INPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER BY MEANS OF WATER
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Bennison, of Burrage Road, Plumstead, in tho
County of Kent, and of Hobart Town, Tasmania, Gentleman, for the
Invention of "INPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER
BY MEANS OF WATER."--Partly a communication from abroad by Frederick
Arundel Downing, of Hobart Town, Tasmania.
Sealed the 16th August 1864, and dated the 3rd March 1864.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Bennison at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
3rd March 1864.
I, HENRY BENNISON, of Burrage Road, Plumstead, in the County of Kent,
and of Hobart Town, Tasmania, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING MOTIVE
POWER BY MEANS OF WATER," to be as follows:-
My improvements relate, first, to water wheels, termed overshot wheels from
the fact of the water driving them passing over the top and descending in the
buckets on the opposite side of the wheel to that at which it is led on. In
these wheels a great waste of water takes place, inasmuch as that the buckets
while at or near the top are not in a position to hold much water, and byt he
time a bucket has descended half way down the wheel it is not half full, and
as it nears the bottom also it gradually empties the water; the quarty

page_text: therefore that is taken and retained by the buckets does not have its full
effect.
According to my Invention I enclose all the periphery of that half of the
wheel receiving the water so as to close in the buckets and cause them to
remain full of water from the time it is admitted at the top to the time of
discharge, which is at the extreme lower part of the wheel only. I enclose
the wheel with a covering of metal or other material across the periphery,
and returning down the sides to the necessary extent, and this covering at the
sides may be fitted with a packing to keep it water-tight or nearly so; or if
the wheel is well and truly made, and the cover well fitted at the sides, it
may work sufficiently close without packing, and permitting only a slight
escape of water, the great bulk doing its work in an efficient manner. With
a wheel so constructed I can also raise the water again to the higher level to
be utilized over again on the wheel. I use any kind of pumps for relifting the
water, which pumps I drive from the axis of the wheel. A slight continuous
supply of water at the higher level will make up for any waste, thus a large
amount of power may be obtained from a small supply or fall of water of a
suitable altitude.
The second part of my Invention relates to au engine to be actuated by a
supply or fall of water having the pressure from a greater height and in less
quantity than is adapted for a water wheel. If from a natural waterfall,
I enclose and confine the water in a tube of suitable dimensions, and conduct
it to the engine, where it will have a pressure according to the height of the
column. The engine is somewhat like a rotary steam engine in its action,
but being for water a slight escape will be of little or no consequence, and
therefore does not require the perfection of fitting in the parts as in a steam
engine. It may be likened to the enclosed overshot wheel before described,
but of much smaller dimensions, it having a rotating centre piece mounted
on a suitable axis, one-third of whose periphery is enclosed by a chamber
embracing and pressing both sides, and between the extreme diameter of
which and the periphery of the wheel or centre there exists the segment of an
annular space. The centre or wheel has three, four, or more pistons or
pallets at equal distances apart, that are projected in succession beyond and
drawn within the periphery of the wheel or centre, they being projected just
after passing the water pressure abutment that abuts on the periphery of the
centre, and while traversing the segmental chamber before mentioned. These
pallets are disposed radially in suitable slots in the periphery of the wheel, and
may be actuated by projections on each side taking into cam grooves in each

page_text: side of stationary plates enclosing the sides of the wheel or centre, which will
regulate them so as to be withdrawn within the periphery to pass the abut-
ment and be projected at the proper time, or they may be actuated by springs,
which will allow the pallets to recede on passing over an incline leading to the
abutment, and will project them so soon as that point is passed. The springs
must be sufficiently strong to overcome the pressure of the water on the edge
of the pallets. When a pallet or piston passes the stationary abutment, and is
projected into the segmental chamber, the pressure of the water takes effect
upon it, and so forces the centre or wheel round before this pallet escapes
from the chamber, having completed say a quarter revolution (supposing there
are four pallets), the succeeding pallet will have entered as before, and receives
the pressure of the water; so soon as this is the case the first pallet emerges
from the chamber and allows the water to escape which has acted upon it, and
so on. The whole sides of the wheel or centre may be enclosed together with
that part of the periphery before mentioned, or only such part of the periphery
and the sides of the wheel or centre to an equal extent, as in the manner
described with reference to the water wheel. Suitable metallic packing may be
applied to keep the parts water-tight; or they may be fitted with sufficient
accuracy without packings, a little escape of water at the rubbing contact
parts serving to lubricate them.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by tho said Henry Bennison in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
2nd September 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
BENNISON, of Burrage Road, Plumstead, in the County of Kent, and of
Hobart Town, Tasmania, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Third day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-seventh year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Henry Bennison, Her special licence that I, the said Henry
Bennison, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as 1,
the said Henry Bennison, my executors, administrators, and assigns, shoul
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, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain

