IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINES FOR APPLYING THE POWER OF STEAM OR OTHER FLUIDS FOR IMPELLING PURPOSES, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF APPLIANCES FOR TRANSMITTING MOTION
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
WALLACE DUNCAN, of Grove End Road, Saint John's Wood, in the County
of Middlesex, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters Patent
under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
bearing date at Westminster, the Fourth day of September now last past, did
give and grant unto me, the said John Wallace Duncan, Her especial license,
full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said John Wallace Duncan,
my exors, adñiors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Wallace
Duncan, my exors, adññiors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term of
years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINES FOR APPLYING THE POWER OF STEAM OR
OTHER FLUIDS FOR IMPELLING PURPOSES, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF APPLIANCES
FOR TRANSMITTING MOTION;" in which said Letters Patent there is contained
a proviso obliging me, the said John Wallace Duncan, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
and to cause the same to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of
Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will
more fully appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Wallace Duncan, do hereby declare the nature of my 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
Sheets of Drawings A, B, & C, hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say) :-
My Invention relates, first, to improvements in that class of engines known
as rotary engines, which are represented in Sheet A of the Drawings. Figure 1
represents a side elevation of one of my improved rotary engines, which I shall
describe first; Figure 2, a vertical section of the same through the inain
shaft; Figure 4, 'a transverse vertical section through the valves and part of
induction pipe, having also the end of the "cylinder" or steam chamber
removed; while Figures 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, exhibit some of the parts detached.
The two pistons or surfaces on which the pressure of steam takes effect in this
engine are in the form of two truncated cones; they have a continuous rolling
motion imparted to them, and are placed on either side of a diaphragm, which
separates two chambers forming the "cylinders" of the engine. a is the main
shaft through which the power of the engine is transmitted; this rotates in
bearings formed in the ends of the chambers or cylinders b, b; those chambers
on the interior are of a truly spherical form, and bolted to a partition c, by
which the two cylinders are separted. The sides c 1, c1, of this partition are
described by radial lines inclined to each other, from the circumference towards
the centre of the engine where they intersect. d, d, are the pistons or surfaces
on which the steam acts; these pistons consist of two hollow truncated cones,
placed inversely to each other, united by a spherical centre piece e, fitted
to a corresponding cavity in the centre of the partition c, grooved in the
edge to admit seat packing, adjustable by screws from the outside; the
pistons d, d, are also connected together by a diaphragm f. The section,
Figure 2, passes through this diaphragm, which is received in an opening cut
transversely through the upper part of the partition c, as shewn in plan at
Figure 3. The piston cones d, d, are kept in a position eccentric to the main shaft
a by cones g, g, shewn in section at Figure 5, keyed to the main shaft; these
parts g, g, may be fitted to the interior of pistons d, d, of a plain conical form,
but to avoid lateral pressure as much as possible, they are in this Figure
represented as increasing in diameter by a series of steps. In order to ensure
perfect contact of the piston cones d, d, with the surfaces of the partition c,
the crank cones g, g, arc each furnished with a small roller u (see Figures 2
and 4). The axis of this roller is placed radially from the centre of motion in
the engine, and has one end pivotted in the small end of crank cone, while the

page_text: other or extreme end is fitted to a bearing mounted on a strong spring v
supported by brackets w, w, from the crank cone. The spring v exerts a strong
force outwards as seen at Figure 4. The crank cones have openings cut in
them opposite to their respective rollers u, u, which permits them to come into
contact with the interior of the piston cones. The pressure thus produced
assists in causing the piston cones to bear hard against the surfaces of c1, c1,
partition c, by which such points of contact are kept steam-tight at all points
of the revolution, independent of any irregularity that may arise from the
motion of the engine. Two cups h, h', are fitted by screwing into an opening
in the centre of sphere e, which opening is parallel with the axis of piston
cones d, d. These cups are introduced one from either end, so as to embrace
a spherical boss i on the main shaft, thereby retaining the piston cones d, d, in
correct position with regard to the shaft, on which they are free to oscillate
while performing their rolling motion; grooves are formed round the base of
cones d, d, for the reception of metallic or other packing k, k. This is in
continual contact with and rubs on the interior of steam chambers b, b, pre-
venting the escape of steam to the interior of the cone d. The partition c is
fitted with a packing l, to keep the diaphragm steam-tight, which is so made
that it allows the diaphragm to incline alternately in the positions shewn by the
red lines in Figure 3, and at the same time to permit a to-and-fro motion (as
indicated by arrows) consequent on the motions of the pistons d, d, completing
cach revolution. The packing 7 is separately represented at Figures 7 and 8,
and consists of a conical piece l, fitted to a seat m, in which it is free to revolve,
the whole being pressed up to the diaphragm by a spring n. The end of conc
fits down upon centre piece e, and has a portion of its side removed to produce
a bearing surface against the diaphragm f; this keeps it steam-tight, and gives
the necessary oscillatory motion to the packing l. The circumferential edge of
the diaphragm f, which forms an abutment for the steam to act against, is
furnished with a metallic or other packing o, to prevent the passage of steam
from one side to the other; this packing is enclosed and held down by a plate p,
concave on its inner surface. 7 is the steam pipe which admits steam to the
valves or cocks 7, 7; these are divided by a partition separating the interior into
induction passages 8, s, and eduction passages t, t. The thoroughfares for the
steam are represented by dotted lines in Figure 4, shewing the ports on one
side of the partition c, as situated right and left of diaphragm f. The other side
of partition c is similarly furnished. In this Figure the steam is entering by
the passages and ports s 1, s1, on the left, and is admitted into the space
between the cone d and partition c on that side of the diaphragın f, the
cone & being in close contact with the partition cat some point of its periphery,

page_text: which, with the diaphragm f, separates the steam from the eduction ports tl, tl,
on the right. The pressure of steam thus admitted tends to expand the area
to which it is introduced, causing the cone d to recede and roll from it.
Immediately on the cone d arriving at a position opposite to that shown at
Figure 4, the diaphragm will have passed through the partition c, at which
time the steam would have fiee passage through the engine, but that the
induction valve passages is closed until such time that the cone d has again
passed over the induction ports. This closing of the valve takes place just
before the cone arrives at the eduction ports t 1, t 1. The rolling motion of
cone d communicates motion to the eccentric driving cone within it fixed to
the shaft, the effect of which is to communicate rotary motion thereto. During
the time the cone d, seen in Figure 4, is performing the evolution described,
the other cone d is similarly acted on by the steam, but which enters the steam
chambers on the opposite side of the partition c. In Figure 4 the cone is shewn
at the point of greatest action; the diaphragm f being all on this side of
partition c, while the other cone d is at its dead point, the line of its contact
with partition c at that time being between the induction and eduction ports
on the opposite side of partition c. These ports, if viewed from the other end,
would appear on the right and left exactly as before described, the induction
ports s1, s1, of the one side of the engine being back to back with the
duction ports t 1, t 1, on the opposite side of partition c. It will be understood
that a continuous rotary motion of the shaft a is maintained by the crank
cones g, g, which are fixed thereto, being carried round by the piston cones d, d,
that receive the direct force of the steam, these latter cones performing together
an oscillatory motion on the spherical enlargement i of the shaft a, and also at
the same time rolling round on either side of the partition c. The diaphragm f,
having the same radius as the interior of chambers b, b, is free to pass through
the partition c, and it is alternately projected thereinto by the alternations of
It will be
the piston cones to form the abutment as before described.
unnecessary to enter into any explanation, or follow out the passages or the
formation of the valves or cocks 1, 7, which control the admission of the steam,
as any person conversant with the subject will readily understand it. Instead
of two of these valves, one may be arranged to admit the steam by its motions
alternately into cither steam chamber, and at the same time to open the exhaust
passages. Figure 6 represents the end of main shaft a with eccentric a, for
working the valves, shewing the method of reversing the engine. This is
effected by a modification of what is known as the liuk motion, in which,
according to the connection of either of the opposite ends of a link y (oscillating
on the rocking or way shaft y') with the T head of the eccentric rod a, the

