IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION, ARRANGEMENT, AND WORKING OF STEAM CYLINDERS FOR USE IN STEAM PUMPING MACHINERY AND IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN THE MEANS OF GOVERNING OR REGULATING THE SUPPLY OF STEAM THERETO.
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Gordon Picking, of Kingsland, and
William Hopkins, of Islington, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineers, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION,
ARRANGEMENT, AND WORKING OF STEAM CYLINDERS FOR USE IN STEAM
PUMPING MACHINERY AND IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN THE MEANS OF
GOVERNING OR REGULATING THE SUPPLY OF STEAM THERETO.
"
Sealed the 8th July 1873, and dated the 18th May 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Gordon Picking
and William Hopkins at the Office of the Commisioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 18th May 1878.
We, GEORGE GORDON PICKING, of Kingsland, and WILLIAM HOPKINS,
of Islington, in the County of Middlesex, Engineers, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION,
ARRANGEMENT, AND WORKING OF STEAM CYLINDERS FOR USE IN STEAM PUMPING
MACHINERY AND IN STEAM ENGINES, AND IN THE MEANS OF GOVERNING OR
REGULATING THE SUPPLY OF STEAM THERETO," to be as follows:—
The Invention consists of the above two parts, each of which com-

page_text: prises various modifications, the construction, arrangement, and working
of which are as follows :—
1. Above the casing of the cylinder we place the casing containing
the usual D slide or valve, by the side of or underneath which, and one
at either end of the cylinder, we place two plugs, each of which we
provide with a piece projecting into the cylinder.
The plugs are kept up to the inner ends of their respective casings by
the pressure of steam from the cylinder on their outer ends, and are
provided for shifting the valve, so as to direct the flow of steam to the
alternate ends of the cylinder, as hereafter described. Steam has con-
stant access into the valve casing between two heads with which we
provide the valve, and also to the interiors of the plugs, which likewise
may be provided with heads. The main steam passages run as usual
from the interior of the valve casing, that is, from between the two
heads of the valve, the steam being directed into alternate ends of the
cylinder to give the desired motion to the piston and rod, as usual, by
the reciprocation of the valve, which is caused as and by the means, that
is, the arrangement of the ports in the cylinder, plugs, and valve casing,
hereafter immediately described.
In addition to the main steam passages above mentioned, we provide
two other ports which communicate, one from the interior of each plug
to the same ends of the valve casing.
Two exhaust ports communicate, one from each end of the valve
casing to exhaust recesses in the inner end of the plug, at the opposite
end of the cylinder, by which recesses they conmunicate through
exhaust passages with the common exhaust opening to the air.
Two other exhaust ports also communicate, one from each end of each
plug casing, with the common exhaust opening.
1*. Supposing the piston of the cylinder to be moving from right to
left on reaching the projection of the left plug (on or near the termi-
nation of its stroke), it moves it in the direction of its own motion
sufficiently to open the communication between its interior and the
same end of the valve casing. This movement of the plug opens the
exhaust of the valve casing from the end towards which the stroke is to
be made through its exhaust recess and passage to the common exhaust
opening. The steam from this plug therefore shifts the valve, changing

page_text: the direction of the steam therefrom to the cylinder. As the piston is
thus reversed in its motion, in its return, as it leaves the projection of
this plug, the pressure of steam from the cylinder forces the plug
inwards to its former position, and so shuts off the exhaust from and
steam to the opposite ends of the valve casing. The return movement
of the valve is caused by the piston striking the projection of the other
plug, and admitting (in a similar manner to that above described) the
steam therefrom to the same end of the valve casing, and opening the
exhaust from the other end thereof.
Instead of the valve being shifted by steam from the plugs the steam
may have constant communication from the interior of the valve casing
to both of its ends, the plugs being used simply for exhausting the
steam from the opposite ends alternately.
2. In a second modification we employ only one plug, otherwise the
relative positions of the steam cylinder, valve casing, and plug casing
may be as above described. The valve is shifted alternately by steam
from the cylinder and from the plug, and by steam from the interior of
the latter alone.
In addition to the main steam passages we provide one port (placed
near the termination of the piston's stroke) which communicates, during
the travel of the piston towards it through a port in the plug, and one
leading therefrom to the same end of the valve casing. This port in
the plug is caused to keep this communication open by the pressure of
steam from the cylinder on the other end of the plug, which is provided
with a piece similar to the above projecting into the cylinder.
Another port communicates from the interior of the plug to the same
end of the valve casing when the plug is in the above position, and after
the valve has been partly shifted, by steam from the cylinder, as here-
after described, whilst a third port communicates from the interior of the
plug with the opposite end of the valve casing to that with which the
first therefrom communicates. There are two exhaust recesses in the
plug, which lead the exhaust alternately (by ports running) from
opposite ends of the valve casing to the common exhaust opening, with
which also communicates another exhaust port running from the end
of the plug at which the first port therein above mentioned is situated.
2*. Supposing the piston to be moving as above, near the termination
of its stroke it uncovers the port or communication leading from the

