IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH.
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Black, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
but at present residing at Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN APPARATUS
CONNECTED THEREWITH.
دو
Sealed the 14th October 1876, and dated the 22nd April 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Black at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd April 1876.
THOMAS BLACK, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, but at present residing
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM
at Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain.
ENGINES, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
This Invention, which relates to improvements in steam engines, and in apparatus
connected therewith, consists, firstly, in an improved arrangement of double-acting
or compound reciprocating rotatory valve for working on the combined principle of
compounding or non-compounding engines, as well as for compound engines of the
simple class, or for double or single cylinder steam engines of ordinary con-
struction.
The valve as arranged under one modification consists of two concentric and
hollow truncated cones, the outer one of which constitutes the steam distributing
and cut-off valve, for which purpose it is divided by webs or ribs into two compart-
ments, one of which forms a steain chest, and communicates by a pipe with the
boiler and by ports with one cylinder (the high-pressure cylinder when the valve is
employed in compound engines). The second compartment communicates by ports
with the other or low-pressure cylinder, and it receives steam through a channel or
passage in the central or inner cone.
When the engine is being worked on the compound principle the said channel or
passage communicates with and receives steam from the exhaust port of the high-
pressure cylinder, but when both cylinders are being worked on the high-pressure
principle the channel or passage through the inner cone communicates by ports
with the steam chest or compartment of the outer cone, from whence it conducts the
steam direct to the larger cylinder.
Apparatus herein-after described is provided in conjunction with the valve when

page_text: employed in compound engines, by operating which steam from the boiler is con-
ducted direct to the larger cylinder, as last set forth, when starting the engine or at
other desired times.
The inner truncated cone of the valve is formed with a flanch around its upper
part, which bears upon a correspondly shaped ledge or shoulder made in the upper
part of the outer cone. A ledge or shoulder is also formed at the lower interior
part of the outer cone, against which the bottom of the inner cone rests. The inner
cone is thus supported in position, and prevented from jambing or becoming tight
within the outer cone, which is also similarly supported at its upper and lower ends
within the valve casing.
The spindle of the inner valve or cone passes through that of the outer cone, and
on each of the said spindles a crank or lever is placed, and connected by links
to similar cranks or levers fixed upon a vertical shaft, which is partially rotated at
every revolution of the crank shaft of the engine. The said vertical shaft is geared
by means of a crank or lever and a connecting rod with a quadrant or link, to
which the eccentrics placed on the crank shaft of the engine are coupled.
The vertical shaft herein-before referred to is formed with a cross head or guide,
in which a block capable of being moved horizontally by means of a screw or its
equivalent is situated. The link from the crank or lever on the spindle of the
inner cone or valve is coupled to the sliding block, and according to the direction
in which the said block is moved by the screw the inner cone or valve is adjusted
relatively with the outer distributing cone or valve, so as to cause steam to be
supplied either on the compound or high-pressure principles to the cylinders, of the
engine, as herein-before set forth.
Under another arrangement of the double-acting or compound reciprocating
rotatory valve constructed in accordance with my said Invention the inner cone is
dispensed with, and the outer cone formed with a passage through the interior
thereof, through which the steam, after acting in the high-pressure cylinder, is con-
ducted into the low-pressure cylinder, in exhausting from which it passes through
an exhaust port in the valve. With this arrangement, only one valve spindle being
necessary, the sliding block and other connexions of the inner cone or valvo with
the vertical shaft, as herein-before described, are dispensed with.
As regards improvements in apparatus connected with the valves of steam engines
this Invention relates to an arrangement of hydraulic starting and turning or
reversing gear, which consists of two hydraulic cylinders whose rams are connected
at their upper ends to a shaft whereto the quadrant or link of the eccentrics for
operating the rotating valves are coupled.
The hydraulic cylinders are provided with rotating valves constructed as herein
last set forth, the rods of which are attached by cranks or levers and links to a
starting rod or lever. One hydraulic cylinder is provided for starting the engines
forward, and the other for reversing, and these are brought into operation according
to the direction in which the starting rod or lever is turned. The ram of any
cylinder, when water is admitted, being caused to ascend, moves the shaft to which
it is attached, whereby the quadrant or link is moved so as to adjust the steam
cylinder rotating valves to the required position.
