IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES ADAPTED FOR ENGINES, ATMOSPHERIC BRAKES FOR CARS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES OF A SIMILAR NATURE
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Browne, of the Firm of Browne and Company,
Patent Agents, of 5, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN VALVES ADAPTED FOR
ENGINES, ATMOSPHERIC BRAKES FOR CARS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES OF A
SIMILAR NATURE." A communication from abroad by Henry Emil Marchand,
of Pittsburg, in the County of Allegheny, State of Pennsylvania, United States
of America.
led the 9th September 1876, and dated the 10th March 1870.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Alexander Browne at the Office of
the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th March 1876.
ALEXANDER BROWNE, of the Firm of Browne and Company, Patent Agents, of 5,
Southampton Buildings, Holborn, in the County of Middlesex. "JMPROVEMENTS IN
VALVES ADAPTED FOR ENGINES, ATMOSPHERIC BRAKES FOR CARS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES OF A SIMILAR NATURE" A communication from abroad by Henry Emil
Marchand, of Pittsburg, in the County of Allegheny, State of Pennsylvania, United
States of America.
The first part of this Invention relates to a new and improved steam valve
applicable to that class of engines in which the valves are shifted by the direct
action of steam operating alternately on each side thereof, and consists,―
Firstly. In a reciprocating valve furnished with suitable ports, to both ends of
which steam is conducted direct from the induction port, by the difference in
pressure on the ends of the valve created by alternately connecting each end of the
valve chest with the exhaust port by suitable means.
Secondly. In the combination with a reciprocating ported valve of a key or cut
off adapted to work in a valve chamber by the action of the piston or eccentric rod
of the engine in such a manner as to alternately establish communication between
cach end of the valve chest and the exhaust port for the purpose of shifting the
main valve.
Thirdly. In the combination with the said reciprocating ported valve of a cylinder
constructed with four ports, two of which lead to each end thereof, serving in
connection with the ports of the said valve and valve box as induction and eduction
ports for the cylinder in the manner herein-after set forth.
Price id

page_text: Fourthly. In the combination of the reciprocating ported valve, the valve box
and its respective ports, and the cylinder provided with four ports in the manner
heroin-after set forth.
In the Drawings illustrating the first part of this Invention,-
Figure 1 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the improved valve and
valve box showing a portion of the steam cylinder to which it is attached.
Figure 2 represents a horizontal section of the valve box.
Figure 3 represents a transverse section through the valve box and a portion of
the steam cylinder.
Figure 4, a longitudinal vertical section through the cylinder and valve box;
and Figure 5, a transverse vertical section through the upper part of the steam
cylinder.
A is the cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or polygonal valve, having ports B, B,
and C extending through the same; D represents the valve box with a suitable
bore or chamber extending through the same, and provided with induction and
eduction ports E, F. The lower face of the said valve is planed and adapted to fit
upon and be secured to the top of the cylinder G of the engine. Through the
bottom of the valve box are formed four ports H, H, H¹, H', which set over similar
ports I, I, I, I, in the upper portion of the steam cylinder, two of the said ports
extending to each end of the said cylinder and communicating with the interior
thereof. The ports B, B, in the valve extend through the cylinder connecting the
induction port of the valve box alternately with the ports H, H, in the valve box,
and I, I, in the cylinder which serve as induction ports for admitting steam
alternately to each end of the cylinder. The port C extends through the valve and
serves to connect the ports H, H', and I', 1', with the eduction or discharge port of
the valve alternately at proper intervals serving as an eduction port to the cylinder;
K, K, represent two small ports in the top side of the valve box, leading to each end
of the interior thereof to the induction port, and serving to admit steam to both
sides of the cylindrical valve for the purpose herein-after explained; L represents a
cylindrical chamber extending longitudinally through the upper part of the
cylinder G, and provided with a shifting valve M. The said chamber communicates
at its ends with the interior of the cylinder G through ports N, with each end
of the valve box D through ports P, P, and with the exhaust port of the valve box
by means of the port R. The said valve M is shifted as the steam is alternately at
each end of the cylinder by the action of the steam alternately opening and closing
the ports P, P, and throwing the steam spaces in the valve box at each end of the
valve A alternately into communication with the exhaust port of the said valve
box.