page_text: cylinder through the plug to the same end of the valve casing, steam
from the cylinder then partly shifts the valve, but sufficiently so to open
the port leading from its same end to the interior of the plug, steam
from which then completes the shifting of the valve, which, as above
changes the flow of the steam to the cylinder, and the direction of the
piston's motion. As the piston returns it meets with the projection on
the other end of the plug and shifts it, changing the ports leading from
its interior to the opposite ends of the valve casing, so that the steam is
now admitted to the right end of the latter and shifts the valve, and
again alters the flow of steam and the direction of the piston's motion.
As the piston again returns the pressure of steam from the cylinder
behind, this end of the plug moves it to its former position, and opens
the through communication above mentioned, so that the steam from
the cylinder shall partly cause the next movement of the valve, which
is thus shifted at alternate strokes by the means described. The alternate
movements of the plug causes the opening of the exhaust from the
opposite ends of the cylinder, and at each alternate movement (the one
caused by the piston striking its projection) the opening of its own exhaust.
3. In a third modification the D slide is connected to or formed with
the plug which is worked (by steam from the cylinder) within the
interior of a shifting casting, to the interior of which only live steam is
admitted, or the ends of the plug may be carried through and into
recesses in the casing of the casting. This casting is the equivalent of
the heads with which the D slide is provided, and also of the plug, as
described according to the above modifications.
In addition to the main steam passages we provide two steam ports or
cavities which communicate alternately through ports in the casting
with opposite ends of the latter's casing, the equivalent to the valve
casing in the former modifications. These ports serve also as the
exhaust from the same ends of the casing, and communicate alternately
with the exhaust of the valve.
Other steam ports communicate alternately from the cylinder (and
allow of the passage of steam therefrom after the piston has passed
them, as described in the second modification) through ports in the
casting, with the interior thereof at the ends of the plug. These ports
in the casting serve also as the exhaust from the ends of the plug, and
communicate alternately with other exhaust openings to the air.

page_text: 3*. Supposing the piston be moving as above, near the termination
of its stroke it uncovers the port leading from (and opens the communi-
cation between) that end of the cylinder, through the port in the casting
to the opposite inner end thereof. The steam from the cylinder, therefore,
shifts the plug and slide still further (or more than fully) open, but
sufficiently so to open the communication (the steam cavity or port,
and the port in the casting) between the live steam and the opposite end
of the casing. The steam from the interior of the casting then shifts
the latter, together with the plug and valve, right over in a contrary
direction to the first movement of the plug, and so changes the direction
of the steam to the cylinder, and also the piston's motion. In its return
as soon as it uncovers the corresponding port leading from the other end
of the cylinder, the steam from the latter shifts the plug and valve back
again (that is, still further over as in the first movement above men-
tioned in the contrary direction), and allows the steam from the casting
to shift the slide and itself back also. The motion is thus repeated, and
the desired reciprocation of the piston obtained.
One way in which we obtain cushioning of the plug and its casting
is by providing four extra ports running from each end of the casting
and the casing to the exhaust.
4. In a fourth modification the plug works within the casting as in
the previous modification, but instead of being attached to the valve it
is formed with a second D valve (placed above the other, or in any other
suitable position) which is used for supplying the steam to, and ex-
hausting it from, the ends of the casing, the casting being secured to
the main valve. Steam is admitted to both the interior of the plug and
casting.
In addition to the main steam passages we provide two recesses in
the casing which open a communication between the ends of the casing
and steam from the interior of the plug, the exhaust being led away by
the plug valve.
Two other ports run from the cylinder to the ends of the casing, and
are used for partly shifting the valve, the stroke of which is completed
by steam from the plug. The ends of the plug project through the ends
of the casting, and as the latter approaches its casing ends the plug is
arrested in its motion, so that its slide changes the direction of the
steam from the plug to the ends of the casing immediately before the

page_text: "
movement of the casting has by its valve changed the direction of the
steam therefrom to the opposite end of the cylinder.
4*. Supposing the piston to be moving as above, as soon as it has
passed the port leading from the cylinder to the left end of the casing, the
steam from the former causes the casting and slide to shift partly over,
which opens the communication between the interior of the plug and
the same end of the casing, so that steam therefrom completely shifts
the casting and plug. But, as above mentioned, as the casting
approaches its casing ends the plug is arrested in its motion by the
latter. The valve of the plug then changes the exhaust from the casing
ends, and allows of the steam from the plug to pass through its other
port to complete the next shifting of the casting and itself as soon as it
has been partly shifted from the cylinder, as above described. The
shifting of the casting carrying the main slide, however, also changes
the direction of the steam to the cylinder, and consequently the piston's
motion.
5. In a fifth modification the plug is also placed within the casting,
but is stationary, being fixed to one end of the casing, and is provided
with two through ports which communicate through ports in the latter
with the main steam passages. The ports for partly shifting the valve
are provided as in the previous modification.
5*. Supposing the piston to be moving as above, as the steam is
moving the piston it also has access from the main steam passage through
one of the through ports, and acting between one end of the fixed plug
and the interior of the casting at the same end tends to keep the 3
latter at the end of its casing towards which the piston is travelling;
but as soon as the latter has passed the port in its cylinder at the end
in the direction of its motion, the steam therefrom partly shifts the
casting, overcoming the pressure on the smaller area of the plug, and so
changes the exhaust of the cylinder and the direction of the steam
thereto, and also to the other through port, which then completely
shifts the casting and valve.
6. In a sixth modification the plugs are cast solid with the heads of
the slide, from the interior of which the steam has constant access
through small perforations to the outer ends of each plug.
In addition to the main steam passage and to the ports from the
cylinder by which the valve is partly shifted, we provide two additional

