IMPROVEMENTS IN DIRECT-ACTING STEAM PUMPING ENGINES, PARTLY DESIGNED TO BE USED AS GAS EXHAUSTERS; IN THE MEANS FOR LUBRICATING THE SLIDE VALVES OF THESE AND OTHER STEAM ENGINES; AND IN VALVES, VALVE GEAR, PISTON PACKING, AND GOVERNORS FOR THE SAME
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine,
Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN DIRECT-ACTING STEAM PUMPING
ENGINES, PARTLY DESIGNED TO BE USED AS GAS EXHAUSTERS; IN THE MEANS
FOR LUBRICATING THE SLIDE VALVES OF THESE AND OTHER STEAM ENGINES;
AND IN VALVES, VALVE GEAR, PISTON PACKING, AND GOVERNORS FOR THE
SAME.”—A communication from abroad by Adam Scott Cameron,
of the City and State of New York, United States of America,
Engineer.
.
Sealed the 19th May 1871, and dated the 29th March 1871.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and
Declaration, on the 29th March 1871, pursuant to the 9th Section
of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.

page_text: WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN DIRECT-ACTING STEAM PUMPING ENGINES, PARTLY DESIGNED TO BE USED AS GAS
EXHAUSTERS IN THE MEANS FOR LUBRICATING THE SLIDE VALVES OF THESE AND
OTHER STEAM ENGINES; AND IN VALVES, VALVE GEAR, PISTON PACKING, AND
GOVERNORS FOR THE SAME," and have petitioned Her Majesty to grant
unto me, my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters
Patent for the same, and have made solemn Declaration that it has
been communicated to me from abroad by Adam Scott Cameron, of
the City and State of New York, United States of America, Engineer.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, do hereby
declare that the following Complete Specification, under my hand and
seal, fully describes and ascertains the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, forming a
part of this Specification :-
The first part of this Invention consists in combining with one or
more benches of retorts a direct-acting steam pump taking the place of the
ordinary gas exhauster in such a manner that no separate motive power
is required to impart motion to the exhauster, thereby effecting a con-
siderable saving in room and expense, and enabling small gas houses
to apply an exhauster. The pumping cylinder connects with the gas
discharge pipe by means of two pipes, one being the suction, and the
other the discharge pipe; these pipes are separated from each other by a
stop-cock, and each is provided with its own stop-cock in such a manner
that by adjusting these cocks the pump can be thrown in or out of
connection with the gas pipe as may be desirable. The suction pipe
of the pumping cylinder is divided into two branches, which are
separated from each other by a stop-cock, and one of which connects
with the gas pipe, while the other extends into a carburetting apparatus
in such a manner that by the action of the exhauster the gas issuing
from the retorts is mixed with carburetted air, and thereby its
illuminating power is materially increased, the same cylinder being
enabled to act as a mixer and exhauster. The speed of the pumping
engine is automatically regulated by the pressure of the gas acting on
an elastic diaphragm which connects with the throttle valve of the
engine.
The second part of this Invention relates to an improvement in the
gear of that class of valves known as steam moved valves; the valve-

page_text: moving pistons and the auxiliary slide valves are enclosed in one and
the same piece of casting, the bottom or under surface of which is
provided with recesses that form the passages from the steam ports
of the auxiliary valve chest to the auxiliary cylinder, so that much
time and labor in fitting up this part of the mechanism are saved.
The rock shaft which imparts motion to the auxiliary slide valve has
its bearing in a tube which is fitted in a hole bored through the top of
the valve chest, and which is provided with screw threads to screw into
the end of the hole, while on the opposite end of the rock shaft is
secured a collar which bears against the end of the tubular bearing so as
to prevent effectually the escape of steam from the auxiliary valve chest.
When this valve gear is used for a direct-acting engine the rock shaft
derives its motion from a slide; the latter is connected to the piston rod
and guided by a rod firmly connected to the cylinder heads, the con-
nection between the slide and the rock shaft being effected by a long
lever and a rod extending therefrom to the slide. On the opposite end
of the rock shaft is mounted a knuckle which engages with the auxiliary
valve in such a manner that the motion of the said auxiliary valve is
much slower than that of the piston, and furthermore all the parts are
so constructed that they can be readily fitted up and connected.
The third part of this Invention relates to an improvement in that
class of steam pumps described in the Specification of former Letters
Patent obtained for the said Adam Scott Cameron, bearing date the
22nd day of March 1866, No. 853, and this improvement consists in
the arrangement between the auxiliary cylinders and the main steam
cylinder of valves which close down upon their seats by their inherent
gravity assisted by the pressure of steam, and which are raised at
the proper intervals by the main steam piston sweeping past them,
the said valves taking the place of the piston valves described in the
Specification of the aforesaid former Patent.
'
The fourth part of this Invention consists in the arrangement of a
supplementary steam passage extending from the valve seat to the end
of the cylinder between the ordinary steam port and the cylinder head,
and controlled by the slide valve in such a manner that the piston will
cover the ordinary steam port before it reaches the end of its stroke,
and will therefore be cushioned and the steam admitted to the cylinder
through the supplementary steam passage, causing the piston to return
until the ordinary steam port is uncovered, steam is then admitted to

