IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN SUPPLYING FEED WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND PROMOTING COMBUSTION IN THEIR FURNACES
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jean Autoinc Pène, of Paris, France, Gentleman,
for thic Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN SUPPLYING
FEED WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND PROMOTING COMBUSTION IN THEIR
FURNACES."
Scaled the 11th May 1875, and dated the 25th November 1874.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jean Antoine Pène
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 25th November 1874.
I, JEAN ANTOINE PENE, of Paris, France, Gentleman, do hereby
3:declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM
ENGINES, AND IN SUPPLYING FEED WATER TO STEAM BOILERS AND PROMOTING
COMBUSTION IN THEIR FURNACES," to be as follows:-
My Invention of improvements in the various parts of steam engines
and in supplying feed water to steam boilers and promoting combustion
in their furnaces relates,―
1st. To a substitute for the crank and its accessories for converting the
rectilinear motion of the piston into circular motion.

page_text: provided with corresponding openings. Each clutch 5, 6, has two
ropes 19, 20, coiled around it, the former or working rope having onc
end attached in the groove of the pulley, which is in a line with the axis
of the cylinder, while its other end is attached to the head of the piston
rod. The other rope 20 has its ends fixed in the other grooves of the
drum, and also passes around the guide wheel 9, to which it is attached
at the middle of its length.
Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 2, show clevations of an engine, which it will
be seen is single acting. Its operation is as follows:-When one of the
pistons is at the commencement of its working stroke its rope 19 will be
wound around at least half the circumference of the clutch drum, the
lugs of which are engaged in the recesses of boss 5; the other piston
coupled with it is at this moment at the end of its working stroke, its
rope 19 being consequently unwound from the drum, and the lugs of
thic clutch are just about to disconnect from the other half of the clutch.
The two ropes are so disposed on the said drums that one is wound
thereon while the other is being unwound, and vice versa. The steam
in acting on one of the coupled pistons at same time that it operates
the rotation of the shaft unwinds its working rope and winds on
the other or return rope, which is correspondingly unwound from
the other drum, whose working rope is at same time wound on, thereby
returning the other piston to recommence its stroke.
It will be evident that as the half 6 of the clutch is turned half a
revolution backwards while the other half 5 makes a half revolution
forward the spring lugs will be brought opposite their corresponding
recesses, and the two halves of the clutch will be geared together.
The engine being single acting necessitates the employment of
additional cylinders, but this disadvantage is amply compensated for as
regards first expense, inasmuch as it enables all the costly parts con-
neeted with the crank to be dispensed with. One considerable source of
economy is derived from the saving in friction obtained by my system.
The power being always applied tangentially, neither joints nor guides
are needed.
My Invention is particularly applicable in the case of engines running
in one direction only, as a single pair of cylinders may be made to work
with nerfect regularity without the aid of a fly wheel. It also affords

page_text: means of effecting considerable economy by maintaining the cylinders at
a high temperature without any expense in the following manner :-In
Figures 2, 3, and 4, 21 is a pipe having two branches connected with the
non-working ends of the pair of cylinders, the branches being connected
by a pipe 22, having two semicircular valves, both pivoted on the same
stem 23 and opening in the direction of the arrow. Two similar valves 25
are also placed in one of the branch pipes. The pipe 21 is divided by a
partition 24 throughout its length into two channels corresponding to
the two cylinders. At the other end of pipe 21 are adapted a number
of tubes, not shown, bent of a U form, and connecting the two channels
of pipe 21. The aggregate section of these tubes should be at least
equal to that of one of the channels of pipe 21. This tubular apparatus
is located in the chimney or the ash pan or other suitable place where it
will be exposed to a high temperature. This assemblage of tubes is filled
with air, and arranged as above described; it forms a close circuit, in
which the air circulates in the following manner:-As the piston of
cylinder 20 performs its downward or return movement a vacuum would
be formed behind it, were it not that the air is admitted by the opening
of valves 25. On the up stroke of the piston the air is forced out again
and opening valves 23 enters the other cylinder, whose piston is on its
downward or return movement, the two pistons which are always moving
in opposite direction at the same speed thus acting alternately as suction
and force pumps for the air, which by the arrangement of the valves is
thus caused to circulate continually through the system of tubes, and
after passing several times through the tubular heater above described
rapidly acquires a very high temperature, which it transmits to the
cylinder. Within pipe 21 is the steam pipe 27 which conveys the steam
to the valve chest, and by passing the steam through a number of small
tubes it will be superheated in its passage.
Figure 11 shows a front view and section on line m, n, of a portion of
the pipe with valves 23 or 25 (which are alike) therein. Two of the
valves c, c, are shown open and the others shut.
It will be readily understood that with the arrangement of engine
above described the shaft may be made to perform a complete revolution
for each stroke of the piston, if this should be thought desirable.
The Invention may also be applied to double-acting cylinders by
employing two shafts geared together by a pitch chain or by a coupling

page_text: rod and cranks. In this case the guide drums would be dispensed with,
but it will be evident that many of the advantages of the single-acting
engine will be sacrificed.
Figures 5 and 6, Sheet 1, illustrate in plan and clevation, the action of
a double-acting cylinder in accordance with my Invention; 11 is a screw
coupling for keeping the rope taut.
The steam distribution is illustrated in Figure 2, Sheet 2, in which
one of the cylinders, and the adjoining part of the valve chest are shown
in section, the remainder of the valve chest being shown with the cover
removed. The orifices 28, 29, are those of the valves of each cylinder to
which the steam is supplied through a single pipe. Orifice 29 is
formed in a plate fitted and bolted to the bottom of the chest, its valve
being placed beneath while the valve of the larger orifice is placed
above it, that is to say, in the valve chest.
The two valves are connected by means of flexible strips of metal to
the two arms of an oscillating lever 31 (Figure 7, Sheet 1), mounted on
a central axis 46 (Figure 7 is a section of the valve chest on line r, 8,
Figure 1). Each valve is guided in its movements by a central rod 30
having its two ends fitted in corresponding holes of which one is formed
in the cross piece 32 fixed to the sides of the chest. The action of the
cam is applied to a third arm more or less long of the lever 31 by the
rod 33 which is slotted to receive it. This rod is divided into two flat
branches at 34, each branch being again bifurcated near its extremity 35,
the branches embracing the shaft and resting on collars upon which the
branches are free to move to and fro. Cam 36 is fixed on the shaft
between the collars; 37 is a hollow stud fixed on the two branches of
the fork and having a slot 38; 39 is a circular follower fitted to turn
loosely on a collar shown in Figure 8, Sheet 1. This collar is traversed
by a pin a passing through the slot of the hollow stud; 40 is the arm
for regulating the cut off. It is composed of a tubular rod passing into
the hollow stud and abutting by its extremity against the pin a, to
which it is connected by an india-rubber or other spring 6 within the
same. The extremity of this rod is enlarged and has a slot at 41 whose
length is proportional to the extent of the movement of the fork under
the action, its width corresponding to the diameter of the oblique rod 42
which is free to move in the slot, and by whose position the cut off is
regulated,