page_text: ports also leading from the ends of the cylinder, and which communicate
with the same ends of the plug casing, and also with the small per-
forations in the plugs above mentioned.
We also provide two exhaust ports, one from near each end of the
valve casing, which partly exhaust the steam therefrom to the main
exhaust, the exhaust being completed, as in the former modification, by
the first mentioned ports.
6*. Supposing the piston to be moving as above, and that the valve
has been partly shifted, as steam from the valve casing is always in the
small perforations, it then passes down one of the additional ports, but
which the piston head now covers.
The steam therefore passes through
to the same end of the plug casing and completely shifts the valve, and
changes the flow of steam to the cylinder and the direction of the
piston's motion. Before the valve was partly shifted from the cylinder
the steam passing through the other perforation was helping to propel
the piston, but now on the return motion of the piston the steam passing
through the first perforation helps in a similar manner to propel the
piston back.
7. In a seventh modification the plug or small slide is shifted by
means of a rod projecting into the cylinder and pump, and alternately
struck by the piston and bucket.
The valve is provided with heads, and the plug (which may be either
round, radial, or flat, is connected to the above rod.
7*. At one end of its stroke the piston in the cylinder strikes one
end of the rod and shifts the plug, which alters two ports, one exhaust
.and the other steam, leading to the opposite ends of the valve and
shifts the same, and thus changes the flow of steam to the cylinder,
and causes the return motion of the piston till the bucket in the pump
strikes the other end of the rod, and causes the reverse movement of
the plug, and by two other similar ports also of the valve and piston.
7. According to a second method of carrying this modification into
effect, we seat the small slide in the interior of the casing between
the heads of the valve. The small slide controls the admission of
steam from the interior of the casing to its ends in precisely the
same manner as the main valve does the admission to the cylinder, in
other words, the arrangement of the ports is similar and needs no

page_text: explanation. The cushioning of the valve is obtained by the provision
of two extra ports leading from the exhaust of the small slide to the
ends of the casing.
7b. According to another method we cause the shifting of the plug
or small slide by the piston in one direction, and by a piece inserted in
the plunger of the pump in the other direction.
7°. According to a further method we cause the same movement
by two pieces inserted in the plunger of the pump, one of which strikes
it each way.
8. In an eighth modification we dispense with the plug and sub- 1
stitute in lieu thereof a tube running from the valve chest or casing
to near one end of the cylinder. The piston rod or plunger is also
tubular, and at all parts of the piston's stroke communicates with the
tube.
In addition to the main steam passages, and to the ports for partly 1
shifting the valve, we provide recesses, one at each end of the cylinder,
which communicate with a port passing through the piston head, and
leading to the hollow plunger rod.
The above-mentioned tube communicates alternately with the opposite
ends of the casing after the valve has been partly shifted.
2
8*. Supposing the piston to be travelling, say, in the reverse direction
to the above, near the termination of its stroke the valve is partly
shifted as above described, but sufficiently to admit steam to the other
end of the cylinder, which then passes through the recesses at the same
end, and the port in the piston to the piston rod, and through the 2
tube, and completely shifts the valve, and admits of the full flow of
steam to the end of the casing, and of the return motion of the
piston.
9. In a ninth modification we attach the valve to a plug, which
we place in the casting provided with projecting ends, as in the sixth 3
modification.
In addition to the main steam passages, and to the ports provided
in the previous modifications for partly shifting the valve, we provide
two additional ports, each communicating with the exhaust to the valve
and steam from the interior of the casting, and with recesses in the 3

page_text: casing of the projecting ends thereof, and also provide two exhaust ports
(to partly exhaust from the end of the casting) similar to those provided
in the said modification.
Two other ports from the interior of the casting communicate
alternately with the two first additional ports mentioned, whilst an
additional exhaust port running from the valve also communicate
alternately with each of them.
We also provide two small perforations which lead from the interior
of the casting to the ends of the plug for cushioning. Or instead of
forming the valve with projecting ends, or in communication with the
plug, we can make it with flat ends, so that the casing may strike it
each time, but we prefer the first-described arrangement.
9*. Supposing the piston to be moving in the first-mentioned direction,
the steam from the interior of the casting passing through one of the
additional ports and its recess tends, by its pressure on the small area
of the plug at this end, to keep the casting over in the end of its casing
towards which the piston is travelling in the cylinder, but as soon as
the latter has travelled sufficiently far therein the steam therefrom
acting on the large area of the casting end partly shifts the same
(but not the valve and plug therein), overcoming the pressure on the
smaller area of the plug in the contrary direction, and thus changes
the communication between the interior of the casting through the
other additional port to the end of the other projecting end, the steam
from the interior of the casting passing through this communication
and its recess acting on the small area of this plug, and having no
resistance at the other end to overcome, as that end of the casting and
projecting plug is open to the exhaust completes the stroke of the
casting to the right, which (either strikes the slide, as above mentioned,
or) shifts the plug and slide with it, and thus reverses the flow of steam
to the cylinder, and the direction of the piston's motion.
10. In a tenth modification we dispense entirely with the plug, and
cause the valve and the heads with which it is applied, as in some of
the previous modifications, to have a partially rotating movement, which,
by means of ports situated as hereafter described, causes the shifting
of the valve, and the latter changes the flow of steam to the cylinder,
and the direction of the piston's motion.

