Improvements relating to Vibrating Engines, applicable also to Pumps or Blowers.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 10th June, 1891
Complete Specification Left, 11th Apr., 1892-Accepted, 4th June, 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Vibrating Engines, applicable also to
Pumps or Blowers.
I THOMAS HAWKINS, of No. 171 Cleveland Street Fitzroy Square London
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows :-
The object of this invention is to produce a simple and reliable engine for use
with steam or compressed air gas or other suitable motive power and for this
purpose I make use of an outside concentric case having a central rockshaft to
which is secured certain pistons or vibrating diaphragms and intermediate fixed
abutments are attached to the outside case aforementioned in such a manner that
the admission of steam or other suitable motive power between an abutment and
its corresponding piston tends to partially rotate the rockshaft and fresh steam
being admitted to the opposite side of the piston aforesaid will of course produce a
reverse motion a rocking motion being therefore given to the rockshaft which may
be readily utilized to produce a rotary or any other desirable motion in extra or
supplementary machinery. Now I have only described the use of the first or high
pressure compartment the piston of which may have the same outside radial length
as the others but the boss near the centre may be of enlarged diameter compared
with the others thus reducing the piston area, and the exhaust steam from this
compartment may be led to (and suitably governed by any convenient valve
arrangement, connected with one or more of the other compartments in such a
manner that the piston area acted upon by this exhaust steam bears any convenient
ratio to that of the piston in the high pressure compartment and further by this
system of a multiplicity of pistons and abutments and therefore compartments it is
obvious I may by suitably arranged valves make my engines act as either a
compound triple quadruple or other expansion machine. I may if desirable use
my machine as an air compressor or water raiser or a combination of both or
obviously the different compartments may be arranged to effect different purposes,
thus one may be used as a circulating pump another as an air pump or such other
combination as may be deemed desirable.
Dated this 10th day of June 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Vibrating Engines, applicable also to
Pumps or Blowers.
I THOMAS HAWKINS of No. 171 Cleveland Street Fitzroy Square London
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner it is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
The object of my invention is to produce a simple and reliable vibrating engine
the motive power of which may be either steam, gas or other suitable agent and
which said engine with slight alteration of parts may be used as a pump or blower
and driven from without by band or like device and in carrying out this said.
invention I use an outer concentric truly bored and turned concentric case or
cylinder having a central rock shaft to which is secured or on which is formed a
number, three or more, of pistons, blades or diaphragms and to the inner surface of
which case are secured a like number of abutments or bulkheads in such manner
[Price &d

page_text: •
that on the admission of steam or like agent between an abutment and its
corresponding piston or blade the rock shaft is partially rotated and on fresh
steam or other agent being admitted to the opposite side of the piston or blade a
reverse motion is produced.
This rocking motion of the shaft may be readily utilized to produce rotary or
other desirable motion in supplementary machinery.
In the first or high pressure compartment the piston or blade may have the same
outside radial length as the others but the shaft is enlarged at this point so reducing
the piston area and the exhaust steam from this compartment may be led to and
governed by any convenient valve arrangement connected by means hereafter
described with one or more of the other compartments so that the piston area acted
upon by such exhaust steam bears any convenient ratio to that of the piston
area in the first or high pressure compartment, and it will be shown that by this
system of a multiplicity of pistons and abutments or bulkheads, and therefore
compartments, that I am able by means of suitably arranged valves and passages to
cause my engine to act as either a compound, triple, quadruple or other expansion
machine or as a gas engine.
The distinguishing features of my invention are therefore a truly bored or turned
concentric case or cylinder, a central rock shaft working therein and carrying three
or more pistons, blades or diaphragms and loose abutments or bulkheads capable of
being bolted or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the case in convenient
positions this combination of parts being capable of arrangement with slight
modification so as to be equally applicable to the various purposes hereinafter
set forth.
I will now proceed to describe my invention as applicable :-
Firstly as a triple expansion steam engine.
Secondly as a compound steam engine; and
:
Thirdly as a gas engine and it will be found that by mere modifications of
pistons, bulkheads, valves, and channels, the same construction may be used for
each of said purposes as well as for pumps and blowers.
In order to more fully explain the nature of my invention I have caused to be
attached to this Specification five sheets of drawings, to the figures and letters of
reference on which I shall refer and on these sheets :-
Figure 1. is a side sectional elevation of an engine constructed according to my
invention and acting as a triple expansion engine.