page_text: the cylinder both through the supplementary passage and the ordinary
steam port, and by controlling the supplementary steam passage by the
slide valve any additional valve can be dispensed with. The supplementary
steam passages are provided with stop valves by means of which the
quantity of steam passing through them can be regulated. The supply
of steam to the steam cylinder is regulated by a channel situated in the
valve seat and provided with a stop valve which can be operated by a
handle situated on the outside of the steam chest.
The fifth part of this Invention consists in a governor for a direct-
acting engine constructed so that the steam piston of the engine is
caused to partially or wholly close the throttle valve whenever the
stroke of said piston increases beyond the desired limit.
The sixth part of this Invention relates to mechanism by which the
supply of steam to the steam cylinder of a direct-acting engine is either
partially or wholly cut off by the action of a piston on a tappet
extending into the cylinder whenever the speed of the piston exceeds
a certain limit, and consequently in the absence of a crank the said
piston is carried by its momentum closer to the cylinder head than
desirable, and thereby the piston is effectually prevented from slamming
against the cylinder head and all danger of having the cylinder heads.
knocked out if the engine is suddenly relieved of its load is avoided.
This object is effected by a lever which is secured to the spindle of the
throttle valve, and whose position is controlled by a tappet or tappets
extending through either one or both cylinder heads or through the
sides of the cylinder in such a manner that whenever the piston strikes
the tappet the throttle valve is either partially or wholly closed.
The seventh part of this Invention relates to a direct-acting engine,
in which the valve of the auxiliary or main steam cylinder is actuated
by means of a rod secured to the piston of the pumping cylinder and
extending alongside the steam cylinder, or vice versa, in such a manuer
that the steam cylinder and the pumping cylinder can be placed as
close together as may be desired and at the same time a positive motion
is imparted to the steam valve.
This Invention also relates to the arrangement of steam chambers in
the heads of the steam cylinder, said heads being provided with seats
for valves which are situated in the steam chambers and from which
extend arms into the interior of the cylinder in such a manner that
when the piston approaches the end of its stroke one of these valves

page_text: is opened and the steam admitted in the cylinder serves TO CUSTITOIT the
piston.
The eighth part of this Invention relates to improvements in the
valves and valve chest of the pumping cylinder of a steam pump. These
3 improvements consist, first, in the arrangement of taper sockets in the
partitions of the valve chamber, the said sockets being intended to
receive the valve seats which are turned taper, while the partitions
allow access to the said seats from above and below, when the bonnet
has been removed. Second, in the arrangement in a valve chest, having
the valves placed one above the other, of a spindle or socket in its upper
side for the upper valve to play up and down upon or in, and of a
separate spindle or socket in its lower side for the lower valve to
play up or down upon or in in such a manner that the guiding spindle
or socket of each valve is entirely independent of that of the other
valve, and thereby the adjustment of the valves is materially facilitated.
Third, in the arrangement in a valve chest having the valves placed
one above the other of a spindle passing clear through two of the valves
and secured in the top and bottom of the valve chest, the said spindle
forming the guide on which the valves move up and down as the same
open and close. Fourth, in the arrangement of taper valve seats, pro-
vided with a lug extending therefrom in a radial direction and connected
by a hinge joint with a corresponding lug extending from the valve
in order to give a free and unobstructed opening through the valve seat
when the valve is open.
The ninth part of this Invention relates to an improvement in the
piston packing of a steam or pump cylinder, and consists, first, in the
arrangement of taper disks or wedges provided with screw threads to
fit on a corresponding thread on the piston rod in combination with
split rings embracing the said screw wedges in such a manner that
by turning either one or both screw wedges the split rings are expanded
and the piston is made to fit closely into the cylinder; second, in the
arrangement of shoulders or stops extending from the inner surfaces
of the screw wedges in such a manner that when the split rings are
expanded exactly to the desired degree the said shoulders or stops are
gradually filed off so that the packing can always be kept tight without
excessive pressure against the inner surface of the cylinder.
The tenth part of this Invention relates to a lubricating attachment
to the valve chests of steam cylinders, which consists in a reservoir cast

page_text: solid with the valve chest of a steam engine, or with the cover or any
other part thereof, and which is provided with a closely fitting cover or
plug and with an opening leading to the interior of the valve chest in
such a manner that the said reservoir is capable of containing a supply
of oil or other lubricating material which runs down into the valve chest
by its own gravity. The opening leading from the oil reservoir to the
interior of the valve chest may be provided with a stop valve so that
the flow of oil into the valve chest can be regulated or stopped at
pleasure. With the oil reservoir is combined a mud box for the
purpose of collecting and retaining the impurities contained in the
lubricating material.
The eleventh part of this Invention consists, 1st, in the arraugement
of a hand lever connected to or acting on the piston rod of a direct-acting
steam engine in such a manner that the engine can be operated by
hand, for instance, for the purpose of pumping water into a boiler before
sufficient steam has been raised to operate the pump; 2nd, in the
arrangement of a condenser connected to the discharge pipe of the
pumping or blowing cylinder, and also to the exhaust pipe of the steam
cylinder of a direct-acting engine in such a manner that by the action of
the liquid or fluid ejected by the pumping or blowing cylinder the steam
exhausting from the steam cylinder is partially or wholly condensed and
the effect of the engine is materially increased.
The twelfth part of this Invention consists in the arrangement of
a double-acting cataract on the piston rod of the auxiliary cylinder
of an engine with steam moved valves in such a manner that by the
resistance of the liquid in the cataract cylinder the slamming of the
auxiliary piston against the heads of its cylinder can be effectually
prevented.
The thirteenth part of this Invention relates to a direct-acting double-
acting blowing engine which is placed in a vertical position, and in
which the weight of the piston and piston rod is counteracted either by
applying a check to the lower discharge valves of the blowing cylinder
or by a loaded exhaust on the lower part of the steam cylinder.
The fourteenth part of this Invention consists in the arrangement of
taper plugs, one or more, in the heads of the blowing or pumping
cylinder of a direct-acting engine in such a manner that when the
pressure in said cylinder exceeds the desired limit said plug or plugs

