IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Lewis Lambert, of Number 6, Wilford Grove, in
the Town and County of the Town of Nottingham, Engineer, for the Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES."
ealed the 14th May 1878, and dated the 20th November 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Lewis Lambert at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th November 1877.
GEORGE LEWIS LAMBERT, of No. 6, Wilford Grove, in the Town and County of the
Town of Nottingham, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES."
"
My Invention, relating to improvements in steam engines, consists in the employ-
ment in substitution for ordinary slide valves of four piston valves, vizt., one steam
and one exhaust valve at each end of the cylinders, the steam being admitted
to and exhausted from each end by a separate steam valve and exhaust valve
respectively. Each valve works in a separate chamber or valve chest, which is
bolted to the cylinder cover and arranged so that the valve chests and valves can be
readily removed and replaced, the valves working in a line parallel with the line of
motion of the steam piston.
The motion of each piston valve is imparted by an arm fast on the end of a
separate rocking shaft, herein-after called a valve spindle, and enclosed in the valve
chest or chamber, on the extremity of which arm is fitted a steel roller which works
in contact with steeled faces on the inside of an oblong recess cast in the valves.
Each arm is made in two parts, connected together by a pin at each end, and
between the two parts of the arm the roller is fitted.
The valve spindle passes through a long stuffing box and gland, and is provided
on the exterior thereof with another arm, which is actuated by valve gear of any
suitable description, but by preference of the construction and arrangement herein-
after described.
The piston valves each consist of a body turned to work easily in the chamber

page_text: with packing rings (by preference of the description known as Mather and Platts)
at each end, the rings being retained in position by covers fitted one at each end, in
one of which covers the recess before mentioned is formed."
In applying the Invention to a horizontal steam engine the cylinder covers are
by preference formed so that the steam valve is placed immediately above the
centre of the piston rod, and the exhaust valve immediately below the same, each
being placed at a convenient distance from the piston rod. In the cylinder covers
round the casing of the valves there are formed chambers having ports opening into
the interior of the valve casing communicating with the cylinder.
In the case of the steam valves the steam which is conducted to the covers in any
suitable manner passes when the piston valve is drawn back through the ports into
the interior of the valve casing, and thence into the cylinder which it enters in the
direction in which the piston travels. The exhaust steam passes in a similar manner
out of the cylinder through its respective valve into a separate division of the
cylinder cover, from which it is conducted in any suitable manner to a condenser or
direct to the atmosphere: The cylinder cover is by preference divided, so that the
live steam enters at the bottom and occupies as much of the surface of the cylinder
end as the necessary room for the exhaust valve chamber and passage to the exhaust
pipes admits.
The cylinder is by preference provided with an outer chamber all round for the
circulation of steam, thus forming a steam jacket.
In applying the Invention to a vertical engine the cover and bottom are connected
by a steam and exhaust junction pipe, the other side of the cylinder being lagged
uniformly with the side containing the pipes.
The arrangement of the valves and their appurtenances is generally similar to
that herein-before described as applied to a horizontal engine, such modifications
in the details only being made as the particular application renders necessary.
The improved valve gear adapted for actuating the valves herein-before described,
and working the steam valves expansively, is constructed and arranged in the
following manner :-
According to one modification, which I designate a rectilineal detent motion, J
employ two rocking shafts, one in the same line and immediately opposite the
centre of each lower valve spindle, on each of which rocking shafts there is fixed a
double armed lever, one arm of which works the steam valve and the other the exhaust
valve. On a pin at the end of the arm for working the steam valve is a steel roller,
on which is hung a die which is free to slide in a slotted box, which is found on a
rod connected at the upper end to a pin on the steam valve spindle lever, and at the
lower end to a piston which works in a vertical dash pot. The box is made with
slides only, and arranged so that the rod may have room to fall the necessary
distance to close the valve without resting on the die. On the inner sides of the
box and parallel with the centre of the valve rod are fixed 2 steel bits, the edges of
which are not at right angles with one another at one end.
The die consists of a block, in which is fitted a steel plate to bear on the roller.
On each side of the block, and covering the front and back of the box, is secured a
bossed plate, the bosses forming bearings for a small rocking shaft. On the end of
this rocking shaft, enclosed in the box and in a line with the centre of the valve
rod is formed a small double arm, which works double bits at right angles to
the centre line of the valve rods. Each of these bits catches or engages with one of
the parallel bits before mentioned, the edges of which are cut to suit the position
of these bits respectively. Both bits work simultaneously, so that the rod may
close the valve instantly when released. If the rod hangs vertically it will fall by
its own weight, but if placed horizontally or diagonally it may be connected by a
bell-crank lever to the piston rod of the dash-pot piston, which may be weighted to
the required power.
