IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES AND PUMPS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Arthur William Lovell Reddie of the Office for Patents
66 Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent for an Inven-
tion of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES AND PUMPS" Communicated
to him from abroad by Nicolas Tverskoy and Peter Weiner of St Petersburg
in the Empire of Russia
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Arthur William Lovell
Reddie at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st August
1882,
ARTHUR WILLIAM LOVELL REDDIE of the Office for Patents 66 Chancery Lane
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent, "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
AND PUMPS." [Communicated to him from abroad by Nicolas Tverskoy and
Peter Weiner of St Petersburg in the Empire of Russia]
This invention relates to the construction of rotary engines which may be
readily converted into pumps, ventilating fans, or turbines, the principal objects in
view being to equalize the radial pressures and thereby to more perfectly balance
the working parts of the engine, and also to utilize to the fullest extent the whole
of the steam space within the cylinder, thus avoiding the steam cushions or "dead"
spaces at present to be found therein.
The invention also relates to a special arrangement of hollow abutment cylinders
rotating in close contact with the main cylinders, to the arrangement of orifices,
channels and pipes in connection with the said cylinders for carrying out the
objects above set forth, and for establishing a counter steam pressure at certain
points; to variable expansion mechanism; to special arrangenients of cocks and
pipes for reversing the engine and changing it from a motor into a pump and vice
versa, and to other improvements in details such as the mode of mounting the
cylinders on their spindles, and the construction and arrangement of the bushes
and stuffing boxes of the cylinder axles.
The machine consists of a body or casing, preferably having double walls serving
as a steam jacket, and divided into two chambers by a central partition. The

page_text: main axle to which rotary motion is imparted passes centrally through the end
covers and the central partition, and has keyed upon it in a special manner the two
main cylinders which are furnished on their peripheries with radial leaves or
pistons and which rotate respectively within the two halves of the casing, one on
each side of the central partition. Rotating in steam tight contact with these
main cylinders are other cylinders serving the purpose of abutment cylinders, and
in order to allow the projecting leaves or pistons of the main cylinders to pass the
abutment cylinders, the latter are recessed longitudinally. These cylinders are
keyed to their axles by keys or pins which are held in their places by smaller keys
screwed to their respective cylinders.
The cylinders may be fitted with toothed gear wheels arranged laterally or
centrally with respect to the casing, to better ensure the regular relative movements
of the main and abutment cylinders.
The axles are tapered doubly in whole or in part, and rotate within corre-
spondingly shaped bushes situate both at the ends and also towards the centre of
the casing, the end bushes of the main axle serving also as stuffing boxes.
Steam is admitted by a passage formed in the central partition, both into the
interior of the hollow main or driving cylinders, and into the steam jacket
or double wall of the machine, suitable openings in the partition and in the inner
ends of the said hollow main cylinders being provided for this purpose. In the
outer ends of the said cylinders are other openings by which the steam enters
recesses formed in the end plates or covers of the machine, and thence passes to the
inside of the casing between the said casing and the outer sides of the main
cylinders. Here it exerts pressure against the abutment cylinders and the pro-
jecting leaves or pistons of the main cylinders; causing the latter to rotato: the
abutment cylinders rotating in a direction contrary to that of the main cylinders,
by friction of contact or by means of suitable gear wheels to prevent slip. These
gear wheels may be conveniently arranged within the central partition. The steam
exhausts by suitable orifices and pipes in and attached to the end plates or covers
of the machine. For reversing the direction of rotation a four-way cock is provided,
which governs the admission and outlet of steam in one direction or the other.
The openings connecting the main cylinders with the inner part of the casing
will be made shorter when the engine is to be worked expansively, while for the
variable expansion of steam the openings will receive a special form, and the
recesses in the covers terminate in a circular cavity partly filled up by a.plate, the
uncovered portion thereof being varied in size by rotating a spindle fitted with a
regulating disc or slide. This disc or slide regulator may be operated by hand or
automatically by connecting it with a rotary governor.
