A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OR METHODS OF GAINING POWER BY NEW OR IMPROVED COMBINATIONS OF APPARATUS, APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS PURPOSES
Year: 1819

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
COPLAND, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King George the Third did, by
His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the First day of May, in
the Fifty-ninth year of His reign, give and grant unto me, the said Robert
Copland, my exors, aduiors, and assigns, His especial licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that I, the said Robert Copland, my exors, admors,
and assigns, during the term of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed, and also in all His Majesty's Colonies and Plantations
abroad, my Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED METHOD OR METHODS OF GAINING
POWER BY NEW OR IMPROVED COMBINATIONS OF APPARATUS, APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS
PURPOSES;" in which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso that if I,
the said Robert Copland, shall not particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
by an instrument in writing under my hand seal, and cause the same to be
inrolled in His Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent, that then the
said Letters Patent, and all liberties and advantages whatsoever thereby granted,
shall utterly cease, determine, and become void, as in and by the same, relation
being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, 1, the said
Robert Copland, do hereby declare that my said Invention is described and
ascertained in the plans hereunto annexed, and the following explanation
thereof (that is to say):-
Figures 1 and 2 are views of a machine by which I purpose to derive a
disposable force or power from the action, weight, or pressure of the atmo-
sphere, through the medium of the column of water or other heavy liquid
descending on one side of the inclosed vertical wheel, and from thence through
the centrifugal wheel, being returned into the same reservoir, from which the
pressure of the atmosphere raises it to be again delivered on the top of the
vertical wheel to supply the discharge on the descending side, arising from the
centrifugal force communicated to it by the rotatory velocity of the centrifugal
wheel, and the pressure of the descending column overbalancing the re-action
or resistance of the atmosphere at the discharging apertures of the centrifugal
wheel. Thus a small quantity of water or other liquid (according to the
size of the machine required) being continually returned on to the top of the
vertical wheel by the pressure or action of the atmosphere, and acting by its
unbalanced gravity or impetus in its descent, will produce a disposable force
or power of any required magnitude, by increasing the size or number of the
machines, provided the height the fluid is required to be raised is not quite so
high as the column which the atmosphere when lightest will raise of that
fluid, and allowing for the requisite velocity on to the vertical wheel. In
Figures 1 and 2 (the same letters, &c. having reference to the same parts in
each), A is the feeding pipe through which the fluid is raised by the pressure
or action of the atmosphere on the fluid in the lowest reservoir, in which the
lower end of the pipe is immersed, closed by a cock, sliding plate, valve, or
shutter, to allow the machine to be filled at commencement, and which be
under the surface of the fluid, also to keep it air-tight. The other end is
inserted air-tight into the top reservoir, or by a curve, as shewn by the dotted
line a, Figure 1, joined to pipe C, and delivering upon the vertical wheel,
without any top reservoir. In this case if water is used the highest part of
the bend or curve inside should not exceed thirty feet above the level of the
water in lowest reservoir. There may be one or more of these pipes, according
to the size of the machiné, but the area of the waterway should always be
larger than the calculation necessary to supply the discharge over the vertical
wheel, taking the velocity upwards as that due to the head equal to the
difference between a column equal to the pressure of the atmosphere when
lightest, and the column raised; but the greater the area the better, as less of
the unbalanced pressure being expended in the velocity, it will communicate a
may

page_text: greater pressure to the descending column over the vertical from top reservoir.
It should, therefore, always have area enough to supply the discharge with the
velocity of rising column, not exceeding that due to one foot head, or even less
where the utmost effect is, required to be obtained, as both the velocity and
5 pressure cannot be calculated upon, the pressure of the atmosphere being
always equal to a column of one foot more than that of the column raised;
making sufficient allowance for this, the discharge over the vertical wheel
will be constantly supplied, as the weight of the atmosphere will prevent a
vacuum arising in top reservoir; within these limits it may be supported as
convenient. B is the top reservoir; the lowest internal part of which should
never exceed twenty-nine or thirty feet above the water in lowest reservoir,
but it will admit the top of the reservoir, if wished, to be rather higher than
when the curved tube a, only is used. It must be quite air-tight, and sup-
ported as convenient. 'C is a pipe, joined air-tight to top reservoir or forming
part of A, a, C. When no top reservoir used, the lower end joined air-tight
to the part of the fixed cover of vertical wheel where the fluid is to be
delivered upon it, and may be carried down into the fixed cover, and joined to
it for some distance on the side nearest the rising side of the wheel when the
water is delivered so high upon the wheel; or float boards with moveable joints
are used, so as to allow them to pass without touching; but if the floats are
immoveably fixed to the rim, this projection of c cannot be allowed. C,
Figure 1, is a moveable flap of strong leather, or other substance, which may
be joined to the lowest part of C, where the water is delivered so high on the
wheel, and where floats with hinges are used on the wheel to prevent its
going down on the ascending side; but not necessary when water delivered
lower on the wheel. D, D, D, D, is the fixed and immoveable waterway,
and the fixed case or cover (of the vertical wheel), of which it is a part, joining
also the stuffing boxes, through which the axle of the vertical wheel moves
air-tight, thus entirely enclosing and surrounding every part of the wheel but
the projections of the axle, and allowing the float boards and wheel just to
turn freely in it without touching in any part except the axle in turning in
the packing of the stuffing boxes; see Figures 6 and 7 also. If the float
boards have no moveable joints, the waterway of this fixed case on the rising
or unloaded side of wheel may be made rather larger; it must be fixed
very firmly, and supported as convenient and air-tight throughout. If the
top of fixed case D be higher than the top reservoir, it must have apertures
on top to fill it, and discharge the air as L and ecf top reservoir. b, b, are
he float boards of the vertical wheel as Figure 1, as they appear on the
oaded and unloaded side. of the wheel moving in the waterway of the fixed.

