IMPROVEMENTS IN CON- STRUCTING, ARRANGING, AND WORKING STEAM PUMPING MACHINERY.
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Martin Benson, of No. 9, Southampton
Buildings, London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CON-
STRUCTING, ARRANGING, AND WORKING STEAM PUMPING MACHINERY.".
A communication from abroad by Ezra Cope and James Riley
Maxwell, of Hamilton, Ohio, United States of North America,
-
Scaled the 3rd October 1873, and dated the 17th April 1873.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Martin Benson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Pctition, on the
17th April 1873.
"
I, MARTIN BENSON, of No. 9, Southampton Buildings, London, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for “IMPROVEMENTS IN
CONSTRUCTING, ARRANGING, AND WORKING STEAM PUMPING MACHINERY," a
communication to me from abroad by Ezra Cope and James Riley
Maxwell, of Hamilton, Ohio, United States of North America, to be
as follows:-

page_text: working the steam valve, and governing the stroke of the piston of the
engine and plunger of the pump, and is supplemental to my Patents,
dated May 17th 1870, No. 1413, and December 2nd 1872, No. 3617,
for improvements in direct acting reciprocating steam engines for working
pumping machinery.
The first part of my improvement relates to the manner of making
a single cylinder perform the functions of two cylinders, or compound
cylinders for working the steam expansively. The cylinder for this
purpose is furnished with a double piston or piston longer than the
stroke of the engine, and the cylinder is provided with an annular
ring or flange in its centre by casting or bolting it therein. The
centre of the long piston is made to work through this ring in the
cylinder, and packed steam tight in any known manner, while the
pistons proper are united to each end of the piston barrel or centre
portion of the piston by casting or otherwise attaching them to it; 1
by thus constructing the cylinder and piston it forms an annular
space between the ring in the cylinder and inner ends or sides of
the piston; these annular spaces are used for working the high-
pressure steam alternately on each side of the ring; steam is admitted
into these annular spaces by a suitably constructed valve, and after it
has performed its work it is discharged into the ends of the cylinder for
working expansively on the outer ends of the piston.
Second. Instead of employing a single cylinder for working the steam
expansively, as before described, compound, or two cylinders of different
diameters may be used, cast, bolted, or otherwise attached together,
end to end, or constructed for being placed side by side, either by casting
them together or separately, and attaching them to a suitable frame.
The high-pressure steam is first used in the small cylinder, and then
by suitably constructed valves discharged into the large cylinder for
working expansively.
Third. I claim, the use of compound engines or two cylinders, as
described, when the valve or valves for admitting steam to and from
the cylinder are moved or worked by steam pressure, as will be herein-
after described.
Fourth. The valve or valves for admitting steam to and from the
cylinders thus constructed and arranged may be worked entirely or
partly by the pressure of steam, or by the piston of the engine acting

page_text: and moving a system of levers, rods, or tappets for opening intermediate
or auxiliary valves for admitting and exhausting steam to and from
the ends of the main valve chamber for moving the valve therein, as
described and represented in my Specification for improvements in
pumping engines, patented September 15th 1868, No. 2381, and May
17th 1870, No. 1413, and December 2nd 1872, No. 3617.
Fifth. The valve or valves for admitting steam to and from the
single or compound cylinders may be arranged in the piston of the
cylinder, or on the side of the cylinder or cylinders, and are provided
with steam ports and passages for first admitting steam to the high-
pressure portion or annular space of the single cylinder, or to the small
cylinder when two instead of one cylinders are used; and the valve or
valves are so constructed by proper ports and steam passages to com-
municate with the low-pressure cylinder, so that after the steam has
performed its duties in the high-pressure portion of the single cylinder
or the small cylinder it will discharge itself into the expanding portion
of the single cylinder or large cylinder, when two cylinders are used,
and made to work expansively and from them to escape into a condenser;
the valve or valves may be worked by the main piston of the cylinder
or cylinders passing over suitable steam ports and passages made in and
through the sides of the cylinder, and on the surface of the piston for
exhausting and admitting steam to and from the ends of the main valve
chamber for moving the valve, or by the piston moving an intermediate
valve or valves placed in the ends or sides of the cylinders, and com-
municating with the main valve chamber by means of ports and steam
passages for admitting and exhausting steam to and from the ends of the
main valve chamber for working the main valves.
In some cases for compound cylinders or engines the valve or valves
will be constructed for working high-pressure steam in the small
cylinder, and expansively in the large cylinder, or for working high-
pressure steam in both large and small cylinders, and discharging it
into a condenser of any ordinary structure.
Sixth. Another portion of my improvement relates to the construction
of the piston which is made double or longer than the stroke of the
engine, for arranging therewith a plate or segmental piece to perform
the functions of an auxiliary valve or valves for admitting and
exhausting steam from the ends of the main valve chamber, attached to
.
A 2

page_text: the side of the cylinder for moving the valve therein. The two piston
heads forming the long or double piston are joined together by a cast
centre piece or ribs at the sides, or by separately attaching or bolting
the piston to the centre piece or ribs; the top of the pistons are pro-
vided with recesses for receiving the segment or valve plate which is
held to the inner surface of the cylinder sufficiently close to form a
steam joint between it and the cylinder, first by means of a spring or
springs, and when the engine has been put to work by the pressure of
steam which is continually admitted into the cylinder between the two
pistons. The surface of the plate or valve at or near its ends is provided
with cavities or recesses which are by the motion of the piston brought
alternately into communication with steam ports and passages leading
to and from the ends of the main valve chamber and exhaust passage of
the engine, and thereby exhausts and admits steam to and from the
ends of the valve chamber for working the main valve employed for
admitting steam to and from the main cylinder. The valve plate or
segment may be arranged to any part of the circumference of the piston,
bottom, sides, or top, and the steam passage communicating with the
plate and main valve chamber made to suit the relative position of the
plate and chamber; the structure of the main valve may be according to
any of the plans before described and referred to, and worked by the

page_text: moves the main valve which is attached to the end of the stem; the
motion thus given to the valve is only partial, or sufficient to cut off the
steam for working expansively, and when the piston terminates its
stroke the valve is made to finish its traverse for exhausting and re-
admitting steam to the cylinder for reversing the motion of the piston.
Eighth. Another portion of my improvement is the manner of con-
structing and working auxiliary valves by the pressure of steam from
the main cylinder, for exhausting the steam from the end of the main
valvo chamber for working the valve used for admitting steam to and
from the cylinder. This is done by putting the ends of the valve
chamber in communication with the steam passages in the cylinder
leading from the main valve seat to the end of the cylinder, and placing
a cone valve in the said communication so that it will open towards the
end of the valve chamber; a stem is attached to these auxiliary valves
and extends through an opening communicating the steam passages
leading from the valve seat into the cylinder near its end. A disc or
piston is attached to the end of the stem and made to move freely in the
opening communicating to the interior of the cylinder, but packed steam-
tight; one of these valves is placed at or near each end of the cylinder,
and the cylinder is provided with a piston of any known ordinary
structure, and as it is about terminating its stroke at each end of the
cylinder it passes over the valve or auxiliary piston openings made
through the side of the cylinder, and the steam that is moving the main
piston is made to act on the valve piston, and thereby open the valve
communicating with the end of the valve chamber for exhausting the
steam therefrom, and thereby cause the main valve to move for
admitting and exhausting steam to and from the cylinder.
As soon as the main valve shifts, the pressure of steam is made to act
on the outside of the disc or small auxiliary piston attached to the valve
stem which causes the valve to close and shut off the communication
between the end of the valve chamber and exhaust of the engine. By
thus working the auxiliary valves at each end of the cylinder by the
pressure of steam, it dispenses with the use of mechanism or the piston
striking the valves to work them. These auxiliary valves and pistons
may be arranged directly in the side and near the end of the cylinder,
and in connection with the steam passages passing from the valve seat
to the end of the cylinder, or placed in a separate chamber and made to
communicate with the ends of the cylinder steam passages and valve

