IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES AND PUMPS
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Simmons, of Shardeloes Road, New Cross,
in the Parish of Saint Paul, Deptford, in the County of Kent,
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY ENGINES
AND PUMPS."
Sealed the 3rd August 1875, and dated the 8th June 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Simmons at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
8th June 1875.
I, JOHN SIMMONS, of Shardeloes Road, New Cross, in the Parish of
Saint Paul, Deptford, in the County of Kent, Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROTARY
ENGINES AND PUMPS," to be as follows:-
This Invention has for its object improvements in rotary engines and
pumps, and relates to the use within a cylinder of a drum-shaped piston
mounted eccentrically upon a shaft, and arranged to operate in con-
junction with a sliding piece or stop working within a groove or recess.

page_text: running along the cylinder, a vibrating piece or block being interposed
between the sliding piece or stop and the eccentric drum-shaped piston
in such manner as that a suitably curved face of the said vibrating piece
or block shall bear against and follow the varying surface of the said
piston, and thus form a packing piece to prevent the passage of fluid
between the sliding piece or stop and the piston. At each side of the
sliding piece or stop an orifice or orifices is or are formed in the cylinder
for the admission and emission of fluid.
The eccentric drum-shaped piston may be driven in cither direction,
according as the fluid is admitted at one side or other of the sliding
stop. The piston on that side which is in contact with the interior
surface of the cylinder is made tight by suitable packing. Allowance is
made for end wear in the piston stop and covers.
When using my apparatus as a steam engine in order to economise
steam without resorting to the use of an expansion valve I admit steam
through the groove or recess in which the sliding piece or stop works,
and by passages through the sliding piece or stop and the vibrating
piece or block, which latter serves as a valve, the passages being placed
in such positions relative to each other that when the part of the
eccentric drum-shaped piston, which is in contact with the interior
surface of the cylinder, is passing the stop, the passage is opening to
admit steam. When the piston has made one-quarter or other pre-
determined portion of a revolution the passage will be opened to its
greatest extent by the movement of the vibrating block upon its centre
or axis. When the piston has made half or other predetermined portion
of its revolution the steam will be cut off by this same movement of the
vibrating block upon its axis, and the remaining portion of the revolution
will be made by expansion of the steam, the passage remaining closed
until the piston arrives again at the stop. I can also reverse engines
with this arrangement by the introduction of a moveable piece for the
purpose of changing the relative positions of the necessary passages.
The exhaust will be by the passage on the other side of the stop, which
will be constantly open to the atmosphere, or to a condenser, according
to the nature of engine required.
I propose in some cases to use ordinary D slide valves for the admission
of steam, as also for reversing the direction of movement of the piston.
For this purpose the valve chest may be placed upon any convenient

page_text: part of the cylinder, the steam ports being in connection each with one
of the apertures on either side of the sliding stop and the eduction port,
being between the two steam ports in the usual manner. The D valve
is placed in the chest and connected with an eccentric, or if the engine
is required to reverse with a forward and backward eccentric placed
upon the central shaft, and connected by a link motion, as only one
admission of steam is necessary for one revolution of engine, I place the
eccentric or eccentrics in such position upon the shaft that only one
passage or part is uncovered during a revolution, the other being covered
by the valve, and being also by the valve placed in constant com-
munication through the eduction port with a condenser or with the
atmosphere as may be required. If the engine is a reversing one, and
I wish to reverse (the engine being in forward motion), I move the link
so as to bring the backward eccentric into play, as the one actuating
the valve, and the length of its rod being arranged in a different manner
for that purpose, the other port is opened, which now becomes the steam
port, while the forward port becomes the one for eduction, the direction
of the steam into the cylinder being by these means changed, and con-
sequently the movement of the engine also.
In constructing double-acting machines according to my Invention I
divide the cylinder crosswise in its centre by a diaphragm, leaving in its
centre a hole for the passage of the central shaft, or I bolt two cylinders
together, interposing a diaphragm between them. Upon the central
shaft I mount a couple of eccentric drum-shaped pistons, one to each
chamber or cylinder, placing these pistons upon the shaft in such
relative positions that the full or long side of one piston (that is, that
part of the piston bearing against the internal surface of the cylinder)
shall be coincident with the short side of the other piston. In these
relative positions the pistons will always be in equilibrium.
In another arrangement of double-acting engine I place two cylinders
side by side, so that the two axes are parallel with each other, and at a
convenient distance from centre to centre. Each cylinder is fitted with
a central shaft carrying an eccentric drum-shaped piston, as before
described. I make the recess or passage common to both cylinders, and
form the sliding stop in two parts, thus forming a compound sliding stop
common to both pistons. Each end of the sliding stop is provided with
a vibrating piece or block designed to accommodate itself to the varying
surface of the piston against which it bears, hence in this arrangement
2