page_text: ports which lead from the cylinder, near the termination of the piston's
stroke, to the interior of the casing of the valve. The valve heads are
each provided with fan projections and with four ports, that is, two to
each end, one for exhaust and the other for steam; the latter communi-
cating with the interior of the valve.
Four other ports are provided in the casing, two at each end, and one
of each of which leads to the exhaust, whilst the other of each of which
leads to its own end.
10. Supposing the piston to be moving, as in the previous modifi-
cation, near the termination of its stroke the steam passes through the
port at this end, above mentioned, and acting upon the fan projections
at the same end of the valve partially rotates the latter, and places
the steam port at this end in communication, from the interior of the
valve, through the corresponding port in the casing, with the interior
of the same end of the latter, so that the steam from the valve causes
its own shifting, the rotating movement at the same time opening the
exhaust from the other end of the casing to allow of the shifting,
which thus, as in the former modifications, causes the alteration in
the flow of the steam to the cylinder, and the direction of the piston's
motion. In its return the steam acting through the corresponding
additional port at the other end of the cylinder causes the valve
to rotate in the reverse direction, and to open the reverse ports at
each end, so as to cause the return of the valve, and the latter the return
of the piston.
11. In one modification the arrangement of the means we employ
for governing or regulating the supply of steam to the cylinders of
all the preceding modifications, or to any pump (whether worked by
water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid) for the purpose of preventing
the piston striking the ends of the cylinder in the event of any
accident to the delivery or suction valves of the pump, or if there
should be but a small power required is as follows:-To opposite
ends of a rod we affix pistons (one of which is connected to the valve
which admits steam to the cylinder) which work in a small cylinder
or casing. The chamber formed by the pistons in their casing is
divided by a partition which is provided with a stuffing box, or with
cup leathers through which the rod works. A passage from one end

page_text: of the pump communicates with one of the chambers formed thereby,
and one from the other end with the other chamber. Both these
passages however communicate with one of the chambers, but the com-
munication is regulated by small self-acting valves.
11*. When there is a head of water to work against, and the bucket
is being moved by the engine from right to left, there is a vacuum in
the pump on the right side of the bucket, and a pressure on the left
side. The pressure acts through the passage at its end of the pump,
and between the partition and the piston at same end, and thus
tends to push it in the same direction as the motion of the bucket, and
to keep open the steam valve, slide valve, or cock, which thus admits
only the required amount of steam to the cylinder. There is no back
pressure to overcome in the other chamber, as one of the above-
mentioned valves lifts to the suction end and allows it to escape,
while the other valve, though leading to the same chamber, but being
kept down by the pressure, does not lift, so that there is thus vacuum
on each side of this piston. As the bucket is caused to return and
the pressure is now on the right side thereof, it acts in a similar manner
and in the same direction on the other piston, and keeps the steam
cock or valve open, which would shut itself (if there were no
pressure or vacuum in the pump) by the pressure of the steam, or by
the aid of springs or weights with which we sometimes apply the cock
when that is used.
The valve upon which the governor acts may be a flat, radial, or
piston valve (and may be prevented rotating by being flat on one side,
or by a screw, or other equivalent means), or an ordinary cock with
a lever attached. On the end of the slide is attached a screw for
regulating the supply of steam necessary to work the engine under no
pressure or vacuum, so that it never quite stops.
12. In a second modification, the construction, arrangement, and
operation of which are otherwise as in the above, we dispense with
the small valves, which renders the governor suitable for high pressure.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said George Gordon Picking and William Hopkins in
the Great Seal Patent Office on the 12th November 1878.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, GEORGE
GORDON PICKING, of Kingsland, and WILLIAM HOPKINS, of Islington,
in the County of Middlesex, Engineers, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-
sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto us, the said George Gordon Picking and William
Hopkins, Her special licence that we, the said George Gordon Picking
and William Hopkins, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or
such others as we, the said George Gordon Picking and William
Hopkins, our executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "Iж-
PROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION, ARRANGEMENT, AND WORKING OF STEAM
CYLINDERS FOR USE IN STEAM PUMPING MACHINERY AND IN STEAM ENGINES, AND
IN THE MEANS OF GOVERNING OR REGULATING THE SUPPLY OF STEAM THERETO,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said George Gordon
Picking and William Hopkins, our executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under our, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
"
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said George Gordon Picking and William
Hopkins, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement, reference being had
to the Drawings hereunto annexed will more fully and at large
annear

page_text: Our Invention relates to improvements in the construction, arrange-
ment, and working of steam cylinders for use in steam pumping
machinery, and in steam engines, and in the means of governing or
regulating the supply of steam thereto.
The first part of our Invention consists principally in the construction
and arrangement of a steam cylinder with a reciprocating slide and plug
or plugs, each of which is provided with certain ports and passages in
such relative positions as to cause the reciprocation of the piston and rod
in the cylinder.
Such being the nature and object of our Invention, we will now
proceed to describe more in detail the manner in which the same is to
be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, and in order that
the same may be distinctly understood, we have annexed hereunto two
Sheets of Drawings illustrative thereof, and have marked the same with
letters of reference corresponding with those in the following explanation
thereof, that is to say :-
On the accompanying Drawings one modification is illustrated in
Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 1 represents a longitudinal section of this Invention; Fig. 2 is a
sectional plan through the slide casing, and the casing of the plugs.
The letter A. is the main steam cylinder of the engine connected by a
piston rod C with the piston D. The steam in the cylinder A is changed by
the action of the slide valve E which is enclosed in a casing F. The
cylinder A is provided with two plugs G, G³, one at each end, with a pin
a passing through each plug and projecting into the cylinder A. The
plugs are kept up to the inner ends of their respective casings alternately
by the pressure of steam from the cylinder A. Steam has constant
access into the valve casing F between the two piston heads H, H¹, and
also to the interiors of the plugs G, G', which likewise may be provided
with heads. The main steam passages 6, 6', run as usual from the
interior of the valve casing F from between the two heads H, H³, of the
valve E, the steam being directed into alternate ends of the cylinder A
to give the desired reciprocating motion to the piston D and rod C, as
usual by the reciprocation of the valve E which is caused as and by the
means, that is the arrangement of the ports in the cylinder A, plugs
G, G¹, and valve casing F herein-after immediately described.
In addition to the main steam passages 6, 6ª, above mentioned, we