page_text: case D, D, where the fluid acting upon them by its impetus and gravity on
the loaded side, where the float boards are opened out parallel to the radii,
cause the vertical wheel and axle to turn. These float boas are fastened
on to the rim or sole of the vertical wheel by very strong hinges or moveable
joints just within the fixed waterway D; these joints or hinges allow the
floats to open out parallel to the radii or any angle to them thought proper,.
as they pass the end of pipe C, by the impinging force of the fluid on to
the wheel, and continue so in their descent unless they meet with some
resistance from the fluid, till rising on the unloaded side, where they hang as
shewn, Figure 1, so as to offer very little resistance even if moving in the same
fluid that descends on the loaded side, having thus, when opened out, a resisting
and non-resisting side, and presenting the former to receive the effect of the
fluid descending on loaded side, and the latter to any resistance from the fluid
after they pass the part where it is taken from the wheel, which being the same
principle described by Beatson and others, I do not claim as my Invention.
These floats may have the under part of their outer ends which rest on the rim
of the wheel, bevelled off so that the water may readily get between them and
the rim of the wheel to open them out as they pass pipe C. If the fluid
can be drawn off from the bottom and rising side of the vertical wheel so as
to offer no material resistance to the floats, which I do not doubt but it may
in many cases where taken off at bottom of the wheel, the floating boards
might in such case be fixed without any moveable joint or hinge on to the
wheel; but there would be some difficulty in setting it to work in this way,
and would require some assistance perhaps by a very long descending tube
inserted into the bottom of fixed case, or a pump to take off the fluid at com-
mencement of working from the rising side. I do not, therefore, here recom-
mend this as a method to be pursued as part of my Specification; their best
shape is that of 6, Figure 6. E is a pipe or pipes joined air-tight to the fixed
cover or case inclosing the vertical wheel where the water is to be taken
off it, having their lower ends inserted air-tight also into the bottom of the
fixed and immoveable top (T, Figure 4,) of the centrifugal wheel in such a
direction that they may deliver the water into the moveable waterway of the
centrifugal wheel as near as possible in the same direction as the water circu-
lates in the wheel. The areas of these pipes must increase upwards in inverse
proportion to the velocities inside, and particular care taken that there be
10 abrupt projections. sinuosities, or swellings within, and to adapt the pipes
in every respect so as to gain the utmost possible velocity of the water in its
descent. These pipes may have air-tight cocks above the centrifugal wheel,
if required, to close them when filling the machine, if the column of mercury

