Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 3rd Aug., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 30 h Apr., 1895-Accepted, 22nd June, 1895
I MARIE EDMOND PHILBERT CHABOCHE of 95 Boulevard Beaumarchais,
Paris, in the Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to a new system of rotary engine in which the cylinder is
movable, contrary to what occurs in ordinary rotary engines.
With this rotary engine any motive fluid can be used, steam, air, water, gas,
(whether rich or poor in hydro-carbons), etc., but to facilitate the following
description it is assumed that the motive fluid used is steam. I commence with some
theoretical explanations which are necessary to a right understanding of the
working of the engine.
*111
Upon an axis CD (Figure 1) a hollow annular cylinder T of any suitable shape
and size can revolve. This hollow cylinder is divided into equal parts by a
Between those
number of radial partitions with the common axis CD as centre.
partitions fg,¹g', f¹g", ƒ¹¹¹ gll (Figure 2) which are solid and integral with
the walls or shell of the cylinder itself, are other movable, partitions m n, m' n',
m, n, m, the planes of which, being prolonged, also pass through the
common axis CD. These movable partitions are maintained invariably at one
and the same distance apart, which is tantamount to their being connected, the one
to the other, by rigid members. Hence it follows that if the movable
partition mn approaches the fixed partition fg in one with the cylinder, the other
movable partitions m³ ³, m" n, m, n, will similarly and to the same extent
approach the corresponding fixed partitions f¹g¹, ƒ¨"g", ƒ y¹. The whole,
constituted by the movable partitions is connected with a point O which in its
turn is connected by the connecting-rod ON (Figure 3) with the crank M N.
The crank M N is itself connected with the annular cylinder by the point M.
If, for a moment, the annular cylinder is supposed to be fixed, and that steam is
introduced between the partitions fg and m n, the steam-pressure, as in an
ordinary cylinder will move the piston mn away from the end fg of the cylinder;
and if the steam be introduced between fg and m n the same effect will take
place, only in the contrary direction. The introduction of steam behind the other
pistons m n, m, n" etc. would produce the same results.
The point. O above-named will partake in the reciprocation or alternating
movement of the grouped pistons mn m' ', etc., and it will readily be conceived
bow such alternating motion of the point O will give, by the intermediation of
the connecting rod ON, a movement of rotation to the crank M N.
This being understood, let the case be considered of two circles having their
centres, respectively at the points CD, A B (Figure 4). Draw a straight

page_text: line XY through the centres intersecting the circumferences of the two circles in
the points M and R. Then if a straight line be drawn joining these two points, it
is capable as will be obvious of very simple and easy demonstration that if the
circle whereof the centre is the point CD is made to rotate in the same plane
around that centre, the other circle, whereof the point A B is the centre, will be
caused to rotate similarly around its centre, the line M R also partaking in the
circular movement while remaining, at all times and in all positions, parallel to the
axial line XY. When the circle of which the point CD is the centre shall have
completed a single revolution, the point R will have described round the point M
a circle with the radius MR.
Take the point on the circle with centre CD and draw the connecting
rod ON and crank M N (Figure 5). If steam be allowed to act alternately on
the two faces of the pistons m, m'n', etc., the point will have imparted to it a
reciprocating motion and will generate rotary motion in the crank MN; and if
the two cranks M N and M R are fixed upon one and the same axis (which, in this
case would be perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 5), it is obvious
that the point R would be driven to move along the circumference of the circle
round the centre AB in a direction contrary to that of the movement
communicated to the crank MN by the point O.
From these considerations it will be seen that the two circles round the
centres ABCD, are actuated by the same movement, whereas the point O will
be actuated by an alternating movement, describing, as the sum of such
reciprocating action, a circular are with a variable speed if the speed of rotation
of the circles remains constant.
The result is a transformation of alternative movements into circular movements,
with the peculiarity, that the steam-pressure is exerted between two movable
partitions. At first sight it would appear that work is done by a force without
any fulcrum or centre of motion. But, on decomposing the active forces it is
evident that it is by means of the two fixed centres A B, CD, that the movement
is obtained. Were these two centres coincident, the movement would be
impossible.