Figure 2. is an elevation of the crank end of this engine the fly wheel being
removed.
Figure 3. is a transverse vertical section through the concentric case shewing
pistons or diaphragms, valves, channels, bulkheads, packings &c.
Figure 4. is an elevation of the opposite end of engine shewing arrangement for
actuating valves.
Figure . is a similar section to Figure 3 but shewing the modification enabling
the machine to be used as a compound steam engine.
Figure 6. shews a further modification also arranged to act as a compound steam
engine.
Figure 7. is a vertical transverse section similar to Figure 3. and showing a
construction adapting my invention for use as a gas engine.
Figure 8. is an end view of gas engine construction shewing cover sleeve disc
and the valve connections.
Figure 9 is a sectional view of gas engine modification on line ―y Figure 7 and
Figure 10 is a side elevation of same.
In applying my invention to triple expansion steam engines I use a metallic
concentric case or cylinder A. truly bored or turned and provided with feet or
supports enabling it to be bolted or secured to a solid bed or base B. Running
through the centre of this case or cylinder A. is a rock shaft C. carried by outside
bearings such as D. (Figure 1 and Figure 2) mounted on standards E. also bolted
or secured to base B. On the rock shaft C. I form or fix a number (in this

page_text: case 4) of pistons blades or diaphragms F F F F (Figure 3) and to the inner
face or surface of the cylinder I attach by bolts G. (or by other means) a number
(in this case 4) of abutments or bulkheads H H H H running the entire length
of the interior of the case and dividing it, when the rock shaft and pistons are in
position, into separate compartments or chambers, three of which J. J. J.
being of equal area and the fourth K. of less area when the blades or
diaphragms FF2 FF are close up to their respective bulkheads H' H2 H3 H
as shewn by Figure 3. the opposite chamber to K. becoming the chamber of
smallest area and K becoming a chamber of equal area to J. on the reverse
motion of the rock-shaft.
In order to effect this arrangement of chambers I cut away part of the upper
bulkhead Hand form between the two upper blades or diaphragms FI Fa
hollow boss L.
The other bulkheads H2 H3 H' are shaped and attached as shewn in Figure 3. as
are also the other blades FF, spring controlled packings M. of any well known
type; keep the parts steam tight and suitable steam channels hereafter more fully
described are formed in the walls of the case and correspond with oscillating
valves registering with them and also hereafter fully described such valves being
actuated by connections O. attached to a flange or disc P. carried by a sleeve
mounted on the boss or hub R. of the cover S. through which the rock shaft C.
passes and operated by eccentric T. (and rod 1") on the main shaft U. or any
well known device may be used. A collar Q' secured to the rock shaft C. keeps the
sleeve Q. in position.
The case or cylinder A. is closed at each end by covers S. S. provided with
spring controlled packings such as W. (Figure 1.) and the main or crank shaft U.
is carried on blocks and bearings such as X in the usual way and connected with
the rock shaft C by connecting rod Y. a fly wheel Z. and any desirable
arrangement of governor complete the engine the cycle of operations and action of
which I now will describe.
The steam enters by passage a through cut off valve (which oscillates so as to
register with main supply valve e. and may be operated in any well known manner
from the main shaft U), and in the positions of pistons and valves as shewn in
drawings such steam passes through central channel in valve c. down short
channel d. against short blade of piston F forcing the same forward towards
bulkhead until cut off by action of valve & which may be arranged to effect
this at any part of the stroke desired. The valve c. has now oscillated and ceasing
to register with the channel d. allows steam to enter opposite short channel d.
Whilst fresh steam is thus being introduced at back of piston F the steam already
in opposite small chamber K is passing back through small passage through one
side port in valve c. and down passage f. through port in governing and exhaust
valve y. thence through short passage h. and against the underside of piston
blade 1, expanding as the piston moves forward and so assisting the movement of
the rock shaft. On Figure 3 the right hand upper chamber J. is shown full of
steam thus expanded-on the return stroke this expanded steam is now about to be
still further expanded and for this purpose passes through channel i. and port in
valve g' thence part passes down channel j, to front of one of the lower blades F
and the remainder through hole k. and channel l. to the other lower blade F*
this further assisting the same movement of the rock shaft. The steam thus
expanded impinging simultaneously on the two lower blades F F3.
