NEW OR IMPROVED ROTARY PUMPS OR ENGINES, APPLICABLE FOR TRANSMITTING POWER AND FOR COMPRESSING OR EXHAUSTING AIR OR GAS, AND ALSO APPLICABLE AS A LIQUID OR FLUID METER
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Waldron, of Gaywood Street, London Road, in
the County of Surrey, Engineer, for the Invention of "NEW OR IMPROVED
ROTARY PUMPS OR ENGINES, APPLICABLE FOR TRANSMITTING POWER AND FOR
COMPRESSING OR EXHAUSTING AIR OR GAS, AND ALSO APPLICABLE AS A LIQUID
OR FLUID METER."
ed the 13th September 1878, and dated the 16th April 1878.
1300
I
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Waldron at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th April 1878.
EDWARD WALDRON, of Gaywood Street, London Road, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer. "NEW OR IMPROVED ROTARY PUMPS OR ENGINES, APPLICABLE FOR
TRANSMITTING POWER AND FOR COMPRESSING OR EXHAUSTING AIR OR GAS, AND
ALSO APPLICABLE AS A LIQUID OR FLUID METER."
My Invention consists of a new or improved pump, engine, or machine, for
effecting the purposes above set forth, and such engine or machine can be used
either as single or compound.
In carrying out my Invention I adopt, namely, the following arrangements:-The
single engine (or machine) consists of a case or shell having covers at both ends;
the form of this case is herein-after described. In the interior of the case is a
drum, which is slotted for the reception of pistons or vanes.
The drum has caps
fitted to both ends, into which it is sunk a suitable distance; these caps are kept
correctly and tightly attached to the drum by means of steady pins and screws, or
equivalent device or other means; inserted and screwed into the caps are shafts.
The caps are slotted for the reception of packing as herein-after described, and
also for the reception of such portions of the pistons or vanes as may travel
therein.
Pistons or vanes of a suitable form are placed in the drum and caps. On a line
with each of the pistons or vanes in the drum and drum caps, and close to the
centre between the drum caps, are holes bored through the drum; into each of these
holes is fitted a cylindrical tube, solid or plugged in the centre. In each end of

page_text: each of these tubes there are springs, which project beyond the ends of the tubes.
These springs bear on the pistons or vanes, and keep them in contact with the
inner periphery of the case. Neither the drum nor drum caps touch any part of
the case at any point in the revolution.
Around the periphery of each drum cap there is a metallic packing ring having
arms extending inwards; these arms fit into the slots in the drum caps, and the
ends of them bear on portions of the periphery of the drum. Those portions of the
arms which are nearest to the centre are the narrowest, with the object of pro-
portioning the surface to be travelled under friction.
The metallic packing of each drum cap has resting on it and partly enclosing it
another ring. That portion of this ring which extends away from the metallic
packing is parallel to, but does not come into contact with the periphery of the drum
cap. The space thus left is filled with cotton, rubber, or other suitable packing.
On top of this last-mentioned packing there rests another ring, which has bearing
on it springs which are attached to the drum cap, and the pressure of these springs
is transmitted to the entire packing.
The packing and springs revolve with the drum caps. The form of the case or
shell is such that those portions of each end of it in which the drum caps revolve
are cylindrical, and true to a common centre, while that portion which is between
those cylindrical ends is of such peculiar form as to give the desired reciprocal
motion to the pistons or vanes, the cylindrical tubes and the springs, and maintains
an equal transmission of power at all points of the revolution. At the opposite
sides of this part of the case (there are for each side) openings; these openings are the
'means of ingress or egress for fluids, liquids, or gases, between the interior of the
case and a passage way, one for each side, which forms part of the case.