In order to balance the abutment cylinders on their axles, passages for the steam
or gases are formed in the contiguous walls of the casing, which passages open out
nearly at the opposite ends of diameters passing through the points of contact of
the main and abutment cylinders. In the case of a machine with four leaves or
pistons, and four abutment cylinders, the latter will have two recesses to allow the
pistons to pass, and perfect equilibrium of all the pressures acting normally on the
cylinders will be obtained. The steam or other motive fluid having done its work
escapes by pipes leading from the end plates, but in the case of a motor working
expansively a portion only of the gases may go off by these pipes the rest being
preferably conducted by cross pipes or channels to separate compartments or
chambers formed in the walls of the casing into which or similar chambers may
also escape the motive fluid enclosed at each rotation in the recesses of the abutment
cylinders, thus avoiding any irregular pressure of fluid on the cylinders. From
these special chambers the steam or gases may pass to a feed water or other
heating apparatus. In all engines having reciprocating pistons there remains a
dead space at the end of each stroke between the piston and the cylinder cover
which dead space is occupied by a steam cushion.
So in this engine a free space will exist between the leaves or pistons and the
rotating abutment cylinders. To utilize this space and economize the volume of

page_text: motive fluid, the fluid is led, before its outlet by suitable channels into the interior
of the hollow abutment cylinders and thence is discharged into the free space
above named; the abutment cylinders serving to receive a certain quantity of
steam or gases from behind the piston on one side of the point of contact of the
abutment cylinder with the main cylinder, and transfer and discharge it behind the
said piston immediately on the other side of the said point of contact.
This is effected by a suitable arrangement of orifices and channels in the walls of
the casing and the hollow abutment cylinders.
To prevent the escape of steam under this arrangement into the special chambers
above referred to, the recesses in the abutment cylinders are closed by end plates
and the closed ends of the said cylinders are sunk or recessed into the inner face
of the covers, or of the central partition, so that the leaves or pistons may freely
enter the recesses in the cylinders.
When the engine is required to act as a motor, or as a suction and force pump, a
special arrangement of three, and four-way cocks and suitable connecting pipes is
provided, by which the steam or gases may be cut off and ingress or egress of the
water permitted, or vice versa.
Thus by modifying the shape of the openings by which the fluids pass, and by
rotating the main cylinder, the engine may be used as a pump for water, a fan or a
turbine.
If required to work as a compound engine, one part of the casing would of course
be larger than the other part, and suitable connections between the two parts
would be made. The rubbing surfaces of the several cylinders may be polished or
grooved to assure their close contact; or they may be covered with leather or rubber
when used as pumps or fans.
To facilitate adjustment and repairs all the plane rubbing surfaces, or those
which make steam tight joints (such as the surfaces at the ends of the cylinders
and the sides of the casing) are finely scored or hatched, as with a file, and then
covered by soldering or otherwise with a suitable metal or alloy, or other substance
so as to diminish friction.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Arthur William Lovell Reddie in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 20th February 1883.
ARTHUR WILLIAM LOVELL REDDIE of the Office for Patents, 66 Chancery Lane
in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
AND PUMPS " Being a Communication to me from Abroad by Nicolas Tverskoj
and Peter Weiner of St Petersburg in the Empire of Russia
This Invention relates to Improvements in the construction of rotary engines
which may be readily converted into pumps, ventilating fans, or turbines, the
principal object in view being to utilize to the fullest extent the whole of the
"dead" spaces
steam space within the cylinder thus avoiding the steam cushions or
at present to be found therein.
