Improvements in Rotary Engines to Work with Steam, Air, Gas, and other Fluids.
Year: 1889

page_text: TRUVIDION
Improvements in Rotary Engines to Work with Steam, Air, Gas,
and other Fluids.
I JEFFREY SNELLING of 25, Annandale Road, East Greenwich in the County of
London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
These improvements apply especially to those rotary engines in which the piston or
pistons work in an annular cavity of circular or other form, of a cylindrical casing.
These rotary engines may be made either simple, compound, or other expansion,
reversing, non-reversing, condensing, and non-condensing.
If compound or other expansion, I arrange either two or more cylindrical casings
side by side, and the two inside halves of the cylindrical casings may be formed in
one casting, with each outside half of the cylindrical casings bolted to it.
Upon the inside faces of the flanges of the cylindrical casing, I form a projection
and recess for the projection to fit into, thereby insuring each half of the cylindrical
casing being kept central with each other.
For the purpose of fixing the cylindrical casing to suit the various circumstances in
which my invention may be used when securing it to its foundation, a seat may be
formed either under each bearing of the capstan wheel shaft, or on the periphery of
the cylindrical casing, or a face may be formed on the side of the annular cavity of the
cylindrical casing, or the flanges at the sides increased in area, and bolted between, or
on to girders, bed-plate, or other foundation, (with air and other pumps and condenser
when my invention is used as a condensing engine), and auxiliary bearings in addition
to those in the sides of the cylindrical casing as may be required.
The cylindrical casing is extended at the sides so as to form a space for the bearings,
bushes, glands and packing around the capstan wheel shaft, the packing preventing
the escape of water or oil from the cylindrical casing.
•
The cylindrical casing may be formed either with its two halves bolted together on
the vertical, horizontal or diagonal lines, and in cases where preferable a portion
of the cylindrical casing may be made removable for the purpose of inspecting the
interior of the annular cavity, or removing the piston or pistons.
Upon the inside portions of the cylindrical casing where the capstan wheel revolves
between, I form inside or outside cones to receive inside or outside conical spring rings
of similar form, the cylindrical casing being extended through the spring rings, with
a face formed upon it to meet a similar face formed upon the capstan wheel, these
faces retaining the capstan wheel in its central position in the cylindrica! casing and
preventing undue wear of the conical faces through side movement of the capstan
wheel.
In some cases it may be preferable to fit a lining of "Whitworth" or other compressed
steel in the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing, leaving a space between the
cylindrical casing and the lining, this space can then be utilised as a jacket.
At the bottom of the cylindrical casing a boss is formed upon it to receive a drain
cock or valve.
A similar boss is also formed upon the cylindrical casing ports, to receive an indicator
cock.
Upon that portion of the cylindrical casing where the piston is retained in position
as a partition, there are openings formed in the cylindrical casing to receive recess
blocks of harder material, when it is desirable to use such blocks in preference to
forming the recesses in the sides of the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing.
Upon the periphery of the cylindrical casing I form a seat for the valve easing.
which may be formed in any position upon the periphery of the cylindrical casing to
suit the circumstances to which my invention may be applied.
The flange at the side of the cylindrical casing is extended sufficiently to have a
boss, or bearings formed upon it, to receive a stud, with bush revolving upon it, or

page_text: shaft revolving in the bearings, for a box-cam, excentric, crank disc, governors and
wheel to be mounted thereon, and driven by a wheel keyed upon the capstan wheel
shaft, to actuate the valve or valves and releasing lever gears.
There is a facing provided on the side of the cylindrical casing to receive the hood
containing the releasing lever and connections.
Upon the sides of the cylindrical casing I form strengthening ribs to resist the
internal pressure in the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing.
There are one or more ports formed in the cylindrical casing to correspond with
those in the valve casing.
In the interior of the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing I place two pistons,
each piston being fitted with sliding bolt or bolts, bar, levers and rod, these fittings
being kept in a certain position by a spiral or other spring; these fittings are enclosed
in the pistons by a cover bolted to the body of the pistons.
The body of the pistons is cored out to lighten them as much as possible.
The pistons may be constructed with ordinary piston rings and springs, or four or
nore grooves are formed in the pistons to receive piston rings of the "Ramsbottom"
type, and so arranged in the pistons, that the internal fittings being in the centre, the
rings prevent the steam, air, gas and other fluids having access to the fittings, and
also preventing leakage past the periphery of the capstan wheel and partition piston.
I make the capstan wheel with its periphery forming a portion of the annular cavity
of the cylindrical casing, and upon its sides are formed inside or outside cones to
correspond with those upon the cylindrical casing, between these cones are fitted
conical spring rings; there are also flat faces formed upon the sides of the capstan
wheel to correspond with similar faces upon the cylindrical casing.
In the periphery of the capstan wheel or wheels are recesses formed either vertically
or diagonally to receive the sliding bolt or bolts of the piston or pistons, for connecting
the piston to the capstan wheel or wheels; these recesses and sliding bolts require to
be well rounded upon their edges to facilitate the sliding bolts of the pistons entering
and leaving the recesses; the number of recesses in the capstan wheel or wheels is
governed by the thickness and clearances of the piston dividing equally into the circum-
ference of the capstan wheel or wheels.
When a piston of large size, of circular or other form is used, I prefer to use two
capstan wheels fitted together, with recesses in each to receive two sliding bolts, or one
sliding bolt and two projecting ends to fit into the recesses of the capstan wheels.