page_text: Figure 9, Sheet 2, shows the apparatus I have just described in plan,
the cam acting alternately upon two followers. The rod 42 terminates
in two parallel portions sliding in supports 43. Upon one of these ends
is fixed a rack 44 with which gears a pinion operated by lever 45. The
cam which is a multiple one or consists of a regular series of inclined
steps or cams is shown in Figure 7, Sheet 1. In the position shown the
valves are closed. The cam turns in the direction of the arrow and the
valves commence to open when the part C comes in contact with
the follower, and are completely open when the latter bears against
point d and remain open until the follower descends one of the series of
inclines or cams shown, the incline or cam by which the follower and
consequently the cut off will be governed being more or less near
the point d, according to the position of rod 42. The cam shown has
eleven different steps or inclines, but a greater number may be provided
with the same thickness of metal if required. As the follower bears but
lightly when the valves are opened, and as it may descend the inclined
step quickly it is only necessary that it should bear with its whole
breadth on the cam at the time of opening, for which it is only necessary
that the first incline near the position of repose or of no movement
should be of a width equal to that of the. follower. The cylindrical
part of the cam is the position of repose, and immediately the follower
.comes in contact therewith the steam is cut off. The valves are
operated by the movement imparted by the cam to follower and by
the latter transmitted to lever 31, whereby the upper valve is raised and
the other lowered to an equal extent. As soon as the follower runs
'down one of the inclines the upper valve having a greater area than the
other is forced towards its seat by a pressure proportional to the
difference of area of the two valves, and brings back the lever to its first
position and closes the other valve, the forked rod at the same time
being returned by spring 48.
"
To regulate with precision and from the outside the equal and
simultaneous action of the two valves the two extremities of axis 46 arc
mounted in slides adjustable in guides w by means of a screw 47 upon
which they rest. It will thus be evident that if steam should leak
⚫ through one of the valves, the lower one for example, by raising axis 46
on this side the valve may be adjusted exactly to its seat and similarly
in the case of the other valve. These movements require that the
opening in rod 33 should allow sufficient play to the lever. I fin i

page_text: the piston rod is formed of a disc u fixed on the rod; is a rubber or
other elastic cushion to modify the blow.
Between and x metallic washers may be interposed of the form]
shown in Figure 4 bis, by means of which and nut 10 the engine may be
so adjusted that the piston will act on the shaft during rather less than
a half revolution which is necessary for the following reason.
The shaft having continuous rotary motion whilst the one half of the
clutch has alternate rotary motion, it will be evident that the spring
lugs of the clutch will be always rather behind time, thereby producing
a rattling which will increase with the speed of the engine. By the
above means this objection is reduced as much as possible. The conical
springs i serve to cushion the piston and ensure the perfect closure of
the valveś.
Figure 11. bis is a modified form of cross head c¹ whereby the washers
Figure 4 bis may be dispensed with. By means of the adjusting nut o"
the same result is attained as by means of the movable washers before
described and with greater precision. The action of the parts will be
clearly seen in the Drawing. The piston X in the course of the return
movement which it is caused to perform by the action of the other piston
with which it is coupled closes the valves, whereupon the steam is
admitted, the piston commences its stroke in the opposite direction, and
the valves are kept shut by the pressure of the steam. When near the
end of its stroke the head of the piston rod abuts against c', thereby
opening the exhaust valves which are then kept open by springs b' until
the return of the piston.
To regulate the cut off automatically it is evident that the engine
being once set in motion at the proper speed if the lever 45, Figures
9 and 10, be connected to the sleeve of a ball governor by a rigid rod,
the said lever being previously adjusted in a nearly horizontal position
by means of holes in the disc which it embraces, the lever will follow
the up-and-down movements of the governor, thereby moving the
followers 39 in one or other direction, according as the speed of the
-engine increases or diminishes.
The use of disc 7 is only necessary for engines with reversing gear,
and as the engine generally runs but occasionally in the backward
direction a single pair of cylinders is sufficient for the purpose. Figures

page_text: 19 and 20, Sheet 1, show the disc and the gear for adjusting it. It
consists of a thin plate of metal having two apertures D corresponding
to the spring lugs to which they are opposite when the lugs are in work..
The disc is retained in this position by springs S and by stop a¹ fixed on
the clutch. Near the circumference are a series of holes all close
together. To stop the engine it is only necessary to rotate the discs to
such an extent that the apertures D are no longer opposite the spring
lugs, those of the clutch of the other pair of cylinders by which the
shaft is rotated in the reverse direction being uncovered at the samo
instant by the same movement of the lever.
The following is one method of effecting this object:-In Figure 20,
,, are two discs corresponding to clutches which operate in reverse
directions; 7, 7, two bars fitted in slides and operated by rack and
pinion . Each bar has a spring & terminating in a catch ³, and
between the spring and the bar is a fixed pin or abutment 111. The
spring tends to disengage its catch from the disc k. Now if the bars r
be moved in the direction of the arrow by rotating the pinion by means
of a hand lever, the bent part of the spring whose catch is engaged
in and turns the disc comes opposite pin, whereupon the spring is
freed and the catch is disengaged from the disc, the reverse action being
produced simultaneously on the other disc.
The system of steam distribution and exhaust herein-before described
may
also be applied to crank engines as illustrated in Figure 16, Sheet 2,
which shows an end view of the cylinder and valve chest. Figure 15
shows a plan of the same with part of the valve chest broken away,
while Figure 14 is a section taken on line 1, 2, 3, 4, Figure 16, one end
of the valve box being a section in the plane of the axis of one of the
equilibrium screws 47. The two levers 31 being in the line of motion of
their operating rod, two openings are made corresponding to the
levers, and of sufficient length to admit of the rod acting in both
directions. Each screw 47 acts in this instance by tension, its head
abutting against a clamp y. It will be evident that in order to operate
the exhaust, the piston rod must pass through both covers of the
cylinder and be provided with two heads.
In order to instantly stop the engine it is simply necessary to close the
exhaust on one side of one of the cylinders, which may be effected with
oase by means of a lever 3¹ (Figures 1 bis and 2. bis. Sheet 3).