The bottom of the dash pot is provided with a ring of leather, india-rubber, or
other suitable material, on to which the piston falls. The. dash pot may be filled
with water or other suitable fluid, or the piston may be cushioned by the air only.

page_text: The double-armed lever and die are worked by one or more eccentrics on a crank
shaft, but the valve rod is only moved when the bits are in gear.
The rocking shaft of the bit motion is worked by two cams (one to each steam
valve) each graduated to catch or engage with and release the bits at any part of
the stroke of the piston.
The cams are fixed on a rocking shaft worked by a lever connected to the cross
head pin of the piston rod, or by a motion derived from the beam of the engine.
The proportion of the cut-off can be regulated by a governor or other means, giving
motion to a series of mitre wheels, by which the cams are turned on the shaft to the
position which gives the required cut-off. The action of this motion is such as to
produce equal forms of diagram at both ends of the cylinder, whether the crank is
turning in the ordinary or in the reverse direction.
The exhaust valves are worked in the following manner:-The arm on the
rocking shaft for working the exhaust valve strikes a tab on the valve spindle lever
to open the valve, but the closing is regulated by a piston (attached to the rod)
working in a dash pot containing water or other fluid. A connection is provided
from the bottom of the dash pot to a slide or other suitable valve worked by a
tappet rod connected to an arm on the rocking shaft before mentioned, and which
is worked by the cross head pin or beam of the engine. The tappets can be arranged
so that the exhaust valve may be closed at any required part of the stroke, in
order that the necessary cushion may be given to the piston at each end of the
cylinder.
In lieu of the double-armed levers working the steam valve by one arm, and the
exhaust valve by the other arm, they may be arranged for both arms of one lever to
work steam valves, and the other double-armed lever and rocking shaft to work
exhaust valves, each steam or exhaust arm being however worked in the manuer
herein-before described.
According to another modification of valve gear, which I designate a radial detent
motion, I employ two rocking shafts placed opposite and in a line with the two
lower valve spindles respectively, each worked in the manner herein-before described
with reference to the first modification, and on the said rocking shafts I fix levers in
the form of a quadrant, on each corner of which is secured a steel bit. Radial arms
are also fixed on the lower valve spindles on one side of the quadrant, and on the
other side are fitted radial arms working loose on the rocking shafts, with con-
nections to work the upper valve spindles. Each of these arms is provided with a
single bit to catch or engage with the respective bit on the quadrant.
In order to work the steam valves each of these bits on the radial arms is worked
by a small rocking shaft in a similar manner to that of the first modification, but
the bits in the case of the exhaust valves are fixed, and the closing being regulated
in a similar manner to that herein-before described.
Dash pots for cushioning the fall of both steam and exhaust valve rods and their.
connections may be used as in the first modification; also the degree of cut-off may
be regulated by similar apparatus to that herein-before described.
These methods of actuating the piston valves herein-before described are also
applicable for working Cornish valves, or what are known as "Corliss valves."

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Lewis Lambert in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 20th
May 1878.
GEORGE LEWIS LAMBERT, of No. 6, Wilford Groove, in the Town and County of the
Town of Nottingham, Engineer. “IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES.”
My said Invention relates to that description of steam engines, in which four
valves are employed, videlicit, two valves (one separate steam valve and one
separate exhaust valve) at each end of the cylinder, and it consists,―
First. In the employment in substitution for the valves ordinarily used of piston
valves arranged in the covers or ends of the cylinder so as to work in a line parallel
or nearly so with the line of motion of the steam piston.
Secondly. Of improved valve gear adapted for actuating the valves before referred
to, and working the steam valves so as to secure the expansive action of the steam
in the cylinders, the said valve gear being also applicable to valves of other
descriptions, as for example, what are known as Corliss valves and double beat or
Cornish valves. This valve gear is constructed so as to operate the steam and
exhaust valves in order to open the same at the requisite times by means of double
armed or segmental levers or quadrants actuated from the main shaft of the engine.