The conical spring rings may be made either solid or channeled section to lighten
them, with oil grooves cut in their faces, and are self-adjusting for wear; these conical
spring rings also assist the capstan wheel and shaft to retain their central position
in the cylindrical casing; and are connected to the capstan wheel by studs or other
similar connection, and revolve with it.
There is a tongue-piece fitted into the split conical spring rings to prevent leakage
into the chamber of the cylindrical casing in which the capstan wheel revolves.
The capstan wheel shaft may be forged with the capstan wheel formed upon it, and
a hole bored through the shaft for water service to pass through; or the capstan wheel
or wheels may be separate and keyed upon the capstan wheel shaft; the ends of the
shaft are extended through both sides of the cylindrical casing, in which there are
bearings provided for it to revolve in.
I mount a fly-wheel, pulley, wheel, clutch, cranks, couplings or other connections
upon the capstan wheel shaft to communicate motion; and upon one end of the capstan
wheel shaft is keyed a wheel to drive the wheel which actuates the box-cam, excentrics,
crank-disc and governors for the valves and releasing lever gears.
When two or more cylindrical casings are connected together with a capstan wheel
shaft either in one piece, or two or more capstan wheel shafts coupled together, the
pistons may then be arranged to be either opposite each other, or at right angles, or in
the case of three cylindrical casings being used, the pistons may be placed at 120° to
each other.
In applying my invention to locomotives, tramcars, and other carriages of locomotion,
it may be preferable to mount a crank upon each end of the capstan wheel shaft or

page_text: the purpose of communicating motion to the driving wheels by coupling rods, or geared
wheels may be used in some cases.
The hood for releasing lever is provided with a flange to bolt on to the face formed
upon the cylindrical casing to receive it; the releasing lever is fitted within this hood,
and has a shaft and gland, or glands fitted to it, to enable the releasing lever to work
without leakage from the cylindrical casing.
I make the valve casing circular, and upon the bottom of it I form a flange having
a projection on each end to clip the faces formed upon the cylindrical casing, to assist
the bolts nearest to the valve casing in preventing leakage at that portion of the
cylindrical casing; or four tight fitting bolts may be used instead, in the base of the
valve casing, when not formed upon two casings.
In the base of the valve casing I form one or more inlet ports, and an eduction port
with a flange formed upon the outside end of the valve casing; if my invention is to
be used as a simple non-reversing engine, it is evident that one inlet port in the valve
casing and cylindrical casing will suffice; but when my invention is applied to a
reversing engine, it is evident that two ports must be provided, these two inlet ports
corresponding with those in the cylindrical casing.
! .
A flange is provided on the outside of the valve casing for fixing the equilibrium
valve, when the engine is controlled by ordinary ball governors, and also receives
the steam supply pipe connections.
The valve casing is provided with covers, and glands in them to receive the valve
spindles; the interior of the valve casing is bored conical to allow the reversing or
expansion valve, fitting upon its seat without leakage, and for convenience of adjusting
the valve through wear; upon one of the covers of the valve casing a quadrant is
fitted to receive reversing or regulating lever, for the purpose of regulating the
supply of steam, air, gas and other fluids to the cylindrical casing, and also changing
the direction of motion by retaining the reversing lever in a fixed position for
forward, hackward or nid position of the reversing or expansion valve.
'}
an
Within the valve casing I fit a cylindrical oscillating, valve to be used as
expansion valve, when my invention is used as a non-reversing engine, and in one
side of this valve I form two ports, one port being in communication with the inlet.
port of the cylindrical casing, and the other port in communication with the eduction
port of the valve casing; this valve is held in its proper position within the valve
casing, by the reversing or expansion lever; upon the opposite side of the valve a
larger port is formed which is always in communication with the supply pipe, and the
dimensions of this port should be such that the valve may be relieved of a certain
amount of pressure upon its seat within the valve casing.
When my invention is used as a reversing engine, the reversing or expansion valve
may assume there positions, either forward, backward or mid position, with intermediate
positions of the valve for working expansively; when the reversing lever is placed in
the forward position, the reversing or expansion valve is moved so that one of its two
ports is placed in communication with the inlet port of the cylindrical casing for
that direction of movement, and when the reversing lever is placed in the backward
position the reversing or expansion valve is moved so that the port in the valve
that has been acting as an eduetion port for the forward direction of motion, is now
used as an inlet port, and is in communication with the backward port in the cylin-
drical casing, and that port in the reversing or expansion valve which was used as
an inlet port for the forward direction of motion is now used as an eduction port;
by placing the reversing lever in its central position, both ports of the reversing or
expansion valve are covered, and no communication with the inlet ports in the
cylindrical casing can be obtained.
When my invention is applied to locomotives, or other similar circumstances, the
reversing or expansion lever may be actuated by a rod and lever from the foot plate.
The inlet valve is also a cylindrical oscillating valve, and is turned conical to fit into
the reversing or expansion valve, and when fitted to a simple non-reversing engine,
it is provided with an inlet and eduction ports; upon the opposite side of this inlet
valve, a larger port is formed similar to that in the reversing or expansion valve, and

page_text: this port is always in communication with the supply pipe, in whatever position the
inlet valve may be placed in during its oscillation, and this port has its dimensions so
regulated that pressure upon this valve and the valve within which it is placed, shall
be reduced to a minimum.
