AN IMPROVED ROTARY ENGINE
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to François Jean Bouwens, of the City of Mechlin, in
the Kingdom of Belgium, Architect, for the Invention of "AN IMPROVED
ROTARY ENGINE."
Sealed the 17th April 1855, and dated the 24th October 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said François Jean Bouwens
'
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 24th October 1854.
I, FRANÇOIS JEAN BOUWENS, of the City of Mechlin, in the 'Kingdom of
Belgium, Architect, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"AN IMPROVED ROTARY ENGINE," to be as follows:-".
This Invention is founded upon the fundamental principle of the hydraulic
wheel. The object of this new system has been to keep the steam confined
upon the exterior surface of the circle. The engine is composed of a circular
body, having the shape of a common wheel or fly wheel, the felly or circum-
ference of which is of sufficient breadth and height to contain the parts
herein-after described, which parts are variable, and are regulated according
to the diameter of the driving wheel and the degree of power required.
These parts are, 1st, in the upper portion of the circumference a rectangular
channel, with vertical partitions, having lateral grooves inclining towards the
axis, and distant from each other from 3 to 4 inches.

page_text: 2nd, parallel to and concentric with the above, a subdivision of compart-
ments, containing each a rectangular piston, and placed at an equal distance
upon the circle of the radius, so that the above-mentioned grooves serve as the
upper passages or slides for the pistons. In their compartments the pistons
move from the bottom towards the top. During their ascensional movement
they pass mainly through the channel, where they form. a sort of partition,
resembling the sluice of a turbine. The upper part of these pistons, when
completely down in their, compartments, is on a level with the bottom of the
channel, of which it forms an integral part. The posterior part or basis of
the piston is twice as wide as the other part of the body of the piston. The
dimensions of the basis determines that of the compartment against the sides
of which it presses in such a manner that the steam cannot escape. The com-
partments exceed in length the dimensions of the piston only by the space
necessary under the basis of the piston, in order that the steam may introduce
itself with the requisite velocity of expansion for uplifting the pistons through
the steam which it has to displace (as will be hereafter seen), and to press
their upper surface against the roof or overlap of the channel of impulsion.
The driving wheel may be constructed in different ways, according to the mode
of introducing the steam into the compartments or piston chambers. The first
way is to place two tubes in the thickness of the felly below the piston chan-
bers. The left-hand tube serves to introduce the steam, the right-hand one to
discharge it after it has acted. The steam is introduced into the feed tube by
passing through the hollow of the arms and the shaft of the wheel, the first
half of which serves to introduce and the other half to discharge the steam.
Each compartment is furnished with a slide valve, which regulates the intro-
duction to, and the escape of, the steam from the compartments. The motion
of these slides is regulated by means of a piece called a touch or cam, the
extremities of which are diagonal, and sufficiently inclined, as regards the slides,
to obtain the degree of sliding motion, regulated by the distance of the steam
ports of the slides in the interior of the tubes.
The second mode of constructing the driving wheel consists in giving the
felly containing the compartments such a breadth as to allow the steam ports
to be placed immediately under the chamber. of the compartments, corre-
sponding with the feed tubes, placed steam-tight against the exterior surface of
the fly wheel.
The third mode of lifting the pistons in the channel of impulsion consists in
placing small conducting or feed pipes, of which the upper orifice is at the
bottom of the channel and the lower one near the base of the piston. The

page_text: steam for raising the piston enters the pipes as they present themselves succes-
sively under the bottom slide, where is placed a steam case filled with steam.
The lower orifice is furnished with a valve, for the purpose of cutting off tho
steam of one of the two tubes when the steam escapes from opposite pipes
with that of their respective chambers to enter elsewhere, as will be herein-
after shewn. A piece called the crown is fitted steam-tight in the channel,
with the bottom and sides of which it forms a steam chamber for the pro-
pulsion of the driving wheel. The crown is composed of three principal parts,
viz. 1st, of the body or central piece, containing the feed pipe and the
delivery tube, and the cock, for regulating the introduction of the steam.
2nd, of a piece called the left slide, containing feed and delivery tubes, com-
municating direct with the corresponding tubes of the central piece, upon
which the slide is fixed steam-tight. 3rd, of a right slide, the construction of
which is identically the same as the former. These three parts are connected
by the arms of the central piece, which form on the right and left a frame-
work, wherein the slides move upwards and downwards or downwards and
upwards, and constitute the entire piece called the crown.
The crown can be attached to the channel and be made steam-tight at any
point where it may be required. The central portion of it, having the same
curve, covers the channel like a roof to the height of the grooves of the lateral
partitions; one of the two slides descends to the bottom of the channel, whilst
the other is raised even with the roof, of which it forms the continuation. The
central portion is fitted steam-tight upon the channel by means of a circular
groove, and the remaining parts of the crown are fitted steam-tight against tho
bottom and the sides of the channel. The position of the slides is symmetrical
in one respect and different in the other, for whilst either the right or left
slide is lowered, the other is lifted by an up and down or reciprocating motion
to the height of the roof or upper surface of the principal central portion.
With the exception of the motion of the slides, the position of which alters
only in case of a change of direction in the rotation or reversing of the driving
or fly wheel, the action of the crown is constantly the same whilst the machine
is in motion.
The whole machine is brought into action in the following manner :-One of
the pistons having passed beyond the lower slide is carried against the roof
of the crown by the power of the steam introduced under its base. The steam,
continually entering the active channel by the tubes of the crown, successively
pushes forward the uplifted pistons, and communicates to the wheel a rotatory
movement, resembling that produced on a wheel by a waterfall. To each