page_text: as seen in Plan at Fig. 9, by throwing in a stud or pin at the one end, and
withdrawing another at the opposite end of the link by the band lever y¹¹.
DESCRIPTION OF SECOND ENGINE.
Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, exhibit another of my improved engines, in
which the action of the steam is continuous, and at right angles to the shaft
producing an uninterrupted rotatory motion. It may be admitted to the
cylinder without intermission when the full power of the engine is required; a
continuous exhast is, however, maintained at all periods of its revolution.
Figure 10 represents a side elevation of this engine complete; Figure 11,
an end view; Figure 12, a transverse vertical section through the line 1, 1;
Figure 10 and Figure 13, a longitudinal section of the same on the line 2, 2,
Figure 11. It is furnished with four pistons or surfaces a, a, a, a, on which
the steam takes effect; these pistons a, a, and a drum b, are mounted between
two end plates c, c, bolted firmly to drum b, and the whole keyed securely on
the main shaft d. The plates c, c, enclose the ends of the cylinder f, f, but
have no other communication therewith but simple contact, rendered steam-
tight by a packing g, which environs the entire circumference. This allows the
drum, pistons, and end plates to revolve with the main shaft d, while the
cylinder f, f, remains stationary. The pistons a, a, are each supported between
two crank arms or plates h, h, whose axes are fitted in stuffing-box bearings
i, i, i, i, in the end plates c, c, through which they pass.
The end plates c, c,
are recessed (distinctly seen in Figure 13) to receive the crank plates h, h.
These recesses are rather larger in diameter than the interior of the cylinder,
allowing the crank plates to lap a little on the end thereof with which their
inside surfaces are flush. The pistons a, a, have two surfaces, the one on which
the steam acts being described from the centres of suspension i, i, each fitted
respectively to hollows of the same radius in the drum b. The other side of
the pistons are described from the centre of main shaft, having in fact the
same radius as the periphery of the drum b. In order to keep the end plates
c, c, up to the packing g, two annualar picces are bolted to the end of the
cylinder, which must be adjusted to prevent the escape of steam without entailing
too much friction. Soft packing is introduced between the drum b, and plates
c, c, to allow of their being screwed up for the adjustment of, and to compensate
for, wear. k, k, are two abutment pieces, situate at opposite sides of the
cylinder; these, like the pistons, extend the entire length of the cylinder, and
are permanently fixed thereto; the steam passages l, m, l, m, are formed
through these abutments k, k. The ports or passages I, 1, in the arrangement

page_text: shewn are the induction, and m, m, the eduction, thoroughfares; between the
ports and m, packings n, n, n, are fitted, extending the whole length of the
cylinder, which embrace the periphery of the drum b and the pistons a, a, as
they pass that point, preventing the passage of steam to the exhaust port on
the same side of the engine. Another packing strip n 1, for the same purpose,
is placed in the bottom of each hollow in the drum b, on which the steam sides
of the pistons a, a, a, a, bear; o is the steam pipe opening into the space p,
which forms a steam jacket for the cylinder, conducting the steam to the
induction thoroughfares 7, 7, of the steam cocks or valves Q, Q, while at the
same time the eduction passages 7, 7, are in communication with the exhaust R,
which also forms a steam jacket for the cylinder. With the valves Q, Q, in
position to introduce the steam, as indicated by the arrows, the action of this
engine will be as follows:-The pistons, it will be observed, alternately fall
into their respective hollows in the drum b, being controlled so to do by the
obstruction they meet with in the curves terminating the abutments k, k, which
guide them so as to pass the abutments freely. In opposition to this control
of the pistons, a force acts upon them through the intervention of cams s, s,
fixed on their axis i, i; these cams bear upon trucks or rollers t, t, supported on
links u, u, from springs v, v, fixed to the end plates c, c, by snugs w, w. The
pressure of the springs v, v, has little or no effect on the cams s, s, while in
the position shewn in the upper and lower pistons; but as the piston becomes
acted on by the abutment, causing its gradual rotation on its axis, this will
bring the truck or roller t to the extreme angle of the cam, as seen in pistons
at horizontal diameter, Figure 11, which being then in a direct line between the
axis of piston and the pressure of roller t, no injurious force will be exerted to
create friction during the passage of the pistons at the abutment packings n, n.
On the pistons emerging from the abutments the pressure of the steam takes
effect on that part of the back or external surface which is in advance, whereby
hey are caused to cant a little in the proper direction; this throws the truck
rollers t, t, from the angle of the cams s, s, when their pressure brings the
rear angle of the pistons up to the necessary contact with the interior of the
cylinder f to prevent the passage of steam, as shewn in the upper and lower
pistons, Figure 12. The steam taking effect on the rear side of the piston also
conduces to a like effect. In this manner there are always two pistons a, a,
coming into and remaining in action, while the others are passing the abut-
ments k, k. One of the pistons is at all times situated between the eduction
and induction ports, to intercept and receive the force of the steam, which is
thereby transmitted to the main shaft d. The gearing shewn in connection
with the valves Q, Q, is simply for the purpose of reversing the action of the

page_text: engine, but a series of cams can be used to work the engine expansively. To
reverse the induction passages q, q, the cocks are turned so as to admit steam
by the ports m, m, to the opposite side of the abutments k, k, and the ports /, /,
in connection with the exhaust, when a similar action of the several parts will
be induced, communicating motion to the main shaft in the opposite direction;
the cams s, s, will be thrown over so as to present their other side to receive
the pressure of the truck rollers t, t, the first impulse of the steam on the back
of the pistons as they emerge from under the abutments giving the proper
cant, as before described, but in the opposite direction. In order to prevent
the passage of steam between the end plate c, c, and the crank plates h, packing
strips are applied to the crank plates in a radial direction.
DESCRIPTION OF THIRD ENGINE.
Figure 14 represents a side elevation of another of my improved rotatory
engines, in which a uniform rotatory power is maintained at right angles to the
main shaft. Figure 15 is a longitudinal vertical section; and Figure 16, an end
elevation of the same; Figure 17 and 18 shewing some of the parts detached.
In this engine a diaphragm or partition c is employed, similar to that
described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, but which in this case is
mounted on and revolves with the main shaft a, which has a spherical enlarge-
ment b united to the partition c. The cylinder a is a portion of a sphere fitted
to the periphery of the partition c, and furnished with packings e, to prevent
the passage of steam from one side of the partition to the other; the cylinder d
is enclosed by two truncated cones f, f, bolted thereto; at the base the small
ends of these cones are fitted in the sphere b, and also furnished with packings
g, g; the partition c, in its rotation with the main shaft, maintains a radial
position at right angles to the shaft a, but the cylinder, with its conical ends,
maintains an inclined position, as shown in Figure 14, by reason of the pressure
of two stationary rollers h, h; these rollers h, h, keep that part of the cones f; f,
passing under them in close contact with that part of the partition opposite
thereto for the time being. The cones f, f, are connected by a diaghragm i,
received in a transverse opening cut through the partition, as seen in plan at
Figure 18; it is fitted with packings, such as before described with reference
to Figures 3, 7, and 8, to permit its traverse and oscillation. The induction
steam is admitted at one end of the shaft by passage k, which is separated
from the other end of the shaft or the eduction by partition 7. There are two
series of ports n, n, n, and o, o, o, on either side of the partition c, as seen at
Figure 17, which is a side view of that portion of it immediately adjoining the
diaphragm i; those ports n, m, n, on the one side communicating with the

