IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO VALVES AND VALVE FACES AND PORTS, AND THEIR PASSAGES FOR STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES.
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Annable, of 20, Sandheys Street, Liverpool, in the
County of Lancaster, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND
RELATING TO VALVES AND VALVE FACES AND PORTS, AND THEIR PASSAGES
FOR STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES.
Sealed the 21st February 1879, and dated the 16th December 1878.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Annable at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th December 1878.
JOHN ANNABLE, of 20, Sandheys Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO VALVES AND VALVE FACES
AND PORTS, AND THEIR PASSAGES FOR STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES."
My Invention has for its object to simplify the construction and working of the
valves of steam and other engines, and of the parts immediately connected there-
with for actuating, controlling, and reversing such valves.
That my Invention may be understood I have hereunto attached eleven Sheets
of Drawings marked with letters and figures of reference corresponding with those
in the following explanation.
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the cylinder of a steam engine provided with
a valve, and ports, and passages constructed according to my Invention.
Figure 2 is a section through A, B, Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a section through C, D, Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a plan of cylinder valve face as at Figure 1.
Figure 5 is an end view of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is another arrangement of my Invention.
Figure 7 is a section through E, F, Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a section through G, H, Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a further arrangement of my Invention.
Figure 10 is a section through J, K, Figure 9.
Figure 11 is an end section illustrating my Invention applied as a flat valve.
Figure 12 is a section through L, M, Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a plan of Figure 11.

page_text: Upon reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the Drawings it will be seen that my Inven-
tion consists of a cylindrically formed valve A working within a cylindrical valve
casing B, and having reciprocating movement imparted to it by the valve spindle
C, receiving motion from the eccentric or other rod D. A rocking motion as
hereinafter described for the purposes of reversing and cutting off can also be
imparted simultaneously or otherwise with the reciprocating movement by means
of the lever E, the pin E¹ and the lever handle E¹¹. G, G¹, are the steam ports of
the valve, and H the exhaust port of the valve. I, 1', are the steam ports of the
cylinder valve face, and J, J¹, are the exhaust ports of the same. K is the steam
inlet branch, and L the exhaust outlet branch of the cylinder. X is the cylinder,
Y the piston, and Z the piston rod.
Upon reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the Drawings it will be seen that the
valve A is shown on the centre or blank. To start the engines it is necessary
that the ports G, G¹, should be moved round either over and in line with the
ports I or with the ports I'. In like manner, see Figure 3, the port H being moved
round to cover the port J or the port J. The necessary rocking or rotating
movement is imparted to the valve A through the valve spindle C by means of the
hand lever E¹¹. As the ports G and H of the valve A cover the ports I, II, and J, J¹, of
the cylinder valve face, so will be the direction of the motive fluid and the direction
of action of the engine, the valve A thus serving as a reversing valve as well as an
admission valve. For the purpose of cutting off the motive fluid the hand lever Ell
may be connected to any moving part of the engine by the rod E¹¹, Figure 5, that
will gradually bring the valve back to the centre position, as shown at Figures 2
and 3.
Upon reference to Figure 4 it will be seen that the steam ports of one end of the
cylinder are represented by the numeral 3, the steam ports for the other end of the
cylinder are represented by the numeral 5, the numeral 4 representing the common
exhaust port. In Figure 1 the section for convenience is of a "bastard" nature
for the purpose of illustrating the lead of the passages.
It will be seen that the steam ports 3 and 5 representing the top and bottom of
the cylinder are reversed (see Figure 4). By this arrangement according to the
position of the valve A to one side or the other, so is the direction of the motive
fluid, and hence the reversing capability of the valve, the supply of motive fluid
being continued by the reciprocating movement of the valve caused by the valve
spindle C.
In the arrangement shown at Figures 6, 7, and 8, it will be seen that the order
of ports is reversed, and that double ports and steam passages are formed in the
valve A instead of on the cylinder valve face as shown at Figures 1 to 5, the
ports I and J in the cylinder valve face being formed and having the position
usual in the case of ordinary slide valves.
It will be seen that Figure 7 is a section of one side of the valve A, shown at
Figure 6, and Figure 8 is a section of the other side of the valve A, shown at
Figure 6. In Figure 7, G, G¹, are the steam ports; H, the exhaust ports. The
opening in the end of the valve A at G, Figure 6, allows the steam when the
valve is turned to pass on to the outside of the valve at G, Gill, see Figure 8,
thus when that side of the valve A is being used, the action is similar to an
ordinary slide valve, the eccentric leading the crank. When the other portion of
the valve, as shown at Figure 7, is in operation, the eccentric trails the crank.
It will be understood that the eccentric is fixed on the shaft. It will be seen that
as the valve A is turned to bring the portion as shown at Figure 7, or the portion
as shown at Figure 8 into position over the cylinder valve face, so will be the
motion of the piston Y one way or the other, the valve A thus acting as a
reversing valve and as a cut off valve.