The valve chest is provided with the usual induction and exhaust ports indicated
by the letters T1 and T2, the exhaust port having a bridge t extending across the
same which closes the circunferential exhaust port in the main valve when feeding
or exhausting through the lower ports. The letter S represents an auxiliary valve
box formed on one side of the valve box D, and communicating with the interior of
the same at each end by means of the ports T, T, and at the centre of a port U.
The said auxiliary valve box is provided with a cylindrical valve S₁ adapted to
work therein in such manner as to alternately establish communication between
the ends of the valve box and the port U. This last-mentioned auxiliary valve is
intended to be used in connection with the tappet arm or eccentric of the engine to
alternately establish communication with the ends of the valve box and eduction
port of the same in place of the valve M before described.
To prevent the valve A from shifting around in the bore of the valve box, a
guide pin V setting in a recess bored in the end of the valve A is extended from
either head of the valve box D.
The operation of this Invention is as follows:-The various parts of the engine
being in the position shown in Figure 1, upon admitting steam into the eduction
port of the valve box it takes the course through the port B into the port I, as
shown by the arrows entering at one end of the cylinder. The port I¹ leading from

page_text: the opposite end of the cylinder being connected with the exhaust port of the valve
box by means of the port C through the valve A, allows the steam behind the
piston to drive it towards the opposite end of the cylinder. The valve M in the
chamber L will be in position to close the port P leading into the right hand
end of the valve box, and opening the port P at the left hand end establishing
communication between the latter end and the exhaust port of the valve box. The
difference in the pressure by these means created keeps the valve A in position
until the piston reaches the opposite end of the cylinder, and shifts the valve M,
which immediately changes the ports P, P, opening communication between the
opposite end of the valve box and the exhaust port, releiving the pressure on the
right hand side of the valve, and allowing the steam to shift it so as to change the
induction and eduction ports of the cylinder so as to admit the steam on the left
hand side to make the return stroke of the piston.
The operation of the auxiliary valve will be readily understood from the above
without further explanation.
It will be evident from the above description that as the steam is admitted at all
times equally to both sides of the valve a steam cushion will be formed at each end
of the valve, as the ends of the said valve never close the ports. The valve
being hollow and the pressure inside being equalized, makes it balancing and moving
with very little friction. The valve itself receives and distributes the steam.
The second part of this Invention relates firstly to a new and improved steam
valve for that class of steam engines in which the valves are shifted by the direct
action of the steain operating alternately on each side of the same, and it consists,―
Firstly. In a reciprocating valve adapted to work in a valve box, to both ends of
which steam is conducted directly from the induction port of the valve box by
alternately connecting each end of the said valve chest with the exhaust port by
means of an oscillating or rotating valve as herein-after more fully described.
Secondly. In the combination with the said reciprocating valve and valve box of
two adjusting screws by which the valve may be adjusted, and its motion limited
in such a manner that the ends cannot close the ports leading to the cylinder or the
ports leading from the valve box to the exhaust port as herein-after more fully set
forth.
Thirdly. In the combination with the said reciprocating valve of an oscillating
valve, the end of which sets in a longitudinal recess on one side of the reciprocating
valve to prevent the saine from shifting and displacing the ports as more fully
herein-after described.
Fourthly. In the combination with the reciprocating valve and valve box of two
auxiliary ports leading from the induction port to each end of the valve chest or box
for the purpose of admitting steam to each end of the valve, as herein-after set
forth.
Fifthly. In the combination with the reciprocating valve and valve chest of an
exhaust port leading from each end of the chest to the centre of the same, and an
oscillating or rotating valve operated by the eccentric or tappet arm of the engine,
by means of which each end of the valve chest is made to communicate alternately
with the exhaust port of the chest, as herein-after described.
Sixthly. In the combination with the oscillating valve of a double crank with
crank pins at each end, to either of which the eccentric rod of the engine may be
attached for the purpose of reversing, as herein-after shown.
Figure 6 represents a side elevation of the improved valve box and a portion of
the steam cylinder.