page_text: induction passage k, and those o, o, on the other, with the exhaust m; the
opposite side of the partition is similarly furnished with induction ports n, n,
and eduction ports o o, situate in juxtaposition, as seen in the vertical Figure 15.
The motion of this engine somewhat approximates that of the engine, Figure 1;
the cone ends ff, rolling on the sides of the partition as they both rotate
together, according to the motion of the engine; the induction ports n, n, are
those in the rear of the diaphragm i, which open on the one side after they have
passed under the upper roller h, and on the other after they have passed under
the lower roller h; the steam being thus admitted between the diaphragm i
and the rollers h, h, a force is exerted on the diaphragm i, tending to carry the
cylinder round the points of contact produced between the cones f. f, and
partition c, acting as an abutment against which the force of the stean reacts.
The steam, after acting on the diaphragm i for nearly a whole revolution of the
engine, is suffered to escape by the ports o, o, which are in advance of the
diaphragm so soon as they pass under their respective rollers h, h; these ports
are always open to the exhaust passage. Just before the eduction ports pass
under the rollers h, h, the induction passage is closed, which remains so until
it has followed and passed under the roller h, which forms the abutment for its
side respectively. During the passage of the ports on the one side under the
pressing roller h, that side of the engine may be said to be at its dead point, at
which time the other will be exerting its greatest useful effect by reason of the
disposition of the roller h, h, which form. the points of abutment; and thus a
uniform continuous rotary motion of the engine will be produced.
In reversing this engine it is simply necessary to reverse the induction passage
in shalft a; this is effected by a four-way cock or valve p, by turning which the
pipe q, that was the steam pipe before, will now be the exhaust, and the pipe r,
which was the exhaust before, will now be the steam pipe, as well understood.
The action of cutting of the steam from the induction during the time the
ports are passing the dead or contact point at rollers h, h, is here represented
as effected by the rotation of the shaft, both ends having cock or valve openings
closed at the proper time by the seatings t, t, in which they are received; other
arrangements may, however, be readily provided for this purpose. Motion is
communicated from the main shaft of the strap rigger s. The abutment
rollers h, h, are mounted in snugs u, u, on the bearing standard of the engine,
in such manner that they may be adjusted by the screws v, v, and advanced so
as to cause the cone ends ff, to effect close contact with the sides of partition c
and so also to allow for wear or other irregularity. In order to prevent too rigid
a contact with this point, a strong spring should be introduced between the
point of adjusting screw v and the frame of rollers h, but which must be of

page_text: such power as to resist the action of the steam, and prevent its passing at the
contact or abutment point.
This engine is particularly applicable for receiving motion from a head of
water, the power of which will be transmitted as described, while the quantity
of water passing through the engine may be duly registered by a registering
apparatus recoiving motion from the wheel w on the end of the shaft.
DESCRIPTION OF FOURTH ENGINE.
Figures 19, 20, and 21, Sheet A, represent another of my improved rotary
engines, in which the cylinders or chambers within which the steam acts is
composed partly of a flexible material, which is compressed by rollers against
a rigid surface of metal or other suitable material, of which the other portion
of each steam chamber is composed; the compression caused by the rollers
acts as an abutment against which the steam takes effect, while in its action
in the opposite direction causes the flexible material to be forced round
with the rigid diaphragm or partition forming the other prtion of the steam
cylinder, causing the whole to rotate on its axis. Figure 19 represents a
longitudinal elevation of this engine; Fig. 20, an end elevation; and Figure
21 a longitudinal vertical section of the same. a, a, is a metal disc or
diaphragm mounted on a hollow axis or shaft b, b, through which the steam
or other fluid by which the engine is to be worked enters and escapes;
the diaphragm
a and axis are free to rotate in hollow bearings c, c, which
form the steam passages, but which may have bearings separate from these
passages, as shewn in the engine last herein-before described; the diaphragın
or disc a, a, has a circular hollow formed on either side, which in its transverso
section corresponds in its outline to one side of the mid section of the conical
rollers d, d, which fit up against it. These rollers are placed in a radial
position with reference to the axis, having their small ends towards the centre
of motion. Two discs or other forms e, e, of flexible material, are interposed
between the rollers d, d, and the disc a, in a state sufficiently loose to afford
capacity for the steam when introduced into the acting steam chambers con-
stituted by these flexible discs e, e, on the one side, and the metal discs a on
the other. These flexible discs, which may be composed of canvass and wire
rendered impermeable to steam by caoutchoue or any other suitable flexible
material, are secured to and near the periphery of the partition, or by means
of hoops ff, screwed or otherwise fixed thereto. The inner portion of the
flexible discs e, e, are similarly secured immediately round or near the axis
by rings g, g; the flexible discs e, e, are each permanently connected to the
partition a at radial lines diverging from the centre in directions diametrically

page_text: opposite. This connection is effected by radial grooves sunk in the partition
a, to such a depth as to contain the thickness of flexible material, and a plate
of metal screwed down upon it, so that the whole is received and presents
a surface flush with the other part of the flexible discs when pressed close
against the partition a. The steam ports for each side of the partition a
are situated on either side of this radial point of contact; the induction ports
i, i, i, on the one side, and eduction ports k, k, on the other, as represented
by the dotted lines in Figure 20. The ports for the side of the partition a
are arranged precisely similar, but diametrically opposite to the foregoing.
The cones d, d, are mounted in stationary bearings fixed to the framing, by
which they are held firmly in their proper relation to the disc or partition a.
Steam is admitted by the four-way cock l, so as to enter up the framing or
bearing on the left, Figure 21, by which it enters that end of the axis b, thence
by passages to the induction ports i, i, on each side of the partition a. The
induction of the steam takes place immediately after the induction ports i, i,
have passed under the cones d, d, the motion of the disc a being such that
those ports are in the rear of the radial point of contact h of the flexible
material; the cone d pressing the flexible material into the hollow of the
partition or disc a, prevents the passage of steam at that point, which being
admitted between these and the permanent point of contact h, it expands the
flexible material, as clearly seen in the cross section, Figure 21, causing the point
to recede from the abutment which is thus formed by the contact of the
cone d, thereby producing the rotary motion required by the application of
two cones d and d¹. To each side of partition a the steam may be allowed
to pass into the axis 6 without intermission; just before the eduction port k
passes the roller d the induction ports pass below the roller d, which closes
those passages.
As the eduction ports emerge from under roller d, the steam
passes off by those passages, exhausting the whole circumference of the flexible
material constituting the chamber on that side of the partition a. During the
passage of the induction ports i, i, from roller d to roller d', the flexible material
e is kept close to the disc by the pressure of the rollers and the contact point h,
during which time exhaust steam is escaping, which has free exit by the opposite
end of the axis from which it entered, and thence by the waste pipe o.
Thus
immediately on the induction passing the roller & the force of the steam again
takes effect, and continues nearly the whole revolution as before.
As was
previously mentioned, the radial fixed points h, h, of the diaphragm are diame-
trically opposite to each other, as seen at Figure 21; this ensures a uniformity of
motion in the engine, by reason of the disposition of the conical rollers d
and on the one side of disc a, and rollers d and don the other,