page_text: on the top of centrifugal wheels' cover is not sufficient to balance the whole
column inside from the top reservoir, but the waterway when open must be
exactly parellel with the inside of the pipe all round; they may be supported
as most convenient, or by having flanges for the purpose. F, F, is the centri-
fugal wheel of any diameter convenient according to the size of the machine,
placed horizontally above the fluid in the lowest reservoir so as to move on its
axis as near as possible to the surface of the fluid without touching it, having
an immovable cover or top (T, Fig. 4,) leaving a hollow waterway round the
rim (W, Fig. 5,) into which the fluid is discharged from E in the direction
of the wheels' motion; its bottom (S, Fig. 5,) should be an entire circular
plate without arms, to avoid resistance to its rapid motion, or the arms
covered over when used; see also Figs. 3, 4, & 5. G, G, are the discharging
apertures of the centrifugal wheel, and which may be either simple apertures
in the side of the wheel, as Figures 1 and 2, or tubes turned so as to deliver
in a tangent to the rim nearly as G, G, Fig. 8. There may be as many of
these apertures as thought proper, having less areas in proportion to their
number, & may nearly connect with each other entirely round the lowest
part of the wheel. These apertures may be closed to enable the machine to
be filled, or the areas of them regulated by sliding plates, shutters, valves, or
cocks, so as to proportion them to the receiving ones, as may be found most
advantageous in practice. H, H, is the surface of the fluid in I, I, the lowest
reservoir, containing a sufficient quantity of water, when the machine is put
to work, to allow the bottom of feeding pipe A to be immersed in it at least
two feet below the surface, or a greater depth may be given to that part
of the reservoir under the mouth of pipe A, forming a sort of well in which
A may be inserted any required depth better to exclude any particles of
air or bubbles mixed with the water nearer its surface from ascending in
pipe A. This reservoir should be large enough to contain the whole of the
water used before the machine is filled. K, K, Figures 1 and 2, are the ends of
the axle of vertical wheel outside of the stuffing boxes of the fixed case, and are
the only parts of the vertical wheel seen, and turning air-tight through the pack-
ing or stuffing boxes, or in any other manner the external air is entirely excluded
from the vertical wheel when at work; e is an air-tight cock to discharge the
air out of the machine when filling.. L is an aperture into top reservoir, or into
highest part of pipe A, a, when no top reservoir, closed are-tight by a screw
cap; by this the whole machine is filled in every part with the fluid used before
it can be set to work, the bottom of pipe A and apertures G (as well as cock
to bottom of pipe E when required) being previously closed. M, Figure 2, is
a bevel wheel on axle K of vertical wheel, from which any assistance required

page_text: to support the velocity. fixed for centrifugal wheel is taken (after the machine
is properly set to work) by means of a, a, a, a, bevel wheels and shafts, by
which motion is taken from M on vertical to d, a bevel wheel on axle P of
centrifugal wheel proportioned to..M, according to the velocities fixed to the
wheels, or done by any other method. N, N, are stuffing boxes, forming
the centres of each side of fixed case of vertical wheel, having the ends of its
axle passing through them air-tight; they are brought out, Figure 2, to shew
them better; but these, as well as the bearings for the axle, and wheels upon it,
will be much nearer the wheel; see also Figure 6, where the flanges, by which
parts of the fixed case are joined, are shewn. O is a wheel on axle of vertical,
from which the balance of disposable force or power is taken and applied as
may be required. P is the top of axle of centrifugal wheel turning through a
gudgeon inf, and at bottom on a pivot in Q (Figure 2), a step having a pipe
rising up above surface of fluid so as to contain oil. f. f, are strong beams.
crossing as close as possible above the centrifugal wheel, and supporting the
axles of a, a, a, and,P, as well as g,g, g, g,.strong iron bars or stanchions, with
screws and nuts, or otherwise, by which the fixed and immovable cover of cen-
trifugal wheel T, Figures 4 and 5, is firmly fixed to f, f. h, h, are floors which
support the fixed cover D, top reservoir, and feeding pipe A. R, R, are strong.
iron pillars supporting the vertical wheel by its axle resting in gudgeons or
bearings on each side in them, i, i, &c. &c. are strong iron bars or stays to.
support the fixed case D, and assist it, to support and resist the external pressure.
of the atmosphere when the machine is at work, and a vacuum created by the
water being drawn off in whole or part on the rising side. K is a beam sup-
porting axle or shaft of a at top. 1, 1, are supports from floor h to top reservoir.
Figures 3, 4, and 5 are sections of the centrifugal wheel, and fixed top of it.
S, S, S, S, Figures 3 and 5, are sections of the sides of the waterway on the rim
entirely round it, S being part of the wheel towards the axle.. m, m, are the
parts of the wheel which move in the mercury or other liquid contained within
the double sides of the immovable cover or top of the wheel or of its water-
way. These pieces may be separate from the wheel, and fastened to it by
flanges and air-tight, but the parts which move in the fluid must be turned very
true and smooth: T; T, Fig. 4, is the immovable and fixed top or cover of
the centrifugal wheel or of its waterway, with the double sides in which the
mercury or liquid used is contained, and in which also the pieces in Figure 3:
move, extending very nearly to the bottom; the internal parts of these double
sides must be made in very true circles, so that when the projecting parts
m; m, of the wheel are in their places, they may be at equal distances in every-
part of the circles from these double sides T, T, of the-fixed cover or top of

