IMPROVE- MENTS APPLICABLE TO MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, ENGINE GOVERNORS, AND PUMPS
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Andrew Higginson, of Liverpool, in the County
of Lancaster, Marine Draughtsman, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS APPLICABLE TO MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, ENGINE GOVERNORS, AND
PUMPS."
Scaled the 26th March 1872, and dated the 22nd January 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Higginson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 22nd January 1872.
I, ANDREW HIGGINSON, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Marine Draughtsman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, ENGINE GOVERNORS,
AND PUMPS," to be as follows (that is to say) :-
This Invention consists of a certain arrangement of machinery
which may be used with slight modifications as a motive power engine,
pump, or govenor.

page_text: To construct an engine or govenor according to this Invention I take
a cylinder fitted at each end with suitable covers through which passes
a transverse shaft, by which the cylinder is mounted on a suitable
stationary framing, so that the same may be stationary or partially oscilate.
Internally the external cylinder is fitted with a smaller cylinder, say of
one-third the internal diameter of the external cylinder, which is
eccentric to, and the inside of which is in close contact with one side of
the transverse shaft, which shaft and inner cylinder is again enclosed
by a third or intermediate cylinder, the inner surface of which is in
contact with the outer surface of the inner smaller cylinder, and the
outside of the intermediate cylinder is in contact with the interior of the
external cylinder. Radiating from the centre shaft is a blade or piston
which extends and works through slots cut across the face of the small
and intermediate cylinders, and is in close contact with the inner surfaces
of the external cylinder, the feed port is within the intermediate
cylinder and opens out at one side of the internal or smaller cylinder, so
that as the two internal cylinders are carried round by the pressure on
the blade or piston, the fluid on the front thereof is forced through
channels or passages which extend from the interior of the intermediate
cylinder to the interior or space between the intermediate and outer
cylinder; thence by reason of the blade or piston encompassing the whole
space of the outer cylinder the water or other fluid is forced out through
the exit port, which is formed in the cover of the external cylinder, at
one side of the intermediate cylinder, in a line a little below the inlet
port which opens into the immediate cylinder.
The intermediate and internal small cylinders work in grooves formed
in the external cylinder covers, the communication between the second
and external cylinder, passing under the said grooves at the opposite
side to the inlet port which opens into the interior of the intermediate
cylinder. The several cylinders are all formed with a taper so that
the same may be ground up and tightened by means of the cylinder
Cover.

page_text: When this arrangement is used as a steam engine or pump the
external cylinder is made a fixture in the frame, but when used as a
govenor the external cylinder is so mounted that it may vibrate or
oscilate a given distance when the machine is filled with liquid, say oil,.
water, or by preference a mixture of the glycerine of commerce and
water, which is not liable to evaporate or freeze; then the exhaust and.
inlet ports are connected, and a valve for regulating the speed or power;
is fitted in the ventrical or passage between the exhaust and the inlet
ports.
The object of allowing the external cylinder to move is, that the same
being attached to the throttle valve of the engine by a rod, spring, or
other connection, will act on the same instantly for cutting off the
supply of steam as required, thus controlling the speed of the engine to
which it is. connected; a spring or its equivalent being used to re-open
the throttle valve after the momentum has been overcome.
In applying this Invention as a govenor to screw marine engines, it:
is proposed to connect the driving shaft of the govenor to the driving
shaft of the screw direct by means of a key or other coupling, which
can be immediately connected or disconnected by lever, screw gear, or
other mechanical equivalent.
With very slight modifications this Invention may be used as a con-
densing engine or feed pump for steam boilers or other purposes, in
which case I simply dispense with the small internal cylinder, and mount
on or connect to a solid stud cast or otherwise attached to the inside of
one of the discs, forming one of the covers of the outside cylinder, two,
three, or more piston blades which will rotate by pressure around this
fixed centre, thus causing the internal eccentric cylinder to revolve,
which cylinder will have a cover cast on and to the centre of which is
firmly fixed the driving shaft.
When this modification is used as a feed pump the steam will be
introduced through the external cylindrical cover, acting upon the blades
protruding through the inner cylinder, against the inner surface of the
outer cylinder, thus causing the inner cylinder to rotate around the
common centre, and by an outlet and an inlet port being formed into
the interior of the inside cylinder through the outer cylinder cover, at
cach side of the solid stud on which the piston blades are hinged and
rotate, causing the fluid to be sucked into the inside cylinder through

