IMPROVEMENTS, IN MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, AND IN THE APPLICATION OF MOTIVE POWER TO THE SAME
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS. PATENT to Edme, Augustin Chameroy, of Paris, France,
Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS, IN MOTIVE
POWER ENGINES, AND IN THE APPLICATION OF MOTIVE POWER TO THE
SAME
Sealed the 26th February 1853, and dated the 3rd January 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the. said Edme Augustin
Chameroy at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
his Petition, on the 3rd January 1853.
I, EDME AUGUSTIN CHAMEROY, do hereby declare the nature of the
said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, AND IN
THE APPLICATION OF MOTIVE POWER TO THE SAME," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of a novel application of the vapour of ether,
or other similar substance, for the production of motive power, by dis-
placing a heavy piston in the interior of a long cylinder, or a number
of cylinders may be employed, by which arrangement a constant rotatory
movement will be obtained. In the arrangement with one cylinder
the motion may either be rotatory or vibratory, similar to an ordinary
steam engine beam. The cylinder is suspended midway between its

page_text: extremities in fixed bearings, and inside it, totally disconnected with
the outside, is a heavy piston. This piston is actuated by any highly
volatile or expansive vapour, which may be obtained, for example, from
ether. A small quantity of vapour producing substance is placed in a
generator, which is fitted to each end of the cylinder, and beneath
these generators is a reservoir of hot water or molten lead, kept hot by
a suitable furnace. To work the engine, the cylinder, if there is only one,
is placed at an angle of about 45° with the horizon, this brings the
lower generator into the heated reservoir beneath, which causes the
ether or other substance in the generator to be instantly changed into
vapour. This vapour then acts upon the piston, and forces it up to the
other end of the cylinder, thereby lowering it by its weight, and
bringing it down with its generator into the reservoir, when the same
result takes place, and the piston is forced up again to the opposite
extremity. In the meantime, however, the elevated generator has
been cooled by a refrigerator so as to condense the vapour and reduce
it to its original state. There are two of these refrigerators, one for
cach generator, and they consist of a grooved roller covered with felt
or other absorbent material, and one half immersed in a trough of cold
water; by this means when the generators rise they rest against the
wet rollers, and are thereby, cooled, leaving the generator ready for
another immersion in the hot fluid below. This is the principle on
which the Invention is grounded, but various modifications may be
casily adopted; as, for instance, by employing several cylinders similar to
the one above described, fitted to one common centre, a constant
rotatory motion will be obtained, as there will always be one generator
in the reservoir, while another is being acted upon by the refrigerator.
In place, of a metal piston, water or other heavy fluid, such as mercury,
may be employed, and steam may be also used as a prime mover in
place of vapour of ether.
A constant rotatory movement may be also obtained from a single
cylinder by placing it in a vertical position at starting, and as the piston
is forced up to the top of the cylinder it brings it over the centre,
thereby bringing that end of the cylinder down.
In an arrangement like the above the generators are distinct from

page_text: the condensors, and the vapour which is condensed in the condensors
is forced back again by a pump worked by the engine into the gene-
rator. Two reservoirs are also employed, the one being heated by a
suitable furnace for the generator, and the other simply a tank of cold
water, in which the condensor is situated. In order to allow for any
excess of steam or vapour on either side of the piston, it is fitted with
valves which allow the vapour to pass through when the pressure over-
coines the force of the springs which keep the valves closed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Edme Augustin Chamcroy in the Great Seal
Patent Office, on the 1st July 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, J,
EDME AUGUSTIN CHAMEROY, of Paris, France, Manufacturer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Third day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the sixteenth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Edme Augustin Chameroy, Her special license
that I, the said Edme Augustin Chameroy, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Edme Augustin
Chameroy, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter.
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
usc, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for IMPROVEMENTS IN MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, AND IN THE APPLICATION
OF MOTIVE POWER TO THE SAME," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Edme Augustin Chameroy, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great