page_text: and on the piston moving past the aperture at the opposite side of the
stop, the space containing the fluid that has been drawn into the
cylinder is placed in connexion with the eduction passage, and as the
piston continues its rotary movement after passing the sliding stop
whilst drawing in fluid on the suction side of the stop it will at the
opposite side be forcing out the fluid drawn in during its previous
rotation.
Compound engines may be constructed, according to my Invention,
by using steam in one cylinder at high pressure, and in the other or
others for condensation. Any required amount of expansion can be
obtained.
It will be evident also that apparatus according to my Invention may
be used for exhausting gas, and for other purposes.
I propose in some cases to cover the piston with leather or other.
suitable flexible material.
The arrangement described as having the partially rolling motion of
the piston ring or covering is one in which it will be specially advan-
tageous to use over the piston ring or covering a covering of leather,
india-rubber, or other similar material; such material may also be placed
upon the ends of the pistons.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Simmons in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 4th December 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
SIMMONS, of Shardeloes Road, New Cross, in the Parish of Saint Paul,
Deptford, in the County of Kent, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Eighth day of June, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the
thirty-eighth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said John Simmons, Her special
licence, that I, the said John Simmons, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Simmons, my executors

page_text: administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for " IMPROVEMENTS
IN ROTARY ENGINES AND PUMPS," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said John Simmons, my executors or administrators, by
an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Simmons, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement thereof, and the Drawings therein referred
to (that is to say):
This Invention has for its object improvements in rotary engines and
pumps, and relates to the use within a cylinder of a drum-shaped piston
mounted eccentrically upon a shaft, and arranged to operate in con-
junction with a sliding piece or stop working within a groove or recess
running along the cylinder, a vibrating piece or block being interposed
between the sliding piece or stop and the eccentric drum-shaped piston.
in such manner as that a suitably curved face of the said vibrating piece
or block shall bear against and follow the varying surface of the said
piston, and thus form a packing piece to prevent the passage of fluid
between the sliding piece or stop and the piston. Contact between the
vibrating block and the piston can be preserved by the pressure of the
steam or other fluid, as also by the methods herein-after described. At
each side of the sliding piece or stop an orifice or orifices is or are formed
in the cylinder for the admission and emission of fluid.
The eccentric drum-shaped piston may be driven in either direction,
according as the fluid is admitted at one side or other of the sliding stop.
The piston on that side which is in contact with the interior surface of
the cylinder is made tight by suitable packing. Allowance is made for
end wear in the piston stop and covers.

