CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINES TO BE WORKED BY STEAM, WATER, GAS, OR VAPOURS
Year: 1841

page_text: TO ALL
HESE PRESE
COME, 1, DENJAMIN
BEALE, of East Greenwich, in the County of Kent, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Thirteenth day of July, in the fifth year of Her reign, did,
for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Benjamin Beale, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said Benjamin Beale, my executors, administrators, and assigns, and
such others as I, the said Benjamin Beale, my executors, administrators, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at
all times during the term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, the Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, and
in the Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Man, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINES TO BE WORKED BY STEAM, WATER, GAS, OR
VAPOURS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso, obliging me,
the said Benjamin Beale, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,
particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the same to be inrolled
in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in

page_text: and by the saine, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Benjamin Beale, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference being had
to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say):-
My Invention relates, firstly, to those peculiar constructions of steam engines
commonly called or known by the name of rotatory engines, in which the
power exerted by the elastic force of steam or other fluid is communicated
from a central rotary axle.
Secondly, in an improved mode of applying the power produced by the
improved engine or any other engines to the paddle shaft of steam boats.
And, thirdly, to the construction of the boilers by which such or other steam
engines or steam apparatus may be worked.
The improvements in the construction of the engine consist in the novel
arrangement and form of the internal or working parts of rotary engines,
by means of which I am enabled (by the reduction of friction) to obtain
(if required) an immense velocity, without the liability of the engine becoming
deranged or put out of order; also in the application or adaptation to certain
parts of my improved engines (and to certain parts of other steam engines
of different constructions) of an imperfectly conducting substance, the object
of which is to effect a considerable saving or economization of the fuel
employed in generating steam. These improved engines will, from their light-
ness and compactness, be found peculiarly adapted to all the purposes of
locomotion, whether upon railroads, common roads, or for steam navigation.
In order that my Invention may be clearly understood, and that the novel
features may be more evidently seen, I have appended hereto certain Drawings,
in which my improvements are exhibited in several views, both in elevation
and section. In Sheet 1, Fig. 1 represents an end elevation of one end of my
improved engines; Fig. 2, a side view of the same; Fig. 3 being a transverse
section, taken through the middle of the engine. A, A, A, is a hollow cylin-
der, within which is what I call a drum wheel, which revolves excentrically,
carrying several cylindrical pistons, which are to be actuated by the power of
steam or any other fluid. The steam from the boiler, hereafter described, or
from any other suitable boiler, is conducted by a pipe a into the valve box b,
and which from thence proceeds by the induction passage c to the interior of

page_text: the cylinder. The drum wheel d is fixed upon an axle e, e, which passes
through two circular apertures in the ends of the cylinder A, and is properly
supported on stationary bearings f, f, and packed in sockets g, g, contiguous to
the ends of the cylinder, so as to render both ends of it steam-tight. The
apertures in the ends of the cylinder through which the axle e passes are
excentric to the interior of the cylinder, so much so as to cause one part of
the periphery of the drum wheel d to work against the curved part prepared
for it in the interior of the cylinder, and thereby to produce a steam stop;
consequently, the steam way within the cylinder is of a crescent form. Longi-
tudinal recesses i, i, i, are made in the drum wheel d, for the reception of the
loose rollers or cylindrical pistons h, h, h. These cylindrical pistons have
no axles, but are made perfectly flat at their ends, and of such lengths as
will enable them to fit accurately against the internal ends of the cylinder
steam-tight, but yet capable of revolving. The cylindrical pistons h are of
such diameters as will allow them respectively to pass freely into recesses
i, and the depths of the recesses are such as to permit the cylindrical
pistons to recede within the curve of the periphery of the drum wheel.
There are small grooves in the inner part of the chamber A, shewn
by dots at s, s, in the section Fig. 3, leading to the induction and eduction
passages, which are designed to prevent the rarefaction and compression
of the steam. The internal construction of the engine having now been
described, its mode of operating will be readily understood, principally by
reference to the section, Fig. 3. Steam of any required pressure admitted
into the engine by the induction passage c will first occupy the small part
of the steam way marked j, and insinuate itself into the recess i, behind
the piston, and it will also force the piston h¹ tightly against the opposite
side of the recess i, and against the internal periphery of the cylinder,
forming at those parts steam-tight junctions. The force of the steam thus
acting will cause the drum wheel d to be impelled round part of a revo-
lution until the piston h¹ arrives at the situation of h2. By this time a
second piston, as h, will have been brought into the situation of the piston h¹,
and will there be acted upon in like manner, and consequently continue the
rotation of the drum wheel. When the piston h2 passes the opening of the
eduction passage k, the volume of steam which had been acting upon it imme-
diately escapes up the passage k, through the slide valve 1, into the eduction
pipe m, and thence into the atmosphere, or to a condensor.
It is scarcely neces-
sary to say, that a rotary power having been thus obtained, that power may be
communicated from the axle e for the purpose of producing locomotion, or for