Each of these levers works two valves, either one or both of which are actuated
through the intervention of detent or escapement mechanism, which in the case of
either the steam valves, or the exhaust valves alone, or both the steam valves and
exhaust valves, is released at suitable variable periods by a motion derived from or
coincident with that of the main piston of the engine, and regulated by the action of
the governor or its equivalent. The valves are then free to close under the gravitation
of weights or the impulsion of springs, and the closing is controlled by a dash pot,
the flow of water or other fluid to and from which may be regulated by a valve
actuated by a motion derived from or coincident with the main piston of the engine
and controlled by the governor or its equivalent.
The valve gear is constructed upon two types, one herein-after designated the
"rectilinear detent motion," in which the moving part for actuating the valves
operates in a direction rectilinear with the connecting rod, transmitting motion to
the spindle of one of the valves, the other herein-after designated the "radial
detent motion," in which the said actuating part operates in a radial direction.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) of my Drawings represents a longitudinal section of a portion
of a horizontal steam engine, having applied thereto the improvements which form
the subject matter of the first part of my said Invention; Figure 2 is a transverse
section through the cover and valve chests at the rear end; and Figure 3 is a
sectional elevation of the front end.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the application of this part of my said Invention to a
vertical steam engine, Figure 4 being a sectional plan of the cover or upper end of
the cylinder, and Figure 5, a sectional plan taken one half through the cylinder and
the other half through the cylinder bottom.
Figure 6, Sheet 2, is a side sectional elevation, and Figure 7, an end elevation of
a portion of a steam engine drawn to a larger scale, illustrating the rectilinear
detent motion.
Figure 8 (Sheet 3) is a side sectional elevation of a portion of a steam engine
illustrating the radial detent motion constructed according to one modification and
applied to the operating of the two steam valves.
Figure 9 is a sectional plan of the same; and Figure 10 is a similar view to
Figure 8, illustrating the application of the radial detent motion to the operating of
the two exhaust valves.

page_text: Figures 11, 12, 13, and 13ª, Sheet 4, illustrate respectively in sectional and end
elevations, plan, and horizontal section another modification of the improved radial
letent motion adapted for operating the steam valves, and which is also applicable
for actuating the exhaust valves.
Figures 14 and 15, Sheet 4, are respectively a longitudinal and horizontal section
illustrating another modification of the improved radial detent motion as applied
to the operating of a steam valve and an exhaust valve.
Figures 16, 17, 18, and 18ª, (Sheet 5) illustrate the apparatus for releasing or
working the detent mechanism herein-after designated the radial detaching and
cut-off regulating gear, Figure 16 being a sectional elevation, and Figure 17 a plan
of the same; and Figures 18 and 18ª details of two of the cams.
Figures 19 and 20, Sheet 6, are respectively a side elevation and half plan of
a horizontal engine having one modification of the several improvements applied
thereto.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, which illustrate the application of the first part
of my said Invention to a horizontal engine, A is the steam cylinder, B the piston with
its rod a working in a stuffing box b in one of the ends or covers C of the cylinder
in the usual manner; to both the ends or covers C of the cylinder I attach valve
chests D, D¹, in which work piston valves E, E', respectively, the valves E at
opposite ends of the cylinder forming the steam valves, whilst the valves E¹ also at
opposite ends of the cylinder constitute the exhaust valves.
The piston valves are arranged so as to work in a line parallel or nearly so with
the line of motion of the steam piston, and they are by preference, as shewn, so
situate that the axis of the steam and exhaust valves of each end are in a longi
tudinal vertical plane passing through the centre of the cylinder, as shewn most
clearly in Figure 2.
The construction of the piston valves may be varied, but the arrangement shewn
in the Drawings is found suitable in practice. The valves each consist of a body c
with two packing rings c¹ (by preference of the description known as Mather &
Platts) one at each side, the rings being retained in position by covers c², one at
each end of the valve. In the outer covers are formed oblong recesses fitted
with steel faces between which work steel rollers c³, carried one on the end of each
of four arms F, F', the same being fast on the end of four rocking shafts G, G¹;
herein-after termed the valve spindles, which correspond to the two steam valves
and two exhaust valves respectively.
The valve spindles G, G¹, pass through stuffing boxes in the sides of the valve
chests, and are actuated at the exterior by valve gear of any suitable description,
but by preference of the construction and arrangement herein-after described,
whereby the proper movements of the valves are obtained for the admission and
emission of the steam at the requisite periods. The steam, when the respective
valves are drawn back, is admitted alternately from the two steam chambers H
through ports & into the interior of the valve casing, and thence into the cylinder,
and is exhausted alternately through ports d'into the exhaust chambers H', and
thence into the atmosphere or a condenser or elsewhere, as required.