page_text: Figures 17 and 18, Sheet 2, show the cam which I use in crank
engines with reversing gear. It is made double, each part being similar
to the cam before described, and in one piece with a space for position
of repose between them common to both cams, in both cases the
incline corresponding to the greatest expansion being, nearest the
position of repose. The arm 40 which governs the position of the
followers should in this case be free to give in both directions, which
object is attained by placing pin a between two springs. The spring
action of arm 40 will thus admit of placing lever 45 in position to suit
the degree of expansion desired, whatever may be the position of the 1
cams with regard to the followers.
The metallic packing which I use as a substitute for greased hemp is
composed of minute spherical grains and fine filings or other mineral
substances. The proportion of the latter should be more than sufficient
to fill the interstices between the spherical grains. The mass is then 1
filled up with grease and enclosed in bags of wire cloth (preferably
woven diagonally) moulded of a shape to fit exactly into the space they
are to fill, they being made in two parts to facilitate their insertion.
This packing is represented at n, Figures 2 and 7. When in position
the mass is compressed by means of nuts acting on a ring o made to fit
the interior o' of the stuffing box. The latter is also provided with one
or more screw holes to receive a screw n¹ by which more or less pressure
may be uniformly applied to all points of the mass which has some
analogy to liquids as regards the mobility of its particles. In filling
the packing thin tubes are inserted opposite the bolt holes as cores,
which are readily removed when the bolts are inserted.
The improved boiler feed apparatus is composed of two chambers
capable of supporting the same pressure as the boiler, and which I term
"intermittent " cisterns for supplying cold water to the heaters; one of
these cisterns is placed in communication with the cold water reservoir
by a pipe 1 and with the heaters by pipe 2. The former is provided
with a clack valve for preventing the return of the water, while the

page_text: is a ball valve 6 working in guides 7, and serving to stop the outflow of
the whole of the water, and to prevent the whole boiler pressure from.
being imparted to the heaters.
Figure 22 shows an elevation of the cistern for receiving the water
from the heater and introducing it into the generator, it being arranged
similar to the above, except that there is no ball valve. The tube 1', 2',
of this cistern should be made so much larger than pipe 2 of the other,
according as it is desired, to reduce the degree of pressure in the
henters.
To explain the action I will suppose a series of heaters completely
filled and capable of supporting a pressure equal to one third of that in
the boiler, they being connected together and with the hot water cistern,
Figure 22, by tubes whose area is three times as large as that of pipe 2
of the cold water cistern, the latter containing about the necessary
quantity of water for one feed, its cock 4 being closed. The hot water
cistern, which is situated above the boiler, is empty and its cock 4'
open.
Figure 25 represents a plan of the apparatus I employ for operating
the above arrangement. It consists of a cock of ordinary construction
provided with a toothed wheel A operated by worm D and suitable
gearing. This cock has but one way a¹, represented in dotted lines,
while the shell in which it turns has two ways, onc corresponding to
pipe 3 and the other to pipe 3¹. In the Drawing the aperture a¹ is
shown in the position it occupies when the hot water cistern has just
discharged its contents, the wheel A turning in the direction of the
arrow. When it arrives at position 6 the steam cnters the cold water
cistern, and under its pressure the water is caused to flow into the
heaters during the time that the cock in opening occupies in describing
the arc b, c; at same time a corresponding quantity of heated water is
passed from the heaters into the hot water cistern. The cock 4' is then
closed and the apparatus is in operation. The steam enters the latter
immediately the bore of the cock is brought opposite the large aperture
corresponding to pipe 3' and the water is passed into the boiler by virtue
of the difference of level during the whole time required by the passage a¹
to traverse the arc C, D, b, during which time the steam contained in
the cold water cistern. condenses, and the same quantity of cold water
is caused to flow in by the atmospheric pressure. The speed of rotation

page_text: of the cock relatively with that of the engine being ascertained, as well
as the approximate rate of consumption, it is easy to determine the
proper capacity of the cisterns. It is however preferable to make these
of larger dimensions than those theoretically required in order that the
feed may be regulated with precision without altering the speed of the
apparatus. For example, supposing the engine to be working at a
proper speed, but that. the feed is too abundant, this may be remedied by
allowing a little more air to enter cach cistern when they fill themselves,
or if the contrary be the case, by allowing steam to escape while they are
emptying, whereby the excess of air will be removed.
The same result may be obtained by creating a vacuum in the hot
water cistern when starting the apparatus and regulating the amount of
air in the cold water cistern only. Each cistern may also be placed in
communication with the steam space of the boiler by a second pipe pro-
vided with a cock to be operated by hand for feeding when the engine
is stopped.
""
The following are the arrangements I employ for heating and puri.
fying the feed water. Figuro 23 represents two portions of a heater
partly in horizontal section, while Figure 24 shows vertical and trans-
verse sections of the same taken on line 1—2. The apparatus is composed |
of two concentric cylinders m, n, with an intervening water space, in
which is placed an annular brush s capable of being traversed from ono
end to the other of the heater by means of cords or chains o" passing
round grooved pulleys p and attached to the eye of screw cap q. A
chamber is provided at one end of the apparatus, terminating in a pipe
with purge cock. I employ a suitable number of these heaters, each
placed in a separate flue and communicating with each other in such
manner that the water is caused to circulate throughout immediately
the cold water cistern is emptied, thus arriving in the generator in a
more heated and pure condition in proportion to the number of heaters
employed, all deposits being carried down by the brushes to the
chamber, and thence expelled. The gases of combustion circulate
through the flues in the reverse direction to that in which the feed water
passes, while if judged necessary the exhaust steam may be caused to
circulate through the series of inner tubes n.
The following relates to the improvements in furnace grates:-
Figure 26 represent the outer ends of four fire-bars in their normal

page_text: position; Figure 27 shows the same inclined; while Figure 28 shows
a bar in side view. Each bar is flanged at the upper part on each side
throughout its length, except those on the extreme sides of the grate,
which are formed as shown at t. The upper surface of the fire-bars
is curved to the arc of a circle, and they are all fitted to oscillate on
their end pivots. Where the bars arc of sufficient depth to admit of it
without weakening them I provide several transverse slits therein, as
shown, to admit of expansion. A lever a is fixed to the end of cach
fire-bar; all these levers and bars of the same grate are coupled together
by a bar y, by means of which they are inclined more or less as required,
the positions shown in Figures 26 and 27 giving a minimum and a
maximum of draft respectively.
v
By the above arrangement I am enabled to dispense with the damper
usually placed at the front of the furnace, which occasions smoke by the
cold air introduced thercat.
Figures 1 bis and 2 bis, Sheet 3, represent a plan and clevation of a
simple apparatus already described, in order that the parts which govern
the steam distribution when one cam only is used for the pair of
cylinders may be more clearly understood.
In Figure 1 bis the fork 34, as also a portion of the axle 37 and arm 40,
are drawn in section on line 4-5, Figure 2 bis, in which latter Figure
the steam chest is also shown partly in section through the axis of the
two cylinders, while the other part y is shown with the cover removed.
In starting the engine the exhaust valves may be opened or closed by
hand by means of a lever 3', also seen detached in Figure 10 bis, the
two arms u¹, u¹, of which should be sufficiently wide apart for the cross
head embraced by the same to work freely between them without
touching.
The distribution may also be operated by hand by means of a similar
lever acting on studs r, r, fixed on the forked rod 34 before referred to.
Figure 8 shows a detached view of the double oblique rod 42, of
which the followers 39, and consequently the cut-off, are controlled.
In Figure 2 bis this rod occupies the position in slot 41 corresponding
to the closed position of all the valves.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Jean Antoine Pène in the Great Scal Patent Office
on the 20th May 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JEAN
ANTOINE PÈNE, of Paris, Prance, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fifth day of November, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in tho
thirty-eighth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Jean Antoine Pène, Her
special licence that I, the said Jean Antoine Pène, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Jean Antoine
Pènc, 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 vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, tho Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN SUPPLYING FEED WATER TO STEAM
BOILERS AND PROMOTING COMBUSTION IN THEIR FURNACES," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Jean Antoine Pène, 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 immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Jean Antoine Pène, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the samo
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the Sheet of Drawings
hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is
to say):-
My Invention of improvements in the various parts of steam enginos,
and in supplying feed water to steam boilers and promoting combustion