page_text: Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent:...
NOW KNOW ÝE, that I, the said Edme Augustin Chameroy, 'do
hereby declare the nature of my said Inventions and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly-described and ascertained
in and by the following statement, reference being had to the accom-
panying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that
is to say:
may
...
T
My said Invention relates to a new system of obtaining motive power by
the action of vapour, worked directly by means of a generator, condenser,
and a separate free or detached piston, the object of such Invention
being the simplification, of the machinery and the obtainment of
superior economy in the working action. And in carrying, out the
plans either steam or any liquid easily vaporised, as ether or chloroform,
be used; the same liquid being constantly worked by being ex-
panded and condensed alternately! And in order that my said Invention
may be properly understood I shall now proceed to describe the several
Figures on the Sheets of Drawings hereunto attached. Figure 1, on
Sheet 1, of my Drawings, is a sectional elevation of the engine taken
through the longitudinal centre line of the cylinder and piston. Figure
2, is a plan of the engine corresponding. The essential feature or
detail of the engine is the long cylinder. A, of small bore, fitted with
suitable trunnions or transverse journals b, on which it oscillates in
stationary bearings in the tops of the standards C; bolted down to the
floor parallel to each other. This cylinder is accurately bored out, and
is fitted with a loose piston D, capable of traversing freely from end to
end of it. This piston is somewhat peculiarly formed, as it has two
passages e, running through it longitudinally, in order to permit the
actuating vapour to pass through it from one end of the cylinder to the
other, when any excess of pressure arises at either end. Each end
of this vibrating cylinder terminates in a wide flattened chamber G, G',
bolted by suitable end flanges to the two cylinder ends. These chambers
are vapour generators, and they are made of corrugated metal, for the
purpose of increasing their area of surface, and consequently their
actuating power. They are each bent to coincide with a curve struck

page_text: from the centre b, of oscillation of the cylinder, and being connected
intermediately by the segmental piece G. These three separate details
are thus made to form a semi-circle; the chord of which is equal to the
length of the oscillating cylinder A. Beneath the whole apparatus is
placed a stationary reservoir or segmental heating chamber E, shaped
to the line of curvature of the semi-circle G. G', G, and filled with
hot water or other fluid mass, such as fusible metal. This chamber is
open at each end, and as .the main cylinder oscillates, the semi-circle
attached to the cylinder traverses right through it from end to end. On
one side a furnace J; is fitted up for the supply of the original actuating
heat, a flue from this furnace being passed along beneath the reservoir
H, to keep up the heat of the fluid mass therein. The antagonistic
cooling system is kept up by a refrigerator K,, on eacli side of the
machine. This refrigerator is simply a short horizontal drum with a
corrugated surface for the enlargement of its effective area, and ad-
justed to revolve in a half submerged position in a cold water trough
L, carried by a supporting standard M. Each drum is covered with
felt or other absorbent inaterial, so that its surface may be saturated
with and take up a quantity of cold water as it revolves. In com-
mencing to work this machine the attendant first adjusts it to the
position shewn in my Drawing, the cylinder A, being at or near an
angle of 45° with the horizon. A small quantity of ether, chloroform,
or other easily vaporised matter is then passed into the lower end for
the time being of the inclined cylinder by the aperture 7, and the
matter thus passed in then flows down into the corresponding generátor
G. "This being done, the port e, is again closed, and the furnace J, is
lighted, in order to heat the chamber H. Then as the generator G, is
totally immersed in the heating cliamber, the heated fluid in the latter
vaporises the contents of the generator G, thus producing more or less
pressure in the lower end of the cylinder A; beneath the piston D.
The effect of this pressure is, that the piston is forced up to the other
and higher end of the cylinder, the air in the cylinder above the piston
being at the same time forced out through the port u, above, left open
for the purpose. At this stage of the action the attendant introduces
through the port, as much ether or chloroform as has been already

