IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER MOTIVE POWER ENGINES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Morton of Glasgow in the County of Lanark
North Britain Engineer for an invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND
OTHER MOTIVE POWER ENGINES"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Morton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th March 1882.
ALEXANDER MORTON of Glasgow in the County of Lanark North Britain
Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER MOTIVE POWER ENGINES
"
This Invention relates to improvements in the mechanism for actuating the
distribution or slide valves of steam and other motive power engines in such a
manner that when the piston has travelled equi-distant from either end of
its stroke the slide valve may be relatively equi-distant from the end of its
stroke and that whether in forward or backward gear, or any intermediate
position.
The Invention has for its object the equal distribution of the steam or other gas
to both ends of the cylinder or cylinders of steam or other engines whether in the
position of full or intermediate gear and it consists, firstly of the application and
use of a short lever or spanner radiating from a point on the connecting rod, which
point may be on the centre line or at right angles thereto in the direction of its
lateral motion and at any distance between the crank pin and the crosshead centre
or on the crank pin itself but by preference about half way from the end of the
connecting rod.
.
From a stud or centre at the other end of the said short lever or spanner a link
may connect it with an overhanging lever driven directly from the piston rod
crosshead or the said link may be connected with the lever working the air or
other pumps or from an overhung crank or eccentric on the crank pin. In any
case the stroke of the aforesaid link should be so much less, and proportionately so,
than that of the engine and in the same direction so that the said stud or centre'
may describe an elliptical figure whose major and minor diameters are segments of
circles of equal or nearly equal length at equi-distant points from the centre of the

page_text: said figure and that whether the connecting rod be long or short in relation to the
stroke of the engine and the improved means for guiding the aforesaid radiating
stud or centre so that it may describe a regular elliptical figure in contra-distinction
to a fixed stud or centre on the connecting rod which describes an irregular elliptical
figure constitutes the first part of the said Invention.
The second part of the Invention consists in the application and use of a single
lever one end of which may be jointed directly on to the radiating stud or centre
described in the first part of the Invention and at a point near to its other end it
may be jointed to a link vibrating from a fixed centre and in such a manner that
when the engine may be at the termination of its stroke "on the centre" the link
may be exactly in the middle of its vibration a line through its centres being then
always parallel to a line through the centres of the engine.
The distance between the two centres of the said simple lever may be determined
by the radius of the major axis of the elliptical figure described under the first part
of the Invention.
The fixed centre of the vibrating link may be so placed on the parallel line before
referred to that every movement of the piston, measured from either end of its
stroke may give a proportionally exact vibration to the aforesaid link from the
middle of its vibration A fixed slide curved to the same radius as the vibrating
link would give similar results but the link vibrating from a fixed centre is
preferred and the improved means for obtaining the equality of vibration and that
through a radius equal to the length of the link constitutes the second part of this
Invention.
The third part of the Invention consists in the application and use of a link
one end of which may be capable of adjustment in a curved slot or on a curved
bar, whose radius may be equal to the length of the link, for the purpose of
actuating and reversing the distribution or slide valves of steam and other motive
power engines.
The curved slot or bar may form a part of the slide valve rod or be fixed
thereto in such a manner that a sliding block curved to fit may travel equally
on both sides of the rod and carry with it the adjustable end of the actuating
link.
The other end of the said actuating link may be jointed to the simple lever
described under the second part of the Invention at a point near to that where it
joins and works the link vibrating from a fixed centre also described under the
second part of the Invention so that the combined motion of this third point in the
simple lever may, through the intervension of the actuating link and curved slot or
bar, be communicated to the slide valve rod or to the slide valve itself in such a
manner that, when the said sliding block may be shifted from right to left from
the centre of its travel the engine may be reversed, and whether shifted to the
right or left of the centre so that the distribution of steam in steam engines may
be equal alternately on both sides of the piston.