page_text: It will be evident that a machine on my plan with the induction
passages simply as in the pump would become a motive-power engine on
the introduction of steam in either of the passages, but in that case an
expansion valve would be desirable.
When using my apparatus as a steam engine, in order to economise
steam without resorting to the use of a separate expansion valve, I
admit steam through the groove or recess in which the sliding piece or
stop works, and by passages through the sliding piece or stop and the
vibrating piece or block, which latter serves as a valve, the passages
being placed in such positions relative to each other that when the part
of the eccentric drum-shaped piston which is in contact with the interior
surface of the cylinder is passing the stop the passage is opening to
admit steam. When the piston has made one-quarter or other pre-
determined portion of a revolution the passage will be opened to its
3 greatest extent by the movement of the vibrating block upon its centre
or axis. When the piston has made half or other pre-determined portion
of its revolution the steam will be cut off by this same movement of the
vibrating block upon its axis, and the remaining portion of the revolution
will be made by expansion of the steam, the passage remaining closed
until the piston arrives again at the stop. I can also reverse engines
with this arrangement by the introduction of a moveable piece, for the
purpose of changing the relative positions of the necessary passages. The
exhaust will be by the passage on the other side of the stop, which will
be constantly open to the atmosphere or to a condenser, according to the
nature of engine required.
I propose in some cases to use ordinary D slide valves for the
admission of steam, as also for reversing the direction of movement of
the piston. For this purpose the valve chest may be placed upon any
convenient part of the cylinder, the steam ports being in connection
each with one of the apertures on either side of the sliding stop, and the
eduction port being between the two steam ports in the usual manner.
The D valve is placed in the chest and connected with an eccentric, or
if the engine is required to reverse with a forward and backward eccentric
placed upon the central shaft and connected by a link motion, as only
one admission of steam is necessary for one revolution of engine, I place
the eccentric or eccentrics in such position upon the shaft that only one
passage or port is uncovered during a revolution, the other being covered
by the valve, and being also by the valve placed in constant com-

page_text: munication through the eduction port with a condenser or with the
atmosphere, as may be required. If the engine is a reversing one, and
I wish to reverse (the engine being in forward motion), I move the link
so as to bring the backward eccentric into play as the one actuating the
valve, and the length of its rod being arranged in a different manner for 5
that purpose the other port is opened, which now becomes the steam
port, while the forward port becomes the one for eduction, the direction
of the steam into the cylinder being by these means changed, and con-
sequently the movement of the engine also.
.
In constructing double-acting machines according to my Invention I ]
divide the cylinder crosswise in its centre by a diaphragm, leaving in its
centre a hole for the passage of the central shaft, or I bolt two cylinders
together, interposing a diaphragm between them. Upon the central
shaft I mount a couple of eccentric drum-shaped pistons, one to each
chamber or cylinder, placing these pistons upon the shaft in such relative 1
positions that the full or long side of one piston (that is, that part of
the piston bearing against the internal surface of the cylinder) shall be
coincident with the short side of the other piston; in these relative
positions the pistons will always be in equilibrium.
In another arrangement of double-acting engine I place two cylinders 2
side by side, so that the two axes are parallel with each other and at a
convenient distance from centre to centre. Each cylinder is fitted with
a central shaft carrying an eccentric drum-shaped piston, as before
described. I make the recess or passage common to both cylinders, and
form the sliding stop in two parts, thus forming a compound sliding stop 2
common' to both pistons. Each end of the sliding stop is provided with
a vibrating piece or block designed to accommodate itself to the varying
surface of the piston against which it bears, hence in this arrangement
the sliding stop is kept in position by the combined movements of the
pistons themselves. The sliding piece serves as a valve for the admission a
and expansion of the steam or other elastic fluid. Upon the shafts I
place a pair of equal spur wheels in gear with each other, whereby the
pistons are kept in their proper relative positions. When the apparatus
is used for driving purposes these wheels will transmit the motive power
to the shaft which is the motor. A pair of equal cranks, with a rod or å
other well-known connection, would answer the same purpose. When
using this combination for actuating a pump I prefer to place the engine
pistons and the pump pistons upon the same shafts, or to connect their

