CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS, AND IN THE CONSTRUC- TION, COMPOSITION, AND MANUFACTURE OF BEARINGS, STEPS, AND OTHER RUBBING SURFACES OF STEAM ENGINES AND OTHER MACHINERY, AND ALSO FOR A METHOD OF LUBRICATING THE SAME
Year: 1845

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN.
DEWRANCE, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Seventh day of April, in the eighth year of Her reign, did,.
for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said John
Dewrance, Her especial licensc, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I,
the said John Dewrance, my executors, administrators, and assigns, and such
others as I, the said John Dewrance, my executors, administrators, or assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term of years therein mentioned, should and law-
fully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, the Town
of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations
abroad, and in the Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, my
Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM BOILERS, AND IN THE CONSTRUC-
TION, COMPOSITION, AND MANUFACTURE OF BEARINGS, STEPS, AND OTHER RUBBING
SURFACES OF STEAM ENGINES AND OTHER MACHINERY, AND ALSO FOR A METHOD OF
LUBRICATING THE SAME; " in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso,
obliging. me, the said John Dewrance, by an instrument in writing under my
hand and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the
same to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six

page_text: calendar months next and immediately 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.
:
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Dewrance, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is, to say): --
My improvement in steam boilers consists in the introduction of a box
chamber or chambers, in addition to the ordinary fire box, into locomotive
engine and other boilers, into which additional chamber or chambers the com-
bustible gaseous products of the furnace are made to pass, and are therein
mixed with atmospheric air and consumed. I am thus enabled by making use
of those combustible products, which have hitherto passed away unconsumed,
to generate a larger quantity of steam from a given amount of fuel. This
part of my improvements will be better understood by reference to the accom-
panying Drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of my improved
boiler taken through about the middle of the boiler, and Fig. 2 is a transverse
section of the same, taken vertically through about the middle of the air
chamber. A, Fig. 1, is the fire box of a locomotive engine boiler; B, Figs. 1
and 2, an air chamber surrounded by the water, of the boiler, in the same
manner as it surrounds the fire box. C, C, C, (Figures 1 and 2,) are short flue
tubes connecting the fire box with the chamber B; or in place of these tubes.
the fire box and chamber may be connected by one or any number of flues,
several tubes or flues being in my opinion preferable to a single opening.
d, d, d, Fig. 1, are the ordinary flue tubes. E, Figs. 1 and 2, is the bottom
plate of the air chamber B, fitting air-tight into its place. F, F, F, Figures 1
and 2, are valves through which atmospheric air is admitted through a pipe or
pipes into the chamber B, for the purpose of mixing with the gases and smoke
evolved from the combustion of the fuel in the furnace. These valves are to
be regulated by the engineer as occasion may require, so as to admit the
quantity of air into the chamber which shall be found' requisite for completing
the combustion of the gaseous products of the fuel. The valves being thus
-adjusted, the air will be allowed to pass through them into the chamber B,
where it meets and mixes with the combustible gases arising from the fire in
the furnace, and their ignition is thus completed; and the united gases passing
through the flue tubes a larger quantity of heat is evolved, and communicated
to the boiler for the purpose of generating of steam. I do not claim the