The compound engine (or machine) consists of three engines resting on and true
to one pair of shafts. Each of these three engines is precisely the same as that
which is herein-before described, the centre engine being in a position the reverse
of the side engines, so that if power is applied on one side of the centre engine, it
will be on the reverse or opposite sides of the side engines. This is for the purpose
of as nearly as possible balancing the weight of steam on the drums, and all three
engines turn in the same direction. Where this balance of weight or pressure is not
required, two engines or machines may be coupled as above described, and it is
obvious that any number may be so coupled.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Edward Waldron in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 16th October
1878.
EDWARD WALDRON, of Gaywood Street, London Road, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer. "NEW OR IMPROVED ROTARY PUMPS OR ENGINES, APPLICABLE FOR
TRANSMITTING POWER AND FOR COMPRESSING OR EXHAUSTING AIR OR GAS, AND
ALSO APPLICABLE AS A LIQUID OR FLUID METER."
My Invention consists of a new or improved pump, engine, or machine, for
effecting the purposes above set forth, and such engine or machine can be used
either as single or compound.
In carrying out my Invention, I adopt substantially the following arrange-
ments- -The single engine or machine consists of a case or shell having covers at
both ends; the form of this case is hercin-after described. In the interior of the
case is a drum which is slotted for the reception of pistons or vanes. The drum has
caps fitted to both ends, into which it is sunk a suitable distance; these caps are
kept correctly and tightly attached to the drum by means of steady pins and
screws, or equivalent device or other means; inserted and secured into the caps
are shafts, or same may be cast with the drum, or the drum, drum caps, and shafts
may be cast in one piece.
The caps are slotted for the reception of packing, as herein-after described,
and also for the reception of such portions of the pistons or vanes as may travel
therein.
Pistons or vanes of a suitable form are placed in the drum and caps. On a line
with each of the pistons or vanes in the drum and drum caps, and close to the
centre between the drum caps, are holes bored through the drum; into each of
these holes is fitted a cylindrical tube, solid or plugged in the centre. In each end
of each of these tubes there are springs which project beyond the end of the tubes;
these springs bear on the pistons or vanes and keep them in contact with the inner
periphery of the case. Neither the drum nor drum caps touch any part of the case
at any point in the revolution.
Around the periphery of each drum cap there is a metallic packing ring having
arms extending inwards; these arms fit into the slots in the drum caps, and the
ends of them bear on portions of the periphery of the drum. Those portions of the
arms which are nearest to the centre are the narrowest, with the object of pro-
portioning the surface to be travelled under friction.
The metallic packing of each drum cap has resting on it and partly enclosing it
another ring. That portion of this ring which extends away from the metallio
packing is parallel to, but does not come into contact with the periphery of the
drum cap. The space thus left is filled with cotton, rubber, or other suitable
packing On top of this last-mentioned packing there rests another ring, which
has bearing on its springs, which are attached to the. drum cap, and the pressure of
these springs is transmitted to the entire packing; or in place of the above, the
packing ring is recessed for the purpose of adinitting soft packing between the
drum cap and the packing ring, which packing is firmly compressed by means of a
ring or gland screwed or screwed on to the drum cap or packing ring, as may be
desired. The packing ring in this case is kept in contact with the face of the
cylinder or case by means of springs which bear on it, same being secured to the
drum cap.
The packing and springs revolve with the drum caps. The form of the case or
cylinder is such that those portions of each end of it in which the drum caps
revolve are cylindrical, and true to a common centre, while that portion which is
between those cylindrical ends is of such peculiar form as to give the desired
reciprocal motion to the pistons or vanes, the cylindrical tubes and the springs, and
maintains an equal transmission of power at all points of the revolution. At the

page_text: opposite sides of this part of the case there are (for each side) openings; these
openings are the means of ingress or egress of fluids, liquids, or gases, between the
interior of the case and a passage way (one for each side), which forms part of the
case.
