IMPROVEMENTS IN COMBINED HIGH AND LOW PRESSURE STEAM ENGINES
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Haseltine, of the "International Patent
Office," Southampton Buildings, London, Doctor of Laws, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN COMBINED HIGH AND LOW PRESSURE STEAM
ENGINES."-A communication from abroad by Thomás L. Jones, of
Natchez, Mississipi, and Anthony Pauly, of New Orleans, Louisiana,
Mechanical Engineers, both of the United States of America.
Sealed the 17th February 1874, and dated the 2nd January 1874.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said George Haseltine at the
Office of the Commissioners. of Patents, with his Petition and
Declaration, on the 2nd January 1874, pursuant to the 9th
Section of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
HASELTINE, of the "International Patent Office," Southampton
Buildings, London, Doctor of Laws, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN

page_text: Figure 7 is a side elevation of the said Invention showing the position
of the toe and valve stem when thrown out of connection with the
`lifter.
Figure 8 is a side elevation of a modification of the said Invention,
a portion of the walls of the valve chests being broken away, showing
the interior arrangement.
Figures 9 and 10 show another adaptation of the said Invention, being
respectively a longitudinal vertical section through the steam chest, and
a horizontal section through both the steam chest and cylinder.
Figure 11 is a sectional elevation of an improved condenser used in
connection with condensing engines..
Like letters indicate the same parts in the first seven of the above-
mentioned Figures.
Although adapted to engines of various constructions the said Inven-
tion is shown in the first eight Figures of the Drawing in connection
with engines arranged horizontally, or nearly so, and is provided with a
steam and with an exhaust side pipe, which side pipes extend longi-
tudinally on either side near the top of the engine. In these side pipes
and arranged near the ends thereof poppet valves suitably operating
respectively admit the live steam into and discharge the exhaust steam
from the cylinder. The present Invention necessarily operates in con-
nection with such valves, or their equivalents, and with the piston in
the cylninder. These parts however are not shown, nor is the steam
side pipe, as their construction and operation are well understood; and
further, because the Invention is used in connection with the exhaust
steam only as it is being liberated by the valves in the exhaust side
pipe.
A, Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, represents a valve chest, consisting of a
chamber preferably resting on the top of the cylinder between the side
pipes above mentioned, and connected with one of them, namely, the
exhaust side pipe B, by means of the pipe C, as shewn in Figure 4.
Such connection with the exhaust side pipe may be at any desirable
point therein between the positions of the valves employed in exhausting
the steam from the engine D. E represents a valve stem arranged
vertically in the chest A, as seen in Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, and
extending sufficiently through and above the top thereof to allow it to

page_text: be operated as herein-after described. The lower end of the stem
preferably extends nearly to the bottom of the chest, and is provided
with a nut and washer F.
The two parts respec-
valves are
" condenser
"
Between the lower part g¹
"
The
On the stem E is arranged a valve termed an "atmospheric" valve G,
also a valve termed a “condenser" valve H. The former is preferably
arranged above the latter. Both of these valves are balanced (for that
and are
purpose, being made each in two similar parts g, g¹, and h,
similarly arranged loosely on the stem E.
tively of the "atmospheric" and of the
similarly connected by the parts 92 and h².
of the " atmospheric" valve and the upper part of the “condenser"
valve a collar I, Figure 6, is fastened to the stem E by means of a key,
or other suitable fastening. The parts 92 and h² that connect the two
parts of the two valves are tubular, and in diameter are sufficiently.
large to receive springs J and K, which encircle the stem at the upper
and at the lower ends thereof. These springs when uncompressed extend
through the parts g³ and h³ projecting above the "atmospheric" valve in
the one case, and below the "condenser" valve in the other case.
lower spring K rests upon the washer F, and its upper end presses
against the under side of the upper part of the “condenser" valve. The
upper spring H rests upon the lower part of the " atmospheric" valve,
and its upper end presses against the top of the chest. The atmospheric
and the condenser valves respectively open and close passages into what
are termed the "atmospheric" and the "condenser " ports L and M. N
represents a relief valve, its general construction resembling that of an
ordinary safety valve. It is connected with the chest A preferably at
the side thereof, and as shown in Figure 4. O represents a lifter
operated through a connecting rod by a cam P on the main shaft. The
movement of the lifter raises a toe R, which through a vertical rod S and
horizontal arm T connected with the projecting valve stem E above the
chest raises, the valves. The arm T is connected with the stem by jamb
nuts a, a, by means whereof the valves can be suitably set. The rod S,
both above and below, passes through guides.
In operation the steam in the cylinder at each movement of the piston
being liberated by the ordinary valve in the exhaust side pipe passes
from such side pipe up into the chamber A, circulating freely around
both the atmospheric" and the “condenser" ports therein. By means
of the lifting mechanism above described, and which has been suitably
$6