To move the engines "off the centre," or to turn them from top to bottom centre,
a spur wheel is placed on the crank, shaft, and geared with quadrants situate on
separate shafts. The quadrants are drawn into and out of gear by levers, and they
are operated by cranks on the shaft whereto the rams of the hydraulic cylinders are
coupled.
A donkey engine is provided to exert the necessary pressure for operating the
hydraulic starting and reversing gear.
The rotating valves, hydraulic starting and reversing gear, and other apparatus,
constructed as herein-before described, may with equal facility be used in engines of
the classes mentioned, whether such are employed for marine or land purposes, and a
whether they are placed in a vertical, diagonal, or horizontal position.

page_text: The said valves and apparatus are also employed in an improved horizontal steam
engine, forming part of this Invention, and which is specially adapted for driving
ships' screw propellers, three propellers, one situate in the usual position in the stern
and one on either side thereof being preferably employed.
The shafts whereon the different propellers are situated are so geared with the
crank shaft of the engine as to be capable of reversing one or more of the pro-
pellers against the other or others, so as to assist in turning the ship or for
propelling.
In the engines four cylinders are provided, the high and low pressure cylinders of
the forward engine being placed at the port side of the ship, with the rotating cone
valves and steam chest situate between them. The condenser for this engine is
secured on the starboard side of the ship. The position of the after engines is
reversed, the cylinders and valve chest being on the starboard and the condenser on
the port side. Each of the larger or low-pressure cylinders has four piston rods and
a return connecting rod coupled to the crank shaft in the usual manner and to cross
heads, which slide in guides between the condensers and the larger cylinders. The
cross heads are connected to the crank shaft of the engine. The centres of the
smaller or high-pressure cylinders are placed considerably lower in the ship than
the centres of the larger or low-pressure cylinders, in order that the piston rods of
the smaller cylinders, upon which cross heads connecting them to the air, circulating,
feed, and bilge pumps are fitted, may pass freely underneath the crank shaft. Upon
the outer ends of the high-pressure cylinder piston rods cross heads are fitted,
which slide in guides between the air and circulating pumps. These cross heads
are connected by links to double levers, which are attached to the cross heads of the
larger cylinders, and by this means the engines are coupled or combined.
In the event of accident occurring to one of the engines constructed as herein-
before described, the ship may be effectively propelled by the other engine, the con-
necting rod of the disabled engine being uncoupled.
In some cases ships may be provided with a single engine only, constructed on the
principle set forth.
In compounding as well as in non-compounding engines wherein the improve-
ments constructed under the first part of this Invention are applied, the piston of
the smaller or high-pressure cylinder is not connected directly to the crank shaft,
but to one arm of a rocking lever or beam centred on the engine framing. Another
arm of the said lever or beam is coupled by a rod or link to the piston rod of the
larger or low-pressure cylinder, which is connected to the crank shaft in the usual
manner. To another arm of the lever or beam, or to a lever fixed on the same axis
therewith, the air and feed pumps of the engine are coupled.
In single cylinder condensing engines the air pump is also coupled by a Ive -
or beam to the piston rod of the steam cylinder, in lieu of being driven from the
crank shaft.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Black in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st October
1876.
THOMAS BLACK, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, but at present residing
at Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM
ENGINES, AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
My said Invention, which relates to improvements in steam engines and in
apparatus connected therewith, consists, firstly, in an improved arrangement of
double acting or compound reciprocating rotatory valve for working on the com-
bined principle of compounding or non-compounding engines, as well as for compound

page_text: engines of the simple class, or for double or single cylinder steam engines of ordinary
constructions.
And in order that this and other improvements embraced by my said Invention
may be properly understood I have hereunto appended several explanatory Sheets
of Drawings, and with reference to the letters and figures marked thereon, I now
proceed more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under
which the Invention is or may be used or carried into practical effect, that is to
say :-
On Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings Figure 1 is a vertical section of one
form of the double acting or compound reciprocating rotatory valve constructed in
accordance with my said Invention; Figure 2 is an elevation of the valve casing;
whilst Figures 3 and 4 are horizontal sections of the valve and casing, the section
being at several points in the elevation of the valve.