In some cases it may be preferred to use a link one end centred and jointed on
to the slide valve rod or on to a sliding block the length of the link being equal to
the radius of the curved slot or bar the other end of the link being jointed on to
the adjustable end of the aforesaid actuating link thus substituting a link for a
curved slot or bar or to make the curved slot or bar inverted and a portion of the
actuating link itself with another adjustable link actuating the slide valve either
of which may give equality of motion to the distribution or slide valve whether in
forward or backward full gear or in any equi-distant intermediate position and
the improved means now described for obtaining the reversing and equality of
motion in the distribution or slide valve constitute the third part of the Invention
the full benefit of which may be obtained when all the three parts may be combined
in one machine.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Alexander Morton in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
28th September 1882.
ALEXANDER MORTON of Glasgow in the County of Lanark, North Britain
Engineer IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER MOTIVE POWER ENGINES.
My said Invention relates to improvements in the mechanism for actuating the
distribution or slide valves of steam and other motive power engines in such a
manner that, when the piston has travelled equidistant from either end of its stroke,
the slide valve may be relatively equi-distant from the end of its stroke and that
whether in forward or backward gear; or in any intermediate position.
The Invention has for its object the equal distribution of the steam or other gas
to both ends of the' cylinder or cylinders of steam or other engines whether in the
position of full or intermediate gear and it consists firstly of the application and
use of a short lever or spanner radiating from a point on the connecting rod at
right angles to and in the direction of its lateral motion, and at any distance
between the crank pin and the crosshead centre or on the the crank pin itself but
by preference about half way from the end of the connecting rod.
From a stud or centre at the other end of the said short lever or spanner a link
may connect it with an overhung lever driven directly from the piston rod cross-
head or the said link may be connected with the lever working the air or other
pumps or from an overhung crank or eccentric on the crank pin. In any case the
stroke of the aforesaid link should be so much less, and proportionally so, than that
of the engine and in the same direction, so that the said stud or centre may
describe an elliptical figure whose major and minor diameters are segments of
circles of equal or nearly equal length at equi-distant points from the centre of the
said figure and that whether the connecting rod be long or short in relation to the
stroke of the engine and the improved means for guiding the aforesaid radiating
stud or centre so that it may describe a regular elliptical figure in contra-distinction
to a fixed stud or centre on the connecting rod which describes an irregular
elliptical figure constitutes the first part of the said Invention.
The second part of the Invention consists in the application and use of a simple
lever one end of which may be jointed directly on to the radiating stud or centre
described in the first part of the Invention and at a point near to its other end it
may be jointed to a link vibrating from a fixed centre and in such a manner that
when the engine may be at the termination of its stroke " on the centre" the link
may be exactly in the middle of its vibration a line through its centres being then
always parallel to a line through the centres of the engine.
The distance between the two centres of the said simple lever may be determined
by the radius of the major axis of the elliptical figure described under the first part
of the Invention.
The fixed centre of the vibrating link may be so placed in the parallel line before
referred to that every movement of the piston, measured from either end of its
stroke may give a proportionally exact vibration to the aforesaid link from the
middle of its vibration. A fixed slide curved to the same radius as the vibrating
link would give similar results but the link vibrating from a fixed centre is
preferred and the improved means for obtaining the equality of vibration and that
through a radius equal to the length of the link constitutes the second part of this
Invention.
The third part of the Invention consists in the application and use of a link one
end of which may be capable of adjustment in a curved slot or on a curved

page_text: :
bar, whose radius may be equal to the length of the link, for the purpose of
actuating and reversing the distribution or slide valves of steain and other motive
power engines.
The curved slot or bar may form a part of the slide valve rod or be fixed thereto
in such a manner that a sliding block curved to fit may travel equally on both
sides of the rod and carry with it the adjustable end of the actuating link.
The other end of the said actuating link may be jointed to the simple lever
described under the second part of the Invention at a point near to that where it
joins and works, the link vibrating from a fixed centre also described under the
second part of the Invention so that the combined motion of this third point in the
simple lever may, through the intervention of the actuating link and curved slot or
bar, be communicated to the slide valve rod or to the slide valve itself in such a
manner that, when the said sliding block may be shifted from right to left from
the centre of its travel the engine may be reversed and whether shifted to the right
or left of the centre, so that the distribution of steam in steam engines may be
equal alternately on both sides of the piston.