page_text: spiral springs 16 acting on movable lugs 17, two of which are provided
for each clutch on opposite sides of the shaft, preferably at unequal
distances from the centre of rotation. Each of the boxes 5 has two
recesses 18 to receive lugs 17. The discs 7 are also provided with
corresponding openings. Each clutch has two ropes 19, 20, coiled
around it, the former or working rope having one end attached in the
groove of the pulley, which is in a line with the axis of the cylinder,
while its other end is attached to the head of the piston rod. The other
rope 20 has its end fixed in the other grooves of the two drums
respectively, and passes around the guide wheel 9, to which it is attacheḍ
at the middle of its length.
Figures 2 and 3 shew elevations of an engine, which it will be seen
is single acting. Its operation is as follows:-When one of the pistons
is at the commencement of its working stroke its rope 19 will be wound
around at least half the circumference of the clutch drum, the lugs of
which are engaged in the recesses of boss 5. The other piston coupled
with it is at this moment at the end of its working stroke, its rope 19
being consequently unwound from the drum, and the lugs of the clutch
arc just about to disconnect from the other half of the clutch. The two
ropes are so disposed on the said drums that the one is wound thereon
while the other is being unwound, and vice versa. The steam in acting
on one of the coupled pistons at same time that it operates the rotation of
the shaft, unwinds its working rope, and winds on the other or return
rope, which is correspondingly unwound from the other drum, whose
working rope is at same time wound on, thereby returning the other
piston to recommence its stroke.
It will be evident that as the half 6 of the clutch is turned half a
revolution backwards, while the other half 5 makes a half revolution
forward, the spring lugs will be brought opposite their corresponding
recesses, and the two halves of the clutch will be geared together.
The engine being single-acting necessitates the employment of
additional cylinders, but this disadvantage is ample compensated for as
regards first expense, inasmuch as it enables all the costly parts
incidental to the use of the crank to be dispensed with. One considerable
source of economy is the diminution of friction effected by my system.
The power being always applied tangentially, neither joints nor guides
arc needed.
My Invention is particularly applicable in the case of engines running

page_text: in one direction only, as a single pair of cylinders may be made to work
with perfect regularity without the aid of a fly whcel. It also affords
means of effecting considerable economy by maintaining the cylinder at
a high temperature without any expense in the following manner-In
Figures 2, 3, and 4, 21 is a pipe having two branches connected with
the non-working ends of the pair of cylinders, the branches being
connected by a pipe 22 having two semicircular valves both pivoted on
the same stem 23, and opening in the direction of the arrow. Two
similar valves 25 are also placed in one of the branch pipes. The
pipe 21 is divided by a partition 24 throughout its length into two
channels corresponding to the two cylinders. At the other end of the
pipe 21 are adapted a number of tubes, not shown, bent of a U form,
and connecting the two channels of pipe 21. The aggregate sectional
area of these tubes should be at least equal to the sectional area of one
of the channels of pipe 21. This tubular apparatus is located in the
chimney or the ash pan or other suitable place where it will be exposed
to a high temperature. This assemblage of tubes arranged as above
described contains air, and forms a close circuit, in which the air
circulates in the following manner:- -As the piston of cylinder 26
performs its downward or return movement a vacuum would be formed
behind it were it not that the air is admitted by the opening of valves 25.
On the upstroke of the piston the air is forced out again, and opening
valves 23 enters the other cylinder, whose piston is on its downward or
return movement, the two pistons which are always moving in opposite
directions at the same speed thus acting alternately as suction and force
pumps for the air, which by the arrangement of the valves is thus
caused to circulate continually through the system of tubes, and after
passing several times through the tubular heater above described rapidly
acquires a very high temperature, which it transmits to the cylinders.
Within pipe 21 is the steam pipe 27, which conveys the steam to the
valve chest, and by passing the steam through a number of small tubes
it will be superheated in its passage.
•
Figure 11 shews a front view and section on line m, n, of a portion of
the pipe with valves 23 or 25 (which are alike) therein. Two of the
valves c, c, are shewn open and the others shut.
It will be readily understood that the shaft may be made to perform a
complete revolution for cach stroke of the piston, if this should be
thought desirable.

page_text: The means employed for keeping the cylinders at a high température
may also be applied to double-acting cylinders by introducing into the
circuit a suction and force pump, which is also double acting, as
represented in Figure 37 in elevation and longitudinal section. The
piston 15 is made of sheet iron and of rather less diameter than the
cylinder, so as not to touch the sides of the same when working. The
piston rod projects at both ends of the cylinder, the packing being com-
posed of a cork disc 17 compressed by a metallic ring secured by bolts
and nuts. The piston is worked by an eccentric, the extent of its
motion in both directions being indicated by the arrow; 18, inlet
passages by which both parts of the pump barrel are placed in com-
munication with the annular space of the cylinder; 19, outlet passages.
Instead of continually relicating the same air, I may in this case intro-
duce a portion of the gases of combustion direct from the chimney, or
otherwise; 20, channel by which the gases are returned to the chimney
or carried elsewhere to utilize the remainder of the heat they coutain.
The channels 18 and 19 are made rectangular in cross section to receive
the small clack valves i, before referred to, which open in the direction
of the arrows, and close by their own gravity; 21, non-conducting
casing for preventing loss of heat by radiation.
The Invention may also be applied to double-acting cylinders by
employing two shafts geared together by a pitch chain or by a coupling
rod and cranks. In this case the guide drums would be dispensed with,
.but it will be evident that many of the advantages of the single-acting
engine will be sacrificed. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate in plan and
clevation the action of a double-acting cylinder in accordance with my
Invention; 11 is a screw coupling for keeping the rope taut.
The steam distribution is illustrated in Figure 2, in which one of the
cylinders and the adjoining part of the valve chest are shewn in section,
the remainder of the valve chest being shown with the cover removed.
The orifices 28 and 29, are those of the valves of each cylinder, to which
the steam is supplied through a single pipe. Orifice 29 is formed in a
plate fitted and bolted to the bottom of the chest, its valve being placed
beneath, while the valve of the larger orifice is placed above it, that is
to say, in the valve chest.
The two valves are connected by means of flexible strips of metal to
the two arms of an oscillating lever 31 (Figure 7) mounted on a central