page_text: adjusted to the movements of the various parts of the engine proper, the
stem E is caused to rise (as shown in Figure 2), and by means
of the collar I, to lift the atmospheric valve G. Both the valves are.
loose upon the stem E. Owing to the action of the spring K, which is
arranged to bear upwards against it, the condenser valve is kept closed
when the atmospheric valve is open, and the steam is passing out the.
atmospheric port L. Sufficient steam having passed off to establish an
equilibrium between the atmosphere without and the steam pressure
within the chamber A and the engine D (the valve in the exhaust side
pipe of the engine remaining open meanwhile), and at the same time the
lifter O (the parts operating such lifter being properly adjusted therefor)
being reversed, the stem and atmospheric valve fall in consequence of
their gravity. (the said valves being balanced), and close the atmospheric
port. Although by this movement the lower end of the spring K has
been depressed the condenser valve has not yet opened, owing to the
expansion of the spring K. When however the stem has descended
sufficiently to allow the collar I to press down upon the condenser valve
(which does not occur until the atmospheric valve has closed) the latter
opens, and the steam current is then diverted into the condenser port M
and thence to a condenser by any suitable connection. This last-men-
tioned connection is not shown. The stem E is then caused to rise,
carrying with it the spring K, which, pressing against the condenser
valve, closes it. The atmospheric valve has not yet opened, as the
collar I has not yet reached it; when it does the atmospheric valve rises,
and the operation is repeated. The spring J assists in pressing the
atmospheric valve down. In large engines the parts are so large that
gravity is sufficient for this purpose.
The lifting mechanism is so adjusted that the atmospheric valve is.
1->

page_text: Second. There being a double opening into each port a slight move-
ment of the stem and valves provides sufficient space for the clearance
of the steam.
Third. The two valves, and all the parts immediately connected
therewith, being arranged on a single stem, and all contained in a
single chamber, the general movement is simple and easy, and the
construction economical.
Fourth. The valves being allowed to rotate on the stem a more even
wear upon their seats is ensured.
Fifth. The use of a relief valve in combination with a balanced atmo-
spheric valve affords an outlet for the steam in the event of accident.
Sixth. The use of the springs, arranged as described, around the stem
and inside the valves provides simple and efficient means for securing
the proper movement of the valves. .
Seventh. Extending the springs into the valves allows a sufficient
length of spring to be used without unduly enlarging any other part.
By a simple lever and accompanying lifter U, Figure 7, this improved
apparatus may be thrown out of gear, and all the exhaust steam can
pass off through the atmospheric port, as in an ordinary high-pressure
engine. In connection with this last-mentioned feature the use of the
relief valve is especially valuable, being both an alarm and a safeguard
until the operator has had time to disconnect the parts.
66
+
A modification of the said Invention is shown in Figure 8. Instead
of a single valve chest two valve chests are arranged side by side, onc
of which, A, is termed the "atmospheric" valve chest containing an
atmospheric" valve not balanced, and the other, B, is termed the
"condenser" valve chest containing a condenser valve balanced. In
each chest a valve stem is arranged vertically, the stems projecting
through the tops of the chests and there connected by a cross head.
Between the said chests a steam passage is arranged horizontally. The
whole device is connected with the exhaust side pipe of the engine C
by means of a pipe leading into the atmospheric chest. In Figure 8
D represents the exhaust side pipe of the engine containing valves
operated by levers E, E', rocking lever F, and reciprocating rods G, G¹.
As the valve stem in the atmospheric valve chest slides a short distance
in the cross head above in case of accident to any part of the condenser

