IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Varley, of Radcliffe, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, and Jeremiah Crowther, of Bradford, in the
County of York, Carrier, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS."
Sealed the 11th April 1860, and dated the 14th October 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Varley and Jeremiah
Crowther at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with their
: Petition, on the 14th October 1859.
We, JOHN VARLEY, of Radcliffe, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer,
and JEREMIAH CROWTHER, of Bradford, in the County of York, Carrier, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM
ENGINES AND BOILERS," to be as follows:-
One of our improvements consists in casting the side pipes (with the
exception of two bonnets) in one casting, including the middle tube for the
valve rods to work through, thereby saving expense, and doing away with
the usual joints.
Another of our improvements has for its object the working of steam
expansively in,the cylinders of steam engines. We accomplish this by means
of a cut-off valve placed at the back of the steam valve, and worked by a
variable cam, or by tappets, which can be so regulated as to cut off the steam
at any required point of the stroke, and by inserting metallic rings in the.
back of the cut-off valves both valves are placed in partial equilibrium.
Another of our improvements consists in casting on the outside of the
cylinder two thoroughfares, oue to act as the exhaust, and the other to act
Price Sd1

page_text: as the steam conductor, thereby dispensing with the usual side pipes. The
exhaust valve we make in the plug or other suitable form, and it can be
made to work at a right or any other angle with the cylinder by tappets,
from the top or bottom of thoroughfares, or in any other convenient way.
The steam valve consists of a plate with a thoroughfare through it, and can
be worked in a similar way to the exhaust valve. At the back of the steam
valve we place a cut-off plate, which is worked by a variable cam, or by
tappets, so as to cut off the steam at any point of the stroke.
Another of our improvements is a self-acting lubricator, which can be placed
either at the top or side of the cylinder. We bore an aperture in the cylinder
coming out opposite the rings of the piston, in which are grooves cut to receive
the oil or tallow; when the piston is at its top stroke the lubricator is open to
the action of steam, which, rushing in, blows the oil or tallow through this
aperture into the grooves cut in the rings of the piston, thus keeping the
piston well lubricated. It can be so regulated as to deliver a single drop or
more at each stroke of the engine, andisworked bya cam from the tappet shaft,
or any other place about the engine which will give it its required motion.
Another of our improvements is a piston for steam engines, so constructed
as to cause the rings of the piston to open out as the cylinderwears, keeping
the piston steam tight, and wearing the cylinder equal. We accomplish this
by making the rings of the piston in segments; to each segment we attach a
block (of the same radius as the cylinder), which iswedge-shaped at the end,
which fits in the segment, and square at the other end; in the square eud is
a socket, in which a screw fits loosely, on which screw a spiral spring is
placed, the other end of the screw fits loose in a socket in next segment;
at the back of the spiral spring a nut is placed, which, causing the spiral
spring to press against the square end of the block, and the nut pressing
against the boss of the socket in next segment, keeps the segments tight up
to the cylinder, thereby producing the desired result.
Another of our improvements is inworking steam expansivelyin compound
engines. In compound engines when one high-pressure and one low-pressure
cylinder is worked from each beam, we couple the low-pressure cylinders
together, steam may thus be worked expansively in them, thereby allowing
the steam to be cut off at any required point in the stroke, and so economise
the steam required for the low-pressure cylinders.
Another of our improvements is to keep the water in steam boilers in a
state of continuous circulation when heated, bringing the water from the
bottom of the boiler and ejecting it above the top of the flues, thus producing
a nearly uniform heat. We accomplish this by means of hollow metallic balls

page_text: or spheres, (to the precise form of balls we do not confine ourselves), two of
which balls or spheres we place at the back of and near to the bridge behind
the fire-box, two others we place at the back of the boiler, partly in the brick
flue, & partly in the boiler flue; to these metallic balls or spheres pipes are
attached, one of which enters the boiler through the top of the flue, and the
other through the bottom of the flue. The bottom pipe branchesoff two ways,
so as to bring the water from any part of the boiler, the fire acting upon the
metallic balls or spheres causes the water to circulate through them, and thus
produces the desired result.