page_text: provide two other ports c, c', which communicate one from the interior
of each plug to the same end of the valve casing.
Two exhaust ports d, d³, communicate one from each end of the valve
casing F to exhaust recesses in the inner end of the plug at the opposite
end of the cylinder A, by which recesses they communicate through
exhaust passages e, e¹, with the common exhaust opening I to the air.
Two other ports, f, f¹, also exhaust, communicate one from the inner
end of each plug casing with the common exhaust opening I.
Supposing the piston A. is moving in the cylinder from right to left,
on reaching the projection a of the left plug G (on or near the termination
of its stroke), it shifts it in the direction of its own motion sufficiently to
open the communication between its interior and the same end of the
valve casing F. This movement of the plug G opens the exhaust d of
the valve casing F from the end towards which the stroke is to be made
through the exhaust recess g. The steam from this plug G therefore
shifts the valve E right over, changing the direction of the steam there-
from to the cylinder A. As the piston D is thus reversed in its motion
in its return, as it leaves the projection or pin a of this plug G, the
pressure of steam from the cylinder A forces the plug G inwards to its
former position, and so shuts off the exhaust d from and steam c¹ to the
opposite ends of the valve heads H and H. The return movement of
the valve E is caused by the piston D striking the projection a¹ of the
other plug G¹, and admitting (in a similar manner to that above
described), the steam therefrom to the same end of the valve casing F,
and opening the exhaust d from the other end thereof.
Instead of the valve E being shifted by steam from the plugs G and
G¹ the steam may have constant communication from the interior of the
valve casing F to both of its ends, the plugs G and G¹ being used simply
for exhausting the steam from the opposite ends alternately, and thereby
moving the valve E over.
In a second modification represented by Figs. 3 and 4 we employ only
one plug G; otherwise the relative positions of the steam cylinder A,
valve E, and casing F, and plug casing h may be as above described.
The valve E is shifted alternately by steam from the cylinder A and
from the plug G, and by steam from the interior of the plug G alone.

page_text: In addition to the main steam passages 6, 61, we provide one port d
(placed near the termination of the piston's stroke) which communicates
during the travel of the piston D towards it through a port e in the
plug G, and one leading therefrom to the same end of the valve casing F.
This port in the plug is caused to keep this communication open by the
pressure of steam from the cylinder on the other end of the plug G,
which is provided with a piece or pin a similar to the above projecting
into the cylinder A.
'
Another port communicates from the interior of the plug G to the
same end of the valve casing F when the plug is in the position shown
on Figs. 3 and 4, and after the valve has been partly shifted by steam
from the cylinder A, as hereinafter described, whilst a third port Ø. com-
municates from the interior of the plug G with the opposite ond of the
valve casing F to that with which the first communicates. There are
two exhaust recesses in the plug G which lead the exhaust alternately.
(by ports running) from opposite ends of the valve casing F to the
common exhaust I, which also communicates another exhaust port
running from the end of the plug G, at which the first port therein
above mentioned is situated.
Supposing the piston to be moving in the direction of the arrow,
Fig. 3, near the termination of its stroke, it uncovers the port a leading
from the cylinder through the plug G to this end of the valve casing F.
Steam from the cylinder then partly shifts the valve sufficiently to open
the steam port f from the plug to this end of the valve casing; steam.
from the plug completes the shifting of the valve E, which changes the
flow of steam to the cylinder. As the piston returns it meets the pro-
jection a on the other end of the plug Gand shifts it, changing the ports
leading from the interior to the opposite end of the valve casing F, so
that the steam is now admitted to the right end % of the latter and
shifts the valve, and again changes the steam to the cylinder, and thereby
the direction of the piston's motion. As the piston again returns the
pressure of steam from the cylinder A behind this end of the plug G
moves it to its former position and opens the through communication e
above mentioned, so that the steam from the cylinder shall partly shift
the valve E, which is thus shifted at alternate strokes by the means
described. The alternate movements of the plug G causes the opening
of the exhaust from opposite ends of the cylinder A, and at each

