CERTAIN. IM- PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM ENGINES AND. STEAM BOILERS; ALSO IN THE METHOD OF USING AND BAREFYING STEAM, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO MARINE. LOCOMOTIVE, AND OTHER BOILERS, AND MARINE ARCHI- TECTURE IN GENERAL, AS WELL AS IN CISTERNS, TANKS, AND ARTICLES OF A LIKE NATURE
Year: 1852

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, DANIEL
ADAMSON and LEONARD COOPER, of Newton Wood Iron Works, near Hyde, in
the County of Chester, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by
Her Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twelfth day of August,
in the sixteenth year of Her reign, and in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-two, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto us, the said Daniel Adamson and Leonard Cooper, or exors,
admors, and 'assigns, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and
authority, that we, the said Daniel Adamson and Leonard Cooper, our exors,
admors, and assigns, or such others as we, the said Daniel Adamson and
Leonard Cooper, our exors, admors, and assigns, should at any time agree
with and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of
years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within England and Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and
in the Islands Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, and also in Her
Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, our Invention of
"CERTAIN. IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF STEAM ENGINES AND. STEAM BOILERS; ALSO IN
THE METHOD OF USING AND BAREFYING STEAM, PART OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE
APPLICABLE TO MARINE. LOCOMOTIVE, AND OTHER BOILERS, AND MARINE ARCHI-
TECTURE IN GENERAL, AS WELL AS IN CISTERNS, TANKS, AND ARTICLES OF A LIKE
NATURE;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that we, the
said Daniel Adamson and Leonard Cooper, shall cause a particular description

page_text: of the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, by an instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the
hand and seal of either of us, to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of
Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of
the said in part recited Letters Paient, as in and by the same, reference being
thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
Daniel Adamson and Leonard Couper, do hereby declare the nature of
our said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed,
are particularly described and ascertained in and by the following description
thereof, reference being had to the Drawing hereunto annexed (that is to
say):
Our Invention consists.-
First, in an improved construction of boilers for generating steam.
Secondly, in improved modes of uniting metal plates, to be used in con-
structing boilers, ships' tanks, and in other cases where great strength and good
joints are required.
Thirdly, in improved modes of constructing and working the expansion
valves of steam engines, and of regulating the amount of steam admitted to
the cylinders of steam engines, according to the load.
Fourthly, in improvements in the construction and application of air pumps
for condensing steam engines, and in the pistons to be used in air pumps and
other cylinders.
Fifthly, in improvements in the apparatus for heating or rarefying steam as
it passes from the steam generator to the cylinder of the steam engine;
And, lastly, in heating or rarefying steam between the high-pressure and
low-pressure cylinders of compound steam engines.
And in order that our Invention may be fully understood and readily carried
into effect, we will proceed to describe the means pursued by us.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING.
Figure represents a longitudinal section through one of our improved
steam boilers. Figure 2 is a transverse section, and Figure 3 is a plan view,
also in section. of the same. a is the horizontal part of a cylindrical boiler
containing the flues b, b, within which are the firegrates c. c.
The flues bare
continued beyond the firegrates, and are jointed to the circular
roof of which is arched, as seen, Figure 2, to give it strength.
cylindrical part of the boiler placed at right angles to the part a.
chamber d, the
a' is another
Within the

