IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SUGAR, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVE- ADDERADEN MA ASHED DW"
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Fletcher, of Derby, in the County of
Derby, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING
TO MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SUGAR, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVE-
ADDERADEN MA
ASHED DW"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Fletcher at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 7th November 1874.
I, GEORGE FLETOHER, of Derby, in the County of Derby, Engineer,
5 do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for " IMPROVEMENTS
IN AND RELATING TO MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SUGAR, PARTS OF
WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES," to be as follows,
that is to say :—
The first part of my Invention relates to improvements in the con-
) struction and method or means of applying steam engines to driving
centrifugal and other rapidly revolving machines,
A

page_text: In carrying out my improved method or means of applying steam
power to driving centrifugal machines for the manufacture of sugar, and
which is also applicable to other rapidly revolving machines, I employ
an arrangement of double cylinder engine driving a horizontal shaft
which, by means of a pair of friction wheels transmits its motion to the
vertical spindle of the centrifugal (or other machine) and thus drives
the basket without the use of belt or gearing of any kind. I adopt this
arrangement by preference, but this class of engine can also be applied
direct to the spindle of the centrifugal or other machine by placing it
under the machine, so that the crank shall drive direct on to the spindle i
or on to a shaft coupled with the spindle. I place the two cylinders
opposite one another, or at an angle communicating in a common centre
space. Each cylinder is fitted with a piston and connecting rod coupled
to one crank revolving with its shaft in the centre space between the.
cylinders, which can be cast together or separate. Steam is admitted to
the back of each piston alternately, and is regulated by means of a
double slide valve or slide with two cavities, which is worked by a small
crank driven by the main crank pin. The arrangement of ports is such
that the exhaust steam passes into the bodies of the cylinders and central
space between the pistons, and thence out in the usual manner. By:
this arrangement while the forward stroke is taking place the piston is
forced forward by the steam, and during the return stroke the piston is
forced back by the crank pin. The joints in the connecting rods bear
on one side, and if they should become loosened by wear or otherwise no
blows or noise would be caused by the working of the engine.
.
I prefer employing a reciprocating slide valve for obtaining a steam-
tight surface, the surfaces working equally all over, whereas in the case
of a revolving disc valve the surface near the periphery and that on
which it works must necessarily wear much more owing to the higher
velocity at which it travels than the surface nearer the centre; conse- 8
quently an open space is worn between the disc and the facing, resulting
in an escape of steam and diminished development of power. The
engine shaft passes through a long bearing fitted with a metal stuffing
similar to an ordinary V valve. The valve itself is formed in segments
(three or four in number), and is forced down on to its seat by a spring,
thus causing the segments to close upon the shaft, and make a steam-
tight joint; thus there is little risk of an escape of steam.
For the prevention of overrunning the centrifugal or other machine,

page_text: and thereby lessening the chance of accidents by the bursting of the
basket, I employ a peculiar form of governor, which by its sensitiveness
will act quickly on the throttle valve, and maintain the required constant
speed.
The following construction of governor is the one I use by pre-
ference: A small but heavy rim revolving in a horizontal plane is cut
in half through any diameter, and each half is suspended by links to a
top bush running on a point on the top of the governor spindle. Similar
links support the sliding bush, which is itself a nut, or is connected to a
nut working on a screw thread cut on the governor spindle, this thread
having an inclination of 45 degrees or thereabout. The effect of
centrifugal force on the two halves of the rim gives them a tendency to
fly apart and raise the sliding bush when the correct speed has been
acquired. If then there should be any variation of this speed the governor
(not being fast on the spindle, but for the time being like a fly wheel)
would maintain its acquired speed, keeping with it the sliding bush and
nut, thus causing an instantaneous action of the screw thread, the nut
rising or falling according as there is an increase or decrease in the
speed of the spindle.
This arrangement of screw thread and nut is applicable to any form of
ball governor, and also to the fan governor by applying a fly wheel in
the horizontal "plane, either fast with the nut carrying the fans, or by
poising it on a point on the top of the spindle, or carrying it on a collar
on the spindle, when the same action of the nut would take place as in
the case of the ball governor with any variation of speed.
In the application to a ball governor it should be loaded, but instead
of having a weight at the centre this same weight should be spread out
in the form of a fly wheel which will give the governor the required
momentum and inertia.
In the above described arrangement of governor I combine the balls
and the fly wheel together in the form of two halves of a fly wheel rim,¨
thus combining the centrifugal force of the balls with the momentum
and inertia of a fly wheel.
This construction of governor can be advantageously applied to all .
engines requiring regulation, particularly those in which the work to be
done is most varied, such as in saw mills and rolling mills, and in
marine engines (when the screw gets out of water) where the work to