The Invention also relates to a special arrangement of hollow abutment cylinders
rotating in close contact with the main cylinders, to the arrangement of orifices
.channels and pipes in connection with the said cylinders for carrying out the
object above set forth; to variable expansion mechanism to special arrangements
of cocks and pipes for reversing the engine and changing it from a motor into
a pump, and vice versa, and to other improvements in details such as the mode of
mounting the cylinders on their spindles and the arrangements for facilitating
repairs and reducing the friction of the rubbing surfaces
The Invention will be understood on reference to the accompanying sheet of
drawings in which fig: 1 represents this improved rotary machine in vertical section
taken on the line < x of fig 2
Fig: 2 is a sectional view of the machine (the right hand side of the figure
shewing a section taken on the line y y of fig: 1; and the left hand side of the
figure showing a section taken on the line of fig: 1. Fig 3 is an end view
of the machine.
Fig 4 is a section on the line u u of fig: 1. Fig: 5 shews in transverse
section and on a smaller scale a modification of this machine, Fig: 6 is a transverse.
section of another modification of the machine, Figures 7 and 74 shew details of
a modified construction of the central partition and adjacent parts of the machine
to be fully explained hereafter. Figures 8 and 9 are two sections at right angles
to one another of the cock for regulating the admission of steam-Fig: 10 shews
the arrangement of cocks for transforming the motor into a pump and vice versa.
Figures 11 and 12 will be described hereafter.
This rotary machine consists of a casing or body A A divided internally into
two chambers by means of the central partition B.
In the arrangements shewn in Figures 1. 2. 3. 4 and 12 the body of the machine
has double sides or walls the outer side or wall A¹ serving to form a steam
jacket.
Figures 5 and 6 shew that the body of the machine may also be made with
single sides or walls.
Passing through the body A of the machine are the spindles C and D D to
which are keyed respectively the cylinders E and F, F. These cylinders are so
arranged that their circumferences touch as shown. By reason of the friction
between the contact surfaces of these cylinders they turn but with unequal speed
dependent upon their respective diameters.
The central portion of the principle spindle or axle C which lies between the

page_text: points a a is doubly tapered. The spindles D D are however doubly tapered
throughout their length-The spindles C and D D turn in the bushes H, G,
and I respectively. The bushes H also serve to form the stuffing boxes around
the main axle C.
The cylinders E F are keyed to their respective axles by means of the keys
or pins K which for additional security are held in place by means of the small
keys L fixed to their respective cylinders by the screws L' (see figures 2 and 12).
To better regulate the movements of the cylinders E, F F they may be furnished
with toothed wheels M M³ gearing into one another and held by the same pins or
keys K within the casing A; for additional security these wheels are attached to
their corresponding cylinders E F F by means of screws or rivets.
Each main cylinder E is provided at its circumference with two or more short
radially projecting fixed blades or pistons N N, and the abutment cylinders F F
are chambered or recessed at o o for the passage of these short fixed blades or
pistons. Steam is admitted by one or more pipes P and enters by the passage Q
(formed in the central division B) both into the interior of the main cylinder E
and into the steam jacket A-To this end the central partition B is provided
with corresponding openings R, R', and the end of the cylinder E adjacent to the
partition is pierced with a series of holes S S S.
In the opposite face of the main cylinder E are also the openings T T by which
the steam passing through the cylinder E enters the recesses U U formed in the
inner face of the end plates or covers V V of the casing A-The recesses U U
serve to conduct the steam to the interior of the casing A between the outer
surface of the main cylinder E and the inner surface of the casing where the steam
acts against the rigid piston blades or projections NN. Owing to the steam
pressure the blades or pistons N N the cylinder E is rapidly rotated in the
direction shewn by the drawn arrows (or in a forward direction). At the same time
the abutment cylinders F F owing to the friction between their peripheries and
that of the cylinder E turn in a reverse direction with a speed such that the
pistons N come into regular coincidence with the grooves or recesses o in the
cylinders F, and their simultaneous rotation takes place freely.