page_text: supplied through the port u, and this supply is allowed to flow down
into the generator G, the supplying aperture being afterwards
closed as before. When so prepared, the engine is left to continue
working itself, and the weight of the piston D, carried up to the
elevated end of the cylinder, now causes that end to descend to
bring the cylinder to the reverse angle as indicated by the dotted
lines. As soon as this reverse action of the cylinder commences, the
convex surface of the generator G, traverses over its refrigerating
roller K, on leaving its hot bath, so that the vapour on that side of
the piston is at once condensed, and the pressure beneath the piston
annihilated. At the same time the opposite generator G', descends
and passes into the same hot bath which the generator G, has just left.
The same action now goes on at the reverse ends of the cylinder, for
the pressure of the vapour in the generator G', at once carries up the
piston to the opposite end of the cylinder, to cause the latter to traverse
back to its first position. In this way, by the alternate heating and
cooling of the opposite generators, a constant vibratory action is kept
up, and the motion is conveyed to the machinery to be actuated by
means of a pair of connecting rods N, N. These rods are jointed at
their upper ends to pins fast in the oscillating cylinder, and set one on
each side the centre of motion of the latter, whilst the lower ends of
the rods are similarly jointed to the pins of the short pairs of cranks
o, o, fast on shafts, each carrying a spur wheel gearing with a central
pinion P, fast on the end of the shaft of the fly wheel R. To stop the
engine it is held so that the segmental piece G2, shall be in contact with
the heating medium, thereby preventing either of the generators from
being heated, when vaporisation of course ceases; various modi-
fications of this engine may be employed to produce a similar result,
and by fitting a number of cylinders on one shaft the power may be
indefinitely increased, whilst a continuous rotatory motion of the main
axis may thus be directly brought about. Figure 3, on Sheet 2, of my
Drawings, is an elevation, partially in section, of another arrangement,
being a continuous mover with three cylinders. Figure 4, is a transverse
vertical section of the sanie at right angles to Figure 3; and Figures 5,
and 6, on Sheet 1, of my Drawings, are respectively longitudinal and

page_text: transverse sections of one of the actuating pistons, as also used
in my first machine. Three bored cylinders A, are here attached
to a single horizontal shaft B, and each in a different plane. The
shaft revolves in end bearings in standards C, and a continuous
rotation is given to it, on the principle which I have already explained,
by the multiplication of the actuating cylinders, which in this
case are revolvers instead of vibrators, the series being formed
into a species of drum by means of their generators, and inter-
mediate pieces being carried all round the circle of motion of the
ends of the cylinders. The same letters are employed to indicate the
several parts of the engine, as in Sheet 1, but the refrigerator is in this
case a revolver, having two drums K, carrying an endless belt of some
absorbent material against which the generators press in going round.
The effect is also increased by a draught of cold air brought down from
above by an overhead draught chinney. In the two machines which
I have now described the action of each generator is alternately
that of a generator and a condenser; but I shall now illustrate an
engine wherein the generating action is constant and unchanging,
whilst the condenser is separate and also continuous. Figure 1, on
Sheet 8, of my Drawings is a vertical longitudinal section of the
engine. A, is the main bored cylinder, uniform in diameter from end
to end, being covered in at each extremity by a slightly convex blank
flange bolted on. This cylinder is entered through a central ring in
the main horizontal shaft B, revolving in bearings C, in the tops of the
vertical standards D. E, is a sheet metal generator, formed of a series
of dished discs opposed to each other in pairs to form convex circular
chambers, each with central openings, and screwed or rivetted together.
This generator is attached to the main axis by a collar E. The con-
denser F, is on the opposite side of the engine. It is exactly similar
in construction to the generator, but it dips into a reservoir G, of cold
water X, whilst the generator similarly dips into hot water X, in the
chamber F. The heat is derived from the furnace I. The cylinder iş
fitted with a long heavy piston J, through which a pair of parallel
tubes K, run from end to end, the reverse ends of the tubes being
commanded by safety valves L, held down by blade springs. On one