Figure 7, a detached view of the cylindrical valve.
Figure 8, a longitudinal vertical section through the valve box and valve.
Figure 9, a transverse vertical section.
Figure 10, a perspective view of the valve, and
Figure 11, a detached view of the auxiliary oscillating valve.
Referring to the Figures which illustrate the second part of this Invention the
duntion nouta D DL

page_text: and ports C, C, in the bottom which correspond to the ports of the cylinder. D
represents a cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or polygonal valve adapted to move
longitudinally backwards and forwards in the valve box A. The said valve is
provided with ports D, D', branching from a port D2, the whole forming a con-
tinuous double port extending through the valve. The port D2 falls directly under
the induction port B, and the lower ports D¹, D', are alternately brought over cach
port C, C, so as to admit steam alternately into each end of the cylinder as the
valve is shifted. The valve D has also a port E extending from a recess F cut
across one side of the said valve to the opposite side, the said port extending
directly through the valve D. The said port and recess serve to form communi-
cation alternately between the ports C, C, and the exhaust port as the valve D is
shifted. G, G, represent two ports leading from the induction port B of the valvo
box to each end of the same, and serving to admit steam on both sides of the
valve D; and H, H, represent two similar ports leading from each end of the valvo
box to the centre of the saine, and opening into the interior opposite a longitudinal
recess L on the valve D which connects with the port E leading to the exhaust.
The ports H, H, are alternately thrown into communication with the exhaust port
by the shifting of the valve D, the ends of the said ports being alternately covered
and uncovered by the ends of the said valve, establishing the communication
through the port 1. K represents an oscillating or rotating valve or cut-off set in
one side of the valve box D. The said valve has secured to its outer end a double
crank K, with crank pins at each end, over either of which the slot in the end
of the eccentric rod L of the engine may be set, providing a ready means of
reversing the action of the valve and engine by simply changing the eccentric rod
from one to the other of the pins. The valve or cut-off K is made hollow and
open at one end, the open end terminating in the recess I in the valve D. At one
side of the valve K is formed a slot M, the object of which will be herein-after
explained. The rear end of the said valve K setting in the recess I prevents the
valve D from turning and displacing the ports. N, N, represent two adjusting
screws passing through opposite ends of the valve box and abutting against the
ends of the valve D for the purpose of adjusting and limiting its motion to prevent
the valve from passing under the port, thereby cutting off the steam which acts on
the valve.
The operation of this Invention is as follows:-The parts being in position, as
indicated in Figure 3, steam will be admitted through the ports B and C to the
right hand side of the cylinder, the opposite side being in communication with the
exhaust port through the port C leading into the recess F and port E. Steam is
also admitted through the ports G, G, to each side of the valve in the valve box,
but the left hand side of the said box being in communication with the exhaust,
the difference in the pressure on opposite sides of the valve keeps it in position.
When the piston reaches the opposite end of its stroke the cam of the engine
reverses the oscillating or rotating valve or cut-off K, shutting off communication
with the right hand side of the valve box and the exhaust, and establishing com-
munication with the left. This shifts the valve D, changing the ports of the
cylinder, as will be readily understood.
By admitting steam to both sides of the valve and operating the same by
connecting cach side alternately with the exhaust port as described, the valve
cannot by any possibility become centred, as in other engines of this class, as
heretofore constructed.
The guide slot or recess in the side of the reciprocating valve in which the end
of the cut-off valve sets prevents any possibility of the said main valve shifting
around so as to displace the ports, rendering the action of the valve perfectly
reliable.
The third part of this Invention relates to certain improvements in that class of
air brakes in which the brake is set by relieving the pressure in the conducting
tube, which releases a valve and allows it to be thrown forward, establishing
communication botween the piston cylinder and a reservoir containing compressed

page_text: air, which operating against the piston applies the brakes, and the third part of
this Invention consists in a new and improvel duplex valve, which operates in
combination with the said reservoir and piston cylinder, the said valve being made
with but two seats and one chamber or port instead of two, as heretofore, whereby
the brake may be much more rapidly and readily set or applied, and all liability of
the air to pass between the said valve and valve box will be avoided, as herein-
after explained.