page_text: chambers by suitable tubes or pipes. The discs or small pistons on the
ends of the auxiliary valve stems are made about twice the diameter of
the valve, more or less, so as to ensure the opening of the valves com-
municating with the ends of the valve chamber by the pressure of steam
that may be used in the cylinder at any time.
Ninth. Another portion of my improvement is the manner of con-
structing and cushioning the steam valves. The valve is composed of
a stem, and provided with permanent attached pistons at each end of it,
these supplementary pistons work in separate cylinders or chambers,
and the valve box proper is placed between the two chambers and pro-
vided with an ordinary D steam valve which is worked by being attached
to the piston stem before described. The supplementary piston chambers
are put in communication with the cylinder by suitable steam ports and
passages; a steam passage is made to enter each end of the piston
chamber from the cylinder, and as the main piston of the cylinder is in
the act of finishing its stroke it performs the function of a valve by
opening and closing the steam passages leading to the supplementary
piston chamber which moves the piston and consequently the main
steam valve attached to the piston steam. One of the steam passages
leading from the cylinder to each supplementary chamber is made a
short distance from the end of the chamber in order to let the sup-
plementary piston pass over it, to confine the steam in the chamber for
cushioning purposes, while the steam port at the opposite end of the
chamber for admitting steam from the cylinder to move the valve
communicates directly with the end of the chamber to ensure its action
on the end of the piston at proper times for moving the valve.
The valve arrangement may be arranged longitudinally or transversely
to the cylinder, and is commonly used in cases where the main piston is
longer than the stroke of the engine.
Tenth. Another portion of my improvement is the manner of cushioning
the piston of the engine when the piston is made longer than the stroke of
the engine, and the steam valve worked in it for admitting steam to and
from the cylinder. This is done by boring a suitable opening longi-
tudinally through the piston at any suitable point, and supplying the
opening with a cushioning rod; the transverse section of this rod
between its centre and ends forms a cross, and a small portion of the
centre and ends of it are made cylindrical to fit the bore through the

page_text: piston, but made to work free; steam is admitted to and from the ends
of the cylinder through the opening in which the cross section portion
of the rod works, but when the piston approaches to near the end of the
cylinder the opening is closed by the piston passing over the cylindrical
portion of the end of the cushioning rod, and thereby confines the steam
between the ends of the piston and cylinder for cushioning purposes.
When steam is again admitted to the end of the cylinder for reversing
the motion of the piston, it first passes through small openings in the
end of the cylindrical portion of the cushioning rod for acting on the
end of the piston, and as soon as the piston is moved sufficiently from
the ends of the cylinder the steam has free access into the cylinder
around the cross section of the cushioning rod; this rod may be made
the whole length of the cylinder and remain stationary while the piston
is in motion, or separate cushioning rods may be arranged one to cach
end of the piston, and made to close the steam passages in the ends of
the piston should the piston approach too near or strike the end of the
cylinder.
י.
In combination with the cushioning rod or rods steam ports and
passages may be made in and through the sides of the cylinder near tho
ends of it for admitting steam from the interior of the piston to the ends
of the cylinder for cushioning purposes. This manner of admitting
steam from the interior of the piston or from the steam end of the piston
to the exhaust end for cushioning purposes may be employed in direct
acting engines supplied with ordinary constructed pistons, and without
a main shaft or other analogous means to govern the motion and stroko
of the engine.
Eleventh. The next part of my improvement relates to the pumping
portion of the machinery used for deep mining purposes, and consists in
the manner of making a single solid plunger double acting. This is
done by providing the barrel of the pump at or near its centre with a
stuffing box for the plunger to work through, and placing each end of
the barrel of the pump in communication with a set of inlet and outlet
valve boxes; the valve boxes may be cast or separately made and bolted
on the barrel of the pump as may be found most convenient.
In some cases it is desirable to expose the stuffing boxes around the
plunger of the pump, to be more accessible, and to see if they are packed
sufficiently tight to prevent leaking, particularly when the pump is used

page_text: for forcing water to great heights out of mines, and for similar purposes;
for cases of this kind the barrel of the pump is usually cast in two pieces
and joined together by a connecting frame and bolts, or instead of
casting the barrels separate they can be cast together by a framework
joining their two inner ends, and thereby forming the two barrels and
framework in a solid piece. The inner ends of the barrel are provided
with packing chambers and means for attaching stuffing boxes through
which the plunger works; the valve boxes may be cast to the barrel or
separately made and bolted to them. The barrels of the pumps are
made so that the inlet and discharge valve boxes may be placed on either
side of the pump. Pumps of this kind may be constructed to work in a
vertical or horizontal position. The piston rod of the engine is attached
to the end of the plunger, and works through a stuffing box in a cover
over one of the outer ends of the pump barrel.
Twelfth. Another portion of my improvement is the manner of con-
structing the receiving and delivery valve chambers of the pump
particularly when used for raising water to high lifts out of mines,
or for other purposes where great pressures are required for making a
stronger and more compact chamber with the same or less quantity of
metal. For this purpose the valve chambers are made in clusters,
groups, or cellular forms, and cast together; and all the chambers in
the same group are united by water ways or passages for receiving and
discharging the water from one and the same inlet and outlet pipes.
Each group of valve chambers may be made in line or constructed
around a common centre; by being made in line they occupy less space
and are
more convenient for attaching to the pump barrel. By
preference each chamber is provided with an independent cover and
secured to its place by screw bolts, or if desired a whole group of
chambers may be enclosed by one cover. Each group of valve chambers
above and below the valve seats in the chambers are provided with a
valve for admitting water to wash out any dirt or matter that may
happen to lodge between the valves and their seats, or in the chambers;
these washing valves are supplied with water taken from the rising main
of the pump, and are made to be worked by hand when required.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Martin Benson in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 15th October 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, MARTIN
BENSON, of No. 9, Southampton Buildings, London, send grecting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of April, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the
thirty-sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Martin Benson, Her special licence
that I, the said Martin Benson, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Martin Benson, my executors,
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 expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and yend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ircland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CONSTRUCTING, ARRANGING, AND WORKING STEAM PUMPING MACHINERY,' a
communication to me from abroad by Ezra Cope and James Riley
Maxwell, of Hamilton, Ohio, United States of North America, upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Martin Benson, my
executors or administrators, 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 imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Martin Benson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement.
My Invention relates to reciprocating engines and pumps, dispensing
with rotary motion of any of their parts usually employed for working
the steam valves and governing the stroke of the piston of the engine
and plunger of the pump, and is supplemental to my Patents dated

page_text: negative or exhaust principle. This is done in the following manner :-
When the piston moves so that the opening through the side of the
pipe F comes in communication with the port d leading to the interior
of the valve chamber D', it causes the steam to exhaust from that end of
the chamber, and the valve is then moved by the pressure of steam
acting on its opposite end; the steam that does this passes through the
channel f¹ from the centre of the valve. The present position of the
valve D, Fig. 1, shows the steam entering the annular space C¹ by the
port at the right hand end of the cylinder, and out of the annular
space through the ports a, a¹, into the cylinder A at the left hand end of
the cylinder when the steam is worked expansively. When the piston B
moves to the other end of the cylinder the recess e¹ is brought in com-
munication with the channel d³, d³, leading into the end of the valve
chamber, and thereby causes the valve D to move in the manner before
described, the arrows marked on the Drawings show the direction of the
motion of the steam. The piston rod is represented broken off, to which
the pump piston would be attached.
Fig. 3, Sheet 1, represents another plan of constructing a single
cylinder A to make it serve as a compound engine for working steam.
expansively. The cylinder in this case is cast in one piece, and provided
with an annular projection C at its middle for packing around the centre
of the piston B, as represented. The piston B is made longer than the
stroke of the engine, but instead of the steam valve being arranged in
the piston, as that represented in Figs. 1 and 2, it is worked in a
chamber D¹ on the outside of the cylinder, and is controlled in its
movements by auxiliary slide valves E, E', which receive their motion
from the piston rod H, lever G, and valve rod F. Steam is admitted
into and out of the ends of the main valve chamber D' through the
ports e, f, and e¹, g', f¹, by the valve E, E¹, thereby moveing and
1 controlling the motion of the main steam valve D, the same as an
ordinary piston of an engine. The arrows marked on the Drawing
show the direction of the motion of the piston and steam into and out
of the cylinder. The high-pressure steam enters the annular space
around the piston B through the port a. In the meantime by the
5 position of the main steam valve D steam is passing out of the annular
space at the right-hand end of the cylinder by means of the steam
channel a¹, b, b¹, into the cylinder A, where it is worked expansively,
and after, escapes from the cylinder through the ports and channels c, d,