In applying my invention to a reversing engine, the inlet valve is provided with
two inlet ports and one eduction port.
In another arrangement of my invention when using the two inside halves of two
cylindrical casings formed in one casting, as already mentioned; in some of such
arrangements of cylindrical casings, I prefer to form the valve casing as part of the
cylindrical casings, and by this method I can obtain short passages to the cylindrical
casings. One inlet valve, or two inlet valves upon one spindle, may be employed
for the admission and release of steam, air, gas and other fluids, to and from the
two cylindrical casings; one set of valve gear can also be employed to actuate the
valve or valves for two simple coupled engines, or two simple uncoupled engines
revolving in different directions of motion; for non-reversing engines there may be
one inlet port into each cylindrical casing, and for reversing engines, two inlet ports
may be formed in each cylindrical casing.
The valve or valves may have one inlet port and one eduction port in each inlet
valve for a non-reversing engine. It may be preferable when my invention is
used as two simple engines revolving in opposite directions of motion, to have two
inlet ports, and one eduction port formed in the inlet valves; and two inlet ports and
one eduction port in the reversing or expansion valve.
It is evident when my invention is used as a reversing engine, the inlet valve may
have inlet ports, and one eduction port formed in it.
The inlet valve has a boss formed within it, through which the valve spindle passes;
upon the outside end of the valve spindle I fit a lever, and to this lever is connected
the excentric rod or cam rod.
To prevent the inlet and reversing or expansion valves sticking within their seats,
I fit an adjusting screw, spring, or other similar arrangement to take up any end
movement of the valves; the valves may be lubricated from the supply pipe.
Another arrangement of the valve gear in my invention may be used by connecting
the reversing or expansion valve to the governors, and actuate the inlet valve by
an excentric, crank disc, or box-cam; or the inlet valve may be connected to the
governors and the reversing or expansion valve actuated by an excentric, crank
disc, or box-cam.
Upon the box-cam rod which gives motion to the releasing lever, I place one or
more rollers, this roller or rollers having motion communicated to them by the form
of the path they work upon, and in which they are enclosed in the box-cam.
It may be preferable to use governors of the "Pickering," or other similar type
for high speed, when it is desired to arrange my invention to be regulated by an
equilibrium valve upon the supply pipe flange of the valve casing, and actuated by
the governors; these governors may be driven direct, or by strap from a pulley
fitted either upon the capstan wheel shaft, or the valve and releasing lever shaft.
In arranging my invention to have the inlet valve actuated by the governors, I1
prefer to use a type of governor such as the "Turner-Hartnell "Automatic Expansion
Governor, or other similar type; by this kind of governor, the stroke of the excentric,
and travel of the valve, may be reduced when the engine is running above its normal,
number of revolutions, thereby controlling the engine through curtailing its supply
during such times of variation in speed.
To reduce the travel of the inlet valve and reversing and expansion valves, and yet
have the same area of opening, I form the ports when preferable, in two openings of
the same area as the one port.
The lubrication of main bearings, capstan wheel and conical spring rings, is done
from the chamber of the cylindrical casing enclosing the capstan wheel, in addition to
that obtained from the lubricators fitted to the main bearings; the lubrication of the
internal fittings of the pistons is effected during the period of rest when the pistons
are retained in their position as a partition.

page_text: When using my invention as a gas engine, an auxiliary pump or compressor may
be used to compress and supply the charges of gas and air either separately or
together to the inlet valve; the jacket of the cylindrical casing would then be used
as a water jacket.
When using my invention as a condensing engine, the condenser, circulating, air,
feed, and bilge pumps may be worked by a separate engine, and fixed upon the same,
or separate foundation as the main engines.
A guard is fitted over the two wheels for actuating the valve, and releasing lever
gears, to prevent anything falling into the teeth of the wheels.
The wheel upon the capstan wheel shaft, (which is geared into the wheel for
actuating the box-cam, excentric, crank disc and governors, for inlet valve, and
releasing lever rods), has a greater number of teeth in it than the wheel it drives;
the number of teeth in the wheels is governed by the number of recesses in the capstan
wheel, and will vary in number according to circumstances, depending upon the
thickness and clearance of the pistons.
This difference in the number of teeth in the wheels for actuating the inlet valve
and releasing lever rods, is due to the inlet valve and releasing lever being required
to act as much quicker in advance of the revolving piston, equal to the distance
between two recesses in the capstan wheel, or the amount of space and clearance of
one piston; this allows the partition piston to be connected to the capstan wheel and
advance forward, to allow the revolving piston to take its place, at the same time to
admit steam, air, gas and other fluids by the inlet valve, quick enough to neutralise
the momentum of the revolving piston while being brought to rest to act as a partition,
and also to give the necessary lead for giving motion to the piston just commencing
its revolution.
The direction of motion of the box-cam, excentrics, and crank disc, is just the
reverse to that of the revolving piston.
1000
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rotary Engines to Work with Steam, Air, Gas,
and other Fluids.
I JEFFREY SNELLING of. 25, Annandale Road, East Greenwich, in the County of
London, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
These improvements apply especially to those rotary engines in which the piston
or pistons work in an annular cavity of circular or other form, of a cylindrical casing.
These rotary engines may be made either simple, compound, or other expansion,
reversing, non-reversing, condensing, and non-condensing. If compound or other
expansion, I arrange either two or more cylindrical casings side by side, and the two
inside halves of the cylindrical casings may be formed in one casting, with each
outside half of the cylindrical casings bolted to it.