page_text: shafts in lines by couplings. In this manner one pair of spur wheels
being placed upon the shafts between engine and pump will serve to
control and keep in position the eccentric drum-shaped pistons of both
engine and pump. A spring or other arrangement may be interposed
between the separate portions of the sliding piece or stop to compensate
for wear and for the slight variations in the surface of the pistons caused
by their relative change of position in each revolution.
I sometimes arrange the eccentric drum-shaped piston within a ring or
cylindrical covering attached to the vibrating block in such manner as
that the piston whilst fitting accurately within the ring or covering shall
be at liberty to rotate freely therein. The amount of eccentricity given
to the piston must be such that when it is placed in position the
external surface of the ring or covering shall just touch the internal
surface of the cylinder. As the motion at the point of contact between
the surfaces of the ring or covering and the cylinder is a partially rolling.
one, I compensate for wear by a minute eccentricity between the bearings
of the shaft and the points upon which the piston is keyed, the fixed
keys in the shaft being placed a little diagonally; by slightly moving the
shaft the piston covering will be kept in contact with the cylinder. It
will be obvious that two or more pistons and slides so arranged can be
used in a single engine if desired.
When my apparatus is used as a pump, on rotary motion being com-
municated to the central shaft carrying the eccentric drum-shaped piston,
the sliding stop being caused to follow the varying surface of the
eccentric drum-shaped piston, a partial vacuum will be formed on that
side of the said stop where the space is increasing, which is for the time.
being the inlet or suction side. The fluid to be pumped is thus drawn
in and on the piston moving past the aperture at the opposite side of the
stop, the space containing the fluid that has been drawn into the
cylinder is placed in communication with the eduction passage, and as
the piston continues its rotary movement after passing the sliding stop
whilst drawing in fluid on the suction side of the stop it will at the
opposite side be forcing out the fluid drawn in during its previous
rotation.
It will be obvious that as in my machine the motion of the piston or
pistons is continuous the exhaustion will in the double-acting pump be
continuous, and in the single-acting pump practically continuous, there-

page_text: fore no valves are a necessity in such pumps; but in some cases, as for
instance when exhausting from a depth approaching the natural limit
for a suction pipe, or when forcing water to a considerable height, I
should use a retaining valve which would remain always open during
the time that the pump remained in action, and would close naturally
when the pump stopped.
Engines according to my Invention may be arranged to act as
compound engines, using steam in one cylinder at high pressure, and in
the other or others for condensation. Any required amount of expansion
can be obtained.
It will be evident also that apparatus according to my Invention may
be used for exhausting gas and for other purposes, as fire engines, ships'
pumps, &c.
My machine forms an effective water-power engine wherever a
tolerable force of water is obtainable.
I propose in some cases to cover the piston with leather or other
suitable flexible material.
The arrangement described as having the partially rolling motion of
the piston ring or covering is one in which it will be specially advan-
tageous to use over the piston ring or covering a covering of leather.
india-rubber, or other similar material. Such material may alsó be
placed upon the ends of the pistons.
In order that my Invention and the manner of carrying it into
practical effect may be fully understood, I now proceed to describe the
arrangements illustrated in the accompanying Drawings:-
Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional elevation of a single-acting pump con-
structed according to my Invention. A is the cylinder; A', the groove.
or recess running along the cylinder for the reception of the sliding
piece or stop; A³, the cover for this recess; A³ is the induction passage
or entrance for the fluid; A*, the eduction for the same. The induction
and eduction ports each consists of an oblong aperture (or it may be a
row of apertures) in the cylinder, said aperture being arranged in the
direction of the cylinder's length and parallel to its axis. I use a like
arrangement in each of the modifications of apparatus herein-after
described, except as regards the induction ports where the admission of
actuating fluid takes place through the sliding piece or stop and its