page_text: and c¹, d¹. The Drawings are sufficient full and plain to show the
working of this engine without further describing it.
The Drawings on Sheet 2 represented by Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, show
that portion of my improvement relating to valve chambers for pumps,
and consists in constructing the chambers in groups or cellular form in
the same casting for making them stronger and more compact with a
less quantity of metal, and also means for washing dirt from the valve
· chambers that may happen to lodge in them.
Fig. 4 represents a longitudinal section through the pump barrels and
one of the valve chambers, and showing a steam cylinder connected to
the pump; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the pump and steam cylinder;
Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the pump barrel and two of the valve
chambers; and Figs. 7 are sectional and plan views of the valve chamber
drawn separate. A is a steam cylinder of the direct acting kind attached
to the end of the pump barrel B¹ by the distance piece A³. The pump
represented is double acting, and is composed of two barrels B, B¹,
joined together by the flange centre piece R. The plunger C works in
the two pump barrels, and is packed in its middle by the packing
chambers h, h, and stuffing box i, i. D is the receiving pipe connecting
the two pump barrels at their sides by the valve chambers f,f', and E is
the delivery pipe attached to the top of the pump barrel by the valve
chambers ff. This pipe is provided with a valve chamber f", as
represented in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, to serve as a check valve. A longi-
tudinal section of one of the valve chambers f is represented by Fig. 7,
provided with conical formed valve chambers and valves J. Any greater
or less number may be used and placed in line with each other, or side
by side. Each valve in this case is provided with a separate cover or
cap, or all the valves in the same group may be covered with one and
the same cover. g and g¹ are valves used for washing out any dirt that
may happen to lodge about the valves or in their chambers. The valve g
is for washing from the under part of the valves J, and the valve g¹ from
the upper part of the chambers. The supply of water for the washing
valves is taken in at the openings s, s. The water for washing the
upper part of the chambers passes into the various chambers by the
communicating openings k, k, on each side of the valve, more fully
represented in Figs. 6 and 7. The manner of connecting the different
parts of the pump together is sufficiently shown by the Drawings,
without the aid of further description.

page_text: The improved valve chambers may be applied to any structure of
pump, and particularly to pumps raising water to high lifts, or working
under heavy pressure.
Another portion of my improvement is using auxiliary steam-moved
valves, or piston and valves for moving and governing the motion of
the main steam valve or valves of the engine, and the manner of working
them are represented on (Sheet 3) of the accompanying Drawings by
Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal vertical section through the centre of the
main steam cylinder, main slide valve, auxiliary pistons and cylinder,
and auxiliary valves, showing the various steam ports for the ingress and
egress of steam to and from the cylinder, and also represents a sectional
view of an arrangement of an upright double-acting plunger pump,
wherein the plunger is packed between its ends, and the stuffer gland
proper forms a part of the chamber of one end of the pump without the
use of an elbow pipe.
Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the pump and steam cylinder with the
valve cap of the pump removed, showing the arrangement of valves and
a section through steam chest, main valve, and auxiliary cylinder.
Fig. 13 is an enlarged section of the main steam and exhaust ports, .
auxiliary steam ports, and auxiliary valves for controlling the motion of
the auxiliary piston or main valve. The arrows show the direction of
the currents of steam to and from the cylinders. A is the main steam.
cylinder; A¹, main piston; C, C³, main steam ports; D, D', main exhaust
ports; F, F, auxiliary valve and piston; G, regulating cock or valve
for regulating the movement of auxiliary valve, and consequently the
movement of the main auxiliary piston and the main steam valve. The
auxiliary valve F, Fig. 13, is placed longitudinally with the cylinders
with the view to show its connecting parts and operation more com-
pletly, as it will perform equaly well in any other position. It is
shown in a vertical position F¹ at the other end of the steam cylinder,
but is not so easy got at for inspection. 6' is a small exhaust port leading
from the end of the main valve or auxiliary cylinder and communicating
with the exhaust port D by reason of the recess in the auxiliary piston.
and valve F. c¹, c, are steam ports leading from the main steam cylinder
to the inner end of the valve chamber through the port d in the adjusting
valve G, Fig. 13, and port d e is a port leading to and from the outer.

page_text: end of the valve chamber and communicating with the exhaust port D,
and. is alternately a steam supply and exhaust port controlled by the
movements of the main slide valve and main piston alternately when in
operation. When the regulating valve G is in the position shown in
Fig. 13, and the main piston traveling in the direction of the arrow and
passes the auxiliary port c, steam will enter the hollow interior of the
valve G and pass out into the port d', and act upon the piston valve F
and force it to the opposite end of its cylinder, from which the steam or
vapour is free to escape into the main exhaust D through the auxiliary
porte; and the auxiliary port 6' is put in communication with the main
auxiliary cylinder and main exhaust, allowing the main piston valve B
to be moved by the steam pressing upon the opposite end of it through
the openings a, a, a, from the interior of the valve. Should the regu-
lating valve G be turned round so as to close off the port c and open c¹
the length of the stroke of the main piston is increased by reason of
the piston having to move farther before admitting steam. This provision
is made so that the engine may be run fast and slow without waste of
steam. An engine of this kind whose valve gear is permanently working
slow and allowing the least possible clearance for economy would if run
faster have a tendency to strike the cylinder heads owing to the increased
momentum of the moving parts. By this device the stroke can be
regulated to suit the conditions under which the engine is to work. The
number of openings in the said valve and cylinder can be increased to
any number found desirable, two being shown in the Drawing to avoid
complication. The auxiliary valve and piston F. is returned to the
opposite end of its cylinder ready for the next stroke by return of the
main piston back over the port D, when the high steam will enter the
port D and e, and cause the auxiliary piston and valve to shut, thus
cutting off the steam port 6¹ from communicating with the port D when
the exhaust takes place from that end of the main cylinder, and it will
remain closed until the return stroke, when it will operate as before
described.
For small machines the piston and valve F can be made as shown in
Fig. 13, but in larger class machines where the moveing parts would
require to be heaver the plan in Fig. 14 is preferable, wherein F is the
auxiliary valve in the form of a cylinder, with a piston F" inside for the

page_text: piston F remains stationary, while the cylinder is free to move upon it.
The piston a short distance from each end is made to fit the bore acu-
rately; the remainder of the space may be bored larger, or a longitudinal
groove or a series of grooves may be cut in the shell so as to allow the
piston to pass this portion of the cylinder freely. When it enters the
bored portions it will thus compress any air or vapour contained therein,
and assist the motion of the valve without shock, jar, or noise.
Fig. 10 is another modification of this improvement, there being no
separate main exhaust ports from the main steam cylinder, the auxiliary
valve and piston for the main valve being arranged as follows:-The
valve G and G, Figs. 10, 11, and 12, are poppet valves, and operate the
main auxiliary piston by their upward or opening movements com.
municated to them by the pressure of steam applied underneath the
auxiliary pistons F, F, from the main steam cylinder through opening
c, c¹, Figs. 10, 11, and 12, and the downward or closing motion of the
valve is caused by the pressure of steam on the top of the piston F
and F, and valves G, G', and by their gravity. G, G¹, Fig. 10 is one
modification wherein the exhaust from the main auxiliary cylinder and
chamber above the valves is conducted directly into the main exhaust
without having to pass through the port of the main valve, and the
main steam and exhaust ports are one and the same, and the steam on
entering the main port presses upon the piston F, F', alternately, and
closes them before the main piston has commenced its return stroke, in
this respect Fig. 12 is identical with Fig. 10. But Fig. 11 operates
somewhat different, the main piston having to make the return stroke
past the main exhaust port D to let high pressure steam upon the
piston F, unless the pressure upon the top of the valve G is sufficient to
close it upon the exhausting of steam from the main steam cylinder, and
consequently from underneath the auxiliary piston F, thus leaving the
piston F and valve G to be held in position by the friction of parts
alone; but as the main steam valve has moved sufficiently to allow the
steam to exhaust from the main cylinder, and the said valve having no
tap tho steam must have entered the opposite end of the main cylinder;
so if the auxiliary valve remains open a sufficient length of time to
allow the main valve B to have acquired momentum enough to complete
its full throw or movement, then the valve F can close without harm to
the operation of the machine. I do not confine myself to the exact
location of these auxiliary valves and valve-moving pistons, as they can