page_text: the feed port and and forced out of the exhaust into the boiler or other
vessel.
It will be clearly seen by this arrangement by those acquainted with
the art, that the rectangular piston blades perform the lift and delivering
of the fluids to be elevated, also the force and exhaust of the steam for 5
actuating the same, thus enclosing the pump and steam engine for
actuating the same in one cover.
When this Invention is used as a condensing engine the space between
the inner surface of the outside cylinder and the external surface of the
inner cylinder is used for the reception of steam pressure, to act upon 1
the piston blades as before described, and the interior of the inner
revolving cylinder can be used to exhaust the air from the condenser.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Andrew Higginson in the Great Scal Patent Office
on the 19th July 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ANDREW
HIGGINSON, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Marinc
Draughtsman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of January, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the
thirty-fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Andrew Higginson, Her special licence that
I, the said Andrew Higginson, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Andrew Higginson, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times hereafter during the term herein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE
TO MOTIVE POWER ENGINES, GOVENORS, AND PUMPS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Andrew Hugginson, 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

page_text: boilers, and also as a compound pump for raising and forcing water and
other fluid.
The engine forming the first part of my said Invention is illustrated
by Figures 1 and 2. It is constructed by taking a cylinder A, fitted at
cach end with suitable covers C, through the centre of which passes the
transverse shaft D, by which the cylinder is mounted on a suitable
framing E, so that as required it may be stationary or may partially
rotate. Inside this cylinder is fitted a smaller cylinder F (say about
one-third the internal diameter of the former), either slightly eccentric
or true to the shaft D, and both this cylinder and shaft are enclosed by
an intermediate cylinder G, of which the centre is eccentric to the
shaft D, and the inner surface is in contact with the outer surface of
Fat H, while the outer surface is in contact with the inner surface
of A at I. Radiating from the shaft D is a blade or piston K, which
extends and works through slots L, across the cylinders F and G, in close
contact with the inner surface of the external cylinder A. The feed
port O opens within the intermediate cylinder G, at the outside of the
inner cylinder F, so that the cylinders F and G are carried round by the
pressure of the motive power on the back of the piston blade K, while
the fluid in front thereof passes through channels M, from the interior
of cylinder G to the space between it and cylinder A, and thence through
the exit port N, at the outside of cylinder G, in a line a little below
the inlet port O.
•
It will be obvious that though in this arrangement both ports are
placed in the cover of cylinder A, one of them might just as well be
placed in the periphery of that cylinder.
The internal cylinders F and G work in grooves P formed in the
external covers C, the channels of communication M between cylinders G
and A. passing under the said grooves at the side opposite to the inlet
port O. All the cylinders taper at their ends so that they may be
ground up and tightened by means of the cylinder covers C. If now
cylinder A, being firmly fixed in its framing, the feed port be connected
by the usual means with any source of motive power, such as steam,
air, water, or other fluid under suitable pressure, the result is a rotary
engine. If on the other hand the feed port be connected with water or
other fluid requiring to be shifted from one position to another, and the
shaft D be actuated by any suitable. power, the feed port becomes a
suction port, and the result is a rotary pump. If again the channels M,