page_text: principle of mixing air with combustible gases, which is already well known;
but I claim the use and application of an additional chamber or chambers,
such as the aforesaid chamber B, in locomotive and other boilers, for the
purpose of more perfectly consuming the combustible matters evolved from
the furnace, and thereby giving out a greater degree of heat from the fuel
consumed; and although I have shewn and described the best and most
couvenient arrangement and construction of the several parts with which I am
acquainted, I do not intend to confine myself to the peculiar form of chamber
B, shewn in the Drawing annexed, inasmuch as it may be made round or
square, or of any other shape that circumstances may require, nor to the
precise arrangement or form of the several parts which have been described,
this part of my Invention' being the addition of an air chamber to locomotive
and other boilers for the purposes I have described.
My improvements in the construction, composition, and manufacture of
bearings, steps, and other rubbing surfaces of steam engines and other
machinery, consists, firstly, of the several alloys of metals to be used in forming
such bearings, steps, and other rubbing surfaces hereafter described; secondly,
of an improved mould or shape for casting or forming such bearings, steps,
and other rubbing surfaces; and thirdly, in the introduction of a skeleton
framing, key, or piece of hard metal into the substance of a bearing, step, or
other piece of machinery having a rubbing surface and made of soft metal
or metallic alloy, as herein-after described.
And, firstly, my improved alloys of metals which are intended to be used
in forming such bearings, steps, and rubbing surfaces I intend as sub-
stitutes for brass, gun metal, or tin, as usually employed for the several
purposes of axle-box bearings, steps, or other rubbing surfaces of machinery.
The advantages which I propose to obtain by the use of steps, bearings, &c.
formed of my compositions are, that as compared with similar steps con-
stituted of the harder alloys, such as brass or gun metal, the tendency to
abrasion of the rubbing surfaces through friction may be reduced, and the
wear and tear of the parts proportionately lessened, that the liability of the
rubbing sufaces to become hot by friction may be diminished. The manner
in which I make my compositions is as follows:-First, I take. sixteen
parts of regulus of antimony, and melt it in a clean crucible; I then add
fourteen parts and a half of block tin. When this is also melted I cover
the surface of the alloy with powdered charcoal, tallow, or other carbonaceous
substance to prevent it from oxidizing, and then I bring the whole to a dull
red heat. While this operation is going on I melt in a separate pot or
furnace of sufficient capacity, forty-three parts and a half of block tin, into

page_text: which, after taking off the powdered charcoal or other carbonaceous matter,
I
pour the contents of the first-named crucible; I then carefully stir the whole,
so that the metals may be effectually mixed and combined. The composition
is then ready for usc, or it may be cast into ingots in the usual manner.
Instead of forty-three and a half parts of tin in the second crucible, as above
mentioned, I sometimes use other quantities according to circumstances; as
thirty-one and a quarter parts, fifty and three quarters parts, fifty-eight parts,
or sixty-five parts of tin; but I do not confine myself strictly to these propor-
tions, limiting the range from forty-five parts to eighty parts of tin, with
sixteen parts of regulus of antimony. Second, I take sixteen parts of
regulus of antimony and fourteen parts and a half of block tin, and melt
them in the manner before described; I then melt in another pot or furnace of
sufficient capacity to contain the whole mixture, fifty-two parts of lead instead
of the forty-three parts and a half of block tin, and proceed to mix the metals
in manner before mentioned. In this composition I also, according to circum-
stances, vary the proportion of lead, and use either 39, 52, 65, 78, or 91 parts
of lead with the above quantities of tin and regulus of antimony; but I do not
confine myself strictly to these proportions, limiting the range of alloys from
thirty-nine to ninety-one of lead, with sixteen parts of regulus of antimony
and fourteen and a half parts of tin. Third, I take sixteen parts of regulus
of antimony and fourteen and a half parts of block tin, and while in a state of
fusion I add eight parts of copper, also in a state of fusion, and after mixing
these intimately I add forty-three and a half parts of block tin; and when
the whole is incorporated. I pour the melted metal into sand moulds or
ingots. I also vary the range of tin from forty-three and a half parts to
sixty-five parts of tin to the mixture of fourteen and a half tin, eight copper,
and sixteen parts regulus of antimony. I prefer using this metal for sand
castings only, and not for those produced from the moulds hereafter described.
Fourth, I take forty parts of block tin, melt it in a clean crucible, and then
add five parts of nickel, and when intimately incorporated I cast in moulds or
ingots, as before described.
.
Secondly, my improved mould or shape for casting or forming steps,
bearings, and other parts having rubbing surfaces, is intended to be used
for the casting or forming such steps, bearings, and other parts, either of the
above-mentioned improved alloys or of any other easily fusible metal by
which the use of patterns for moulding in sand or loam is dispensed with.
For this purpose I make my moulds of iron, brass, or other suitable hard
metal, as hercin-after described, cach mould being built up or formed of sepa-
rate pieces, accurately fitted together and made in such manner that when the

