be pitched toward their outlets, and describe how a dispenser can shut all twenty-three taps a b c d at once with a single quarter-turn, after which they open one by one as needed. A further short note describes a gear that opens a tap on the up-stroke and closes it on the return.
On this page
Cisterns pitched toward their outlet
A right-margin note advises that the hour-cisterns always keep their bottoms lower at the front than at the back. That way their water is continually led toward its intended use and over the outlet.
Twenty-three taps shut together with a quarter turn
When the dispenser gives water to the 23 vessels he turns all twenty-three taps a b c d at once, through a quarter-circle, closing them together. They then open one at a time as each is needed.
Self-acting valve gear
A short caption describes a mechanism that opens the tap as it travels upward and shuts it again on the return stroke. The lower sketches show the screw-and-valve fittings set beneath the vessels.