page_text: be placed either vertical, horizontal, or crosswise, or made to operate
equally well upon a vertical, horizontal, or inclined engine, and the
details may be altered to suit the different positions and requirements
without changing their principle of operation; the plans shown in
Figs. 8 and 13, are for general application.
The main steam valves B used in the plans represented on Sheet 3, for
admitting steam to and from the main cylinder are similar in their general
construction and working to those described in my former Patents herein-
before mentioned, they are made of a cylindrical form, and hollow,
closed at both ends, and take the steam in and out of their sides
through opposite ports and channels, the detail structure of the valve
may be ascertained by refering to the plans on Sheet 3, without further
specification.
The following refers to the pump portion of the improvement
represented on Sheet 3, by Figs. 8 and 9. H is the valve boxes; I the
receiving valves, and I' delivery valves; K is the pump plunger packed
in its centre by stuffing boxes M, M³, and screw bolts N, as represented.
The lower chamber L of the pump barrel communicates with the valve
box by the channel or pipe o, and the upper chamber communicates
with the valve box by the open P cast through the side of the barrel, all
as represented. The lower and upper pump barrels L and J are joined
together by flanges and bolts, and by packing the plunger in its centre
or between its ends the single plunger is made to perform the function
of a double acting pump. The novel portion of the pump is the manner
of constructing and joining the pump barrels L and J together, and to
the valve box H, and packing the plunger by the stuffing boxes M, and
bolts N, as represented, by which the pump is made double acting by
using a single plunger.
Sheet 4 represents plans of a direct acting engine supplied with a
steam-moved valve, by preference arranged transversely to the outside of
the cylinder. The novelty of this portion of the improvement is the
arrangement of parts for working and controlling the movement of the
main steam valve, and cushioning it by the pressure of steam.
Fig. 15 is a transverse section of the steam cylinder and longitudinal
section of the valve and auxiliary piston chambers, and also a sectional
view of the main steam valve; Fig. 16 is a longitudinal view of the
cylinder, and transverse view of the steam valve and its chambers;

page_text: Fig. 17 is a plan of the cylinder showing a horizontal section of the
valve and auxiliary chambers. A. is the steam cylinder; B, B, are
double pistons, or a single piston made longer than the stroke of the
engine by connecting them together by the centre piece B¹; C is the
main steam valve attached to the rod F, and moved by steam pressure
taken from the cylinder, and acting on the outer ends of the auxiliary
pistons E, E¹, in the chamber D¹, D¹. a, b, c, are the usual steam ports
leading into and out of the cylinder from the valve. The arrows marked
on the Drawings show the direction of the motion of the piston and
steam.
The following is a description of the working and movement of the
valve for admitting steam to and from the cylinder. The double
piston B, B, performs the function of an auxiliary valve in letting steam
on to the ends of the valve-moving pistons E, E³, alternately as they
move back and forth. d, d¹, du, are auxiliary steam ports for one end
of the valve-moving pistons, and e, e¹, e¹¹, are ports for the opposite ends
of the valve-moving pistons. The port for one end enters at g (Figs. 15
and 17) a short distance from the end for cushioning the piston, while
9' enters, directly at the end, so that when steam is let on at that end
the valve-moving piston will be dragged off its cushion at the other or
end. The ports d, d¹, du, communicates in like manner at f, ƒ¹, and
for the same purpose the ports e¹ and d¹ are for the purpose of holding
the steam on the ends of the auxiliary pistons in a state of equilibrum,
so that as the piston B, B, close one port the other is opened, and
prevents an accumilation of steam from leakage, which would throw
the auxiliary piston back again before it completed its stroke, and cause
an irregular motion of it. The ports k, k, Fig. 15, are for the purpose
of conducting any steam away that might leak in around the valve rod,
and thus interfere with the movement of the valve. By the motion
thus given to the valve-moving pistons E, E', the valve C is made to
move as usual in alternate directions for admitting and exhausting steam
to and from the cylinder A.
Figs. 18, 19, and 20, Sheet 4, represents plans for moving the main
steam valve on the exhaust principle, in which an auxiliary segment
valve G is attached to the main piston for exhausting steam from the
steam-moved valve, pistons, or chambers, and is constructed and works
in the following described manner. The segment valve G is attached
between the two pistons B, B, as represented in Fig. 18, and is forced
B

page_text: .
.
against the inside of the cylinder by springs sufficient to make a steam
joint between the segment valve G and side of the cylinder. The seg-
ment valve is provided with two openings h, h. The piston is moving
in the direction of the arrow marked on Fig. 18, and when the opening h¹
in the segment valve G communicates with the steam passage e leading
into the piston chamber D¹ at 9 a short distance from its end the steam
from the piston chamber D' is exhausted therefrom, and causing the
valve piston and by it the valve C to move by the pressure of steam
through the port f from the valve chamber C, and acts on the inside of
the piston E¹ in the chamber D". The steam exhausts into the cylinder
between the piston ends, and out of an opening in the lower side of the
cylinder, as represented.
Figs. 21, 22, 23, and 24, on Sheet 5, represent plans of a direct acting
engine furnished with a steam-moved valve, and provided with means
for cutting off or working the steam expansively.
Fig. 21 is a longitudinal section through the cylinder valve and parts
used for cutting off the steam; Fig. 22 is a plan of the cylinder and
horizontal section through the valve and auxiliary piston chamber;
Fig. 23 is a face view of the auxiliary segment valve attached to the
piston of the engine for exhausting the steam from the auxiliary cylin-
der F and F; Fig. 24 is a transverse section of the cylinder and
cut-off piston chamber.
ordinary piston; C, the main
The valve is attached to the
A is the main steam cylinder; B, an
steam valve working in the chamber C¹.
end of the stem D, and is moved by steam acting on the auxiliary
piston E and E'. The former is for moving the valve C for cutting off
and working the steam expansively, and the latter to complete the
motion of the main valve for admitting steam to and from the main
cylinder, which will be herein-after more fully described. The novelty
of this portion of the improvement is the manner of making the valve C
performe the function of a cut-off. As before stated the movement of
the valve is effected by the pressure of steam, and is done on what is
technically known as the exhaust negative plan, namely, steam is
constantly admitted on to the ends of the valve-moving piston E¹ and
cut-off cylinder F by the steam passages a, a¹, a¹¹, a¹¹, a¹, leading from
the valve chest C¹ into the auxiliary cylinder F¹ and F", while b, b¹, and
c, c¹, are exhaust ports, the former leading into the auxiliary cylinder F,
and the latter into the cylinder F¹. Steam is exhausted from the cylinders

page_text: by the segmental valve G, which is attached to and moves with the
piston in the following manner:-The piston is supposed to be moving
in the direction of the arrow marked on Fig. 21, and when the recess ƒ¹ in
the segment G communicates with the port c leading into the auxiliary
cylinder F¹ it exhausts the steam therefrom into the main exhaust
of the cylinder by the channel d. By thus exhausting the steam from
the ends of the cut-off cylinder F the cylinder is caused to move; and in
the meantime, through the medium of the piston E in the cylinder F,
the main steam valve C is moved sufficient to cut the steam off from
entering the cylinder, and thereby causes the steam already in the
cylinder to work expansively. The amount of expansion will be regu-
lated by the position of the exhaust recess on the segmental valve G.
The piston after the steam is cut off will continue its motion to the
end of its stroke, or until the exhausting recess e¹ in the segmental
valve G is brought in communication with the exhaust port b·leading
into the auxiliary cylinder F", which causes the piston E to move, and
complete the motion of the valve C. For exhausting and admitting
steam to and from the cylinder for the next or return stroke of the
piston in the last movement of the valve the cut-off cylinder F does
not move, but the piston E is moved to the other end of its cylinder F,
and is made to performe the function of a cushion to prevent any part of
the valve-moving apparatus from striking.
The exhaust recess e and f in the segmental valve G are used for
moving the valve when the piston terminates its stroke at the right-
hand end of the cylinder in the same manner as hercin-before described.
The object of this arrangement is not wholly to economise the working
of steam expansively, as that cannot be done but to a limited extent
in direct acting pumping engines, as the resistance to overcome in
pumping is about the same throughout the whole stroke, consequently
the cut off would be of little use and this would depend much upon thic
weight of the moveing parts, as to the proper time for cutting off the
steam. The main object sought after is to prevent the destructive
action upon the pump pipes and valves, consequently the slowing
the speed of the piston down at the ends of the stroke, thus allowing the
pump valves to become seated quictly, when the return stroke may
be started quick without producing any bad effect, unless the pumps
does not fill properly, when a thumping action of the plunger takes
place.