page_text: parts are joined together they enclose a hollow space of the form and dimen-
sions of the required finished casting, making due allowances for shrinkage in
cooling. Into this hollow space the melted metal or alloy is poured, and when
cool the casting is removed from the mould, the parts of the mould being so
disposed that they may be easily separated from each other for the purpose of
disengaging the casting. By thus casting in metallic moulds or matrixes, all
the castings from the same mould are exactly like each other in dimensions,
and if the moulds be accurately made, the operations of boring and fitting will
be dispensed with.
My method of constructing the moulds will be best illustrated by an
example. Thus, suppose it is required to cast a bearing or step for a shaft to
run in of the form shewn in Figs. 3, A and B,-A being a side view of the
bearing, and B a transverse section of the same,-I make for the external part
of the mould the block shewn in Fig. 4*, C, D,-C being the longitudinal
section of the same, and D the end view of the same, the hollow parts a, b,
and c, d, in Fig. 4, C and B, correspond in form and dimensions with the
external shape and dimensions of the casting required, due allowance being
made for shrinkage. I then make the internal parts, which I call the maun-
dril, of the form shewn in Figs. 5, I and J; E and F (Fig. 5, I and K), are
the flanges; and from e to f, Fig. 5, I, the maundril, which corresponds with
the length of the bearings or step. The part between the flanges (shewn in
section at g, h, Fig. 5, J,) is semi-cylindrical, and corresponds in diameter with
the shaft or axle at the place in which it is intended it should work in the
bearings. The flanges of the mandril are made to fit accurately the re-
cesses c, d, in the external part of the mould, shewn at Figures 4*, C, D, and
Fig. 6, K. When these parts are fixed in their places, as shewn in Figures
6, K and L, and laid on a flat plate (the surface of which has been planed
true), a hollow space will be formed within the mould of the size and shape of
the casting required. In making a cast the metal is to be poured in through
the funnel-shaped piece k, Fig. 6, K, which has the lower end turned to fit
loosely into a hole in the top part i, i, Fig. 6, K. This loose funnel-shaped
piece (which I call the gate) has a longitudinal groove made in it so as to carry
with it, when it is twisted round, the piece of metal which is contained within
it. After completing a casting I heat the gate separately to a temperature
of about eight hundred degrees Fahr., and iusert it in the manner shewn at
Fig. 6, K, previously to pouring in the melted metal, and by thus heating the
gate the metal in it will be the last set or consolidated, and the casting will be
prevented from becoming faulty. As soon as the metal is set in the mould, and
before it is set in the gate, I remove the gate from the mould after twisting it

page_text: round, so as to detach the piece of metal it contains from the casting, and by
striking the ends r, s, Figs. 5, J, and 6, K, of the mandril (which are left on
for that purpose), I remove the mandril out of the casting. The casting is
finally removed from the external part of the mould by striking on a loose
metal pin or stamper p, Figures 6, K and L, which is fitted into the mould
for this purpose. Before the moulds are first used for casting I oxidate the
surface by making them red hot or by any other known method, or I expose
them whilst hot to the fumes of burning sulphur, and in that state plunge
them into a mixture of clay, whiting, and water, or any similar matter, to pre-
vent the metal from adhering to the mould. I do not claim to have invented
metallic chills or moulds generally, but only the metallic moulds for steps,
bushes, and other rubbing surfaces of machinery, as above described, and par-
ticularly the heated detached piece or gate as the entrance for the melted
metal into the mould, and the stamper by means of which the casting is
removed from the mould.
And, thirdly, my said improvement in the composition and manufacture
of bearings, stops, and other rubbing surfaces, consists in the introduction
of a skeleton framing, key, or piece, formed of any kind of hard tough
metal, cither partially or wholly, into the substance of a bearing, step, or
piece cast from any soft metal or alloy, the surface of which is intended
to be exposed to the contact of a revolving or sliding body, such skeleton
framing being being firmly embedded into the substance of the aforesaid
step or piece, in order that it may serve as a framework to support and
retain in form the soft metal or alloy composing the aforesaid step or piece,
which being softer will be more inclined to spread out under pressure than the
metal of which the skeleton framing is made. By this improvement I am
enabled to use my alloys already described, and other soft alloys or metals in
the formation of rubbing or sliding surfaces, without incurring the risk of dis-
turbance or derangement of the alloy or soft metal by the pressure upon it,
providing always that the skeleton is properly proportioned as to shape and
strength for the duty required from the step or rubbing surface. My manner
of enclosing and applying the skeletons is as follows:-I tin the skeletons and
suspend them in the moulds (which may be either such as herein-before
described' or any other moulds convenient for the purpose), previously to pouring
in the melted metal, so that when a casting is made the skeleton becomes
enveloped in the metal or alloy. These skeletons I make of brass, cast or
wrought iron, or other suitable metal, of a form such as shewn at Fig. 7, N,
or any other form convenient for the purpose. And in order to tin them I
cleanse the surfaces thoroughly from dirt or oxide; I then dip them into a

