IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Messenger and George Dundas Churchward, both
of Dover, in the County of Kent, Civil Engineers, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES."
Sealed the 28th April 1876, and dated the 19th January 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Messenger and George
Dundas Churchward at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th
January 1876.
66
THOMAS MESSENGER and GEORGE DUNDAS CHURCHWARD, both of Dover, in
the County of Kent, Civil Engineers. IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER
ENGINES."
Our Invention relates to a method of connecting the reciprocating parts, such as
the pistons of steam, air, water, gas, and other engines, and of other reciprocating
machinery to their rotating parts, such as cranks, and vice versa, rotatory motion
such as may be delivered from revolving shafts to reciprocating parts, such as slide
or other valves.
And our Invention consists of improvements in the working parts of engines, in
which any suitable number of single or double acting cylinders may be arranged so
that their reciprocating parts may operate in causing the revolution of a shaft or
shafts, and vice versa.
The principle upon which our Invention is based is embodied in the diagram,
Figure 1, of the accompanying Sheet of Drawing, upon which a indicates a globe;
b, b, pins fixed to the globe in its rolling axis; c, c, bolts fixed to the globe in its
transverse axis, and embraced by part of a socket d, d; e, e, crank arms embracing
the pins 1, 1, and fixed to the shaft f. f. which are capable of sinultaneous revolu-
tion; p. p, guiding blocks capable of a reciprocating motion on the guiding bars i, i,
in a true plane with the axis of the crank shafts; r, r, rolling axis; t, t, transverse
axis.
The movements involved in converting the reciprocating into the circular motion,
and vice versa, are as follows:-The crank shafts f. f. in revolving cause the rolling
axis r, r, of the globe a by means of the pins b, b. to roll in circles, and the trans-
verse axis t. t, is compelled to reciprocate in an arc of a circle and in a true plane
with the axis of the revolving shaft f. f. by means of the guiding bars i, i; then all
other points through any other transverse axis, or, in other words, around the
periphery of the globe, will also reciprocate in arcs of circles combined with a side
Price 8d.1

page_text: motion describing a figure of eight (8); for instance, the points in the globe at right
angles to the transverse axis t, t, will move in an arc of a circle described from the
centre of globe, combined with a side motion forming a figure of eight (8), as shewn
at k, k, and all other points around the periphery of the globe, except those in the
transverse axis t, t, will move in a similar manner, and it is obvious that if the
globe a was fixed in a revolving shaft, and a groove was cut around its periphery
at the angle of the transverse axis t, t, as shown by the dotted lines, and into this
groove a strap was fitted with the balls c, c, attached to it, these balls working in
the socket d, d, and being guided by the blocks h, h, in the bars i, i, would convert
the revolving into reciprocating motion, and also in this case balls attached to any
other part of this strap than in the transverse guided axis t, t, would describe a
figure of (8) eight in one direction, as well as an arc of a circle in another.
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 show an application of our Invention to a two (2) cylinder
single-acting steam engine; Fig. 2 being an end view, showing the end lever;
Fig. 3, a sectional elevation; Fig. 4, a sectional plan; and Fig. 5, a section through
valve gear, concentric, and shaft. The dotted lines show the manner in which a
third or any other suitable number of cylinders may be attached. The same letters
denote similar parts in each of these Figures respectively.
In this engine the frame a represents the globe, its transverse axis being compelled
to reciprocate in a true plane by means of the end lever b, and its rolling axis caused
to revolve by the crank shaft c, the two connecting rods d, d, being attached to the
pistons working in the single-acting cylinders e, e, and the lever b by pins, they
being compelled to vibrate in a true plane as they reciprocate. The ball or universal
joint f, shown in dotted lines, will also reciprocate, but it will describe the figure of
eight (8) above referred to, and may be attached to a third piston working in a
third cylinder by means of ball-and-socket or universal joints.