page_text: will be blown out and injury to the working parts of the engine is
avoided.
The fifteenth part of this Invention relates to a direct-acting steam
engine in which the steam is changed by the action of an auxiliary
piston or pistons to which an oscillating motion is imparted, and which
are provided with ports in such a manner that by imparting to the same
an oscillating motion, the direction in which the steam acts on it or
them is changed, and as the auxiliary piston or pistons are caused to
reciprocate the main valve receives the required motion.
The first part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the
Drawings, where Figure 1 represents a plan or top view, and Figure 2
a sectional side elevation of the same. Similar letters indicate corre-
sponding parts in these Figures.
A designates one or more benches of retorts from which rise the stand
pipes B which communicate with the hydraulic main C in the manner
usually employed in gas works. From the hydraulic main the gas
passes through a pipe D into and through the condenser E, thence
through the purifiers F, wheuce it issues through the pipe G. From
this pipe extend two branch pipes H, I, which are separated from each
other by a stop-cock in the pipe G, and which connect with the
pumping cylinder J of a direct-acting engine, the pipe E forming the
suction pipe and the pipe I the discharge pipe of said pumping cylinder.
Each of these pipes is provided with a stop-cock (b and c) and when the
pumping engine is to be brought into action the cock a is closed, and
the cocks and c are opened, and the gas issuing from the purifiers is
sucked in through the pipe H and expelled through the pipe I. By
these means a simple, cheap, and effective exhauster is obtained which
can be readily put up even in small gas works since it requires no
distinct motive power like exbausters as now used, and furthermore it
can be put up in a comparatively small space, and requires no attendance
when once in operation. The suction pipe H is provided with two
branch pipes d, e, which communicate with the opposite ends of the
pumping cylinder, and which are separated from each other by a stop-
cock f. The branch pipe d extends into a carburetting apparatus of
any suitable construction, and is provided with a stop-cock g. If the
cock fis closed and the cock g opened, the pump piston in moving in
one direction acts as an exhauster for the retorts, and in moving in the
opposite direction it draws atmospheric air through the carburetter, and

page_text: j
the air after having been carbonized is forced out through the pipe I
and consequently mixed with the gas in one and the same cylinder.
By these means the gas can be enriched in a simple and effective
manner, and without requiring an extra pump or other expensive
apparatus. The gas can also be mixed simply with atmospheric air
and the supply of air can be regulated at pleasure. The supply of steam
to the steam cylinder of the pumping engine is regulated automatically
by the pressure of the gas issuing from the retorts by means of an elastic
diaphragm h stretched across the mouth of a cup-shaped vessel i which
connects by a pipe with the hydraulic main C. From the diaphragm
If
h rises a pipe k which is pivoted to the lever 1 of the throttle valve.
the pressure of the gas in the hydraulic main or in the retorts increases
the diaphragm h is forced up, and the throttle valve is opened so as to
give more steam to the pumping engine and consequently increase its
speed, and when the pressure of the gas decreases the diaphragm
returns to its original position and the supply of steam to the pumping
engine is decreased. By this arrangement the engine will run without
requiring any attendance after it has been started, and its effect is regu-
lated automatically as the change of the pressure of gas in the retorts
demands.
It is needless to enlarge in regard to
the beneficial effects of an
exhauster in gas works, this being well known, but it may be here
stated that the yield of gas has been increased over thirty per cent.
in a small gas house by the application of one of these reciprocating
or indicator to this exhauster the
exhausters. By applying a counter
quantity of gas passing from the retorts to the gasholder can be ascer-
tained with little trouble.
The second part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5
and 6.
Figure 3 represents a plan or top view of this Invention, partly in
Figure 5 is an
section. Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the same.
inverted plan of that part of the steam chest which contains the valve
moving pistons and the auxiliary slide valve showing the arrangement
of the parts. Figure 6 is a detached sectional view of the bearing of
the rock shaft which serves to impart motion to the auxiliary slide valve.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts in these Figures.
A designates a steam cylinder which is provided with a valve chest
the top B of which contains the valve moving pistons C, C¹, working

