IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Astor Kissam of No 132 Tachbrook Street Pimlico in
the County of Middlesex for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY
ENGINES"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Astor Kissam at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th August 1882.
ASTOR KISSAM of N° 132 Tachbrook Street Pimlico in the County of Middlesex
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
"
The object of the invention is to construct a rotary engine in which steam (or
such like aeriform fluid under pressure) may be used expansively as in compound
engines.
For this purpose I construct the engine of a fixed cylinder with a central stud
or axis carried by its ends passing through it.-Mounted on the stud or axis are
three radial arms or pistons each capable of turning loosely around it independently
one of the other the edges of the arms fit closely against the two ends of the
cylinder and also against its inner circumference. The arms pass through three
slots formed at equal distances apart through the circumference of a smaller
cylinder which is contained within the fixed cylinder. One end of the smaller
cylinder enters into a circular groove in one end of the larger fixed cylinder.
A disc closes the other end of the smaller cylinder this disc fits against the other
end of the larger cylinder the disc also has a shaft projecting from it at its centre
and this shaft passes out through the end of the larger cylinder and forms the
driving shaft of the engine. The smaller cylinder is eccentric to the larger
cylinder, its outer circumference at one point fits against the inner circumference
of the larger fixed cylinder and on the opposite side the inner circumference of
the smaller cylinder fits against the exterior of the circular rings which form the
hinges that carry the radial arms before mentioned and which are free to turn
around the central axis.
Through one of the ends of the outer fixed cylinder ports are made for the
admission and escape of steam to and from the engine.

page_text: Two ports are made opening into the crescent shaped space between the interior
of the smaller cylinder and the hinges which carry the radial arms-one port
opens into one end of the crescent shaped space the other port opens into the
opposite end of this space. Similarly there are two other ports opening the one
into one end of the crescent shaped space between the smaller and larger cylinder
and the other into the other end of this space.
At the back or outer face of the end of the cylinder the four ports are brought
into a line with one another in a valve face which is shut in with a casing to
which high pressure steam is admitted and which forms the steam chest.
For each pair of ports there is a separate D valve with a long end,the two
valves are connected to one valve rod so that either valve may be moved into
position to cover its two ports and to cut them off from an exhaust port whilst
at the same time the other valve is moved into position to leave one of its ports
uncovered and to cover only the outer port, (which is the one from the space
between the two cylinders) and another port leading to the exhaust.
In this way high pressure steam is admitted to the uncovered port and passing
through it enters into one end of the smaller crescent shaped space within the
interior of the smaller cylinder and acting with a high pressure upon one or other
of the radial arms which stand across this space causes the inner cylinder and its
axis to revolve. Subsequently when the arin passes the port at the other end of
this crescent shaped space the steam passes through this port and through the
D valve covering it and so into the other port which the D valve also covers and
it is thereby conducted into one end of the larger cresent shaped space that is the
space between the two cylinders.
Here the steam again acts but this time expansively upon the radial arms
crossing this space and finally escapes by the port at the opposite end of this space
to the exhaust.
When the two D valves are moved into one of their positions the inner cylinder
and its shaft will be revolved in one direction and when the valves are in the
other position the cylinder and shaft will be revolved in the opposite direction.
Preferably I make each of the radial arms divided radially into two parts each
carried by separate hinges and place springs between the two parts to press
them asunder and cause them to bear against the opposite sides of the opening in
the circumference of the inner cylinder through which they pass so as at these
points to make closely fitting joints.-Spring packing is also applied at the ends
of the radial arms where they fit against the interior of the outer fixed cylinder.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
the Great Seal Patent Office on the
by the said Astor Kissam in
9th February 1883.
ASTOR KISSAM, of 132, Tachbrook Street, Pimlico, in the County of Middlesex,
IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
The object of the invention is to construct a rotary engine in which steam (or
such like aëriform fluid under pressure) may be used expansively, as in compounded
engines.
And in order that the said invention may be properly understood I now proceed
to describe the same with regard to the drawings hereto attached, reference being
had to the figures and letters marked thereon.
The engine consists of an outside fixed cylinder A, which may conveniently be
bolted to a bedplate B. In the axis of the cylinder A is a bearing stud C, fixed at
one end to the cover D, of the cylinder A. Mounted on the stud C is a loose sleeve
or tube c, and on it are a number of radial arms or flat plate pistons E, by preferene
three in number, each capable of turning freely on it, independently one of the
other, with their bearing hinges e e divided over the bearing stud C, and with
collars c c between each, so as to ran steadily and smoothly, around the
said axis.
The edges of these arms or flat plate pistons E fit closely against the two ends
of the cylinder A, and also against its inner circumference, such edges together
with the inner joints of the pistons being conveniently fitted with packing strips,
set up by springs, steam pressure, or otherwise, to make a good steam tight joint.