Upon the inside faces of the flanges of the cylindrical casing, I form a projection
and recess for the projection to fit into, thereby insuring each half of the cylindrical
casing being kept central with each other.
For the purpose of fixing the cylindrical casing to suit the various circumstances
in which my invention may be used when securing it to its foundation, a seat may be
formed either under each bearing of the capstan wheel shaft, or on the periphery
of the cylindrical casing, or a face may be formed on the side of the annular cavity of
the cylindrical casing, or the flanges at the sides increased in area, and bolted between,
or on to girders, bed-plate, or other foundation, (with air and other pumps, and
condenser, when my invention is used as a condensing engine), and auxiliary bearings
in addition to those in the sides of the cylindrical casing as may be required.
:
The cylindrical casing is extended at the sides so as to form a space for the bearings,

page_text: bushes, glands and packing around the capstan wheel shaft; the packing preventing
the escape of water or oil from the cylindrical casing.
The cylindrical casing may be formed either with its two halves bolted together on
the vertical, horizontal or diagonal lines, and in cases where preferable a portion of
the cylindrical casing may be made removable, for the purpose of inspecting the
interior of the annular cavity, or removing the piston or pistons.
Upon the inside portions of the cylindrical casing where the capstan wheel revolves
between, I form inside or outside cones, to receive inside or outside conical spring
rings of similar form, the cylindrical casing being extended through the spring rings,
with a face formed upon it to meet a similar face formed upon the capstan wheel,
these faces retaining the capstan wheel in its central position in the cylindrical casing
and preventing undue wear of the conical faces through side movement of the capstan
wheel.
In some cases it may be preferable to fit a lining of "Whitworth " or other
compressed steel in the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing, leaving a space
between the cylindrical casing and the lining, this space can then be utilised as a jacket.
At the bottom of the cylindrical casing, a boss is formed upon it to receive a drain
cock or valve.
A similar boss is also formed upon the cylindrical casing ports, to receive an
indicator cock.
Upon that portion of the cylindrical casing where the piston is retained in position
as a partition, there are openings formed in the cylindrical casing to receive recess
blocks of harder material, when it is desirable to use such blocks in preference to
forming the recesses in the sides of the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing.
Upon the periphery of the cylindrical casing I form a seat for the valve casing,
which may be formed in any position upon the periphery of the cylindrical casing to
suit the circumstances to which my invention may be applied.
The flange at the side of the cylindrical casing is extended sufficiently to have a
boss, or bearings formed upon it, to receive a stud, with bush revolving upon it, or
shaft revolving in the bearings, for a box-cam, excentric, crank-disc, governors and
wheel to be mounted thereon, and driven by a wheel keyed upon the capstan wheel
shaft, to actuate the valve or valves, and releasing lever gears.
There is a facing provided on the side of the cylindrical casing to receive the hood
containing the releasing lever and connections.
Upon the sides of the cylindrical casing I form strengthening. ribs to resist the
internal pressure in the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing.
There are one or more ports formed in the cylindrical casing to correspond with
those in the valve casing.
In the interior of the annular cavity of the cylindrical casing I place two pistons,
each piston being fitted with sliding bolt or bolts, bar, levers and rod, these fittings
being kept in a certain position by a spiral or other spring; these fittings are enclosed
in the pistons by a cover bolted to the body of the pistons.
The bodies of the pistons are cored out to lighten them as much as possible.
The pistons may be constructed with ordinary piston rings and springs, or four or
more grooves are formed in the pistons to receive piston rings of the "Ramsbottom"
type, and so arranged in the pistons, that the internal fittings being in the centre, the
rings prevent the steam, air, gas, and other fluids having access to the fittings, and
also preventing leakage past the periphery of the capstan wheel and partition piston.
I make the capstan wheel with its periphery forming a portion of the annular
cavity of the cylindrical casing, and upon its sides are formed inside or outside cones
to correspond with those upon the cylindrical casing; between these cones are fitted
conical spring rings; there are also flat faces formed upon the sides of the capstan
wheel to correspond with similar faces upon the cylindrical casing.
In the periphery of the capstan wheel or wheels, are recesses formed either vertically
or diagonally to receive the sliding bolt or bolts of the piston or pistons, for connecting
the piston to the capstan wheel or wheels; these recesses and sliding bolts require to

page_text: be well rounded upon their edges to facilitate the sliding bolts of the pistons entering
and leaving the recesses; the number of recesses in the capstan wheel or wheels is
governed by the thickness and clearances of the piston dividing equally into the
circumference of the capstan wheel or wheels.
When a piston of large size, of circular or other form is used, I prefer to use two
capstan wheels fitted together, with recesses in each to receive two sliding bolts, or
one sliding bolt and two projecting ends to fit into the recesses of the capstan
wheels.
The conical spring rings may be made either solid, or channeled section to lighten
them, with oil grooves cut in their faces, and are self-adjusting for wear; these conical
spring rings also assist the capstan wheel and shaft to retain their central position in
the cylindrical casing; and are connected to the capstan wheel by studs or other
similar connection, and revolve with it.
There is a tongue-piece fitted into the split conical spring rings, to prevent leakage
into the chamber of the cylindrical casing, in which the capstan wheel revolves.
The capstan wheel shaft may be forged with the capstan wheel formed upon it, and
a hole bored through the shaft for water service to pass through; or the capstan wheel
or wheels may be separate and keyed upon the capstan wheel shaft; the ends of the
shaft are extended through both sides of the cylindrical casing, in which there are
bearings provided for it to revolve in.