page_text: and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "Ix-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR OBTAINING MOTIVE POWER BY MEANS OF WATER,"
partly my own Invention, and partly a communication to me from abroad by
Frederick Arundel Downing, of Hobart Town, Tasmania, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, tho said Henry Bennison, my executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands
and seals, 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 Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, tho said Henry Bennison, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to bo
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the two Sheets of Drawings hereunto
annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
My improvements relate, first, to water wheels, termed overshot wheels
from the fact of the water driving them passing over the top and descending
in the buckets on the opposite side of the wheel to that at which it is led on.
This passing over of the water is essential to my Invention, as I prefer and
have shown it in the Drawings as working in the opposite direction. In
ordinary wheels of this kind a great waste of water takes place, inasmuch as
that the buckets while at or near the top are not in a position to hold much
water, and by the time a bucket has descended halfway down the wheel it is
not half full, and, moreover, as it approaches the bottom it gradually empties
the water, the aggregate amount of the supply therefore that is taken is not
retained by the buckets throughout their descent, and does not produce the
full effect due to the fall of the quantity of water used.
According to my Invention I enclose all the periphery of that half of the
wheel receiving the water so as to close in the buckets, and cause them to
retain their fill of the water or nearly so from the time it is admitted at the
top to the time of discharge, which takes place at the extreme lower part of
the wheel only. I enclose the wheel with a covering of metal or other
material across the periphery, and return it down the sides to the necessary
extent to retain the water in the buckets; and this covering I sometimes
furnish with packing at the sides to keep it water-tight, or nearly so; but if s
the wheel is well and truly made, and the cover well fitted at the sides, it may
work sufficiently close without packing, and as permitting only a slight escapo
of water, the great bulk being retained and caused to do its work in an efficient
manner. With a wheel so constructed I can also raise the water again to

page_text: the higher level to be utilized over again on the wheel. I use any kind of
pumps for re-lifting the water, which pumps I drive from the axis of the
wheel. A slight continuous supply of the water at a higher level will make
up for any waste of water that may occur in the wheel, thus a large amount
of power may be obtained from a small supply or fall of water of suitable
altitude.
The second part of my Invention relates to an engine to be actuated by a
supply or fall of water, having the pressure from a greater height and in less
quantity than is adapted for a water wheel. If from a natural fall, I enclose
and confine the water in a tube of suitable dimensions, and conduct it from
the higher to the lower level where the engine is situated, and where it will
have a pressure according to the height of the column. The engine is some-
what like an ordinary steam engine in its action, but being for water, and a
slight escape of little or no consequence, it therefore does not require the
perfection of fitting in the parts necessary in a steam engine.
This engine may be likened to the enclosed overshot wheel before described,
but of much smaller dimensions, it having a rotating centre piece mounted on
a suitable axis, one-third of whose circumference is enclosed by a chamber
covering the periphery and both sides. Between the extreme diameter of the
case and the circumference of the wheel or centre piece there exists a segment
of an annular space, whose area is available for the pressure of the water.
The centre or wheel has three, four, or more pistons or pallets at equal dis-
tances apart that are projected in succession beyond and drawn within the
periphery of the wheel or centre, they are projected just after passing the
water pressure abutment that abuts on the periphery of the centre or wheel
traversing the segmental chamber before mentioned. These pallets are dis-
posed radially in suitable slots in the periphery of the wheel, and are supported
by stems actuated by projections on each side taking into cam grooves in each
side of stationary plates enclosing the sides of the wheel or centre, which will
regulate them so as to be withdrawn within the periphery when required to
pass the abutment, and again be projected at the proper time; or they may
be actuated by springs, which will allow the pallets to recede on passing over
an incline leading to the abutment, and will project them so soon as that point
is passed; the springs must be sufliciently strong to overcome the pressure of
the water on the edges of the pallet. When a pallet or piston passes the
stationary abutment, and is projected into the segmental chamber, the pressure
of the water takes effect upon it, and so forces the centre or wheel round; before
this pallet escapes from this chamber (having completed a quarter revolution,
supposing there are four pallets) the succeeding pallet will have entered as