Another of our improvements is to produce a similar result to the above,
which we accomplish as follows:-We fix in each flue of the boiler behind
and near to the bridge a small multitubular boiler, this we attach to the large
boiler by means of a tube at the top and another tube at the bottom, which
tubes pass through the flues and form a connection between the upper &
lower parts of the boiler, the fire acting upon the multitubular boiler heats
the water in it and causes it to rise, a continuous circulation of the water in
the boiler is the result.
Another of our improvements is to obtain a larger amount of heating
surface in steam boiler flues, and by this means effect a saving in fuel, and
partially consume the smoke. We accomplish this by having in the inside of
boiler flues projections on each side, in which we insert wrought-iron flues,
when the flame rushes over the bridge at the back of the fire-box it partly
goes down the said wrought-iron flues (which are surrounded with water at
every projection), and partly passes amongst the projections, which, slightly
retarding its passage, and giving it a wave-like motion, allows more time for
the consumption of smoke in the flues, at the same time offering a larger
surface for the absorption of heat in its passage from the fire-box to the
chimney.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Varley and Jeremiah Crowther, in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 13th April 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
VARLEY, of Radcliffe, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, and JEREMIAH
CROWTHER, of Bradford, in the County of York, Carrier, send greeting.
WHERFAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord

page_text: One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of Her
reigu, did, for Herself. Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us, the said
John Varley and Jeremiah Crowther, Her special license that we, the said
John Varley and Jeremiah Crowther,ourexecutors,administrators.and assigns,
or such others as we, the said John Varley and Jeremiah Crowther, our execu-
tors, 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 ex-
pressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and
Isle of Man, au Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS,"
upon the condition, amongst others, that we, the said John Varley and
Jeremiah Crowther, our executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under our or their hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one
of us or them, 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 we, the said John Varley and Jeremiah Crowther,
do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement, that is to say :-
Our Invention consists, firstly, in casting on the outside of steam engine
cylinders one or more thoroughfares, one or two of which to act for the exhaust,
the other to act as the steam conductor, thereby dispensing with the usual side
pipes. The exhaust valve consists of a metal plate, square, or of any other
suitable form, and worked from top or bottom of thoroughfare, or at an angle
with the cylinder by means of a cam or by tappets. The steam valve consists
of a metal plate with a thoroughfare through it worked by a cam orby tappets
which gives it a double-motion. The first motion-closes the valve, thereby
allowing the steam to expand in the cylinder, and the curve of the cam is so
constructed as to partially open the valve in the return -stroke, thereby
allowing a small portion of steam to charge the cylinder before the main
volume is admitted. At the back of the steam valve a cut-off valve is placed
worked by a variable cam or by tappets, so as to cut off the steam at any
required point of the stroke. In horizontal steam engines by having the
exhaust valve on the under side of the cylinder it entirely prevents accumula-
tion of water in the cylinder.
The second part of our Invention is an improved method of working steam

page_text: expansively in a pair of compound engines, where one high-pressure and one
low-pressure cylinder is worked from each beam by coupling the low-pressure
side pipes together by means of a pipe or pipes, steam may thus be worked
expansively in the low-pressure cylinders, thereby allowing the steam to be
cut off at anyrequired point of the stroke,and so economise thesteam required
for the low-pressure cylinders.
The third part of our Invention is in casting the side pipes (with the excep-
tion of two bonnets), including the middle tube for the valve rods to work
through,also the facings for the steam valves to work on in one casting, which
before have been usually fixed or planted on bymeans of bolts or set screws.