page_text: in the auxiliary cylinders, and also the auxiliary slide valve E working
in a valve chest F. This valve chest communicates through ports a, a¹³,
and channels or passages b, b, with the ends of the auxiliary cylinders,
and the passages b, bare formed by casting in the under surface of the top
B suitable recesses as shewn in Figure 3, so that when the said top is
secured in position the steam passages are ready and no time is lost
in drilling the same out.
..It is obvious that the recess 6, 11, might be cast in the upper surface of
the cylinder instead of on the bottom surface of the top piece B without
altering the result. The auxiliary valve E derives its motion from a
rock shaft c which has its bearing in a tube d fitted into a hole drilled
through the top B, as shewn in Figure 6. One end of this tube is pro-
.vided with a screw thread e, and the opposite end of the said tube bears
| against a collar secured on the rock shaft, so that when the screw e is
secured in the top B the escape of steam from the auxiliary steam chest
is effectually prevented. A stuffing box in the end of the tube completes
this arrangement. By placing the valve E on the opposite side of the
chest from that where the rock shaft e is connected to the dri.ing
mechanism the top of the chest B forms a good and substantial bearing
for said rock shaft. A knuckle g mounted on one end of the rock shaft c
catches in a recess on the back of the auxiliary slide valve, and on the
opposite end of the said rock shaft is secured a lever i which connects by
means of a rod ; with a slide k extending from the piston rod G. If my
valve motion is applied to a direct-acting engine the slide k is guided on
a rod or guide secured in the two cylinder heads. The lever i is con-
siderably longer than the knuckle g, so that the motion of the auxiliary
valve is reduced in proportion from the motion of the piston or piston
rod. By these means a simple valve motion is produced which is not
liable to get out of order, and all the parts of which are so situated that
easy access can be had to them.
The third part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10,
and 11.
Figure 7 represents a longitudinal section of the steam cylinder ;
Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 are various modifications of the exhaust valve.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts in these Figures.
A designates an ordinary steam cylinder provided with a piston B
Steam is admitted to this cylinder through the ports a, a, and it exhausts

page_text: •
through the port b, and these ports are opened and closed by the action
of the slide valve C, which is of the ordinary construction, and which
may be so arranged as to admit steam under the valve, as shewn in
Figure 7, or which may be constructed in any other suitable manner.
This slide valve is seated on the bottom of the steam chest D, the ends
of which form small cylinders E, E³, bored out to receive auxiliary
pistons F, F, which are connected to each other by the rod G, and this
rod is provided with two collars to straddle a standard c which rises
from the back of the slide valve.. The auxiliary pistons are fitted into
their cylinders loose enough to allow the steam to leak past them, so
that said pistons are exposed to a uniform pressure of steam from all
sides. The auxiliary cylinders communicate through channels e, e¹,
with chambers H, H', which are formed in the ends of the steam chest
and communicate with the interior of the main cylinder through
opening f. f. These openings are closed by means of valves I, I,
which may be made in the form shewn in Figure 7, or in any other
suitable form or shape, such, for instance, as shewn in Figures 8, 9, 10,
and 11, said valves being capable of closing down upon their seat by
their inherent gravity. From the valves I, I', extend stems g, g¹, into
the main cylinder, and the inner ends of these stems are cam-shaped or
inclined, so that the main piston is capable of passing under them,
thereby raising the valves off from their seats. The effect of the main
piston on the modifications of the valves shewn in Figures 8, 9, 10,
and 11 will be readily understood, and requires no further explanation.
In Figure 7 the main piston is assumed to move in the direction of the
arrow marked near it, and when the said piston strikes the stem of
the valve I', and the said valve is raised from its seat, the auxiliary
cylinder E¹ is brought into communication with the exhaust, and as the
steam exhausts rapidly from said cylinder the equilibrium of the auxiliary
piston is disturbed, and the position of the main slide valve is changed.
The main piston moves back, and on arriving at the opposite end of its
stroke it acts on the valve I, and the slide valve is again changed, and
so on. In this case the valves I, I', take the place of the piston
valves I, 1', described in the Specification of the aforesaid former Patent,
and since the valves I, I', as shewn in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 close down
upon their seats by their inherent gravity the construction of the pump
can be simplified without impairing its useful effect.
The fourth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 12, 13,
and 14, where Figure 12 represents a vertical central section of the

page_text: plan of section. Similar letters indicate corresponding parts in these
Figures.
A designates a steam cylinder to which steam is admitted from the
valve chest B through ports a, a¹, and from which the steam exhausts
through the port b; C is the slide valve which is ground down on the
seat c, said seat being provided with cavities d, d¹, so that steam is
admitted under the valve. The port a¹ opens into the cylinder at some
distance from the cylinder head, so that the piston in moving down will
cover said port before it has reached the end of its down stroke, and the
steam remaining in the cylinder beneath the piston will cushion the
same. After the piston has completed its down stroke it is necessary to
admit steam beneath the same to drive it up, and since the port a is
covered by the pistou a supplementary steam passage e is provided, as
shewn in Figures 12 and 13. This supplementary steam passage is
arranged between the port a¹ and the cylinder head, starting the same
from the valve seat between the port a and the cavity d', as shewn, and it
may either be produced in the casting by drilling or otherwise, or it may
be produced by a pipe extending outside the valve chest and cylinder, as
shewn. In this last-named case I am enabled to insert in the passage e
a stop valve f, so that the quantity of steam admitted through the same
to the cylinder can be regulated from the outside. In Figure 12 the
piston and the slide valve are shewn both travelling downwards, the
piston having arrived close to the end of its down stroke.
the valve moves down a little more steam is admitted below the piston
through the cavity d and supplementary passage 6, while it begins, to
exhaust through ports a and b; and as soon as the piston has travelled
up far enough to uncover the port a¹ steam is admitted beneath it
through this port as well as through the supplementary passage. If
the cylinder is placed in a horizontal position, or when it is desirable
to cushion the piston on both ends, supplementary steam passages may be
arranged at both ends of the cylinder. If the cylinder is in a vertical
position it is desirable to regulate the quantity of steam admitted to the
top of the cylinder so as to compensate for the weight of the piston.
This object is accomplished by the following means:-The cavity dat
the upper
end of the valve seat, instead of being long like the cavity d¹,
is short, so that the same will be completely covered by the valve when
.
As soon as