The steam introduced into the lower chambers J. J. on the previous stroke is
now exhausting by passages m. n and port in valve g. which is shown open for this
purpose at left hand of drawing this cycle of operations producing a trifle
expansion of steam as will be well understood.
In Figure 5 1 shew a modification of my invention by means of which I produce
what I will term a duplex compound engine-in this Figure 5 the main features are
lettered as before. Instead of one hollow boss L (Figure 3) between the two top
blades F' and F, I duplicate this arrangement and form another hollow boss L'

page_text: between the two lower blades F3 F4. The valve arrangement is also slightly
altered there being feeds at both top and bottom or opposite points and the ports
in the governing and exhaust valves are altered to register with the channels
in the case as hereafter described.
9
In this duplex compound engine the steam enters at the same time through
oppositely placed cut off valves b. 6 passes through their central ports and through
central port supply valves c. c' and short channels d. d. to the front of opposite
short blades F and F when these blades have been propelled to the extent of
their stroke the chamber thus formed is full of steam which on the return stroke
of the blades is forced back through channels d. d. side ports of valves c. c and
channels e. e¹ thence through ports of governing and exhaust valves ag (in this
case differently formed to those shown in Fig. 3) down short channel ff. to the
backs or large areas of blades F1 and F2. The action and registration of the
valves and channels on this expansion is more clearly shown by the opposite blades
and chambers and the exhaustion of the steam is effected through short
channels and exhaust port j. which may communicate with the atmosphere or
as may he found convenient. In Fig. 6. I shew another modification applying my
invention as a single compound engine, the main features and construction being
as before described but having blades or diaphragms of equal area on each side
and certain steam passages hereafter described (in addition to those in the walls of
the case) in the end covers of the case or cylinder-these covers being similar to
those shown in Figure 4. but made thicker to receive such passages. In this
modification steam enters through cut off valve b. through central port of supply
valve c. down short passage d. to the back of blade F propelling it towards
bulk head H. The opposite chamber J. will now show the position of valves and
the chainber full of steam which then passes back on the return stroke through
passages d. side ports of valve e down passages e. through exhaust valves to the
backs of blades F F F³ expanding for this purpose and passing through open
ports h. h. h. cut. under and into the bulk head and passages in covers j. -on the
next forward stroke the steam is forced back through same passages and open ports
out through short passages f.and exhaust ports g g' to the open air. The
various valves and passages registering for the purposes described at proper
intervals as set forth in former description and by means shewn in Fig. 4.
Suitable packings in all cases are used but not shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
Referring now more particularly to Figures 7. 8 9. 10 I will describe a
modification of my improved vibrating engine arranged to work as a gas engine
and it will be seen that the main features remain as before and are indicated by
similar letters of reference, that is to say, that in constructing an engine the motive
power of which is obtained from gas I use a bored out concentric case or cylinder,
loose bulk heads or abutments attached to the inner surface of the case and a
rocking shaft carrying three or more blades or diaphragms of equal radius, the
rock shaft being mounted in the centre of the said case and the various valves
being caused to register with connecting passages or channels in the walls of the
case by means of a similar sleeve and flange as before described but mounted
rigidly on the rock shaft outside the cover. In these views the crank or main
shaft, the fly wheel, standards, bearings and all parts not absolutely required for
the purposes of illustration are omitted but it will be well understood that these
are the same or nearly so as in the description of my invention as applied for steam
power, slight modifications being only necessary.
In this arrangement a mixture of air and gas controlled by any well known
device enters through the supply pipes a. a. a. and check or non-return valves b.
and channels c. c towards the back of the blade F. By a previous explosion or by
turning the fly wheel (if the engine is at rest) the blade F' is caused to travel
towards the bulk head so pumping or drawing in a fresh supply of mixed gas
and air and the gas and air previously drawn into chamber J is now being
compressed therein. The blades FF2 F3 and the rock shaft C. have channels
or passages d. d. d formed therein communicating by non-return valves e e e
:

page_text: fixed in the blades F1 F2 F3 with the chambers J J J³. The chamber J¹ is a
reception chamber only for gas and air, the chambers J2 J3 being explosion and
exhaust chambers in turn. The non-return valve e¹ on blade F¹ is a simple valve
which may be spring controlled or entirely dependent on the pressure of gas and air
in chamber for opening and on pressure from the rear for closing. The valves e²e³
in blades F2 F3 are automatically opened by triggers or like devices f.f. coming in
contact with the bulk heads and are normally spring closed. The gas and air when
sufficiently compressed in chamber J by advance of blade F" passes through
valve e in blade F down channels d. d. d partly through blade F and partly
through blade F³ and towards valves e and e3 opening into chambers J and j³
but is confined in said passages until the said valves are opened by means of
the triggers impinging on the bulk heads H H H³ when the blades F2 and F3
working in the explosion and exhaust chambers J2 J3 are near the end of their
travel the exhaust valves being arranged to work accordingly.