The
As arranged under this modification, the valve consists of two concentric and
hollow truncated cones a, b, the outer one a of which constitutes the steam distri-
buting and cut-off valve, for which purpose it is divided by webs or ribs c, d,
into two compartiments, one of which (the compartment h) forms a steam chest, and
communicates with the boiler by a pipe connected to the valve casing at e.
said compartment also communicates with one cylinder by ports and g, seen
more particularly on the detailed view, Figure 5, Sheet 1, which cylinder is the
high-pressure cylinder when the valve is employed in compound engines. The
scond compartment of the outer valve communicates by ports i, j, with the other
or low-pressure steam cylinder, and it receives steam through a channel in the
central or inner cone valve b. The ports i, j, are seen more particularly in detail at
Figure 6, and in dotted lines at Figure 7, Sheet 1, the latter Figure being an
elevation of the valve face.
l
When the engine is being worked on the compound principle the channel or
passage communicates with and receives steam from the port or cavity m in the
outer cone valve a, into which cavity the steam exhausting from the high-pressure
cylinder passes, but when both cylinders are being worked on the high-pressure
principle the channel or passage alternately communicates with the ports n, o, in
the steam chest of the outer conc, from whence it conducts the steam into the
compartment & communicating directly with the larger cylinder.
Figure 3, Sheet 1, illustrates the arrangement of the valves a and b relatively
with each other when employed in working on the compound or high and low-
pressure principle; whilst 4, Sheet 1, shews the arrangement of the valves when
the steam is being conducted into both cylinders at the same pressure.
From the larger cylinder the steam in exhausting passes into the cavity ? of the
valve a, which cavity communicates by the channel 7, shewn in dotted lines at
Figures 3, 4, and 7, with a chamber s, Figure 7, to which a pipe t leading to the
condenser is connected.
In working on the compound principle all the steam employed in operating the
pistons of the two cylinders passes through the cavity p in exhausting, but when
the engine is being worked on the high-pressure principle a valve u which is situated
in a trunk or casing communicating with a chainber similar to the chambers but
in connexion with the cavity m is opened, as seen at Figure 4, whereby the steam
exhausting from the smaller cylinder is allowed to escape into the pipe t and thence
into the condenser without passing through the cavity p.
Apparatus herein-after described is provided in conjunction with the valves a
and when employed in compound engines, by operating which steam from the
boiler is conducted direct to the larger cylinder when starting the engine, and at
other desired times.
The inner truncated cone b of the valve is formed with a flanch around its upper
part, as seen at v, Figure 1, Sheet 1, which bears upon a correspondingly shaped
ledge or shoulder made in the upper part of the outer cone (. A ledge or sole is
also made at the lower interior part of the outer cone a, against which the bottom

page_text: of the inner cone rests, so that the said inner cone is supported in position and
prevented from jambing or becoming tight within the outer cone a, which is also.
similarly supported at its upper and lower ends within the valve casing, as seen
at w and x, Figure 1, Sheet 1.
The spindle A of the inner valve or cone passes through that of the outer cone,
and on each of the said spindles a crank or lever B is placed. The crank B on the
spindle D of the outer cone valve a is connected by links C to a similar crank or.
lever E fixed upon a vertical shaft F, which is partially rotated at every revolution
of the crank shaft of the engine. Under one arrangement, illustrated in plan at
Figure 1, and in end elevation at Figure 2, Sheet 2 of the Drawings, this partial
rotation or reciprocation of the shaft F is effected by placing a crank or lever Gon
its lower extremity and connecting the crank by the rod or link H to a block I
which slides in a guide secured to the sole of the engine. To a pin J projecting
from the side of the said block a quadrant link K is connected, and to the upper
and lower extremities of the said link eccentrics L placed on the engine crank shaft
are coupled. Thus when the crank shaft is rotated the sliding block I being
reciprocated in its guide partially rotates the vertical shaft F, which through the
cranks or levers E, B, and spindle D also partially rotates the outer cone valve a so
that the said valve is caused to distribute and cut off steam to and from both
cylinders at the proper intervals. The crank B' on the spindle A of the inner cone
valve is, as more particularly seen at Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 2, connected by a
link M to a sliding block N, carried in a cross head O formed on the vertical
shaft F. A screw P passes through the sliding block N, and according to the
position to which the sliding block is moved by means of the hand wheel fixed on
the end of the said screw the inner cone valve is adjusted relatively with the outer
distributing valve so as to cause steam to be supplied either on the compound or
high-pressure principles to the cylinders of the engine, as herein-before set forth.
