IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM PUMPS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES." PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Henry Ward, of the Firm of Howl, Ward, and
Howl, Engineers, of Tipton, in the County of Stafford, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM PUMPS, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE
APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Henry Ward at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th October 1881.
THOMAS HENRY WARD, of the Firm of Howl, Ward, and Howl, Engineers, of
Tipton, in the County of Stafford. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM PUMPS, PARTS OF
WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
My Invention has for its object increasing the efficiency, rendering more
economical in construction, or otherwise further improving the apparatus, in respect
of which former Letters Patent were granted to me dated the 14th April 1881,
No. 1650, and it has reference more especially to compound pumping and other
engines, whether vertical or horizontal.
One part of my Invention relates to the air vessel. By preference I employ a
plain cylinder of wrought iron or steel, preferably weldless, the ends of which are
finished off square; this forms the body. At both those ends a cover is provided, by
preference cast iron, spherical ended; these covers are tied together internally by
means of one or more central or internal bolts common to the two covers. By
preference the junction is made between the rising main of the air vessel at one or
both ends of the covers.
It is well known that the water in passing through an air vessel absorbs the air
contained therein, so that in course of time this vessel practically ceases to be an
air vessel unless it is replenished from time to time, so that it is customary to
make an air vessel larger than is necessary. In order to avoid this condition of
things I employ a skin dividing the air from the water, such skin being composed
of any suitable material, such, for example, as that known as mackintosh, and I
arrange it by preference so that the air is contained within an annular chamber
formed by this skin, whilst the water is contained within the inner one, or vice
Versa
For convenience this chamber runs the whole length of the body; the extreme

page_text: ends of this skin are fixed between the covers, and the body thus forming the joint,
or they may be otherwise arranged. In this case care should be taken to provide
a sufficient number of folds, so that during severe cushioning there shall never be
any tendency to stretch such material.
With such improvements it will be observed that the size of the vessel may be
diminished since there is little waste to allow for.
Another part of my Invention relates to passing a centre rod right down the
centre of a hollow piston rod, which is common to the steam and water cylinders,
but which need not fit inside this hollow rod.
This centre rod or bolt serves to secure the two extreme cylinder covers
together, vist, a pump cylinder cover and a steam cylinder cover. One or both
ends of this piston rod should be packed so as to avoid leakage from one cylinder
to another. Now by tightening up these covers by means of this centre rod or
bolt, together with the intermediate cylinder covers or distance pieces, all are
tightened into their respective faces on the cylinders. By preference these faces
should form socket joints. This arrangement avoids the necessity of bolts or
flanges for securing any of the cylinder covers.
Another part of my Invention relates to the valve which regulates the admission
of the steam from the boiler to the steam cylinder, commonly known as a stop,
regulating, controlling, or throttle valve. It is also applicable to other like purposes
connected with the water pipes, supplied by pumps or with any other convenient
source of supply, whether such supply be hot or cold or whether it be high pressure
or low pressure, or whether it be water or any other liquid.
In carrying out this part of my Invention I employ a valve box, by preference of
a cylindrical form, inside of which is another, the outer chamber or cylinder com-
municating with the supply or pressure pipe, whilst the inner one communicates
with the demand or governed pipe, or vice versa.
Both ends of both of these
chambers or cylinders are open, the inner one by preference entirely open, the outer
one only partially so, viz., having port holes only, equal and opposite in sizes and
positions. Both ends of this valve box are faced, and have corresponding covers
which serve as valves and are also faced. These covers are tied together by means
of a central bolt which passes through the centre of the inner chamber. The water
or other pressure, say in the outer chamber, divides and flows right and left
through all the ports on either face into the covers, through which it is regulated
and communicated to the inner chambers.
The ports of the valve box are opened and closed by means of these two valves,
which serve as covers, are tied together, are equilibrium, are opposite, and are
actuated by rotation on the central bolt, and move together, being keyed on the
same shaft or centre bolt by means of a sliding key way.
It should be understood that the ordinary stuffing box is entirely dispensed with,
likewise all bolts, nuts, and covers beyond the two valves which serve as the same.
If desired the nut on the central bolt may form a handle for screwing up the
valves tightly into their seats in order to guard against the valves being tampered
with, and in order to avoid excessive leakage due to defective workmanship after
the valves have been adjusted, and a handle may be placed at the opposite end
of the same centre bolt if desired.
In the case of three or four way valve boxes, whether the ports are on the
periphery or the face, the details are somewhat modified, suitable divisions being
provided in the valve box.
Another modification of this part of my Invention is suitable more particularly
for heavy bydraulic pressures. In this case the valves are screwed home by dead
heat contact without circular motion, leather or other suitable packing being
employed to form a tight joint.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in that class of stuffing
box in which thick and thin discs, plates, and rings are employed, which
respectively fit the valve rod and the stuffing box. According to this part of my
Invention I bore the thick discs or rings slightly smaller than the diameter of the

page_text: piston rod which they clip, whilst I turn the thin ones slightly larger than the
stuffing box which contains them, and I slit the rings up to the centre. It will be
seen therefore that the thick rings will not only fit the piston rod but will serve as
a piston ring for the same, since it will bind it slightly, whilst the thin ones serve
as piston rings to the stuffing box itself. I also employ a spring to bear on the
outside in order to take up all back lash between the disc.