page_text: which determine the dead point in the one steam chamber, while the other
is in full operation. The power of this engine will depend materially on the
arca enclosed within the cross section of the flexible material when distended,
which should be of such form as will admit of as much area as possible in
proportion to the diameter, at the same time taking care that it will collapse
close against the hollow sides of the disc a, without puckering or causing
irregularities on its surface. In reversing this engine it is simply necessary
to change the position of the cock l, so as to convert the induction passage
before described as entering on the right, Figure 20, into the induction, and
vice versa, as well understood. Although this detail has been confined to the
one side of the engine, the arrangements are the same on the other, and
therefore need not be recapitulated. The bearings of conical rollers d, d', and
d, d', should be mounted so that their pressure against the disc or partition a
can be regulated by set screws. It will be observed that the pressure of each
pair of conical rollers in the disc is neutralized by that of the opposite pair, which
pressure therefore does not obstruct or injuriously affect the motion of the engine.
Teeth are represented round the periphery of the disc as being a ready mode
of communicating the power, but which may be transmitted through the axis.
Sheet B represents Drawings illustrative of my improvements in the con-
lensers or other parts of engines applicable for the condensation of the exhaust
steam of the engines. For greater perspicuity I have arranged and shall describe
these condensers separately from my improvement in engines, and also as being
equally applicable to every description of engine in which the steam is condensed.
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet B, exhibit one of my improved condensers,
Figure 1 shewing a side clevation thereof; Figure 2, a vertical section through
the line 1, 1, Figure 3, which is a plan, and Figure 4, a horizontal section
of the same on the line 2, 2, Figure 1. a, a, is the cylindrical case of the
condenser fitted with end plates b, b, capable of resisting the external pressure
of the atmosphere; c is a shaft passing through stuffing boxes in the plates
b, b; this shaft c has a series of thin discs d, d, d, of copper or other metal,
placed in close proximity thercon; they are separated by collars e, e, placed
upon the shaft c; the whole series are bolted up tight against a flange g, on
the one side, and set nuts h on the other. The thickness of the collars e, e,
is about one eighth of an inch, so as to separate them sufficiently to prevent
the effect of capillary attraction. The discs d, d, which should have clean
smooth surfaces, are of a thickness rather more than one sixteenth of an inch
in order to present as much surface as possible, and also to have sufficient
substance to require some little time to become charged with heat. i is the
exhaust passage through which the steam enters from the engine; k is a

page_text: chamber into which the hot water is discharged from the condenser a; and 1,
the pipe through through which the injection water enters the condenser.
The air pump is connected with the tube m, where the foot valve n is situate;
another valve o is situated between the chamber and the condenser. The
shaft c. has a slow rctatory motion communicated to it by gearing p, p, in
connection with the engine, which motion carrics round the discs d, d, d, in
the direction of the red arrow. Cold water flows into the condenser at pipe 7,
the discharge of which is so directed as to pass round as indicated by the
black arrows, which is facilitated by the motion of the plates or dises d, d.
The height of the water is regulated by the spill or discharge valve o, through
which the water of condensation passes off with the heated injection water.
In order to obviate as much as possible the mixture of the water of condensa-
tion with the injection water, and prevent its being carried down with the
discs, narrow strips of metal 2, 7, are placed between the dises d, d, resting
upon the collars e, e, at the one end, and attached at the discharge passage at
the other. These strips g. 2, should occupy as much of the space between the
discs as possible, without such contact as would be likely to derange the
position of the strips 7. The whole of the spaces between the dises d, d, being
thus furnished, the hottest water will be collected round the discharge passage o,
and will pass off first from the condenser. The strips q, q, also prevent the
cold water having any tendency to rise on that side of the axis c. The
rotatory motion of the shaft c and dises d, d, d, being maintained continuously,
the effect will be this: the one side of disc moving downwards will pass
through the hot water on the surface, and entering the cold water below will
remain a suflicient length of time to part with their heat to the injection
water; this water, by its direction, will continue to move with the discs d, d,
reducing them to a like temperature. The injection water will become
gradually heated as it rises to the surface on that side of the axis to which it
is carried, from which it passes directly across to the discharge o. A film of
hot water, by reason of its less specific gravity, will always remain on the
surface; the passage of the rising side of discs d, d, through it will not raise
their temperature materially. The whole surface of the dises d, d, will thus
be presented immediately to the steam entering from the exhaust passage i of the
engine; the cold state of such metal surface of the discs will rapidly absorb
the latent heat of the steam, producing the condensation desired. The
surface exposed at one time need not be sufficient to produce the entire con-
densation of the steam immediately when first admitted, as the continuous
rotation of the discs progressively adds to the cooling surface exposed, which
is limited, however, by the duration of the stroke of the engine, as the steam

page_text: of the one stroke should be condensed, and a sufficient rotation of the plates
effected to present their cold surface to the exhaust steam of the succeeding
stroke of the engine. The water of condensation collecting on the surface of
the plates will be carried over by them to the discharge passage o, which will
be further promoted by the rush of steam into the condenser. The air
separated from the steam and water passes off through the discharge valve o
into chamber k, from whence it is drawn with the contents of that vessel by
means of the air pump in the ordinary manner, by which the vacuum is
maintained, as well understood.
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, Sheet B, exhibit another of my improved con-
densers; of which Figure 5 represents an elevation; Figure 6, a central
vertical section; Figure 7, a horizontal section on the line (1, 1, 1, Figure 6);
and Figure 8, a plan or bird's eye view. This condenser is of that class
in which the condensation is effected by the external application of a cooling
medium to surfaces of metal, their opposite sides being exposed to the steam,
the water of condensation is consequently not mixed with the injection water,
and is therefore readily available for introduction again to the boiler at a
temperature of nearly 210° Fah. This condenser consists of a series of tubes,
a, b, c, d, e, f, arranged in concentric rings, as seen in the section Figure 7.
These tubes are fixed between two tube plates or dises g, g, mounted on a
hollow shaft h; the tubes open through the plates g, g, the same as in the
ordinary tubular boilers. In order that the passage through the tubes of one
circle should be equal to that of any other, the tubes of the several circles
are of graduated sizes. The outer circle a, which contains the greatest
number of tubes, having each a less area than the tubes 6 of the next circle,
the tubes c, c, of the next circle are proportionately increased, and so on
throughout the whole number of circles, so that the gross area of the tubes in
any one circle is equal to that of any other circle. The tube plates g, g, arc
placed and held between two discs or plates i, k, having each three or more
annular ribs or projections 1, 1, 1, according to the size of the condenser, which
are received into corresponding recesses sunk into the tube plates g, g. The
annular ribs 1, 1, form partitions to conduct the injection water which is
admitted to the inside of the tubes, and so directs the water that it will pass
through the several circles of tubes in succession, as may be traced by
the black arrows. The injection water enters at the hollow step m, passes
first up the larger circle of the tubes a, a, where its greatest extent of cooling
surface is exposed; at the upper end of tubes a, a, it is received in the
chamber in the plate i, separated by the larger annular ribs 1, 1, and is returned
down the tubes of circle b, b, b; it is again passed up tubes c, c, c, and down