page_text: the wheel. f and 9 are the beams and bars, as Fig. 2, supporting the fixed top
of centrifugal wheel. Figure 5 represents Figs. 3 and 4 united, and fixed
as when at work. P is part of the axle on which the centrifugal wheel
revolves. W is the waterway of centrifugal wheel. n, n, are the surfaces
of the mercury or fluid contained in the double sides of fixed top, Figure 4, in
which the rims m, Figure 3, move, for the purpose of preventing the external
air from entering the moveable part or waterway..W of the wheel, allowing it
thereby to move air-tight with no other friction than that of the fluid against
the smooth circular rims m, m, immersed in it. The height of this column of
mercury need never exceed sixteen inches, or half the height from the bottom
of rims m, m, to the top of the double sides of fixed cover T, T, Figure 4; for
even supposing a perfect vacuum in space W, and that the column of water
from top reservoir entering this space W, through pipe E, Figures 1 and 2,
did not give the pressure due to the unbalanced head by which the velocity is
produced into this space W, in this case the external pressure of the atmo-
sphere on the columns next g might depress them fifteen and a half inches, or
thereabout, which cannot be done without rasing them on the other sides of
m, m, in an equal degree, when the columns would become on those sides thirty-
one inches higher than on the others, and be a balance for the greatest pressure
of the atmosphere, or very nearly. The height of the column required may, how-
ever, be less than that mentioned, but it will be well in practice to err on the
safe side, as the resistance or friction is not thereby very greatly increased. The
breadth of each column need not exceed quarter of an inch on each side of
m, m, or as small a space as possible, at same time to avoid any friction between
the materials of the moveable part of the wheel and the fixed top or cover.
Figure 4, 0, 0, are small air-tight cocks to discharge the air out of top of wheel
when filling. S, T, and f, g, have reference to the same parts as in Figures 3
and 4. Figures 6 and 7 are sections of part of the vertical wheel and its
fixed case. V, V, V, is the vertical wheel turning in its fixed case air-tight
without touching it anywhere but the packing round the axle in stuffing boxes,
and formed in an entire circular plate without arms when practicable, or having
its arms covered over when used. b, b, b, the float boards firmly connected to the
rim of the wheel by hinges or joints, or otherwise; see Figures 1 and 2 also.
D, D, &c. is the fixed case or cover of the vertical wheel. N, N, are hollow
spaces in the centre of fixed case on each side where the axle of the wheel
comes through it to receive packing to allow the axle to move air-tight,
commonly called stuffing boxes, having covers to screw the packing tight.
K is the axle of vertical, as in Figures 1 and 2. R, R, iron pillars
supporting the axle and wheel as Figure 2. Figure 7 is the same as
"

page_text: Figure 6, only shewing another method of joining the float boards and
wheel, which may be preferable when the float boards are not required to be
large, P, P, being a tongue, as in the Figure, projecting on each side of the
wheel, and going quite round it, to prevent the water so freely passing out of
the waterway. Fig. 8, G, G, are the apertures of centrifugal wheel, dis-
charging nearly in a tangent to its rim. The vertical and centrifugal wheels
must be made with great correctness, so that there may be no frictions in any
part of the machine when in motion, except at the axles of these wheels and
those of the fluids in which they move. They must be fixed very firmly, so as
to move with great steadiness, and the whole made of such materials as are
not liable to cast or warp, and will keep the longest in order, and be easily
rendered air-tight. It is desirable, however, that the wheels should be as light
as possible, consistent with the necessary firmness and strength. The whole
machine must be perfectly air-tight in every part, and the joinings between
each, from the bottom of feeding pipe to the discharging apertures of centri-
fugal wheel; and should it be found difficult to effect this otherwise, a slight
case that will contain water may be formed round the vertical wheels, fixed
cover, and top reservoir, leaving a narrow space between them, which being
filled with water above the top of the reservoir, and kept thus always covered
or immersed in water, if there should be any slight leakages the water will be
forced in, which will not prejudice the operation of the machine, requiring only
a supply of water in proportion to the leakage to keep the parts required
always covered. Small air pumps may also be fixed into the top of the fixed
cover of the vertical wheel over the rising or unloaded side of the wheel, and
into the highest part of top reservoir or feeding pipe, and also into the fixed
top of the centrifugal wheel, by having a hole in the double sides T, Figure 4,
connected at bottom, and extending quite up to the tops of T, on each side
of m, Figure 3, and fixing the air pump on top of T, next g, Figure 4,
or the centre of the fixed top, and worked when necessary by a motion from
the vertical wheel. The whole machine may be made in such parts as are
necessary and most convenient according to its size, but having as few
joinings as possible. The vertical wheel, or rather that part of it on which
the water is to be received, must be placed at such distance below the
top reservoir as to secure a proper velocity of the water on to it proportionate
to that fixed for the wheel, and which ought generally to be rather greater than
the wheels, but so as not uselessly to expend any of the impetus, gravity, or
power of the water, otherwise the machine may be rendered useless. Attend-
ing to this the velocity of the vertical may be fixed at any rate convenient in
practice, and the greater the velocity it has the more will the water be assisted