page_text: vibrating block. B is the drum-shaped piston mounted eccentrically
upon a central shaft C; B¹ is the packing piece of said piston; B³, a
spring at the back of the packing piece; D is the sliding piece or stop
working within the recess A¹; E is the vibrating piece or block inter-
posed between the piston B and the sliding stop D. To ensure keeping
the vibrating piece against the face of the piston I place the recess A¹ in
communication (above the sliding pięce or stop) with the eduction
passage, so that fluid may enter said recess above the sliding piece
and force it towards the piston; F is one of the cylinder covers forming
also one of the bearings for the central shaft C; G is a bed plate which
may be dispensed with if desired. The edges x of the packing piece B¹
and of the vibrating piece or block E should be rounded off. This
applies also to the other arrangements herein-after described.
Fig. 2 is a transverse section of a motor according to my Invention.
A is the cylinder; A', the recess formed in the cylinder; A², the cover
of the recess; A³ is the induction passage for the steam or other motivo
fluid; A', the eduction passage to the condenser or to, the atmosphere, as
may be desired; B is the drum-shaped hollow piston mounted
eccentrically upon the central shaft C; B' is a packing piece; and
B², its spring for the said piston; D is the sliding piece or stop, which
in conjunction with the vibrating piece or block E interposed between
the piston B and the said sliding piece or block forms also in this case
a valve for the admission and expansion of the steam or other motive
fluid; F is one of the cylinder covers forming also one of the bearings
for the central shaft C; G is a sole or bed plate.
Fig. 3 shews in longitudinal elevation and section a single-acting
engine and pump combined. A, A, are the cylinders; A', the recesses
for the sliding stops; A³, their covers; A³, is the induction steam port;
the xhaust is not shewn, being at the further side; A* is the discharge
aperture of the pump, whose suction orifice is not seen in the Drawing;
B are the drum-shaped hollow pistons of the engine and pump mounted
eccentrically upon the central shaft C, which is common to both; B', the
packing pieces; D, the sliding stops in their several grooves or recesses;
E, the vibrating blocks interposed between the pistons and the sliding
stops, and which are similar in construction to those represented in
Fig. 2. The sliding stop of the engine in conjunction with its vibrating
block forms also a valve for the admission and expansion of the steam,
as described with reference to Fig. 2. F, the cylinder covers forming

page_text: also the bearings for the central shaft C; G, the sole plate; F, glands
W, a fly wheel, which is desirable in a single-acting engine.
Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional elevation, and Fig. 5 is a longitudinal
elevation (partly in section) of an engine according to my Invention
made double-acting, that is, with two pistons mounted eccentrically
upon one shaft, the long side of one piston being coincident with the
short side of the other piston, and the distance between them equal to
the thickness of a diaphragm placed between the two cylinders which are
bolted together; or the diaphragm may form the division between two
chambers in one cylinder; the admission and emission of steam or other
motive fluid being in this arrangement regulated by ordinary D valves
and the link motion for reversing, though the manner of using the
common D valve is different from the common mode, as will be seen.
A, A, are the cylinders bolted together with a steel (or other)
diaphragm a between them; A¹, the recesses for the sliding stops;
A³, their covers; A³, the induction passages; A', eduction passages;
A³, internal steel lining of cylinder; B, drum-shaped hollow pistons
mounted upon the central shaft C; B', packing pieces of the pistons ;
B², their springs; D, the sliding stops in their recesses; E, vibrating
pieces or blocks interposed between the pistons and the sliding stops;
F, the cylinder covers forming also the bearings for the central shaft C;
F', the stuffing boxes; H, slide jackets with covers; J, slide valves;
J¹, slide valve rods; J³, connecting links; L, eccentrics and rods; the
back rods are made longer than the front rods in order to throw over
'the valve a sufficient distance to uncover and open to the valve casing the
port that has been kept covered by the valve; M, N, and O, reversing
link motion of the ordinary construction; P, actuating fluid entrance
for both cylinders; R, eduction pipes; S, steel plate with springs at
back to allow for wear. It will be obvious that when the motion of the
engine is reversed the induction port A³ will become an eduction port,
and A' will be an induction port, there being only one introduction of
actuating fluid in each cylinder for each revolution.
Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional elevation; Fig. 7, an end clevation;
and Fig. 8, a cross sectional elevation of an engine according to my
Invention with two chambers in one cylinder, two drum-shaped pistons
being mounted eccentrically upon one shaft, as before described. The
entrance of actuating fluid takes place through the sliding stops and
vibrating blocks, and is regulated by moveable pieces (resembling cocks)