page_text: it (the valve) travels up to admit steam to the top end of the cylinder.
From the cavity & extends a passage 9 (See Figure 14) to a recess / in
the bottom of the valve chest beyond the valve seat, and this passage is
opened or closed by a stop valve i mounted on a spindle, which extends
through the side of the valve seat, and is operated by a hand wheelj.
When this valve is wide open the full force of steam passes through the
recess h, passage g, and cavity d under the slide valve and into the top
part of the cylinder. By regulating the stop valve the quantity of
steam admitted to the top part of the cylinder can be diminished so as
to compensate for the weight of the piston and other parts connected
thereto.
The fifth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figure 15, which
represents a plan or top view of a direct-acting engine fitted up with
a governor according to this Invention. In the example shewn A
designates the steam cylinder of a direct-acting engine, the piston of
which connects by a rod B with the plunger working in the pumping
cylinder C. In the rod B is secured a stud a which catches in a slot b
in the end of a lever D which swings on a vertical pivot c secured in a
bracket E rising from the bed plate of the engine, or which may be made
to swing loosely on the spindle of the throttle valve F, said valve being
so arranged that this spindle occupies a vertical position. With the said
spindle are firmly connected two tappets e which are situated one on
each side of the lever D, and at such a distance apart that the lever
will just come in contact with the same at each end of the regular stroke
of the steam piston. On the spindle of the throttle valve is also
mounted a rod G, on which is secured a weight H, and the outer end
of which is supported by an arc I. The weight H is made adjustable
on the rod G, so that it can be moved in and out, and it is secured in
the desired position by a set screw. If the engine runs at its regular
speed the lever D just touches the tappets e at the end of each stroke
of the piston and the throttle valve, and the rod G with its weight are
not disturbed; but if the speed of the engine, and in consequence
thereof, the stroke of the piston increase, the lever D strikes one of the
tappets e at the end of the first increased stroke of the piston, and the
throttle valve is partially closed and remains thus while the engine is
taking steam during the succeeding stroke, and the engine is thereby
prevented from running away. The amount of the motion imparted to
the throttle valve by the lever D depends in some measure upon the

page_text: position of the weight H. If this weight is far out on the rod G, and
the lever D strikes one of the tappets said weight is carried further by
its momentum than it is if it is situated close to the spindle of the
throttle valve, and if from some cause the piston flies out with very
great velocity, and the weight H is far out on the rod G, said rod is
carried by the momentum of the weight far enough to close the throttle
valve almost entirely, but if the weight is close in towards the spindle
of the throttle valve, its momentum is not great enough to carry the
rod G any further than it would be carried by the direct action of the
lever D against one of the tappets. By these means the supply
of steam to the cylinder is regulated automatically according to any
increase of the stroke of the piston due to any increase of the speed of
the engine.
The sixth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 16 and 17,
where Figure 16 represents a sectional side view of the same, and
Figure 17 is a similar view of a modification thereof when the mechanism
is arranged for stopping the supply of steam whenever the steam piston
approaches closely one of the cylinder heads. Similar letters indicate
corresponding parts in these Figures.
A designates the steam cylinder of a directing-acting engine, which is
fitted with a piston B, and to which steam is admitted through the
pipe C in the ordinary manner. The supply of steam to the cylinder
is regulated by means of the throttle valve D, and on the spindle of
this throttle valve is mounted a lever E, which is either in a vertical
position, as shewn in Figure 16, or in a horizontal position, as shewn in
Figure 17. The end of the lever E (Figure 16) extends through a
slot in a yoke a, in the end of which are secured two tappets 6 extending
through the cylinder heads, as shewn. Whenever the speed of the piston
exceeds a certain limit, so that the same by its momentum will be carried
closer up to either of the cylinder heads than desirable the tappet in said
head will be forced out, the yoke caused to turn the lever E, and the
throttle valve is partially or wholly closed. In this case the tappets are
made to extend through the cylinder heads to such a distance that the
piston will just touch them when it travels at its mean speed, but as soon
as the speed of the piston increases the tappets will be actuated, and
the throttle valve is partially closed at the end of each stroke, and
remains thus while the engine is taking steam during the succeeding
stroke.