Extending the consideration to a circle with the point C D as its centre, and
CDM as its radius (Figure 6) and two geared wheels, whereof the one has CD
for its centre and CD- Gas radius, and the other with centre M and radius MG;
if we take the same point O, the connecting-rod ON and crank M N fixed o
the axis M of the toothed wheel M R (= M G), it will be seen that if a movement
of rotation be imparted to the crank M N, the toothed wheel MR will partake of
that rotary movement, and if the toothed wheel CDG be supposed to be
fixed, the point M will describe a circle round the centre CD.
It is clear that by the engagement of the two toothed wheels, whereof one is
fixed, the same result is obtained as that given by the cranks and connecting
rods, i.e., the circular movement of the cylinder in which the steam works.
It is possible that geometry and mechanics may supply other solutions of the
problem, equally applicable to the circular movement of the cylinder or spherical
ring; but it must be understood that I claim every mechanical device wherein the'
use of an elastic force, such as steam, air, water, etc., between two movable
partitions round one and the same axis, moving consequently away from each
other, produces the rotation of the grouped system in the same constant
direction.
Having thus set forth the chief principle upon which is based the rotary motor
which is the subject of this invention I now proceed to describe, by way of
example, and in especial reference to the Figures 7, and 9 of the accompanying
drawings, a complete motor, constructed in accordance with the invention.
The engine is carried on frame A B consisting of a base and two standards A
and B.
The standard A carries fixed by a conical pin E a shaft D on which is loosely
mounted a connecting rod with two arms V connected with the other parts of the

page_text: engine by two pivot pins TT. The connecting-rod arm which corresponds to
the pivot-pin T₁ may be dispensed with; but it is preferable to duplicate the
connecting rod in order to distribute and balance the strains.
In this arrangement the end of the shaft I works in a bearing carried by the
head F. The diameter of the shaft D may be increased and a recess or orifice
provided therein to serve as a bearing for the shaft I.
The shaft D is prolonged by a curved arm (or head) F supporting, as above
stated, one of the extremities of the shaft I J the other end of which is carried
in the bearings In.
The part of the shaft I J is solid, whereas the part J is hollow. Keyed on
the solid part I of this shaft is the annular cylinder C C which is divided into
three compartiments, each forming a distinct steam-cylinder having a piston which
is solid with the central part P.
The annular cylinder is made in two parts, of which the part C' is fitted and
fixed to the other part C after the piston-head or block P and grouped pistons
have been placed in position in the latter.
M and M are two shafts fixed in the periphery of C and on which are fixed
the two cranks K and K having their pins T T passing into the counecting-rod
arms V, as before-mentioned.
The crank-piu T carries the head of the connecting-rod L which is joined to the-
three pistons by means of the arms Q and connecting pivot-pin 0.
N is a friction-plate interposed between the fixed piston-head P and the
rotating body C of the cylinder, and ab and are segments or packing
rings.
The connecting pivot-pin O is the point spoken of in the antecedent theoretical
exposition of principles; the connecting-rod L corresponds to the line N; and
the crank with its pins TKM represents the lines N M, MR. Therefore, in
accordance with the theoretical explanations previously given, it is evident that
the cylinder C will involve in its motion the duplicated connecting rod V.
It remains now to explain the steam-distribution. The live steam arrives from
the steam generator by the pipe o through a suitable steam-admission cock (not
shown). Thence it passes through an equilibrated butterfly valve r actuated
through the spindle and lever by a centrifugal or other governor (also not
shown). From the valve r the steam enters a space or chamber W (acting as
steam chest) through the centre of which the hollow shaft which, at this portion
of its length is perforated with a number of openings through which the steam
passes and obtains access to the valve-box at the other end of ..
Two stuffing boxes m m' complete the closure of the steam chest W.
In the
The valve S does not participate in the rotary movement, being fixed.
example illustrated the expansion is fixed or constant, but it may be made variable.
The plate or surface against which the valve presses is pierced with two ports ec
(Figures 7 and 9). The rotating bell U forms the case or shell of the valve
chest.
At the same
The steam enters the porte (Figures 7 and 9) by the passage c.
time, the exhaust-steam escapes by the passage d into the annular space or exhaust-
passage formed between the rotating hollow shaft and the fixed sleeve X
which is a short length of an external hollow shait carried by the standard B, on
the interior face of its head (Figure 7). The exhaust steam escaping from his
educted by the passage i formed inside the standard B. A stuffing box k round
the hollow shaft J prevents any steam-leakage; and a similar glaud keeps the
valve-chest U steam tight.