page_text: a, d, and so on through the whole series of circles, from whence it escapes up
the central hollow shaft h. The step m carries the plate k by means of
a circular plate or disc n, n, the plate k resting on numerous projections 0, 0, 0,
by which a free water-way is maintained from the centre.m to the outer circle
of tubes a, a, where it enters at the bottom as before described. The plates i
and n are connected by numerous tie bolts p, p, around the circumference, by
which the whole is held firmly together. q, q, is the case of the condenser
bolted together and rendered air-tight as usual. The cover has a stuffing box
r, through which the hollow shaft s enters for the purpose of communicating
a rotary motion to the tube plates and tubes, and also for the escape of
the injection water. This tubular shaft is united with the hollow trunk h, and
transmits its motion to the whole apparatus by means of the plate i, which is
fixed to the shaft s. A slow rotary motion is communicated to the axis s by
the pinion t, driven by the engine, and gearing into the wheel u keyed on the
hollow shafts. This motion should be regulated to produce from fiftcen to
twenty revolutions per
minute of the tube pipes. This would in some measure
depend on the diameter of the apparatus, the object being to keep a cold and
continually changing surface exposed to the entrance of the steam from the
eduction passage v of the steam cylinder, which is the principal feature of this
condenser. wis the passage to which the air pump is connected. This
passage being situated at the upper part of the condenser the exhaustion of
the pump will simply carry off any air liberated by condensation of the steam,
while the water of condensation, by its greater specific gravity, will fall to
the bottom, and enter the hot well a, from which it may be drawn by the feed
pump, and again forced into the boiler. The steam passing into condenser
from passage will take the direction of the red arrow.
It is prevented
passing round the periphery of the condenser as much as possible by the flat
stay rods p, p, some of which extend as near to the interior of the case 7, 7,
as may be without actually touching, and so that it will not interfere with the
free revolution of the tubes. The steam thus controlled enters and mixes
intimately with the tubes a, b, c, d, e, and f, which exposing a great extent of
cooling surface will produce rapid condensation of the steam, and this the
more particularly so, as the coldest surface will always be presented to its first
entrance into the condenser, and in which surface a continual change is main-
tained by the rotation of the tubes. In order to expose as much as possible
of the cold surface to the first entrance of the steam, it will be attended withi
advantage if the passage v is enlarged so as to embrace a considerable height
of the tubes, without, however, being such as to be opposite the exhaust
passage of the pump, which should in all cases be above the level of

page_text: passage v. The injection water, or more properly the water to produce con-
densation, must be forced into the hollow step m, supporting the multitubular
apparatus at a pressure of a head of water, or by a pump capable of forcing it
through the course described, and out at the top of shaft s, and thence dis-
charged. The form of the supporting surface of step m will permit the
necessary rotation, and at the same time always remain sufficiently tight to
prevent the passage of cold water into the condensation chamber. Should
these condensers require cleansing, it may be readily effected by the introduc-
tion of sand and water, and imparting a rapid and irregular motion to the
driving gear of the apparatus. These condensers may be worked without the
use of the air pump, at the expense of a portion of the steam, by allowing its
first rush into the condenser to drive off the accumulated air (and water, as at
Figure 2) through the valves in the passages o and y, Figure 2, in the one
condenser, and w, Figure 6, in the other, which valves will immediately close
by reason of the subsequent condensation of the steam, which will produce the
partial vacuum required.
Having concluded the description of that part of my Invention which relates
to improvements in engines, I will proceed to describe that part of my Inven-
tion which relates to the manufacture of appliances for transmitting motion.
This part of my Invention relates to the arrangements of certain appliances
for transmitting motion as next herein-after described, and also to the manu-
facture of certain appliances for transmitting motion of gutta percha and some
other analogous materials and their compounds, in the manner herein-after
particularly mentioned.
Figures 9 to 15 inclusive, Sheet B, represent some of my appliances for
transmitting motion in the form of temporary propellers for ships; and Figures
16, 17, 18, and 19, shew some of the parts in detail. This improvement
consists in the application of an endless flexible belt with fins or blades made
of gutta percha or its compounds, as a temporary propeller for ships or other
vessels in the event of wind or their ordinary power failing. The belt a,
which is shown separately at Figure 16 and 17, Sheet B, with three of the
fins or blades b, b, b, which may be either entirely of gutta percha or its
compounds, or may consist of some woven material covered with gutta percha.
The blades are entirely of gutta percha, having strengthening pieces c, c,
extending up the back. The blades b, b, are placed diagonally to the length
of the belt, and consequently to its motion, so that when motion is imparted to
the belt when in the water a side pressure will be exerted upon it by the
blades passing through that medium. Instead of gutta percha or woven
fibrous material covered for that purpose, the belt may be composed of wire

page_text: e, e, interwoven or laced with a number of cross iron straps d, d, to which
blades f. f, consisting of metallic plates, are attached as represented at Figures
18 and 19, Sheet B. These fins or blades are partly covered with gutta
percha or its compounds, as also the bolts c, e, in order to diminish friction in
travelling round the hull of the vessel, as it is well known that gutta percha
has very little friction working in contact with wetted surfaces.
Figures 9, 10, and 11, Sheet B, represent this propeller applied amidship,
for which purpose a copper trough g or slide is drawn round the ship under
the keel, or it may be through an opening cut therein. This trough is fixed
in position in any suitable manner, and the propelling belt which fits it is
placed round the ship. Motion is communicated to the belt by means of a
portable engine or other power, which drives a toothed or pin wheel, taking
into cogs recessed into the thickness of the strap, on the insides or holes
formed in the strap for the pins of the wheel. An opening is cut in the
bottom of the copper trough near the gunwale of the ship, through which the
periphery of the driving wheel is admitted to communicate motion to the belt.
Motion being thus communicated continuously to the belt it will be carried
round the ship; and the fins or blades, by their diagonal position with regard
to the motion of the belt, will impart an impelling power to the vessel. This
belt is equally applicable for placing in other positions of the ship, as at
Figure 12, where it is shewn as passing through the dead wood.
Figure 14 represents a side view, and Figure 15, Sheet B, a stern view
of a ship furnished with one of those propelling belts a, a, which is placed on
two wheels h, h, mounted on shafts i, i, projected from the stern of the vessel.
Motion is communicated to the belt a by the shafts i, i, and wheels h, h,
which causes the passage of the belt through the water; the diagonal
position of the blades with regard to the motion producing the propelling
power backwards or forwards according to the inclination of the blades with
reference to that motion. The whole of the belt should be immersed in
the water, so that any lateral pressure produced by the motion of the belt
to the right at the upper part will be counteracted by the opposite lateral
pressure of the lower part of the belt produced by its motion in the opposite
<direction.
Figure 15 is represented as more particularly applicable for navigation in
shallow water, where only one side of the belt would be submerged; to coun-
teract the lateral pressure of which, two belts should be employed, placed one
behind the other, as seen at Fig. 13. These belts must have a motion commu-
nicated to them to cause their movement in opposite directions, which may be
readily accomplished by driving the shafts i, i, in opposite directions, having one