In my Drawings, the piston B is shewn at the rear end of its stroke, with the
front exhaust valve E' open and the rear one closed, and the front and rear steam
valves E closed and open respectively.
By the construction and arrangement of the valve chests and valves, each valve
chest with its corresponding valve may be separately removed for removal or
repairs with facility, and without interfering with the others.
In applying this part of my said Invention to a vertical steam engine, as
illustrated by Figures 4 and 5, a similar arrangement is adopted, the valves being
arranged two (videlicit, one separate steam valve, and one separate exhaust valve)
in the cover or upper end of the cylinder, and two (videlicit, one separate steam
valve, and one separate exhaust valve) in the bottom or lower end of the cylinder,
and so as to work parallel or nearly so with the line of motion of the steam piston.
The steam valve and exhaust valve of each end have their axes in the same vertical

page_text: plane, but the axes of the two sets of valves (of the two ends) are for convenience
arranged in different vertical planes; the valves at the cylinder bottom being
situate in a vertical plane passing through the centre of the steam piston, as shewn
in Figure 5, whilst the valves at the upper end are in a vertical plane parallel
therewith, as shewn in Figure 4.
The parts shewn in Figures 4 and 5 are indicated by the same letters as the
corresponding parts in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and require no further description.
Figures 6 and 7 (Sheet 2) illustrate the rectilinear detent motion, constructed
according to the second part of my said Invention, and applied to a horizontal
engine. I is one of two rocking shafts arranged in a line with and immediately
opposite to the centres of the respective lower valve spindles G¹, and receiving
motion through the intervention of a lever e and rod from an eccentric or its
equivalent on the main shaft of the engine. On each of these rocking shafts,
there is fixed a double armed lever K, one arm g of which works the steam valve,
whilst the other arm g' works the exhaust valve.
The motion of the arm g is transmitted to the steam valve in the following
manner-On a pin at the extremity of the arm g is mounted a steel roller h, on
which is suspended a die i consisting of a block having fitted therein a steel plate i¹
to bear upon the roller . The die i is fitted so as to be free to slide in a slotted
frame or box L, which is connected by a rod k and a lever with the steam valve
spindle G, and is provided in its sides with two bits 1, ', parallel with the centre
line of the said rod, the lower extremities of which bits are not opposite each other.
To the die there is secured a bossed plate m covering the front and back of the
box, and forming bearings for a rocking shaft M; on the latter is fast a double-
armed lever M³, which operates two detents n, n¹, arranged at right angles to and
in relation with the bits 1, ", respectively in such a manner as to cause the said
detents n, n', which are brought beneath the bits 1, 1, by the action of a weight 1
or a spring to be withdrawn out of the range of the said bits when the shaft M is
moved in the direction indicated by the arrow:
When the detents n, n¹, are situated beneath the respective bits 1, 1, as shewn in
the Drawing, the frame or box L has become connected to the die, so that when the
die is subsequently raised by the motion of the lever K and shaft I actuated by the
eccentric, the frame or box L will be raised with it, thereby opening the steam valve.
The parts will then remain in this position with the steam valve open, until by the
motion of the rocking shaft M in the direction indicated by the arrow, the
detents n, n¹, are moved out of the range of the bits 1, 1, when the frame or box L
will be released, and will fall by gravitation assisted by weights or springs, if
necessary, thus closing the steam valve.
The descent of the frame or box L is controlled by a dash pot N, to the piston of
which the box is connected at its lower end by a rod o.
The piston may either be cushioned with air only, or the dash pot may be filled
or partially filled with water or other suitable fluid.
The motion of the rocking shaft M for operating the detents n, n¹, is obtained
through the intervention of a lever arm 72, rod 3, and other gear from the cross
head of the steam piston rod; or in the case of a beam engine, from the radius bar,
or from the air pump rod or lever, provided that those parts have a motion, and that
their movements are coincident with that of the steam piston. The motion received
from the steam piston, beam, or like moving part is also regulated by the action of
the governor, as herein-after explained.
The motion of the arm g¹ of the double-armed lever K, is transmitted to the
exhaust valve by a tappet action, the arm g¹ being caused to impinge against a
tab s on a lever k², fast on the exhaust valve spindle G' in order to open the valve.