The fourth part of our Invention embodies the working of steam expan-
sively in the cylinders of steam engines by certain mechanical contrivances; in
such a manner that on the engine varying in velocity or pressure, or a change
taking place in the load upon the engine, the amount of expansion shall vary
accordingly. We accomplish this by means of a cut-off valveplacedattheback
of the steam valve, worked by a variable cam or by tappets; attached to the
variable cam or tappits is a quadrantwheel in which a worm works, connected
byasmall pair of bevil wheels to a spider, in which spider workstwostopsalter-
nately,one being fixed at each side of the centre. When the engine increases
in velocity, one of the stops comes in contact with the spider, and moves the
cam or tappets forward so as to cut off the steam at an early point of the
stroke, when the engine decreases in velocity, the other stop comes in contact
with the spider, and moves the cam or tappets backwards so as to allow the
steam to continue longer ou the piston, thereby admitting of more or less
expansion in the cylinder, and by having metallic rings in the back of the
cut-off valves, both valves are placed in partial equilibrium.
The fifth part ofour Invention consists of an improved self-acting lubricator
for steam engine cylinders and pistons. Underneath the cup or vessel con-
taining the lubricating matter is a suitably formed boss or box, in which works
a simple plug having two holes bored at angles with each other and uniting in
its centre, on one side of the boss or box a small hole is bored, screwed into
which is a pipe communicating with the main steam pipe, and between the
stop valve of the engine and the boiler. When the piston of the steam engine
is at its bottom stroke, the hole in the plug is (by means of a lever on the
plug shaft connected to some part or parts of the steam engine insuchmanner
as to give the required motion;, brought opposite to the conduit hole of the
cup or vessel containing the lubricant, which charges or fills the hole in the
plug with oil, tallow, or other lubricating matter. When the piston is at its
top stroke, the hole in the plug is brought (by means of the before-named lever

page_text: on the plug shaft) opposite the pipe connected to the main steam pipe, and
there being a communication from the lubricator to a holeboredin thecylinder
side coming out opposite the rings of the piston (in which rings grooves are
cut), the action of the steam forces the lubricant into the grooves in the rings,
thereby keeping the piston and cylinder well lubricated.
The sixth part of our Invention is an improved piston for steam engine
cylinders, so constructed as to cause the rings to open out as the cylinder
wears, keeping the piston perfectly steam-tight, and wearing the cylinder
equal. This is accomplished by making the rings of the piston in two or
more segments; and having a block placed on the outside of the rings at the
union of each segment, which block is formed of the same radius as the
cylinder so as to form a perfect joint as the rings open out. On the inside of
the rings projections are cast on each end of the segments, between which is
placed a spring of a horse-shoe shape, which pressing equally against each
segment keeps the rings and blocks tight up to the cylinder, and having the
rings so placed as to break the joints, the desired result is obtained. Another
method of accomplishing the same is by placing blocks on the inside of the
rings, a recess being made in the rings to receive the blocks, which are of the
same radius as the cylinder; these blocks are wedge-shaped at the end, fitting
into the segments forming the rings,and square with the curve of the cylinder
at the other, at which square end of block is placed a spring of the horse-shoe
shape, which pressing against the square end of the block and the square end
of the next segment, keeps the rings tight up to the cylinder. Another
method of accomplishing the same is by having a socket in the square end of
the block, and also in the square end of the next segment in the socket, a
curved pin is fixed, on which pin is placed a spiral spring which acts in like
manner to the before-mentioned improvements in pistons.
The seventh part of our Iuvention is an improved method of causing heated
water in steam boilers to be kept in a state of continuous circulation, bringing
the water from the bottom of the boiler and ejecting it above the top of the
flues, thus producing a more uniform heat; this we accomplish by fixing in
cach flue of the boiler a small multitubular boiler attached to the large boiler
by means of pipes connected to each end of the small boiler, one pipe going
through the top of the flue and the other pipe through the bottom of the flue,
which pipes form a connection between the upper and lower parts of the
boiler; the water in the multitubular boiler becoming heated by the action of
the fire, rises and distributes itself in the upper portion of the larger boiler,
thus establishing a continuous circulation of water in the boiler.