page_text: side of the main cylinder is a hollow shaft M, having an opening in it
for the admission of steam or vapour, and being inserted by one end in
the tubular axis B. On the other side is a similar hollow shaft M,
with an opening for the escape of the vapour to the condenser. At
N, N, are openings in correspondence with similar openings in the
shaft M, the passages being also formed through the shaft B, and on
the opposite side are similar ports corresponding with holes in the shaft
M'. At P, P, are tubes connected at one extremity with the openings
N, and at the other with each extremity of the cylinder A; P', P', are
similar tubes arranged in the same, way on the opposite side, and
serving to convey vapour from the interior of the cylinder to the con-
denser: At Q, is a small feed pump, from which descends a suction
pipe R, and S; are the injection-pipes. The pump is worked by a stud
pin T, fast in the 'plunger rod of the pump, and projecting into an
inclined or differential groove, in the piece U; so that as the engine
revolves the traverse of the stud in the groove gives the plunger the
required 'reciprocating motion. The generator is supplied with ether
by an aperture V, closed by-a flange E², and at Y¹, are two counter
weights-fitted to the:hollow shafts to balance the revolving details. In
commencing to work, the cylinder A, is-placed vertically, as here' drawn,
the piston J, of course resting at the bottom; and in this position, one
of the hollow shafts M, is open to its corresponding lower orifice N,
whilst the other one M', is in connection with. the upper orifice O, the
other apertures N, O, remaining closed. Ether is then introduced into
the generator E, and the heat of the water X, vaporising the ether,
the wliole generator becomes filled, and the vapour passes along the
hollow shaft M, through the opening N, and pipe P, into the lower
end of the cylinder A. The vapour thus acts beneath the piston, which
in this manner becomes elevated to the top of its cylinder, and the
cylinder being then turned a little round on its axis, so as to incline it
from the vertical line, tlie engine continues to revolve. When the
cylinder 'receives its first inclination the weight of the elevated piston
comes into play to bring down the elévated end of the cylinder, and as
the shaft B, revolves fresh charges of vapour are successively admitted
to the main cylinder by the ports N; O, the piston being constantly

page_text: elevated from the bottom-to the top of its cylinder as the latter coines
round. It must be remarked that a large surface of the vapour
generator is constantly exposed to the action of the heated fluid X, as
the generator revolves, so that the supply of vapour is always ready for
the elevation of the piston-as.the-cylinder comes round. Similarly, the
condenser is kept constantly cool-by revolving through the cold water
X, so that the requisite exhaustion of the 'expanded vapour is always
effected as required above the piston. The machine thus constantly
rotates. It may be stopped either by a friction brake, or by allowing
the hot water to cool down, or by lowering its level to send the con-,
densed ether from the condenser to the generator. The feed pump Q,
is supplied for this purpose. To prevent the pump and the tubes M.,
and M', from revolving, the counter weights Y, are fitted up so as to
retain the hollow spindles in one fixed. position: If steam is used
instead of ether, the condenser and generator may be removed, and the
steam may be supplied from a common boiler, the escape being at the
opposite side, as in the case of the vapour of ether. Figure 1, on
Slicet 4, of my Drawings is a plan of an arrangement of engine
working with a fluid piston. Figure 2, is a sectional elevation of the
same. A, is the main cylinder with closed ends, and having an open
ended tube passing directly along its axial line. Near, each end of this
main cylinder is a cylindrical reservoir B, encircling the cylinder.
Each reservoir is lined with wood or other non-conducting medium,
and has a projecting cap piece C, serving to connect the outer end of
the reservoir with the end of the main cylinder, which it covers, or
rather to open up a communication between the reservoir and the open
end of the internal pipe a, whilst the opposite end of the reservoir has
a cap C', for attaching it firmly to the cylinder. At D, D, are pipes
connecting the inner ends of the reservoirs with the tubular axle of
the engine for the admission of vapour, and D¹. D', are similar pipes
connecting the outer ends of the reservoirs with the tubular axle on the
opposite side of the main cylinder for the exhaustion of the waste
vapour. The tubular axle E, is connected with the main cylinder by
means of the embracing clamp pieces F, bolted round the cylinder.
At one end is a valve G, for opening up a passage for the vapour; a