The arms or plate pistons E pass through slots according to their number,
formed at equal distances apart, through the circumference of a smaller cylinder F,
which is contained within, and placed eccentrically to, the larger cylinder A.
One end of this cylinder F is open, through which the central bearing stud C is
admitted, and the cylinder fits into a circular groove C, in one end or cover D, of
the larger cylinder, and is conveniently strengthened by a ring, and made steam-
tight as to its end, by a suitable packing ring g, set up by springs or other
pressure; or the same objects may be accomplished by other means. In small
engines the introduction of this connecting and packing ring may not be considered
necessary.
The other end of the cylinder F is closed solid, fitting against, and recessed into
the other cover H, of the outer cylinder, so that the projecting edges of the plate
pistons are fair with the inner surface of the large cylinder cover.
From the centre of this closed end of the cylinder F, either cast with it, or
secured thereto in any convenient way as shown, projects the shaft K, through a
suitable gland and stuffing box L, forming the driving shaft of the engine. The
inside face of the cylinder F is fitted by preference with a loose plate for more
accurate adjustment. The smaller cylinder F, situated inside, and eccentrically
to, the larger cylinder A, fits closely at one portion of its outer circumference.
gainst a small are of the inner circumference of the cylinder A; which, if necessary,
may be kept steam-tight by a packing strip in the outer cylinder. On the opposite.
side, the inner circumference of the smaller cylinder fits against the exterior.
surface of the circular rings o e, which form the hinges of the plate pistons E.
The high rate of expansion of the steam is obtained by the increasing volume of
he successive spaces, from the interior of the inner cylinder to the outer space.
etween the two cylinders, through which the steam is made to pass; and this
antio of expansion can be varied by altering the relative proportion of the inner and:
uter chambers.
i

page_text: Through the end cover D, opposite to that from which the driving shaft projects,
ports M M, N N₁, O shown in detail in Fig 3, are made for the admission and
escape of steam to and from the engine.
Two ports M M' communicate through the cover D with the crescent shaped
space P between the interior of the smaller cylinder and the central stud C, which
forms the high pressure cylinder in the compounded engine. These ports M. M'
open one to either side of the stud C, there being no communication between them,
except by the revolution of the radial plate pistons E.
Similarly, there are two other ports N N' communicating through the cover D
with the crescent shaped space Q between the inner and outer cylinders, one port
opening on either side of the point of contact between the said cylinders, there
being no communication between them except by the revolution of the plate
pistons E.
At the back or outer face of the cover D, these four ports M M' and N N' and an
exhaust port or ports O, to the outer atmosphere, are brought into communication
with one another, and opened or closed as hereinafter more fully described, by a
valve or valves R, enclosed in a casing S, to which high pressure steam or other
aëriform fluid is admitted by a suitable pipe and passage 8, and which thus forms a
steam chest.
I may use for the adjustment of the ports, either a pair of connected D valves
RR (shown in sectional elevation and plan in Figures 4 and 4º), in which case
the ports are placed in a straight row, with a double exhaust port OO outside;
or I may preferably use a circular valve R (shown in position in Figure 2 and in
detail in Figure 6) the ports being then arranged in a circle, with a single exhaust
port as shown in detail in Figure 5.
The action of these valves in either case is the same. In the circular valve
Figure 6, rare pockets, recessed in the face of the valve, corresponding to the
pockets of the D valves, and r¹ is an orifice right through the valve for the passage
of the live steam.
If the face of the circular valve R Figure 6, be superposed upon the circular
ports, Figure 5, so that the port coincides with the port M, the adjustment of
the ports will be identical with that produced by the double D valves in Figure 4
The port M is open to the live steam, and communicates with one side of the
inner crescent shaped space P of the high pressure cylinder. Acting upon one or
otber of the radial plate pistons E, which stands across this space, the high
pressure steam rotates the plate pistons, and the inner cylinder with them. As the
plate pistons revolve, the imprisoned volume of steam passes through the port A'
into a pocket of the D or circular valve, and then returns by the port N to one
side of the larger crescent shaped space Q, between the cylinders F and A, forming
the low pressure cylinder. Here the steam again acts, but still more expansively,
upon the radial plate pistons E crossing this space, and finally is allowed to escape
by their revolutions through the port N¹, into the other pocket of the D and
circular valves, and thence through the exhaust port O, to the atmosphero or
condenser or elsewhere as desired.