page_text: alternate movement (the one caused by the piston striking the pro-
jection) the opening of its own exhaust.
In a third modification, Fig. 5, the D slide is connected to or formed
with the plug G, which is worked by steam within the interior of a
shifting casting H, to the interior of which only live steam is admitted,
or the ends of the casting H may be carried through and into recesses
in the casing F of the inner casting H.
In addition to the main steam passages b, b', we provide two steam
ports or cavities d, d, which communicate alternately through ports e, e³,
in the casting H, with the opposite ends of the latter's casing, the equiva- :
lent to the valve casing F in the former modification. The ports ƒ, ƒª¹,
serve also as exhaust from the same end of the casing F, and communi-
cate alternately with the exhaust of the valve E. Other steam ports d, d³,
communicate alternately from the cylinder and allow of the passage of
steam therefrom after the piston has passed them, as described in the
second modification through ports in the casting with the interior of
the outer casing. These ports f, f¹, in the casting serve also as the
exhaust from the ends thereof, and communicate alternately with the
other exhaust I openings to the air.
Supposing, as in Fig. 5, the piston to be moving from right to left
near the termination of its stroke it uncovers the steam port d, which
communicates with the opposite end of the casing F, and steam from the
cylinder passing up this port and acting on this end of the casting H
shifts it to the left, the exhaust escaping by the port f, which is in
communication with the common exhaust I, sufficient to change the
ports e, e, f, f¹, the casing being reversed, live steam passes by the
port and acting between the interior of the inner casting H and the
end of the plug G shifts the valve in a contrary direction, the exhaust
from the other end escaping by the port 1 (which was opened by reason
of the casting moving) over, and thus changes the direction of steam to
the main cylinder A, the piston thus makes its return movement; on or
near the termination of its stroke it uncovers a precisely similar port d¹
to that first described at the other end which now communicates with
the other end of the casing F; steam passing up this port shifts the
casting to the right and opens the ports and ³, to the plug G and
valvo E; steam therefore shifts the valve to the left and the motion is
repeated.

page_text: One way in which we obtain cushioning of the plug G and its
casting H is by providing four extra ports running from each end of the
casting and casing to the exhaust.
In a fourth modification, Fig. 6, the plug G works within the
casting H as in the previous modification; but instead of being attached
to the valve E it is formed with a second D slide placed above the other
(or in any other suitable position) which is used for supplying the steam
to and exhausting it from the ends of the casing F, the casting being
secured to the main valve E steam is admitted to both the interior of
the plug G and casting H.
In addition to the main steam passages 6 and 6¹ we provide two
recesses f, f¹, in the casing which open a communication between the
ends of the casing f and steam from the interior of the plug G, the
exhaust being led away by the plugvalve h. Two other ports d, d², run
from the steam cylinder A to the ends of the casing F and are used for
partly shifting the valve E, the stroke of which is completed by steam
from the plug G. The ends of the plug & project through the ends of the
casting H, and as the latter approaches its casing ends the plug G is
arrested in its motion, so that its slide p changes the direction of steam
from the plug G to the ends of the casting immediately before the
movement of the casting has by its valve E changed the direction of
the steam to the cylinder A. Suppose the piston D to be moving as shown
by the arrow, as soon as it passes the port d in the cylinder steam passes
up and acting against this end of the casting H shift it and the main
valve E partly over sufficient to open the port f; from the valve / live
.steam now passes through this port h and finishes the stroke of the
casting H and valve E, the exhaust from the other end of the casing
passing to the air by the port f¹ which is now open, as soon as it reaches
the end of the casing F the motion of the plug is arrested and the
casting continuing to move sufficient to open the steam to this end of
the casing, and exhaust from the other through port fready to return as
soon as the piston D in the cylinder shall have uncovered the port d³,
and steam thereby partly shifted the casting H, the reciprocating motion
of the piston is thus continued.
In a fifth modification, Fig. 7, the plug & is also placed within the
casting H, but is stationary, being fixed to one or both ends of the
casing F, and is provided with two through ports h, h³, which com-
R

page_text: municate through ports f, f¹, in the latter with the main steam
passages b, b. The ports d, d', for partly shifting the valve E are pro-
vided as in the previous modification...
Supposing the piston D to be moving as above, as the steam is moving
the piston it also has access from the main steam passage 6' through ||
one of the through ports h and acting between one end of the fixed
plug G and the interior of the casting H at the same end tends to keep
the latter at the end of its casing towards which the piston is travelling;
-but as soon as the latter has passed the port d in its cylinder at the end
in the direction of its motion the steam therefrom partly shifts the
casting H overcoming the pressure on the smaller area of the plug G,
and so changes the exhaust of the cylinder A and the direction of steam
thereto, and also to the other through port h¹ which then completely
shifts the casting and valve E.
་
In a sixth modification, Fig. 8, the plugs G, G, are cast solid with the ]
heads of the slide E, from the interior of which the steam has constant
access through small perforations f,f, to the outer ends of each plug.
In addition to the main steam passage b, b¹, and to the ports d, d²,
from the cylinder A by which the valve E is partly shifted, we provide
two additional ports h, h, also leading from the ends of the cylinder A, 2
and which communicate with the same ends of the plug casings F, and
also with the small perforations f,f¹, in the plugs.
We also provide two exhaust ports 9, 9³, one from near each end of
'the valve casing F which partly exhaust the steam therefrom to the
'main exhaust I, the exhaust being completed as in the former modi- 2
.fication by the first mentioned ports d, d³.
Supposing the piston to be moving as shown, and that the valve E has
been partly shifted by steam from the cylinder through port d, and as
steam from the valve casing F is always in the small perforations f, f¹,
'it passes down port h, but which the piston head now covers, the 3
'steam therefore passes through port h to the same end of the plug G
and completely shifts the valve E and changes the flow of steam to
the cylinder A. Before the valve E was partly shifted by steam from
the cylinder the steam through the perforation h¹ was helping to propel
the piston D, the steam passing through the first perforation h helps in 8
.a similar manner to propel the piston back.