page_text: driving wheel on each, and also a wheel fitted loosely thereon to carry the
endless belts receiving contrary motion from the opposite shaft...
The appliances for transmitting motion which I manufacture according to
my invention arc. toothed wheels, single teeth as cogs for wheels, and screw,
toothed, fluted, or plain bosses, as herein-after.described, of gutta percha and
similar or analogous substances, as catimundo, either alone or in combination
with each other, and with other substances manufactured in the manner
herein-after described.
My improved machines for treating or preparing gutta percha, for the
manufacture of the said appliances, consist, first, of an apparatus for masticating
that and analogous materials, which is represented at Figure 24 in vertical
section; Figure 25 is a side elevation, and Figure 26, a plan of the same, with
part of the cover removed. It consists of a semi-spherical chamber or vessel,
the inside of which is described by.a radius from the point b, which consists of
a globular termination or apex to a cone C, rising in the centre of. a. This
cone C has a series of teeth over its entire surface; these teeth are not merely
produced by angular grooves cut round the cone in planes parallel with the
base, but are formed by a further series of radiel grooves cut therein, and
intersecting the horizontal grooves at right angles. d, d, is a conical plate
somewhat resembling a bevil wheel, it having a series of leaves or teeth on its
upper surface similar to that article, which teeth extend from the periphery to
the spherical bosse; this conical plate d is of an angle considerably more obtuse
than the cone C, as seen in the section Figure 24, where its under surface is in
close contact with the cone on the left side, and the upper surface in contact
with the cover on the opposite side. The under surface of the cover fis
furnished with teeth corresponding to those on the upper surface of the plate d,
which gear together by the cone wheel rolling round on the under side of the
cover f by the motion imparted to the machine. A like rolling motion of the
under side of the plate d takes place on the cone C, the teeth of which two
surfaces come in contact with each other, or in close proximity, at each revolu-
tion of the driving axis g. It should have been before mentioned that the
under surface of the conical or wheel plate d is furnished. with teeth of a
similar character to those on the cone c.
secured by lugs, to be passed down through recesses or notches i, i, cut in the
lip of the vessel a (seen in plan); the cover being turned round brings the
lugs h, h, under the projections between the notches, affords a ready mode of
applying and removing the cover f. The cover is held in position and prevented
from turning by the strap and set screws k, k. An arm is projected from the
boss or centre e, the cone plate or wheel d at right angles to the base of the
The cover f is firmly bolted down or

page_text: cone; to this arm 7 motion is communicated by the crank arm m through the
intervention of the axis g, to which power is communicated by the hand wheel
shewn, or it is connected with other suitable driving power. The extreme end
of the arm is fitted with a loose ball n, which is pressed towards the one end of
crank arm m by a powerful spring o at the opposite end. The ball n is free to
turn in its seat in every direction, and also on the end of the arm 7. The cover f
has a cavity which fits down on the boss e and keeps the wheel d in its proper
position, and at the same time allowing the necessary freedom of motion. When.
power is applied to the crank axis g to cause its rotation as described, the crank
arm m carries round the arm 7, causing it to describe a circle round the axis g; the
arm has, however, no rotary motion on its own axis, the effect produced being
simply to cause the rolling motion of the cone wheel d on the upper surface of
cone c, and under surface of the cover f, as described. p is the opening through
which the gutta percha or its compounds are to be introduced to the machine,
and the outlet or discharge passage.
1
I take gutta percha in its native state, and first subject it to the action of a
machine, by which it is cut into shreds of a fibrous character. For this purpose
I employ an apparatus similar to that employed for and known as the wood-
plaining machine, in which cutters are used placed at a tangent to the circular
cutter block, which has a rapid rotary motion imparted to it. Instead of the
smooth cutters, I use cutters having deep serrations in the cutting edge, such
as used in and known as a roughing iron of the ordinary carpenter's plane,
but of a coarser description. The block of gutta percha is applied to the
cutters while rotating quickly, and advanced and held in contact therewith in
the ordinary manner of the wood in the plaining machine. The effect of these
cutters will be that the gutta percha will be reduced to shreds of a stringy or
fibrous character. The gutta percha shreds are subsequently subjected to
another process in order to clean and remove all the dirt and extraneous
matters. For this purpose I employ a machine similar to that known as
Calvert's Patent Cotton Opening or Cleaning Machine, in which the fibres are
violently shaken and separated from each other, in order to tease out the dirt
and extraneous matters. Gutta percha, if previously cleaned, need not be
subjected to the actions of these machines, but should be reduced to small
pieces before introducing it into the masticator, or it may be rendered plastic
and forced into that apparatus.
In the manufacture of screw or toothed bosses for actuating spindles, or
plain or fluted as a covering for rollers for drawing fibrous materials, I employ
a combination of gutta percha or analogous material, such as before mentioned,
and ground cannel coal, using a proportion of cannel coal varying from two to six
:

page_text: ounces of that material to sixteen ounces of the gutta percha, alone, or combined
with a portion of "tintowa" (jintawan)" or "catimundo." In lieu of either of
these vegetable materials used separately they may be combined in a any desirable
proportion. The mixture of cannel coal with the vegetable material named
will depend upon the purpose for which the drawing rollers are intended. For
drawing rollers for flax coarse spinning, I have found the medium proportion
of the quantity of cannel coal mentioned to answer that purpose well, but even
this proportion may be exceeded so long as the mass is capable of properly
retaining its homologous character. I combine these materials by introducing
them in the desired proportion into the masticator, Figure 24, Sheet B. They are
fed into the upper chamber by the aperture o, which is situate on one side of the
diaphragm s, fixed to the vessel a, and rising up to the cover f. This diaphragm s
is only on one side of the vessel a, and is seen in the plan, Figure 26, Sheet B,
where the portion of cover is removed. The wheel a has a notch or opening cut
through it on one side from the base to the periphery, so as to pass over the
diaphragm s, as seen in Figure 26. The discharge aperture q is situate on the
opposite side of the diaphragm, in order that the materials under process of
mastication shall have to pass entirely round the vessel a before they escape.
The direction of motion given to the wheel d is that it tends to roll the material
round towards the discharge aperture q, where it is discharged with considerable
force. A cock or tap is placed on the discharge aperture 7 in order to retain
the matters within the masticator or mixing machine a sufficient length of time.
In masticating or mixing, as described, gutta percha, it is subjected to the
action of heat, for which purpose I employ the heat arising from and by intro-
ducing the gaseous products of combustion of coke. These products I force
into the vessel a by means of a pump, introducing them through the perfora-
tions in the cone c near the apex. The gaseous products of combustion in a
heated state combine thoroughly with the substances in the masticator, and
after passing through which escape at the supply aperture p or the aperture of
discharge q, if open. The degree of heat I apply for this is at first about two
hundred degrees, cooling the products of combustion of coke down to that
point, or limiting the supply to regulate the temperature. As the operation
progresses the heat may be gradually increased until it arrives at about three
hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit. In some cases it will be advantageous
to continue the heat for five or six hours, in order to more thoroughly desiccate or
dispel the natural moisture from gutta percha. This, if properly effected, renders
articles made of that material less liable to change from atmosphere influences.
The cannel coal should be reduced to a state of powder before it is mixed with
the gutta percha or other material. The gutta percha or its compounds, when
R 9
2017