page_text: similar valve G', being on the other side for the escape of the vapour; and
each reservoir B, has a port H, for the admission of mercury or other
fluid matter, this fluid having liberty to penetrate into the central
tube a, when poured into the reservoir by passing along the space
I, I. The whole engine is supported by the two standards J, which
carry plummer blocks for the main axle. In the position taken up by
the engine in the Drawing a quantity of mercury is lodged in the
bottom reservoir at K, as well as in the end of the pipe a, and the
apparently open space L, indicates the presence of a quantity of
gaseous matter or compressed air, exerting its pressure upon the
surface of the fluid K. The regulation of the current of vapour
supplied to the engine is accomplished by the cock M, and the notion
of the engine's axle is given off to the machinery by the spur wheel N.
When so arranged the main cylinder is adjusted to an angle of about
50°, and the water or mercury K, is then introduced by the port H, into
the lower reservoir B. When full the reservoir is securely closed up, and
the cock M, is opened. The actuating vapour or steam this passes in and
enters through the pipe D, and presses upon the surface of the mercury,
so as to cause the latter to flow up through the central tube a, and be
finally discharged into the upper reservoir, the air previously therein
being expelled by the opening G. The action then obviously causes
the entire weight of the elevated fluid to bear down the elevated end of
the main cylinder. By this means a rotatory motion of the main axle
commences, this motion being kept up by the working of the adjusted
ports of admission and emission, these being so contrived that the
instant one end of the main cylinder is lowered a free opening is made
for the vapour by the passage G, into the lower vessel, the other
passage G', being simultaneously opened into the upper vessel for the
escape of the volume of vapour displaced by the mercury or fluid
weight. To stop the engine the cock M, is to be closed, to shut off
the steam, in addition to the use of a friction break. To change the
direction of motion all that is necessary is to set the cylinder at an
angle opposite or reverse to that which I have herein-before under-
stood.
Figure 3, on the same Sheet of Drawings is a sectional
elevation of a modification of this machine on a smaller scale. In this

page_text: arrangement A, is the main cylinder, with a pair of terminal reservoirs
B, each fitted with an air valve b, resting when required in the opening
to permit the air to escape without the liquid. This opening effects a
communication between the chambers c, c, and the pipes D, D. The
valve rod is guided by the forked support e, and carries a hollow
copper ball, floating in the liquid. So long as there is no vapour in
the vessel B, the balls will naturally remain down on account of their
intrinsic weight, and therefore the air passages are kept open, but so
soon as a liquid touches the ball the latter riscs, and closes the com-
munication with the pipe D, by which the vapour might have escaped
had the details suffered any derangement.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or
carried into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine
or restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have
had occasion to describe or refer to, as many variations may be made
therefrom without deviating from the principles or main features of my
Invention; but what I consider to be novel and original, and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent, is,
First, the general arrangement of machinery, apparatus, or means
for obtaining motive power, as herein-before described.
Second, the systems or modes of producing the alternate expansion
and condensation of the actuating medium or material, as herein-before
described.
Third, the system or mode of obtaining motive power, by employing
steam or other vapour to elevate a weight or piston, the whole being
contained in a single close vessel, or in several vessels in communi-
cation with each other.
Fourth, the application and use of a motive power machine wherein
the actuating force acts within a hollow cylinder, having no communi-
cation with the external atmosphere.
Fifth, the application and use in such cylinders of a heavy piston or
other weight, quite disconnected from the other details, the periodical dis-
placement of such weight being the means of securing the motive power.

page_text: Sixth, the application and use of vapour generators and condensers!
as herein-before described.
Seventh; the application and use of a heated bath for plunging the
generator into, to produce the necessary 'vaporizing effect.
Eighth, the system of mode of constructing refrigerators; as herein-
before described. . . . tri
In witness whereof, I, 'the said Edme Augustin" Chaneroy,
have hereunto set my hand and 'seal, the Twenty-seventh day
of June, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
EDME 4. CHAMEROY. (L.S.),