Range closets have automatic flushing tanks acting at any required interval between flushes. The tanks are, as a rule, without moving parts, and give good service without much attention after the supply is once set to flush at the interval desired. Whether the users of a closet are indifferent or irresponsible, does not change the result of abuse; and the range type of closet overcomes many annoy ances attending the use of ordinary individual closets in unsuitable places—institutions for the insane and feeble-minded, for example. Ranges, like seat-action closets, are not dependent on the user, who may forget to pull a chain or push a button and thereby leave the closet foul.
Various forms of ranges are now operated on the siphon eduction principle. Siphonic eduction is accomplished in three ways—first, by the double trap and air-pipe to the tank indicated by the sectional view, Fig. 45, and operating exactly like the individual pneumatic closet already described; second, by a siphon outlet-end in which the water falls over a central weir that maintains the proper depth of water until the flush begins, and causes siphonage by breaking up and filling the channel as it passes through a constricted bend below. The latter method is shown in section in Fig. 46. Still another type of range is made to siphon by jet-action, just as the individual jet siphon closet does, the trap providing a retaining weir which holds the water at the proper level in the range between flushes.
There are wash-out ranges with sloping weirs at the outlet to retain enough water to keep soil from sticking. These are open troughs, and the plumber provides the trap. Some siphon ranges are of the open-trough pattern, but the trap or the siphon outlet is a part of the fixture. All open-trough ranges can be supplied with a venti lating section from which a large vent pipe may be carried to a stack in which a draft is insured by a hot flue or some other means. Such • ventilation changes the air in the room; and by having lids to all the seats, odors from the entire trough may be uniformly removed by leaving up one lid only, at the end opposite the vent pipe. Some forms, having individual flushing-rim bowls cast integral with the section, are supplied by one general flush pipe, as indicated by the plan and elevation shown in Fig. 47. In these, each bowl is separately water-sealed, as the normal water-level is above the general conduit into which the bowls discharge.
Other forms, which receive the entire flush at one end, are water sealed between the seat holes. The seat-openings, instead of converg ing like flushing-rim bowls, diverge downward, so that, as the water level recedes in the sections during flushing, soil falls away from the surface by gravity instead of grinding against it. Therefore, so far as cleanliness is concerned, the type with diverging surfaces but with out the scouring effect of flowing water in the openings is, in operation, the practical equivalent of the flushing-rim type with converging surfaces. The open-trough ranges, including the jet-siphon type, have perforated wash-down pipes along the sides and ends, which, however, have little value. The open troughs are made in cast • sections as long as convenient, joined by flanges with rubber gaskets and bolts. Suit- .
able feet or chairs for supports a r e furnished with these fixtures.
Cast partitions, partitions and backs, and full compartment p a r titions, with slat doors and indica tors, are furnished to order in any style or combina tion desired. For example, the range for a schoolroom may consist alto gether of 24-inch sections or divi sions, except one in tended fortheteach ers' use made 30 inches and fitted with door and full-length partitions to give a thoroughly private compartment. Ranges are usually made of cast iron, and almost invariably finished with enameled interior and painted exterior. Bowl or section ventilation is provided for where possible. Wood seats and covers are generally used; but enameled iron top frames with hinged seats and covers, and rigid enameled seats, are also made.
The lower trap of a double-trap range must be ventilated. All 'oil-pipe stacks into which ranges discharge, and fixtures connected to them, must be well protected against siphonage, because the volume of water discharged at one time by a range is sufficient to siphon traps that would retain their seals under most other conditions.
Urinals. Sectional uri nals are made of the same ma terials and finish, and with much the same types of de sign, as range closets. They are generally installed in the same classes of buildings as range closets; but such urinals will often be found in the same toilet-room with individ ual closets. Roll-rim enam eled troughs, with back and with simple perforated wash down flush pipes on the back, are available.