page_text: part is a series of tubes marked e. These tubes may be straight, as shewn
in the Drawing, or of a spiral screw-like form, and they are secured above
into the lower plate of the chamber d, and below to the plate forming the
bottom of the part of the boiler marked a. In some cases. instead of placing
the tubes vertically, they may be placed in a diagonal position. The products
of combustion from the firegrates pass through the flues into the chamber d.
and thence through the tubes e which communicate with the chimney: and as
the tubes e arc vertical or diagonal, it is evident that they are not liable to
become choked with cinders or smoke, as is the case in multitubular boilers of
the ordinary construction, in which the tubes are horizonial. It may in some
cases be desirable to employ only one flue and firegrate, or both the flues b may
be united into one before entering the chamber d. On referring to Figures 1
and 3 it will be seen that we propose to unite the plates forming the flues b by
bending the edges of the plates at right angles. thereby forming flanges..
Between these flanges are placed hoops b', and the flanges and hoop may be
rivetted together in the ordinary manner, as shewn in Figure 4, or they may
be welded together, as 'shewn in Figure 6.
In Figure 5 we have shewn another mode of uniting metal plates. In this
case the flanges bent at right angles on the plates are rivetted together without
the intermediate hoop b', shewn in Figure 4, and in Figure 7 the flanges are
shewn welded together.
The above-described modes of uniting plates of metal are particularly ad-
vantageous in constructing boilers, as the flanges are in most cases immersed
in water, and no rivets or extra thickness of metal are exposed to the action of
the fire. They are also applicable to marine architecture in general, as well
as in constructing cisterns, tanks, and other articles of a like nature requiring
great strength, and water, steam. or air-tight joints.
In Figures 8 and 9 we have shewn a cylindrical boiler to be heated by a
firegrate placed under the front of the boiler in the ordinary manner. The
plates are in this instance connected according to the mode described in re-
ference to Figure 4. The hoops b¹ may in some cases be made of copper or
other yielding metal in order to compensate for any slight inequalities in the
surface of the flanges on the plates to be united.
In Figures 10 and 11 are shewn a multitubular boiler of the ordinary con-
struction, in which our improved mode of uniting the plates forming the fire-
box is applied. The plates of the outer shell can be united according to either
of our improved modes. but the flanges. instead of being turned inwards, as
seen in Figure 8, would in this instance be turned outwards, as no heat is
applied to the exterior of the boiler.

page_text: Our first improvements in the construction of steam engines are represented
in Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16In these views
2
Figure 12 is an elevation of a horizontal-engines to which our improved
mode of constructing and working the slide valves, in order to use steam
expansively, is applied.
Figure 13 is a plan view, partly in section, of the same. is the cylinder.
furnished with the steam ways fl. of the usual construction; g is the crank
shaft and is a slide valve, to which motion is communicated by the con-
necting link and excentric fixed on the crank shaft. The slide valve h
works between the valve face- and the plate i, through which are ports.to
admit the steam to the ports of the slide -valve is the expansion-slide
valve; which is also furnished with ports 'to allow the steam to pass from the
valve box to the cylinder. The expansion valve is connected to the rod j'.
near the extremity of which is a block for the link. The upper end of this
link is jointed to the connecting rod to which motion is given by the
excentric. shewn in red on an enlarged scale, at Figure 16. The lower-end
of the link. 2 is jointed to the connecting-rod, to which motion is given by
the excentric, shewn in blue at Figure 16. The upper end of the link j
is also in connection with the governor of the steam engine by the rod and
the variations, in the speed of the engine are made to act on the expansion
valve in the following manner. In Figures 12 and 13 the link and valves
hand j'are shewn in the positions they occupy when only a small portion of
the steam is cut off; but if, owing to a portion of the load of the engine being
thrown off, the governor balls should expand; the rod descends and allows
the link to slide partially down the block at' the end of the valve rod j. By
this means the action of the connecting rods and j diminishes the traverse
to the expansion valve į and 'cuts off the steam sooner than before, thereby
allowing it to expand more. in the cylinder. The peculiar relative position of
the excentrics and is such that by varying the position of 'the link *,
according to the position of the governor balls, the steam may be used with
any amount of expansion within the limits of utility.
In Figures 14 and 15 we have represented another mode of constructing
and working the expansion valves of steam engines. In these views is part
of the cylinder; ', the steam ways; the valve face; h, the slide valve, which
in this instance is furnished with two projections 3, the office of which will
be explained hereafter; i, the plate between the expansion and the slide valve,
and the valve box to which the steam is admitted in the ordinary manner.
I is a shaft passing through a stufling box at one end of the valve box, and
This shaft
square, and on it is
supported in a bearing at the other end.