To complete the description of the steam distribution it may bere be added that
the entrance port e admits the live steam to all the three cylinders, in front of
the pistou and the entrance-port el, the same behind the pistons. The cylinder C,
by rotation, itself creates the steam-distribution, the valve-plate as has been said
being fixed.
The toothed bevel-wheel % transmits the movement to another bevel-wheel

page_text: keyed on the auxiliary shaft which actuates the regulating mechanism or
governor.
The arrangements above described seen to be more especially adapted for small
motors of inconsiderable power. For engines intended to develop a greater power,
the following arrangements may be adopted.
ab
The cylinder, in the form of a hollow ring, will still be keyed on the shaft IJ,
but the slide-valve box or chest U, instead of being mounted on the shaft I J
would be placed upon the standard. B, which, in that case would be brought as
near to the cylinder as practicable, so as to diminish the amount of detrimental
spaces. The hollow of the shaft I would then be divided into two parts a
(Figure 10) the former admitting the steam to the entrance port e supplying
steam in front of the pistons, and the latter admitting steam, through e,
behind the pistons; both the passages a and b terminating in two steam chests in
which steam distributing valves of any known type, or system-with the valve-
plates plane circular or otherwise may be adapted to work.
It is to be understood that in the improved. rotary motor, Woolf's system. of
expansion, or of compounding, may be employed, with the aid of two or more
expansion cylinders, grouped in any manner whatever..
From the point of view of advantages offered, this motor may be compared.
with the straight cylinder engines of the type now in use, and with existing rotary
engines, and with favourable results ;-
Compared with the former, it offers the great advantage of continuous rotary
motion in a constant direction: and, in comparison with the latter; it offers the
advantage of having a movable cylinder, constituting an actual fly-wheel which.
enables the ordinary fly-wheel to be dispensed with; and, furthermore, the wear
and tear of the working parts. is considerably less as they are all centred and
balanced.
Dated this 3rd day of August 1894.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.
I, MARIE EDMOND PHILBERT CHABOCHE, of 95 Boulevard Beaumarchais,
Paris in the Republic of France, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to a new system of rotary engine in which the cylinder is
movable, contrary to what occurs in ordinary rotary engines.
With this rotary engine any motive fluid can be used, steam, air, water, gas
(whether rich or poor in hydrocarbons) etc., but to facilitate the following
description it is assumed that the motive fluid used is steam. I cominence with
some theoretical explanations which are necessary to a right understanding of the
working of the engine.
11
A hollow annular cylinder T of any suitable shape and size can revolve upon au
axis CD (Figure 1). This hollow cylinder is divided into equal parts by a number of
radial partitions with the common axis CD as centre. Between those partitions fg,
f'g'"g", ƒg (Figure 2) which are solid and integral with the walls or shell
of the cylinder itself, are other movable partitions m n, m' n¹, m² n", mn, the
planes of which, being prolonged, also pass through the common axis CD. These
movable partitions are maintained invariably at one and the same distance apart,
which is tantamount to their being connected, the one to the other, by rigid
members. Hence it follows that if the movable partition m n approaches the fixed

page_text: 111
11
partition in one with the cylinder, the other movable. partitions.m² n³, m¹ nª¸·
mn will similarly and to the same extent approach the corresponding fixed.
partitions fg, ƒgƒg. The whole constituted by the movable partitions
is connected with a point O which in its turn is connected by the connecting rod ON
(Figure 3) with the crank M N. The crank M N is itself connected with the
annular cylinder by the point M.
If, for a moment, the annular cylinder is supposed to be fixed, and that steam is
introduced between the partitions y, and m n, the steam pressure, as in an ordinary
cylinder will move the piston m n away from the end. fg of the cylinder; and if
the steam be introduced between f g and m n the same effect will take place,
only in the contrary direction. The introduction of steam behind the other
pistons m n, m" n" etc. would produce the same results.
The point O above-named will partake in the reciprocation or alternating move+
ment of the grouped pistons m n m' n' etc. and it will readily be conceived how such
alternating motion of the point O will give, by the intermediation of the connecting
rod. O N, a movement of rotation to the crank M N.