For convenience instead of a spring an india rubber or leather washer may be
used to serve the same purpose, the chief object being to avoid putting too great a
pressure on these plates, whilst the blacklash is obviated. This part of my
Invention is also applicable in those cases where a stuffing box is situate directly
between two cylinders in a cylinder cover common to the two. In this case whilst
leakages are reduced to a minimum the arrangement is simple and effective.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in slide valves and
appendages thereto, and has special reference to the apparatus described in the
Specification to my said former Letters Patent. According to this part of my
present Invention I balance the valve in a peculiar manner, hereinafter described,
so that it shall be actuated with less wear and tear upon its parts. In lieu of
employing a steam chest cast onto the cylinder body containing a set of ports, I
make the slide faces of these ports together with the slide valve in duplicate, so
that there are two slide valves tied together as one sliding on two faces equal and
opposite with the plane of these faces parallel to each other, which faces stand at
right angles to the customary position, as, for example, in the locomotive engine
I bring the steam into the centre port, which port is covered at both sides by means
of a tie bolt tying the two valves together, which thus move as one actuated by
preference in the centre. These valves can be adjusted by means of the centre
bolt while the steam is on until the steam leaking through their faces is stopped,
so that the greatest nicety of adjustment is affected by sight instead of by
measurement. When this is accomplished a perfect balance valve is the result.
The engine or steam pump can now be worked on trial without any covering to
the valves, so that the working of such valves can be actually watched and set.
Duplicate covers are provided, one on each side, for covering the valves; these
covers, which can be bolted on after all is in order, serve moreover as a chamber to
collect exhaust steam, which is conducted through duplicate ports into an exhaust
pipe.
When this balance valve is adjusted properly the wear and tear on the
shooting bolts, described in my said former Specification, is very materially
diminished.
It is obvious that the action may if desired be reversed by bringing the steam
on the outside and the exhaust in the centre, in which case the centre bolt acts as
a strut instead of as a tie, but the arrangement previously described is preferable.
When the steam is introduced in the centre the reversal of the stroke of the valve
is necessitated. For this purpose I employ a double ended lever or tumbler having
its fulcrum between two side plates let into the centre port, the bottom arm being
actuated in the manner described in my said former Specification, whilst the top
arm communicates motion to the valve, thereby reversing the same.
The necessity of reversing this action may be avoided by bringing the off port
round to the on side, or vice versa.
If desired this balance valve may be arranged so that the direction of its stroke
may be at right angles to the direction of the piston.
In lieu of using a balanced slide valve I may employ a balanced piston valve,
the centre rod of which may project slightly, so as to serve as an equivalent for a
handle in starting. The balance alide valve according to either modification may
be actuated either from the piston or by an eccentric, or even by means of the
protruding piston rod.
The valve may receive a circular to and fro motion commanding the several
ports after the manner of the stop valve, and when so arranged it may be
beneficially applied to locomotive or other engines.

page_text: A further modification of my balanced slide valve is adapted for use in
connection with compound or even double cylinder engines where the two pistons
move together as one, but more especially in connection with what are known as
Tandem compounds.
In this case I employ a casting, which serves as the two covers to the cylinders
facing each other, which casting contains by preference the stuffing box, as before
mentioned, common to both cylinders. It is also chambered out, so as to serve as
four ports, viz., two high and two low pressure ports. One high and one low
pressure port communicates directly with the one end of each of the cylinders
facing each other, whilst the other two are carried along corresponding ports on
the cylinders to their extreme ends respectively.
In lieu of all of these ports terminating in an ordinary slide valve face they may
terminate, as before explained, in duplicate faces covered by duplicate valves.
Other chambers or spaces are provided in this casting, containing sliding bolts,
which also serve as shooting bolts, actuated by the one side of each piston, and
which give motion to the valve or valves, as described in my said former
Specification.
In the present case, however, the sliding bolts serve also as the shooting bolts.
In order to avoid as few joints as possible this casting is made sufficiently deep
to allow of the pistons travelling right into them, so that the sliding bolt arrange-
ments are let into the same instead of requiring them to be brought forward on to
their respective cylinders. These cylinders are thus of the simplest possible
construction, being merely barrels in themselves with one connecting port
cast on each, but their details may obviously be slightly modified according to
circumstances.
In particular I may employ a circular valve motion, hereinbefore described as
applicable to locomotive engines, and I may actuate either of these valve gear by
means of eccentrics or other equivalent devices. The arrangement of the valves
may be otherwise modified, whilst still retaining the intermediate casting between
the two cylinders, and the method of actuating the valves from one side of each
piston, or from either of the pistons.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements more especially connected
with that class of compounds in which a difficulty is experienced in maintaining
the packings in the internal stuffing box steam tight, since it is evident that they
cannot be packed from the outside.