page_text: in leaving the float boards by the centrifugal force of rotation, but its velocity
should not exceed that of the water into the centrifugal, or be greater than due
to a head equal to the wheel's diameter, if receiving at top and delivering at
bottom of wheel, or the perpendicular fall on the wheel when its diameter is
greater than that fall, but any velocity from eight to twenty feet per second may
be sufficient for practice. The maximum diameter for the vertical wheel,
according to theory, and which will, I doubt not, approximate very nearly to
the standard for practice, will be found when the water is received on its top
and delivered at the bottom, or covering its entire semi-circumference, to give
for the wheels' diameter half the height of the column, equal to the centrifugal
force of the centrifugal wheel's velocity of rotation. The maximum velocity
for the centrifugal wheel appears to be that due to a head or column equal to
the pressure of the atmosphere, and if the atmosphere be supposed at nearly
its mean pressure, or equal to thirty-four feet column of water, the velocity of
the centrifugal wheel, when a maximum, will be about 46-7684 feet per second.
If its velocity be greater than as above, the balance of disposable force between
the effect of the vertical and the resistance from the centrifugal will decrease,
as it will also with a less velocity for the centrifugal; its velocity should, there-
fore, always be as near the maximum as possible. With this velocity of the
centrifugal the diameter of the vertical, receiving the water as before, will be
seventeen feet, or equal to half the column, equal to the pressure of the atmo-
sphere, and is about the diameter which I would recommend for practice in
this case; or if the diameter of the wheel is greater it is the perpendicular
descent which it should have on the wheel. The velocity of the water entering
the centrifugal wheel will be according to the preceding arrangement, that due
to a column equal to the diameter of the vertical, or to half the column,
equal to the centrifugal force of its own motion at the apertures, thus leaving
an unbalanced column equal to that descending on the vertical wheel, not cal-
culated upon in the estimate of the head, giving the velocity into the centrifugal,
providing no force is lost by the velocity of the vertical being slower than the
water, because taking the head equal to the velocity of the water delivered
from the vertical, and adding to this the head or fall from the vertical
to the centrifugal wheel, and this again to a column equal to the centri-
fugal force of the motion of the centrifugal, and from the sum thus given
deducting a column equal to the pressure of the atmosphere, we have a head
equal to the diameter of the vertical; when the preceding directions are
attended to, the wheel need never be more than one or two inches above the
water in lower reservoir; but if the vertical wheel has not a velocity equal to
the velocity of the water into it, then the head by which the diameter of the.

page_text: vertical wheel and the velocity into the centrifugal is estimated will be less
equal to half this loss; so that where the utmost effect is required, care should be
taken that the vertical wheel has as great a velocity as its situation will permit, as
before explained. I also deduct the depth of the waterway of the centrifugal wheel
and a column equal to the velocity in the water up the feeding pipe A from
the column, equal to the actual pressure of the atmosphere, to obtain the effective
columns by which the diameter of the vertical wheel is estimated: In this I
overlook any advantage that may be derived from the pressure of the small
unbroken parts of the column above the part where the water is taken from
the vertical wheel, as the descending column cannot be entirely intercepted by
the float boards, and which there may be also a space left for the descent of
in the fixed case, if wished, from top, reservoir to top of pipe E. The areas
of-the float boards and the apertures into the centrifugal wheel must be
inversely as the velocity of the floats and of the water through the
apertures, as likewise the discharging apertures, so that the area multiplied
by the velocity of the floats may give the same results as the area of the
apertures multiplied by the velocity of the water through them; and the pipes
Cand, A. must be in like manner proportioned to supply the discharge
over the wheel sufficiently, and the area of the waterway. of centrifugal
wheel proportioned to its receiving and discharging apertures. Before the
machine, can be put to work, every thing being previously, arranged as
directed, the apertures at G and bottom of A, (and at E if required, also,)
must be closed by sliding: plates, valves, cocks, or other methods as most
convenient, and every part of the machine must be filled with the water or
fluid used by the aperture L, or any other convenient method by which
the highest parts may be filled, the air allowed to discharge by opening..
E and. O, the later to be shut as soon as the centrifugal, wheel is filled,
and the, cock at E closed where required, when the water is above it a little,
e continuing open, so as to allow the air to be entirely discharged from every
part, which being done, and the machine entirely filled with water, this cock
and aperture L must be carefully closed; having then fixed upon the most
convenient method for giving the required assistance to set the machine to
work, by giving the centrifugal wheel motion, and assisting it till arrived
at the velocity fixed, it must be put. in motion, and the apertures G opened;.
after it has got a little into motion, and as soon as the velocity of the
wheel has given a centrifugal force to the water sufficient to overbalance
the: slight; differences in the height of the feeding and descending columns,
the pipe A must be opened; a discharge from the apertures G will now
take place, which is supplied from top reservoir: B over the loaded side of,