page_text: In a seventh modification the plug or small slide is shifted by means
of a rod projecting into the cylinder and pump, and alternately struck
by the piston and bucket.
The valve is provided with heads, and the plug (which may be made
either round, radial, or flat, is connected to the above rod.
At one end of its stroke the piston in the cylinder strikes one end
of the rod and shifts the plug, which alters two ports, one exhaust and
the other steam, leading to the opposite ends of the valve, and shifts
the same, and thus changes the flow of steam to the cylinder and
causes the return motion of the piston till the bucket in the pump
strikes the other end of the rod and causes the reverse movements of
the plug, and by two other similar ports, also of the valve and piston,
According to a second method of carrying this modification into
effect we seat the small slide in the interior of the casing between_
the heads of the valve; the small slide controls the admission of steam
from the interior of the casing to its ends in precisely the same manner
as the main valve does the admission to the cylinder; in other words,
the arrangement of ports is similar and needs no further explanation. The;
cushioning of the valve is obtained by the provision of two extra ports:
leading from the exhaust of the small slide to the ends of the casing.
:
According to a further method we cause the same movement by two.
pieces inserted in the plunger of the pump, one of which strikes it each
way.
In an eighth modification, Fig. 9, Sheet 2, we disponse with the
plug and substitute in licu thercof a tube G running from one end of
the cylinder A to near the other end. The piston rod or plunger C
is also tubular, and at all parts of the piston's stroke communicates
with the tube G.
In addition to the main steam passages 6, 6³, and to the ports d, d';
for partly shifting the valve E we provide recesses a, a¹, one at each end
of the cylinder A, which communicate with a port c passing through
the piston head and leading to the hollow plunger rod C.
The above tube G communicates alternately with the opposito ends
of the casing F after the valve E has been partly shifted.
Suppose the piston A to be travelling in the direction of the arrow,
near the end of its stroke, the valve E is partly shifted, as described,
:

page_text: but sufficiently to admit steam to the other end of the cylinder A; steam
then passes through the recess a¹ at this end, and the port c in the
piston, to the piston rod C, and through the tube G, and completely
shifts the valve E, and admits the full steam to the end of the cylinder A,
and propels the piston.
In a ninth modification we attach the valve to a plug which we
place in the casting provided with projecting ends, as in the sixth
modification.
In addition to the main steam passages, and to the ports provided in
the previous modifications for partly shifting the valve, we provide two
additional ports, each communicating with the exhaust to the valve and
steam from the interior of the casting, and with recesses in the casing of
the projecting ends thereof; and also provide two exhaust ports (to
partly exhaust from the ends of the casing) similar to those provided
in the other modifications.
Two other ports running from the interior of the casting communicate
alternately with the two first additional ports mentioned, whilst an
additional exhaust port running from the valve also communicates
alternately with them.
We also provide two small perforations which lead from the interior
of the casting to the ends of the plug for cushioning.
Or instead of forming the valve with projecting ends, or in con-
nection with the plug, we can make it with flat ends, so that the
casting may strike it each time, but we prefer the first described
arrangement.
Supposing the piston to be moving in the first mentioned direction,
the steam from the interior of the casting passing through one of the
additional ports and its recess tends by its pressure on the small area of
the plug at this end to keep the casting over in the end of its casing,
towards which the piston is travelling in the cylinder; but as soon as the
latter has travelled sufficiently far therein the steam therefrom acting on
the larger area of the casting end partly shifts the same (but not the valve
and plug therein), overcoming the pressure on the smaller area of the
plug in the contrary direction, and thus changes the communication
between the interior of the casting through the other additional port to
the end of the other projecting end, by steam from the interior of

page_text: the casting passing through this communication and its recess acting
on the small area of this plug, and having no resistance at the other
end to overcome, as that end of the casting and projecting plug is
open to the exhaust, completes the stroke of the piston to the right,
which (either strikes the slide, as above mentioned, or) shifts the plug
and slide with it, and thus reverses the flow of steam to the cylinder
and the direction of the piston motion.
In a tenth modification, Figs. 10, 11, 12, we dispense entirely
with the plug and cause the valves G, G¹, and the heads, as in some of
the previous modifications, to have a partially rotating movement, which
by means of the ports e, e¹, f,f¹, causes the shifting of the main valve E,
and the latter changes the flow of steam to the main cylinder A.
In addition to the two main steam passages b, 61, we provide two
other ports d, d¹, which lead from near the end of the cylinder A to the
interior of the heads G, G, of the valve E. The valve heads G, G³, are
each provided with fair projections, and with two ports e and f; that is,
one communicating with tho main exhaust I, and the other for steam
from the cylinder A.
Four other ports are provided in the casing, two at each end, and one
of which takes the exhaust from the end of the casing, and the other
makes a passage for the steam to the same end, thereby cushioning the
heads G and G', and valve E. The heads are connected together by the
rods k, or other suitable means.
Supposing the piston D to be moving to the left, near the end of its
stroke, the steam rushes up the port d', and into the head G, and acting
upon the fan projection at the same end partially rotates the head G and
valve attached, and places the steam port e¹ in communication from the
interior of the casing, so that steam from the latter causes the shifting of
the heads and valve right over to the right, the rotating movement at
the same time having caused (the two heads being attached) the opening
of the exhaust port f¹, from the right end of the casing; the steam is
thus reversed to the main cylinder A and the piston D in its return, the
steam acting through the corresponding port d at the other end of the
cylinder, causes the head and valve attached to partially rotate in the
reverse direction, and to open the reverse ports e and fat each end, so as
to cause the return of the valve E, and the latter the return of the
piston D.