page_text: or condenser valve chest the steam would raise the valve a and blow off.
In the chest B the valve b, b', is balanced; there is also in the said chest
a frame c and two rings d, d', attached to the frame and working steam-
tight in the chest. The frame and rings are attached to the upper part
of the valve stem, and the valve to the lower part, the valve stem being
made in two parts.
Another modification of the said Invention is shown in Figures 9
and 10. In this modification the arrangement is that of a slide valve
engine, the valve and the chest each being peculiarly recessed, as shown,
for the purpose of diverting the remainder of the steam (after all but
one atmosphere has been exhausted into the open air) into a condenser.
In these Figures A represents the steam chest; B, the cylinder; C,
the valve; D, the piston; E, the piston rod; F, the pipe leading to
the condenser; and &, G¹, exhausts leading to the open air, and pro-
vided with air-tight valves g, g¹, sealing downwards; I, I', respectively
represent the upper and lower steam ports, the former branching into
two ports a, a¹, and the latter into two more a², a³, all of which enter the
steam chest. There are two condenser ports e, e¹, and two exhaust ports
d, d; H represents the live steam pipe.
-
The said valve is provided with a recess n in its front which connects
or disconnects the ports e, a', and d, and with a similar recess n¹ that
connects or disconnects the ports e¹, a², and d¹. The upper end of the
valve at c opens or closes the steam port a, and at its lower end at c²
opens or closes the steam port a³; J represents the steam space con-
stantly full of live steam.
In operation, suppose the piston and valves to be in the position.
shown in Figure 10, the piston mowing to the left, live steam will.
pass through the port a³ to the cylinder below the piston, and the steam
in the cylinder above the piston will be exhausting through the port a',
recess n, and condenser port e. Ports a, d, and e¹; will be closed, and
no steam can get to port d¹ to escape through it. Now as the piston
moves to the left the valve moves to the right, and when the piston
completes its stroke the recesses n and n¹ will have changed so far to the
right that the condenser port e will be closed, but the steam port a will
still be closed, so that no live steam can escape through port a¹, recess n
and exhaust d will be in connection. At the same time port a³ will be
closed, and port a³ will be in communication with exhaust d' through

page_text: recess n¹, and immediately the live steam in the lower end of the cylinder
will force the valve g¹ up and exhaust to the open air until the steam
within the cylinder and the air without are balanced, when the valve g¹
will close by its own weight. The next instant the valve, still moving
to the right, opens port a and lets live steam into the cylinder above the
piston, which begins its down stroke. As the valve opens port a it
closes port a¹, and severs communication from the upper end of the
cylinder to the condenser port e or the exhaust d; but at the same time
it opens communication from the lower end of the cylinder to the
condenser through port a², recess n³, and condenser port e¹, and the
steam in the lower end of the cylinder, which an instant before had been
reduced to a pressure of one atmosphere, is now condensed to a vacuum,
and the piston passes down to the end of its stroke. The movement of
the various parts is then repeated, but in an inverse manner.
In Figure 11 is shown an improved condenser that is simple in con-
struction and operation, compact and accessible; that is, operative at a
point several feet above the level of the water supply used in condensing,
and that readily brings the steam in contact with the cooling agent. In
said Figure 11, A represents a condensing chamber. In its general form
it is cylindrical, and is arranged vertically; B represents an inlet water
pipe extending from the water source below upwards through the
chamber A at the centre thereof, and through the top C of the chamber,
which is made convex, as shown. The top C, as well as the side wall
D of the chamber, is perforated. E represents a tight cover, also pre-
ferably convex, that fits closely down upon the upper end of the side of
the chamber A, leaving a space F above the perforated top C. A casing
G encloses the chamber A. and cover E, extending down the side of the
chamber as far as the perforations therein, and if preferred to the
bottom of the said chamber. A space, however, is left above the cover
E, and an annular space around the wall D. From the centre of the
casing above a neck H extends upwards connecting with the pipe leading
to the engine. I represents what is termed an auxiliary spray, consisting
of a tube J leading down from a water supply above (not shown) and
an upturned jet K arranged in the neck H. L, L', represent discharge
water pipes, through which the water in the condenser is drawn down
and off into a hot well or other place by means of suitable pumps.
The operation of the above-described Invention is as follows:-Steam
being turned down through the neck H it encounters a spray from the