In some cases it may be preferred to use a link one end centred and jointed on
to the slide valve rod or on to a sliding block the length of the link being equal
to the radius of the curved slot or bar, the other end of the link being jointed
on to the adjustable end of the aforesaid actuating link thus substituting a link for
a curved slot or bar, or to make the curved slot or bar inverted and a portion of
the actuating link itself, with another adjustable link actuating the slide valve
either of which may give equality of motion to the distribution or slide valve
whether in forward or backward full gear or in any equi-distant intermediate
position and the improved means now described for obtaining the reversing and
equality of motion in the distribution or slide valve constitute the third part of the
Invention the full benefit of which may be obtained when all the three parts may
be combined in one machine.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I now proceed
more particularly to describe the system mode or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or carried out in practice, reference being had to the several
Figures on the 4 sheets of drawings hereunto annexed the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
It is well known that a fixed point on the line of the connecting rod of all
reciprocating engines describes the path of an elliptical figure which somewhat
resembles the contour of an egg, the larger end being nearest to the crank, and
should the connecting rod be very short in relation to the stroke of the engine the
lateral motion of the said point during the inner half is much less than that produced
during the outer half of the stroke; consequently, the path described by a fixed
point becomes a very irregular elliptical figure.
My invention consists firstly in improved means for actuating a movable point
or centre, so adjusted that in an engine, such as is indicated by the diagram Fig. 1.
Sheet 1, the said movable point or centre shall travel relatively to the connecting
rod towards the crank during the inner stroke, and from the crank during the
outer stroke, thus producing the path of an elliptical figure whose minor ordinates
are or may be equal, when measured from the centre of the figure. If the said
movable point or centre be moved along the centre line of the connecting rod, the
major axis of the figure becomes a straight line; but, the improvements under the
first part of my said invention consist chiefly in the means employed for actuating
the said movable point or centre so that it may radiate on or equally across the
centre line of the connecting rod, and thus describe the path of an elliptical figure
whose major axis becomes a segment of a circle as represented on Fig 1. Sheet 1.
and where the major and minor ordinates intersect each other at 1, 2, 3, 4 and
1, 2, 3, 4 from either end of the figure they form the elliptical path. The con-
necting rod X in this diagram is represented to be of a length twice that of the
stroke of the engine, and the short lever or spanner A. to radiate from a

page_text: point B on a projection on the connecting rod, at about one half the length of
the latter.
The radiating movable point or centre C, is in this modification actuated from
an overhung crank D (on the main crank pin of the engine,) through the link E,
but, in the diagram Fig 2. Sheet 1, the radiating movable point C receives its
relative motion from an overhung lever F one end of which is connected direct to
and worked by the crosshead J in such a manner that the point of the lever to
which the link E is connected shall radiate through an are crossing a line through
the centres of the engine. The other end of the lever F may travel in a cross
slide or it may vibrate with a link U. The lever method is preferred for all
double crank engines and the overhung crank method for all single crank engines. .
By either method the movable point or centre C, describes an elliptical path whose
minor ordinates are equal or nearly so, when measured at equi-distant points from
the minor axis, or centre of the figure, when the major axis is about three fourths
of the stroke of the engine.
With any practical length of connecting rod, and with the point or centre C,
radiating across the centre line at any point in the length of the said rod if the
major axis of the path described be too short the minor ordinates will be greatest
during the latter half of the inner stroke, and vice versa if the major axis be too
long, a mean producing the required regular figure, that is to say the nearer the
point C figure 1 is brought to the crank end of the connecting rod the longer the
overhung crank D must be made, and vice versa and in figure 2 the nearer
the point C is brought to the crank end of the connecting rod the less will be
the difference from the centre to the ends of the lever F.to produce the required
regular figure.
»
The improvements under the second part of my said invention are also indicated
by the diagrams Figs 1 and 2, sheet 1, and they consist in connecting one end of a
simple lever G, with the radiating point or centre C, so that that end may follow
the said point C through the elliptical path and at a radius equal to that of the.
major axis, the lever G is connected with links H, H, vibrating from fixed
centres I, I, so that the links H, H,.are always parallel with the connecting rod X
when the parts are proportioned as shown by Fig 2 Sheet 1 and consequently
always in the middle of their vibration when the engine is at the termination of
its stroke "on the centre as shown in dotted lines at No. 0 figure 2, for every
equidistant movement of the piston crosshead J in either forward or backward
gear the said links H, H give an exactly proportionate vibration to the right or
left of the centre, as shown by the crosses on the are of the links H, H, Fig 1.