page_text: before and receives the pressure of the water; so soon as this is the case the
first pallet emerges from the chamber, and allows the water to escape which
has acted upon it, & so on. The entire of the sides of the wheel or centre
may be enclosed together with that part of the periphery before mentioned,
or only part of the periphery and the sides in the manner described with
reference to the water wheel. Suitable metallic packings should be applied to
keep the parts of the engine water-tight, unless they are fitted with sufficient
accuracy to retain the water without packings. A slight escape of water at
the rubbing contact points will serve to lubricate them.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of a water wheel fitted and furnished
according to my Invention, while Fig. 2 represents a breast view of the same.
I construct this wheel of iron, much in the ordinary way of making water-
wheels, A being the shaft or axis, and B, B, cast-iron bosses fixed thereon,
from which the wrought-iron arms C radiate, being fixed thereto by bolts as
usual; D, D, is the periphery carrying the buckets E, which are closed at
bottom (in the breadth of the wheel) as usual. The cheeks D, D, of the
wheel I make of plate iron with butt joints, so as to present on the exterior a
smooth surface, which after being truly formed is turned true in a lathe on
the axis A, so that the sides or checks shall be quite smooth and true, as also
the periphery thereof. Between these cheeks D, D, the buckets E are fitted
and fixed as usual, as seen in the partial section, Fig. 1, and in front view,
Fig. 2. On one half diameter of the wheel I fix the cover F secured to cast-
iron brackets G, G; this machine embraces the breadth of the wheel, and
laps on the sides or cheeks D, D, to which it is accurately fitted by dressing
in the manner of turning, so that it may be in sufficient proximity to the
cheeks to prevent other than a very slight escape of water; to ensure this, the
cover G may be furnished with a metallic packing, as will be readily under-
stood. It will be observed that the cover F does not fit close on the
periphery except at the lower part from a to b, and that therefore, in first
letting on the water at the top it will descend round the cover, and at once
fill the lower buckets as well as all intermediate, and will therefore exert the
full power of the wheel immediately those buckets at the bottom, having the
pressure of water on them due to the height of the column, and, in fact,
the whole in proportion to their position, and therefore the full power of the
water will be exerted at all times. This channel thus provides for the direct
run and supply of the water to the buckets to make up for any waste or
inadequate quantity entering the buckets at top, and although not acting by

page_text: its presence in the buckets, does so generally on the column maintained in the
cover which is transmitted to and keeps up the pressure and weight of water
in the buckets. The cover F, from a to b, it must be understood, fits close to
the cheeks and across the periphery of the wheel, so that water does not
escape from the buckets until they emerge and pass beyond the cover; from
this point water, if of limited amount, is received in a reservoir, from which it
is again raised to be used over again. If the supply is ample for require-
ments, it is of course allowed to flow away as usual in water wheels. On the
masonry I, I, supporting the bearings K, K, of the wheel I have shown
erected two pillars L, L, which support a tank or basin M, from which the
water is supplied to the wheel, the supply of water being led into it in any
suitable manner, and according to circumstances. The upper brackets sup-
porting the cover F are fixed to this tank and pillars, as seen, holding it
securely in position. In the bottom of the tank M is the sluice fitted with a
shoe-piece N, forming a continuation of the cover, and having a covering or
lapping piece from c to d to cover rather more than the extent of one bucket,
so as to enclose and prevent the bucket nearest the end of the tank passing
the water out in the wrong direction. A supply of water being maintained in
the tank M will thus fill the several buckets at the top as they arrive in
succession, and keep them constantly filled by the supply admitted to the
cover, and so constantly maintain the full effect of the weight of the water
throughout the entire semi-circumference of the wheel.
I have before mentioned that I sometimes raise the same water to act again
on the wheel, but I have not shown any Drawings of such apparatus, as any
suitable pumps will answer the purpose which I place in connection with and
work from the axis A of the wheel. P is a pipe communicating between the
reservoir and the tank M in which the pump or pumps may be disposed, and
through which to lift the water to the higher level to fall again through the
wheel as before; the power to be utilized for any purpose will of course be
derived from the axis A of the wheel.
Fig. 3 represents a side elevation partly in section, and Fig. 4 a transverse
vertical section of a water-power engine for high pressures, arranged according
to my Invention; Fig. 5, an interior view of one side e, e, of the case, which
is a disc surface with periphery and flange; Fig. 6 is a side view of the semi-
annular covering sideff, which is secured to flange of e, e, and encloses the
wheel centre; and Fig. 7 plan of same. These parts of the casing are fur-
nished with broad flanges at bottom, and rest on and are bolted to a bed of
masonry 9, 9, or a suitable bed of cast iron. The bed g. 9, carries the bear-
ings h, h, supporting the axis i of the engine on which the pallet wheel k,