The lever B¹ is when working on the compound principle geared with the
spindle A in the manner illustrated in vertical section at Figure 5, Sheet 2, that is
to say, the lever itself is placed loosely on the spindle and geared therewith by
means of the clutch R which slides on feathers formed or fixed on the spindle. The
clutch when in its raised position enters a clutch box formed on the under side of
the lever or crank B', thereby firmly securing the said crank on the spindle.
When working on the high-pressure principle the clutch R is moved out of
contact with the lever or crank B' by screwing the nuts S downwards on the
spindle A. Previous to effecting this the inner cone is turned into the position
shewn at Figure 4, Sheet 1, by moving the sliding block N into the position shewn*
at Figure 4, Sheet 2.
Figure 3. Sheet 2, shews the position of the sliding block when working on the
compound principle.
Under another arrangement of the shaft F illustrated in elevation at Figure 6,
and in part transverse section at Figure 7, Sheet 2, the shaft instead of being geared
to the quadrant link by means of a sliding block I, as described with reference to
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, is geared to the said link by means of mitre wheels A, on
the axis of one of which the crank or lever B which enters the quadrant link is.
fixed. The upper part of the shaft F is made hollow and at its interior a shaft C,.
having at its upper end a hand wheel D, and at its lower end a bevel pinion E is
placed. The pinion E gears with a corresponding pinion fixed on one extremity of
a horizontal shaft G supported by the cross head of the shaft F, and on the other
extremity of the said shaft Ga spur wheel H is fixed and geared with a spur pinion I
on one end of the screw J which operates the sliding block K, to which the.
link L for partially rotating the inner or expansion cone valve is secured by the
pin M.
The outer or distributing cone valve is operated in the manner herein-before
described by the lever or crank N fixed on the upper part of the shaft E. With.
this arrangement on account of the bevil gearing A, the apparatus occupies less:

page_text: room than where a sliding block is employed as with the apparatus herein-before
set forth.
Another arrangement of the reciprocating rotatory valve constructed in accordance
with my said Invention is illustrated in vertical section at Figure 8, and in
horizontal section at Figure 9, Sheet 1 of the Drawings. As shewn by these
Figures the inner or expansion cone is dispensed with, and the single cone employed
is formed with a passage a at the interior thereof through which the steam after
acting in the high-pressure cylinder is conducted into the low-pressure cylinder in
exhausting from which it passes through the exhaust cavity b in the valve to a
chamber similar to the chamber S, Figure 7, Sheet 1, and which is connected by a
pipe with the condenser. This valve is also supported by a shoulder or ledge e at
its upper end, and by a sole or ledge d at its lower part, as seen at Figure 8, and
with this arrangement, only one valve spindle being necessary, the sliding block
and other connexions of the inner cone valve with the vertical shaft as herein-before
described are dispensed with.
Figure 8, Sheet 2, is a detailed view of the vertical shaft employed with the
single reciprocating rotatory valve when the valve is operated by a sliding block, as
described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2; and Figure 9, Sheet 2, is a
detailed view of the vertical spindle employed to actuate the single valve when the
same is operated from the engine crank shaft by mitre wheels in the manner
described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 2. On Figures 8 and 9, the
lever or crank to which the spindle of the valve is connected is marked A.
As regards improvements in apparatus connected with the valves of steam
engines my said Invention relates to an arrangement of hydraulic starting and
turning or reversing gear. This apparatus is illustrated as applied to an engine in
side elevation at A, Figure 1, and in plan at B, Figure 2, Sheet 3 of the annexed
Drawings; and it consists of two hydraulic cylinders, whose rams c are connected at
their upper ends to a shaft d whereto the quadrant link of the eccentrics for
operating the rotating valves of the steam cylinder as herein-before described is
coupled by the link e, and intermediate gearing between the said link and the
shaft d. The hydraulic cylinders of the starting and turning or reversing gear are
provided with rotating valves contained within the casings f, and constructed
substantially in the manner last set forth, that is, with reference to the valve
illustrated by Figures 8 and 9, Sheet 1 of the Drawings. The rods of these valves
are coupled by cranks or levers g, Sheet 3, to a vertical spindle Z, at whose lower
end an admission valve for the water is situated, as seen in enlarged detail at
Figure 10, Sheet 2, which is a vertical section of the rotating valves of the hydraulic
apparatus, Figures 11 and 12 being horizontal sections of the hydraulic cylinders
shewing the positions of the valves when the engine is stopped, and when it is being
started ahead.