page_text: united by a screw coupling 6, so that it (the rod) can be lengthened or
shortened as may be desired and the connection between said rod and the
sleeve a is effected by a pivot c so as to allow the same to accommodate
itself to the varying position of the sleeve, said sleeve being attached to
the screw so that it turns freely thereon without being permitted to
move in the direction of its axis. The screw L is tapped into the head d
of the spindle e, from which extends a toe intended to impart motion to
the valve of the auxiliary cylinder M, the piston of this auxiliary cylinder
being connected by a rod f to the main valve. To the bottom end of
the toothed rack J is attached a weight N, which has a tendency to turn
the drum H in the direction of the arrow 1, marked thereon in Figure 18,
and a bracket g which projects over the rear edge of said rack prevents
the same from getting out of gear with the cog wheel I. This bracket
being made to swing on the axis of the drum H accommodates itself to
the angle of the rack J. When the piston D moves in the direction of
arrow 2 (Figure 18,) the rack J is carried down by its weight N turning
the drum H so as to wind up the band G, and the screw L turns down,
causing the auxiliary valve to move and to change the main valve to
admit steam at the outer end of the steam cylinder. When the piston D
is moved in the direction opposite to arrow 2 the band G is unwound
from the drum H, and said drum is turned in the direction opposite the
The rack J is raised and the screw L is swung up, causing the
auxiliary valve to move so as to admit steam at the inner end of the
steam cylinder. By turning the screw L in or out the distance between
the pivot c and the head d of the valve spindle can be shortened or
lengthened, and the time when the steam is changed in the auxiliary and
main cylinders can be accommodated to the speed at which the main
piston travels.
On the heads of the steam cylinder chambers o are
formed which are supplied with "live" steam from behind the throttle
valve and which communicate with the interior of the cylinder through
apertures h. These apertures are covered each by a valve i which swings
on a pivot j, and from which extends a tappet & into the interior of the
cylinder. From this description it will be understood that the valves i
are kept closed by the pressure of the steam acting on their backs, but if
the piston strikes one of the tappet arins the appropriate valve is
opened and the steam admitted to the cylinder cushions the piston. The
distance to which the tappet arms / extend into the cylinder may be
greater or less according to the desired mean speed of the piston, and, if
desired, said tappet arms may be made adjustable so that the distance to
arrow.

page_text: which they project into the cylinder can be accommodated to different
speeds. The connection between the rod F which extends from the
piston D alongside the piston B and the valve of the auxiliary or main
steam cylinder may be. modified in various different ways, such for
instance, as shown in Figures 19, 20, and 21. In Figure 19 the rod F
extends through a tube / which slides in a stuffing box in the valve
chest of the auxiliary cylinder and carries the valve. On the rod F are
secured two tappets m, one on each side of the valve chest, and by the
action of these tappets on the tubular slide the valve is changed. In
Figure 20 the rod F carries a bracket P, a side view of which is shown
.in Figure 20°; this bracket is firmly keyed to the rod F, and it carries a
pivot n, on the outer end of which swings a socket piece o, the socket p
of which is intended to receive the end of an arm q, which swings
loosely on the valve spindle c. On this spindle are firmly secured two
arins provided with set screws s, and as the rod F is moved back and
forth by the piston D the arm q alternately strikes one and then
the other of the set screws s, and thereby the valve. is changed. In
Figure 21 the rod F is provided with two cam pieces t, which act on
arms to mounted on the valve spindle c so as to change the steam at the
proper intervals.
In either of these cases the steam piston may be
cushioned in the manner shewn in Figure 18 by means of hinged valves i
with tappets k. Or instead of this arrangement the steam ports v (see
Figure 21) may be located at such a distance from the cylinder heads
.that the exhaust of the steam is closed some time before the piston has
travelled up to the end of its stroke, secondary steam ports w being pro-
vided which are so small that they check the exhaust, and a sufficient
quantity of steam is retained in the cylinder to cushion the piston.
These secondary steam ports also serve to admit a small quantity of
steam to the cylinder to start the piston on its return stroke until the
same passes the main port, when the full head of steam begins to acts on
it. It is obvious that the rod F may be fastened in the steam piston as
well as in the pump piston without changing the result.
:
The eighth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 22, 23, 24,
and 25, where Figure 22 represents a sectional front view of a valve
chest fitted with 4 valves, the bonnet of the chest having been removed
to expose the valve and valve seats; Figure 23 is a transverse section of
the same taken in the plane indicated by line x, x, Figure 22; Figure 24
is a similar section of the same, the line y, y, Figure 22 indicating

page_text: the plane of section; Figure 25 is a similar section to that shewn in
Figure 23, representing a modification of the arrangement.
A designates a valve chest containing valves B, C, D, E. The bonnet F
on the valve chest is shewn in its place in Figures 23 and 24, but it is
removed in Figure 22 in order to shew the interior of the valve chest.
The letter G designates the valve seats, which are made separate from
the valve chest, and are tapering on their peripheries and inserted in
tapering holes H bored out to receive them in the upper and lower walls
of the valve chamber I. By this arrangement the valve seats can be
readily inserted and removed, access being had to them from above and
below, as soon as the bonnet F has been removed, and any person using
pumps made in this manner can order from the manufacturer valve seats
of the required size, and drop them in their places with the aid only of
ordinary labor, without requiring the skill of a machinist. If the valve
seats are required to withstand a severe pressure they are constructed
with shoulders J to bear on the upper surface of the partition wall, or to
rest on rebates K provided in said wall to receive them. The valves
are arranged in pairs one above the other, and may be mounted in
various different ways. The valves B and C (Figures 22 and 23) work
on their separate spindles. The spindle L of the valve B is firmly
secured in the top of the valve chest, it is made to work in a socket N
on the top of the valve, and its lifting too high is prevented by its.
striking the bottom end of the spindle, and in order that the valve shall
not be retarded in its movement by the pressure of fluid in the lower
end of the socket a hole is made through the neck of the valve
intersecting the bottom part of the socket to permit the escape of the
fluid, and also of any sediment which might otherwise accumulate
therein. The valve Cis similarly constructed to the valve B, but it is
provided with a spindle P extending downward and working in a
socket N in the upper end of a plug M secured in the bottom of the
valve chest. The socket N is provided with an escape hole O and lugs
or stops Q projecting from the side walls of the valve chamber to prevent
the valve C from lifting too high. By this arrangement of the valves.
seats are obtained with clear openings unobstructed by cross bars; it
will, however, be necessary that the spindles which guide the valves
shall be strong so as to resist any tendency to become strained out of
their proper relation to the valve seats. The valves B, C, may also be
mounted on one common spindle, extending clear through the seats, and..
t