page_text: In an eleventh modification, shown in Figs. 13 and 14, Sheet 2, we
cause the two plugs G, G³, which are attached to act as the main steam.
valve, the two ordinary steam ports b, b¹, are taken from the steam
chest F, nearer the ends than usual, so that the D shaped recesses C, C³,
in the plugs G, G³, may open and close the exhaust alternately.
5
Suppose the plugs to be in the position shown, steam passes down the
port 6¹, and propels the piston D to the left; as soon as it reaches the end
of its stroke it pushes the plug G by means of the projection a in the
cylinder partially over in the same direction, sufficient to change the
steam to the cylinder and to open the port h³, which allows steam to 1
act on the opposite end of the plug G³, and also to open the exhaust by
the port c from this end of the plug G; it then moves right over, and the
motion of the piston is thereby reversed, as soon as it reaches the
corresponding projection a² at the other end it moves the plug back
again sufficient to open the corresponding ports h and c at both ends, 1
and the plug moves right over in the reverse direction, and so
reciprocates the piston in the cylinder A.
In a twelfth modification, Figs. 15 and 16, Sheet 2, which is precisely
similar to the first, excepting that the two plugs G, G¹, are joined together,
forming one, steam passing down the main steam port 61 propels the 2
piston. As soon as it reaches the projection a it shifts the plug G, which
allows steam from the interior of the casing thereof to pass by the port c¹
to the same end of the valve casing F, and allows the exhaust to escape
by the port d¹ from the other end, the steam then shifts it right over,
and the piston D returns and opens similar ports c and d at the other 2
end, which causes the steam to operate in a similar manner on the other
end H¹ of the valve E, and thereby moves it back again. The steam to
the cylinder is thereby alternately changed.
In all the previous modifications the slide and valve E may be shifted
over and the flow of steam to the cylinder changed by allowing steam 3
from the interior of the casing F constant access to each end of the
casing through small ports in the casting containing the main slide, and
simply exhausting it from each end alternately, and so causes the
motion of the slide valve E, and by the steam the motion of the piston in
the cylinder.
3

page_text: cylinders of all the preceding modifications or to any pump (whether
worked by water, steam, gas, air, or other fluid) for the purpose of pre-
venting the piston D striking the ends or covers of the cylinder A. in the
event of any accident to the delivery or suction valves of the pump, or
if there should be but a small power required, is as follows:-To opposite
ends of the rod a we affix pistons 6, 6, one of which is connected to the
valve c, which regulates the admission of steam to the cylinder A, which
works in a small cylinder or casing d. The chambers e, e¹, formed by
the pistons in their casing is divided by a partition f, which is provided
with a stuffing box or with cup leathers, through which the rod a works.
A passage ¹ from one end of the pump communicates with one of the
chambers / formed thereby, and one from the other end g with the other
chamber e. Both these passages 9, g³, however communicate with the
chamber e', but the communication is regulated by the small self-acting
valves i, ¹.)
'
When there is a head of water to work against, and the bucket of the
pump is being moved by the engine, say from right to left, there is a
vacuum in the pump on the right side of the bucket and a pressure on
the left side. The pressure acts through the passage 9 at its end of the
pump, and between the partition f and the piston 6 at the same end, and
thus tends to push it in the direction to keep open the steam slide valve
or cock c, which thus admits only the required amount of steam to the
cylinder A. There is no back pressure to overcome in the other chamber,
as one of the valves & lifts to the end and allows it to escape, while the
other i, though leading to the same chamber e¹; but being kept down by
the pressure, does not lift, so that there is thus vacuum on each side of
this piston. As the bucket is caused by the engine to return, and the
pressure is now on the right side thereof, it acts in a similar manner on
the other piston 6¹, and keeps the steam slide cock or valve c open,
which would shut itself (if there were no pressure or vacuum in the
pump) by the pressure of steam through the port k, or by the aid of
springs or weights, with which we sometimes apply the cock, when that
is used.
The valve ċ upon which the governor acts may be a flat, radial, or
piston valve or cock (and may be prevented rotating by being flat on
one side, or by a screw 2, Fig. 10, or other equivalent means), or an
ordinary cock with a lever attached. On the end of the slide c, Fig. 12;
is attached a screw for regulating the supply of steam necessary to work

page_text: the engine under no pressure or vacuum, so that the steam is never quite
shut off by the valve c.
In the modification, Fig. 12, the construction, arrangement, and ope-
ration of which are otherwise as the above, we dispense with the small
valve i, ³, which renders the governor suitable for high pressure. This
governor is specially serviceable in regulating the supply of steam to
direct acting steam pumps, &c., working hydraulic presses or accumu-
lators, as it prevents the piston striking the ends of the cylinder. When
the ram of the press or accumulator is down, and there is consequently
little work for the pump, and it works at a destructive speed, the valve O, 1
by the pressure of steam springs or weights, throttles the admission of
steam to the cylinder, but as soon as there is any work on the engine or
pressure in the pump, the said pressure acting on the small pistons b, b¹,
open the steam valve C, so that there is full steam to work the engine.
Having now fully described the nature of this Invention, and the
manner of performing the same, what we claim is, the combination of a
piston, cylinder, valve, and plugs having ports and passages, &c., in such
relative positions as to cause the reciprocation of the piston and rod in
the cylinder, and also the means of governing or regulating the supply
of steam thereto, substantially as shown and described in the previous
modifications, or any equivalent means producing a like effect.
In witness whereof, we, the said George Gordon Picking and
William Hopkins, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this
Twelfth day of November, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-three.