page_text: axis 46. Figure 7 is a section of the valve chest on line 7, 8, (Figure 1).
Each valve is guided in its movements by a central rod 30, having its
two ends fitted in corresponding holes, of which one is formed by the
cross piece 32 fixed to the sides of the chest. The action of the cam is
applied to a third arm, more or less long, of the lever 31 by the rod 33
which is slotted to receive it. This rod is divided into two flat branches
at 34, cach branch being again bifurcated near its extremity 35, the
branches embracing the shaft and resting on collars, upon which the
branches are free to move to and fro. Cam 36 is fixed in the shaft
between the collars; 37 is a hollow stud fixed on the two branches of
the fork and having a slot 38; 39 is a circular follower fitted to turn
loosely on a collar, shown in Figure 8. This collar is traversed by a
pin a passing through the slot of the hollow stud; 40 is the arm for
regulating the cut-off; it is composed of a tubular rod passing into the
hollow stud and abutting by its extremity against the pin a, to which it
is connected by an india-rubber or other spring b within the same. The
extremity of the rod is enlarged and has a slot at 41, whose length is
proportional to the extent of the movement of the fork under the
action of the cam, its width corresponding to the diameter of the oblique
rod 42, which is free to move in the slot and by whose position the cut-
off is regulated.
Figure 9 shews the apparatus I have just described in plan, the cam
acting alternately upon two followers. The rod 42 terminates in two
parallel portions sliding in supports 43. Upon one of these ends is fixed
a rack 44, with which gears a pinion operated by lever 45. The cam
which is a multiple one, or consists of a regular scries of inclined steps
or cams, is shewn in Figure 7. In the position shown the valves are
closed. The cam turns in the direction of the arrow, and the valves
commence to open when the part c comes in contact with the follower,
and are completely open when the latter bears against point d, and
remain open until the follower descends one of the series of inclines or
cams shown, the incline or cam by which the follower, and consequently
the cut-off will be governed being more or less near the point d, accord-
ing to the position of rod 42. The cam shewn has eleven different steps
or inclines, but a greater number may be provided with the same
thickness of metal, if required, as the follower bears but lightly when
the valves are opened, and as it may descend the inclined step quickly it
is only necessary that it should bear with its whole breadth on the cam-
B2

page_text: at the moment of opening the valves, for which the first incline.near
thic position of repose or of no movement merely requires to be of a
width equal to that of the follower. The cylindrical part f of the
cam is the position of repose, and immediately the follower comes
opposite this part the steam is cut off. The valves are operated by the
movement imparted by the cam to the follower, and by the latter
transmitted to lever 31, whereby the upper valve is raised and the other
lowered to an equal extent. As soon as the follower runs down one of
the inclines the upper valve, having a greater area than the other, is
forced towards its seat by a pressure proportional to the difference of
area of the two valves, and brings back the lever to its first position and
closes the other valve, the forked rod at the same time being returned by
spring 48.
.
To regulate with precision and from the outside the equal and simul-
taneous action of the two valves the two extremities of axis 46 arc
mounted on slides, adjustable in guides h, by means of a screw 47 upon
which they rest. It will thus be evident that if steam should leak
through one of the valves (the lower one for example) by raising axis 46
on this side the valve may be adjusted exactly to its seat, and similarly
in the case of the other valve. These movements require that the
opening in rod 33 should allow sufficient play to the lever. I find it
advantageous to make the valve seat somewhat clastic. The arms of the
lever which support the valves terminate in ares of a circle to which
rods 30 are tangents. The spring 48' is sufficiently strong to overcome
the friction of rod 33 and its accessorics. A spiral spring c™ may also
be placed upon the upper valve to aid in closing it.
The steam distribution to both cylinders may be governed by the same
cam by modifying the part of rod 33 which is situate within the valve
chest, as shown in Figure 13, in which the position of levers 31 cor-
responds with the closed positions of the valves. The fork rod must also
be prolonged so as to carry a second follower on the opposite side of the
cam, and the valves be so disposed that those of one cylinder may be
opened by the movement of rod 33 in one direction, and those of the other
cylinder by the movement of said rod in the other direction. Rod 33
is provided with two springs 48 acting in opposite directions, as shown
in Figure 14. The two followers are each governed by an oblique rod 42,
but the two are coupled together at one end which carries a rack by which
they are adjusted; Figure S bis, shows it in side view..

page_text: Instead of employing an oblique rod 42 for varying the cut-off, tho
motion of the pinion may be applied direct to arm 40, which for this
purpose is modified, as represented in Figure 39. The rack is attached
at its outer end, and the pinion gearing in same should have a length 1, 8,
at least equal to the motion of the fork.
Figure 17 shows a portion of a fork rod with two followers, the
rod 42 being in the position which corresponds to the closed position
of the valves.
bia
Figures 1 and 2
bia
show plan and elevation of a simple apparatus
already described, in order to show more clearly the mechanism
governing the distribution when a single cam only is employed for the
two cylinders.
bis
In Figure 1, the fork 34 and part of stud 37 and the arm 40, aro
sectioned on line 4, 5, of Figure 2 "". In this latter Figure the steam
chest is partly in section along the axial line of the two cylinders the
remainder being shown with the cover removed.
Figure 7
bis
'
shows also a forked rod with two followers, in which the
form of the latter is modified.
It is evident that with this system the valves will be opened twice as
quickly and the thrust of the cam will be less oblique. Spiral spring H
brings back the follower to its proper position as soon as it ceases to act,
and the stops ¹ fixed one on each branch of the fork retain it in position.
The eccentric part H' of the cam and the follower is serrated to ensure
the one being moved by the others.
In the case of an engine fitted with reversing gear, the followers are
formed as represented in Figure 38, each with two eccentric grooved
parts H,, separated by a projecting stud m. H springs placed on
either side of the follower and acting on opposite directions thereon.
By this means immediately the follower is released the stud m returns
to the same position which is that in which the springs are in equili-
brium, as shown in the Drawing.
The exhaust is governed directly by the piston, the heat of the piston
rod acting alternately on the valves s shown in elevation, Figure 2, and in
plan, Figure 1. Each of these valves is fixed on a central rod §¹
traversing the exhaust box v', and the two rods are fitted to the same