page_text: discharged from the masticator, may afterwards be moulded by hand, or dis-
charged into another of my improved machines, herein-after to be described,
which moulds, consolidates, and discharges the bosses before mentioned by
self-acting apparatus.
Figures 20, 21, and 22, represent another of the improved machines which
I employ for the manufacture of screw bosses for driving spindles for spinning
cotton or other fibrous materials, or it may be bosses or pinions having straight
leaves or flutes upon them. This apparatus, of which Figure 20 represents a
side, and Figure 22 a front elevation, is similar to an ordinary punching press.
A reciprocating vertical motion is given to a plunger or guide cylinder a, a, by
a crank b, mounted on a rotating axis c. The crank pin takes into a transverse
slot d in the plunger a, in which it is free to traverse sideways, and by its
rotation carries the plunger up and down. The plunger or guide is formed of
two parts a and f united, so that the lower part f is free to rotate on its axis
without the upper part a, but at the same time to be controlled and caused to
reciprocate together. The pitch of the screw.f corresponds with the screw.it
is desired to cut on the gutta percha bosses, and it is; fitted to a female screw
constituting the lower guide e. This screw and guide e can be changed .at
pleasure according to the bosses to be cut. The cutter g is represented in plan
at Figure 21, but in order to render it more distinct it is represented in this
Figure as adapted for cutting screw threads on the bosses; the flutes of the
cutter are carried in a helical direction, as seen in Figure 20. The cutting
instrument g is formed somewhat like a wad punch, but with a cutting edge,
and interior of the form required for the pinion or boss to be cut, that is,
having the several convolutions adapted to cut the forms required: The blank
bosses are first formed by the machine herein-after to be described, of a size
rather larger than the greatest diameter of the leaves or teeth of the screw or
pinion. These blanks' are placed one by one on the base of the machine imme-
diately under the punch g, which, on being brought down, will cut out the form
of the boss required. In order to prevent the punch being held fast or jamed
by the outside of the boss eucircling and preventing it cutting through without
great friction on the exterior of the punch, 3 or more radial cutting knives h, h, h,
are carried down level with the face of the punch, and enter the superfluous
material, severing it into pieces, which fall away and are easily removed by the
depression of the punch. The interior of the punch is made to free the article
cut out in the ordinary manner, which are delivered through openings in the
sides of the punch, as seen in dotted lines, Figures 2. 2. The external freeing
cutters h, h, are made perpendicular in straight leaved or toothed pinions; but
where the teeth are of a helical form, the cutters h, h, must correspond with

page_text: the form of the flutes for cutting those teeth. In cutting straight leaved or
toothed pinions, a plain cylinder in place of the screw f will be employed, as it
will simply reciprocate without rotating. This machine is also applicable for
cutting the teeth of gutta percha wheels, either separately or collectively, and
which may be either plain or screw teeth, produced as before mentioned.
Figure 23, Sheet B, represents a view of a gutta percha screw boss complete,
as produced by the machine. Figures 20 and 22, Sheet C, represents appa-
ratus constructed according to my improvements; for the purpose of automati-
cally and progressively elaborating, moulding, and consolidating gutta percha
and its compounds into the form of toothed or screw bosses for actuating
spindles for preparing or spinning fibrous materials, and plain or fluted bosses
used as a covering for drawing rollers employed in transmitting motion for
preparing and spinning fibrous materials. Figure 1 represents an elevation
of my improved apparatus for moulding and consolidating gutta percha or its
compounds; Figure 2, a vertical section of the apparatus; Figure 3, plan, and
Figure 4, a horizontal section on the main driving shaft; Figure 5 represents
an apparatus in which the plastic material is first prepared; and Figure 6, a
longitudinal view of the same. A is the masticator before described, having
the discharge aperture connected with and opening into the vertical cylinder
or oval trunk B, in which are placed two screws C, C, formed by winding
plates of metal round the axes D, D; these work together so as to discharge
the matters into the horizontal chamber E, E, in which rotating screws F, F,
are situate. These chambers, E and F, are each furnished with double casings,
as seen at the sectional parts, between which steam or hot air is admitted in
order to maintain the required temperature of the matters under operation.
The axes of the screws C, C, and F, F, have motion communicated to them
by the strap riggers G, G. The object of the screw chambers and screws is to
work and otherwise thoroughly elaborate the material to be operated upon
before discharging it into the moulding apparatus. The discharge is effected
through the passage I, where a tap or cock K is situated to regulate the
discharge as required, and as will be explained in the apparatus represented at
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet C. In moulding by this self-acting apparatus
the substances are compressed into a series of moulds adapted to give the
articles the desired configuration. L represents the tube by which the empty
moulds are supplied, and M the tube for conveying away the full moulds. The
empty moulds a, a, a, are placed in the vertical tube L, at the bottom of which
they are delivered to the apparatus for filling them. The method of delivering
is separately represented at Figure 7: 6 is a ram or piston, fixed on a plate c,
which slides in suitable guides secured to the framework, and receives motion

page_text: from an eccentric P on the main shaft. Each rotation of the main shaft
causes a delivery of one of the empty moulds, which is effected as follows:-
The ram 6 at each rise carries up the whole column of empty moulds a, a, a,
which were previously sustained on claw levers d, d; the ram b has a projection
on either side which project level with the flange picce e, e, at the bottom of
the moulds; the projections on the ram 6 in rising force out the claw levers
d, d, and cause them to relieve the lower mould a; this descends with the ram,
the claw levers d not being able again to take hold of the lower flange e, e, by
reason of the projections on ram b. The weights f, f, actuating the bell crank
claw levers cause them to collapse and take hold of the next mould in succes-
sion, and so sustaining the whole column. The descent of the empty mould
thus liberated is arrested by the table of the machine when it is transferred to
the filling and compressing apparatus. For this purpose there are two sets of
clipping levers g, g, and h, h; the first levers 9, 9, grasp and move the empty
mould a, delivered as before described, and carry it forward under a plunger R,
as seen at Figure 1, the empty mould a, which was before under the plunger,
being carried away by a similar motion of the chipping levers h, h. The motion
of the chipping levers g, g, and h, h, is effected simultaneously by the action of
a cam course S, which takes effect on a rod T; this rod actuates the fulcra i, i,
of chipping levers g and direct on the one side, and by a connecting rod
communicating with a crank arm on the axis of one of the levers g, h, on the
other side. In order to permit the free backward motion of the chipping levers
and, they have a joint midway of their length, which allows them to bend
out of their straight line when performing the backward motion. Small springs
k, k, are introduced to distend the levers g and h after they have passed any
obstruction, and preparing them to take hold of the mould box a next in
succession, which is afterwards advanced in a similar manner. The delivery
tap K, before referred to in Figure 6, is seen at Figure 2 as united to and in
connection with the plunger cylinder U. The gutta percha or other material
is delivered in a plastic state into the cylinder U, and is cut off by closing the
cock K, when a sufficient quantity is delivered to fill the mould under opera-
tion; this prevents the plastic material being forced back at a subsequent
operation, and is effected by the lever lacted on by the cam l' on the main
shaft Q, as represented in Figure 2. A counterbalance weight brings back
the tap K to its original position, when the lever 7 is relieved by the cam .
The empty mould case a, having been delivered as described under the
cylinder U, the proper quantity of plastic matter is determined by the rise of the
ram or plunger R, which can be regulated by a variation in its leverage in
connection with the actuating cam m and levers m' and m", connected by a