The closing is regulated by a dash pot N¹ containing water or other fluid, and
within which works a piston O¹ which is connected by a rod o' to the lever k², the
bottom of the dash pot being provided with a ring m³ of leather or other suitable
material on to which the piston O¹ falls.
The descent of the piston O' is controlled by regulating by means of a slide

page_text: or other valve P, the flow of the water or other fluid to and from the dash
pot N', and a suitable cistern or accumulator P, to which the dash pot is con
nected by a pipe p.
The valve P is in its open position when the exhaust valve is being opened, and
is then closed, in order to retain the water or other fluid in the dash pot until the
required period for the closing of the exhaust valve, when the valve P is again
opened, thus admitting of the escape of the water or other fluid and the descent of
the piston.
In the position of the parts represented in the Drawing, the exhaust valve is open,
but on the point of being moved towards its closed position, the valve P being open,
thus admitting of the release of the water or other fluid from the dash pot NI
The valve P is actuated by one arm g of a double-armed lever Q mounted on a
rocking shaft R which is operated through the intervention of a lever arm 7 and
other mechanism herein-after described from the cross head of the steam piston rod;
or in the case of a beam engine from the radius bar or from the air pump rod or
lever, provided that those parts have a motion and that their movements are coinci-
dent with that of the steam piston.
The motion received from the steam piston beam or like moving part is also
regulated by the action of the governor, as herein-after explained.
The descent of the piston of a similar dash pot arranged in connection with the
other exhaust valve is controlled by regulating the flow of water or other fluid
along the pipe p' to and from the dash pot and the cistern or accumulator P² by
means of a valve P¹ operated by the arm q¹ of the double-armed lever Q.
The rectilinear detent motion is also applicable for working the exhaust valves,
a similar frame or box L, with its appurtenances, to that employed for operating
each steam valve being arranged in connection with the arm g¹ of the double-armed
levers K. In this case the valves P, P', for controlling the ingress and egress of
the water or other fluid to and from the dash pots may be dispensed with.
In lieu of the double-armed levers K operating one of the steam valves by one
arm and one of the exhaust valves by the other arm, they may be arranged for both
arms of one lever to actuate steam valves, and the other double-armed lever to
actuate exhaust valves.
When the rectilinear detent motion is applied to the working of the exhaust
valves as well as the steam valves, the four rectilinear notions may all be obtained
from one main rocking shaft or weigh shaft situate at right angles to or in front of
the valve spindles and actuated from the main shaft of the engine, the said rocking
shaft or weigh shaft having fast thereon four separate levers (one to each valve)
connected to the respective rectilinear gear." A similar arrangement may also
be adopted when two double-armed levers K are employed in lieu of the four
levers.
Figures 8 and 9, (Sheet 3,) illustrate one modification of the radial detent motion
as applied to the actuating of the steam valves, and more particularly adapted for
a vertical steam engine.
I is a rocking shaft, arranged in a line with and immediately opposite to the
centre of one of the steam valve spindles G, and receiving motion through the
intervention of a lever e¹ and rod f' from an eccentric on the main shaft of the
engine. On this rocking shaft there is fixed a segmental lever or quadrant K¹
carrying bits or projections 1, 1, and on the steam valve spindle G there is formed
or secured a lever S, whilst around the boss of the last-mentioned lever (or on the
valve spindle, as the case may be) is loosely mounted a lever S¹, which is free to
vibrate and move radially around the valve spindle. The lever S, when actuated
in the manner next herein-after explained, operates one steam valve direct, and the
lever S¹ when actuated in its turn operates the other steam valve through the
intervention of a rod and other suitable connections.
The levers S, S', are provided respectively with detents n, n', passing through
the same, and having their working edges or surfaces parallel with the axes of the
said levers, which detents are caused to protrude (being impelled-by springs t, t¹,)

page_text: at suitable intervals, so as to respectively intercept in their turn the bits 1, 1, (also
arranged parallel with the axis of the lever or quadrant K¹), whereby the levers
S and S alternately are partially rotated, the detents n, n¹, being acted upon by
the bits, l, and the levers S, S₁, thus conducted with the quadrant K¹ in its reci-
procating rotary motion, and the corresponding steam valve accordingly opened.
