IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES AND IN MACHINERY FOR PRO- PELLING MACHINERY AND FLUIDS
Year: 1846

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, MOSES
POOLE, of the Patent Office, London, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present inost Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-first day of
December, in the tenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said Moses Poole, my exors, adñiors,
and assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that
I, the said Moses Poole, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Moses Poole, my exors, adiñiors, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of
years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES AND IN MACHINERY FOR PRO-
PELLING MACHINERY AND FLUIDS," communicated to me by a certain foreigner
residing abroad; in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I,
the said Moses Poole, should cause a particular description of the nature of
the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in Her said
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and imme-
diately after the date of the said in part recited Letters-Patent, as in and by
the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Moses Poole, do hereby declare that the nature of the said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and
ascertained in and by the following Statement thereof, reference being had to
the Drawing hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say:-
These improvements my be applied for many purposes where the steam
engine is now employed; and by the use of them the steam is caused to act
upon the main shaft in a direct and continuous manner, and by a slight
modification they may be employed in place of the feeding and condensing
apparatus now employed in the ordinary steam engine, and also as a means
of pumping and forcing water, and also for propelling vessels without the usc
of the screw or paddle wheel.
To the shaft of a steam engine or to the axle of a locomotive is fixed a
cylindrical drum forming part of the same axis; through this axis is a slot,
and through this slot slides a board which is of the same size as the slot or
opening. This drum is placed in a cylindrical box (the construction of which
will be hereafter explained), and at a tangent to the cylinder, and resting upon
the lower part of the cylinder. The palette or board can slide in the slot in
the drum, and is controlled in its movement by the rotation of the drum ;
and the two sides of this palette, being parallel to the axis of the shaft, arc
forced to take successively different positions of generations of this cylinder;
but it is important to describe the construction of the drum, for it is upon this
that depends the successful working of the apparatus.
In Figure 1, A, B, represents the circumference of the drum; A, C, D, another
circumference ata tangent to the first from the point A, and having for its diameter
the length of the palette. The lines are brought through the centre O of the first
circumference A, B, in all directions upon each of them, and apart from the cir-
cumference A,C,D, they take equal quantities between themselves, in such manner
that the whole length of the line is equal to the diameter A, D, of the palette.
The ends of thesc short lines are the different points of the directing angle or
curve. This curve, in supposing its pole or point O, and taking the line A, B,
for the polar axis, has for equation P=R + H (1-cos ), R being the
radius of the small circle, 2 H being the greatest length of the free part B, D,
of the palette. It will be understood that the directing curve depends upon
the rotation of. The construction of it offers no difficulty in practice; its
curve differs less than that of a circle, as the relation is smaller, so that the
friction of the palette upon the cylindrical surface may be extremely weak in
all cases where the differs less than .

page_text: I will now describe the mode of introducing the steam, and also its action.
The box or casc by which the size of the cylindrical surface is determined is
partly closed by two parallel plates surmounted with stuffing boxes, through
which pass the shaft of the machine. The inner faces of these plates are
hollowed out in such manner as to form a sunk surface of some depth, and of
the same diameter as the drum, the ends of which pass into these sunk parts.
The Figure 3 represents one of these plates seen through the inner face; A, O,
is the radius of the spindle; and C, O, of the hollowed out or sunk part which
is on the inner face of the cover. H, I, K, L, is an opening, the form of
which differs in the two circular sections; these openings are in communication
with the boiler.
The drum (a perspective view of which is shewn at Figure 4) has two open-
ings, one at each end, opening out from the slots, and they are of the same
width as the curved opening H, I, K, L, as shewn in Figure 3 by the letters
H, I, R, S, M, N, P, Q. m², n, p, q, are the passages through which the
steam passes from the boiler into the case or box, and which, by the movement
of the cylinder or drum, come into immediate connection with the openings
H, I, K, L, in the cover F. The steam thus introduced acts upon the part
of the palette for the time being at M, P, and forces it forward, thus giving
motion to the axis. It will be seen that by varying the sizes of the arcs
I, L, I, S, that the time of the introduction of the steam into the caso may be
varied. There are two openings in the case for the escape of steam; these
are placed on the other side of the palette in relation to the line of contact.
The first B, Figure 5, is within a small distance of this line. The letter C is
placed upon the projecting part of the perpendicular diameter. These two
openings communicate with each other, and terminate in a common outlet D.
There is also another opening E in the case, which is in communication with
the boiler. The steam thus introduced into the case acts upon the palette at
the part M, P, to force it, and consequently the axis, round. The palettes
have two movements, the one to slide in the slot of the drum; for these two
stops, parallel to the axis, are so adjusted as to constantly press upon the lateral
surface of the cylinder; the other is a movement of rotation which draws
round the drum, and consequently the main shaft; and when the part N, P,
has passed successively the openings C and B, the steam will escape through
those openings. It will be radially seen that, by a suitable arrangement of
cocks, the action may be reversed, and by cutting off the communication of
the pipe E from the boiler, and using that tube as the escape tube for the
steam, and then, by putting the tube D in communication with the boiler,
the reverse action will be at once obtained.