The eighth part of our Invention is another improved method of producing

page_text: results similar to the above, which we accomplish in the following manner:-
By means of hollow metallic balls or spheres (to the precise form of which we
do not confine ourselves,) two of which balls or spheres we place at the back
of the boiler, partly in the brick flue and partly in the boiler flues; two others
we place at the back of and near to the bridges behind the fire-box.
These
metallic balls or spheres have pipes attached to them, one of which enters the
boiler through the top of the flue, and the other through the bottom of the
flue; the pipes from the bottom of the balls or spheres branch off inside
the boiler, so as to bring the water from any required part, the fire acting
upon the metallic balls or spheres causes the water to freely circulate through
them, thus producing the desired result.
The ninth part of our Invention relates to an improved method of obtaining
a larger amount of heating surface in the internal flues of steam boilers, by
which means a saving of fuel and partial consumption of smoke is effected.
This we accomplish by having on the inside of the internal boiler flues pro-
jections on each side in which we insert small wrought-iron flues. The flame
rushes over the bridge at the back of the fire-box, partly goes down the said
wrought-iron flues (which are surrounded with water at every projection,) and
partly passes amongst the said projections, which slightly retarding its passage,
and giving it a wave-like motion, allows more time for the consumption of
smoke in the flues, at the same time offering a larger surface for the absorption
of heat in its passage from the fire-box to the main flue or chimney.
In order that our said improvements may be more clearly explained, we
have annexed to these Presents Four Sheets of Drawings, illustrative of the
best means with which we are at present acquainted for carrying out our said
improvements into practical effect. The said Drawings are marked with
numeral figures and letters of reference, and for denoting corresponding
parts, in so far as such parts appear or can be seen at each of such said
Figures, similar letters are employed.
The first part of our Invention is illustrated in Sheet 1, Figures 1, 2, 3,
and 4, which are cross, sectional, and longitudinal elevations of cylinders,
shewing the steam and exhaust ports, arrangement of valves, and method of
working them. "a" are the exhaust ports; "b," the exhaust valves, coupled
by the rods "c" and levers "d" to the rod "e," and worked by the cam "f"
from the shaft "g"; "h" are the exhaust pipes, which project through into
the exhaust ports, and form facings for the valves "b" to work on;
"i" are
the tubes placed in the exhaust pipes for the rod "e" to work through ;
"" are the steam valves, coupled by the rods "," and worked by the
cam "m" on the shaft "g." The cam "m" works in the frame "n," which

page_text: IS coupled by the leverso to valve rod "/" to give the steam valve "" its
proper traverse. P
"is the first motion of the cam "m," which partially
opens the valve; "q " is the second motion, which opens the valve "" wide
instantaneously; "r" are the cut-off valves, coupled by the rods "s," and
worked by the cam "t," which cam works in the frame "u," and is coupled by
the levers "v" to the cut-off valve rods "s." The camt" is so constructed.
as to cut off the steam at any required point of the stroke of the piston.
"w" are the brackets for supporting the levers "o" and "."
The second and third parts of our Invention will be clearly understood
without any reference to Drawings.