The slide valves in this engine are caused to reciprocate by means of the con-
centric revolving in the strap s, this concentric being jointed to the crank shaft by
means of a pin h, this pin being at such an angle that the concentric in revolving
causes the slide valves to reciprocate through a distance equal to the lap and lead in
this engine, and in this position the valves are in mid gear, the concentric being
held in this position by means of a sliding ball p attached to a strap working in the
sleeve n, which revolves with and is capable of sliding on the shaft by means of the
strap which embraces it, and is held in position by the lever o; then the movement
of this lever to and fro will move the concentric at such angles that reciprocating
motion will be given to the slide valves to work the engine either backwards or
forwards, and intermediate angles will cause the valves to use the steam more or
less expansively, and balls or universal joints attached to any other parts of this
strap s, in which the concentric revolves. such as are shown in dotted lines, will
give off a suitable reciprocating motion for any other suitably placed cylinder, and
it is obvious that if the concentric is attached to a governor, so as to cause these
varying angles with the shaft, a variable automatic expansion gear will be produced.
Also, in some cases, two concentrics may be used, one to work the main slide valve.
and another to work an expansion slide, in which case we propose to connect this
last-mentioned concentric with the governor.
The reciprocating motion for the slide valves may also be obtained by means of an
end lever and connections similar to that already described, and other valves than
the slide valve illustrated in the Drawing may be used. A circular valve or its
equivalent caused to revolve by the shaft may be used to admit and exhaust the
steam. The crank shaft may lead in either direction or both.
We propose to use any suitable number of cylinders arranged round the crank
shaft. Double-acting cylinders need not be arranged in more than half a circle, and
single-acting cylinders equally divided into the circle. Or an engine may be made
so that the cylinder may be attached to a hollow shaft working in the main shaft;
then the cylinder not being held in position by the bed plate or its equivalent will
revolve in one direction, and the shaft in the other.
In some cases in double-acting engine, when it is necessary to have a front cover

page_text: to the cylinder, the central part of this cover: may be made to: slide sufficiently to
allow the connecting rod to vibrate, as it requires. to do, and it will then pass
through a spherical stuffing box....
"
In force pumps, such as are used for. hydraulic work, this Invention. admits of a
method of regulating the power; for example; supposing the reciprocating tarms
attached to a number of force pumps, and a means provided for sliding the pins b, b,
(Fig. 1) nearer to or further from the centre of the crank shaft, then the stroke of
all the pumps would be either decreased or increased.
Our arrangement of engines may be used in duplicate, or more than one set of
engines may be used to actuate the same revolving shaft or shafts.
A valve may be used of the form of a zone or frustum of a sphere rolling in a
corresponding seat, so as to admit or exhaust the steam from these cylinders.
The engines may be made compound, and the reciprocating motion for working
the air and other pumps in all cases taken off any suitable reciprocating part.
An arrangement of pumps may be used longitudinally opposed or otherwise
worked by this engine.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Thomas Messenger and George Dundas Churchward in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 30th June 1876.
THOMAS MESSENGER and GEORGE DUNDAS CHURCHWARD, both of Dover, in
the County of Kent, Civil Engineers. "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM AND OTHER
ENGINES."
Our Invention relates to a method of connecting the reciprocating parts, such as
the pistons of steam, air, water, gas, and other engines and other reciprocating
machinery to their rotary parts, such as cranks, and vice versa, rotary motion such
as may be delivered from revolving shafts to reciprocating parts, such as slide or
other valves.
And our Invention consists of improvements in the working parts of engines, in
which any suitable number of single or double acting cylinders may be arranged so
that their reciprocating parts may operate in causing the revolution of a shaft or
shafts, and vice versa.
The principle upon which our Invention is based is embodied in the diagram,
Figure 1 of the accompanying Sheet of Drawing, upon which a indicates a globe;
b, b, pins fixed to the globe in its rolling axis; c, c, balls fixed to the globe in its
transverse axis and embraced by part of a socket d, d; e, e, crank arms embracing
the pins b, b, and fixed to the shafts f. f. which are capable of simultaneous
revolution; h, h, guiding blocks capable of a reciprocating motion on the guiding
bars i, i, in a true plane with the axis of the crank shafts; r, r, rolling axis;
t, t, transverse axis.