Sheet 1. It will be understood that if the centres K, of the simple levers G, be
disconnected from the two vibrating links H, H, and made to describe a radius
from the movable point or centre C, they will, for every movement of the piston
rod, correspondingly marked, form those crosses marked 1, 2, 3, 4, and
1, 2, 3, 4, upon a segment of a circle exactly equal to the radius of the vibrating
links H, H.
Should the length of the simple lever G, be less than the radius of the major
xis of the elliptical figure, the crosses 1, 2, 3, 4 further from the engine will be
closer together than those nearer the engine, and should the length be greater, the
proportionate distance between the crosses will be the reverse, a mean producing
exact equality, as shown on the diagram Fig 1. Sheet 1.
Figure 2 Sheet 1 represents a diagram of a vertical engine with the first and
second parts of my invention combined, so as to illustrate the third and last part,
The simple lever G, whose fulcrum K, vibrates with the link H, has a short
extended centre L, which partakes of two motions as represented by the elongated
elliptical figure shown by diagram Fig 2 Sheet 1. The link H vibrates from right
to left and carries the fulcrum K of the lever G, whose longer end being connected
with the movable point or centre C, must follow the elliptical path shown on
liagram Fig. 1. Sheet 1 consequently the shorter end centre L must describe an'

page_text: 1
elongated figure whose major axis must agree with the minor axis of the path
described by the movable point or centre C, and, whose minor axis inust be a
proportional agreeing with the differences of the distances between the fulcrum K,
and the end centres C, and L, that is to say as K, C, is to K, L, so is the major
axis of the larger path to the minor axis of the smaller path.
The third part of my said Invention consists in attaching one end of an adjustable
link or links M, to the said short extended centre L so that it or they shall vibrate
between the links H and follow the sinaller path shown on diagram Fig 2. Sheet 1,
whilst the other end N, may be adjusted to the right or left of the centre of the
curved bar or slot O, which latter may be made in one piece with the slide valve
When in the
rod P, or be fixed thereto, so as to form the letter T inverted.
central position the adjustable end N will travel exactly equal with the minor
axis of the smaller elliptical figure or path described by the centre L, but, when
moved to the right as at Q, the engine is in full gear backwards or forwards and
when moved to the left as shown by the dotted lines at R, the engine is in full
gear in the reverse direction and when in any intermediate position the engine
will work more or less expansively; When the centre N is nearest the centre of
the curved slot or bar O, the expansion is greatest, and when equidistant on either
side of the centre an equal distribution is given to both ends of the cylinder
whether in forward or backward gear. It is to be understood that the lever Fin
lieu of being above the radiating movable spanner or lever A may be below it in
which case the links E, H and M would be on the other side of the simple lever G,
that is to say the entire system would be turned upside down.
Fig 3. Sheet 1 represents a diagram of a horizontal engine with the slide valve
below the cylinder, but, it will be understood that in any of the modifications it
may be at the front or back in vertical engines, and above or below in horizontal
engines. In this modification the T piece O, vibrates, its longer arm being always
parallel with the vibrating link H, and the adjustable link or links M connects the
rocking head of the T with the slide valve rod P. To reverse the engine, the
centre N must be moved from Q to R in a similar manner to that just described
with reference to diagram Fig 2 Sheet 1 otherwise the various parts may be
exactly alike with those described for the previous modifications both of which
include the three parts of my said invention combined. Instead of the curved slot
or bar O Fig 2. Sheet 1, a link having the same radius may be substituted as shown
in dotted lines at Y¹ Fig. 2 and for return connecting rod engines inore especially,
I should prefer the link Y³ one end of which would be connected at the centre N,
the other direct at Y¹ on the slide valve rod P¹ itself as indicated.