page_text: secured above and below in the valve chest (see Figure 25). In this
case the spindle is rendered firm and rigid; but it is more difficult to
adjust the valves, and the openings in the valve seats are partially
obstructed. The valve D (Figures 22 and 24) is an ordinary double
hinge or clack valve arranged on a tapering seat, while the valve E is
provided with a lug R extending therefrom in a radial direction, and
connected by a hinge joint S, T, to a similar lug extending from the
valve seat. Stops Q prevent the valve from lifting too high. By this
arrangement a hinged valve is obtained, which provides for a free and
unobstructed passage through its seat.
.
The ninth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figures 26 and 27,
where Figure 26 represents a side view, and Figure 27 a longitudinal
central section.
A designates a piston, the body of which is composed of two cones
or wedges a, a¹, bored out and tapped so as to fit on a screw thread b
cut on the piston rod B, the conical surfaces of said screw wedges
being so arranged that they face each other, as shewn in Fig. 27.
The packing consists of two split rings c, c¹, the inner edges of which
are turned of square, while the outer edges are turned out conical to
correspond to the cone surfaces of the screw wedges. By screwing up
the screw wedges, therefore, the split rings are expanded and caused to
bear tight against the inner surface of the cylinder C. Suitable square
or hexagonal shoulders d, d¹, on the outer surfaces of the screw wedges
give a chance to apply a screw wrench for the purpose of turning said
screw wedges in or out. From the inner surfaces of the screw wedges
extend projections e, e¹, whose length is so regulated that they bear
against each other when the split rings are expanded just far enough to
fit close against the inner surface of the cylinder. If either the split
rings or the inner surface of the cylinder wear off the projections e, e¹,
or either of them are filed off a little to allow the screw wedges to close
up and expand the split rings sufficiently to compensate for the wear.
The outer edges of the split rings project beyond the edges of the screw
wedges, so as to form annular bearing surfaces f, f¹, and enable the
fluid acting on or being acted on by the piston to assist in expanding
the split rings sufficiently to prevent leakage past the piston. If the
split rings are made without these annular bearing surfaces, the fluid is
liable to pass in between the outer surfaces of the split rings and the
inner surface of the cylinder, thus acting so as to compress said split

page_text: destroyed. This packing is intended particularly for small pistons, and
it can be used with advantage for packing pistons of pumps or of steam
cylinders.
The tenth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figure 28, which
represents a longitudinal vertical section thereof.
A designates the valve chest of a steam engine of the usual form and
construction. On this valve chest and solid with the same or its cover a
reservoir B is cast, to which access can be had through an aperture ą,
which is provided with a closely fitting cover or plug b.
The said
reservoir is furnished with a mud box c, and with an aperture d, which
leads into the valve chest, so that whenever steam is shut off the lubri-
cating material contained in the reservoir B will run down into the
valve chest, and the slide valve and other parts of the machine will be
lubricated without requiring any extra attention. The mud box serves
to collect and retain such impurities as may be mixed with the
lubricating material. The aperture d which forms the communication
between the reservoir B, and the interior of the valve chest may be
provided with a stop valve e, so that the flow of the lubricating material
from the reservoir into the valve chest can be regulated or stopped at
pleasure. If the mouth of the reservoir is stopped by the plug b, and
the stop valve e is opened the lubricating material will flow from the
reservoir into the valve chest, even if the steam is on; but if the stop
valve is left off and the lower part of the reservoir is filled with lamp
wick or other absorbent material the flow of the lubricating material
into the valve chest can be so regulated that not more than the requisite
quantity passes in, aud no lubricating material is wasted. By casting
the reservoir B solid with the valve chest, much labor and expense
are saved, and furthermore, a novel, substantial, and distinguishing
appearance is given to the valve chests.
;
The eleventh part of this Invention is illustrated in Figure 29, which
represents a sectional side view of a direct-acting engine. A desiguates
the steam cylinder, and B the pumping cylinder of a direct-acting steam
With the piston rod C of this pump is combined a hand lever D,
which is stepped in a bracket E attached to the bed plate F, and which
is provided with a slot a to catch over a pin projecting from a sleeve b
which is secured to the piston rod. By means of this lever the pump
pump.