Having performed its work the steam exhausts by the openings X X and
leaves the engines by the pipes or tubes X³ ✗' attached to the end plates or
covers V V
By connecting the steam inlet and outlet pipes P and ✗² by a pipo provided
with a fourway cock as shewn in figures 8 and 9, with the inlet pipe for fresh
steam and also with the condenser, or generally with the exhaust chamber, it is
possible by a simple movement of the cock to cause the fresh steam to enter by
the pipe P (passing through the ways bc of the cock) or by the pipe X¹ (through
the ways b d of the cock). In the first case the steam will leave the engine by
the tube X' (by the way de of the cock) and the cylinders E F will rotate in the
direction indicated on the drawing by the arrows
In the other case the steam exits by the tube P (by the way ce of the cock)
and the engine is rotated in the opposite direction (reversed).
If the engine is constructed to work at the full pressure of the steam (without
expansion) the openings T should be sufficiently large or sufficiently numerous to
allow of the passage of fresh steam from the cylinder E into the casing A during
the entire stroke of the corresponding pistons. Figures 5 and 6 shew two examples
of such an arrangement
For working under expansion of steam the openings named should be less long
so that the admission of steam to the recesses u may cease at a given point in the
course of the pistons N
Finally for the variable expansion of steam the openings named receive a special
form indicated in figures 11 and 12, and the recess U terminates (at the end
nearest to the spindle C) in a circular cavity one part of which is fitted by a
plate ffff rivetted to the end plate or cover V.

page_text: This plate facilitates the boring of the circular cavity and limits the movement
of the expansion key or slide as will be now described
In the free space of the circular cavity works a regulator or slide g g g g
formed in one with a rod h which serves as its axis of rotation.
•
This key the form of which is almost the same as that of the plate ƒƒ contracts
the free space of the recess U by which the escape of the steam coming from the
opening T of the cylinder E takes place
The position of the expansion valve indicated at Figures 11 and 12 corresponds
to the expansion of the steam at one-third of the stroke of the pistons N
Fig: 11 shews the position of the parts at the moment (one sixth of the stroke
of the piston) of the greatest section of the steam passage. Fig 12 shews the
position of the parts at half stroke and it will be seen that the passage for the steam
is at this moment completely closed. It is evident that it will suffice to turn the
regulator gg in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figures 11 and 12 to
increase the period during which steam will be admitted by the opening T
It will be understood that the number of recesses U, and of regulators 9 g
equal to the number of piston projections N in the engine.
is
*The expansion regulators may be operated by hand or by a governor and to this
end their stems h are furnished with handles or levers ii (Figures 2 and 3).
In order to balance the cylinders F F on their axles D D the passages k k are
formed in the contiguous walls of the casing A, which passages open out nearly at
the opposite ends of diameters passing through the points of contact of the
cylinders F and Ē.
Perfect equilibrium of all the pressures acting in the normal direction on the
surfaces of the cylinders is obtained in the four abutment cylinders machine shown
at Fig 6 each of which abutment cylinders is provided in this case with two
recesses o for the pistons N to pass.
The steam, hot gases, or generally speaking the motive fluid, having done its work
in the machino escapes by the openings or tubes X¹ X¹
In the case of a motor operated by the expansion of hot gases a portion only of
the gases may be allowed to escape by the tubes X'X' the rest being preferably
conducted by the cross pipes or channels jj to the compartments or chambers l
formed in the walls of the casing A
Into the same compartments 17 may escape that portion of the motive fluid
enclosed in the recesses o of the abutment cylinders F, whereby any irregular
pressure of the fluid on the cylinders will be avoided, but it should be here remarked
that no claim is made in respect of the means for equalizing the steam pressure on
the abutment cylinders F.