Instead of the movable point C radiating on or across the line of the connecting
rod X, the said point may slide on the connecting rod itself, and be connected with
any system of levers well known as a parallel motion. One modification of this
arrangement is represented by the diagram Fig 1. Sheet 2 where the overhung
lever F forms one of the radius bars of a well known system of levers and the
lever G the other radius bar, both being attached to the connecting links E. The
sliding socket or gravat S has studs on projecting centres on which the links E
vibrate and the overhung lever F is .so proportioned that the centre V gives the
links E not only their radial motion, but, the required relative motion to slide the
gravat S on the connecting rod so that the point C may describe the required path.
Instead of the lever F being overhung it may be a simple radius bar to give the
radiation to the links E¹ and the relative sliding motion may be given by con-
necting the links E¹ with the overhung crank D and' link E as shown in dotted
lines and described with reference to the diagram Fig 1. Sheet 1.
Fig 2. Sheet 2 is a diagram of another well known parallel motion system of
levers the overhung part of the leyer G being so proportioned that the movable
point C receives its required relative motion from a centre or centres of the lever
or levers G, which is or are actuated by the link U capable of adjustment at one
end in a slot or fixed on a projection of the crosshead J. In this modification the

page_text: centre K when disconnected from the vibrating link H describes lines radiating
from a centre as shown by 1, 2, 3, 4 (instead of crosses as by diagram Fig 1.
Sheet 1.) from the centre of the arc; consequently, to reverse the engine or engines,
the centre I may travel in a curved slot attached to any suitable fixed part of the
engine in a contrary direction with the adjustable centre N which latter travels in
a slot fixed to the valve rod P. The travel of each may then be one half that
required when either I or N are adjusted separately being in this respect analogous
to the "Allan link valve gear" where the quadrant moves in the contrary direction
to the valve rod.
Having fully described the several motions by the diagrams on Sheets 1 and 2
I shall now proceed to describe the several figures of applications as represented on
Sheets 3 and 4.
Figures 1 and 2 Sheet 3 represent side and end elevations of an ordinary
horizontal reversing engine with the three parts of my invention combined and
applied. The slide valve is above the cylinder and being a single crank engine I
prefer the movable stud or centre C to be actuated by the overhung crank D,
through the intervention of the link E as indicated by the diagram Fig 1. Sheet 1,
where the same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
Figures 3 and 4 Sheet 3 represent side and end. views of an engine similar to
that just described but with the slide valve below and with the oscillating T piece
gear as indicated by diagram Fig 3. Sheet 1 and as the drawings clearly show the
several parts further description is unnecessary as any person conversant with
valve gear will have no difficulty in following out all the details.
Figures 5 and 6 Sheet 3 represent end and longitudinal elevations of a design of
marine engines with inverted cylinders chiefly supported upon a fore and aft
surface condenser with horizontal air and other pumps driven from eccentrics on
the crank shaft. The slide valves are placed in front and as the cranks are double
I prefer the radiating stud or centre C to be actuated by an overhung lever F one
end of which is driven direct from the piston crosshead J the other being supported
by the vibrating link U as indicated by diagram Fig 2 Sheet 1.
Figures 1 and 2 Sheet 4 represent end and longitudinal elevations of another
design of marine engines with inverted cylinders and a surface condenser
athwartships the pumps being driven by levers F which also serve the purposes of
the levers F in diagram Fig 2, Sheet 1. and in the engine previously described,
These levers are so much overhung as to give the necessary relative motion to the
radiating movable point or centre C. The slide valves are at the back of these
engines and consequently much more conveniently placed than those described
with reference to Figs 5 and 6 sheet 3 the curved slot O is guided by a slipper
guide on the back of the two legged frame, but the improved gear differs but little
otherwise from that just described. I may observe that although only two
cylinders are shown in both designs of marine engines three or any other number
may have my improvements applied thereto in part or in whole.
Figures 3 and 4 Sheet 4 represent so much of an elevation and end section as is
sufficient to illustrate the application of my improvements to outside cylinder
locomotive engines, the slide valves are below the cylinders and being single crank
engines the radiating stud or centre C is actuated by an overhung crank D as
indicated by diagram Fig 1 Sheet 1; but in order to get the slide valve rod P close
to the cylinder, the radiating spanner A, is or may be extended to T, where the
longer end of the simple lever G is connected, but it is preferred to make a cranked
projection on the end of the link E, beyond the centre and extending to the said
point Tinstead of at the movable point or centre C as in all the modifications
previously described.