In the case A. at suitable points I introduce hollow explosion tubes h. h. h. h. of
any well known type.
The valves e and being opened the mixture of gas and air fills the explosion
chambers and as soon as the blades F2 F3 pass the explosion tubes h. the two
charges are simultaneously fired-thus producing two explosions at each stroke of
the blades. It will also be seen that by varying the position of the explosion tubes
the charges may be fired consecutively instead of simultaneously.
The force of the explosions and the action of the fly wheel impel the blades
forward and thus expel the products of combustion from chambers J J³ in front
of blades through exhaust channels g g' and side ports in valves l. 1. to the outer
air and at the same time reverse the action of the blade F¹ thus drawing in a fresh
charge of mixed air and gas ready to pass through opposite ports of valves and
opposite channels of blades and rock shaft. The case may be water jacketed when
used in connection with gas engines or kept cool by other means.
Figures 8 and 10 shew the method of actuating the exhaust valves by means of
the flange or disc P and sleeve Q keyed on to rock shaft C.
It will be seen that by a slight modification of the arrangement shewn in Figure 7.
and by dispensing with the triggers and exhaust valves and substituting therefor
suitable outlets a pump or a blower may be constructed which can be operated by
any suitable outside agency.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I
claim is :
1. In vibrating engines the use of a rocking shaft carrying three or more blades
or diaphragmns and mounted on a central horizontal axis within a concentric bored
out case or cylinder so that the extremities of such blades shall in every case be
equidistant from the centre of such horizontal axis.
2. In vibrating engines constructed with a concentric bored out case or cylinder
and a rocking shaft carrying 3 or more blades the use of loose bulkheads or
abutments attached by bolts or otherwise to the inner surface of such case as and
for the purposes hereinbefore described.
3. In the construction of triple expansion steam engines the means for and
method of obtaining such triple expansion of steam substantially as herein before
described and as illustrated by Figures 1. 2. 3. 4. of the accompanying drawings or
any mere modification thereof or equivalent therefor.
4. The duplex compound steam engine constructed substantially as hereinbefore
described and as illustrated generally by Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5. of the accompanying
drawings or any mere equivalent therefor.
5. In steam engines the means of and method of compounding steam substantially
as herein before described and as illustrated by Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6 of the
accompanying drawings or any mere equivalent therefor.
6. A rock-shaft carrying 3 blades working centrally in a bored out concentric

page_text: case having attached to its inner surface 3 loose bulk heads said blades being fitted
with non-return valves (with or without triggers or like devices) and said blades
and rock shaft having channels or passages formed therein for passage of mixed
air and gas and the whole constituting a gas engine substantially as hereinbefore
described and as illustrated by Figures 7, 8, 9, 10. of the accompanying drawings;
or any mere equivalent therefor.
7. In vibrating engines such as herein before described the use of a sleeve such
as Q. mounted on the hub or boss of one end cover (Figures 1 and 4) or on the
rock-shaft (Figures 9 and 10) carrying a flange or disc such as P communicating
motion to the various valves and causing same to register as desired for supplying
governing and exhausting--such motion being derived from main or rock shaft as
may be found most convenient according to nature of the engine and substantially
as hereinbefore described.
8. The arrangement and construction of vibrating engines equally applicable to
be used (with slight alteration) either with steam or gas as a motive power and
capable also of conversion into pumps or blowers substantially as hereinbefore
described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
9. In vibrating engines the method of and means for utilizing the motive power
of such engines so as to operate against three or more diaphragms or pistons
consecutively or first against one and afterwards simultaneously against two or
more of such diaphragms or pistons substantially as hereinbefore described.
Dated 11th day of April 1892.
POPPLEWELL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.