page_text: The Drawings on Sheet 6 is another portion of my improvement,
showing plans for cushioning the piston of direct acting engines; it
is applicable to that class of pistons made longer than the stroke of
the engine. The general plan of engine shown on this Shect is
similar in every respect to the one patented by me September 15th
1868, No. 2381.
Figs. 25, 26, and 27, are longitudinal sectional views through the
cylinder, piston, valves, and parts used for cushioning the piston. The
piston belongs to that class with the steam valve arranged in it for
admitting and exhausting steam to and from the cylinder. A, A, is the
cylinder; G, G, the cylinder heads; B, the piston; C, the main steam
valve; and a, b, c, the steam and exhaust ports leading from the valve
face into the cylinder; E, E', are cushioning rods or bars fitted into
a cylindrical bore in the piston below the valve C; they arc cylindrical a
short distance from their ends with their centre parts recessed out, so
that a section of the centre would form a cross as represented in
Figs. 26 and 29. The steam from the valves is admitted to the ends of
the cylinder A through the openings in which the cushioning rods are
placed, and the rods are recessed out in the manner before described to
make a steam passage. The rods are held in the position represented in
Fig. 25 by steam and guide pins F, F¹, the steam for doing this is
admitted to the inner ends of the rods by the port d. The engine
pistons are moveing in the direction denoted by the arrows marked on
the Drawings. If the piston goes beyond its assigned stroke the end e¹
of the cushioning rod strikes against the cylinder head G¹ which forces
the cylindrical end of the rod E¹ into the steam passage, and thereby
cushions the piston B by confining the steam between the end of the
piston and cylinder head G¹. When the motion of the piston is reversed,
the steam first enters the cylinder A, by the small diagonal openings
made through the cylindrical ends of the cushioning rod, and when the
piston has commenced its stroke the cushioning rod goes to its normal
position by the steam pressing on its inner end. The cushioning devise
represented in Fig. 25 is attached to and connected with the piston.
The devise for the same purpose represented in Fig. 27 consists of a
stationary rod E, E, the whole length of the cylinder with its centre and
ends made cylindrical, the centre part is made cylindrical in order to fit
the bore to prevent the steam from leaking from one to the opposite
end of the cylinder. If the piston B in this plan moves beyond its
"
L

page_text: assigned stroke it passes over the cylindrical end of the rod E, E, and
cushions itself in the manner described by the plan represented in
Fig. 25.
Another plan of cushioning the piston is represented in Fig. 28, by the
piston coming in contact with hollow spring buffers D, D¹, fit to the
cylinder head, and made to close the steam ports a, a, in the piston if
the piston goes beyond its assigned stroke, and thereby cushions it. In
the plan represented spiral springs E, E¹, are used in the buffers or
cushioning stops D, D', the Drawings are sufficient to show the working
of this part of the improvement without further describing it.
Another modification of my improvement for moving the valves in
duplex engines is represented on Sheet 7 by Figs. 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34.
The main feature of this arrangement is performing the work to be done
by two pistons working in separate cylinders, and acting reciprocately
upon each other's auxiliary and cut-off valves. The two cylinders are
cast or united together side by side.
Figs. 30, 31, and 32, are enlarged views of the duplex engines and
their parts, while Figs. 33 and 34 are drawn to a smaller scale, and
showing pump attached, and the arrangement of parts employed for
moving the steam valve of each cylinder.
For convenience of reference the pair of engines will be designated in
this Specification and on the Drawings on Sheet 7 as engine A and A¹.
Engine A. is provided with suitable attachments for actuating the valves
the engine of A', and by like attachments the motion of engine A¹is made
to operate upon the auxiliary valve of engine A. In addition to this
each engine is made to operate upon its own cut-off valve at or near the
termination of its stroke, for the purpose of shutting off the steam, and
arresting further motion of the piston, but neither has command of the
motion of valve or valves belonging to itself, except for the purpose
connected with stopping or retarding its own motion. For the better
understanding of the effects the engine shown in the Drawings may be
considerd as in motion.
Figs. 30 and 33 are longitudinal sectional elevations of cylinder A. and
valve chest. The pistons are of ordinary construction, and the main
steam slide valves of the ordinary kind. This particular kind of valve is
only selected and shown as a matter of choice, the Invention being
applicable to any other kind of known valve,

page_text: Figs. 31 and 34 are plan views of the steam cylinders and pumps, also
section through steam and valve chest, cut-off, and auxiliary valve,
auxiliary piston, and cylinder; also showing position of steam and
exhaust ports for main and auxiliary cylinders, cut-off ports and cocks
in exhaust for auxiliary cylinder.
SCC.
Fig. 32 is a longitudinal section of the cut-off and auxiliary steam
chest, cut-off and auxiliary valve, and auxiliary steam and exhaust ports,
and perspective view of the cut-off and auxiliary valve F, with steam
openings through it. The dotted lines show the exhaust ports. The
engine A is being supplied with steam, its piston is moving from right
to left at the middle of its stroke; it actuates the auxiliary valve F of
engine A by the lever K. coming in contact with the tappet o on rod L,
c.Fig. 34, and in its turn moves the cut-off valve F, with which it is
connected by the rod H and link J. Still going on, it completes its
stroke, and finally terminates its motion by closing its own cut-off valve.
Meanwhile the piston of engine A¹ having been supplied with steam by
the movement of the auxiliary valve F by engine A. aforesaid, has com-
menced its own stroke from left to right. On its way it encounters the
tappet, and moves the valve rod H', which is connected to the lever K
with link J, which gives the proper motion to the auxiliary valve F,
which admits steam to the auxiliary cylinder C¹, and thus acting upon
the auxiliary piston moves the main slide valves D, D¹, then it goes to
the end of its stroke, closes its own cut-off valve, and rests quictly until
caused to move by the action of engine A, said engine A having
already commenced its return stroke, and is followed by A' so soon as
the point is reached where the steam valve of A is actuated by its
auxiliary valve and piston through the motion imparted by A¹ to the
auxiliary valve, as before stated, when it then shuts its own cut-off valve,
and comes to rest. In this way one piston commences its motion,
proceeds on its stroke, actuates the auxiliary valve of the other engine,
shuts its own cut-off valve, and stops with no power to move again,
except what is derived from the other engine. The main steam and
auxiliary cylinders have separate steam and exhaust ports, the steam
ports entering the cylinders near the ends, while the exhaust ports are
situated at some distance from the end, so as to form a steam cushion
by the passage of the main or auxiliary pistons over them. The exhaust
ports may have cocks or valves k, k, so placed as to be controlled by
hand, or may be connected by suitable attachments, so as to be operated

page_text: by the engine direct, or by a cataract, or both, so as to suit the conditions
under which they may have to work. The exhaust ports leading from
the auxiliary cylinders also may have cocks or regulating valves so as to
control the movement of the auxiliary piston, and consequently the main
slide valve. Under some circumstances it may be found necessary to
place cocks or regulating valves in the steam ports leading to the main
and auxiliary cylinders, and connect them with the motion of the engine,
or adjust by hand.
It will be observed that the cut off valve for one engine also performs
the function of an auxiliary valve for its neighbour's engine, or the
cut-off valve may be a separate and distinct valve, but for sake of
simplifying they are both made in one casting.
The system of steam and exhaust ports leading to and from the
auxiliary valves are already shown by the Drawings in Figs. 30, 31,
and 32, and are lettered in the order of their connection with the
auxiliary valve and cylinder in Figs. 33 and 34. The cut-off and
auxiliary valves are operated from the pump plungers or pistons by the
tappet rod L, L', which extend through the pump ends and connects
with the lever K, a projection on the end of the plunger coming in
contact with the tappets o, 0, 0, 0, alternitally by the reciprocal motion
of the engine.
The pumps represented are of the plunger kind, and the Drawings
show their structure sufficient without the aid of describing them fully
here. The plungers N, N¹, are made hollow and closed at both ends,
excepting on one end of each plunger, in which a pipe W passing
through a stuffing box in the plungers' end near their lower sides; said
pipe is connected rigidly with the main pump cylinder,
so that any water
that might teak into the plunger will be constantly carried off, thus
keeping them void of water thereby assists to take the weight off the
stuffing glands and packing; in the arrangement of the suction and
discharge valves they are conveniently arranged for inspection and
repairs, and well calculated to pass air or vapour out of the pump. The
pump ends are furnished with a false stuffing chamber P and gland Q,
so that its position may be changed as it becomes woven from the down
pressure or weight of the plunger, and thus making a new bearing
surface without additional cost. The plungers N, N', are packed at their
centres as represented. The advantages of this portion of the improve- .