The channel h, Figures 11 and 12, is that through which the water in exhausting
from the hydraulic cylinders passes to the pipe by which it is conducted away
from the apparatus. One of the hydraulic cylinders only acts whilst starting the
engine forwards, and the other whilst reversing these, being brought into operation
according to the direction in which the starting spindle is turned.
The ram of
any cylinder when water is admitted being caused to ascend moves the shaft d, and
through the intervention of the shaft d¹ to which said shaft d is coupled by the
crank t and catch 8, the quadrant link n is actuated so as to turn the vertical
spindle o which operates the reciprocating rotatory cone valve of the steam cylinder,
thereby bringing the valve into the required position. A sliding horizontal shaft m,
Figure 2, Sheet 3, with a hand wheel at one end and a spur pinion p at the other
is provided to turn the reciprocating rotatory cone valve of the steam cylinder to any
desired position without the intervention of the hydraulic apparatus when desired
the pinion p being for that purpose pushed into gear with the wheel on the
shaft and the said shaft disconnected from the shaft d by raising the catch s from
tho said shaft d.

page_text: To move the engines "off the centre," or to turn them from top to bottom centre,
or vice versa, a spur wheel V is placed on the crank shaft, and geared with a
toothed quadrant w situate on a separate shaft. The quadrant is drawn into and
out of gear with the spur wheel by a lever connected to it at x, Figure 2, Sheet 3,
and it is operated by a crank y connected to the shaft d, whereto the rams of the
hydraulic starting and reversing gear are coupled.
A donkey engine X is provided to exert the necessary pressure for operating the
hydraulic starting and reversing or turning gear.
The reciprocating rotatory cone valves, valve gearing, improved hydraulic starting
and reversing gear, and other apparatus constructed as herein-before described,
besides being applied to the single cylinder engine, illustrated on Sheet 3 of the
Drawings, may with equal facility be used on other engines, whether such are
working on the combined principle of compounding or non-compounding, or are
compound engines of the simple class or double or single cylinders, steam engines of
ordinary constructions employed either for marine or land purposes, and whether
such engines are placed in a vertical, diagonal, or horizontal postion.
Sheet 4 of the Drawings illustrates in side elevation at Figure 1, in end elevation
at Figure 2, and in plan at Figure 3, the adaptation of the improvements herein-
before described to a compound diagonal engine. The apparatus for operating the
reciprocating rotatory distributing and cut-off, as well as the expansion cone valves,
is marked A, whilst the hydraulic starting and reversing gear is indicated by the
letter B.
The Figure, on Sheet 5 of the Drawings, illustrates the application of the recipro-
cating cone valve herein-before described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, Sheet 1,
to a compound engine, the high-pressure cylinder A of which is placed vertically and
connected direct to the pumps, whilst the low-pressure cylinder B is placed in a
diagonal position. The hydraulic starting and reversing or turning gear C is shewn
placed in a horizontal position, the spindles of the rotating cone valves being con-
nected to the starting spindle D by spur wheels E and bevil gearing F; but instead
of this arrangement the said hydraulic apparatus may be placed vertically, and
connected to the starting spindle in the manner herein-before described.
The arrangement of the cylinders above described may also be adapted in a double
engine, that is, in an engine wherein two smaller or high-pressure and two larger or
low-pressure cylinders are employed.
On Sheet 6 of the Drawings Figure 1 is a plan; Figure 2, a side elevation; and
Figure 3, an end elevation of an improved horizontal steam engine forming part of
my said Invention, and which is specially adapted for driving ship's screw pro-
pellers, three propellers, one situated in the usual position in the stern, and one on
each side thereof, being preferably employed as illustrated in plan at Figure 1,in side
elevation at Figure 2, and in end elevation at Figure 3, Sheet 7 of the Drawings.