In the case of horizontal engines, for example, I place one or both of the
cylinders on rollers or wheels rolling on a plate or rail. By rolling one of the
cylinders away from the other, or the two cylinders away from each other, I am
enabled to attend to the packings without any heavy labour, since one man is sufficient
for the purpose. In the case of vertical cylinders however one of these cylinders
is lifted or lowered by suitable tackle. The centre casting may be made sufficiently
wide or deep to permit of external packings.
Another part of my Invention relates to controlling gear, controlling the engine
in case one of the pump valves ceases to do its duty. Should a valve fail to close
in ordinary circumstances, it is well known that the pistons suddenly being
released from the load are liable to do damage under the steam pressure; so long as
all the valves act properly the pressure between the delivery valves and the
retaining valve will remain constant. If however either of the suction or either of
the delivery valves fail, then the pressure between the deliveries and the retaining
valve will be released.
In carrying out this part of my Invention I connect the regulating valve of the
steam cylinder with a plunger or other valve, situate between the deliveries and
the retaining valve in such a manner that so long as pressure exists here the steam
valve is always open, but should this pressure be suddenly released, as before
explained, a spring connected with this plunger valve forces the plunger valve back
again, thereby closing the steam port of the high pressure cylinder.
If it be a condensing engine as well, it would be advisable also that this

page_text: movement should open such a valve as would destroy the vacuum in the
condenser.
In the case also of compound engines the same movement should cut off the
communication between the high and low pressure cylinders. It will now be seen
that since a valve can only fail at the beginning of a stroke this cut off if it takes
place at all will never have a full steam cylinder to deal with, therefore such cut
off will ensure the engine stopping before coming at the end of the stroke, thereby
avoiding the damage, as before explained.
According to a further modification of this part of my said Invention, instead of
the said plunger valve actuating and throttling the high pressure, low pressure, and
destroying the vacuum, the stroke of the plunger may be converted into rotary
motion. In this case a right and left handed quick thread is situate at one end
of the shaft with corresponding nuts on the same. The nuts are prevented from
turning so that any rotation of the shaft alters the distance between the two by
screwing them along the same. The slide valve in duplicate, as before explained,
whether commanding one or two cylinders, travels between these two nuts. The
pressure between the deliveries and the retaining valve due to the valve pump
acting properly causes these two nuts to be drawn apart, and under such
circumstances the slide valve above mentioned is free to take its entire stroke to
and fro. The moment the pump valve fails it imparts rotary motion to the screw
by virtue of the spring, as above mentioned, thereby drawing the two nuts
together. These nuts draw the slide valve to the centre of its stroke clipping it
between. It will be seen therefore that in this position the pressures in the
cylinder or cylinders are equal and opposite, so that the engine must come to a
stand still until the engine man has his attention drawn to the same. It will be
noticed that the arrangement herein before described is suitable for slide valves
which are free to be moved independently of eccentrics, such, for example, as the
one described, or even in the pump known as the special steam pump. But where
the valve is fixed to the eccentric these nuts could not draw such valve into its
centre without at the same time disengaging the eccentric rod or else having
independent slide valves which simply come into play in case of danger.
Another part of my Invention relates to the connections between the pump or
pumps down a pit or well, and an engine, single, double, or compound, up above.
It is well known that in colliery districts the height of the water is liable to vary
very considerably in the course of a few hours. Under such circumstances it is
undesirable to have direct acting pump down below, since the steam pump may be
flooded out and thereby rendered useless. It is also known that pump rods are
not only expensive to keep in gear, but also the vibration set up in the same
increases in wear and tear in the pump cylinders very materially.
In order to obviate all these objections whilst at the same time admitting of the
pumps being arranged at the bottom and the engines at the top, I connect the
two together by hydraulic pressure pipes by employing small hydraulic cylinders
in connection with the pump below and the engine above, so that any pressure in
such bydraulic pump or cylinder is communicated to the duplicate pump or
cylinders below, which serves as power to the pump by means of two hydraulic
pipes, one communicating with each end of the stroke.
It is advisable that these pipes abould be as small as possible, therefore the
pressure per square inch should be as great as possible within reasonable limits.
The flow of pressure within these pipes is to and fro actuated from above,
therefore there will be no waste at the bottom. Suitable backlash plugs are
provided so that the whole of this arrangement will take the place of the pump
roda.
Parts of my Invention are also applicable to other engines or pumps.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Henry Ward in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
25th April 1882.
THOMAS HENRY WARD, of the Firm of Howl, Ward, and Howl, Engineers, of
Tipton, in the County of Stafford. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM PUMPS, PARTS OF
WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
My Invention has for its principal object increasing the efficiency, rendering
more economical in construction, or otherwise further improving the apparatus, in
respect of which former Letters Patent were granted to me dated the Fourteenth
April, One thousand eight hundred and eighty one, No. 1650, and it has
reference more especially to compound pumping and other engines, whether
vertical or horizontal.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I will now
proceed to describe the nature of the same, and the system, mode, or manner in
or under which the same is or may be used or carried into practical effect, reference
being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon.
One part of my Invention relates to the air vessel, and is illustrated in Figure 1
of the accompanying Drawings, which is a longitudinal section of the air vessel of
a pump to which my Invention is applied, which may be arranged to stand either
vertically or horizontally.