I mount a fly-wheel, pulley, wheel, clutch, cranks, couplings or other connections
upon the capstan wheel shaft, to communicate motion; and upon one end of the
capstan wheel shaft is keyed a wheel, to drive the wheel which actuates the box-cam,
excentrics, crank disc, and governors, for the valves and releasing lever gears.
When two or more cylindrical casings are connected together, with a capstan wheel
shaft either in one piece, or two or more capstan wheel shafts coupled together; the
pistons may then be arranged to be either opposite each other, or at right angles, or
in the case of three cylindrical casings being used, the pistons may be placed at 120°
to each other.
In applying my invention to locomotives, tram cars, and other carriages of loco-
motion, it may be preferable to mount a crank upon each end of the capstan wheel
shaft for the purpose of communicating motion to the driving wheels by coupling
rods, or geared wheels may be used in some cases.
The hood for releasing lever is provided with a flange to bolt on to the face formed
upon the cylindrical casing to receive it; the releasing lever is fitted within this hood,
and has a shaft and gland, or glands fitted to it, to enable the releasing lever to work
without leakage from the cylindrical casing.
I make the valve casing circular, and upon the bottom of it I form a flange baving
a projection on each end to clip the faces formed upon the cylindrical casing, to assist
the bolts nearest to the valve casing in preventing leakage at that portion of the
cylindrical casing; or four tight fitting bolts may be used instead, in the base of the
valve casing, when not formed upon two casings.
In the base of the valve casing I form one or more inlet ports, and an eduction
port with a flange formed upon the outside end of the valve casing; if my invention
is to be used as a simple non-reversing engne, it is evident that one inlet port in the
valve casing and cylindrical casing will suffice; but when my invention is applied to
a reversing engine, it is evident that two ports must be provided, these two inlet ports
corresponding with those in the cylindrical casing.
A flange is provided on the outside of the valve casing for fixing the equilibrium
valve, when the engine is controlled by ordinary ball governors, and also receives the
steam supply pipe connections.
The valve casing is provided with covers, and glands in them to receive the valve
spindles; the interior of the valve casing is bored conical to allow the reversing or
expansion valve fitting upon its seat without leakage, and for convenience of adjusting
the valve through wear; upon one of the covers of the valve casing a sector is fitted
to receive reversing or regulating lever, for the purpose of regulating the supply of
steam, air, gas and other fluids to the cylindrical casing, and also changing the

page_text: direction of motion by retaining the reversing lever in a fixed position for forward,
backward, or mid position of the reversing or expansion valve.
Within the valve casing, I fit a cylindrical oscillating valve to be used as an
expansion valve, when my invention is used as a non-reversing engine; and in one
side of this valve I form two ports, one port being in communication with the inlet
port of the cylindrical casing, and the other port in communication with the eduction
port of the valve casing; this valve is held in its proper position within the valve
casing, by the reversing or expansion lever; upon the opposite side of the valve, a
larger port is formed which is always in communication with the supply pipe, and
the dimensions of this port should be such that the valve may be relieved of a certain
amount of pressure upon its seat within the valve casing.
When my invention is used as a reversing engine, the reversing or expansion valve
may assume three positions, either forward, backward, or mid position, with inter-
mediate positions of the valve for working expansively; when the reversing lever is
placed in the forward position, the reversing or expansion valve is moved so that one
of its two ports is placed in communication with the inlet port of the cylindrical
casing for that direction of movement; and when the reversing lever is placed in the
backward position, the reversing or expansion valve is moved so that the port in the
valve that has been acting as an eduction port for the forward direction of motion, is
now used as an inlet port, and is in communication with the backward port in the
cylindrical casing, and that port in the reversing or expansion valve which was used
as an inlet port for the forward direction of motion, is now used as an eduction port:.
by placing the reversing lever in its central position, both ports of the reversing or
expansion valve are covered, and no communication with the inlet ports in the
cylindrical casing can be obtained.
When my invention is applied to locomotives, or other similar circumstances,
the reversing or expansion lever may be actuated by a rod and lever from the foot
plate.
The inlet valve is also a cylindrical oscillating valve, and is turned conical to fit into
the reversing or expansion valve, and when fitted to a simple non-reversing engine,
it is provided with an inlet and eduction ports; upon the opposite side of this inlet
valve, a larger port is formed similar to that in the reversing or expansion valve, and
this port is always in communication with the supply pipe, in whatever position the
inlet valve may be placed in during its oscillation; and this port has its dimensions
so regulated that pressure upon this valve and the valve within which it is placed,
shall be reduced to a minimum.
In applying my invention to a reversing engine, the inlet valve is provided with
two inlet ports, and one eduction port.
In another arrangement of my invention, when using the two inside halves of two
cylindrical casings formed in one casting, as already mentioned; in some of such
arrangements of cylindrical casings, I prefer to form the valve casing as part of the
cylindrical casings, and by this method I can obtain short passages to the cylindrical
casings. One inlet valve, or two inlet valves upon one spindle, may be employed for
the admission and release of steam, air, gas, and other fluids, to and from the two
cylindrical casings; one set of valve gear can also be employed to actuate the valve
or valves for two simple coupled engines, or two simple un-coupled engines revolving
in different directions of motion; for non-reversing engines there may be one inlet-
port into each cylindrical casing, and for reversing engines, two inlet ports may be
formed in each cylindrical casing.