This being understood, let the case be considered of two circles having their
centres, respectively at the points CD, AB (Figure 4). Draw a straight line X Y
through the centres, intersecting the circumferences of the two circles in the
points M and R. Then if a straight line be drawn joining these two points, it is
capable as will be obvious of very simple and easy demonstration that if the circle
whereof the centre is the point CD is made to rotate in the same plane around
that centre, the other circle, whereof the point A B is the centre, will be caused to
rotate similarly around its centre, the line M R also partaking in the circular
movement while remaining, at all times and in all positions, parallel to the axial.
line X Y. When the circle of which the point CD is the centre shall have
completed a single revolution, the point R will have described round the point M
a circle with the radius M R.
Take the point O on the circle with centre C D and draw the connecting rod O N
and crank M N (Figure 5). If steam be allowed to act alternately on the two
faces of the pistons mn, m¹n¹ etc. the point: O will have imparted to it a recipro-
cating motion and will generate rotary motion in the crank M N; and if the two
cranks M N and M R are fixed upon one and the same axis (which, in this case
would be perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 5), it is obvious that
the point R would be driven to move along the circumference of the circle round
the centre A B in a direction contrary to that of the movement communicated to the
crank M N by the point O.
From these considerations it will be seen that the two circles round the centres A B
C D, are actuated by the same movement, whereas the point O will be actuated by
an alternating movement, describing, as the sum of such reciprocating action, a
circular arc with a variable speed if the speed of rotation of the circles remains
constant.
The result is a transformation of alternative movements into circular movements,
with the peculiarity, that the steam pressure is exerted between two movable
partitions. At first sight it would appear that work is done by a force without
any fulcrum or centre of motion. But, on decomposing the active forces it is
evident that it is by means of the two fixed centres A B, C D, that the movement
is obtained. Were these two centres coincident, the movement would be impossible.
Extending the consideration to a circle with the point C D as its centre; and
CD-M as its radius (Figure 6) and two geared wheels, whereof the one has CD
for its centre and CD-Gas radius, and the other with centre M and radius MG;
if we take the same point O, the connecting rod ON and crank M N fixed on the
axis M of the toothed wheel MR (= M G), it will be seen that if a movement of
rotation be imparted to the crank M N, the toothed wheel MR will partake of
that rotary movement, and if the toothed wheel CD-G be supposed to be fixed,
the point M will describe a circle round the centre C D.
It is clear that by the engagement of the two toothed wheels, whereof one is

page_text: fixed, the same result is obtained as that given by the cranks and connecting rods
.e. the circular movement of the cylinder in which the steam works.
:
It is possible that geometry and mechanics may supply other solutions of the
problem, equally applicable to the circular movement of the cylinder or spherical
ring but it must be understood that I claim every mechanical device wherein the
use of an elastic force, such as steam, air, water, etc. between two movable partitions
round one and the same axis, moving consequently away from each other, produces
the rotation of the grouped system in the same constant direction.
Having thus set forth the chief principle upon which is based the rotary motor
which is the subject of this invention I now proceed to describe, by way of example,
and in especial reference to the Figures 7, 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings,
a complete motor, constructed in accordance with the invention.
The engine is carried on frame A B consisting of a base and two standards A
and B.
The standard A carries fixed by a conical pin E a shaft D on which is loosely
mounted a connecting rod with two arms V connected with the other parts of the
engine by two pivot pins T T'. The connecting rod arm which corresponds to the
pivot pin T may be dispensed with; but it is preferable to duplicate the connecting
rod in order to distribute and balance the strains.
In this arrangement the end of the shaft I works in a bearing carried by the
head F. The diameter of the shaft D may be increased and a recess or orifice
provided therein to serve as a bearing for the shaft I.
The shaft D is prolonged by a curved arm (or head) supporting, as above
stated, one of the extremities of the shaft IJ the other end of which is carried in
the bearings n.
The part I of the shaft J is solid, whereas the part J is hollow. Keyed on the
solid part I of this shaft is the annular cylinder CC which is divided into three
compartments, each forming a distinct steam-cylinder having a piston which is solid
with the central part P.
The annular cylinder is made in two parts, of which the part C¹ is fitted and
fixed to the other part C after the piston head or block P and grouped pistons have
been placed in position in the latter.