By preference I employ, as the main body of the air vessel, a plain cylinder A
of wrought iron or steel, preferably weldless, the ends of which are finished off
square. At each end a cover a is provided, by preference of cast iron, and of the
partially spherical form shewn; these covers a are tied together internally by
means of one or more central or internal bolts common to the two covers, preferably
by only one central bolt 6 passing through each cover, and secured preferably by
nuts b screwed on to the projecting ends of the bolt. The junction pipe c opens
into the interior of this vessel A, preferably being on one (or it may be both) of
the end covers a as shewn.
One of the covers may, if preferred, be formed or cast on the body of the vessel,
or the vessel might be formed with an end or cover, and one part of the vessel
cast or formed together, the other end or cover and the other part of the vessel
being also formed or cast together, so that the two compound parts thus formed
may be connected by a bolt or bolts passing from end to end through the interior
of the said vessel, essentially as hereinbefore described.
It is well known that the water is passing through an air vessel absorbs the air
contained therein, so that in course of time this vessel practically ceases to be an
air vessel unless it be replenished from time to time, so that it has hitherto been
customary to make an air vessel larger than would be necessary if the water did
not so absorb the air. In order to avoid this condition of things I employ a skin d
forming a bag, into the interior of which the pipe c opens so as to keep the air
separate from the water, the air being contained between the outer side of the bag
and the inner side of the vessel A, and the water passing into the interior of the
Baid bag.
The skin of which the bag is composed may be any suitable material, such, for
example, as leather, india rubber, canvas, or the material known as "mackintosh.”
Although the air is preferably contained within the outer annular chamber formed
between this bag and the main body A whilst the water is contained within the
bag, yet the air may be contained within the bag and the pipe o open into the

page_text: space between the outside of the bag and the interior of the vessel A. For con-
venience the chamber formed by the bag d runs the whole length of the body, the
extreme ends of the skin forming the said bag being fixed between the covers and
the body, thus forming the joint, or they may be otherwise arranged.
In the Drawing one end of the bag is shewn as being confined between the edge
of the vessel A and the cover a, the other end of the bag being confined between
the other cover a and a collar on the bolt b. In place of confining the ends of the
bag as shewn, the said bag may be unconfined or unattached to the containing
vessel at one end, or otherwise arranged, so that its interior does not communicate
with the space outside it. Care should be taken to provide a sufficient number of
folds in the material of the bag, so that during severe cushioning there shall
never be any tendency to stretch such material sufficiently to rupture or injure it.
In order to allow for renewing the little air that may be lost by leakage an
air valve is added which may be opened when the pump is not at work, and the
water released, or else the air may be pumped in if desired whilst at work.
With the arrangement described it will be readily understood that the air vessel
may be of less size than those of air vessels unprovided with the said arrangement,
since, owing to the water not coming into contact with the air, there is but little
or no waste from absorption to allow for.
Another part of my Invention relates to passing a centre rod through the centre
of a hollow piston rod, which is common to the pistons of the steam and water
cylinders, and the said centre rod will need to be turned truly in order to pass
through the necessary gland or glands.
Figure 2 represents in longitudinal section (with part of the water cylinder
broken away), and Figure 3 in transverse section, a steam pump provided with
this improvement. E is the steam cylinder, and E is the water cylinder. The
piston e of the steam cylinder is connected to the piston e³ of the water cylinder
by the hollow piston rod e³. A centre rod or bolt fextends from and through the
outer cover e' of the cylinder E, to and through the outer covers of the cylinder E³,
its projecting ends being screwed to receive nuts f, the said rod ƒ thus serving to
secure the two eylinder covers and e together. The hollow piston rod e³ does
not bear upon the rod f throughout its length, but each piston is provided with
bearing surfaces or glands for bearing and running upon the said rod f, so that
the said rod need only be turned and fitted at those parts over which the said
bearing pieces run. One of these bearing parts at least must be packed, as shewn
in the Drawing with regard to the steam piston, so as to prevent leakage through
the hollow piston rod from one cylinder to another. By tightening up the covers e
and by means of the nuts f being turned upon the projecting ends of the centre
rod or bolt f, the said cylinder covers, and also the intermediate cylinder covers e², es,
and distance rods or pieces e, are all tightened onto their respective faces on the
cylinders E and E. By preference these faces form socket joints, as shewn in the
pump cylinder. This arrangement avoids the necessity of bolts or flanges for
sacuring any of the cylinder covers to the cylinders.
Another part of my Invention relates to the valve which regulates the admission
of the steam from the boiler to the steam cylinder, commonly known as a stop
regulating controlling or throttle valve. It is also applicable to other like purposes
connected with the water pipes supplied by pumps or with any other convenient
source of supply, whether such supply be hot or cold, or whether it be high
pressure or low pressure, or whether it be for controlling the passage of water or
any other fluid.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section, and Figure 5 is an end elevation (with the
cover removed) of a valve constructed according to this part of my Invention.