page_text: slide of the crown is attached an inclined metal plate, which forces the pistons
to re-enter their compartments on their issue from the impulsion chamber, o
else on their arrival under the slide of the bottom, in case, by the effect of the
centrifugal force, they should be thrown into the channel. This arrangement
may also become very important as a means of introducing a strong current o
air into the furnace of the boiler, by covering the driving wheel with a metal
covering, which will preserve it at the same time from the effects of the dust
wind, and cold air. The outer face of the machine represents a driving wheel
bearing one or several crowns or reservoirs of the propelling power fitted upon
the circle, and secured by stays to its axis, and retaining them in their place
during the rotation of the machine. Upon these stays or fastenings are also
attached the feed tubes of the piston compartments, or of the "touches" or
cams for the slides of these compartments, the length of the tube or of the
touch depending on that of the chamber of the channel. The inferior extre-
mity of each brace is connected with the rod of a dumb piston, contained in a
steam cylinder, which presents a surface of counterpressure equal to the
pressure which the steam exercises against the upper side of the channel, a
precaution indispensable, to avoid any friction in the groove of the crown. The
steam injection ports of the cylinders fastened round the axle are arranged by
means of a circular slide, placed vertically, having as many orifices' as are
requisite for the number of crowns employed. This slide serves as a general
cock, put into motion by a single lever: The reversing of a driving wheel
with several crowns is performed by connecting the rods of the slide valves
with a vertical plate, fitting on to the axle of the driver by means of guides, also
put into motion by means of a single lever. Moreover, in order that the
pressure exercised on the axle of the driving wheel by the steam of the pro-
pulsion chamber may be counteracted, two crowns at least are made use of,
and are placed diametrically opposite to each other; as many crowns may be
made use of, however, as are required to augment progressively the power of
the machine, provided they be placed at angles, where a diametrical opposition
really takes place. From the foregoing it is obvious that the piece called the
crown is the most important one of the machine, it being the medium through
which the steam is introduced into the channel of impulsion of the driving
wheel, and regulating its motion forward or backward; 'this piece containing
likewise the steam cock, tho feed and discharge pipes, it follows that the
steam, the force of which is of no avail in the receding chamber, may be used,
after having supplied one crown, to supply another. It will suffice, therefore,
to have one crown connected with the boiler, the steam to supply which will
-