page_text: one of which is shewn at Y, so that the engine may be reversed by
adjusting the said pieces and the cocks or valves I so as to change the
direction of their passages; A are the cylinders; A¹, the recesses;
A², their covers; A³, in the position of the parts, as shewn, represents
the induction; and A', the eduction passages; B, the drum-shaped
pistons; B', packing pieces for the same; B³, their springs; C, the central
shaft; D, the sliding stops; E, vibrating blocks, interposed between
the pistons and the stops; F, cylinder covers, forming also bearings for
the central shaft C; F¹, stuffing boxes; I, cocks for reversing the
motion; J, lever for the same; S, steel plates with springs at the back to
keep up the plates and compensate for wear.
Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a combined double-acting
engine and double-acting pump according to my Invention.
Fig. 10 is an end elevation of one of the steam cylinders or chambers
of this engine with the front cover removed; and Fig. 11 is a cross
sectional elevation of one of the pump cylinders or chambers, the piston
and sliding stop being shewn in elevation. A, A, are the chambers of
the cylinders; A¹, grooves for the sliding stops; A³, their covers; A³,
induction ports or passages; A', eduction passages; B, drum shaped
pistons; C, central shaft, upon which are mounted eccentrically the
pistons of both engine and pump; D, sliding stops; E, vibrating pieces
or blocks interposed between the pistons and the sliding stops. The
sliding stops of the engine in conjunction with their corresponding
vibrating blocks form also in this combination valves for regulating
the admission and cutting off for expansion of the steam in the cylinder;
F, the cylinder covers also forming the bearings for the central shaft C;
G, the bed plate; F¹³, packing arrangement constructed with three rings
and a curved tightening plate adjustable by a screw, and serving in lieu
of a stuffing box; I, plates of steel or other metal placed upon the
pistons loosely, to equalise and compensate for the wear; S, plates of
steel or other metal actuated by springs for the same purpose of
allowance for wear.
Figs. 12, 13, and 14 represent a double-acting combined engine and
pump in which two axes or shafts are placed in parallel lines with each
other at a convenient distance from centre to centre; Fig. 12, being a cross
sectional elevation of the engine; Fig. 13, a cross sectional clevation of
the pump; and Fig. 14, a plan of the engine and pump combined..

page_text: A, A, are the cylinders; A¹, grooves or recesses; A³, induction ports
and passages; A4, eduction ports and passages; B, drum-shaped pistons ;
B', packing pieces; B³, their springs; C, the central shafts, upon which
are mounted eccentrically their corresponding pistons; D, the compound
sliding stops, each stop being common to two pistons; D', their springs;
E, the vibrating pieces or blocks, those in the engine forming also in
conjunction with their corresponding sliding stops valves for regulating
the admission and the cutting off for expansion of the steam or other
motive fluid; F, the cylinder covers, forming also the bearings for the
shafts; F, the stuffing boxes; G, the bed plate; W, W, equal spur
wheels keyed upon the shafts for the purpose of keeping the pistons
in their relative positions with each other, and also to transmit power
from one engine to the other.
Fig. 15 is a plan view of one of the sliding stops D detached, shewing
one method of attachment to the vibrating block E.
Fig. 16 shews a couple of the drum-shaped pistons B detached,
illustrating more clearly the manner in which they are mounted upon
the shaft C.
Figs. 19 and 20 shew one of the piston end packing rings detached
from its piston. In all cases where two pistons are used upon one shaft
I make one or both of such pistons free to slide upon the keys in the
shaft, in order that the inner faces of the two pistons may (notwith-
standing wear) be kept always in contact with the diaphragm or division
separating the two chambers or cylinders.
Figs. 17 and 18 shew an arrangement in which each piston and
packing plate or ring has attached to it a portion or continuation E¹ of
the vibrating block E, formed separately from the main vibrating block.
By this arrangement, when the several parts are in position the main
part of the vibrating block E is held in contact with the revolving
piston, while the plate or ring I being held in the sliding stop by the
portion E¹ does not revolve with the piston but has an eccentric
movement upon the end plate or upon the cover as may be arranged.
Figs. 21, 22, and 23 are separate views of the sliding stops D, shewing
also the method of their attachment to the pistons B by the parts E¹
as above described, one stop being shewn attached to its piston and the
other detached. In these Figures is also shewn a mode of packing the
sliding stops by placing pieces of packing in the stops themselves, the