page_text: cross piece c² and are prolonged and move freely in the guides " bolted
on the exhaust box v', which guides serve also for springs ¹ to abut
against, which springs press constantly against the cross piece c¹. They
should be strong enough to keep the valves open during the exhaust.
The head of the piston rod is formed of a disc u. Fixed on the rod x is
rubber or other elastic cushion to modify the blow.
Between and x metallic washers may be interposed of the form
shown in Figure 4 "", by means of which and nut 10 the engine may
be so adjusted that the piston will act on the shaft during rather less
than a half revolution which is necessary for the following reason.
By
The shaft having continuous rotary motion whilst the one half of the
clutch has alternate rotary motion, it will be evident that the spring
lugs of the clutch will be always rather behind time, thereby producing
a rattling which will increase with the speed of the engine.
the above means this objection is reduced as much as posible. The
conical springs i serve to cushion the piston and ensure the perfect
closure of the valves. The action of the parts will be clearly seen in
the Drawing. The piston x in the course of the return movement
which it is caused to perform by the action of the other piston with which
it is coupled closes the valves, whereupon the steam is admitted, the
piston commences its stroke in the opposite direction and the valves are
kept shut by the pressure of the steam. When near the end of its
stroke the head of the piston rod abuts against c¹, thereby opening the
exhaust valves which are then kept open by springs ¹ until the return
of the piston.
In starting the engine the exhaust valves may be opened or closed by
hand by means of a lever 3', also scen detached in Figure 10 ", the two
-arms ', u', of which should be sufficiently wide apart for the cross
-head c¹ to work freely between them without touching. The distribution
may also be operated by hand by means of a similar lever acting on
studs 1, 1, fixed on the forked rod.
To regulate the cut-off automatically it is evident that the engine
being once set in motion at the proper speed, if the lever 45 (Figures 9
and 10) be connected to the sleeve of a ball governor by a rigid rod, the
-said lever being previously adjusted in a nearly horizontal position by
means of holes in the disc which it embraces, the lever will follow the
up-and-down movements of the governor, thereby moving the followers 39

page_text: in one or other direction, according as the speed of the engine increases
or diminishes.
bio
Figure 11 represents an clevation and section of a modified arrange-
ment of cross head c', by which the use of the washers, Figure 4 bls,
may be dispensed with. By means of the adjusting of the nut c¹¹ the
same result is attained as by the washers before described and with
greater precision.
The use of disc 7 is only necessary for engines with reversing gear,
and as the engine generally runs but occasionally in backward gear a
single pair of cylinders is sufficient for the purpose. Figures 19 and 20
show the disc and the gear for adjusting it. It consists of a thin plate
of metal having two apertures D corresponding to the spring lugs, to
which they are opposite when the lugs are in work. The disc is retained
in this position by springs 8 and by stop a' fixed on the clutch. Near
the circumference are a series of holes a" close together. To stop the
enginc it is only necessary to rotate the discs to such an extent that the
apertures D are no longer opposite the spring lugs, those of the clutches
of the other pair of cylinders by which the shaft is rotated in the reverse
direction being uncovered at the same instant by the same movement of
the lever.
The following is one method of effecting this object:-In Figure 20,
, k, are two discs corresponding to clutches which operate in reverse
directions; ", ", two bars fitted in slides and operated by rack and
pinion '. Each bar has a spring k terminating in a catch », and
between the spring and the bar is a fixed pin or abutment. The
spring tends to disengage its catch from the disc k. Now if the bars »
be moved in the direction of the arrow by rotating the pinion by means
of a hand lever the bent part of the spring whose catch is engaged
in and turns the disc comes opposite pin ", whereupon the spring is
freed and the catch is disengaged from the disc, the reverse action being
produced simultaneously on the other disc.
The system of steam distribution and exhaust, herein-before described,
may also be applied to crank engines, as illustrated in Figure 16, which
shows an end view of the cylinder and valve chest. Figure 15 shows a
plan of the same with part of the valve chest broken away, while
Figure 14 is a section taken on line 1, 2, 3, 4, Figure 16, one end of the
valye box being a section in the plane of the axis of one of the equi.

page_text: librium screws 47. The two levers 31 being in the line of motion of
their operating rod two openings are made corresponding to the levers.
and of sufficient length to admit of the rod acting in both directions.
Each screw 47 acts in this instance by tension, its head abutting against
a clamp y. It will be evident that in order to operate the exhaust the
piston rod must pass through both covers of the cylinder and be provided
with two heads.
In order to instantly stop the engine it is simply necessary to close
the exhaust on one side of one of the cylinders, which may be effected
with ease by means of a lever 3¹ (Figures 1 bis and 2 bis).
Figures 17 and 18 show the cam which I usc in crank engines with
reversing gear. It is made double, cach part being similar to the cam
before described, and in one piece, with a space for position of repose
between them, common to both cams, in both cases the incline corrc-
sponding to the greatest expansion being nearest the position of repose.
The arm 40 which governs the position of the followers should in this
case be free to yield in both directions, which object is attained by
placing the pin a between two springs. The spring action of arm 40
will thus admit of placing lover 45 in position to suit the degree of
expansion desired, whatever may be the position of the cams with regard
to the followers.
The metallic packing which I use as a substitute for greased hemp is
composed of minute spherical grains and fine filings or other finely
divided mineral substances. The proportion of the latter should be more
than sufficient to fill the interstices between the spherical grains. The
mass is then filled up with grease and enclosed in bags of wire cloth
(preferably woven diagonally) moulded of a shape to fit exactly into the
space they are to fill, they being made in two parts to facilitate their
insertion. This packing is represented at n, Figures 2 and 7. When in
position the mass is compressed by means of nuts acting on a ring o
made to fit the interior o' of the stuffing box. The latter is also provided
with one or more screw holes to receive a screw n', by which more or
less pressure may be uniformly applied to all points of the mass, which
has some analogy to liquids as regards the mobility of its particles. In
filling the packing thin tubes are inserted opposite the bolt holes as a
cores, which are readily removed when the bolts are inserted.
With regard to the packing for the rods, this metallic packing may

page_text: also be employed with an ordinary stuffing box, while by tapping a screw
hole therein for the screw 12¹ the bags of wire cloth may be dispensed
with and replaced by two rings of hemp or of wire cloth surrounding
the rod and abutting against the ends of the box for the purpose of pre-
venting any particle of the filings from passing out during the motion of
the rod.
The improved boiler feed apparatus is composed of two chambers
capable of supporting the same pressure as the boiler, and which I term
"intermittent" cisterns. One of the cisterns is placed in communication
with the cold water reservoir by a pipe 1 and with the heaters by pipe 2.
The former is provided with a clack valve for preventing the return of
the water, while the other has a similar valve at the point where it enters
the heaters to prevent the water contained in the latter from flowing back
into the cistern. At the upper part of this cistern are fixed two other
tubes 3, 4, cach provided with a cock, the latter opening to the atmo-
sphere and the other communicating with the steam space of the boiler.
In the cistern is a ball valve 6 working in guides 7 and serving to stop
the outflow of the whole of the water and to prevent the whole boiler
pressure from being imparted to the heaters.
Figure 22 shows an elevation of the cistern for receiving the water
from the heater and introducing it into the generator, it being arranged
similar to the above except that there is no ball valve. The tubes 1ª, 2¹,.
of this cistern should be made so much larger than pipe 2 of the other,
according as it is desired to reduce the degree of pressure in the
heaters.
To explain the action I will suppose a series of heaters completely
filled and capable of supporting a pressure equal to one-third of that in
the boiler, they being connected together and with the hot-water cistern,
Figure 22, by tubes whose area is three times as large as that of pipe 2
of the cold water cistern, the latter containing about the. necessary
quantity of water for one feed, its cock 4 being closed. The hot-water
cistern, which is situated above the boiler, is empty and its cock 4 open.
Figure 25 represents a plan of the apparatus I employ for operating
the above arrangement. It consists of a cock of ordinary construction
provided with a toothed wheel A operated by worm D and suitable
gearing. This cock has but one way a³, represented in dotted lines,
while the shell in which it turns has two ways, one corresponding to