Fig 5 Sheet 4 represents a sufficient portion of an inside cylinder locomotive
engine to illustrate the application of my improvements thereto, the slide valves
are below the cylinders and being double crank engines the radiating movable
point or centre C is actuated by an overhung lever F worked direct from a

page_text: t
projection on the piston crosshead J the said projection being carried towards the
crank in order that the lever F may clear the crosshead centre when the engine is
at the termination of its outward stroke otherwise the details are as indicated by
diagram Fig 2. Sheet 1.
It is to be understood that in all the arrangements hereinbefore described the
centre L on the lever G may be within the centre K instead of without it as shown.
The reversing may be effected by hand, screw, governor, or any of the well known
hydraulic or other cylinders.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and several systems or modes in or under which the same is or may be
used or carried out in practice. I would observe in conclusion that what I consider
to be novel and original and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the
hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is
First. In combination with the connecting rods of steam and other motive power
engines the short lever or spanners A. centred in a projection on the said rods, and
having a movable end C radiating on or across the centre line of the said rod
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
Second. In combination with the connecting rods of steam and other motive
power engines the short spanner or spanners A centred on the connecting rod and
having a radiating end C attached to an overhung crank D by a link E
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described with reference to
fig 1. Sheet 1, Figs 1 2 3 and 4 Sheet 3 and Fig 3 Sheet 4 of the accompanying
drawings.
Third. The combination of apparatus consisting of the short spanner 'or
spanners A centred on a projection of the connecting rod and having its or their.
radiating end or ends Cattached by a link or links E to an overhung lever or
levers Fsubstantially as herein before described with reference to Fig 2. Sheet 1,
Figs 5 and 6 Sheet 3 and Figs 1, 2 and 5 Sheet 4 of the drawings hereunto
appended.
Fourth. The combination of apparatus consisting of the short spanner or
spanners A centred on the connecting rod and connected at its or their radiating
end or ends C by a link or links E to an overhung lever or levers F and to the
valve rod P by the lever or levers G, links H, M and curved bar or slot O, or its
substitute the link Y, substantially as herein before described with reference to
figure 2 Sheet 1 of the appended drawings.
Fifth. The combination of apparatus consisting of the short spanner.or
spanners A centred on the connecting rod and having its or their radiating end or
ends C connected by a link E to an overhung crank D and by a simple lever
or levers G to a link or links E and to a vibrating T piece O the said piece being
connected to the valve rod P by a link. or links M substantially as herein before.
set forth with reference to Fig 3 Sheet 1 and Figs 3 and 4 Sheet 3 of the accom-
panying drawings.
Sixth. The combination of apparatus consisting of the short spanner or
spanners A centred on the connecting rod and connected to the curved slot or
bar O in the valve rod P by any suitable system of levers well known as a parallel
motion and so that the points I and N of the links H and M may be adjusted in
opposite directions to reverse the engine, the point I moving in a curved slot
attached to any suitable fixed part of the engine substantially as described with
reference to Fig 2. Sheet 2 of the appended drawings.
Seventh. In combination with the connecting rods of steam and other motive
power engines the point C sliding on the centre line of the said rod and attached
to the valve rod P by any suitable system of levers well known as a parallel motion
substantially as hercin before described and illustrated under the modification Fig 1
Sheet 2 of the drawings annexed.
Eighth. The adjustable link or links M in combination with a curved slot or
bar on or constituting part of the valve rod Pas shown.at Fig 2 Sheet 1, 1,2,

page_text: 5 and 6 Sheet 3, 1, 2, 3 and 5 Sheet 4 or in combination with a link Y as shown
in dotted lines at Fig 2 Sheet 1 for reversing the valves in 'steam and other motive
power engines substantially as hereinbefore described.
In Witness Whereof I the said Alexander Morton have hereunto set my
Hand and Seal this Twenty Sixth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
ALEX MORTON. (L.S.).