In the arrangement shown at Figures 9 and 10 the reversing and cut off
motion is imparted by the cylindrical casing or changeable face S, which is actuated
by the lever R and a spindle T, the valve in this case only having a recipro-
cating movement imparted to it by the valve spindle C.

page_text: Upon reference to Figures 11, 12, and 13, it will be seen that my Invention
can be applied as a flat valve, longitudinal reciprocating movement being imparted
to the valve A by the valve spindle C through the buckle or guard O, and trans-
verse sliding movement being imparted simultaneously or otherwise to the valve A
when required for reversing and cutting off. This is effected by means of the
buckle or guard P, which is actuated by the spindle U moved by hand or by con-
nection with some moving part of the engine, the reverse action being obtained by
the peculiar formation and position of the ports of the valve A
Valves constructed according to my Invention are applicable to most classes of
motive power engines such as steam winches, steam cranes or hoists, steam steering
engines, steam engines generally, also to hydraulic engines.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Annable in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th June
1879.
JOHN ANNABLE, of 20, Sandheys Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO VALVES AND VALVE FACES
AND PORTS, AND THEIR PASSAGES FOR STEAM AND OTHER ENGINES."
The object of my Invention is to simplify the construction and working of the
valves of steam and other engines, and of the parts immediately connected there-
with for actuating, controlling, and reversing such valves, and that my Invention
may be understood, I have hereunto attached three Sheets of Drawings marked
with letters and figures of reference, corresponding with those in the following
explanation. Like letters being used in the various Figures to denote the same
or corresponding parts.
Figure 1 (Sheet 1) is a sectional elevation of the cylinder of a steam engine
provided with a valve, and parts, and passages according to my Invention.
Figure 2 (Sheet 1) is a section through A, B, Figure 1.
Figure 3 (Sheet 1) is a section through C, D, Figure 1.
Figure 4 (Sheet 1) is a plan of cylinder valve face as at Figure 1.
Figure 5 (Sheet 1) is an end view of Figures 1 and 4.
Figure 6 (Sheet 1) is another arrangement of my Invention.
Figure 7 (Sheet 1) is a section through E, F, Figure 6.
Figure 8 (Sheet 1) is an end view of Figure 6.
Figure 9 (Sheet 2) is a further arrangement of my Invention.
Figure 10 (Sheet 2) is a section through J, K, Figure 9.
Figure 11 (Sheet 2) is a sectional elevation through the line X, Figure 10, the
section of Figure 9 being taken through the line Z, Figure 10.
Figure 12 (Sheet 2) is an end section illustrating my Invention applied as
a flat valve.
Figure 13 (Sheet 2) is a section through L, M, Figure 12.
Figure 14 (Sheet 2) is a plan of Figure 12.
Figure 15 (Sheet 3) is a plan of a steam steering engine fitted with valves and
gear constructed according to my Invention.
Figure 16 (Sheet 3) is a side elevation of Figure 15.
Upon reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the Drawings it will be seen that my
Invention consists of a cylindrically formed valve A, working within a cylindrical
casing B, and having reciprocating movement imparted to it by the valve spindle C,
which receives motion from the eccentric or other rod D. A rocking motion as
hereinafter described for the purposes of reversing and cutting off, can also be
imparted to the valve simultaneously with the reciprocating movement by means
of the lever E, the pin E¹, and the lever E¹¹, which latter can be worked by hand or
by connection with some working part of the engine. G, G', are the steam ports of
the valve A, and H the exhaust port of the valve A; I, I', are the steam ports of the
cylinder valve face; J, J, are the exhaust ports of the same; K is the steam inlet
branch, and L the exhaust outlet branch of the cylinder X; Y is the piston and
Z the piston rod of the cylinder X.
2
Upon reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the Drawings it will be seen that the
valve A is shown on the centre or at stop. To start the engine it is necessary
that the ports G, G', should be moved round either over and in line with the
ports I, or with the ports I¹ (see Figure 3). In like manner the port H being
moved round to cover port J or the port J', the necessary rocking or rotating i
movement being imparted to the valve A through the valve spindle C by means of
the lever E¹. As the ports G and H of the valve A cover the ports I, I¹, and J, J',
of the cylinder valve face, so will be the direction of the steam and the direction of
action of the engine, the valve A thus serving as a reversing valve as well as an

page_text: adınission valve. For the purpose of cutting off the steam the lever E" may be
connected to any moving part of the engine by the rod E, Figure 5, that will
gradually bring the valve back to the centre position, as shown at Figures 2 and 3.
Upon reference to Figure 4 it will be seen that the steam ports of one end of
the cylinder are represented by the numeral 3, and the steam ports of the other
end of the cylinder are represented by the numeral 5, the numeral 4 representing
the common exhaust port. In Figure 1 the section for convenience is of a bastard
nature for the purpose of illustrating the lead of the passages.
It will be seen that the steam ports 3 and 5 representing the top and bottom of
the cylinder are reversed (see Figure 4). By this arrangement according to the
position of the valve A to the one side or the other, so is the direction of the steam,
and hence the reversing capability of the valve. The supply being continued to
the top and bottom of the cylinder by the reciprocating movement of the valve
caused by the valve spindle C.