Figure 13 is a sectional view of the apparatus, showing the position of the valve
when the brakes are thrown off.
Figure 14 represents a similar view, showing the position of the valves when
the brakes are applied.
Figure 15 represents an end view of the apparatus, and Figure 16 is a detached
view of the duplex valve.
Figure 17 is a sectional view of the valve and air reservoir and brake cylinder,
showing wherein the spring is dispensed with which throws the valves to establish
communication between the air reservoir and brake cylinder, and Figure 18 is a
transverse section of the valve through the line X, X.
Referring to the Drawings which illustrate the third part of this Invention, the
letter A represents the reservoir for the compressed air, and B the piston cylinder.
The air reservoir A communicates with the valve box C, which is connected to a
suitable air pump by means of a pipe or hose D. The air reservoir and cylinder
are formed with flanges at the edges where they join and are united in any con-
venient manner, a diaphragm E of suitable material being interposed between the
two, as shown. To one side of the cylinder and reservoir a valve chest C is secured,
communicating with the said reservoir and cylinder by means of the ports F, G, H;
the said valve chest is preferably made separate from the cylinder and reservoir, and
bolted or otherwise secured to the same, the surfaces being properly levelled or faced
for the purpose. The upper end of the port F in the reservoir is countersunk and
a disc of wire gauze set therein to prevent ashes, cinders, or other injurious sub-
stances from finding their way into the reservoir and piston cylinder. To the
lower part of the said port is applied a valve I, opening inwardly and provided with
a spiral spring K, by which it is kept to its seat. The port F is the induction port,
through which the air is forced into the reservoir; G is the eduction port leading
into the valve chest immediately below the valve; and H is a port connecting the
valve chest with the piston cylinder, which serves as an induction or eduction
port to the same as occasion may require. The improved valve is represented by
the letter L, and it consists of two yoked sections, , bolted or formed upon a
stem or rod M, so as to leave a single port or chamber between. The said sections
are coated with lead or other suitable soft metal, and accurately turned to fit the
valve chest. The front section is of sufficient length to close the port G when the
valve is in position shown in Figure 13. The valve chest is cylindrical in its
interior to correspond to the shape of the valve, and is provided with an eduction
port N for the escape of the air when the piston is thrown back. The valve may
be inserted at either end of the valve chest before the heads P, P', are applied, a
spiral spring Q being placed behind the valve at the end over the piston cylinder,
as shown, in order to press the valve forward when the pressure in the tube D is
relieved. Either head of the valve chest may be connected to the pump by means
of a suitable tube or hose D, as will be evident; R represents a tube provided with
a cock leading from the reservoir, by means of which the same may be emptied of
compressed air when desired. In practice this tube is extended upward to the
platform of the car so as to be under the control of the brakesman. The duplex
valve as thus constructed, with two long sections and one intervening port, is more
readily and perfectly packed than the valves heretofore in use, and operates more
effectively in preventing the escape of air either into the valve chest or from the
reservoir to the piston cylinder, and besides it is more rapidly shifted, causing a
corresponding rapidity of movement of the piston, thus rendering the operation of
the brake safer and more effective.

page_text: The operation of this apparatus is as follows:-The parts being suitably con-
nected, air is forced into the valve chest and from the same into the reservoir.
The air forces the duplex valve to the end of the valve chest, and then takes its
way through the port G into the reservoir. The valve at the lower end of the
port G closes automatically when the pressure in the valve chest is relieved, or
partially relieved, and prevents the escape of air through the said port. The
reservoir being thus charged the brakes are ready to be put on. This is done by
altogether relieving the pressure in the pipe D, the spring throwing the valve L
forward so as to establish communication between the ports G and H, allowing the
compressed air to act upon the piston thus setting the brakes.