Figure 6 is a view of one of the covers as seen from the inside. Inside the outer
valve box G (which is by preference of a cylindrical form) is another box or
chamber G, the said chambers G and respectively communicating with the
demand or governed pipe and the supply or pressure pipe. Both ends of both of
these chambers or cylinders G and G are open, the inner one G³ being by preference

page_text: entirely open, the outer ones having port holes g, g, through both ends, those at
either end being equal and opposite to those at the other end. The ends of the
valve box are faced, and have correspondingly faced covers h faced to fit closely
against the ends of the valve box and serving as valves, having passages formed
therethrough corresponding to the ports g. These covers h are tied together by
means of a central bolt which passes through the centre of the inner chamber G
The water or other fluid when the valves are opening entering the chamber G
divides and flows in opposite directions through all the ports g on either face into
and through the passages in the valves or covers, through which passages it passes
to the chamber G. The ports g are opened and closed, and the passage there-
through regulated by rotating these valve covers, so that their passages either are
opposite the ports g when the fluid flows from the inner to the outer chamber, or
are opposite the solid portions between the ports g when the flow of the fluid is cut
off. By adjusting the covers between these two extreme positions the quantity of
fluid may be regulated as desired. This motion of rotation is given to the said
covers by means of the bolt f to which they are keyed, as shewn, so that by
rotating the said bolt by means of the handle h³ secured thereto, both covers are
rotated together. As the incoming fluid flows in opposite directions through the
opposite ports, it will readily be seen that the valves formed by the said covers are
in equilibrium, and the ordinary stuffing box is entirely dispensed with, as likewise
also are all bolts, nuts, and covers, except the two valves or covers h.
The handle and nut h³ are provided running upon a screw on the bolt f for
screwing up the valves or covers h tightly on to their seats, so as to guard against
the valves being tampered with and in order to avoid excessive leakage due to
defective workmanship after the said valves or covers h have been adjusted, the
keyways of the said covers being sliding keyways to allow of this adjustment. A
handle and nut may also be placed at the opposite end of the bolt f is desired.
I have shewn the ports in each end of the valve casing and valves, but it will
be understood that one, or more than two, may be employed if desired, and it will
also be understood that the ports may be in other situation than that shown
provided that the fluid flows in opposite directions; for example, the ports might
be on the periphery of the valve casing and in a rim provided for the purpose upon
the valve, divisions being provided to allow the fluid to flow equally in both
directions, and to regulate and cut off the admission of the same, essentially as
herein before described.
Another modification of this part of my Invention is represented in sections
taken at right angles the one to the other, in Figures 7 and 8, the said modification
being suitable more particularly for heavy hydraulic pressures.
In this case the valves h are screwed home against their seatings on the inner
chamber to close the outlet for the fluid by dead beat contact without circular
motion of the valves, leather or other suitable packing * being employed to form
a tight joint between the said valves h and the openings in the outer casing G
through which they pass.
Figure 9 represents a modified form of my improved valve, in which the valves h
(or it may be a nut at back of the same) run upon right and left handed screw
threads on the rod f, which is confined in place by a collar f, thereon engaging in
a groove f³ in a projection from the inner side of the chamber G. The valves are
provided with packings h. By rotating the rod f the valves may be moved to or
from their seatings on the passages from the inner chamber G to the outer
chamber G, so as to close or open the said passages. Guide pieces h engaging
between snugs he prevent the rotation of the valves and compel them to travel on
the rod f.
Figure 10 illustrates a modification of this last mentioned arrangement wherein
the covers h¹ are separate from the valves h. The rod or bolt f has pinned thereto
two collars f¹, which confine the said covers in place. By rotating the rod f the
valves are caused to travel upon the screws thereon to open or close the valves
as described with regard to Figure 9. Packings h* are provided to give tight

page_text: joints, as shewn. The other parts which correspond with the parts shewn in
Figure 9 are marked with the same letters of reference.
Figure 10 represents sections at right angles to each other of another modifica-
tion of this valve, in which the screwed rod to which secures and actuates the valves
is hollow, and a separate independent rod y passes through the centre thereof and
secures the outside covers whilst the hollow rod is rotated, in order to open or
close the valves by means of bevel, worm, or other anitable gear s situated in any
convenient part of the body of the valve.
I have described and indicated by arrows in the Drawing the chamber G³ as
being that into which the inlet opens, but it will be readily understood that if
desired the inlet may open into the outer chamber G and the outlet be from the
inner chamber G³.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in that class of stuffing
box in which thick and thin metal discs, plates, or rings are employed, which
respectively and alternately fit the piston rod and the stuffing box, as illustrated in
the section, Figure 11. According to this part of my Invention I bore the thick
discs or rings I so that their inside parts are slightly smaller than the diameter of
the piston rod f which they clip, and their outside parts are smaller than the
diameter of the stuffing box, whilst I turn the thin discs or rings & slightly larger
at their outsides than the interior of the stuffing box J which contains them, and
larger at their inside than the diameter of the piston rod, and I split the rings
I and, as shewn in Figure 12. It will be seen therefore that the thick rings
will not only fit the piston rod f, but will serve as a piston or packing ring for
the same, since it will bind it slightly, whilst the thin rings & serve as piston or
packing rings to the stuffing box J.