page_text: together with the external openings of the inlet and discharge ports be
dispensed with, and a regulated communication be opened between
opposite sides of the piston blades, the engine being filled with water or
other suitable liquid, and so hung on its frame as to partially rotate, the
result is a govenor. If, finally, a solid stud be substituted for the inner
cylinder F, and several radial piston blades and double inlet and exhaust
ports be used according to the description hercin-after given, the result
will be a reversible condensing steam engine, or a compound motive-
power engine and pump under the same cover.
According to the arrangement for a steam engine, illustrated in
Figures 3 and 4, the feed and exhaust ports are placed in the central
cylinder F, on opposite sides of the piston blade K, to which cylinder
the piston blade is firmly fixed. By this means the steam may be cut
off at any part of the stroke and used expansively; this being effected
by casting on a disc or cover to the end of cylinder F, and cutting
the feed port in it according to the amount of steam required, and the
exhaust port in the central part of the same disc. The exhaust being
always open, no back pressure can at any time occur. Supplied through
the pipe S, Figure 4, the steam enters the feed port O, passes into the
interior of the cylinder G, and with a pressure corresponding to that in
the boiler carries round the piston blade K with the cylinders F and G;
and as the shaft D is firmly fixed to the end of the former cylinder and
revolves with it, motion may thereby be given to suitably connected
machinery. In this case the channels M under the eccentric cylinder G
and the packing at L are dispensed with. But by putting either of the
ports in cylinder A, as in Figures 1 and 2, these channels and packing
are necessarily retained.
The arrangement of this Invention as a govenor is illustrated in
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8.
The ports being externally closed to admit of the interior being filled
with water, oil, or other suitable liquid, communication between them
internally is opened by a slot in the piston blade, into which is placed
a. valve U, Figures 5 and 6, worked by a screw V for regulating the
flow of the liquid from one side to the other. An index W is connected
with the screw, whereby the apparatus may be set to any number of
revolutions desired in the engine intended to be governed. The shaft D
being free to revolve is made to project so as to admit of its being
geared with or fixed into any revolving part of the engine, and cylinder A

page_text: made capable of partial rotation on the shaft, is connected by a chain,
rod, or other suitable means with the throttle valve. So long as the
engine revolves within the number of revolutions per minute to which
the index is set, no effect upon the throttle valve will be apparent; but
the moment that number is exceeded, cylinder A is carried round with
a force proportioned to the extra speed, and instantly closes the throttle
valve, which may be reopened by a spring or other mechanical equivalent
as soon as the momentum declines to the normal point, cylinder A
simultaneously resuming its previous position.
Another method of working this govenor is shown by Figures 7 and 8.
According to this arrangement the govenor with the spring for opening
the throttle valve is placed in a box frame E 1, which may be kept full
of the same liquid as the govenor, thereby preventing leakage and
obviating the necessity of opening the cylinder for refilling besides
maintaining a lower temperature therein. The only parts projecting
through the box frame are the shaft D to connect the govenor with
any revolving part of the engine; the index W to regulate the number
of revolutions beyond which the engine is not desired to go, and the
shaft L 1 (hereafter described) to connect the govenor with the throttle
valve. In this case the valve U may be connected with another smaller
govenor A 1 fixed on the same shaft behind the first, and so related to the
first as to cause it to operate with increased power and rapidity in closing
and reopening the throttle valve of the engine to which it is attached.
The mode of the joint action of these govenors will be clearly ap-
prehended by the following description :-Valve U, Figure 8, is formed
by cutting the piston blade into two parts, one of which is made thin
enough to enter a slot in the side of the other, and so fixed to a slide
slotted into the shaft as to be moveable backwards and forwards, and
thereby to close and open the passage for the liquid as required. Below
the cover or lid of the box frame El a horizontal tube N 2 is fixed,
containing a spiral spring K1, through the middle of which runs a
shaft L1, a slot being cut a certain distance along cach side of the tube
to admit a pin which binds the inner end of the spring to the shaft L1.
To this pin cylinder A is attached by an appropriate flexible connection
passing over a pulley P1, while the throttle valve of the engine is con- 3
nected by suitable means with the projecting end of the shaft Ll.
Cylinders A and Al are connected on the shaft D by means of an
inclined plane or joint B1, bearing a definite rotation to the depth of