page_text: be sufficient to feed several. By introducing through the roof of the crown
pipes to convey the steam from the neutral chambers into the steam case of
the following crown, the moving power may be directed into as many crowns
as it may be deemed advisable to place upon the driving wheel until it comes
to the last and escapes; or it can be further employed by transmitting it to
another or neutral driving wheel which is not connected with the boiler, as
may be the case in manufactories. The transmission of the steam, be it
remarked, takes place without any counter pressure, for the steam acts in the
chambers equally against all the sides as in a steam boiler; consequently, the
steam in passing from one crown to another where it produces its effect is in
no way injurious to that from which it issues.
Another method of constructing the crown may also be employed, for which
the machine or driving wheel must be provided with a channel, the sides of
which contain tubes for the introduction and discharge of the steam or its con-
veyance from one crown to another. This method differs considerably from
the preceding ones in the combination employed for the application of the
same principles. The crown, instead of being composed of a central piece and
slides, is of one piece, containing all the steam conduits for producing the
upward movement of the pistons, for the feeding of the channel of impulsion,
and for reversing the rotary motion. Every part of the sides of the channel in
which are situated the impulsion chambers must be rendered steam-tight with
the sides of the crown. The distribution of all the parts composing the crown
is uniform, owing to the necessity for distributing the steam, when the rotatory
movement is reversed, through conduits similar to those through which it has
passed when acting in a forward direction. The steam enters the channel of
impulsion by a tube, which is furnished with a cock, to cut off the steam when
changing the motion. The piston chambers are charged before the opening of
this cock takes place through conduits and pipes, suitably arranged, in connec-
tion with a reservoir or steam case. The steam is at the same time in a similar
reservoir on the opposite side from which it passes, to effect the descending
movement of the pistons through conduits opening upon the inner face of the
base of the pistons. The cocks for regulating the movements are pierced
with holes for the conduits, through which the steam effects the rise of the
pistons and their descent. If on one side the cock be turned, so that the steam
can enter the feed pipes of the piston compartments on the other side, the
corresponding cock is in a position which allows the steam, after having been
once made use of, to pass onwards, so as to force down the pistons. The steam
therefore finds the openings or passages shut on the side of the first cock;

page_text: whereas, on the contrary, the passages are open in the second cock, so that in
describing a quarter circle, these cocks, which are connected and act together
by means of a connecting rod, produce the reverse motion, the cock which
supplies the channel of impulsion being previously closed. When the regu-
lating cocks are one quarter turned, the opposite feed cock is opened, so that
the steam may urge the piston forward, and cause the machine to advance.
It is to be remarked, that in the cock, through which the steam passes into
the conduits to effect the descent of the pistons, there are openings for the
escape of the steam which has already been employed to raise the pistons on
the opposite side. The same openings are closed in the cock through which
the steam which serves to raise the pistons passes, but, on the other hand, the
passages for the conduits are open to allow it to escape.
The principle of this Invention may be applied to the construction of a
machine of extreme simplicity, combined with strength. It differs from those
before described in the following particulars :-
First, the crowns are arranged in the channel so as to be so intimately
connected one with another, that the entire circumference of the channel has
the appearance of a continuous chain of crowns, the channel being completely
closed by them.
Second, the length of the crowns is regulated by the number of divisions
required in the channel of any given circumference.
Third, the crown is composed of two substantial parts, descending to the
bottom of the channel, and containing each the feed pipes, for charging the
channel of impulsion, and likewise the regulating slide valve of the rotatory
motion in both directions. The roof has in it openings for the steam to pass
from one crown where it has acted, into the one following and likewise for
the discharge tubes, for the portion of steam that may remain in a chamber
that has passed the opening without being entirely clear. The motion in this
case being from left to right, it is obvious that the openings will only be called
into action when the reverse motion is made.
In the thickness of the roof is a groove, enclosing the springs requisite to
render the joints steam-tight against the sides of the channel, similar to those
now in use for pistons in ordinary engines. At each end of the roof and in
the thickness thereof is a steam reservoir, for supplying the tubes placed in the
thickness of the vertical sides, through which steam is admitted to effect the
descent of the pistons ou their arriving at certain points, by means of steam
directed upon the inner face of the base of the pistons, which steam escapes
by a general tube. The passages of all the crowns are opened and closed at

page_text: once by means of a circular slide, kept in position by means of guides placed
on the outside of the casing. The slide is moved by a single lever attached to
a plate on the main axle. In order to reverse the motion, the slide is pierced
with holes at such positions and in such a manner, that when the passages on
the left are open, those on the right of the axis of the crown are shut.
The piston guides are moveable; they ascend to the level of the roof on
the side of the channel on which the impulsion is given, and descend to the
bottom of the channel on the opposite side. Motion can be given to these
guides either by a steam cylinder and piston, by a jointed lever, a spring
catch or pall, or by any other mechanical means.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said François Jean Bouwens in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 23rd April 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FRANÇOIS
JEAN BOUWENS, of the City of Mechlin, in the Kingdom of Belgium, Architect,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the eighteenth year of
Her reign, did, for Ierself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
nic, the said François Jean Bouwens, Her special licence that I, the said
François Jean Bouwens, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said François Jean Bouwens, my 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
"AN IMPROVED ROTARY ENGINE," upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said François Jean Bouwens, by an instrument in writing under my hand
and seal, 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 I, the said François Jean Bouwens, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is