page_text: •
pipe 3 and the other to pipe 3¹. In the Drawing the aperture a¹ is shown
in the position it occupies when the hot-water cistern has just discharged
its contents, the wheel A turning in the direction of the arrow. When
it arrives at position 6 the steam enters the cold-water cistern, and under
its pressure the water is caused to flow into the heaters during the time
that the cock in opening occupies in describing the arc B, C. At samo
time a corresponding quantity of heated water is passed from the heaters
into the hot-water cistern. The cock 4' is then closed and the apparatus
is in operation. The steam enters the latter immediately the borc of the
cock is brought opposite the large aperture corresponding to pipe 3, and
the water is passed into the boiler by the virtue of the difference of level
during the whole time required by the passage a¹ to traverse tho
arc c, D, b, during which time the steam contained in the cold-water
cistern condenses, and the same quantity of cold water is caused to flow
in by the atmospheric pressure. The speed of rotation of the cock
relatively with that of the engine being ascertained, as well as the
approximate rate of consumption, it is casy to determine the proper
capacity of the cisterns. It is however preferable to make these of
larger dimensions than what is theoretically required in order that the
feed may be regulated with precision without altering the speed of the
apparatus. For example, supposing the engine to be working at a proper
speed, but that the feed is too abundant; this may be remedied by
allowing a little more air to enter each cistern when they fill themselves,
or if the contrary be the case, by allowing steam to escape while they
are emptying, whereby the excess of air will be removed.
The same result may be obtained by creating a vacuum in the hot-
water cistern when starting the apparatus and regulating the amount of
air in the cold-water cistern only. Each cistern may also be placed in
communication with the steam space of the boiler by a second pipe
provided with a cock to be operated by hand for feeding when the engine
is stopped.
The following are the arrangements I employ for heating and purifying
the feed water-Figure 23 represents two portions of a heater partly
in horizontal section, while Figure 24 shows vertical and transverse
sections of the same taken on line 1-2. The apparatus is composed of
two concentric cylinders m, n, with an intervening water space, in which
is placed an annular brush s capable of being traversed from one end to
the other of the heater by means of cords or chains 8 passing round

page_text: grooved pulleys p and attached to the eye of screw cap q. A chamber »
is provided at one end of the apparatus terminating in a pipe provided
with a purge cock. I employ a suitable number of these heaters, cach
placed in a separate flue and communicating with each other in such
manner that the water is caused to circulate in all of them immediately
the cold-water cistern is emptied, thus arriving in the generator in a more
heated and pure condition in proportion to the number of heaters
employed, all deposits being carried down by the brushes to the
chamber, and thence expelled. The gases of combustion circulato
through the flues in the reverse direction to that in which the feed
water passes, while if judged necessary the exhaust steam may be caused
to circulate through the series of inner tubes n.
The system of boiler feed may also be modified, as shown in Figure 39.
In this arrangement the ball float 6 of the cold water cistern is attached
to a large float 8 by means of a spring r. The float is guided in its
movements by two parallel rods 7, and is surmounted by a stem 9
working in a stuffing box 10, and indicating on a scale 11 the variations
of the water level in the cistern. 12 is a section of the first heater of
the series; it is connected with the cold water cistern by a pipe attached
by a screw coupling 13 having a ball valve 14. The other end of cach
of the heaters is closed by a screw cap which may be readily removed
for the purpose of clearing out the same. The hot water cistern 15 is
placed in the chimney, as scen in section.
The ball valves 5, 5', of both cisterns should be of greater density
than the water, and all those valves are represented in the positions
they occupy when feeding.
The following relates to the improvements in furnace grates:-
Figure 26 represent the outer ends of four firc-bars in their normal
position; Figure 27 shows the same inclined; while Figure 28 shows a
bar in side view. Each bar is flanged at the upper part on each side
throughout its length except those on the extreme sides of the grate
which are formed as shown at t. The upper surface u of the fire-bars is
curved to the arc of a circle, and they are all fitted to oscillate on their
end pivots. Where the bars are of sufficient depth to admit of it without
weakening them I provide several transverse slits therein, as shown,
to admit of expansion. A lever x is fixed to the end of each fire-bar;
all these levers and bars of the same grate are coupled together by a

page_text: bar y, by means of which they are inclined more or less as required, the
positions shown in Figures 26 and 27 giving a minimum and a maximum
of draught respectively.
The steam engine which has done so much to ennoble manual labor
and to relieve the workmen, has however hitherto necessitated a species
of labor before unknown, I allude to that of the stokers on board steam
vessels. The two principal causes which render this labor so arduous
are the great muscular efforts necessary for feeding and stoking the fires
and the great heat to which the stokers are exposed. These two
objections I propose to reduce in a great measure, and at same time to
effect an economy in fuel and a greater regularity of feed.
The following are the means I propose to employ:-Figure 29 shows
a front elevation of two furnaces with a portion of the boiler, and
Figures 30, a section on linc a, b. At the front above cach furnace is
placed a fuel hopper 1 of the same width as the furnace, and whose
capacity may be increased or diminished by raising or lowering the
plate 2 which forms the upper front side of the hopper, and is secured at
the desired height by nuts 3. At the bottom of the receptacle is an
opening 4 extending across its entire breadth through which the fuel is
fed into the furnace, the said opening being closed by a trap 5, to which
is fixed a rack 6 operated by a pinion 7 on a shaft 8, to which is attached
a hand lever 9. 10 is a friction roller on the top end of the rack 6 which
bears against the front end of the boiler. Below the fire-bars is placed the
apparatus shown in plan in Figure 31, and in section in Figure 30 taken on
line a, b. It consists of a series of cross bars c, c, c¹, supported at each
end on two bars 11 fixed along the sides of the ash-pit. On each of the
cross bars are fixed a series of blades 12 corresponding in number to the
apertures between the fire-bars and exactly opposite thereto. To each
of the cross bars is also attached an arm 13 having a slot, through which
is passed one of the links of the pitch chain 14. To the cross bar c¹
are also fixed four plates 15, 16, and to the ends of the same cross bar is
also attached the rake 17 by arms 18 passing along the sides of the furnace,
the end of cach arm projecting below the cross bar and working in
a groove made in each of the bars 11. The pitch chain 14 passes round
two chain wheels 19, 20, the former of which is mounted at the back of
the ash-pit, and the other is fixed on a shaft 2¹ which is turned in either
direction by the same lever 22. For this purpose said lever which is