page_text: solution of sal ammoniac or any of the well-known deoxidizing agents, and
when dry I'plunge them into a vessel of melted tin, so as to tin the whole sur-
face completely. The tinning may, however, be completed in any other.of the
known methods. Before the frames, are placed in the moulds they are to be
washed in water, and if necessary scoured with sand, to remove any foreign
matter that may be on them. They are then to be heated to about six
hundred degrees Fahrenheit, fixed in the moulds (as. shewn in section in
Figures 7, O and P, in which (a, a,) is the skeleton framing), and the melted
metal is poured into the moulds upon them and surrounds them, so forming the
intended step or piece. I do not limit myself to any particular shape or form,
or strength of skeleton framing; but I adopt the form and strength to the
pressure to which each step or piece with a rubbing surface is to be exposed.
And I hereby claim as this part of my said Invention, the introduction of a
skeleton framing, key, piece, or block made of hard metal, into steps, bearings,
or other parts of machinery having rubbing surfaces, and made of soft metal or
metallic alloy, for the purpose of supporting or rendering such bearings, steps,
or other parts of machinery more durable.
And lastly, my improved method of lubricating bearings, steps, and other
rubbing surfaces of machinery, consists of applying solid tallow or lubricating
material, by pressing it forward against the revolving or sliding rubbing
surfaces of machinery by means of a spring or weight. For this purpose,
I form the lubricating material into a cylindrical or parallel bar, and
enclose it in a case similar to that used in coach lamps for burning candles.
The lubricating material is to be pressed forward by a helical or spiral spring
applied in a manner similar to the spring in a coach lamp, or a weight may be
used for the same purpose. I prefer that the case should be of metal, and
fitted as moveable parts, which can be fixed in its proper place by springs,
catches, or screws, so as to be easily taken away to be cleaned and replenished
with a new cylinder or bar of lubricating material. The great advantage
which I propose to attain by this method is that of supplying the lubricating
material to the revolving or sliding surface, without the necessity of heating
the bearings, before it flows to supply the necessary quantity required for con-
sumption, which heating is frequently carried so far as to melt the whole
supply of material and cause it to run to waste. Fig. 8 shews this plan of
lubricating as applied to a railway carriage journal. A is the tube containing
a stick of tallow or other solid lubricating material; B is the journal; and C,
the bearing; D is a case to keep out dirt, &c.; E is an enlarged view of a brass
ferrule riveted into the case D, for affixing the tube A. I do not intend to
claim as of my Invention the lubrication of bearings, steps, or other rubbing

page_text: surfaces of machinery with solid fatty matters generally, or otherwise than in
the mode above shewn and described, which consists in forcing or keeping the
fatty or lubricating material continually in contact with the surface of one
of the rubbing parts, by means of a spring, weight, or other equivalent
mechanism.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Dewrance, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-five.