page_text: fitted loosely the bush 1, having a right and a left-hand screw on it. One of
these screws is screwed into the expansion valve 1. and the other into the
expansion valve F. To the end of the shaft is fixed a bevel pinion ', to which
motion is communicated by the governor of the steam engine. It is necessary
to remark here that the expanding and collapsing of the balls of the governor
must be made to turn the shaft round in contrary directions. This is effected
by making the sliding bush of the governor with two bevel pinions, which act
alternately on an intermediate pinion; but as governors of this description are
well known, and form no part of our Invention, it is not necessary to shew
them in the Drawing. By turning the shaft round, it is evident that the
expansion slides and will be moved nearer to each other. or further apart,
according to the direction in which the shaft is turned. The slide valve h
moves at all times through the same space, motion being communicated to it
by an excentric, as shewn in Figure 13, or in any other convenient manner,
but the traverse of the expansion slides and varies according to the load
on the engine in the following manner: The projections. h on the slide valve h
pass through slots in the plate i, and when the valve h is near each end of its
traverse, the projections act alternately on the expansion slides and ; con-
sequently when, owing to a portion of the load of the engine being thrown
off, the governor causes the shaft. 7 to revolve in the direction for bringing the
expansion slides and closer together, the projections h³ impart more
traverse to the expansion slides, which are thus made to cut off the steam
sooner, thereby admitting less steam to the cylinder; whereas, when the full
amount of steam is required, the governor causes the shaft 1 to revolve, so as
to increase the distance between the expansion slides, and less traverse is
imparted to them by the projections, consequently the ports in the plate i
remain sufficiently open to admit the full amount of steam required. We
wish to remark here that we are aware that right and left-hand screws have
before been used for governing the distance between the expansion valves of
steam engines; we therefore only shew their application in order to illustrate
our improvements.
We will now proceed to describe those parts of our Invention relating to
the mode of constructing and applying air pumps for condensing steam
engines. The object of these improvements is, to dispense with the valve in
the piston or pump bucket, and to place the delivery valve at the bottom of
the air pump. By this means steam engines are rendered less complicated, and
the air pump can, when required, be placed in a horizontal position, and in
all cases a greater speed can be given to the air-pump piston than in engines
of the ordinary construction.
:

page_text: In Figure 17 is shewn a section of one of our improved air pumps, and of
the parts in connection therewith. m is the condenser, through which the air,
steam, and water from the cylinder passes before it enters the air pump; mis
the supply valve, and n is the cylinder of the air pump.. furnished with a solid
piston o, which may be constructed according to any of the well-known
methods now in use, or according to our improved plan, which will be explained
hereafter in reference io Figures 21, 22, and 23. The piston o is connected
by the link o to the beam of the engine, and as the link o' is at liberty to
vibrate in the eye joint on the piston. it is evident that it may be jointed above
to the engine beam without being connected to the parallel motion, as is
the case in air pumps of the ordinary construction. p is the delivery valve
in the off pipe p. It will be apparent to any one acquainted with steam
engines that the up-stroke of the piston o opens the valve m' to admit the
air, steam, and water from the condensor and the down-stroke of the piston
closes the valve m' and opens the delivery valve p. through which the air.
steam, and water are forced into the off pipe. The air-pump cylinder » may
be open at the top.
In Fig. 18 we have shown an air pump. and the parts in connection there-
with. In this case the piston o is worked up and down by an excentric, fixed
on the crank shaft, or any other convenient shaft near the engine.
Figure 19 represents our improved air pump in a horizontal position.
This mode of applying the air pump is particularly advantageous in horizontal
engines, as the piston can be worked direct from the crank shaft.
Figure 20 represents another modification in the mode of working the air-
pump piston, the motion being in this case communicated from the crank shaft
of a vertical engine. Another advantage possessed by our improved air pumps
is, that by being enabled to work them without the use of the parallel motion
required in working ordinary air pumps, we can, by increasing the diameter,
reduce the stroke, and thereby diminish the speed of the piston in the same
proportion. The difficulty of working condensing engines at a high velocity is
thereby in a great measure obviated.
In Figures 21, 22, and 23, we have shewn our improved metallic-packed
piston, particularly applicable for the air-pump cylinders herein-before described
but which may be used in other cylinders. In Figure 21 the lid is removed
in order to shew the construction of the interior. q is the body of the piston,
q, the lid; q. the wearing rings, the joints of which are crossed in the usual
manner; q is a ring of the width of both the wearing rings. This ring is
made with inclined projections on its inner circumference, and within it is the
spring ring g', the outer circumference of which is conical,, to correspond with