page_text: ment is in using two steam cylinders and pumps arranged as above-
described in any convenient position, vertical, horizontal, or at an angle,
so that the piston motion of one engine shall operate the auxiliary valve
of its neighbours for working the main steam slide valves, and from
the main cylinder of that engine also having said piston motion,
operates an adjustable cut-off valve, which may be formed with the said
auxiliary valve, and operated by the same rod and lever, or may be
an independent connection or valve, as the circumstances of the case
require. Some conditions and positions requiring different arrange-
ments, also in making the said cut-off valve F circular in section, and
the ends spiral or helical shape in a right and left hand direction, and
working over ports of like form, so that by turning around a greater or
less degree of expansion may be produced by reason of the shortening
or lengthing of the valve in relation to the fixed position of its ports
and helical shape of its ends, alsoe in the manner of arrangeing the valve
rod or spindle so that it is free to turn round by reason of the ball and
socket joint at the end of the rod J, which passes through the cut-off
cylinder head, and when turned to the position required can be fixed.
The projecting end of the valve rod being made square, or if round is
feathered, so that it is free to move endwise, but not rotate except by
means of a wrench; also by reason of thus being able to regulate the
position of the cut-off valve and control the time of the stopping of the
main piston, and give the engine steam enough to complete its stroke,
while by means of the regulating cock or valves i, i, in the cut-off ports
leading to the main steam chest, of which there are one for each end,
the steam chest being divided by the auxiliary cylinders, and have no
communication only through the cut-off ports; by means of these valves
there can be a greater amount of steam supplied to one end or the other
of the main steam cylinder, thus regulating the motion of the piston in
either direction, as the circumstances of the case require, as in the case
of an upright or inclined pump, or by reason of unequal duty to be
performed by a vertical machine. The main slide valve is made with
added length or lap upon the steam side, so as to cover the main steam
port, while the steam is free to exhaust from that end of the main
steam cylinder, so that after the main piston passes over and beyond the
said exhaust, it cushions the piston upon the remaining steam and
vapour. The form of the auxiliary valves is a double D form, and having
ports through them for high steam. The reciprocal service rendered by
either engine to the other in moving their valves is a motion of the most

page_text: positive and controllable character, entirely free from shock, and from
the harshness which a single direct engine has. For it will be seen that
any desired amount of time may be allowed for the repose of the piston
at the end of its stroke by arranging to have the other piston act upon
the cut-off valve sooner or later in its stroke; this is accomplished by
suitable adjustments of the cut-off valves, so as to allow more or less lost
motion of the valve before cutting off, owing to the helical shape of its
ends and corresponding parts. For instance, one piston may leave tho
right hand terminus of its stroke just as the other arrives, and remains at
rest during the whole term of the stroke of the other piston, or the two
pistons moving in opposite directions may cross each other at the
middle point of the stroke. Within these two extremes of the pistons
will be found a point that allows all the water valves to come quietly to
their seats, the currents to subside, and an equilibrum of pressure to be
restored without the noise and hurtful shocks which follow the sudden
and reciprocal motion of a piston.
Another modification of my improved duplex engine is represented
on Sheet 8, by Figs. 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 41. This is a duplex
engine with the cylinders cast or attached together side by side. The
main piston in' each cylinder is made to perform the functions of an
auxiliary valve for moving the main steam valve of its neighbours or
companion cylinder by the pressure of steam, also for working the
cut-off valve or valves.
Fig. 35 is a longitudinal section through one of the cylinders and
valve arrangement. A is one of the main cylinders, C¹ the auxiliary
cylinder, and C the piston of the auxiliary cylinder by which the main
slide valves D, D, are moved; H, H¹, are the cut-off cylinders, and
G, G¹, their pistons; E, E¹, are cut-off valves; and F, F', are their rods,
which are square in section where they pass through the auxiliary
pistons, in order that the piston or rod may move endwise without
effecting the motion of the other, yet by a twisting motion imparted to
the main auxiliary piston by the motion of its neighbour's slide valve,
back and forth, or carrying the excentric shaped groove in which the ends
of an arm works, that is, feathered upon the piston rod end of the main
auxiliary pistons, one for each engine, and on opposite sides of the
auxiliary cylinders. The purpose of such twisting motion being imparted
to each auxiliary and cut-off piston is to bring the small ports 1, r, in the
cut-off piston, and s in the auxiliary pistons alternately to correspond

page_text: with the steam ports in the cut-off and auxiliary cylinders at one
end, so that the steam may enter them when the proper time comes,
while the other ends are turned with the solid portion of the piston to
come over the ports, so that they may cushion. When they have
cushioned and the proper time arrives the pistons are again turned, {
and the ports made to coinside ready to receive steam, when the
main piston has passed that port or point in the stroke, when it is
desired to operate its own cut-off valve, or its neighbour's auxiliary
piston and main valve, which at the same time turns the cut-off and
auxiliary piston of its own valve gear ready to receive steam, when its
neighbour's main piston has passed the proper port to move its neigh-
bour's main auxiliary piston and main valve D, D', which has small
ports n, n', (see Fig. 41) that corresponds to the ports m, m¹, m", in main
valve seat face, Fig. 40, to conduct the steam at the proper time from
the passage of the main piston over the proper ports; the ports i, i¹,
Fig. 40, are exhaust ports only, and communicates directly with the
main exhaust alternately from the ends of the cut-off cylinders.
Fig. 36 is a plan view of the main steam cylinders, also a section
through the various valve moving cylinders and showing plans of
valves and openings, also the arrangement of levers for turning or
twisting the cut-off and auxiliary pistons, also auxiliary valves J, J', with
their projecting arms I, I', so that the movement of one slide valve K
sets the supplementary valve of its neighbours, so that steam may enter
from its own main cylinder and move its neighbour's auxiliary piston
and main valves, which in turn operates its neighbour's supplementary
valve ready for the admission of steam from its own cylinder when its
piston has passed a point in the stroke where the change is desired to
take place. In this case it is situated near the centre of the main
steam cylinders, they can be situated at other points in the stroke of the
piston if desired.
Fig. 37 shows a section of supplementary valves K, K³, scats, steam
and exhaust ports. The valve K₁ is for the main cylinder A, while that
marked K is for A', and they are operated by arms J, J', which are
connected to the main slide valves. The supplementary valve K' has
three ports on its under side, while the one K has but two such ports,
while the number of ports over which these valves work are the same.
Fig. 38 is cocks or regulating valves for regulating the time or point
of cut-off at. pleasure. Their. position is better shown in Fig. 39

page_text: between the main steam cylinders at L, L', and in Fig. 35, in which the
ports o, o, o, represent openings or ports in the cylinders at points where
it is desired to cut off the steam, three openings being shown in cach
end; but if found desirable their number can be increased, as the neck or
reduced part of the plug is always in communication with the ports
leading to its respective cut-off cylinder in whatever position it may be
turned;
but the other ports o¹, o¹, o¹, in the valves are divided around
its circumference, so that when one is being turned off the other one
comes in communication, no two being in communication at the same
time, and the whole. being operated from the outside by means of a
wrench.
Fig. 41 is a face view of one of the main slide valves showing main
steam ports a, a¹, exhaust ports p, p', supplementary ports n, n¹, for cut-
off, and arm for operating supplementary valves K, K', also excentric
and groove e for giving the twisting or turning motion to the auxiliary
and cut-off piston.
Fig. 40 is a face view of one of the valve scats on the cylinder showing
the steam ports leading into the main steam cylinder, and auxiliary
valves. The main steam ports enter the steam cylinder at the ends, and
the exhaust ports are a sufficient distance from the ends so as to insure
a sufficient amount of cushioning under all circumstances to prevent the
main piston from striking the ends, and in cases when no cut-off valves
arc used this is important.
To more effectually regulate the amount of cushion, and consequently
the absolute stroke of the engine, I introduce a hollow pipe or valve, in
form-identical with that shown to regulate the cut-off, so as to connect
the space before the advancing piston with the main exhaust port, so
that the air or vapour contained therein can be discharged into the main
exhaust port for regulating the valve to completly control the move-
ment of the piston at the ends of the cylinder.
Another portion of my improvement is represented on Sheet 8 by the
Figs. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47. This is a single cylinder engine
working a double-acting pump; the pump is provided with a single
plunger packed at its middle. The cylinder is provided with a piston
longer than its stroke, and made to serve as an auxiliary valve for
moveving an auxiliary piston by the pressure of steam for working the
main steam valve of the engine. The cylinder ends are also provided