To prevent the rings I and i from binding too tightly upon one another, one or
more of the said rings may be of a yielding material, such as asbestos for steam
and leather for water, or packing may be introduced between two or more of
them.
This part of my Invention is also applicable to stuffing boxes for piston rods
generally, but especially in cases where the stuffing box is situate directly between
the cylinders in a cylinder cover common to the two, as in the example, Figure 11.
In this case, whilst the arrangement is simple and effective, the leakages are
reduced to a minimum.
Another part of my Invention relates to improvements in slide valves and
appendages thereto, and has special reference to the apparatus described in the
Specification filed in pursuance of my said former Letters Patent, No. 1650, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty one. According to
this part of my present Invention, I balance the valve in a peculiar manner,
hereinafter described, so that it shall be in equilibrium, and therefore be actuated
with less wear and tear of its parts and slide faces, and of the actuating device.
In lieu of employing a steam chest cast into the cylinder body in the ordinary
manner, I make the slide faces of these ports, together with the slide valve in
duplicate, so that there are two slide valves tied together as one sliding on two
faces equal and opposite with the plane of these facas, preferably parallel to each
other, which faces stand at right angles to the customary position, as for example
the present customary position in the locomotive or stationary engine.
Figure 13 represents in longitudinal section, Figure 14 in plan partly in section
on the line 1, 2, Figure 13, and Figure 15 in transverse section on the line 3, 4,
Figure 18, a steam cylinder provided with a slide valve constructed and arranged
according to this part of my Invention; Figures 16 and 17 are sections of the
valve and ports corresponding to Figures 13 and 15, but being drawn to a larger
scale. In Figures 13 and 16 the valve is shewn in opposite positions, whilst in
Figures 15 and 17, it is shown in mid position.
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Upon the cylinder K is the part or casting k in which are formed the passage
communicating with the inlet for the motive fluid, and the passage for the
exhaust, and also the ports ³ for the alternate admission and exhaust of the motive

page_text: -
fluid to and from the cylinder at opposite sides of the piston K³.
The exhaust
passage is continued from the exhaust pipe between the exterior of the valves
and the interior of the covers k, which are secured in place by tie bolts ³, and the
inlet is continued from the inlet pipe to the cylinder between the ports ³ through
the interior of the valves l. I bring the steam into the centre port and through
the ports alternately, the said ports being alternately covered at both sides by
means of the two valves which are connected together by the tie rod l', having
right and left hand screw threads formed at opposite ends which engage with
corresponding screws formed in the collars of the said valves, which valves thus
move as one, being actuated by preference by admitting steam at the centre port.
Where the steam is admitted at the centre port the movements of the valve is
obtained in a manner the reverse of that in which the movement of the ordinary
slide valve is obtained. A convenient arrangement for effecting the movement of
the two parts of the valve by mechanism arranged for being acted upon by the
piston, as described in the Specification of my said former Patent, is shown in the
Drawing The tie rod which connects the two parts of the valve l is mounted in
a block ³ capable of sliding in guides in a lever turning upon the centre pin
15 carried by the plates 10. The other end of the said lever is formed with a
semicircular series of teeth which engage with teeth or projections formed on the
rod which is moved to and fro by the piston. The valves can be adjusted by
means of the centre bolt , while the steam is on, until the steam leaking through
their faces is stopped, so that the greatest nicety of adjustment can be effected by
sight. When this is accomplished a perfect balance valve is the result. The engine
or steam pump can now be worked on trial without any covering to the valves, so
that the working of the valves can be actually watched and set. The covers k
are then bolted on after all is in order, the said covers serving as aforesaid as the
chamber for the passage of the exhaust steam which is conducted through the
ports, as they are alternately opened thereto by the movement of the piston, the
motive fluid passing to the cylinder by the other of the ports ³ which are open to
the interiors of the valves l.
When this balance valve 1, 1, is adjusted properly, the wear and tear in the
shooting bolts described in the Specification of my said former Patent is very
materially diminished owing to the equilibrium of the said valve l, l
It is obvious that the action may, if desired, be reversed by bringing the steam
on the outside and the exhaust into the centre, in which case the centre bolt acts
as a atrut instead of as a tie, but the arrangement previously described is
preferable.
The necessity of reversing the action of the valve 2, 1, by the lever l* may be
avoided by bringing the off port round to the on side.
If desired this balance valve may be arranged so that the direction of its stroke
may be at right angles to the direction of the piston. This may be effected by the
arrangement illustrated in longitudinal section in Figure 18, in transverse section
in Figure 19, and in plan in Figure 20, the latter Figure being partly in section on
the line 7, 8, Figure 18; the rod which is actuated from opposite sides of the
piston is provided at the opposite ends with inclined projections p fixed thereto,
and projecting from opposite sides thereof, that is to say, in opposite directions,
the said rod also having fixed thereto the lever which is connected at its upper
end to the tie rod of the valve l, L. As the piston alternately bears upon the
projections p, it will give an oscillating motion to the rod which carries the said
projections, and consequently to the lever l which will thus move the valve 4, l, to
and fro in a plane at right angles to that in which the piston travels. Or the
movement of the equilibrium valve may be effected as illustrated in Figures 2, 3,
and 3*, which latter Figure is a sectional plan taken on the line 5, 6, Figure 2.