page_text: the inclined projections on the rings q". There are three or other convenient
number of set screws passing through the lid q' into the ring q' and by turning
these set screws partly round, the wearing rings q are caused to expand by the
action of the ring q' on the ring q. By this means the metallic packing can
be adjusted without removing the lid from the piston.
We will now proceed to describe our improvements in the method of using
and rarefying steam:-These improvements consist in the peculiar apparatus
for dilating or rarefying the steam in its passage from the steam generator to
the steam engine, and in the application of apparatus for heating or rarefying
steam in passing from the high-pressure to the low-pressure cylinder of
compound engines.
Figure 24 represents a plan view, and Figure 25 a transverse section, of a
chamber heated from below by a firegrate, and furnished with a number of
small tubes. The steam to be rarefied enters the chamber through the pipe ',
which is supposed to be in communication with the boiler (or with the exhaust
pipe of the high-pressure cylinder of a compound engine), and after passing
around and between the tubes s, which are heated by the current of heated air
rising from the fireplace under the chamber, enters the pipe which conveys
the steam to the cylinder of the steam engine.
1
In Figure 26 we have shewn an apparatus in which the steam to be rarefied
is made to pass through the tubes t, and the heat from the furnace is allowed
to circulate around the tubes containing the steam. In this case tubes are fixed
into the end plates of the chambers, which are furnished with manholes to
admit of the tubes being examined and repaired.
Figure 27 is a transverse section through one of the chambers f².
In Figures 28. 29, and 30 are represented a modification of our improved
apparatus for rarefying steam applied to the boiler of a locomotive engine.
Figure 28 is longitudinal section of the boiler. In this view is also shewn
our improved mode of uniting the plates forming the cylindrical part of the
boiler and the plates forming the inner fire box; between the smoke box
and the chimney is placed the chamber , shewn in section in Figure 30.
This chamber contains the tubes & through which a portion of the heated air
from the smoke box rises into the chimney, the remainder passing through the
centre tube placed above the blast or exhaust pipe . The steam from the
boiler passes through the opening ifto the chamber , and after having
circulated around and between the tubes v. it is conveyed to the cylinders of
the engine by pipes in communication with the chamber, which answers the
purpose of the dome in locomotives of the ordinary construction. We would

page_text: remark here, that although we have described the apparatus shewn in Figures
24, 25, 26, and 27, as being heated by separate furnaces or firegrates, we
also propose to obtain the necessary heat by placing the apparatus in or near
the flue of the boiler; and in 'those cases, when it is desirable to have a great
heating surface in a small compass, we propose to use tubes of a spiral screw
like form. The size of the apparatus, whether for stationary or locomotive
boilers, can also be varied to suit the amount of rarefaction or dilatation
required.
Having now described the nature of our Invention, and the best means with
which we are acquainted with for carrying the same into effect, we wish it to
be understood that we do not limit ourselves to the details herein set forth, so
long as the peculiar character of our Invention, or any part thereof, be
retained. But what we claim is,
First, the application of a multitubular portion of a boiler, placed vertically
or diagonally to the portion containing the flues, as shewn and described with
reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Secondly, the improved modes of uniting metal plates, as shewn and
described in reference to Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 28.
Thirdly, the improvements, herein-before shewn and described with reference
to Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, in the construction of and in communicating
motion to the valves of steam engines, so as to regulate the expansion of the
steam to the load on the engine.
.
Fourthly, the improvements in the construction of air pumps, and in the
mode of communicating motion to the same, as shewn and described in
reference to the Figures 17, 18, and 20.
Fifthly, the improved mode of working air pumps in a horizontal position,
as shewn in Figure. 19.
Sixthly, the improved mode of constructing the pistons of air pumps, as
shewn in Figures 21, 22, and 23.
Seventhly, the improved apparatus for rarefying steam, as shewn in Figures
24 to 30.
And lastly, the rarefying of steam in its passage from the high-pressure to
the low-pressure cylinder of compound steam engines.
In witness whereof, we have hergunto set our hands and seals, this
Ninth day of February, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
DANIEL (L.S.) ADAMSON. LEONARD (L.S.) COOPER.
:

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Ninth day of February, in the
year of our Lord 1853, the aforesaid Daniel Adamson and Leonard Cooper
came before our said Lady the Queen in Ter Chancery, and acknowledged
the Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and
specified. in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was
stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Tenth day of February, in the year of our Lord One thousand