page_text: vertical wheel, were, by its gravity and impetus acting on the float boards,
it causes the wheel to turn till it descends, so as to be discharged through E,
on to the rim or waterway W of the centrifugal wheel, which it strikes with
the velocity of its descent in nearly the direction of the wheel's motion, and is
discharged through. aperture G into the water, contained at commencement in
lower reservoir I, from whence this discharge is again supplied by the pressure
of the atmosphere, returning it through pipe A into top reservoir, or through
a, C, and the part intended of the vertical wheel. As the velocity of the
centrifugal wheel is accelerated, the velocity. of the descending column over
the vertical wheel will also be accelerated, and, consequently, the vertical
wheels; when having arrived at their respective fixed velocities, the assisting
force being no longer necessary, may be withdrawn, and the centrifugal wheel
may. now receive what assistance is, required to support its velocity from the
vertical wheel through the connecting shafts and wheelwork, or in any other
manner. The method. which I think preferable for giving the assistance
required for setting the machine to work is, to have another reservoir at
any height necessary above the lowest reservoir, which, when the machine is
filled, can have the water pumped up into it from the lower reservoir, and having
a feeding pipe same as A, inserted in it, and either connected with A or delivering
into top reservoir; all that is necessary now to do is to open the apertures G,
cock of E, and of this short feeding pipe, keeping bottom of A in lowest
reservoir closed, and motion will be given to the machine; when having arrived
at a proper velocity, the short feeding pipe must be closed by a cock or
otherwise at the bottom, like A, and that of A opened, so as to take the supply
from the lowest reservoir. It would also be an advantage now, at the com-
mencement, while the velocity of. the water into the centrifugal wheel is
greater than the wheels, to have the apertures G discharging in a tangent to
the rim in the opposite direction; to the wheel's motion, as Figure 8, or horses
may be used as. in a mill, to give motion by wheelwork to the wheel on-top
of axle P. of the centrifugal wheel, which may be thrown out of. .geer. with the
vertical if required at the commencement, by allowing one of the lower
wheels a to turn freely on its axle till prevented by a fork connecting it to the
axle, so as 'not to allow one to turn without the other, or any of the well-known
methods. The machine being properly set to work by any method preferred, and
the assisting power withdrawn, the wheel O may be thrown into geer to
perform any, work assigned for the balance of disposable force, which can be
taken from the vertical, after the assistance: to the centrifugal wheel and the
force necessary to overcome all; the frictions and resistance are deducted
Although I have recommended the diameter of the vertical wheel to be

page_text: seventeen feet when the velocity of the centrifugal wheel is a maximum,
on the supposition that the water was to cover the entire semi-circumference
of the loaded side, and that no power is otherwise lost, yet the greatest effect
from the same quantity of water descending the same perpendicular distance
on the wheel will be obtained by making the diameter of the wheel as large as
it can conveniently made, so as to allow the water to be freely delivered from
the floats half the perpindicular height of the fall on the wheel below the
centre of the semi-circumference horizontal to its axis, and received upon
the wheel the same height above this centre, so as to fall the same perpen-
dicular height on the wheel as before, or as its diameter when received at top
and delivered at bottom of wheel; here it must receive eight feet and a half
above the centre of semi-circumference, and deliver the water from the floats
the same distance below it, making the perpendicular fall on the wheel
seventeen feet, as when covering its semi-circumference. From consider-
ing the nature of the centre of gravity of the load, it will be readily
seen that the effective weight of the water to turn the wheel may
be thus made to approximate much nearer to the actual weight of the
column on the wheel then when it is acting on the semi-circumference of
the wheel, where it is to the actual weight as 63 662 to 1, but the diameter
of the wheel being doubled will increase the effective weight of the same quantity
of water falling the same perpendicular distance on the enlarged wheel one half
more nearly, thus giving the same momentum or effect, less the increased
friction, as if one half more water was used on the small wheel, retaining the
same velocity in each, so that by rather more than doubling the diameter a
clear increase of effect may be produced of one half more, so that the perpen-
dicular fall or descent on the wheel being found by the rule for the diameter
before given, and being the same as that, the diameter may be increased with
advantage as far as convenient, particularly in small wheels or falls; this will
be applicable to all overshot wheels, where floats are used instead of buckets, if
there be a fixed waterway from the part where the wheel receives the water
to where it is to leave it for the floats to move in, as used by Doctor Barker,
and described by Desaguliers, 2d volume, page 453, provided the diameter is
not so increased as to prevent the water freely leaving the floats at the level of
the tail water or adit, where it may be received through a trough, brought as
close as possible to the floats of the wheel below the fixed case to carry it off,
the lower part of the wheel having a space sunk for it to move in. It might
be an advantage now also to allow a greater velocity for the wheel, by which
the increased centrifugal force will assist the water in leaving the floats.
Writers on the subject of overshot bucket wheels fix the maximum diameter