The rod actuated by the piston has inclines which bear upon inclined surfaces on
the piece m which operates the piston valves to alternately open and close the
inlet and outlet for the motive fluid from the opposite sides of the piston. By
reference to these Figures of the Drawing, it will be readily seen that the

page_text: valve so arranged, owing to its being in two opposite parts connected by the
tie rod in essentially the same manner as that described with regard to
Figures 13 to 17, acts, as does the valve 4, 7, in that arrangement, in equilibrium.
The centre rod may project slightly, as shown, so as to serve as an equivalent
for a handle, in starting which is effected by pressing in the projecting end of the
said rod. The balanced slide valve according to either modification may be
actuated either from the piston or by an eccentric, or even by means of the
protruding piston rod.
The valve may receive a circular to and fro motion commanding the several
ports after the manner of the stop valve, and when so arranged it may be
beneficially applied to locomotive or other engines. In this case the arrangement
Figures 13 to 17 may be used, the actuating rod instead of being acted upon by
the piston being prolonged, as indicated by the dot and pick lines n in Figure 13,
and connected with an eccentric on the engine shaft.
I wish it to be understood that I do not limit myself to any particular means or
method of actuating the hereinbefore described balanced or equilibrium valve, as
any means or methods which are or may be suited for such actuation may be used
in conjunction therewith.
A further part of my Invention relates to compound or double cylinder engines
where the two pistons move together as one, but more especially in connection
with what are known as tandem compounds; in this case I employ a casting which
serves as the two covers to the cylinders facing each other, which casting contains
the stuffing boxes or the one stuffing box common to both cylinders; it is also
chambered out so as to serve as four ports, vis., two high x, and two low pressure
ports y. One of the high and one of the low pressure ports communicate directly
with the one end of each of the cylinders facing each other, whilst the other two
are carried along corresponding ports in the cylinders to their extreme ends
respectively. In lieu of all of these ports terminating in an ordinary twin slide
valve face they may terminate in duplicate faces covered by duplicate twin valves
tied together, as before described, so as to be in equilibrium. Other chambers or
spaces are provided in this casting containing sliding bolts which also serve as
shooting bolts actuated by the one side of each piston, which shooting bolts cause
motion to be given to the valve or valves after the manner described in the
Specification of my aforesaid former Patent.
Figure 21 is a longitudinal section of a compound tandem engine to which this
part of my Invention is applied; Figure 22 is a transverse section of the same
taken through the central casting; Figure 28 is a transverse section of the same,
one half of which is taken through the high pressure cylinder P, and the other half
through the low pressure cylinder P. Figure 24 is a plan partly in section on
the line 9, 10, Figure 21. The pistons have between them a casting Q which
serves as the two covers of the adjacent ends of the two cylinders. The said
casting also contains the stuffing boxes or the stuffing boxes common to both
cylinders. For convenience of packing from the exterior I prefer to employ the
method of stuffing known as "Stannah's," which consists in forcing a packing
material (which is preferably "chalk packing" or else "asbestos packing" cut up
into small pieces) into an annular space q forming a stuffing box around the piston
rod, where it passes through the casting. The channels q communicate with the
space g, through which channels the packing is introduced and forced inwards by
the screws q Figures 25 and 26 are sections of the casting at right angles the
one to the other, illustrating this method of packing.
The casting also carries the ports and valve 1, 1, which is preferably arranged
and operated essentially as hereinbefore described, with the exception that the said
valve is formed double at either side, that is to say, commands both the high and
low pressure cylinders to enable it to fulfil the office of covering and opening ports
for the purpose of admitting live steam to the high pressure cylinder, and steam
from the high to the low pressure cylinder, and exhausting from the low pressure
cylinder. The high pressure ports and passages are marked x, and the low pressure

page_text: ports and passages y in Figures 22 and 24. One of the high and one of the low
pressure ports and passages communicates through the casting Q with the inner
ends of each cylinder P, P, whilst the other two are carried along passages
(preferably cast on the cylinders) to the opposite ends of the cylinders.
A method of actuating the valve 1, 7, is shewn analogous to that described with
regard to Figures 18 to 20. Each piston has an inclined surface r on its inner
side which alternately bear upon inclined arms fixed to the rod ³ turning in
bearings in the casting Q, and projecting from opposite sides thereof. To this
rod the lever is fixed, its other end being slotted to receive the tie rod of
the valve 1,1; thus as the pistons reciprocate they alternately depress the arms 7³,
and so turn the lever that the valve 1, 1, is moved to alternately cover and
uncover the inlet and exhaust ports of the two cylinders. Figure 27 represents
detached the lever with its two arms, this Figure being drawn to an enlarged
scale.
This part of my Invention may also be applied to two high pressure cylinders
arranged tandem fashion, the ports in the casting Q communicating with the steam
inlet and exhaust for both cylinders.
