ResinRat,
 The idea is not based on capillary action. I can go into more detail and explain the difference between capillary action, hydraulic theory and how using vacuum is different.
 

                                                                                        Jim

@Free Energy,
 Here is what I came up with. I decide ed to try doing it on my paint program.
What I like about having a reservoir on top is the "cool" factor. Everybody is used to seeing water drain at the bottom of a pipe, but at the top ?
 I think that is something that would catch people's attention. Of course, the larger the volume of the top reservoir, the more vacuum that would be needed. it's shape could be modified to lessen it's volume.
 Of course, like anything else, to see if it works would take some careful work to have everything set up properly. Then by knowing all the different values, it could be properly tested.
edited to add; and of course, the water level in the top resrvoir would always stay at the same level !!!
end edit


                                                                              Jim

p.s. in my previous post with the 2 cylinders, the 5 pounds of water only creates 1 psi of downward pressure if the surface area of the tube is 5^2". I said it is still only 5 psi the second time I mentioned it. I should have said 1 psi.

  Tom,
 Initially, just to see if a continuous flow can be achieved. If so, then that alone would be something.
And since it would have a drain, it would be possible to power a water wheel. Wouldn't generate much energy, but could generate interest in alternative engineering.

  @All,
 Had a thought about filling the system. What is interesting is by back filling it, by putting a tube oover the discharge and creating a greater static head, water could flow thrrough the drain into the resrvoir on top and then into the inlet pipe.
 And then, when the fill tube is removed, it would either work or not work. I think the reservoir being filled to the level of the inlet pipe would help it to flow quicker if it were to work. A small detail that I think is important to remember is that the reservoir could only be filled to just below the level of the inlet pipe to maintain seperation between inlet and discharge sides of the system.

@Free Energy, when the drain tube curves up, it creates a trap that won't let air in. Under your sink, it is called a loop seal that keeps sewer gasses from flowing out of your sink.
                                                                   
edited to add; This might also help some to understand how I think Bessler's wheel worked. I do believe he used water.