If the pair of D valves Figure 4 are moved over in a rectilinear line by a
suitable lever, exerting a push on the spindle t, or if the rotary valve R Figure 6
be moved through a small circular angle by the lever T Fig 2 attached to the
spindle t, so that the open port r¹ now coincides with M', the live steam is free to
enter to the opposite side of the high pressure cylinder space P, and the pockets??
of the D and rotary valves, being also correspondingly altered in position, the
expanding passage of the steam is reversed in its direction, thus reversing the
engine. The circular valve R acts as a stop valve, for shutting off the steam, when
in an intermediate position between those of forward and backgear. This valve
remains stationary whilst the engine is in motion, except the movement that may
be necessary to adjust the supply of steam, by hand or any other known mechanical
means, or automatically through a governor.
It is evident that other modifications of valve gear can be arranged to perform

page_text: similar functions, but I prefer the circular arrangement for its simplicity and
facility of construction.
In order to make steam-tight the orifices in the cylinder F, through which the:
radial plate pistons E pass, the said pistons may be divided radially into two parts,
each carried by separate hinges, and pressed asunder by spiral or other springs or
steam pressure between the two parts, to make closely fitting outside steam joints.
But I find by experience that a preferable method is to make the said radial plate
pistons solid, and fit the orifices in the cylinder F with cylindrical packing pieces f
of phosphor bronze or other metal, as shown in position in Figure 1, and in detail
in Figure 7. The said packing pieces may be in two separate parts, and fitted
with spring packing strips on the faces against which the plate pistons slide.
The ends of these packing pieces may project and fit into circular grooves or
holes in the end covers and ring of inner cylinder, so that they have a bearing at
each end to resist the centrifugal force and steam pressure. Where this is done, it.
may be necessary to enlarge the small cylinder end into which the packing pieces
project, and this may be recessed into the cylinder cover either with square or
bevelled faces as most convenient, and if the ends of the cylindrical packing pieces
be joined together, a back packing is advantageous to compensate for wear. These
orifices are closed by suitable plugs, through which, and by a suitable plugged
opening Y in the outer cover, these strips may be withdrawn for examination and
renewal.
In order that the revolving cylinder shall not be pressed with excessive force
against the cover, arrange two ports U U, running from the low pressure steam
space to a proportional space provided between the faces of the revolving cylinder F
and the cover.
These ports are fitted with small valves u u, so that the steam
admitted to balance the cylinder shall not escape through the other port to the
exhaust; and vice versd when the engine is reversed. The like object may be
accomplished by the admission of live steam to a reduced recessed space direct from
the steam pipe or pressure chamber without intervention of valves as above.
It is found preferable to adjust the engine to do its chief work whilst running in
a single direction, and with this object in view to place the ports unsymmetrically
to one another, so as to determine an early and free exhaust from the high to the
low pressure cylinder, and from the latter to the condenser or elsewhere as found
preferable. The side pockets V V in the outer cylinder may be used, conveniently,
to give a large area and a distributed orifice to the said ports.
The rotary valve may conveniently be steam balanced, or placed in partial
equilibrium by fitting its outer portion steam tight into a recess in the cover D.
The plate pistons and hinges are conveniently lubricated by a supply introduced
through the lubricator W, which, passing down the channel w, into the stud C, is
transmitted through the channels w₁ w¹ into the joints, between the bush and
hinges, and between the faces of the latter.
The sliding faces of the plate pistons E and the packing pieces may be also
conveniently lubricated by the introduction of circular channels or chambers X;
which may be packed with tallow or other suitable lubricant, contained in tubes or
cartridges, sufficient to last a considerable tine, and introduced through the plug Y
in the external cover. The like object may be attained by the use of an inspirator
attached to the steam chest to charge the steam with lubricant.
The bearing face of the revolving cylinder F and the gland are also lubricated by
the special lubricators x' x'.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, and the
manner of its performance, be it known that I do not pretend to claim plate
pistons or vanes, revolving with a shaft, and passing through an inner cylinder,
revolving on its axis eccentrically to an outer cylinder, inasmuch as this is a known
device, and has been applied in less perfect, but somewhat similar mechanisms;
but what I consider novel and desire to protect by my Letters Patent is :—
First. In a rotary motor a pair of cylinders, one revolving on its axis, inside and
in close contact with, but eccentrically to, the other, and touching also at- the

page_text: opposite side the hinges of plate pistons revolving on a fixed stud, concentrically
with the outer cylinder, the said pistons passing through the inner cylinder; in
combination with the ports and valve or valves, to effect the expansive working of
steam or like fluids from the inner to the outer cylinder, as in a compounded
engine, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Second. In such a rotary motor the construction of an inuer cylinder with one
end open, and the other closed, to form an attachment for the driving shaft,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
In Witness whereof I the said Astor Kissam have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Eighth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty-three.
Witness
S. P. WILDING,
23 Rood Lane-
London. E.C.
Patent Agent
ASTOR KISSAM (L.S.)