page_text: said packing being of metal, in the engines, and in the pumps, may be of
metal or it may be of leather or other material; a similar method of
packing can be applied also to the pistons.
Figs. 24 and 25 illustrate a modification of my Invention which
modification is in Fig. 24 shewn as applied to a double-acting engine,
and in Fig. 25 as applied to a pump. The pistons are arranged within
rings or coverings attached to the vibrating blocks, which blocks are
interposed between the said rings or coverings of the pistons and the
sliding stops. In both Figures A represents the cylinders; A', the
grooves or recesses for the sliding stops; A², their covers; A³, induction
passages; A, eduction passages; B, the drum-shaped pistons; B³, their
rings or coverings firmly attached to the vibrating blocks E; C, the
central shafts upon which are mounted eccentrically the drum-shaped
pistons B; D, the sliding pieces or stops, those in the motive engine
Fig. 24 serving also in conjunction with their corresponding vibrating
blocks E as valves for regulating the admission, and the cutting off for
expansion of the steam or other elastic motive fluid.
Fig. 26 is a longitudinal sectional elevation (part of the pump
cylinder being in elevation) of a combined engine and pump having
one of the piston arrangements before mentioned, but arranged with the
steam and pump cylinders bolted directly together, so that only two
covers are required in all for engine and pump. A, the cylinders;
A³, recesses for the sliding stops; A³, their covers; A³, induction
passages; A', the eduction passages; B, drum-shaped hollow pistons;
C, central shaft upon which are mounted eccentrically the pistons B of
both engine and pump; D, sliding stops, those of the motive engine
serving also in conjunction with their corresponding vibrating blocks E,
as valves for regulating the admission and the cutting off for expansion
of the steam or other motive fluid; F, the cylinder covers forming also.
the shaft bearings; S, steel or other metal plates actuated by springs to
compensate for wear.
Fig. 27 is an elevation with the cylinder in cross section of a hand
fire engine according to my Invention; A is the cylinder; A¹, the recess
for the sliding stop; A³, the induction passage; A', the eduction
passage; B, B, are the drum-shaped hollow pistons; B³, the covering
or rings attached to the vibrating blocks E; O is the central shaft upon
which are mounted eccentrically the pistons B; D, D, are the sliding
stops; E, the vibrating blocks interposed between the piston rings and

page_text: the sliding stops; F, the cylinder cover forming also one of the shaft
bearings; G¹, a hollow column sustaining the pump and forming (or
containing) an air vessel; T, a plank forming a base for the column.
The wheels W may be locked in position by the pins W¹ while the pump
is in action.
Fig. 28 is a cross sectional elevation, and Fig. 29, a longitudinal
sectional elevation of a compound engine on my plan having an ordinary
surface condenser of any of the well known forms, the necessary pumps
not being shewn; A" is the high-pressure cylinder; A', the low-pressure
cylinder; A' are the recesses for the sliding stops; A³, their covers;
A³, induction passages; A*, eduction passages; B, drum-shaped hollow
pistons; B', packing pieces; B³, their springs; C is the central shaft
upon which are mounted eccentrically the pistons B; D are the sliding
stops working in the recesses A¹; E are the vibrating blocks interposed
between the sliding stops and the pistons; F, the cylinder covers;
F¹, stuffing boxes; G, the sole or foundation plate; H, the slide valve
jacket with stuffing box and cover; H³, the expansion slide jacket,
also with stuffing box and cover; J, the slide valve; J' are the slide
valve rods; J2 is the expansion valve rod; L are eccentrics; P is the
entrance for steam to the high-pressure cylinder; R, the eduction pipe
from the high-pressure cylinder to the intercepting steam chest V;
P', the steam induction pipe leading from the intercepting steam chest
to the large cylinder; V, an ordinary surface condenser; Y are outside
bearings for the shaft; Y¹, wedge-shaped plates underneath the bearings
which are actuated by screws so as to regulate the bearings when
required; S, steel plates with springs at back in order to keep the pistons
in contact with the diaphragms A³ and to compensate for wear.
Fig. 30 is a cross sectional elevation, and Fig. 31, a front elevation
of a ship's pump, which may be made either for hand or steam. The
one shewn is for hand power; A is the cylinder; A', the groove or
recess; A³, the suction passage; A', the delivery; B, B, are the drum-
shaped pistons; B³, the coverings or rings attached to the vibrating
blocks E; C is the central shaft upon which are mounted eccentrically
the pistons B; D are the sliding stops connected to the piston coverings
by the vibrating blocks E interposed between them; F, the cylinder
covers forming also the bearings for the shaft C; F¹, the stuffing boxes;
G₁ is a hollow column upon which the pump cylinder is bolted, its
lower end being secured to the ship's deck G²; this column forms also an