When the moment, period, or point of the stroke of the engine piston at which it is
required to cut off the steam is arrived at the detent n or n', as the case may be,
which for the time being is in action, is retarded or withdrawn by the motion of
the corresponding rocking shaft M operated in a similar manner to the rocking
shafts M, Figures 6 and 7, thus releasing the lever S or S¹, which by the gravitation
of weights T returns to its original position, thereby closing the valve and cutting
off the steam. Dash pots N are provided, the construction and arrangement of
which are similar to the dash pot N, herein-before described with reference to the
rectilinear detent motion illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.
In the position of the parts represented in the Drawings the steam valve con-
nected with the lever S is in the act of opening, whilst the steam valve connected
with the lever S¹ is entirely closed.
The mode of operating the exhaust valves, as illustrated by Figure 10, is
generally similar to the method lastly herein-before described of actuating the
steam valves.
On a rocking shaft I2 arranged immediately opposite to one of the exhaust valve
spindles G¹, and operated by an eccentric from the main shaft, in a similar manner
to the rocking shaft spindle I, there is secured a quadrant K2; and on the exhaust
valve spindle there is formed or fixed a lever S2, whilst around the boss of the said
lever or around the spindle, as the case may be, there is loosely mounted a lever S³,
which latter is connected by a rod k and lever to the other of the two exhaust
valve spindles to be operated. The quadrant K² carries bits 1, 1, and the levers
S2, S3, are respectively provided with detents n, n¹, all similar to the corresponding
parts in the gear for the steam valves shewn in Figures 8 and 9, with the exception
that the detents of the exhaust valve gear are fixed in lieu of being movable, as in
the steam valve gear illustrated in those Figures. Dash pots N₁ are provided,
similar in their construction and arrangement to the dash pots N¹ employed in the
exhaust valve gear shewn in Figures 6 and 7, and controlled in their operation in a
similar manner.
In the position of the parts represented in the Drawings the exhaust valve con-
nected with the lever S2 is closed, and the exhaust valve connected with lever S³ is
in the act of opening. The quadrants K¹, K, of the steam and exhaust valves
respectively are coupled together by a connecting rod a³.
Figures 11, 12, 13, and 13a, Sheet 4, illustrate another modification of the improved
radial detent motion, in which the detents n, n', are worked from the exterior, the
said detents as also the bits 1, U, having however their working edges arranged
relatively to the axes of the radial levers and quadrant, in a similiar manner to the
detents and bits in the modification illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10.
According to the arrangement shewn in Figures 11, 12, 13, and 13ª, I mount
loosely around the shaft 1¹ two straps U, U¹, which are coupled by rods u, ul, with
the detents n, n¹, the latter working through the levers S, S¹, in the manner herein-
before described, with reference to the arrangement shewn in Figures 8 and 9. The
straps which are formed with slots or eyes v, so as to admit of the free motion of
the shaft I¹ and provide for the traverse of the detents, are operated by levers M¹
mounted on shafts M, supported in stationary bearings in the frame, the said levers
receiving a reciprocating motion which is derived from the piston or beam of the
engine, or from a part having a motion coincident therewith as before mentioned,
and is controlled by the governor in a similar manner to the rocking shafts M of the
preceding arrangements. This radial detent motion is equally applicable for working
the steam valves and exhaust valves.
According to another modification which is illustrated by Figures 14 and 15, the
bits 7, 1, are fast on the levers S, S¹, which in this case are respectively connected to

page_text: one of the steam valves and one of the exhaust valves, and the detents n, n¹, pass
through the quadrant K', and are operated from the interior, so as to retract or
withdraw the detents by means of the levers M' mounted on the shafts M. These
levers receive a motion which is derived from the piston or beam of the engine, or
from a part having a motion coincident therewith, as before mentioned, and is
controlled by the governor in a similar manner to the rocking, shafts M of the
preceding arrangements, the detent n of the steam valve being returned as soon as
it is liberated within the range of the bit under the action of a weight 1, or of a
helical spring if preferred, whilst the detent n¹ of the exhaust valve is returned
under the action of its operating mechanism as herein-after explained.
In my Drawings the detents are shewn in gear with the bits.
In the case of either modification of the radial detent motion, the whole of the
radial levers may be mounted loose upon one main rocking shaft or weigh shaft
situate at right angles to or in front of the valve spindles, and actuated from the
main shaft of the engine, the two quadrants being fast on the said rocking shaft or
weigh shaft, and transmitting motion in the manner herein-before described to the
radial levers, which in their turn communicate the motion through the intervention
of suitable connections to their respective valve. spindles.