From the chambers the hot gases or steam can pass off by special channels
into some heating apparatus, so that there will only remain a relatively weak
volume of the motive fluid to escape by the openings X
In every machine in which the piston has a rectilinear movement the stroke of
the piston is arrested at a certain distance from the end plates or covers of the
cylinder, so that at each extremity of the cylinder there exists a free space or
clearance containing what is called a steam cushion (tampon à vapeur)—Similarly
in the proposed rotary engine a free space is formed at the commencement of each
impulse or stroke of the piston between the piston and the abutment cylinder F
and with the object of economizing the volume of motive fluid constituting this
steam cushion, or filling this useless space, the fluid is led before its outlet by the
channels and X into the interior of the cylinders F and thence into the space
mentioned.
This arrangement is shown in fig: 6 only, and it consists of a series of channels
or passages 1. 2. 3. 4. 6 and 7. When the pistons N in leaving behind them the
recesses Ŭ pass towards the end of their stroke beyond the orifices 1 of the channels
here named, which are formed in the inner face of the end plates or covers V V, the
gases or steam pass to the interior of the cylinders F by the channels, 1. 2. 3. 4,

page_text: and by the openings 5 made in the ends of the said cylinders F, for at this moment
the openings, 5, coincide with the orifices 4 of the channels. The moment following,
this coincidence ceases and the steam or gas remains imprisoned in the cylinders F
until the pistons reach the commencement of their next stroke. At this moment
the openings 5 coincide with the orifices 6 of the channels 6, 7 (formed also in the
inner face of the covers V) and allow the steam or gases to pass from the cylinders F
into the useless space above referred to.
For a machine constructed as indicated at Figures 1. 2. 3 and 4 in which the
steam imprisoned in the recesses o o escapes into the chambers 1. Z the arrangement
of channels 1. 2. 3. 4 should be modified, for otherwise the steam instead of flowing
into the waste space would be able to escape into the chambers -To remedy
this inconvenience the recesses oo are closed by walls or end plates, Figures 7
and 7 at the extremity situate against the covers V, or against the central
partition B according as the channels 1, 2, 3. 4 are formed in the covers, or in the
partition B
In this case the ends of the abutment cylinders F aro sunk or recessed into the
inner face of the covers or of the partition B, in order that the pistons N may
freely enter the recesses O.
If the machine is to operate as a suction and force pump it is preferable to draw
in the liquid or gas by the tubes X' and to force them out by the tubes P P as takes
place when reversing the engine, although the drawing in by the tubes P and the
ejection by X¹ may also be effected. A pump on this system is provided with an
air reservoir as usual.
Fig: 10 shews an arrangement of the rotary engine furnished with three and
four-way cocks m and n the four-way cock n being similar in construction to that
shewn in figures 8 and 9 and previously described. The three-way cock m connects
by the tube p with the water reservoir or cistern. By closing this communication
by means of the cock m and opening that between the steam supply pipe q and
the pipe P of the machine by means of the cock n, we have a rotary steam engine
operating as above described and capable of being reversed in direction by means
of the four-way cock n
If on the contrary communication be established between the pipe p and the
pipe P of the machine by means of the cock m, and if at the same time the cock n
be turned so as to connect the tube X' of the engine with the tube d of the cock,
the engine can immediately work as a pump (when the piston cylinders are driven
by hand or by any other motive power) drawing in water by the tube p and
ejecting it by the tube X' through the cock n and into the pipe : it is evident
that in this case the shape of the openings or channels T (fig 2) should be suitably
modified.
Thus then, the proposed engine can work not only as a motor, but also as a pump
fan or turbine-A simple inspection of the drawing shows that the machine
operates equally well in any position be it vertical horizontal or inclined: its bed
plate therefore may assume a position different from that shewn in the drawing-
This bed plate may be hollow to serve as a condenser or as a reservoir for water or
gas. The body or double walled casing of the machine may be cast in a single
piece with the central partition B, or else may be formed of two separate
casings connected together by flanges; their inner spaces being separated by a
common partition B
In the case of the proposed engine being required to work as a compound
engine one of the two casings would be larger than the other.-If the machine
consists of two separate casings, the toothed wheels M M' may be arranged between
them as indicated in Fig: 7.