page_text: with an arrangement of steam passages, valves, and cocks, for cushioning
the piston of the engine, the same as those represented in Figs. 48 and 49,
and herein-after described.
Refering to Fig. 42, A is the steam cylinder; A¹ is the steam chest ;
and B, B¹, are the piston heads connected by webs B¹¹, B¹¹¹, Fig. 43.
C is the main slide valve, and C¹ is an auxiliary piston for moving the
valve C; D, D¹, are steam ports, and enters the cylinder at its extreme
end; E, E, are exhaust ports entering the cylinders a short distance
from the ends; Fis the central or main exhaust; G is the auxiliary
valve used for the purpose of exhausting steam' from the ends of the
auxiliary piston C₁ for moving the valve C; N is a hollow plug
identical in form and operation to that in Figs. 49 and 50; o, o¹, o¹¹, o¹¹¹,
are ports used for the purpose of cushioning the piston B, B¹; p, p', are
cocks or valves for the purpose of regulating the flow of steam through
the ports o, o¹, o", o¹¹¹; p" is a check valve placed on a seating formed in
the port o¹¹; a, b, c, are ports used for the purpose of exhausting steam
from the ends of the auxiliary piston C¹ on the exhaust principle; dis
a port leading from the steam chest to the space between the heads of
the piston B, B, and is used for supplying said space with high-pressure
steam; a¹ is a screw serving as a guide for the steam piston. In the
double-acting plunger pump H is the water valve chest; H' is a cap for
the same; I is a spider used for secureing and guiding the water valves;
I represents the water valves; J is the pump body proper; K is the
plunger; L is the plunger head secured to the pump body by means of
a flange and bolts, and forms the pump chamber for one end of the
plunger K; M is a stuffing gland screwed up and held in position by
the bolts and nuts M¹.
I will now describe the method of cushioning the pistons B, B, and
refer to Fig. 42. High-pressure steam is entering the left-hand end of
the cylinder by means of the port D, and moving the piston from left to
right. When the piston has arrived near the right-hand end of the
cylinder under the piston head, B¹ overruns and closes the exhaust
port E, and prevents the escape of steam or vapour confined between
the piston and cylinder head; simultaneously the port o¹ is completly
traversed by the piston B, and is brought in communication with the
space enclosed between the piston heads B, B¹. The steam which has
filled the space (by means of the port d, Fig. 43) enters the port o¹, and
passing through the cock p¹ enters the cylinder through the port o

page_text: thus opposing the further progress of the piston. Should the steam
pass too freely through the port o¹, o¹¹¹, it can be throttled by means of
cock p¹. When the main valve reverses high-pressure steam for moving
the piston is admitted at the right-hand end of the cylinder; it enters by
means of the steam port D¹. The action of the piston head B, exhaust
port E', cushioning port o, o", and cock p and check valve p" cushion
the B end of the piston. The check valve p", shown in port o", is used
for the purpose of preventing the return of steam which has passed
through from o to o". The hollow plug N, shown at each end of the
cylinder, is identical in construction and operation as that described in
Figs. 49 and 50.
Refering to Figs. 44 and 45 it is seen that the water valve chamber H
is open alike on both sides, so that either side may be turned next to
the pump body J, and the other closed by the cap H. It will be further
seen that the seating for the water valve I' is cast in the same piece
with the valve chamber, and the spider I fitted to the level h, and pro-
jecting downwards forms a guide stem for the water valve, and serves to
hold the spring acting upon the latter, the whole forming a simple.
economical arrangement. The construction of stuffing gland M is clearly
shown in the Drawing, the plunger head L being removable, so that the
gland M is made accessable for the purpose of packing around the
plunger K. The main steam valve C and piston c³ for moving it are
constructed and worked similar to a plan represented in my Patent of
December 2rd 1872 (3617), excepting the auxiliary valve G employed for
exhausting the steam from the ends of the valve chamber A, which is fit
loose between the piston heads B, B', and pressed to the inner surface of
the cylinder, first by springs, as represented in Fig. 42, and then by the
pressure of steam for making a steam joint between the recessed surface
of the auxiliary valve G and the cylinder. The space between the
pistons B, B', is supplied with steam by the port d, Fig. 43 leading from
the valve chamber A¹. Two views of the auxiliary valve G are repre-
sented by Fig. 47, showing the exhaust recess near their ends. The
springs for forcing the auxiliary valve against the cylinder rest on lugs
cast or otherwise attached to the inside of the pistons B, B¹, and forco
against the under ends of the valve G.
The next portion of my improvement relates to the structure of
compound engines for working the steam expansively, and also cushioning

page_text: two cylinders in this case are cast together, end to end, and the same
piston rod serves for both cylinders. The main valves are constructed
and arranged for being worked entirely by the pressure of steam.
Figs. 48 and 49 are longitudinal sectional views of two engines through
the cylinders and valves, showing different arrangements for working
the improvement, and Fig. 50 is an enlarged view of a valve for cushion-
ing the piston.
In Fig. 48 A is the low-pressure cylinder, and A' the high-pressure
cylinder A" the steam chest; B is the low-pressure piston; and B',
attached to the same rod, is the high-pressure piston; C is the auxiliary
piston for moving the slide valves; C¹ is the chest or cylinder in which
the auxiliary piston C moves; D, D', are slide valves connected by the
web D¹ for admitting steam to the cylinder A, A', respectively; E, E¹,
connected by the web E", are the supplemental or cut-off valves con-
trolling the flow of steam through D, D¹, respectively; and are
steam ports of the cylinder; A' and Hare the exhaust ports of the same;
J' and J¹¹ are steam ports of the cylinder; A and H are exhaust
ports of the same.
The operation of the engine is as follows:-Supposing the cut-off
valves E, E¹, to occupy the position in relation to the slide valves D, D¹,
represented in the Drawings at 1, high-pressure steam is admitted to the
cylinder A¹ by means of ports h, i, i, in the valve D, while the exhaust
steam from A passes to the cylinder A by means of the passage H³, H“,
and K in the valve D¹, and there acts expansively. The engine is
thus performing the function of the ordinary compound engine. When
the cut-off valves E, E, are moved along the slide valves D, D', from 1
toward 2, the cylinder A is receiving steam, as before, while high-
pressure is admitted to the cylinder A (in addition to the exhaust steam
transfered from the cylinder A¹) by means of the port i and cavity K¹
in the valve D. While the cylinder A'continues to act as high pressure
the cylinder A becomes partialy high pressure. When the cut-off
valves E, E', are placed in the position indicated by 3, high-pressure
steam is admitted to the cylinder A¹ by means of the ports h, i, i, in the
valve D, while high-pressure steam is admitted to the cylinder A by
means of the port i and cavity K' in the valve D', while the exhaust
steam from cylinder A¹ passes into the final exhaust H (without
entering the cylinder A) by means of the cavity K' in E¹, and the port.
and cavity in the valve D¹. Both cylinders thus become high-