The movements involved in converting the reciprocating into the circular motion,
and vice versa, are as follows:-The crank shafts f, f, in revolving cause the rolling
axis r, r, of the globe a by means of the pins b, b, to roll in circles, and the
transverse axis t, t, is compelled to reciprocate in an arc of a circle, and in a true
plane with the axis of the revolving shafts f, f, by means of the guiding bars i, i:
then all other points through any other transverse axis, or in other words around the
periphery of the globe, will also reciprocate in arcs of circles combined with a side
motion describing a figure of 8, for instance the points in the globe at right angles
to the tranverse axis t, t. will move in an arc of a circle described from centre of
globe combined with a side motion forming a figure of (8), as shown at K, K, and
all other points around the periphery of the globe, except those in the transverse
axis t, t, will move in a similar manner, and it is obvious that if the globe a was
fixed on a revolving shaft and a groove was cut around its periphery at the angle of
the transverse axis t, t, as shown by the dotted lines, and into this groove a strap

page_text: 1
was fitted with the balls ; c attached to it, these balls working in the socket d; d,
and being guided by the blocks h h in the bars, would convert the revolving
into reciprocating motion; and also in this case balls attached to any other part of
this strap than in the 'transverse guided axis't, t, would describe a 'figure of (8)' in
one direction as well as an arc of a circle in another:
**:
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, show an application of our Invention to a two (2) cylinder
single-acting steam engine, Figure 2 being an end view showing the end lever;
Figure 3, a sectional elevation; Figure 4, a sectional plan; and Figure 5, a section
through valve gear, concentric, and shaft, the dotted lines show one way in which a
third or any other suitable number of cylinders may be attached. The same letters
denote similar parts in each of these Figures respectively.
In this engine the frame a represents the globe, its transverse axis being
compelled to reciprocate in a true plane by means of the end lever b and its rolling
axis caused to revolve by the crank shaft c, the two connecting rods d, d, being
detached to the pistons working in the single-acting cylinders e, e, and to the
lever b by pins, they being compelled to vibrate in a true plane as they reciprocate.
The ball or universal joint shown in dotted lines will also reciprocate, but it will
describe the figure of (8) above referred to and may be attached to a third
piston working in a third cylinder by means of ball-and-socket or universal
joints.
The slide valves in this engine are caused to reciprocate by means of the
concentric g revolving in the strap S, this concentric being jointed to the crank
shaft by means of a pin h, this pin being at such an angle that the concentric in
revolving causes the slide valves to reciprocate through a distance equal to the lap
and lead in this engine, and in this position the valves are in mid gear, the
concentric being held in this position by means of a sliding ball p attached to a
sleeve n which revolves with and is capable of sliding on the shaft by means of the
strap which embraces it, and is held in position by the lever O; then the movement
of this lever to and fro will move the concentric at such angles that reciprocating
motions will be given to the slide valves to work the engine either backwards or
forwards, and intermediate angles will cause the valves to use the steam more or
less expansively, and balls or universal joints attached to any other parts of this
strap S in which the concentric revolves, such as the one shown in dotted lines, will
give off a suitable reciprocating motion for any other suitably placed cylinder, and
it is obvious that if the concentric is attached to a governor so as to cause these
varying angles with the shaft a variable automatic expansion gear will be produced;
also in some cases two concentrics may be used, one to work the main slide valve
and another to work an expansion slide, in which case we propose to connect this
last-mentioned concentric with the governor.
The reciprocating motion for the slide valves may also be obtained by means of
an end lever and connexions similar to that already described, and other valves
than the slide valve illustrated in the Drawing may be used; a circular valve or its
equivalent caused to revolve by the shaft may be used. to admit and exhaust the
steam. The crank shaft may lead in either direction or both.
We propose to use any suitable number of cylinders arranged around the crank
shaft, either double or single-acting, or a combination of both double-acting
cylinders need not be arranged in more than half a circle and single-acting cylinders
equally divided into the circle; a single cylinder may be used. An engine may be
made so that the cylinders may be attached to a hollow shaft working on the main
shaft then the cylinders not being held in position by the bed plate or its
equivalent will revolve in one direction and the shaft in the other.
In some cases in double-acting engines when it is necessary to have a front cover
to the cylinder the central part of this cover may be made to slide sufficiently to
allow the connecting rod to vibrate as it requires to do, and it will then pass
through a spherical stuffing box.