The valve or valves may have one inlet port and one eduction port in each inlet
valve for a non-reversing engine. It may be preferable when my invention is used
as two simple engines revolving in opposite directions of motion, to have two inlet
ports, and one eduction port formed in the inlet valves; and two inlet ports and one
eduction port in the reversing or expansion valve.
It is evident when my invention is used as a reversing engine, the inlet valve may
have two inlet ports, and one eduction port formed in it.
The inlet valve has a boss formed within it, through which the valve spindle passes;

page_text: upon the outside end of the valve spindle I fit a lever, and to this lever is connected
the excentric rod, or cam rod.
To prevent the inlet and reversing or expansion valves sticking within their seats,
I fit an adjusting screw, spring, or other similar arrangement to take up any end
movement of the valves; the valves may be lubricated from the supply pipe.
Another arrangement of the valve gear in my invention may be used by connecting
the reversing or expansion valve to the governors, and actuate the inlet valve by an
excentric, crank disc, or box-cam; or the inlet valve may be connected to the
governors and the reversing or expansion valve actuated by an excentric, crank disc,
or box-cain.
..
Upon the box-cam rod which gives motion to the releasing lever, I place one or
more rollers, this roller or rollers having motion communicated to them by the form
of the path they work upon, and in which they are enclosed in the box-cam.
It may be preferable to use governors of the "Pickering," or other similar type, for
high speed, when it is desired to arrange my invention to be regulated by an equili-
brium valve upon the supply pipe flange of the valve casing, and actuated by the
governors; these governors may be driven direct, or by strap from a pulley fitted
either upon the capstan wheel shaft, or the valve and releasing lever shaft.
In arranging my invention to have the inlet valve actuated by the governors,
prefer to use a type of governor such as the "Turner-Hartnell "Automatic Expansion
Governor, or other similar type; by this kind of governor, the stroke of the excentric,
and travel of the valve may be reduced when the engine is running above its normal
number of revolutions, thereby controlling the engine through curtailing its supply
during such times of variation in speed.
To reduce the travel of the inlet valve, and reversing and expansion valves, and yet
have the same area of opening, I form the ports when preferable, in two openings of
the same area as the one port.
The lubrication of main bearings, capstan wheel, and conical spring rings, is done
from the chamber of the cylindrical casing enclosing the capstan wheel, in addition
to that obtained from the lubricators fitted to the main bearings; the lubrication of
the internal fittings of the pistons is effected during the period of rest when the
pistons are retained in their position as a partition.
When using my invention as a gas engine, an auxiliary pump or compressor may
be used to compress and supply the charges of gas and air either separately or together
to the inlet valve; the jacket of the cylindrical casing would then be used as a water
jacket.
When using my invention as a condensing engine, the condenser, circulating, air,
feed, and bilge pumps, may be worked by a separate engine; and fixed upon the same,
or separate foundation as the main engines.
A guard is fitted over the two wheels for actuating the valve, and releasing lever
gears, to prevent anything falling into the teeth of the wheels.
The wheel upon the capstan wheel shaft, (which is geared into the wheel for
actuating the box-cam, excentric, crank-disc, and governors, for inlet valve, and
releasing lever rods), has a greater number of teeth in it than the wheel it drives;
the number of teeth in the wheels is governed by the number of recesses in the
capstan wheel, and will vary in number according to circumstances, depending upon
the thickness and clearance of the pistons.
This difference in the number of teeth in the wheels for actuating the inlet valve,
and releasing lever rods, is due to the inlet valve and releasing lever being required to
act as much quicker in advance of the revolving piston, equal to the distance between
two recesses in the capstan wheel, or the amount of space and clearance of one piston;
this allows the partition piston to be connected to the capstan wheel and advance
forward, to allow the revolving piston to take its place, at the same time to admit
steam, air, gas, and other fluids by the inlet valve, quick enough to neutralise the
momentuin of the revolving piston while being brought to rest to act as a partition,
and also to give the necessary lead for giving motion to the piston just commencing
revolution

page_text: The direction of motion of the box-cam, excentrics, and crank disc, is just the reverse
to that of the revolving piston.
One arrangement is illustrated by Figure 1 of the annexed drawings.
This is a vertical section of a single cylindrical casing rotary engine provided with a fly
wheel; or three or other number of such engines may be arranged to work on the
same main shaft.
In Figure 1, A is the cylindrical casing within which the annular cavity A' is
formed, A² are the recesses A³ the strengthening ribs and A4 the drain boss of the
'casing A. B and B are the pistons. C and C are the sliding bolts fitted in the
pistons B and B¹. The bars D and D are fitted on to the sliding bolts C and C
E and E¹ are the releasing levers F and F¹ the connecting rods, and the springs G
and G¹ are fitted into the pistons B and B. G is a stop for the springs.
The capstan wheel H is keyed upon the main shaft I. H¹ and H2 are recesses formed
in the capstan wheel H to receive the ends of the sliding bolts C and C¹. J and J¹
are the spring rings. K and K¹ are the main bearings and K2 and K³ are the glands
for the main shaft I. The girders L and I form a bed for the casing A. The
wheel M is keyed on the main shaft I, and is geared into the wheel N keyed on the
valve and releasing gear shaft O. N¹ is a guard fitted over the wheels M and N.