page_text: represented in detached view in Figure 32 is provided with a double
pawl 23 for rotating the ratchet alternately in opposite directions. The
two ratchets 24 are also made in one and may be divided by a narrow
fillet 25. In order to ensure the pawl acting in the direction desired
irrespective of the position of the lever, each pawl is provided with a
small eye or other means for connecting a spiral or other spring 26, the
opposite ends of which are attached to a chain or cord 27 passing freely
through the end of hand lever 22. By pulling the cord in one direction
the pawl at the opposite end will be held in gear with the ratchet.
I have in the Drawings illustrated my stoking apparatus as adapted
to the moveable fire-bars herein-before described, the lever 28 being
employed for regulating the admission of air by acting on rod y. The
furnace is first charged in the ordinary way at the door 29 after having
previously raised the rake 17 to the position shown in dotted lines, after
which it is let down and the fire is lighted.
In order to explain the working of the apparatus, supposing it is
required to feed the furnaces every fifteen minutes, the capacity of the
fuel hopper is regulated accordingly. In feeding the fucl the lever 28
is brought to the position shown in Figure 29, which corresponds to the
normal position of the fire-bars, the lever 22 is then made to describe
three times an arc d, the cord 27 being at same time put in tension, as
shown. By this means the fuel next the rake 17 will oppose such a
degree of resistance that the chain 14 acting on levers 13 will in the
first place simply turn the cross bars c, c', and cause the blades 12 to
penetrate between the fire-bars and raise the fuel, but on arriving at tho
position indicated in dotted lines the two plates 15 having described the
arc e abut against the bars and so prevent the further rotation. The
lever then imparts a.general sliding movement to the apparatus, and the
rake 17 pushes the whole of the fuel before it. The cord 27 is then
pulled so as to throw the other pawl into gear with the ratchet and
rotate shaft 2 in the reverse direction for returning the apparatus to its
former position. The space traversed by the rake 17 will be thus
entirely clear, whereupon trap 5 is raised by lever 9 and the fuel con-
tained in the hopper allowed to pass down into the part of the grate
cleared by the rake. The trap 5 is then closed and lever 28 inclined
sufficiently to admit the proper amount of air, it being preferable to
incline said lever alternately to right and left so that the bars may wear

page_text: In Figures 29 and 30 t are the ash-pits; u, aperture made in each
furnace door; covered by a sliding plate for observing the state of the
fires; ¹, boiler.
In Figure 31 g, 9, are two tic rods connecting cross bars c, c, c¹, and
maintaining their parallelism.
Figure 29 bis represents the plate which supports the front ends of the
fire-bars. It may be advantageous in some cases to modify the form of the
bars, as shewn in Figure 35, in order to avoid the admission of air at
that part of the grate at which the fuel is first supplied.
The following are the principal advantages of the above described
arrangements:-
First. The labor of the stoker is considerably alleviated, it being limited
to merely filling the fuel hopper and working the levers, which latter
operation occupies but a minute or so.
Second. The temperature of the stoke holes is much lower, as the furnace
doors are kept closed, and the front plates are kept from the heat of the
fire by the green fuel. The radiation of heat from the ash-pits may also
be prevented by placing at the entrance of cach a kind of metallic louvre,
which will at same time serve to warm the air before it passes up between
the fire-bars.
3rd. Perfect combustion is obtained, as the green fuel being in a
mass at the front of the furnace the gases will be gradually evolved
therefrom by distillation, and forced to traverse the entire extent of the
grate surface before passing away through the flue, during which passage
they cannot fail to meet with the necessary quantity of oxygen at a
suitable temperature to be perfectly consumed. This is very different
to what takes place when the fresh fuel is spread over the whole grate,
as usual, in which case the gases from the fuel near the back of the
grate pass almost immediately into the flue, and are therefore but
partially consumed. I am of opinion that in a single furnace stoked in
the ordinary way as large a quantity of gases would be distilled in a
given time as in four furnaces fixed simultaneously on my improved
system, and this it is which renders the proportional regulation of the
draught difficult, and occasions the burning of. the boiler plates, which
may be considered as one of the most frequent causes of boiler
explosions.

page_text: My system will allow of the longest grates being employed, and may be
adapted to any kind of grate, it being simply necessary for the firc-
bars to be placed as nearly parallel as possible to ensure a perfect
action.
The apparatus is not liable to get out of order, and even in this event
would not cause a stoppage, as the fuel may be fed in at the door in
the ordinary way.
It is well known that in order to ensure the admission of a suitable
quantity of air into the furnaces it does not always suffice to enlarge the air
apertures, especially when it is desired to extract as much heat as possible
from the gases of combustion, and that in this case blowers are employed.
To obviate the use of these expensive adjuncts I dispose an apparatus
within the chimney by means of which a regulated draft is obtained as
required. This apparatus is represented at A, Figure 36, which shows a
central vertical section of the chimney a with the apparatus disposed
therein. This apparatus consists of two concentric cylinders with an
annular space c between them to contain water, and preferably made in
two halves with flanges bolted together at d. The top of the vessel A is
pierced with a number of small holes.e, through which the steam escapes,
and thus produces a constant draft in the chimney, which may be
increased by utilizing a greater part of the large heating surface
available.
The apparatus is supplied with water by a pipe at the same time as
the boiler, the pipe being for this purpose connected to the boiler feed
pipe 21, and provided with a cock g, by which a greater or less quantity
of water may be admitted, the duration of the feed being invariable.
The pipe is enlarged at the upper part to form a chamber to contain a
ball valve for closing the lower orifice after each feed, while two small
stops serve to prevent it closing the upper orifice. Within the vessel is
also placed a smaller float to which a wire is attached, passing through
one of the perforations c and over a pulley, and to its other end is
attached a small weight for indicating on the outside of the chimney
the level of the liquid in the vessel.
I am aware that the opinion of the Inventor on the merits of his
Invention does not carry any great weight, but I will however sum up
in a few words the principal advantages which may be derived from the
several improvements hercin-before described, if only to point out the

page_text: Fourthly. The employment of the metallic packing herein described,
as also the apparatus used in connection therewith, as specified.
Fifthly. The employment of two cisterns for feeding the boiler, together
with the apparatus in connection therewith, and adapted for working
the same, as described.
Sixthly. The use of fire-bars with lateral flanges of suitable form, and
with or without transverse grooves, as and for the purpose specified.
Seventhly. The method of, and apparatus for, feeding and stoking the
furnaces, together with the means for promoting the draught, all sub-
stantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jean Antoine Pène, have here-
•
unto set my hand and scal, this Eleventh day of May, in thic
year of our Lord One thousand cight hundred and seventy-
five.