page_text: the driving of other machinery. It may here be remarked, as a consequence
of this construction of engine, that the drum wheel in revolving causes the
cylindrical pistons not only to fall by their gravity against the internal periphery
of the cylinder, but to be thrown outward by the centrifugal force, and thereby
to be kept at all times in contact with the surface of the cylinder, which is
further aided by the pressure of the steam acting against the pistons, which
are thereby kept steam-tight. When this construction of engine is to be
employed as a pump for raising or impelling water, the cylindrical pistons
should be about an eighth of an inch less in diameter than the recesses in
which they act, in order to allow of the water passing freely in a pump of the
size represented in the Drawing. The valve l, l, and eduction steam pipe k
are covered, as seen in Fig. 3, with some material which is a bad conductor
of heat, such as air, sawdust, felt, wood, asbestos, or other suitable substance.
The object of thus closing this part of the engine is for the purpose of pre-
venting the eduction steam from carrying off the heat, or reducing the
temperature of the induction steam passing from the boiler through the vale
box into the cylinder; for unless some such precaution is taken, it will be
found that the temperature of the induction steam will become reduced. In
reciprocating engines, both sides of the piston and the internal ends of the
cylinder may be similarly clothed for a like purpose. To reverse the action
of the engine, which is often required when employed for locomotive purposes,
the screw shaft n must be turned by means of the handle, and thus the valve
will be brought into the position shewn by dots, when the steam will be supplied
to the cylinder on the opposite side through the pipe k, and make its exit
through the pipe c, in the contrary direction of the arrows, thus reversing the
motion of the engine. The bosses g, g, and the bearings f, f, are constructed
in the manner shewn in Figures 1 and 4, in which e represents the main shaft
of the engine, surrounded by a sufficient number of small loose rollers without
axles, all accurately turned to one size. These rollers are placed nearly in
contact completely round the main shaft, and prevented from escaping by end
plates, which are properly secured, as seen in Fig. 2, and the joint is made
perfectly steam-tight by means of hempen or metallic packing. The bearings
ff, of the engine are constructed in exactly the same manner (as seen at
Fig. 4); and as the main shaft revolves, it causes the small rollers to revolve
also, and be carried round with it, thereby greatly reducing the friction, and
preventing the bearings from wearing so fast as when constructed in the
ordinary manner, the wearing surfaces being so much more extended, and
thereby offering less resistance.

page_text: In order to prevent any straining of the standard or base framing B, B, I
have not fixed the working cylinder firmly to the base frame, but hold it on
one side by a jointed rod o (see Fig. 3), one end of which being attached to the
cylinder, and the other end fixed firmly to the framing, or otherwise secured,
keeps the cylinder from turning, and yet allows a slight elastic action, suffi-
cient to prevent any serious strain. Fig. 5 represents another construction of
rotary engine, in which I employ sliding pistons in place of the cylindrical
pistons h. These slides are forced out and kept in contact with the internal
surface of the cylinder by means of cams or excentrics p, and are kept steam-
tight by a metallic packing q, q, q. Steam admitted into the cylinder acts
upon these pistons, and passes into the eduction pipe in a similar manner to
that described in reference to the other Figures. As the pistons or slides wear
away by constant use, the cams held by rods or screw shafts r, 1, (see Fig. 6)
are brought down on to the inner ends of the lower pistons by turning these
screw shafts r, which act in projecting pieces t, attached to the side of each
of the cams. The other parts of this engine are exactly the same as the
one above described, and therefore need no further explanation.
The second part of my Invention, namely, the novel application to the
paddle shaft of the power produced by any description of steam engine,
consists in the use or employment of a comparatively small engine, either
reciprocating or rotary, and instead of fixing the paddles on the engine shaft,
I mount a pinion thereon, and this pinion gears into a large spur wheel
mounted on the paddle shaft, which is altogether distinct from the engine.
In order that this part of my Invention may be perfectly understood, I
have shewn in Sheet II. a Diagram, representing the mode I adopt to effect
this object. a, a, is the cylinder of a reciprocating engine, and 6 is the crank
shaft, having a pinion c mounted thereon; this pinion gears into a spur wheel
d, which is mounted on the paddle shaft, the air pump or pumps being also
connected to this shaft, although not shewn in the Diagram. I drive the
engine at a very great velocity, and thereby obtain a sufficient power to propel
the boat; the pinion on the crank or engine shaft being so much smaller in
diameter than the spur wheel on the paddle shaft. The object of this is that
I obtain sufficient power, and at the same time, by using smaller engines,
reduce the weight and radiation of heat by reducing the superfices, and save
considerably in the first cost of the engine. When the paddles are not
wanted, it will only be necessary to disengage the pinion c.
The boiler part of the improvements, which constitutes the third feature
of
my Invention, consists in constructing the boilers with tubular flues in a
peculiar manner.