page_text: the wheel at two thirds of the height of the water above the lowest point of
e wheel, which shews the great advantage there may be in substituting floats
this way for buckets.
I do not, however, claim any exclusive right to such application of an
larged wheel as last mentioned. The effect from the unbalanced column
the vertical wheel, and the resistance of the centrifugal wheel to be deducted
om it, leaving the balance of disposal force, after a further deduction for
ictions is made, as given by theory (agreeable to the preceding arrangements,
ill be seen by the following calculations, but it is not presumed to be given
a correct standard for practice, as this can be alone derived from experience,
nd as the disposable effect will vary according to the different formations, &c.
each, as well as the frictions; but having formed the machine as directed,
s power may be known by loading it with work till the velocity of the vertical
ppears to abate from the standard fixed for it, which being continued it
ould gradually bring the machine to rest; therefore, when this is ascertained,
will be casy to fix the work or load sufficiently under this so as not to
danger its reducing the velocity of the vertical when that is fixed so as
regulate that of the centrifugal by the connecting shafts and wheels.
Feet.
is }
34
The barometer being supposed at 30 07 inches, which is
equal to a volume of water
Less head equal to the velocity of feeding column in A
.
equal to ..
Less depth of waterway of centrifugal wheel 10
inches, and its height above reservoir two inches
Leaves the effective pressure of the atmosphere
1 foot.
32
1 foot.
Highest part of top reservoir B being thirty feet above water. in lower
reservoir.
Vertical wheel placed so, as to receive two feet below top of B, and
having 13,8920 feet second velocity.
The unbalanced pressure of atmosphere into top reser-
voir being equal to
And fall on to the vertical wheel equal to
3 feet column.
2
'make
.5
C
While velocity of vertical is that due to
3

page_text: being deducted from the effective pressure of at-
mosphere, is equal to
One half of this being the diameter of the vertical
wheel at the rim where the floats are attached
The floats being 1 foot deep, the diameter at center
waterway of wheel or floats
-Vertical wheel therefore is equal to 15 feet diameter,
2 feet below top reservoir, and 12 feet above
centrifugal wheel, receiving at top and delivering
at bottom, as Fig. 1
-
Velocity of vertical equal to 3 feet head, equal to
of water upon it, equal to 5 feet head, equal to
30 feet.
or 15
is 16
feet second
13.892 and of
feet per second
17,9345
Velocity of centrifugal equal to 34 46,7684, and of water into it equal
to 15 feet head, equal to 31,0637 feet per second.
Area of apertures into centrifugal wheel equal to 2 square feet, and of
vaterway and discharging apertures.
Diameter of ditto, as convenient,, say, 10 feet..
Area of float boards equal to 4,4721 square feet.
N.B. The discharging apertures G can be regulated as found convenient by
he sliding plates, valves, or cocks..
Calculation of the effect of vertical wheel as above :-
Diameter at centre of floats or waterway equal..to 16 feet X 3, 14, 16,
qual to 50,2656 ft circumference..
Half circumference equal to ..
25,1328

page_text: Calculation of the resistance from centrifugal wheel; as above:.
Velocity of centrifugal wheel eq' to
Velocity of water into it as above
46.7684..
31.0637