The compound engine or machine consists of three engines resting on and true to 5
the one pair of shafts. Each one of these three engines is precisely the same as
that which is herein-before described, the centre engine being in a position the
reverse of the side engines, so that if power is applied on one side of the centre
engine, it will be on the reverse or opposite sides of the side engines. This is for
the purpose of as nearly as possible balancing the weight of the steam on the drums,
and all three engines turn in the same direction. Where this balance of weight or
pressure is not required, two engines or machines may be coupled as above
described, and it is obvious that any number may be so coupled.
Having thus far described the nature and object of my said Invention, and inci-
dentally intimated in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in 1
practice; I will now proceed (aided by the accompanying Drawings) to further and
particularly describe and ascertain in what manner the same is to be performed or
carried out in practice, that is to say,—
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figs. 1, 2, and 3 show the construction of the machine, as designed for use as a
lift or force pump, or as both, Fig. 1 being a sectional view of this machine cut on 2
line A, B, Fig. 2; Fig. 2, section of same on line C, D, Fig. 1; and Fig. 3, plan of
the case or cylinder.
Figs. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate the machine as a compound balanced engine, Fig. 4
being a sectional view of the engine cut on line E, F, Fig. 5; Fig. 5, section of same
on line G, H, Fig. 4; and Fig. 6, plan of the engine showing the relative positions 2
of the cases or cylinders, and also of the reversing valves.
Fig. 7, section of arrangements showing the Invention adapted as a hoisting and
lowering machine, as a water motor when hoisting, and as a pump when lowering.
Fig. 8 is a plan of a valve sent of this machine.
And Fig. 9 is a plan of the valve.
ยู
In these Figures, A indicates the shafts, which may be cast in one with the drum
or with the drum cap, or it may be inserted into either A', the drum, which is slotted
for the reception of the pistons or vanes A², piston or vane races in drums. A³
(Figs. 1 and 7), dirt or grit clearances, which are recesses cut in the drums of such of
these machines as are intended to be used with water or other liquids, and are for 3
the purpose of enabling the machine to carry round and discharge such dirt or other
substances as may pass in with water or other liquid. A (Figs. 1 and 7), circulation
channels in the piston or vane recess in the drums of those machines which are
intended to be used for the above-mentioned purposes. B1, B2, B3, B4, pistons or
vanes. B (and also B6 and B7, in Figs. 1 and 7) are circulation channels in the 4
pistons or vanes.
The channels marked B5 (which communicate with the circulation channels E2 of
the case or cylinder) are sufficient for such of these machines as are intended to be
used only with steam, air, or other gases; but when intended for use with water or
other liquid, the channels marked B6 and B7 respectively are used in conjunction
with the channels A4 in the piston races in the drums. C, cylindrical tubes,
solid or plugged in the centres, and having spiral springs C¹ inserted into each
end of each of them. D, drum caps which are fitted and firmly secured to the
drum. D, D, (Fig. 4) double drum caps by means of which the centre and side
engines are coupled..
The drum caps are also recessed for the reception of the arms of the packing ring
(see D¹, Fig. 2, where one of the arms of the packing ring has been left out for the
purpose of shewing clearly that portion of the drum cap), and these recesses also form
races for the ends of the pistons or vanes, which travel between the arins of the
packing rings; d, pressure balance holes or openings in drum caps, which (in

page_text: combination with those hollow portions or tunnels which extend through the drum,
see As, Figs. 1, 5, and 7) are for the purpose of opening communication between the
spaces intervening between the drum caps and the covers for balancing the pressure
of the steam, water, or other liquids, fluids, or gases, which may be in said spaces.
The packing rings D2 have the arms D³ projecting inwards. A portion of the
periphery of the drum cap, or a portion of the inner periphery of the packing ring
as shewn in Fig. 4, and indicated by the arrow 1, is recessed for the purpose of
admitting the soft packing d. This packing is firmly compressed by the ring or
gland D
The springs D5 which are attached to the drum caps, bear on to the packing ring
D2, and keep it and its arms in contact with the case or cylinder E. Where double
drum caps aro used, springs bear from one packing ring to the other (see Fig. 1).