O¹ and O2 are the bearings provided for the shaft O. The governor P and the excentric
and rod P¹ are fitted upon the shaft O to actuate the valve spindle P³ and lever P².
Q is the box-cam and rod and is also fitted upon the shaft 0 for actuating the
releasing lever X¹. R is the valve casing within which is fitted the reversing or
expansion valve R¹ and the inlet valve R². S and S¹ are the inlet ports, and T is the
eduction or exhaust port. U is the supply pipe, and V is the eduction pipe. W is
the reversing or expansion valve lever and is held in position by the sector W¹. W is
the valve spindle for the valve R². X is the bood for the releasing lever X' and its
shaft X Y is the fly wheel fitted upon the main shaft I.
Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section and further illustrates the arrangement
shown by Figure 1, in which B2 B3 B4 and B5 are the piston rings.
The piston B is shown revolving with the capstan wheel H, and during the revolu-
tion of the piston B, the piston B¹ is retained in its position as a partition by the
bar I and the levers E¹ and F1 actuated by the box-cam and rod Q.
The direction of motion is shewn by the arrow.
It is assumed that the piston B is just commencing a revolution as shewn in
Figure 4, and the inlet valve R2 being set correctly for the required lead, the admission
commences and acting upon the piston B, causes it to revolve in connection with the
capstan wheel H; the piston B having reached that part of the revolution where it is
desired to cut off, the inlet valve R2 is closed, and the remaining portion of the revo-
lution is completed by the expansion of the steam; this continues until reaching a
given portion of the revolution, the exhaust port T of the valve R2 is then opened to
the port in the casing A, and exhaust takes place into the eduction pipe V; the
piston B now having reached that point of its revolution approaching the partition
piston B¹ and leaving only the necessary clearance between the piston B and the
'partition piston B¹ to avoid their touching each other, the cam Q then actuates the
releasing lever X' and liberates the bar D and levers E in the partition piston B' which
have been retained in the recesses A2 of the cylindrical casing A, at the same time
advancing the sliding bolt C into the recess H2 directly opposite to it in the capstan
wheel H, and as the partition piston B¹ moves forward from its position, the piston B
still continuing its revolution until the end of the releasing lever X¹ passes down the
clearance and engages with the lever E in the piston B, to disconnect the sliding
bolt C from the recess H¹ in the capstan wheel H, at the same time placing the bar D
and levers E of the piston B into the same recesses A2 in the cylindrical casing A,
vacated by the partition piston B1, thus making the piston B a partition while
piston B¹ is revolving. The valve R' may be set to suit the load.
From the foregoing it will be understood that the pistons B and B¹ inust assume
one of two positions, viz. either connected to the capstan wheel H as a revolving
piston, or disconnected from the capstan wheel Hand held in position as a partition;

page_text: for the sliding bolt C is unable to get out of its recess in the capstan wheel H, owing
to the bar D in the piston B having no clearance for lifting during a revolution, until
opposite the recesses A² in the cylindrical casing A.
Figure 3 is a plan and further illustrates the arrangement shown by Figure 1..
Figures 4 and 4ª are transverse vertical sections representing the reversing valve R¹
as arranged for a reversing rotary engine, but otherwise similar to Figure 1. The
reversing lever W is here shown in two positions for backward and forward movements
of the pistons, the direction of which is indicated by the arrows on the outside of the
cylindrical casing A.
Figure is an elevation, and Figure 5 an end elevation, of the reversing or
expansion valve R¹.
Figure 6 is an elevation, and Figure 6ª an end elevation, of the inlet valve R².
Figures 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 shows various modifications in the means for connecting
two or more cylindrical casings together, also the position of the faces and flanges for
fixing, and the removable cover for examining the pistons.
Figure 7 shows two cylindrical casings bolted together, with the removable cover A
fitted to the bottom of the casing. The facings for fixing the cylindrical casings
between frames, are shown on the sides.
Figure 7 further illustrates this construction.
Figure 8 shows two cylindrical casings, one of circular and the other of oval form,
with the removable cover A5 fitted to the ends of the casings. The flange for bolting
down is shown on the bottom of the cylindrical casings.
Figure 8 further illustrates this construction.
Figure 9 shows two cylindrical casings of oval form, with the removable covers A5
fixed upon the top of the casings. The flange for bolting down is similar to the
arrangement shown in Figure 1.
Figure 9 further illustrates this construction.
Figure 10 shows one cylindrical casing of oval form, with the removable cover A³
fixed upon the bottom of the casing. The flanges for bolting down are similar to the
arrangement shown in Figure 13. The main bearings are adjustable.
Figure 10 further illustrates this construction.
Figure 11 shows two cylindrical casings of circular form, with the removable
covers A³ fixed upon the ends of the casings. The flanges for bolting down are
similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 6, and Figure 9.
Figure 11 further illustrates this construction.
Fig. 12 is an elevation partly in section arranged for an expansion engine but
otherwise similar to Figure 1, and is provided with a steel lining Ax for high speed.
The governor P in this arrangement is placed upon the supply pipe U, and driven by
a belt from the main shaft I. The inlet valve R is operated by the crank-disc Qi,
and the expansion valve R¹ by an excentric P₁. In this arrangement the box-cam Q,
crank dise Q1, and the excentric P¹ with the wheel N are all keyed upon a bush which
revolves upon a stud 03; and are driven from the wheel M on the main shaft I,
gearing into the wheel N. as in Figure 1.