page_text: is fixed. The form of this wheel will be distinctly seen in the Figs. 3 and 4;
it consists of a disc 1, 1, with an extended periphery m, m, this being accu-
rately turned, and the interior of the casing bored or otherwise turned, fits
closely but works freely between the sides e, f. In the periphery m are
slots p, p, uniting with radial slots in the disc 1, in which are disposed the
pallets t, t; these fit accurately in the slots made in the periphery m, that is
to say, they work water-tight, either by simple fitting or with the assistance of
metallic packings which I have not shown in the Drawings, being unnecessary,
as well understood by machinists. The pallets are of the same breadth
as the periphery m, and fit like it between the sides e and f of the case; they
are in this example mounted on triangular stems t', fitted in V-bearings & fixed
to the disc, in which bearings they are free to slide radially. In these
openings and fittings the pallets slide with a certain degree of stiffness, and
are controlled in their position by cam w acting in the one direction on pro-
jections w from the stems t, and in the other by an inclined or cam surface a
rising up to the abutment y, and taking effect on the extreme end of the
pallet t. z is the water supply, which is brought enclosed from the high
level; it may be a vertical column or a long incline from the hills. It is
admitted by a suitable stop-cock j or sluice within the abutment y, which is
hollow, and emerges at holes in the rear and radial end thereof. In the revo-
lution of the wheel l, m, the ends of the pallets come in contact with the
incline a, and are forced towards their common centre. Immediately on a
pallet passing the abutment a fixed cam 9 begins to operate on its stem
through the projection w thereon, which gradually raises it up till the end of
pallet effects contact with the interior periphery of the case, when the water
under pressure admitted as described acting between it and the abutment
forces the pallet and wheel round; this it continues to do until the succeeding
pallet arrives at the like position, when it receives the pressure, and the
preceding one emerges from the case e, f, and allows the water to escape, and
so on. The cam is of a form to give the proper rise at the commencement,
and having attained which it is continued in the form of a circle in order to
keep the pallet up to the periphery of the casing throughout the whole course
of the action of the water upon it. I make these cams with such rises as
will ensure the free, easy, and efficient working of the machine.
In order to allow for the wear of the cam surfaces and the pallets, I make 8
the projections w from stems t acting on the cam 2. of a compound form, that
is, of two wedge pieces placed together, with a provision for allowing for the
one incline of the one wedge sliding upon the other with screws to effect the
sliding, and to hold and retain the position assumed. Thus when any wear of

page_text: the pallets takes place the screw 2 is turned so as practically to lengthen the
stem t, of which these wedge pieces form a part, and so compensate for
any wear; this is of course effected from time to time by hand, as may be
required.
Figs. 8, 9, and 10 represent enlarged views of the pallets t, the one,
Fig. 8, being an edge view, as it is seen in Fig. 3; Fig. 9 face view, and as it
appears in Fig. 4; and Fig. 10 end view of bearings, detached.
Having described the nature of my Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be
protected by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, the application and arrangement of covers to water wheels, as and
for the purpose herein described and represented in the Figs. 1 and 2 of the
Drawings hereunto unnexed.
Secondly, I claim the general arrangement and construction of engines as
herein-before described and represented in the Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and
10 of the Drawings annexed, to be actuated by water or other fluid under
pressure, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Bennison, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
Witness,
W. CLARK,
Patent Agent,
53, Chancery Lane,
London.
HENRY BENNISON. (L.s.)