page_text: I will now describe the modifications in this apparatus by which it will be
capable of being employed for the supply of the machine and as a condenser.
The drum or cylinder is for this purpose intended to be hollow, and to be
formed into two chambers by means of two parallel plates forming the slot
in which the palettes are to slide. These two chambers, I and L, are shown
at Figure 9, open at their lower parts of the cylinder, and are closed at the
upper part. These plates at the back of the palettes, it will be seen, are
perforated with small holes. The upper cover of the case shewn at Figure 6,
shows the opening F, F, for the introduction of the steam to be condensed.
This opening is situated at 90° from the point of contact in the direction to
which the palette moves. In the hollowed out part at the lower part of the
case shewn at Figure 7, is an opening for a tube E, F, the other end of which
is to be plunged into a reservoir of water. Figure 10 shows that the case
has three openings; the first opening D is the one through which the steam
escapes, and the other two are in communication with the boiler for the supply
of the steam. The palette G, F, seen at Figure 8, in passing the line of con-
tact of the cylinder, causes a vacuum to be made behind it, and consequently
causes the water to flow from the reservoir of water into the bar through the
small holes in the drum. The steam, after having acted upon the palettes,
arises in this case, through the passage E, F, Figure 6, which is so placed
that when the palette has passed the opening the steam will be brought into
immediate contact with the jets of water coming through the holes in the
drum, and will thus become condensed. The other end of the palette striking
in its turn against the line of contact A, Figure 5, makes also a vacuum at
the back of it; it condenses the steam which continues to enter the case, and
carries with it all the condensed water, and pushes a part of it through the
escape tube D, Figure 10. When it has passed the opening of this tube it
continues to press the water; a part of it will pass through the first supply
pipe B of the boiler, and the rest through the passage c.
These passages,
which communicate with each other, are provided with valves to prevent the
return of the water. The axis of the condenser may be attached to the main
shaft so as to get motion, or it may be put in motion by means of wheels in
connection with the main shaft.
In applying this Invention, either for ordinary or for force pumps, it will be
understood, that by the application of the system above described, that such a
result would be obtained, having a box or case with openings on each side of
the line of contact, with tubes connected therewith; the one leading into a
reservoir from whence it is desired to raise the water, and the other leading to
the place where it is intended that the water should be carried. It will at

page_text: once be understood that if motion is given to the axis of the cylinder one end
of the paletto will cause a vacuum (as before described), and the water from
the reservoir will be drawn, up through one of the tubes, and will be discharged
at the other. The following modification will enable the apparatus to be
employed for propelling vessels in place of the paddle wheel or screw now
employed: Instead of the drum being placed on an axis as before described, I
employ two discs of metal, each presenting a groove in the direction of the slot
of this shaft, and in the grooves of these discs and the slot of the shaft slides
a palette or moveable board instead of the drum or cylinder. A frame O, P, S,
seen at Figure 11, is used, and which is fixed to the vessel, the plane of which
is perpendicular to the axis. The inner part of the frame is of a curve, the
equation of which has been given above, and consequently it directs the curve
of the palettes in their rotary movement given by the main shaft. This curve,
the construction and equation of which is the same as that of Figure 1,
although the form is different, it takes the relation of equal to about .
The position of the shaft, which runs unequally through the length of the
palette at all times, causes them to act upon the water, and does not, when
they are submerged in the water, throw them out of work, as is the case with
the ordinary wheels; but the action of them will be diminished as the relation
of is increased. Instead of one horizontal shaft two vertical ones may be
employed, placed on cach side. In this case the palette which carries these
shafts will be immersed in the water; it acts in a horizontal plane. Any
number of these apparatus may be used at the sides of the vessel.
I will now proceed to describe more in detail the Drawing annexed.
Figure 1, the dotted line represents the curved guide for the construction
indicated. A line G, G₁, passing through the centre o, and terminating at the
point G, G', is equal to the diameter A, B. The distances G, H, and G¹, H',
are equal, after the relation of the diameter A. B, to the diameter A, D, which
is equal from. The directing curve is a little further from the circle A, C, D,
to which it is a tangent at the points A and D. The form of the curve is
determined by the equation P = R + H (1 cos w) will be very different if
the relation of the two diameters is changed.
I would remark that in the Drawing the curve is replaced by the circle, the
difference between them being very trifling. .
Figure 2 represents an exterior view of the box or case. A, B, A¹, B', are
collars through which the shaft of the machine passes. C, D, is the upper
covering; C, D, the lower cover. E, H', is the body of
shows the interior of one of these covers. A, O, is the
and C, O, the radius of the part. which is hollowed out.
the case. Figure 3
radius of the collars,
E, F, is the diameter

