Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1856-02-01
FEB. |. 1856.
Important Invention .

As the Steam Engine Is becoming more
and more the "power" of the world, every
attempt to simplify and to cheopen that
power, is of importance to business men
not only but also to all mankind. We
have to announce this week an improve
ment, worthy Of public attention, every
where.
On the eth Dec last, JAMES P. Ross,
Of Lewisburg, Union Co., Pa, applied for,
and on the 221 ult. obtained, Patent for
improvement IN mems far operating hc
Steam Ea'ces in B'orer Engines. The
peculiarly of this invention, consists in
dispensing entirely with the crank, Jiy-
wheel, and their appendages, and substitu-
ting in their stead very cheap and simple
arrangement, by which the movement of
tho valve is effected, SO as to govern aud
control the action of the steam in lis
passage to and from the cylinder, and
thus give the desired motion to the piston.
In other respects, this engine is similar to
many in use.
To the question, What are the advanta-
gcs claimed in favor of this arrau cement,
We append Mr.. Ross answer, as follows:
1st. In the crank motion, (as every
machinist knows there is a great and
unavoidable loss of power, owing to the
angle from the line Of motion at which
the steam acts, there being two points, in
each revolution, at which the steam can
exert no effective force whatever, upon the
work to be accomplished. These are,
significantly and appropriately, termed
"dead points" They are such in reality,
for the crank would never pass them,
however great the pressure of steam, were
1t not for the momentum in the line of
motion deposited in the fy-wheel or other
machinery during other portions of the
stroke. In fact, direct action is not OBJ
tanned at any point; the nearest approx
nation is at the centre Of the stroke, the
average power being ouly half what it is
at this point This engine has none Of
these difficulties to contend with, but
allows the full, effective force of the steam
to act, unencumbercd, in direct manner,
at every point in the stroke There being
NJ" dead points," the engine will start, Of
steam be admitted) as readily at one point
as another.
I'd. In dispensing with the use of the
large and ponderous fy-wheel, crank, con-
Meeting rod, &c, equal, in many cases, to
25 or so tons,) there is also a great saving
Of power in avoiding the friction which in
such cases must necessarily be encountered.
There is also saving Of 10 or 10 per cent.
In the first cost, as well as in the constant
wear and tear. As many persons suppose
that fy-wheel has a tendency to increase
the poper, it may be proper to state that
this is great mistake, and that it is never
understanding!y used for any such purpose.
1t is in all cases consumer of power, in
proportion to its weight 1t is only added
when necessary as an equalizer, or dis,rib-
utor Of power previously deposited in it,
from which fact it takes the name of
"Jolance-wheel."
3d. This engine furnishes much greater
equality of blast, as the pressure never
SINKS, at the end of the stroke, more than
four ounces pr inch, while with the fy-wheel
and crank it usually sinks from twelve to
tWenty.four ounces, varying according to
the speed Of the engine.
The above comprises the chief advanta-
ges and points Of difference.
Mr.. Ross does not claim to be the first
or only one who has dispensed with the
use of the crank or fy-wheel in reciprocal
ting engines, but to have invented a
superior plan Of accomplishing that desi-
rable object. 1t may be asked whether
this is an untried experiment? To this
We answer, that Mr.. Ross first attempt at
constructing an engine of this kind, was
while in the employ Of Messrs BEAVER,
GEDDrs, MARSH & Co. The Engine now
used by them, for blowing the superior
UNION FURNACE four miles below this
place, was constructed upon his plan. The
steam cylinder of that engine, is n inches
inside diameter, and feet stroke. The
furnace is one of the largest class anthra-
cite furnaces, and has been in successful
operation for more than year. Mr.. Ross
believes that his present patent embodies
. very important improvement on that
engine, as it is cheaper, more compact, sim
pie, and harmonious in its operation, which
is not improbable, as the one alluded to
was a first attempt, and he says he would
be glad to have another opportunity to try
his skill.
Pennsylvania Legislature.
FRIDAY, Jan. %, 1856.
The resolution relative to the protection