In the arrangement shown at Figures 6, 7, and 8, the reversing and cut off motion
is imparted by the cylindrical casing or changeable face S, which is actuated by the
lever R and a spindle T, the valve in this case only having a reciprocating move-
ment imparted to it by the valve spindle C.
In the arrangement shown at Figures 9, 10, and 11, it will be seen that the
order of ports is reversed and that double ports and steam passages are formed
in the valve A instead of on the cylinder valve face as shown at Figures 1 to 5,
the ports I and J in the cylinder valve face being formed and having the position
usual in the case of ordinary slide valves.
It will be seen that Figure 9 is a section through the line Z, Figure 10, showing
one side of the valve A, and Fig. 11 is a section through the line X, Figure 10,
showing the other side of the valve A. In Figure 11, G, G₁, are the steam ports, H
the exhaust port. The opening in the end of the valve A at G, Figure 10,
allows the steam when the valve is turned to pass on to the outside of the valve
at G, G, see Figure 9, thus when that side of the valve A is being used the
action is similar to an ordinary slide valve, the eccentric leading the crank. When
the other portion of the valve as shown at Figure 11 is in operation, the eccentric
trails the crank. It will be understood that the eccentric is keyed on the shaft.
It will be seen that as the valve A is turned to bring the portion as shown at
Figure 9, or the portion as shown at Figure 11, into position over the cylinder
valve face, so will be the motion of the piston one way or the other, the valve A
thus acting as a reversing valve and as a cut off valve.
Upon reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14 it will be seen that my Invention can
be applied as a flat valve, longitudinal reciprocating movement being imparted to
the valve A by the valve spindle C through the buckle or guard O, and transverso
sliding movement being imparted simultaneously or otherwise to the valve A when
required for reversing and cutting off. This latter is effected by means of the
buckle or guard P which is actuated by the spindle U moved by hand, or by con-
nection with some moving part of the engine, the reverse action being obtained by
the peculiar formation and position of the ports of the valve A.
Valves constructed according to my Invention are applicable to most classes of
motive power engines such as steam winches, steam cranes or hoists, steam steering
engines, steam engines generally, also to hydraulic engines.
In Figures 15 and 16, Sheet 3, I have illustrated a steam steering engine fitted
with valves of the type illustrated at Figures 1 to 5, Sheet 1; X, X, are the steam
cylinders; B, B, the valve casings; K, the steam inlets; C, the valve spindles which
receive reciprocating motion from the eccentrics C, and a rocking or rotary
motion from the links E. It will be seen that the connecting rods a impart
motion to the shaft b, which by means of a worin and wheel & transmits motion
by means of the shaft t through the pinion e to the wheel fand the chain drum g;
h is the hand wheel for imparting rotary motion to the valves through the valve
spindle C so as to cause the engines to go one way or the other. The motion is
transmitted from the wheel h by the wheels i, ', the weigh shaft j, the wheels K, K¹,

page_text: and the wheels 1, 1, 1, 1, which form a differential gear, the wheels 1, 1, being
loose on the shaft t, the wheels 111, 111, rotating with the shaft t. This differential
gear works the toothed pinion 7111, and thereby a toothed rack which actuates
the links E, and thereby the valve spindle C, the requisite cut off being effected
by the engine automatically bringing the links E back to their normal position.
It will be understood that the wheels h, i, and k³, are connected and worked
together, but run loose on the shaft t. The worm wheel d is so fitted that by
unscrewing the nuts m the wheel will run loose, and the steering gear can be
worked as a hand steering gear without steam by the wheel n. By chocking or
arresting the motion of the wheels 1, 111, the wheel h may be used as an auxiliary
to the wheel n for hand steering without actuating the valve gear; p is a chain
wheel for enabling the apparatus to be worked from another position by a
messenger.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion and the manner of carrying the same into operation, I would state that I do
not restrict myself to the precise details herein described and delineated, but what
I believe to be novel and original, and claim as the Invention secured to me by the
herein before in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The construction and arrangement of valve and valve face and ports, and
their passages for steam and other engines as herein described, and as shown at
Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying Drawings or any modification thereof.
Second. The construction and arrangement of valve and valve face and ports,
and their passages for steam and other engines as herein described, and as-shown
at Figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying Drawings or any modification thereof.
Third. The construction and arrangement of valve and valve face and ports, and
their passages for steam and other engines as herein described, and as shown at
Figures 9 to 11 of the accompanying Drawings or any modification thereof.
Fourth. The construction and arrangement of valve and valve face and ports,
and their passages for steam and other engines as herein described, and as shown
at Figures 12 to 14 of the accompanying Drawings or any modification thereof.
Fifth. The arrangement of steam steering apparatus in so far as relates to the
arrangement of valves and gear as herein described, and as shown at Figures 15
and 16 of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Annable, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
JOHN ANNABLE. (L.S.)