In force pumps such as used in hydraulic work this Invention admits of a
method of regulating the power, for example, supposing the reciprocating arms

page_text: attached to a number of force pumps, and a means provided for sliding the pins,b; b,
(Figure 1) nearer to or farther from the centre of the crank shaft; then the stroke
of all the pumps would be either decreased or increased.
Our arrangement of engines may be used in duplicate, or..more than oner set of
engines may be used to actuate the same revolving, shaft or shafts.
A valve may be used of the form of a zone or frustrum of a sphere rolling in a
corresponding seat, so as to admit or exhaust the steam from these cylinders.
The engines may be made compound and the reciprocating motion for working
the air and other pumps in all cases taken off any suitable reciprocating part.
An arrangement of pumps may be used longitudinally, opposed or otherwise
worked by the engine.
Figures 6 and 7 show an application of our Invention to a two (2) cylinder engine,
Figure 6 being an end view showing the end lever; and Figure 7 a plan showing
the manner in which the crank shaft may lead in one direction or both. In this
arrangement the frame a represents the globe, its transverse axis being compelled
to reciprocate in a true plane by means of the end lever b which vibrates on the
frame m, m, attached to any convenient part of the engine, connecting rods of
engines may be attached by a simple pin joint to the ends of this lever, and to this
lever is also jointed the frame a, and this in connection with the double crank
shaft produces the revolving and reciprocating motions; to this frame a, other arms
may be fixed, as shown in dotted lines in Figures 2, 3, and 4, so that any other
suitable number of engines may operate on the crank shaft, as herein-before
described.
Figures 8 and 9 show an application of our Invention to a (2) two cylinder
engine, Figure 8 being an end view, and Figure 9 a plan in which the crank
shaft may lead in one direction or both. In this arrangement the end lever b
or its equivalent is placed inside the reciprocating points, and is not attached
to either engine except by the frames m, m; the frame a then represents the
globe in all its movements, and the two connecting rods d, d, may be attached to
it in its reciprocating points, as shown; and also if this frame be made in a complete
circle, or part of a circle, any other suitably placed engines may be similarly
attached to any of the other reciprocating points. Further, in this arrangement
the frame a may be guided in its transverse axis, as shown in dotted lines or other-
wise, which guide will then take all the angular strains, leaving the duty of
relieving the crank shaft of all end strains of engines to the end lever b or its
equivalent (which in this case takes the form of an universal joint).
Figure 10 is a plan view of an application of our Invention to a single cylinder
engine. In this arrangement the frame a represents the globe in all its move-
ments, the transverse axis or end lever being jointed in its centre by a ball-and-
socket or universal joint b, and also to the piston rod cross head in a similar
manner, the piston rod d being continued through the guide 1, and by this means
rotary and reciprocating movements are obtained and crank shafts may lead in
either direction, or both; or it is obvious that in this arrangement the frame a may
be jointed to the end lever, as described in Figures 2. 3. and 4.
Figures 13, 14, and 15 show an application of our Invention to a (4) four.
cylinder engine. Figure 13 being a front end elevation: Figure 14. a half back
end elevation and a half cross section through cylinders; and Figure 15, a sectional
plan. In this application the circular plate or frame a represents the globe in all its
movements, the connecting rods d, d. being universally jointed at their ends, and
the movement of the transverse axis is obtained by a ring Q, which takes the place
of the end lever, being jointed to any convenient part of the engine, as at Q, Q'
and through the transverse axis to the circular plate or frame at Q, Q. By this
movement the rotary and reciprocating movements are obtained.
In this application of our Invention we have shown a manner in which the
steam may be admitted to and exhausted from the engine or engines by a single
valves this valve s is of the form of a zone or frustrum of a sphere rolling in a
corresponding seat; g is a cylinder jointed to the shaft by the pins h, h, and

page_text: revolving with the shaft inside the spherical valve, and this cylinder can be moved
by means of a sleeve n sliding on the shaft exactly in the same manner as already
described with reference to the mode of working the slide valves shown and described
in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5: This spherical valve may also be operated by other means
than the cylinder 'g, such as similar arrangement of parts to any of those described
'for converting the reciprocating movements of the pistons to the revolving crank,
or by an eccentric.