The arrangement of the valves may be otherwise modified whilst still carrying
them in or by the intermediate casting between the two cylinders of tandem
compounds, and the method of actuating the valves may also be varied, that is to
say, I wish it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the particular forms
or classes of valves, described carried in or by the said casting, nor to the particular
means described for operating the valve or valves.
Another part of my Invention relates to controlling gear controlling the engine
in case one or more of the pump valves of a double acting pump ceases to do its
duty. Should a valve fail to close in ordinary circumstances it is well
known that the pistons suddenly being released from the load are liable to do
damage under the steam pressure. So long as all the valves act properly the
pressure between the delivery valve and the retaining valve will remain constant
or nearly so. If however either of the suction or either of the delivery valves
fails, then the pressure between the delivery and the retaining valves will be
released.
My Invention in this respect consists in utilizing this alteration of pressure to
prevent the before mentioned damage.
I will explain this part of my Invention with reference to Figure 28 of the
Drawing, in which S represents the steam cylinder and T the water cylinder of a
pump to which this part of my Invention is applied.
In carrying out this said part of my Invention I connect the regulating
valve S¹ of the steam cylinder S with a plunger valve u (or other suitable
valve) situate between the delivery valve of the pump and the retaining valve V
in communication with the water passage between the said delivery and
retaining valves, the piston u being connected by preference by a rod w to the
steam valve S¹ by preference an equilibrium valve, the spring S₁ tending to close
the said steam valve. So long however as the pressure exists between the delivery
and retaining valves, the steam valve is always open, owing to the said pressure
acting on the piston u and counteracting the tendency of the spring to close the
valve S. Should however the pressure between the delivery and retaining valves
be suddenly released, as before explained, the spring S* forces the rod w forward,
thereby closing the steam or throttle valve s³, and cutting off the supply of steam
to the cylinder.
If it be a condensing engine as well, it would be advisable also that this
movement should open such a valve as would destroy the vacuum in the
condenser.
In the case also of compound engines the same movement might be employed to
cut off the communication between bigh and low pressure cylinders. It will now
be seen that since a valve can only fail at the beginning of a stroke, this cut off
motive-fluid, if it takes place at all, will never have a full steam cylinder to deal

page_text: with, therefore such cut-off will ensure the engine stopping before coming at the
end of the stroke, thereby avoiding the damage before mentioned.
It is to be understood with regard to this part of my Invention that although I
have shown one particular device for utilizing the failure of pressure between the
delivery and retaining valves for the purpose described, yet that I do not limit
myself to such device, as any other suitable or convenient device or mechanism
may be adopted for this purpose.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that I do not limit myself to the precise
details herein described and illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, as the same
may be varied without departing from the nature of my Invention, but what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to
me by the hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is,--
First. Providing the air vessels of pumps with a flexible or collapsible chamber,
which receives the water or which contains the air, so that the air and water are
kept separate in the said vessel, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore
described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings.
Second. Constructing the air vessels of pumps by connecting the parts thereof
together by a rod or rods passing from end to end through the interior of the body
part of the air vessel, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings.
Third. In steam pumps, providing the pistons of the steam and water cylinders
with a hollow piston rod, through which a central rod or bolt is passed binding
the outer covers of the steam and water cylinders and other parts together,
substantially as herein before described and illustrated in Figures 2 and 8 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Fourth. The construction of stop, regulating, controlling, or throttle valves
hereinbefore described under various modifications in Figures 7 to 10 and 10 of
the accompanying Drawings, that is to say, a valve wherein the essential feature is
the dividing of the said valve into two parts mounted upon and tied together by
one common rod or spindle, and bearing upon opposite valve seatings, so that the
said two parts are acted upon in reverse directions by the fluid passing there-
through, the said parts being adjusted to open, close, or regulate the passage for the
fluid by means of the said rod or spindle, substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the said Figures 7 to 10 of the accompanying Drawings
Fifth. The packing for piston rods consisting of a series of packing rings, some
of which are of less diameter than the piston rod, and others of which are of greater
diameter than the interior of the stuffing box, the said packing rings being split, as
and for the purpose hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 11 and 12 of
the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The improved equilibrium valve, hereinbefore described and illustrated in
the accompanying Drawings under various modifications, wherein the valve is in
two parts, each part being acted upon by the motive fluid equally but in opposite
directions, the said parts being connected by one central adjustable bolt, and sliding
upon opposite valve facings or seatings, as and for the purpose described and illus-
trated in Figures 18 to 24.
Seventh. In combination with the valve claimed in the last preceding claiming
clause, arranging the inlet for the motive fluid so that it enters from the centre
between the parts of the said valve for the purpose of facilitating the adjustment of
the valve more readily, as hereinbefore described.
Eighth. In combination with the valve claimed by the preceding sixth claiming
clause, covering the two parts of the said valve by means of covers which, between
themselves and the said parts of the valve, form spaces or chambers for inlet or
exhaust steam, substantially as herein before described and illustrated in the accom-
panying Drawings.
Ninth. The arrangement and combination of parts constituting the equilibrium

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