page_text: head the velocity of the whole of the water in E will be greatly increased into
the centrifugal, so as to become very nearly if not quite equal to that of the
wheel when its velocity does not exceed the maximum. And in this case the
increased area of the apertures into the centrifugal wheel would not increase
the resistance if the velocities are alike, and might therefore be increased
without any other disadvantage in this case than being obliged to give a pro-
portionate increase of area to feeding pipe A and the other parts that may
require it, and the increased weight on centrifugal wheel increasing the
friction of its axle, as if the pipes A be large or numerous enough, whatever be
the discharge at G, will be supplied at no other expence than these alterations.
The areas of apertures G might, I think, in this case also be increased larger
than those into the wheel, with advantage, by means of the sliding plates or
valves. I think, therefore, it may be advisable to have a pipe from top reser-
voir to top of E to allow the effect of this increased unbroken column on that
descending in E, as it might be stopped or removed if the advantage expected
is not derived. I think it might in this case be permitted to be nearly of an
area proportioned to that of the apertures into centrifugal wheel, as the differ-
ence between the velocity circulated upon, and the velocity with this increased
head, because such an increased quantity will pass through the same apertures
with the increased velocity in proportion. I give these remarks, &c. respecting
the unbroken column as matter of opinion, and to convey my ideas as fully as
possible to promote the beneficial use of the machine. It will thus be seen that
I derive the power of the machine by the assistance of the combinations
mentioned from the action or effect of the pressure of the atmosphere by
means of the column of water, while the reaction or resistance of the same cause
at apertures G is partly or wholly balanced by the velocity of the centrifugal
wheel and that of the water entering it; and also that the resistance from the
centrifugal wheel will be partly or wholly removed if the velocity of the water
entering it is partly or wholly equal to that of the wheel, the reaction of the
medium or water itself in entering the centrifugal wheel being confined to the
end of pipe E, fixed to and delivering into the immovable top of this wheel.
There are a great variety of modifications of the arrangement in this machine,
as well in the position as in the situation of the vertical wheel, and other appli-
cations of the arrangement in whole or in part, which will naturally present
themselves to any one who understands the principles of it, and is desirous of
making the application of them. The centrifugal wheel may be used as a
centrifugal pump by turning the other end of pipe E delivering into it, into
reservoir of water below it, being much superior to the common centrifugal
pump, by avoiding so. much of the resistance of inertia in giving the fluid its

page_text: rotatory velocity when flowing from the centre of motion as in the common
one; because the water in entering the waterway of the wheel will have a
considerable velocity nearly in the direction of the wheel's motion from the un-
balanced pressure of the atmosphere, according to the velocity of the apertures
and the height the water is raised. The wheel might have a small reservoir
above it to supply it through a pipe for the purpose until it had received a pro-
per velocity to allow the feeding pipe to be opened from the lower reservoir;
or by having the discharging apertures turned so as to discharge in a tangent
to the rim as G, Figure 8; and applied as a substitute for the common under-
shot wheel; the top of pipe E being inserted into the water in the dam-head;
it will greatly increase the effect produced from the same quantity of water,
because the water entering the waterway on the rim of the wheel nearly in
the direction of its motion will give an effect by its action as an undershot,
even without floats across the top part of this waterway, and a like effect, on
the principle of Barker's mill, by the reaction in its discharge at the apertures;
thus uniting an undershot and a Barker's mill in the same machine, indepen
dent of the increased velocity from the centrifugal force, and that with which I
believe the water niay be brought upon it from any open' head or fall, by having
the areas of the pipes increasing upwards inversely as the velocities in the
several parts, so as to allow. at the same time any advantage that can be derived
from the unbalanced' pressure of the atmosphere on the top of the open
reservoir, which, as shewn by Doctor Mathew Young's experiments, will
give a velocity into the top of a tube descending from an open reservoir. due
only by theory to the whole fall at bottom of the tube, providing the column
in it from the bottom of the tube to the reservoir is not greater than
that which will balance the pressure of the atmosphere, and thus. having
the velocity at top due by the common theory to the whole descent, if it
accelerates in proportion to its fall, afterwards being permitted so to do by
'the increased area's affording the necessary supply, the velocity at bottom must
in such case be that due by theory to twice the head, within the limits men-
tioned; this remark as to the velocity is given in explanation and as matter of
opinion, without being intended otherwise to be considered as part of this
Specification. The diameter of the centrifugal wheel thus used in place of the
common water wheels may also be increased to any convenient extent, so as to
overcome any resistance required within the same limits, although the momen
tum cannot be increased by this increased diameter. The whole of the machine
may also be substituted with great advantage for the common water wheels with
small falls, where an increase of power is required, and advantage at same
time taken of the fall, the bottom of feeding pipe A being inserted into the

page_text: water in the dam-head, from whence it was delivered on the common wheel,
and the water raised, as before explained, by the pressure of the atmosphere to
the top reservoir B, or by syphon-formed pipe A, a, C, to any height required,
not exceeding about thirty feet above the level of the water in the dam-head, and
from thence carried as before over the inclosed vertical wheel and through the
centrifugal wheel, delivered at the level of the tail water, back water, or adit,
which carries it off, thus taking advantage of the height of the fall and
the increased effect to be derived, as before explained, from an increased
diameter of the vertical wheel and the centrifugal force. There will be a dis-
advantage in using the machine thus, where there is a fall without the centri-
fugal wheel, and I do not therefore recommend it; if it were used without the
centrifugal wheel in this way, it would require the lower end of the discharging
pipe E, taking the water from the fixed case of vertical, to be immersed a
considerable depth into the tail water, or a place sunk for the purpose in it,
so as to discharge under the surface some depth to exclude the air from
rising into the fixed case of vertical.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Copland, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and nineteen.