The packing ring D2 may be so constructed that in place of that portion of it
which has the soft packing d in contact with it, there may be another ring
resting on and partly enclosing it (the packing ring D³), and so formed as to admit
of soft packing being inserted between it and the drum cap, in which case the springs
Ds would bear on the ring or gland D', and the pressure of these springs would be
transmitted to the entire packing.
The form of the case or cylinder E is such that those portions of each end of it
in which the drum caps revolve are cylindrical and true to a common centre, while
that portion which is between those cylindrical ends is of such peculiar forn (as
shown in the Drawings) as to give the desired reciprocal motion to the pistons or
vanes and the cylindrical tubes and springs, and cause an equal transmission of
power at all points of the revolution.
At the opposite sides of this part of the case, there are (for each side) ports El
The numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for use in describing the action of the machine
as a transmitter of power.
E2 indicates the circulation channels in the cylinder, which act in conjunction
with the circulation channels or grooves B5 in the ends of the pistons or vanes,
and are for the purpose of admitting the free ingress or egress of steam, water,
or other liquids, fluids, or gases to or from the piston or vane races in the drum
during the reciprocal movement of the pistons or vanes.
E3 (Fig. 5) indicates bearing surfaces in the ports of the case or cylinder. These
bearing surfaces are for the purpose of preventing an uneven wearing away of those
portions of the pistons or vanes which bear against the inner periphery of the case
or cylinder.
Findicates the case or cylinder covers; G is a metallic ring or cylinder fitted
to and free to move on that portion of the case or cylinder cover F through which
the shaft passes.
It is kept in contact with the face of the drum cap by means of
the springs G³, and is prevented from revolving by means of tails or lugs which
project from it, and fit into the recesses f' in the case or cylinder cover.
A portion of the case or cylinder cover is recessed for the purpose of admitting
the soft packing G2, which is compressed by means of the gland G³. This arrange-
ment is for the purpose of preventing the steam, water, or other liquids, fluids, or
gases which may be occupying the space between the drum cap and case or cylinder
cover from coming into contact with or escaping by way of the shaft. H, valve
for controlling the admittance and reversing the direction of the steam; H', tunnel
in valve; H2, valve seat; H³, steam inlet for connection with steam pipe; H+, steain
chamber; H, exhaust to low-pressure engines from centre engine and waste pipe
from side engines; Ho, ports in valve seats, connecting with lower port of centre
engine and upper ports of side engines; H7, ports in valve seats connecting with
upper port of centre engine and lower ports of side engines; H³, ports in valves;
Ho, exhaust ports in valve seats.
The valve shewn in Figs. 7, 8, and 9 is for the purpose of changing the action of
the machine from that of a motor to that of a pump.
I indicates the valve;
I', tunnel in the valve; I³, port in the valve; I³, valve seat; I, port in valve seat;
14, return port in valve seat; I, induction to valve; E', return discharge port;

page_text: K, tank; K', overflow; L, (Fig. 6) reversing valve lever handle. As in principle
all of these machines are alike, no matter for what use they are intended, though in
some of the details of construction in some of the parts there is a slight difference,
such as larger ports in the cases or cylinders, and extra circulation channels in the
drums and pistons of such of these machines as are intended to be used as pumps or
motors for water or other liquids, and though the machines can also be used as single
or compound, and in combination with arrangements intended to increase their
range of work, it is obvious that when transmitting power from steam, or water, or
other liquids, fluids, or gases, the mode of action in each case will be the same, and
it is also evident that when transmitting power to water, air, or other liquids or
fluids it will operate in a manner alike with all of them. Therefore to explain the
action of these machines it will be only necessary to do so,—
First. As a single engine transmitting power from steam.
Second. As a lift and force pump for water.
Third. The action in relation to each other of the three engines, when combined
as a compound balanced engine and driven by steam; and, finally, to explain the
arrangements used in connection with the machine adapted as a hoisting and
lowering machine using water.