Figure 16 shows an application of our Invention to a four (4) cylinder engine, and
is a sectional plan; this arrangement is more especially adapted for single-acting
engines. The reciprocating and rotary movements are obtained exactly in the
same manner as that already described in Figures 13, 14, and 15, with the exception
that the ring Q is merely used to resist the angular strains, and produce the proper
movements in the circular plate or frame a which represents the globe, the end
strains of the engines being resisted by the fixed ball u, and in this application the
steam is admitted to and exhausted from the cylinders by means of a circular D
valve V, an eccentric revolving with the shaft and inside this valve causes it to
admit and exhaust the steam from each cylinder in its proper turn.
Figures 11 and 12 show a method of applying a governor to our Invention;
Figure 11 is an end elevation, and Figure 12 a sectional elevation. X, X, are the
governor balls; they are drawn towards centre of fly wheel by the spring X¹; X
is a nut screwed inside with a quick thread, and capable of turning loosely on the
shaft; it has two short levers, as shown, connecting it by means of the rods y, Y:
To each of the governor balls; z is a rod sliding on shaft, having a ball at one end
operating on the concentric exactly as described in Figures 3, 4, and 5, and at the
other end it has threads cut on it to engage inside the screwed nuts X'. The result
is that when the engine runs so fast that the centrifugal force causes the governor
balls to fly outwards in opposition to the spring the nut is moved round on the shaft,
and by this means the rod y is caused to slide on the shaft, and the ball or its
equivalent engaging inside the concentric causes it to assume such angles as to operate
on the slide valves, and cause the steam to be used more or less expansively so
as to regulate the speed of the engine.
We give preference to the use of the governor above described, but may use any
other governors which we may find suitable for our purpose.
When these engines are double acting and a piston rod passes through the
cylinder end, as usual with other engines, it will be necessary either to guide this
rod, as shown in Figure 10, or by guiding the piston rod and using a short con-
necting rod and in carrying out our Invention one or more of the engines may be
connected direct to the transverse axis, as described, by a simple joint and those
connected to any other reciprocating point, which describes the figure of 8 move-
ment universally jointed, and it is understood that in all cases where a universal
joint is required a ball and socket or a universal joint may be used, or ordinary
trunk engines may be used, or the cylinders may be allowed to vibrate on trunnions
or on their back ends. In this latter arrangement suitable openings may be pro-
vided for admission and exhaust through the trunnions or back ends, so that
in vibrating these operations will take place without the assistance of any other
valves.
Engines may be used diametrically and longitudinally opposed to each other;
then all end strains of the engines will counteract one another on the part which
represents the centre of the globe, leaving only the rotary forces to operate on
the crank shaft, the angular strains being resisted by any of the means above
described.
Valves revolving with the shaft may be used to admit and exhaust the steam,
and they may be either of the form of a disc or similar to the plug of an ordinary
cock with suitable openings.
Figures 17, 18, and 19, show a special application of our Invention more
particularly adapted as a water engine, pumps, meter, air or other fluid compressor
or exhauster, and other similar purposes, also in some cases as a steam engine,

page_text: Figure 17 is a half cross section through cylinders number 3 and 4, and a half back
end view of cylinders number 1 and 2; Figure 18 is a sectional plan of cylinders
number 1 and 2; and Figure 19 is a sectional plan of cylinders number 3 and 4.
In this application each cylinder has three openings or ports into it a¹, a², a"; the
port a near the one end of each cylinder communicating. by means of the
passage a with the other end of the cylinder next to it, and each of the ports a²
are near the middle of each cylinder communicating with a chamber b' which
contains, say, water pressure. The pistons d'are of a considerable length, the two
ends only fitting the cylinder and the middle part of the body reduced in size, so
as to form the annular space e', or they may be separate pistons connected by a rod.