The spindles or axles D D instead of being fitted entirely within the machine
may pass through stuffing boxes, and be prolonged to the outside. In the case of
connected axles the gear wheels M M¹ may serve instead of coupling boxes.
The rubbing surfaces of the cylinders E F may be polished or grooved to assure

page_text: their close contact, or they may be covered with leather or rubber when used for
pumps and fans. In these cases the gear wheels M M may be dispensed with.
The pipes X for the outlet of the steam may be situate on the two end plates
or covers V, or for greater simplicity on one of them only. Thus for example in
compound engines it will suffice to have the tube X' on the end plate or cover of
the larger casing only. In this case the steam, having done its work in the smaller
casing, which is not fitted with the pipe X should be conducted into the larger
casing by corresponding orifices drilled in the central partition B.
In order to suit the circumstances attending the placing in position and fitting
up of the machine according as its position is vertical horizontal or inclined, following
in fact the varying local conditions, there may be one or more steam inlet and outlet
pipes and these pipes may be arranged in any suitable position and take a straight
or bent form as desired.
To facilitate adjustment and repairs all the plane rubbing surfaces or those
which make air tight joints such as the surfaces of the ends of the cylinders the
sides of the casing &e) are provided with fine grooves or hatchings (after the manner
of files) and covered by soldering or otherwise with a suitable metal or alloy or
other material with the view of diminishing the friction
In conclusion it should be remarked that the relative sizes of the cylinders E
and F are subject to modification and the Inventors do not limit themselves to the
precise relative proportion of the parts shown on the drawing.
Having now set forth the nature of the said Invention of "Improvements in
rotary engines and pumps" us communicated to me by my Foreign Correspondents,
and having explained in what manner the same may be carried into practical effect.
I wish it to be understood that I claim :-
First. The improved rotary engine described with reference to the accompanying
drawing in which a hollow cylinder or cylinders such as E provided with fixed
blades or piston projections N is or are keyed on the main driving axle C and
adapted to rotate in steam-tight contact with two or more hollow cylinders such
as F, the said cylinders F serving both as abutments for the steam and as a means
for transferring steam into the dead space behind the piston at the commencement
of each stroke, or to the exhaust ports substantially as set forth.
Secondly In a rotary engine the arrangement of the hollow cylinders for the
admission and discharge of the steam, liquid or gas, or for the distribution of the
gases and the steam, and in general for all the purposes ordinarily served by the
valves, slides, slide boxes, and connecting gear for operating such slides in machines
having a rectilinear motion of the piston.
Thirdly. In combination with the hollow main or piston cylinder E and abutment
cylinders F, the special arrangement of orifices channels and pipes described with
reference to the drawing for the purpose set forth.
Fourthly The special construction and arrangement of rotary engine having
four piston projections or blades N, on its hollow main cylinder and a corre-
sponding number of abutment cylinders, F, as described with reference to Fig 6 of
the drawing.
Fifthly The apparatus for regulating the expansion of the steam or other motive
fluid as described and shown in the drawing.
Sixthly Utilizing the spent or partially spent gases or liquid to fill or partly
fill the waste space existing at the commencement of each stroke of the pistons
between the said pistons and the abutment cylinders, and the means by which this
result is attained, substantially as set forth.
Seventhly In a rotary engine the special arrangement of channels ; and
chambers berein above described with reference to the drawing for drawing off a
portion of the spent or partially spent steam or gases from behind the piston N
before they reach the main exhaust port X.
Eighthly The means described with reference to figures 8, 9 and 10 of the

page_text: drawing for rapidly reversing the engine and also for transforming the motor into
a pump and vice versa
Ninthly The modifications in the rotary engine described with reference to
figures 7 and 7º of the drawing for the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof I the said Arthur William Lovell Reddie have hereunto
set my hand and seal the nineteenth day of February in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
ARTHUR W L REDDIE
Gol
ARTHUR W L REDDIE
(10)