1. Operation as a steam motor (see Fig. 5).-If the reversing valve H be turned
so as to bring its port H³ over the port He in the valve seat the steam will enter the
engine by way of the openings 4 and 1 in the lower ports of the case or cylinder,
and its effect of pressure will be delivered on to the piston B¹, causing the pistons,
together with the drum, drum caps, and their packing, to revolve in the direction
indicated by the arrows. When the piston B' arrives opposite the opening 2 in the
upper port the steam will escape and thereby relieve the piston of its pressure before
it (the piston) strikes the incline, which will drive it towards the centre of the drum.
But before this escape of steam takes place the piston B2 has passed the opening 1 in
the lower port, and the other pistons follow in like manner. Neither the drum
nor drum caps have any contact with the case or cylinder. One of the pistons
will be always in contact with that portion of the case or cylinder which is
nearest to the drum and so prevent the escape of steam which would other-
wise take place between the drum and the case or cylinder on that side. The
arms D³ of the packing ring D2 prevent the escape which would otherwise take
place between the faces of the cylinder and the faces of the drum caps. The cylin-
drical tubes and the springs move reciprocally with the pistons. By means of the
circulation channels B³ in the pistons, and E2 in the case or cylinder, the steam has
free ingress to and egress from the piston races, so that it (the steam) cannot impede
the pistons in their reciprocal movements. The steam escapes by way of the upper
port in the case or cylinder, and upwards through the port H7 in the valve seat, and
passing through the tunnel H' in the valve flows down through the exhaust port H
in the valve seat, and finally escapes by way of the exhaust H³. If the valve be
reversed so as to bring its port over the port H7 in the valve seat the steam will
enter the engine by way of the upper port and cause the machine to revolve in like
manner in the opposite direction, the steam escaping from the engine by way of the
lower port in the case or cylinder through the port Hº in the valve seat, and through
the valve tunnel and exhaust port, as before described.
2. As a lift and force pump for water, the machine being caused to revolve in the
direction indicated by the arrows (Fig. 1), expels the air through the upper port,
thereby producing a vacuum or partial vacuum in the lower port and its connec-
tions, and causing the water to rise and flow into the machine by way of the lower
port, when it is caught by the pistons and forced out through the upper port.
3. In Fig. 6 the valve seat only of one of the valves of the compound engine is
shewn. This is for the purpose of illustrating more clearly the relative positions of
the ports in the valve seat, but in describing the action in relation to each other of
the three engines combined as a compound balanced engine (which I now proceed
to do), it will be necessary to imagine it complete in all its details.
.
The steam from the boiler is admitted on top of the valve of the centre engine by

page_text: way of the inlet H³. The valve, as shown in the Drawings is shut. If the lever
handle L be moved to the right it will admit the steam to the centre engine by way
of the upper port. At the same time the valves of the side engines have been
opened to admit the steam by way of their lower ports, but it does not enter yet.
The steam will enter on top of the centre engine, and bearing downwards on the
pistons as they come into position will turn it (carrying the side engines with it), in
the direction indicated by the arrows. As the steam escapes from the centre engine
it will enter the side engines by way of their lower ports, and in its then expanded
state bearing upwards on the pistons of both side engines turn them in the same
direction. If the lever handle be moved to the left the steam will enter the centre
engine by way of the lower port, and the expanded steam will enter the side engines
through their upper ports, and the engine will turn in the opposite direction.
I now proceed to explain the arrangements used in connection with the machine
adapted as a hoisting and lowering machine using water.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view of this machine in connection with said arrangements.
Water under pressure or from the main enters on top of the valve through the
induction port Iº. When the port I2 in the valve is over that part of the valve seat
marked I, and in a line with the arrow 1, the valve is closed, and the water
cannot enter the machine. If the valve be now turned, so that its port is brought
in a line with the port I in the valve seat, the water will enter the machine by
way of its upper port, and bearing on the piston or vane B' will drive it in the
direction of the lower port, from whence it (the water) escapes into the tank K.