page_text: In Sheet III. of the Drawings hereunto annexed, I have shewn two
methods of forming a boiler of this kind, one of which is circular and the
other quadrangular. A vertical section of the circular boiler is shewn at
Fig. 7, and a horizontal section of the same at Fig. 8. The fire-place or
furnace a, a, is surrounded on all sides by a water chamber b, b, and from the
upper part of the furnace a series of flues rise, consisting of narrow metal
tubing c, c, c, c, screwed or otherwise fastened into a strong iron plate d, d,
which forms the bottom of the boiler. The other ends of the metal tubes
(which are shewn detached in elevation and section in Figures 9 and 10) are
screwed into the upper plate e, e, of the boiler in the following manner :-
Screw nuts being fastened on the upper ends of the tubes, as seen at f, f, in
Figures 9 and 10, the tubes are inserted into the holes tapped into the upper
plate e, e, to receive them, and when placed in their proper position they are
screwed into both bottom and top plate at one and the same time, by intro-
ducing a broach or other similar instrument into the upper end of the tube,
for the purpose of turning it round, until the tube becomes firmly secured in
its proper place.
Figures 11 and 12 represent another modification of the above; Fig. 11
being a vertical section of a quadrangular boiler, and Fig. 12 a horizontal
section of the same. This boiler is intended to generate steam of a high
pressure, and for this purpose the boiler is made capable of resisting the
exertion of considerable internal force. This is effected by firmly bolting
together, or otherwise internally securing the top, bottom, and sides of the said
boiler. 9, 9, 9, g, are bolts or rods passing from side to side of the boiler,
securely screwed at both ends by nuts, as seen in the Drawing. The top and
bottom of the boiler are held together by the tubular flues c, c, c, c, which are
screwed into the plates forming the same, in a similar way to that described
in reference to the former Figures. In employing my improved boiler, I
find that only a small quantity of water, in comparison to the size of the boiler,
is required, as shewn in the Drawing, and this water being supplied at the
lowest part is quickly converted into steam by dashing among the tubes and
bracing rods, represented in Figures 11 and 12. The upper part of the boiler
answers the purpose of a steam chamber, where the temperature of the steam
and water becomes raised by being in contact with the heated surfaces of the
tubular flues and bolt rods. The steam in passing to the engine proceeds
through the supply pipe h, h. I may here remark that I find my improved
boiler is not so liable to foul and prime as other constructions of tubular
boilers, for any impurities contained in the water (such as mud, &c.) find

page_text: their way into the space, b, b, surrounding the furnace, and for this reason I
call this part of the boiler the "mud space," from whence the impurities may
be removed by taking out certain plugs i, i, or by blowing out. The general
construction of the two boilers being identically the same, I have marked
similar letters of reference on corresponding parts in all the Figures, and
therefore no further description of Figures 11 and 12 will be necessary. One
of the principal advantages attending the use of my improved boiler is that
of dividing the heated air and products of combustion arising from the
furnace into thin streams, and causing them to pass through a great number
of narrow flues, by which means nearly all the heat is taken up and em-
ployed to evaporate the water, and raise the temperature of the steam in
the boiler. I do not, however, intend to claim the exclusive use of tubular
flues, as they have been before employed, but the tubes which I use are of
so small a diameter (generally not more than half an inch) that the heat
is nearly all taken up by the water and steam, and this I consider a very
essential improvement.
In conclusion, I desire it to be understood that the particular features of
novelty which I claim are,-
Firstly, the adaptation of cylindrical rolling steam stops or pistons, however
they may be adapted to rotatory engines or rotatory pumps, as above shewn
and described, not confining myself to the number.
Secondly, the use of antrifriction rollers without centre bearings round the
axles of rotary engines, for the purpose of reducing friction.
Thirdly, the use of the outer bearings f, f, when employed for the purpose
above shewn and described.
Fourthly, the introduction of non-conducting or imperfectly conducting
substances between or around the induction or eduction passages and other
parts of engines above mentioned, for the purpose of preventing the eduction
steam abstracting heat from the induction steam, thereby economizing fuel.
Fifthly, the method as above described of applying the power of alternating
or rotatory engines to propelling steam boats or other vessels.
And, sixthly, the improved form and construction of light tubular flue boilers,
as herein shewn and described, for steam boats and other purposes.
In witness whereof, I, the said Benjamin Beale, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-two.
BENJ
(L.S.) BEALE.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the same Thirteenth day of
January, in the year above mentioned, the aforesaid Benjamin Beale came
before our Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specifica-
tion aforesaid, and all and everything therein contained, in form above written.
And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of
the Statute in that case made and provided.
Inrolled the same Thirteenth day of January, in the year above written.