page_text: jet K. This spray is used only in starting a vacuum; once started, the
vacuum is maintained by the condensation of the steam in the chamber A.
Owing to the vacuum the water rises in the inlet pipe B and flows over
the perforated crown sheet C. By reason of the convexity of the top C,
the water not only spreads freely over it but tends to collect at its
circumference; falling through the top of the chamber it descends in a
heavy shower therein. At the same time the steam passing over the
cover E down into the annular space around the side of the chamber
and through the perforations therein is rapidly condensed. By reason of
the plentiful supply of cool water, and its free descent through the
condensing chamber, and the introduction of the steam all around the
chamber, it is found practicable to condense a large quantity of steam in
a very compact apparatus. Moreover, as the condenser supplies itself
with water, it can be located above the water line (when used on board a
steamer), and in an accessible, position, and in a place where its heat will
not be prejudicial to the cargo, as happens frequently when a condenser
is located in the hold of the steamer. Further, as the said condenser can
be placed on deck, the outer casing being chilled by the surrounding
atmosphere, operates as an additional cooling surface.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the
same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. The combination with the ordinary cylinder of a high-pressure
engine of a chamber which receives the exhaust steam of such cylinder,
and by means of suitably arranged and operating valves conducts a
portion of such steam into the open air, and a portion into any suitable
condensing apparatus, as herein set forth and for the purpose specified.
Second. In relation to the first seven of the above-mentioned Figures
of the Drawings, the valve chest A, stem E, valves G and H, collar I,
spring K, washer F, and ports L and M, combined, arranged, and
operating, substantially as described.
Third. The spring J, Figures 5 and 6, arranged and operating as and
for the purpose set forth.
Fourth. The relief valve N, Figure 4, in the valve chest A, for the
3 purpose set forth.

page_text: Fifth. In the chest A, Figure 5, a balanced "atmospheric "valve G,
arranged and operating substantially as set forth and for the purpose.
described.
Sixth. In relation to Figure 8, the chests A and B, respectively
provided with an "atmospheric " valve a, and a "condenser valve" b, b',
arranged and operating as shown, the engine C, the side pipe D,
levers E, E', rocking lever F, rods G, G¹, and suitable valves in the side
pipe, all combined, arranged, and operating as herein described.
Seventh. In relation to Figures 9 and 10, the chest A, valve C,
cylinder B, piston D, pipes F and H, exhausts G, G', provided with the
valves g, g, and ports-I, I', and space J, all constructed, arranged, and
operating substantially as set forth.
Eighth. In relation to Figure 11, the condenser, consisting of the
chamber A, provided with the inlet pipe B, the crown sheet C, side
wall D, and cover E, and discharge pipes L, L', the casing G provided
with the neck H, and the auxiliary spray I, all arranged and operating
substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Haseltine, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Second day of January, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four.
Witness,
HY. J. NOONE,
8, Southampton Buildings,
London.
GEORGE HASELTINE. (L.S.)