M and M are two shafts fixed in the periphery of C and on which are fixed the
two cranks K and K¹ having their pins T T' passing into the connecting rod arms V,
as before-mentioned.
The crank-pin T carries the bead of the connecting rod L which is joined to the
three pistons by means of the arms and connecting pivot-pin O.
N is a friction-plate interposed between the fixed piston head P and the rotating
body C of the cylinder, and a band a¹ are segments or packing rings.
The connecting pivot pin O is the point spoken of in the antecedent theoretical
exposition of principles; the connecting rod L corresponds to the line ON; and
the crank with its pins T K M represents the lines N M, M R. Therefore, in
accordance with the theoretical explanations previously given, it is evident that
the cylinder C will involve in its motion the duplicated connecting rod V.
It remains now to explain the steam distribution. The live steam arrives from the
steam generator by the pipe o through a suitable steam admission cock (not shown).
Thence it passes through an equilibrated butterfly valve r actuated through the
spindle t and lever by a centrifugal or other governor (also not shown). From
the valve r the steam cuters a space or chamber w (acting as steam chest) through
the centre of which the hollow shaft J which, at this portion of its length is
perforated with a number of openings through which the steam passes and obtains
access to the valve-box at the other end of J.
Two stuffing boxes m m³ complete the closure of the steam chest W.
The valve S does not participate in the rotary movement being fixed. In the
example illustrated the expansion is fixed or constant, but it may be made variable.
The plate or surface against which the valve presses is pierced with two ports e e¹
(Figures 7 and 9). The rotating bell U forms the case or shell of the valve chest.

page_text: At the same
The steam enters the port e (Figures 7 and 9) by the passage c.
time, the exhaust steam escapes by the passage d into the annular space or exhaust
passage hh formned between the rotating hollow shaft J and the fixed sleeve X
which is a short length of an external hollow shaft carried by the standard B. on
the interior face of its head (Figure 7). The exhaust steam escaping from his
educted by the passage i formed inside the standard B. A. stuffing box k round
the hollow shaft J prevents any steam-leakage; and a similar giand keeps the
valve-chest U steam tight.
To complete the description of the steam distribution it may here he added that
the entrance port e admits the live steam to all the three cylinders, in front of the
piston and the entrance port e', the same behind the pistons. The cylinder C, by
rotation, itself creates the steam distribution, the valve plate as has been said
being fixed.
The toothed bevel wheel Z transmits the movement to another bevel wheel
keyed on the auxiliary shaft which actuates the regulating mechanisin or governor.
The arrangements above described seem to be more especially adapted for small
motors of inconsiderable power. For engines intended to develop a greater power,
the following arrangements may be adopted.
The cylinder, in the form of a hollow ring, will still be keyed on the shaft I J,
but the slide-valve box or chest U, instead of being mounted on the shaft I J would
be placed upon the standard B, which in that case would be brought as near to the
cylinder as practicable, so as to diminish the amount of detrimental spaces. The
bollow of the shaft I J would then be divided into two parts ab (Figure 10)
the former admitting the steam to the entrance port e supplying steam in front of
the pistons, and the latter admitting steam, through e', behind the pistons; both the
passages a and b terminating in two steam chests in which steam distributing valves
of any known type or system-with the valve plates plane circular or otherwise,
may he adapted to work.
It is to be understood that in the improved rotary motor, Woolf's system of
expansion, or of compounding may be employed, with the aid of two or more
expansion cylinders, grouped in any manner whatever.
From the point of view of advantages offered, this motor may be compared with
the straight cylinder engines of the type now in use, and with existing rotary
engines, and with favourable results ;-
Compared with the former, it offers the great advantage of continuous rotary
motion in a constant direction; and, in comparison with the latter, it offers the
advantage of having a movable cylinder, constituting an actual fly-wheel which
enables the ordinary fly-wheel to be dispensed with; and furtherinore the wear
and tear of the working parts is considerably less as they are all centred and
balanced.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inveu-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is;-
1. A rotary motor with movable cylinder in which the force of a fluid such as
steam air water etc. acting between two movable partitions around one and the
same axis and consequently moving away from each other produces the rotation of
the entire machine in one constant direction substantially as specified.
2. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete motor
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 30th day of April 1895.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.