"a
"
The fourth part of our Invention is illustrated in Sheet 2, Figures 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6; 7, 8, and 9. Figure 1 is a side elevation, shewing the cylinder and
side pipes in sections, with cut-off' apparatus attached; Figure 2 is a front
elevation of the same; Figure 3 is a part plan of the same; Figures 4 and 5
are enlarged views of the cut-off apparatus; Figures 6 and 7 are a plan and
elevation of the casing, shewing pedestal for carrying the worm shaft;
Figures 8 and 9 are. enlarged views of the cam. in Figure 1 are the
steam valves, which are worked in the usual manner; "" are the cut-off
valves, placed at the back of the steam valves, coupled by the rod "c," and
worked from the shaft "d" by means of" cam "e." The shaft "d"is worked
from the fly wheel or crank shaft by pairs of bevil wheels "f." In Figure 3,
at the back of the cam " a quadrant wheel "g" is placed, worked by the
worm "h," which said worm is coupled by a small pair of bevil wheels "i" to
a spider "on the shaft "," which is carried by a fixing "m," in Figure 6,
cast on the casing "n" in Figures 4 and 6. "o" is a fixing, carrying the
stops "" which are placed one at each side of the centre of spider "," to
adjust the spider as the engine increases or decreases in velocity; "q" is the
lever connected with the governor, to regulate the stops "p." On the boss of
the quadrant wheel "g" a spring "" is placed, which comes in contact with a
stop "s" in casing "n" in Figures 4 and 6, when the quadrant is at its
extremity both ways; "t" is a frame that the cam e works in; "u" are
rods attached to the frame "t," one of which goes up the front of the side
pipes, and is coupled by a lever "" to valve rod "w," which works through
a gland "a" on the top of the side pipes. Metallic rings, placed at the back
of the cut-off valves, cause both valves to be held in partial equilibrium.
The mode of action is as follows:-The spider ""revolves with the cam "e"
and quadrant "g" round the shaft "d." When the engine decreases in
velocity, the action of the governor on the lever "q" will cause one of the
stops "p" to come in contact with the spider "k" thereby moving the variable

page_text: cut-off valves, so as to allow the steam to be expanded through a less portion
of the piston's stroke, and will continue to decrease that portion until the
engine regains its proper speed. When the engine increases in velocity, the
governor, by means of the lever "q," causes the other stop to come in contact
with the spider, thereby causing the variable cut-off valves to cut off the
steam at a constantly decreasing portion of the piston's stroke, and expand
the steam through a greater portion of the stroke, the proportion of expansion
continuing to increase until the engine has regained its proper speed, which
being attained, the stops "p" work clear of the spider "k."
"U
The fifth part of our Invention is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, Sheet 2,
which are a section and front elevation of improved self-acting lubricator.
"a" are the cups or vessels for containing the lubricant, and "6" is a conduit
"d" is a hole
hole leading from the cup or vessel to the steam-tight pug
in plug, to hold the lubricating matter; "e" is a hole leading to the rings of
the piston; "f" is a small pipe coupled to the main steam pipe between the
boiler and the stop valve; "g" is a continuation of the plug "c," termed the
plug shaft, on which is a lever "," connected by means of the rod "i" to
the radius rods or any other suitable part of the engine which would give the
required motion. When the piston is at its top stroke the hole "d" in the
plug "c" being filled with lubricating matter from the cup or vessel, is
brought opposite to the small steam pipe "f," and is then open to the action
of the steam which blows the oil, tallow, or other lubricating matter through
the thoroughfares e, leading to the grooves in the rings of the piston, thus
producing the desired result.
"
The sixth part of our Invention will be understood by reference to Figures
12, 13, 14, and 15, Sheet 2, which are plans and sectional elevations of our
improvements in pistons for steam engines. In Figures 12 and 13, "a" is
the piston rod; "b," the body of the piston; "c," the segments of a ring;
"d," the blocks placed on the outside of the rings; "e, two projections cast
on theinside of the segments "c," forming the rings to receive the springs "f,"
which being of a horse-shoe shape press equallyagainst each segment, keeping
the rings and blocks tight up to the cylinder. In Figures 14 and 15, "a" is
the piston rod; "b," the body of the piston; "c," the the segments, forming a
ring of the piston; "d" are the blocks for keeping the rings tight up to the
cylinder; "," are the springs of a horse-shoe shape, which, pressing against
the side of the blocks "d" and against the segments "c," keep the ringsalways
tight in the cylinder.
The seventh part of our Invention is shewn in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 3.