It is obvious that a disc may be used in either modification in substitution for the
quadrant if desired.
The radial detaching and cut-off regulating gear for releasing or working the
detents'n, n¹, and which is also used for actuating the valves P, P¹, in connection
with the dash pots N¹ is illustrated in detail in Figures 16, 17, 18, and 18ª, Sheet 5,
of the Drawings, and in the general views of a horizontal engine, Figures 19 and 20
(Sheet 6). In the two latter Figures I have represented the application of the
radial detent motion of the third modification herein-before described, with which
the particular example illustrated of radial detaching and cut off regulating gear
corresponds; T is a rocking shaft supported in suitable bearings in a base plate U³,
and actuated through the intervention of a lever 3, rod 4, and lever 5, from the
cross head V of the piston rod of the engine, so as to receive reciprocating motion
in opposite directions corresponding with the reciprocating to-and-fro motion of the
piston. On the shaft T are secured bevel wheels W, X, having engaging therewith
bevel wheels W, X', respectively, which are carried by levers 6, 7, loose upon the
shaft, and which are also in gear with bevel wheels Y, Z, likewise mounted loose
upon the said shaft, so as to receive a partial motion from the wheels W, X, through
the intervention of the wheels W₁, X', when the shaft T is actuated.
The levers 6, 7, are respectively connected by rods 10, 11, with levers w, w¹, fast
on a shaft w, on which is also secured another lever w³ which is attached by an
adjustable coupling x (Figure 19) to a rod y leading to the governor, or its equivalent,
in such a manner that the levers 6, 7, are capable of receiving during each stroke of
the steam piston a partial reciprocating rotary or partial radial motion in opposite
directions, the amount of which is regulated by the action of the governor or its.
equivalent, according to the duty of the engine. The bevel wheels W₁, X', have thus
imparted to them a partial orbital motion round the shaft T in one direction or the
other, according to the speed of the engine, whereby the axial motion of the
wheels Y, Z, is accelerated or retarded, as the case may be. The bevel wheels Y, Z,
have formed in one with or rigidly attached to them, spur wheels Y', Z', (or seg-
mental wheels), with which engage spur pinions Y2, Z3, mounted loose upon an upper
shaft T', the latter being supported in bearings 2 carried by the base plate U2.
Froin the spur pinions Y, Z, motion is transmitted to the detents n of the steam
valves in the following manner :-On the pinions Y, Z, are respectively formed or
secured two separate discs z, z¹, one for each steam valve, in recesses in the interior
of which discs are pivotted two moveable tappets 12, 13, the tappet 12 being situate
in the disc z (Figures 17 and 18"), and the tappet 13 being situate in the disc el
(Figures 16 and 17), and the two separate discs with their separate tappets, forming
what I designate the steam cams. The tappets 12, 13, which are so arranged as to
be capable of protruding (under the impulsion of springs 14, 15), from the periphery

page_text: of the discs actuate double-armed levers 16, 17, respectively, on the upper end of
which are two rollers w, w³, with which the tappets 12, 13, come in contact, the
levers with their rollers being mounted on fixed centres or fulcra 18, 19, and con-
nected by the opposite arms to those acted upon by the tappets with the rods
leading to the detents n of the steam valves. As the tappets pass the rollers w¹, w³,
of the levers 16, 17, when the discs z, z¹, are turning in one direction, the detents n
are released, but they again return to their normal position as soon as the tappets
have passed, in order that the detents may be ready for re-engagement when the
shaft I has returned to its proper position for lifting the steam valves, whilst when
the discs are returning in the opposite direction the springs 14, 15, yield and admit
of the tappets receding to pass the rollers w¹, ws, and again become ready to be acted
upon by the said rollers in order to liberate or detach the steam valve detents
whereby the valves are closed.
In the example illustrated the circumference of the steam cams is equal to the
stroke or travel of the piston, so that one complete revolution of the canis or discs
corresponds to one single stroke of the piston best, the circumference of the discs or
cams may be made equal to one complete revolution of the crank of the engine, or
two single strokes of the piston, if desired. The time at which the tappets 12, 13,
act upon the levers 16, 17, is variable, as previously explained, by the discs z, 21,
being caused to advance or recede round their axes, according to the motion derived
from the governor through the intervention of the bevel gearing, herein-before
described, or of the other suitable mechanism when no governor is employed.