page_text: to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed, that is to say:-
Figure 1 of the Drawings hereunto annexed is a side view, partly in longi-
tudinal section and partly in elevation, of my improved continuous action
rotary engine, which I denominate the "Bouwensteam;" and Figure 2 is a
cross section of the same; Figures 3 and 4 shew some of the details. The
engine is composed of three principal parts, not including the engine shaft.
These are, first, the part A, which forms the support of the abutments B
against the propelling power acting in the lower channel C; second, the part
D, which in like manner forms the support of the abutments E, against the
propelling power acting in the upper channel F; and, third, the rotating part
or motor G. The parts A and D are provided with steam passages for con-
taining active steam, and in them are fixed the pipes I, which transmit the
steam already employed against the abutments B and E, attached to the parts
A and D. The steam intended to act upon the part A is introduced by the
pipes J, fixed in grooves formed in the thickness of the engine shaft T. In
similar grooves on the opposite side of the shaft are fixed escape pipes C, C,
communicating with the escape pipes B, B, and R of the parts A and D.
The introduction of the steam which acts upon the part D is effected in the
ordinary manner. The engine shaft, the part A, and the part D, are fixed
and immoveable. The part A is fixed upon the engine shaft, and the part D
upon the framework, which supports the part G, being connected by the tic
rods to the shaft T, which thus forms its centre. The framework is not
shewn, as it may be constructed in various ways to suit convenience. The outer
circumference L of the part A, and the inner circumference M of the part D,
form the tops and bottoms N of the channels C and F. Openings are made
therein to allow a passage for the steam already employed to the different
abutments following the direction of the pipes I. The part G, or motor, turns
on the engine shaft; it receives all the propelling effect exerted against the
abutments B and E, and transmits its power, by means of cog teeth formed
thercon, to any convenient arrangement for communicating and reversing
motion. The part G, at the inner circumference and outer circumference of
the two channels C and F, is fitted with a number of valves or pistons O,
which are caused to ascend and descend in the recesses P by the pressure of
steam. Their first office is to close the channels immediately before cach
abutment B and E, after which they are thrust out to their full extent, and
then form, during the rotation of the motor, steam chambers A, A, which direct

page_text: their steam against the abutments B and E through the pipes I. The valves,
having reached the end of each section of the engine, are relieved by the
escape pipes R, and B, B, and forced back into their recesses P by the action
of steam admitted through the steam ways Q; they then pass into the fol-
lowing section, in which they perform the same propulsive effect as before.
The part G is composed of two portions bolted together, the junction being
made at the point Z, Z, between the two channels C and F.
The engine
shewn in the Drawings has twenty propelling sections, and only four steam
ways direct from the boiler, but the number of sections may be varied. Each
section is provided with its own escape pipes R, and B, B, but all the escape
pipes unite with a single pipe R, R, which passes through the regulator, and
is under the control of a lap or pressure valve. The regulator is a mechanical
contrivance, enclosed within a pedestal placed near the engine. On the plat-
form are fitted the levers necessary for the different movements of the engine.
The speed of the engine may be regulated, or its stoppage effected, by giving
a greater or less amount of opening to the steam passages. The mode of
communicating the motion of the engine and of reversing its direction is
shewn in Figures 3 and 4. The reversing is effected by shifting the gearing
wheels P, P, on the shaft S, S, to the position P, Q, in Figure 4, for which
purpose steam is admitted behind the pistons S, formed on the bosses of the
wheels P, P, and working inside cylinders, in the manner shewn.
The parts constituting the engine may be arranged in a horizontal position
instead of vertically, as shewn in Figures 1 and 2, and in this case the
part A may be dispensed with. Figures 5, 6, and 7 shew such an arrange-
ment; Figure 5 being a longitudinal section; Figure 6, a cross section; and
Figure 7, a section on the line A, B, of Figure 6. A, A, are the channels of
propulsion; B', the abutments; G, the motor; H, the steam tubes fixed in
the positions indicated; I, the pipes for transmitting the steam; O, the valves
or pistons with spring packings C; R, R, the general discharge pipes; B, B,
the discharge pipes from the channels of propulsion, and the passages Q, Q,
for introducing steam to the inner surface of the valves or pistons O, for the
purpose of driving them back through the recesses M; T, the shaft of the
motor; 2, springs and packings; and 3, the exterior of the channels of pro-
pulsion, corresponding to the part D in Figures 1 and 2. The action of this
arrangement will be readily understood by reference to the Figures and the
description given of the corresponding parts in Figures 1 and 2.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is, the con-

page_text: struction of an improved rotary engine in the manner represented in the
Drawings annexed, and herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said François Jean Bouwens, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of April, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-five.