The space between the steel lining Ax and the cylindrical casing A may be utilised
as a steam jacket.
It will be observed that the main shaft I in Figure 12 is coupled to the armature
spindle of a dynamo by couplings, and the main shaft I has a hole through it for water
service, and extra bearing K provided on the bed plate L².
When using gas instead of steam in my rotary engine as arranged in Figure 12 and
Figure 13, the space between the steel lining Ax and the cylindrical casing A may be
utilised as a water jacket. A pump for compressing and delivering the charge of gas
and air to the steel lining Ax may be driven from the main shaft I. The gas valve
may be controlled by the governor P to allow sufficient gas to enter with the air for
one explosion to every revolution of the capstan wheel H. The explosion may be
effected by providing the valves R1 and R2 with an ignition port in connection with a
port in the valve casing R, and a pipe provided with a gas flame.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is-
F
(1.) A rotary engine having a cylindrical casing with an annular cavity or space of
circular or other form; and conical faces formed upon the inside of the casing; the
spring rings between said faces; the capstan wheel with recesses formed in its
periphery, and fitted upon a shaft between the spring rings; the pistons of circular or
other form, with sliding bolts bars levers springs and connecting rods fitted within the
pistons, for connecting and disconnecting to and from the capstan wheel and casing
respectively, and used as pistons and partitions alternately; the releasing levers shaft
and cam rod for connecting and disconnecting the pistous, to and from the capstan
wheel; the shaft cam and wheels for actuating the releasing levers and valve gear;
the reversing or expansion, and inlet valves, with their ports, for controlling the
admission and release of steam, air, gas, and other fluids, to and from the annular
cavity of a simple non-reversing rotary engine casing, substantially as described.
(2.) A rotary engine having a cylindrical casing with an annular cavity or space of
circular or other form, and removable cover, and conical faces formed upon the inside
of the casing; the spring rings between said faces; the capstan wheel with recesses
formed in its periphery, and fitted upon a shaft between the spring rings; the pistons
of circular or other form, with sliding bolts bars levers springs and connecting rods
fitted within the pistons, for connecting and disconnecting to and from the capstan
wheel and casing respectively, and used as pistons and partitions alternately; the
releasing levers shaft and cam rod for connecting and disconnecting the pistons, to
and from the capstan wheel; the shaft cam and wheels for actuating the releasing
levers and valve gear, the reversing or expansion, and inlet valves, with their ports,
for controlling the admission and release, also altering the direction of the steam, air,
gas, and other fluids, to and from the annular cavity of a reversing rotary engine
casing, substantially as described.
(3.) A rotary engine having a cylindrical casing with an annual cavity or space of
circular or other form, and removable cover, and conical faces formed upon the inside
of the casing; the spring rings between said faces; the capstan wheel with recesses
formed in its periphery, forged solid upon the shaft, and fitted between the spring
rings; the pistons of circular or other form, with sliding bolts bars levers springs and
connecting rods fitted within the pistons, for connecting and disconnecting to and
from the capstan wheel and casing respectively, and used as pistons and partitions
alternately; the releasing levers shaft and cam-rod for connecting and disconnecting the
pistons, to and from the capstan wheel; the shaft cam and wheels for actuating the
releasing levers and valve gear; the reversing or expansion, and inlet valves, with
their ports, for controlling the admission and release of steam, air, gas, and other fluids,
to and from the annular cavity of compound or other expansion and condensing
rotary engine casings, substantially as described.
(4.) A rotary engine having a cylindrical casing with an annular cavity or space of
circular or other form, a steel lining fitted within annular cavity, leaving a space
between the lining and casing for a water jacket, and conical faces formed upon the
steel lining; the spring rings between said faces; the capstan wheel with recesses
formed in its periphery, forged solid upon the shaft with a hole formed through the
centre of the shaft for water service, and fitted between the spring rings; the pistons
of circular or other form, with sliding bolts bars levers springs and connecting rods
fitted within the pistons, for connecting and disconnecting to and from the capstan
wheel and casing respectively, and used as pistons and partitions alternately; the
releasing levers shaft and cam rod for connecting and disconnecting the pistons, to
and from the capstan wheel; the shaft cam and wheels for actuating the releasing
levers and valve gear; the reversing or expansion, and inlet valves, with their ports,
for controlling the admission and release of air, and gas to and from the annular
cavity of a rotary gas engine casing, substantially as described.
(5.) A rotary engine having a cylindrical casing with an annular cavity or space of

page_text: circular or other form, a steel lining fitted within annual cavity, leaving a space
between the lining and casing for a steam jacket and conical faces formed upon the
steel lining the spring rings between said faces; the capstan wheel with recesses
formed in its periphery, forged solid upon the shaft with a hole formed through the
centre of the shaft for water surface, and fitted between the spring rings; the pistons
of circular or other form, with sliding bolts bars levers springs and connecting rods
fitted within the pistons, for connecting and disconnecting to and from the capstan
wheel and casing respectively, and used as pistons and partitions alternately; the
releasing levers shaft and can rod for connecting and disconnecting the pistons, to
and from the capstan wheel; the shaft cam and wheels for actuating the releasing
levers and valve gear, the reversing or expansion, and inlet valves, with their ports,
for controlling the admission and release of steam, air, gas, and other fluids, to and
from the annular cavity of a high speed rotary engine casing, substantially as
described.
(6.) My improvements in rotary engines substantially as described and represented
in the annexed drawings.