page_text: that by this arrangement the steam first does duty under high-pressure
in cylinder G, and then under expansion in the much larger space
between that and cylinder A, where it acts upon the outer portion of the
piston blades with increased leverage whilst passing thence into a con-
denser, the consequent vacuum causes additional pressure on the piston
blades, the whole combination resulting in hitherto unattained economy
and power. To give by this engine motion to other machinery a disc
or cover C 2 is cast on one end of cylinder G and the shaft D1, Figure 10,
is securely fixed true to its centre so as to project through the cover C.
A great advantage may be gained in this arrangement by dispensing
with the groove P at the opposite end of cylinder G, and giving addi-
tional bearings to shaft D1 where it protrudes from cover C, and where
the means of continual lubrication can be obtained and friction thereby
reduced. In an engine of this description not requiring to be reversed
the slide valve G1 and valve cover F1 can be dispensed with by simply
introducing the steam through the cover C, Figures 11 and 12, into the
interior of cylinder G, and passing out through a passage N1 and O in
the same cover into the space between cylinders G and A, and thence
to the exhaust as before.
Increased economy and power may be obtained also by the addition
of another engine or of several connected together for working the same
shaft being driven by the same steam before it finally passes into the
condenser.
cover,
In order to have a combined steam engine and pump under the same
all that is necessary is to confine the operation of the steam to the
space between cylinders A. and G, and connect either of the ports 01
and N 1 in the latter according to the direction of the motion with the
fluid to be displaced, and cylinder G becomes a pump while the outer
portion remains a steam engine.
It will be seen that a very convenient and powerful feed pump can be
had by this combination, whereby water of any temperature up to the
boiling point can be supplied to a boiler.
For general pumping purposes also it is no less applicable, the suction
and discharge ports being so, related as to give a continuous and even
flow, which may be graduated to any volumne or speed, or forced to
unusual height.
When steam is off this pump may be driven by any convenient'

page_text: external power, hand or otherwise, by means of the shaft D1 to which
appropriate gearing is applied; and it is obvious that while thus used
the advantages of a double pump may be gained by adapting both pairs
of suction and discharge ports to that purpose.
It will likewise readily be seen that this engine may be used as a
steam or other motive-power fan, either portion of it being worked by
steam or other suitable power at pleasure, but the greatest blast of air
being had when the suction and exhaust ports of cylinder A are devoted
to this purpose, and the motive power is confined in its operation to
cylinder G; or a fan of any suitable form and dimensions may be fitted
to shaft D1, and the full power of the compound engine applied to
drive it.
Having now fully ascertained and described the nature of this my
said Invention, and the best means I am acquainted with for carrying
thic same into practical effect, I wish it to be understood that I do not
confine myself to the precise details relative to the proportions or
dimensions of the several parts, since the same may be considerably
varied without affecting the principle involved, but what I claim as new
and my Invention is,―
First. The application of a rotatory engine as a govenor for motive-
power engines generally, arranged and operated, substantially in the
manner herein-before described.
Secondly. Using steam under high pressure in the inner cylinder (G,
Figures 9 and 11), then expansively in the larger and outer cylinder,
thus forming a high and low pressure or compound engine in one
enclosure, substantially in the manner herein-before described and set
forth.
Thirdly. The combination of the inner and outer cylinders, so that
while the one may be used as a steam or other motive-power engine,
the other may be used as a feed or other pump, substantially in the
manner herein-before described and set forth.
Fourthly. Mounting the inner cylinder, as illustrated in Figures 10
and 12, on an axis turning in fixed bearings under the radial arms or
pistons on a solid stud (Q), cast or formed on the inner face of the
cylinder cover C, substantially in the manner and for the purposes
herein-before described, set forth, and illustrated.

page_text: And, lastly. The general arrangements and combinations of the several
parts of the apparatus operated substantially in the manner and for the
several purposes herein-before fully described, set forth, and illustrated.
In witness whereof, I, the said Andrew Higginson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this day of July, in the year of
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
Witness,
WILLIAM WALKER,
of 44, Castle Street,
Liverpool.
W.
ANDREW (L.S.) HIGGINSON.