The motion for the engagement as well as release of the detents n' of the exhaust
valves is obtained from two separate cams 20, 21, one for each exhaust valve, fast on
the shaft T, and which act upon projections 22, 23, carried by bows or straps 24, 25,
connected by rods with the detents n' of the exhaust valves.
The projections 22, 23, on the surface of the exhaust cams 20, 21, are so formed
as to cause the detents to be re-engaged at the proper time, according to the position
of the rocking shaft I2, as well as to release or detach the detents, thus enabling the
exhaust valve to have the proper lead of the steain piston, and also to be closed as
early as desired, so as to produce the proper amount of cushioning on the steam
piston without the use of separate excentrics, and the like, for working the exhaust
valves in the usual manner.
By the peculiar mode, herein-before described, of operating the detents, equal
forms of diagrams are produced at both ends of the cylinder, whether the crank is
turning in the ordinary way or in the reverse direction, or whether the steam piston
is moving forwards or backwards.
When the arrangement for controlling the action of the dash pots is employed the
rocking shaft R for operating the valves P, P¹, Figure 6, Sheet 2, may be actuated
by connections with the rods leading from the exhaust cams, or from separate
cams if found desirable.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I
would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
First. The employment of four piston valves, arranged two (one separate steam
valve and one separate exhaust valve) at each extremity of the steam cylinder, the
valves being situate in the covers or ends of the cylinder, and working in a line or
nearly so with the line of motion of the steam piston, substantially as herein-before
described.
Secondly. In valve gear operating with a detent action, the constructing the
moving part for actuating the valves, and which is retained and released by the
detents, and arranging the parts connected therewith in such a manner that the said
actuating part shall operate in a direction rectilinear with the connecting rod,
transmitting motion to the spindle of one of the valves, the positive motion of the
said actuating part being obtained from the main shaft, whilst the motion for

page_text: releasing the detents is derived from the steam piston or beam of the engine, or from
a part having a motion coincident therewith, and is controlled or not by the governor
or its equivalent, substantially as herein-before described.
Thirdly. In valve gear having a detent action, and operating in a direction recti-
linear with the spindle of one of the valves, as herein set forth, the combination of
a frame or slotted box, a die, and double bits and double detents, the whole
constructed, arranged, and combined so as to operate substantially in the manner
and for the purpose herein-before described.
Fourthly. In valve gear having a detent action, and operating in a direction
rectilinear with the spindle of one of the valves, as herein set forth, the actuating
two valves, in order to open the same by means of a single double-armed lever or
its equivalent, operated from the main shaft of the engine, the motion for the release
of the detent mechanism in order to close the valves, or one of them, being obtained
from the steam piston or beam of the engine, or from a part which has a motion
coincident therewith, and being controlled or not by the governor or its equivalent,
substantially as herein-before described.
Fifthly. In valve gear operating with a detent or tappet action, and controlled
by a dash pot, the regulating the ingress and egress of the fluid to and from the dash
pot and a cistern or accumulator, by means of a valve which is operated from the
steam piston or beam of the engine, or from a part having a motion coincident there-
with, and is controlled or not by the governor or its equivalent, substantially as
herein-before described.
Sixthly. In valve gear having a detent action and operating in a radial direction,
the actuating of two valves in order to open the same by means of a single segmental
lever or quadrant or its equivalent, operated from the main shaft of the engine, and
directly carrying or engaging with the detent mechanism, the motion for the release
of the said mechanism, in order to close the valves, or one of them, being imparted
by a rocking shaft or shafts operated from the steam piston or beam of the engine,
or from a part which has a motion coincident therewith, and being regulated or not
by apparatus which is controlled by the governor or its equivalent, substantially as
herein-before described.
Seventhly. In valve gear having a detent action and operating in a radial direction,
the combination of a segmental lever or quadrant, or its equivalent, of two radial
levers, and of double bits and detents, having their working edges or surfaces parallel
with the axes of the segmental lever or quadrant, or its equivalent, and radial levers,
the whole constructed, arranged, and combined so as to operate substantially in the
manner and for the purpose herein-before described.
Eighthly. In valve gear having a detent action, the operating the detent mechanism
from the steam piston or beam of the engine, or from a part which has a motion
coincident therewith, through the intervention of separate cams or their equivalents,
automatically adjustable or not, substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Lewis Lambert, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of May, One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
GEORGE LEWIS LAMBERT (0)