page_text: of the cover. G, G, are screws which fix the cover to the case or box.
H, I, K, L, shows the opening through which the steam passes from the boiler.
The form of this opening is the difference of the two circular sectors. The
radius of the larger of these two sectors is less than the radius O, C, of the
hollowed out part, if the arcs L, I, K, H, were extended until they met at
the points R and S of the radius C, O, passing through the point of contact.
The Figure H, I, R, S, is precisely equal to the opening M, N, P, Q, which
pierces the cylinder shown at Figure 4. As to the sides of the arcs of these
sectors they vary be varied.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the drum with the palettes. A, B, C, D,
is the axis. E, F, is the diameter of the cylinder F; I the height of it.
M, N, P, Q, and R, S, T, V, are the passages through which the steam enters
into the case when the opening M, N, P, Q, is brought into relation with the
openings H, I, K, L, of the cover. U, X, Y, Z, aro similar openings placed
at the lower part of the cylinder, and there are two other passages placed at
the lower part. m, n, p, q, are similar passages to M, N, P, Q; but they
are not seen in the Drawing, as they are at the back of the main axis G, G.
H is the palette. The slot in which this palette moves does not extend the
whole length of the drum or cylinder; the distance that it does not extend to
being equal to the part which is hollowed out in the covers.
Figure 5 shows a section of the cylinder and the outer case. I, H, show
the section of the case; A, G, the section of the drum; M, N, the section of
the pallet. A shows the point of contact of the cylinder with the outer case.
B and C are the openings for the escape of the steam communicating with
each other in the tube D. The opening B is placed very near to the point of
contact. The opening C is situated upon a radius C, O, perpendicular to the
radius A, O, passing through the point of contact A. E; F, is the opening
through which the steam is introduced.
Figure 6 shows the upper covering of the condenser, shewing its outer face;
A, B, shows the diameter of it; and C, D, the diameter of the collar; E, F,
the opening for the introduction of the steam; and G, G, the screws for fixing
it to the case.
Figure 7 shows the lower covering, showing the inner face. A, B, is the
diameter. C, D, is the part hollowed out in which the lower part of the drum
turns. F, F, is the upper opening of a tube which is in communication with
a reservoir of water.
Figure 8 shows the drum or cylinder of the condenser and the palette shewn
in perspective. This Figure shows a portion of the drum, the back of the
palette. It will be seen that above. one half of the cylinder is perforated with

page_text: small holes.
palette.
A, B, is the shaft;,, the cynnter or arum,
Figure 9 shews the lower base of the cylinder condenser; A, B, the
diameter of this base; C, D, the diameter of the shaft E, F; G, H, arc
the partitions of the two chambers I, L, of the condenser.
Figure 10 is a section of the cylinder and the case. M, F, is the external
diameter of the case. A, E, is the diameter of the drum or cylinder. I, K,
is the diameter of the shaft. G, H, is the palette. A is the point of contact
between the drum and the outer case. B and C are openings through which
the steam passes from the boiler; the opening B is placed as near as possible
to the point of contact. D is the opening for the escape of the steam.
Figure 11 shows the apparatus to be applied for propelling vessels. A is
the outer casing for the steam. B, C, is the axis which is united to E, K,
another axis within the enlargement. D, F, is a pipe common to the two
tubes of the case. The Drawing in this Figure does not represent the open-
ings through which the steam would come from the boiler; but it would be
similar to that shewn at Figure 5, at E, F. G is the opening through which
the steam escapes. H, I, I, I', are discs of metal or other suitable material
affixed to the shaft K, E, each having a groove in the same direction as the
slot by which the shaft is placed between these two discs. L, M, is the
palette or float board which slides in the slot of the axes and the grooves of
the discs. O, P, S, is the frame which is fixed to the vessel, the plan of which
is perpendicular to the axis. R is a screw for closing the frame after it is
opened for the introduction of the palette. To facilitate the movement of the
palette the pieces T, U, X, Y, may have the friction rollers applied thereto.
Having thus described the nature of the Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I would have it understood that I do not limit myself to
the precise details, so long as the character of the Invention be retained; but
what I claim is,―
First, the mode of constructing steam engines whereby the steam is caused
to act in a direct and continuous manner upon the main shaft of the engine.
Secondly, I claim the mode of arranging apparatus for the supply of boilers
and for condensing the steam.
Thirdly, I claim the application of these arrangements to pumps.
Lastly, I claim the mode of arranging this apparatus in such manner that
it may be employed for propelling vessels as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Moses Poole, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fifteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
DOCTR
(L.B.) POOLE.
MOSES (L.S.)

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fifteenth day of June, in the
year of our Lord 1847, the aforesaid Moses Poole came before our said Lady
the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid,
and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above written.
And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the
Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-first day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.