page_text: rod m³, according to which so will be the capacity of the cylinder U for the
reception of the material. A counterbalance weight m¹ causes the rise of the
ram R when relieved by the cam m on the main shaft Q, which produces the
depression or downward stroke of the plunger or ram R. The cylinder U is
supported between the tubes L and M, and has at its lowest part a traversing
plate V dovetailed into it, which receives a too and fro motion through the inter-
vention of a lever n, having its fulcrum at n²; the lever n is connected to the
slide plate V by a link n" at the top, and is acted on at the lower end by a cam n¹¹¹,
and is counterbalanced by a weight 2 when releived from the pressure of the
cam n. The action of these cams and levers is as follows:-The empty mould
case a having been delivered under the cylinder U, the cock K at the same
time opens and admits a quantity of the gutta percha or other material in a
plastic state. The bottom of the cylinder U is at this period closed by the
plate which now traverses so as to bring a hole therein opposite to the area of
the cylinder U, through which the plunger then forces the contents of the
cylinder into the mould box a below. The tap K shuts previously to this to
prevent the return of the gutta percha. The plunger descends so as to force
nearly the whole of the gutta percha into the mould box, when it rises again
immediately. The opening in the plate V through which the plastic material
is forced, has a bevelled cutting-edge of an inverted conical form, so that on
its being moved backwards it cuts off and removes any superfluous material
projecting above the mould box a. The filled mould box is now moved forward
by the clipping levers h, h, and placed under the delivery tube M; simultaneously
with this the clipping levers g,g, take hold of another empty mould box, and
places it under the cylinder U, as before described, when the several operations
are repeated. During the traverse of the mould boxes along the bed plate of
the machine, they are supported in a channel, which conducts them to their
proper postion, and prevents any derangement thereof by the cutting plate V,
or other motions of the machine. Another ram W is actuated by an eccentric
on the main shaft Q and sliding plate, as described and shewn in Figure 7.
This ram is situated immediately under the delivering tube M, and rises
simultaneously with the cam b; the full mould boxes, as they are delivered one
by one over this ram W, are successively lifted up into the pipe M by it. A
pair of claw levers, such as represented at d, d, Figure 7, are applied to the
lower end of this tube M, which are opened by the upward motion, and take
hold of the mould boxes exactly as represented in Figure 7. This ram W
having no projections on it to interfere with the hold of the claws, allows them
to grasp the mould box so introduced, and thereby retain it and the whole
column of similar moulds a', a', a', above it before introduced. In order to

page_text: .
consolidate the moulded articles before they are removed from the moulds, and
to cool them before they are relieved from pressure, the tube M is carried up
to a considerable height; and has a double casing, as partly seen in section
Figure 1, into which cold water is introduced. A continual downward pressure
is exerted on the column of filled mould boxes by means of hooked levers p, p,
which take on to the flange e, e, of the mould boxes; these hooked levers are
formed in one piece with the roller arms 9, 9, and toe pieces 1, 7, and are
connected by joints s, s, to pendant rods t, t. A considerable weight depends
from the rods t; t; which are carried down below the floor under the machine,
which weight: rests solely on the mould boxes a, a, by the contrivance
P. qrp. Openings are cut through the cap piece X for the passage of
hooks p, p, which are permanently,forced inwards by strong springs u, u, On
the column of mould boxes a, a, being forced up, the rollers of arms q, q, are
carried with it by hooks p, p, and are forced against the projections v, which
causes the arms q,q, to' expand or recede from each other, thereby releasing the
mould box of which the hooks p, p, have hold. The toe pieces 1, 2, at the same
time move towards the mould boxes, and rest on the second box below that one
released by hooks p,p; so that when these hooks loose their hold, the whole
weight of rods t,'t, rests on the toe pieces r,, until the whole again descends,
when the hooks p, p, again catch on the next mould box in succession as before,
and as represented in the Drawing. The whole column of moulds recede or
fall a little when the ram W withdraws from below. In order to rélieve the
upper mould box and deliver it, as they sometimes adhere firmly into each
other, it is necessary to employ a pair of inverted hooks w, w, best seen in
Figure 1, on each side of a hood piece or top y; these are pressed towards the
mould .boxes by springs, and clip hold of the upper mould when forced up as
described. On the column of boxes a, a, receding, this upper box will be held
and prevented returning or falling with the column, which thereby becomes
separated from the rest; and on the next rise of the column taking place, this
separated mould box will be thrown out of hood y; and at the same time the
next mould box in succession will be sparated by the inverted hooks w, w, and
will be taken hold of by them and liberated as before described. The mould
boxes are emptied as discharged, and passed down the supply pipe L, to be
again fed into and filled in the machine. Considerable time is occupied in the
passage of the moulded articles the tube M, during the whole of which
time the gutta percha or moulded material is subject to the pressure of the
weighted rods t, t, the moulded boxes being so formed that the bottom of the
one projecting below the flange e, e, enters the moulded cavity of the next
below it, and rests upon the contents of the mould; thus the moulded material
up,

page_text: is subject to great pressure during the whole rise in tube M, and it is at the
same time subject to the cooling influence of the water surrounding the column.
By this means the moulded articles are cooled, and at the same time solidified,
thereby rendering them dense and better adapted for the purposes required. A
mould box is separately represented at Figure 8, which shows a vertical section
of the mould. It is a circular box of cast iron, having a vertical pin 1 in the
centre, to form the bore or hole in the moulded boss or other article; 22 is a
ring introduced for the purpose of reducing the size of the mould, which may
be thus arranged by several of these fitting rings to suit any smaller size of
boss required. In moulding other articles, such as pinions or screws for
actuating spindles, fluted bosses for covering.drawing rollers used in spinning
fibrous materials, the interior of the moulds must be made accordingly, the
moulding process being the same as described with regard to plain bosses.
When the bosses for covering spinning rollers are to be made of a light
description or of small diameter for fine spinning, I take gutta percha in a
comminuted state, and dissolve it in any suitable solvent, and by the action of
a centrifugal machine pass the solution through a filtering medium to separate
the impurities. I then allow the solution to congeal, when I place it in the
centrifugal machine, and separate the solvent from the gutta percha (through
suitable medium; the gutta percha is retained inside the centrifugal machine,
while the solvent is thrown out of the inner to the exterior casing, and may be
used over again.
Having described the nature of my several Improvements, and in what
manner the same are to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I claim
as of my Invention as follows:-
First, I claim the several arrangements of rotary engines as described and
represented in Sheet A.
Secondly, I claim condensers or other apparatus for condensing steam in
steam engines, as described and represented in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheet B,
having rotary discs or plates continuously cooled by immersion, and exposed to
the steam to induce its condensation.
Thirdly, I claim condensers or other apparatus for condensing steam in
steam engines, as described and with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, having
a combined series of tubes or other channels through which the cooling medium
circulates, such tubes or channels having rotary motion, in order to present a
change of cooling surface to the steam as it enters from the exhaust passage
of the engine.
Fourthly, I claim the endless belts of gutta percha, having diagonal blades

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fourth day of March, in the
year of our Lord 1852, the aforesaid John Wallace Duncan came before our
said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to
the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-two.