Figurelis a cross sectional elevation of boiler,shewing the arrangement of the

page_text: small multitubular boilers inside of the flues, and their connections with the
lower and upper portions of the larger boiler. "a" are the multitubular
boilers; "b," the pipes connecting the same to the lower portion of the larger
boiler; and "c," the pipes connecting the upper portion of the multitubular
boiler with the upper portion of the larger boiler. Figure 2 is a sectional side
elevation, shewing the position of the multitubular boilers behind the bridge,
inside the flue, the arrangement of counection pipes inside the boiler, and
method of preventing breakage of pipes or joints from undue expansion or
contraction. "d" are the pipes for drawing water from any desirable part of
the lower portion of the large boiler; "a" is the small multitubular boiler;
c," the single coiled pipe, being thus made to avoid breakage or leakage
through the expansion or contraction of its connections with the upper portions
of the multitubular and large boilers.
66
The eighth part of our Invention is delineated in plans and elevations by
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 3. Figure 3 is a cross sectional elevation of a
boiler, shewing the position of the balls or spheres inside the flues, and the
connections with the upper and lower portions of the boiler. "a" are the
balls or spheres; "b," the pipes connected to the lower portion; and." e," the
pipes connected to the upper portion of the boiler. Figure 4 is a sectional side
elevationof the boiler, shewing the positions of the balls or spheres behind the
bridges and at the end of the boiler flues, and the arrangement of pipes inside
the boiler connected to the balls or spheres. "a" is a ball or sphere behind
the bridge "e," and "6" are the pipes connecting the lower portions of the
ball or sphere to the lower portion of the boiler; "a" is a ball or sphere partly
in the brick flue; "1" is the pipe connecting the lower portions of the ball or
sphere and the boiler. Figure 5 is a plan of the same; Figure 6 is an enlarged
view of the ball or sphere behind the bridge, and Figure 7 is an enlarged plan
of the ball or sphere at the end of the boiler, shewing its connections with the
same.
The ninth part of our Invention is illustrated in Sheet 4, Figures 1, 2, and
3. Figure 1 is a cross section of a boiler, shewing the projections and tubes.
"a" are the projections; "" are the tubes. Figure 2 is a sectional side
elevation of the boiler, shewing the position of the projections and tubes. "a"
are the projections, and "b" is one of the tubes. Figure 3 is a plan, shewing
the arrangement of the boiler flues, projections, and small flues. "a" are the
projections; "b," the small flues; and "c," the boiler flues.
Having thus fully described and partially illustrated the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, we desire it
to be distinctly understood, that we do not confine ourselves to the precise

page_text: details herein set forth, as the same may be varied or modified without departing
from the principle thereof; but we claim as our Invention, which to the best
of our knowledge and beleif has not hitherto been in use within the realm,-
Firstly, the casting of thoroughfares on the outside of steam engine cylinders,
and placing the steam valves, exhaust valves, and cut-off valves in the said
thoroughfares, thereby dispensing with the usual side pipes; the arrangement
of cam, for giving the steam valve a double motion; and also in placing the
exhaust parts on the under side of the cylinders, thus preventing the accumu-
lation of water in the cylinders of horizontal engines.
Secondly, the peculiar method of working steam expansively in coupled
compound engines.
Thirdly, the casting of the side pipes and valve boxes in one casting.
Fourthly, the arrangement of the variable cut-off apparatus worked by the
governor.
Fifthly, the peculiar construction of the hole in the plug of lubricator and
the pipe connecting the main steam pipe to the plug, barrel, or casing of the
lubricator.
Sixthly, the making the blocks of the piston of the same radius as the
cylinder, and the method of keeping the piston rings and joints tight.
Seventhly, the peculiar methods of keeping the water in continuous circu-
lation, and of a more uniform heat in steam boilers.
Eighthly, the peculiar construction of the internal flues of steam boilers,
whereby a larger amount of heating surface is obtained.
In witness whereof, I, the undersigned John Varley, for and on behalf
of myself and the said Jeremiah Crowther, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and sixty.
}
Witness,
JOHN H. TRAVIS,
S, Market Place, Manchester.
JOHN VARLEY. (L.S.)