page_text: air vessel; G³ is a screwed piece for attaching the suction, but fixed'
pipes may be used; G' is the delivery which is shewn as arranged for
hose as in ordinary ships' pumps.
Figs. 32 and 33 are respectively side and end elevations of a steam
fire engine according to my invention, shewn with the front cover of the
pump cylinder removed. A, A, are the steam and pump cylinders;
A³, the inductions for steam and water respectively; A', A', respec-
tively, eduction for steam and delivery for water; B, the drum-shaped
pistons of the pump; C, the central shaft common to both engine and
pump; D the sliding stop working in the recess of the pump cylinder,
that of the engine is not seen; E is the vibrating block; F are the
cylinder covers forming also the shaft-bearings; F¹, stuffing boxes; H is.
the boiler; H is the frame carrying the engine pump and boiler.
Ki
Fig. 34 shews in elevation a pump resembling those before described
but having its pistons covered with leather. The same letters of
reference apply to the several parts in this Figure as in preceding
Figures; B is the leather upon the pistons.
Fig. 35 shews in section one method of attaching the leather to the
pistons.
Having described the nature of my said invention and explained the
manner of carrying it into practical effect, I hereby declare that I do not">
claim as of my invention or the exclusive use of the several parts":
herein-before described or referred to, except when the same are used in'
and for the purposes of my Invention as herein set forth, nor do I
claim the use of an eccentrically mounted piston arranged to rotate
within a cylinder; but what I consider to be novel and original and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in
part recited Letters Patent is,-
First. In a rotary engine or pump wherein a cylinder contains a
drum-shaped piston mounted eccentrically upon a shaft, passing concentri-
cally through the cylinder, the combining with the said cylinder and
piston a sliding piece or stop and a vibrating piece or block interposed
between the sliding piece or stop and the piston, and arranged to bear
against the periphery of the piston, substantially as herein-before*
described.
Secondly. In an engine such as is last above referred to, forming the
i

page_text: the admission of actuating fluid to the cylinder and arranging the
vibrating piece or block to operate as a valve for governing the admission
of the actuating fluid into the cylinder as described.
Thirdly. The combination with a drum-shaped piston working
eccentrically within a cylinder of a sliding piece or stop D, a vibrating
piece or block E, and a moveable piece Y, the latter constructed, arranged,
and operating in conjunction with the said sliding piece or stop and
vibrating piece or block, substantially as herein-before described and
illustrated in Fig. 6 of the Drawings for the purpose specified.
Fourthly. The combination of parts forming the improved rotary
engine, constructed, arranged and operating, substantially as shewn in
and described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Fifthly. The combination of parts forming the improved double-acting
combined engine and pump, constructed, arranged, and operating sub-
stantially as shewn in and described with reference to Figs. 12, 13,
and 14 of the accompanying Drawings.
Sixthly. In a rotary engine or pump in which a drum-shaped piston
works eccentrically within a cylinder, the combination with said piston, a
sliding piece or stop and a vibrating piece or block of a ring or cylindrical
covering surrounding the piston, said ring or cylindrical covering being
attached to the vibrating piece or block and permitting of the free
rotation of the piston, substantially as herein-before described.
Seventhly. The combination of parts forming the improved compound
engine, constructed, arranged, and operating substantially as shewn in
and described with reference to Figs. 28 and 29 of the accompanying
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Simmons have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of November, in the
year of our Lord 'One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
five.