It will be evident that instead of employing a spring to throw the valve in order
to establish communication between the reservoir and the piston, I may employ
steam or compressed air to act on the said valve for accomplishing the said object
without departing from the object of this Invention, and for this purpose I construct
the air reservoir, brake cylinder, and valve as represented in Figure 16. Referring
to the said Figure, when the brake is to be applied the air is released from the
pipe D through which the air is pumped into the reservoir A, when the air in the
said reservoir will act through the port G on the enlarged end e² of the valve,
thereby throwing the said valve, closing the port N, and establishing communi-
cation between the air reservoir and brake cylinder. In the position in which the
valve is arranged in Figure 16 the air is being pumped through the pipe D into
the reservoir A, the port G being closed, and the ports H and N being in commu-
nication air from behind the piston will pass off into the atmosphere, releasing
the brake.
2:
Having now described and set forth the nature and object of the Invention for
Improvements in Valves adapted for Engines, Atmospheric Brakes for Cars, and
for other Purposes of a similar Nature," as communicated to me by my foreign
correspondent, and explained the inanner of carrying the same into effect, I would
remark in conclusion that what I claim as this Invention and desire to secure by
Letters Patent is,-
Firstly. A valve chest, having steam ports so regulated as to move the valve
independently of the main passage by passing steam from the induction port of the
valve to and through a passage constructed in the valve chest and cuding on the
inner side of the head plates of the valve chamber, substantially as described.
Secondly. A reciprocating ported valve adapted to work in a valve chest, to both
ends of which steam is conducted directly from the induction port by the difference
in pressure on the ends of the valve chest, alternately connecting each end of the
valve chest with the exhaust port, substantially as described in the first part of this
Invention.
Thirdly. In combining with the reciprocating ported valve an auxiliary valve or
cut off, operated by the piston or eccentric rod of the engine in such manner as to
alternately establish communication by suitable ports with each end of the valve
chest and the exhaust for the purpose of shifting the piston, substantially as
described in the first part of this Invention.
Fourthly. The combination of the reciprocating ported valve and the cylinder
constructed with four ports, two of which lead to each end of tho said cylinder,
serving in connection with the ports of the valve and valve chest as induction
and eduction ports to the said cylinder, substantially as described in the first part
of this Invention.
Fifthly. The combination of the reciprocating ported valve, the valve box and
its respective ports, and the cylinder provided with four ports, substantially as
described in the first part of this Invention.
Sixthly. A valve with two exhausts, one passing half way round it to exhaust
the cylinder, the other passing directly through it to exhaust the valve, substantially
as described and represented.
Seventhly. A valve chest having two central exhausts, one passing from the
cylinder around the valve and out, the other passing around the inner lining of

page_text: the valve chest to the centre, and from thence through the valve out into the main
exhaust, substantially as described and represented.
Eighthly. A reciprocating valve adapted to work in a valve box, to both ends
of which steam is conducted directly from the induction port in the valve box by
alternately connecting each end of the said valve box with the exhaust port, sub-
stantially as described in the second part of this Invention.
Ninthly. The combination of the reciprocating valve and valve box of the
adjusting screws at each end for adjusting the valve and limiting its motion, sub-
stantially as described in the second part of this Invention.
Tenthly. An oscillating key, forming the guide, cut off, and central exhaust, for
the valve, substantially as described in the second part of this Invention.
Eleventhly. The combination of the reciprocating valve with an oscillating key
or cut-off valve, the end of which sets within a recess in the side of the said
reciprocating valve to guide the same longitudinally and prevent its turning
and displacing the ports, substantially as described in the second part of this
Invention.
Twelfthly. In combining with the reciprocating valve and valve box the two
auxiliary ports leading from the induction port to each end of the valve chest for
the purpose of admitting steam to each side of the valve, substantially as described
in the second part of this Invention.
Thirteenthly. In combining with the reciprocating valve and valve chest the
exhaust port leading from each end of the same, and the oscillating valve operated
by the cam or eccentric rod of the engine to alternately connect the ends of the
valve box with the exhaust, substantially as described in the second part of this
Invention.
Fourteenthly. The oscillating or rotating valve, provided with a double crank,
in combination with the eccentric rod of the engine, substantially as described in
the second part of this Invention.
Fifteenthly. The duplex valve L, working in a valve chest C, in combination with
the ports F, G, H, reservoir A, and piston cylinder B, substantially as described in
the third part of this Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Browne, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six.
ALEX. BROWNE. (L.S.)