The piston rods d' are supposed to be coupled to any of the arrangements of
our Invention for converting the reciprocating into rotary motion, or any suitable
arrangement involving the motions described in our explanatory diagram Figure 1,
and the result then is that each of these pistons with regard to the crank shaft will
be one-fourth of a revolution in advance of the one next to it; or in other words,
the piston in number 1 cylinder being on the inward end of its stroke, number 2
will be at half stroke outwards, number 3 at end of outward stroke, and number 4
at half stroke inwards; now as the crank shaft revolves the piston going out-
wards rapidly opens the port a' and admits the water or other pressure to act on
the piston d', and the piston d going inwards rapidly closes the port a to pressure
and opens to allow the escape of the water or other pressure from the piston d³
which has just finished its outward stroke, and so on, each piston acts as a slide
valve to the piston preceding and following it. In this arrangement we have
shown four cylinders which we think most suitable for the purposes mentioned,
but it is obvious that we need not confine ourselves to this particular number of
cylinders nor to this particular arrangement of ports; an arrangement for reversing
may be applied by means of a valve or valves changing the connections of
passages a, where they enter ends of cylinders so as to connect them in the reverse
order, or by making the chamber b₁ or its equivalent an induction or eduction
chamber, and the openings a' then being in the same manner either induction or
eduction.
As shown in the Drawing the eduction is supposed to be flowing out of the
open ends of cylinders; these open ends may be enclosed in one chamber having an
outlet or inlet.
It is obvious that this arrangement may be carried out in various manners, such as
carrying piston rods through the back ends of cylinders to attach any arrangement of
parts involved in producing the mechanical movements involved in our explanatory
diagram Figure 1, and if a third piston is used in each cylinder the eduction may
be taken out of passages through cylinder sides instead of out of the open ends.
And as a meter it will be understood that the arrangement of mechanical parts
above referred to will be merely required to compel the pistons to move at their
proper times with regard to each other, and also to actuate any suitable mechanism
forming an index.
A similar arrangement for the above purposes may be made with two double-
acting cylinders, their centre lines being parallel with and at right angles to the
revolving shaft.
Any suitable number of cylinders may be arranged in this manner as a steam
engine, and in this case the ports may be made to use the steam expansively and
by means of a valve to reverse.
Having now described the nature of our Invention and the means by which we
carry it into practical effect, we would have it distinctly understood, that we do
not confine ourselves to the precise details herein given and illustrated in the
Drawings, as such may be varied or modified to suit the circumstances of particular
cases without departing from the main characteristics of our Invention; and it will
also be understood, that in illustrating our Invention in the Drawings we have
shown two and four cylinder engines in order to make the explanation of our
Invention more easily understood, with reference to our explanatory diagram

page_text: Figure 1, in nearly all cases either single or double-acting engines may be used,
and they may be either simple or compound. In using any suitable number of
single-acting engines the cylinders will produce the best result when they are placed
equidistant from each other around the shaft, and when we use double-acting
engines they need not be arranged in more than half a circle around the shaft, and
equidistant from each other, and that what we consider to be novel and therefore
claim as secured to us by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,
Firstly. The arranging and fixing of any suitable number of cylinders or other
machinery and the arrangement of mechanical parts, substantially in the improved
manner herein-before described and illustrated, converting reciprocating movements
into rotary motion.
Secondly. The manner in which we convert the rotary into reciprocating move-
ments for operating the slide valves.
Thirdly. The spherical valve, constructed and arranged to operate substantially
as set forth.
'
1.
Fourthly. The manner in which we attach a governor to this particular arrange-
ment of valve gear.
Fifthly. The arrangement of four single-acting or two double-acting cylinders in
combination with our arrangement of mechanical parts for converting reciprocating
into rotary motion, and in which the piston of one cylinder acts as a valve to one
of the other cylinders, substantially as described and for the purposes set forth;
namely, a water engine, pump, meter, air, or other fluid compressor or exhauster,
and other similar purposes.
Sixthly. A similar arrangement as above described with any suitable number of
cylinders, having the ports so arranged as to use steam expansively and to reverse,
substantially as described.
Seventhly, The means for reducing or increasing the stroke of all the vibrating
arms, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, we, the Thomas Messenger and George Dundas Church-
ward, liave hereunto set our hands and seals this Twenty-fourth day of
June, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
THOMAS MESSENGER.
(L.S.)
GEORGE DUNDAS CHURCHWARD. (L.S.)