page_text: pressure cylinders. When the cut-off valves E, E¹, are moved to the
position indicated by 4, high-pressure steam is admitted to the cylinder A¹
only, while the exhaust steam from the same passes direct by into the
final exhaust H without entering the cylinder A. Steam is then
acting upon piston B' only, while the piston B merely travels with
it. When the cut-off valves E, E¹, are moved to the position indicated
by 5, high-pressure steam is admitted to the cylinder A only, being shut
off from cylinder A¹ by the cut-off valve E, while the exhaust steam from
cylinder A passes directly into the final exhaust H. Steam is thus
acting upon the piston B only, while the piston B¹ is merely travelling
with it.
Fig. 49 represents a modification of the cut-off and slide valves shown
in Fig. 48. Refering to Fig. 49, D, D¹, connected by the web D", are
the slide valves for the cylinder A¹ and A respectively, while E, E¹,
connected by the tube or pipe E", are the cut-off valves, controlling
the flow of steam through the slide valves D, D', respectively. The
port H, H', conveying the exhaust steam from the cylinder A' to the
cylinder A, is placed in connection with the cut-off valve E"; E, E¹,
instead of traversing the body of the cylinder A, A', as in the case in
Fig. 48. In other respects the arrangement of the cut-off and slide valve
is identical with that described in reference to Fig. 48, and needs no
further description.
I will now describe the arrangement for adjusting the cut-off
valves E, E, Figs. 48 and 49. Refering to Fig. 48, G is the adjusting
5 screw, screwing into the valve E, and provided with a journal and collars
to turn in a bearing formed in the stand and on the valve D. The screw
is caused to travel with the slide valve D. G¹ is an elongation or shank
of the screw G, and is square in section. The socket G™ is provided
with a square core to receive the shank G', which is oval lengthwise, and
) is of sufficient length not to move wholly out of the socket. It is turned
on its outside to fit a hole bored in the end of the steam chest, and is
provided with a collar on its inner end, to form a steam-tight joint on the
inner side of the same. G is further provided with a screw cut on its
outside to fit the nut G. G¹ is a hand or wheel lever, keyed or other-
wise firmly attached to the socket G.
The operation is as follows:- -When it is desired to move the valves
T TAL
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1111

page_text: up is slackned, thus allowing the socket G to turn by rotating the
hand wheel or lever G". The socket G in rotating with the shank G¹,
as a wrench moves a nut, causing the latter to turn, by which means
the valves E, E¹, are moved up along on the valve D, D'. When E, E',
are in the desired position the nut G is again firmly screwed up, thus
preventing the further rotation of the socket G, and also causing the
collar on the latter to form a steam-tight joint on the inner side of the
steam chest.
I will now describe the arrangement for cushioning the piston in the
low pressure cylinder A, Figs. 48 and 49. Refering to Fig. 48, it will be
seen that the steam ports J¹, J, are made to enter the cylinder A at
some distance from the end of the cylinder, allowing the piston B to
cover them when near the end of its stroke; p, p³, are small ports
leading from the ports J, J¹, and entering the cylinder A at its
extreme end; M, M³, are the tappet valves projecting into the
cylinder A, fitted into holes bored through in the heads A¹¹, A",
and provided with a circular recess to admit high pressure steam to the
cylinder A when moved by piston B. They are further provided with
collars at their ends to limit their motion; M" is a cavity filled with
is a
high pressure steam from the steam chest by means of the port; m, m¹,
port leading from M" to the tappet M, and n is a port leading from M
to the cylinder; m¹¹¹ is a port leading from the steam chest to the
valve M', m in the cylinder A¹ to M³, while the port n³ leading from
the valve M¹ to the cylinder A.
The operation of the arrangement is as follows:- Supposing the piston
to have moved from right to left, and the piston B to have closed the
port J, moved the tappet M, the ports m¹, n, will be brought in
communication, and steam from M" will enter the cylinder A, behind the
piston B, by means of ports m¹, n, and the recess in the tappet M;
the further progress of the piston will thus be opposed by a cushion of
high pressure steam. When on reversing the valves steam enters the
port J it passes along the ports p and enters the cylinder at its extreme
end until the piston will again have uncovered the port J. When
the piston B is moved from the tappet M to its present position, shown
in the Drawing, by the pressure of steam in the cavity M" the operation
of the tappet valve M³ and ports m¹¹, m¹¹¹, and n¹ is identical with that
just described and needs no further description. The ports m, m",
may be used conjointly for the admission of steam for the purpose of
,111

page_text: cushioning the piston B, or either of them may be dispensed with and
the other only employed. The other devise of cushioning, represented
in Fig. 48, is arranged and operates as follows:-o, o¹, are ports entering
the cylinder A at a short distance from the end, considerably greater.
than the width of the piston B. 01, 0¹ll are cavities with seats formed
in them for the check valves N, N¹. The check valves opening upwards.
Supposing steam to be acting on the right hand side of the piston B
and moves it nearly to the end of its stroke it will entirely overrun the
porto and expose it to the action of the steam on the right side. A
portion of this steam will enter the, port o, raise the check valve N, and
enter the left-hand end of the cylinder through the port or cavity o¹¹,
and form, an elastic cushion for the piston B. When the piston reverses
its motion and moves from left to right the pressure of steam in the left
hand end of the cylinder closes the check valve N, preventing the return
of steam through the port o. The action of the valves N, and ports
o¹, o¹¹¹, is identical with that just described and may be used conjointly,
as represented in the Drawings, or either of them may be used singly, as
may be found most convenient in practise.

page_text: ports p, p, in the plug N. This devise may also be employed at the
other end of the low-pressure cylinder.
The main steam slide valves D, D³, represented by Figs. 48 and 49,
are worked or moved on the negative or exhaust principle, herein-before
described, by exhausting the steam from the auxiliary piston C employed
for moving the valves D, D¹. This is done in Fig. 48 by the tube L
attached to and moved by the main piston of the engine, and is provided
with exhaust recesses c, c³, made on its upper side, as represented in
Fig. 48. The auxiliary valve L for the same purpose, shown in Fig. 49,
is segmental in section, and is likewise provided with exhausting
recesses c, c¹.
The Drawings on Sheet 9 represent an improved structure of valves
and arrangement of steam ports and passages for cushioning the main
piston of direct acting engines. This portion of my improvement is
more particularly applicable to that class of engine using an auxiliary
cylinder and piston for moving the main steam valve, the same as that
patented by me the 17th day of May 1870, No. 1413; but if desired it
may be applied to other forms of direct acting engines.
Fig. 51 represents a longitudinal section of the cylinder, auxiliary
cylinder, and main steam valve; Fig. 52 is a transverse section of the
cylinder and auxiliary cylinder; Fig. 53 is a plan of the cylinder
showing the auxiliary cylinder and steam valve removed; Fig. 54
is a face view of the main steam slide valve, and Fig. 55 is an end
view of the rock shaft for working the slide valve of the auxiliary
cylinder by the motion of the main piston of the engine. A is the
steam cylinder; B, the piston; C, the steam chest enclosing the auxiliary
cylinder E¹ and steam valves D, D¹; the auxiliary cylinder is furnished
with a hollow piston E and valve F; this valve is worked by the arm G
attached to the rock shaft H, see Fig. 52, by the piston B acting on
arms I, I, attached to the end of the shaft, as the piston terminates its
stroke at each end of the cylinder; a¹¹ is the inlet steam passage;
6 the exhaust passage; a, a¹, are the steam ports leading from the
valve seat into the steam cylinder, and 6, 6¹, are the exhaust ports
leading from the valve seat into the main exhaust passage 6". The main
steam ports a and a enters the cylinder some distance from the ends of
the cylinder, as represented in Fig. 53, while the branch steam ports
c and c¹ from the valve face are made to enter the cylinder at its
extreme ends.

page_text: I will now describe how the piston of the engine is cushioned. The
piston is supposed to be moving in the direction of the arrow or to the.
left hand end of the cylinder, and it is made to pass over the port a to
shut off communication between the end of the cylinder and exhaust,
and by the vapour and air thus confined in the cylinder, the piston is
cushioned to prevent its striking against the end of the cylinder. The
piston is then reversed or made to move to the right-hand end of the
cylinder, by first admitting steam into and through the branch port c, c,
as it would not enter through the main port a owing to the piston B
covering it, untill the steam that passes into the cylinder through the
branch port c, c, moves the piston beyond the main port a. To prevent the
vapour and air from escaping from the end of the cylinder through the
branch port c, c, the cavities e and e¹ in the valve face are filled up at
their corners and made flush with the face of the valve, as represented
at d, d, (see Figs. 51 and 54) in order to close the ports c, c¹, leading to
the ends of the cylinder for confining the vapour and air between the
end of the cylinder and piston for cushioning purposes.
In witness whereof, I, the said Martin Benson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.