As shewn by these latter Figures the side propellers are preferably smaller than the
central one, and the shafts whereon the different propellers are situated are geared
with the crank or central shaft A in the manner shewn at Figure 1, and in detail at
Figure 4, Sheet 7, that is to say, one side shaft is coupled direct to the crank shaft A,
whilst the other side shaft is coupled to an intermediate shaft B, which is geared
with the shaft A by spur gearing C. By this means the two side propellers are caused
to rotate inwards towards the central propeller, as indicated by the arrows on
Figure 4, Sheet 7, the object being to converge as much as possible the streams
from the side propellers towards the central propeller, and thereby prevent the
steering of the ship from being affected by the side screws, whose shafts if desired
may at their outer ends be inclined towards the central shaft instead of lying
parallel therewith, as shewn.
In the engine four cylinders are provided, as more particularly seen on Sheet 6
of the Drawings, the high and low pressure cylinders of the forward engine D
being placed at the port side of the ship with the reciprocating rotatory cone valves
and steam chest E between them. The condenser F for this engine is secured at

page_text: the starboard side of the ship. The position of the after engine is reversed, the
cylinders and valve chest G being on the starboard and the condenser H on the
port side. Each of the larger or low-pressure cylinders has or may have four
piston rods, and a return connecting rod I coupled to the crank shaft in the usual
manner, and to cross heads J, which slide in guides situate between the condensers
and the larger cylinders. The centres of the smaller or high-pressure cylinders are
placed considerably lower in the ship than the centres of the larger or low-pressure
cylinders, in order that the piston rods of the smaller cylinders upon which cross
heads K, connecting them to the plungers of the air circulating, feed, and bilge
pumps are fitted, may pass freely underneath the crank shaft. Upon the outer
ends of the high-pressure cylinder piston rods, cross heads, or blocks L are fitted,
and these slide in guides between the air and circulating pumps. The cross heads
or blocks L are connected by links to levers M, which are attached to the cross
heads J of the larger cylinders, and by this means the engines are coupled or
combined.
The engine, constructed as herein-before described, is or may also be provided
with the hydraulic starting and reversing or turning gear constituting part of this
Invention, and by means of the shafts O, provided with sliding blocks P, the
reciprocating rotatory valves may be caused to supply steam to the cylinders of
the engines either on the compound or simple expansion principles, as set forth with
reference to Sheets 1 and 2 of the Drawings.
In the event of accident occurring to one of the engines constructed as shewn on-
Sheet 6, the ship may be effectively propelled by the other engine, the connecting
rod J of the disabled engine being uncoupled from the crank shaft, and in the event
of the central propeller being disabled the port and starboard propellers would be
sufficiently powerful to propel the ship. Should both the central and port pro-
pellers be disabled the starboard propeller would be sufficient to maintain steering
way on the ship.
The engine, herein-before described, may be employed in vessels of war as well
as in merchant and other ships, and in some cases a single engine only constructed
on the principle set forth and provided with hydraulic starting and reversing or
turning gear may be employed.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the system, mode, or manner, in or under which the same is,
or may be used, or practically carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion,
that what I consider to be novel and original and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,—
First. The improved reciprocating rotatory conical valves supported by shoulders
or ledges at their upper and lower ends, as herein-before described and shewn at
Figures 1 and 8, Sheet 1 of the appended Drawings, and the employment of the
same to distribute, cut off, and regulate the expansion of steam to, from, and in
the cylinders of steam engines generally, substantially in the manner set forth.
Second. The several arrangements of gearing or apparatus illustrated by Figures
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, Sheet 2, of the Drawings, whereby the reciprocating rotatory
valves are set to the required position before starting and whereby they are
operated, substantially as hercin-before described.
Third. The improved combined hydraulic starting and reversing or turning
gear, and wherein the especial feature is the rotating conical valves employed to
admit, cut off, and exhaust water at the required times to and from the separate
hydraulic cylinders, substantially as described with reference to Figures 10, 11,
and 12, Sheet 2, and to the Figures on Sheet 3 of the annexed Drawings.
Fourth. The arrangement and construction of the engine, shewn at Sheet 5 of
the Drawings, in which the essential feature is the placing of one or two cylinders
diagonally and the other one or two cylinders vertically, as herein-before described.
Fifth. The arrangement and construction of the horizontal combined compounding
and simple expansion engine, herein before described and shewn by the several.

page_text: Figures on Sheets 6 and 7 of the appended Drawings, for general purposes and
especially the employment of the same for driving three screw shafts, as and for
the purpose set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Black, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Nineteenth day of October, One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-six.
THOMAS BLACK. (LS.)