The other pistons or vanes follow in like manner, and in this way the machine,
acting as a water motor, hoists the load. When it is desired to sustain the load
thus elevated, or in the position to which it has been brought, the valve is simply
closed by bringing the centre of the port (I2) on a line with the arrow marked 1 in
the valve seat (Fig. 8).
When it is desired to let down or lower the load, the valve is further moved, so
as to cause its tunnel, which is in communication with the post I in the valve seat,
to also overlap and open communication between it and the port I, also in the valve
scat. The machine now is caused to revolve in the opposite direction by means of
the weight or load referred to, and now acting as a pump, draws the water from
the tank K, forces it up by way of the port I in the valve seat through the tunnel
in the valve, thence through the port I in the valve seat, and back into the tank
by way of the return port E. The speed of the machine can be controlled by
means of the valve.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature and object of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed or carried out in
practice, in conclusion I would hereby remark that important points in my In-
vention are,
First. Having the curved portions of the case or cylinder on which the pistons or
vanes bear, so formed and proportioned, that its diameter taken on a line cutting
the centre of the drum when in position, is equal in all directions.
Second. The ports in the case or cylinder overlapping the eccentric curves, so as
to admit of the free ingress and egress of steam, water, or other gases, fluids, or
liquids, to or from the machines, before the commencement and after the end of each
reciprocal movement of each piston.
Third. The bearing surfaces in the ports in the case or cylinder (as shewn by E³,
Fig. 5), for the purpose of preventing an uneven wearing away of those portions of
the vanes or pistons which bear on the inner periphery of the case or cylinder.
Fourth. The use of cylindrical reciprocating tubes C, plugged or solid in the
centre, and in combination with the springs C₁, and for the purposes herein
described, and I claim,-
1. The circulation channels in the pistons or vanes, the cases, or cylinder, and in
the drum, and their action in conjunction, substantially as herein-before set forth
and described.
2. The causing or permitting the stean, water, or other liquids, fluids, or gases,

page_text: to equalize the pressure in the spaces between the drum caps and the case or
cylinder covers, substantially as described.
3. The packing ring D² with its arms projecting inwards, and the proportioning
of the friction surfaces of said arms to the distances to be travelled under
friction, also the letting of said arms of said ring into recesses in the drum caps, and
the connection between the packing ring and the drum, by means of said arms;
also the principle of having like arms or ribs revolving with the drum caps, and in
contact with the pistons or vanes, substantially as described.
4. Having in the compound engine herein-before described the initial pressure of
the steam or other gas or fluid on either side of the centre engine, balanced or met
on the opposite side of the side engines by the pressure of the steam or other fluid
from the said centre engine, also the arrangement or combination as herein-before
described, and shewn by the accompanying Drawings, for producing the above
result.
5. The arrangement of double drum caps D, D, Fig. 4, and herein-before
described.
6. The arrangement of steam valves and combination, as shewn in Figs. 5 and 6,
with the machine or engine, substantially as herein-before set forth and described.
7. The valve arrangements shewn in Figs. 7, 8, and 9, in combination, as herein-
before described.
8. The shaft packing shown in Figs. 2 and 4, and indicated by G, G'³, G³, and G³,
and f1, substantially as herein-before set forth and described.
9. I claim likewise the general combination and arrangements of "New or Im-
proved Rotary Pumps or Engines, Applicable for Transmitting Power and for
Compressing or Exhausting Air or Gas, and also Applicable as a Liquid or Fluid
Meter," substantially as herein-before set forth and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edward Waldron, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
EDWARD WALDRON. (L.S.)
Witness,
T. MORGAN,
Secretary, Inventors Patent Right Association, Limited,
21, Cockspur Street,
Charing Cross,
London,
S.W.