page_text: •
:
"
engine placed in a vertical position. A designates the blowing cylinder,
and B the steam cylinder, the latter being placed above the former, as
shewn. By placing the engine in a vertical position much room is
saved, and the pistons are prevented from wearing unevenly, but in
order to obtain a uniform action of the engine the weight of the pistons
must be balanced. This object is attained by loading the bottom
discharge valve of the blowing cylinder, so that the piston working in
- said cylinder will have to overcome a certain resistance on its down
stroke, and by adjusting the weight acting on the discharge valve this
resistance is so gauged that the weight of the pistons of the steam and
blowing cylinders will be overcome. The lower discharge may also be
effected through a series of holes in the circumference of the blowing
cylinder, and by covering these holes with an india-rubber belt c, which
opens when the pressure of the air in the interior of the cylinder
exceeds a certain limit the weight of the pistons can be balanced. T'he
same object can be attained by dividing the exhaust of the steam
cylinder and by closing the lower exhaust pipe d with a loaded valve, so
that the steam piston on its down stroke will have to overcome a certain
resistance capable of balancing the weight of the pistons.
::
The fourteenth part of this Invention is illustrated in Figure 32,
-which represents a section of the cylinder head of a direct-acting steam
pump. In this head are secured one or more plugs a made of soft. metal
and fastened in such a manner that if the pressure in the interior of the
cylinder rises beyond a certain limit these plugs are driven out and
'injury to the cylinder is prevented. The plugs a are made taper or
cylindrical, and they are secured in the bonnet of the valve chest or in
any other part connected to the pump cylinder so that if the discharge
pipe becomes choked from ice or any other cause the plugs are driven
out and the cylinder is savel from bursting.
* !
The fifteenth part of this. Invention is illustrated in Figures 33, 34,
and 35, where Figure 33 represents a longitudinal section of a steam
chest containing valve moving oscillating pistons; Figure 34 is a
transverse section of the same; Figure 35 is a detached plan of the
cam disk which serves to produce the oscillating motion of the valve
moving pistons.
A designates a steam chest containing the slide valve B and · the

page_text: formed in the ends of the steam chest, and to the outer end of their
stem E is connected a cam disc F against which acts a similar cam
disc F which oscillates on a pivot a having its bearings in the disc F
(see Figure 35). From the cam disk F¹ extends an arm G which is
provided, with a slot b to catch over a stud projecting from the main.
piston rod H. When this piston rod reciprocates an oscillating motion
is imparted to the arm G, and this motion is transmitted to the
pistons C, C, by the cam disks F, F¹. Each of the pistons C, C, is pro-
vided with a channel c, one end of which communicates with the interior
of one of the auxiliary cylinders while the other ends of said channels
by the oscillating motion of the pistons are alternately brought in
communication with steam ports d, d, leading from the auxiliary
cylinder to the interior of the steam chest, or with exhaust ports e
leading from the auxiliary cylinder to the exhaust pipe. By imparting
motion to the pistons C, C, therefore the steam in the auxiliary cylinders
is alternately changed and said pistons are caused to impart to the
main valve the required motion. .
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I claim in respect of Figures 1
and 2,―
1. The combination of one or more benches of retorts with a direct-
acting dumping engine, substantially as herein shewn and described.
2. The pipes H, I, branching off from the discharge pipe G provided
with cocks a, b, c, in combination with one or more benches of retorts,
and with a pumping cylinder, substantially as set forth.
3. The branch pipes d, e, with an intervening cock f in combination
with the suction pipe of a pumping cylinder, and with the gas discharge
pipe G, substantially as described.
I
4. The elastic diaphragm h exposed to the pressure of the gas in the
retorts or hydraulic main and communicating with the throttle valve of
an engine, substantially as set forth.
In respect of Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, I claim,-
1. The arrangement of the auxiliary valve chest F and the auxiliary
cylinders in one and the same piece of casting as set forth.
2. The arrangement of recesses b, b', cast in the bottom surfaces of
the top containing the auxiliary valve and the valve-moving -pistons,

page_text: 19, 19, 20, and 21, 1 claim,-
--
In respect of Figures
1. The arrangement of a rod Frsecured in one of the pistons of a
direct-acting engine and extending alongside the other cylinder, said
rod serving to actuate the steam valve of the auxiliary or main cylinder,
substantially in the manner herein shewn and described.
A
1. The steam chambers 0 receiving steam from behind the valves
provided with tappets, & extending into the steam cylinder, A. for the
purpose of cushioning or arresting the steam piston. substantially in the
manner herein set forth.
In respect of Figures 22, 23, 24, and 25, I claim,-
"
"
2. The arrangement of taper sockets in the partitions of the valve
chamber, said sockets being intended to receive the valve seats which
are turned taper while the partitions allow access to said seats from
above and below, when the bonnet is removed, substantially as herein
set forth.
2. The arrangement in-a valve chest having the valves placed one
above the other of a spindle or socket in its upper side for the upper
valves to play up or down upon or in and of a separate spindle or socket
in its. lower side for the lower valve to play up or down upon or in,
substantially as herein shewn and described.
3. The arrangement in a valve chest having the valves placed one
above the other of a spindle passing clear through two of the valves
and being secured in the top and bottom of the said valve chest, substan-
tially as described.
4. The arrangement of a taper valve seat provided with a lug
extending therefrom in a radial direction and connected by a hinge
joint with a corresponding lug extending from the valve, substantially as
set. forth.
In respect of Figures 26 and 27 I claim,-
1. The arrangement of screw wedges, a, a¹ fitted on the piston rod
and bearing on the inner conical surfaces of the split rings c, c¹,
substantially as described.
2. The stops or projections e, e, on the screw wedges a, a¹, fitted on
the piston rod and bearing against the split rings c, c', substantially as
set forth.

page_text: mechanism for imparting to the said pistors an oscillating, motion,
substantially as herein set forth.
f "
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of March, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
one.
Witness,
E. C. JACKSON.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (L.S.)