page_text: be done comes on suddenly and goes off as suddenly, and in fact the
quicker this change in the requirements of the engine the better the
action of the governor.
The sensitiveness of this construction of governor may be greatly
increased by its having a high speed of rotation (that is a greater effect
would be produced on the nut and throttle valve for a given variation in
the speed of the engine if the speed were multiplied into the governor),
for this purpose I employ an arrangement of multiplying gear which
can be either applied to the governor spindle or to the countershaft
driving the governor. This multiplying gear consists of two mitre or
bevel wheels facing each other loose on the same centre, and a third
wheel revolving on a stud at right angles to the main centre and gearing
into the two former wheels; this stud is carried by and revolves with
the main shaft, taking the middle wheel round with it, causing it to roll
upon one of the first wheels which is held in a stationary position, and
to take the other wheel round twice to every turn of the main centre;
this wheel then transmits its motion to the governor spindle or to the
countershaft driving the governor. There can be one or more of these
studs at right angles to the main centre with a wheel on each, all
gearing into the two first wheels. The said arrangement gives a ratio
of speed of two to one, but this can be varied by making the arrange-
ment one of skew bevel wheels and studs not at right angles to the main
centre, which will give speeds varying from more than two to one to less
than two to one. Also by a similar arrangement of wheels, with this
difference, that instead of carrying the studs and their wheels on the
main shaft, they are carried in a box or rim, and the other wheel being
fast on the main shaft this box or rim will revolve one-half a revolution to
one revolution of the main shaft, and by putting skew bevel wheels as
herein-before described, this speed can be varied from less than one-half
to one to more than one-half to one. Thus a great variation of speeds
can be acquired on one centre for different purposes either for increasing
or decreasing the speeds. By a simple arrangement of lever and catch
mechanism this gearing can be thrown in and out of action, thus
enabling the whole to revolve together as if solid or to apply the
variation of speed at pleasure.
.

page_text: The second part of my Invention relates to improvements in centrifugal
machines and juice pumps employed in the manufacture of sugar, such
improvements being applicable to centrifugal machines and pumps for
other purposes.
My improvements in centrifugal machines relate, first, to two different
methods of constructing the baskets therefor, so that the liquid driven
from its contents shall find easy exit with the least possible obstruction,
and combine therewith strength of outer casing of the basket.
Firstly. I construct the basket of wrought-iron plates corrugated,
either vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, so that the inner lining of
copper gauze will rest against and be supported by the corrugations on
the inside of the basket; the wrought-iron plates are perforated
either with circular holes or slots; where I use vertically corrugated
plates I propose fixing round the outside of the basket two or more rings
of metal to preserve the shape of the basket, and to give it additional
strength to resist the bursting force.
Secondly. I can construct the basket of wrought-iron plates rolled
with parallel strips projecting from the surface, and having perforations
in them; these strips are placed either vertically, horizontally, or at an
angle on the inside of the basket for the wire gauze to rest against and
to form the required space for the ejection of the liquid. I construct
both these baskets so as to discharge their contents through holes in the
bottom to facilitate the operation.
For greater facility in starting these baskets so that the strain on the
belts (where they are used) shall be lessened, or that the friction wheels
shall not have a tendency to slip when starting, I apply an arrangement
of spring screw brake to store up and accumulate the power lost and
expended on the brake strap when stopping the basket so as to yield it
up again, apply it to the basket, and assist it in starting. I employ a
powerful spring similar to an ordinary clock spring placed in a box:
running loose on the vertical spindle of the centrifugal machine or on.
the countershaft, the box itself to which the outer coil of the spring is
attached being provided with a cone or joggle clutch as also is the box
to which the centre coil of spring is attached, these clutches having their
corresponding clutches so arranged that they can slide endwise on the
shaft, on a feather, key or otherwise, and gear into each alternately; the
box and the clutch carrying the centre coil of spring are each provided

page_text: with a ratchet wheel and pawl, the teeth in one wheel pointing in the
opposite to the teeth in the other wheel.
The action and advantages of this spring screw brake will be easily
understood; thus when the basket is to be stopped, one of the clutches
must be thrown into gear, so that as the basket continues to revolve the
spring is wound up, its tension gradually increasing until the basket is
brought gradually yet quickly to a stand still and without a jerk; the
pawls will prevent a recoil of the spring and the clutch can be thrown
out of gear, leaving the basket free to revolve for the purpose of emptying
and cleaning out the same; then to utilize this storage of power when
starting, the other clutch must be put into gear, and the pawl which holds
the former clutch must be released; this will allow the spring to unwind
itself and cause the spindle and basket to revolve in the same direction as
before, and not in the opposite direction, which would be the case if the
first clutch were kept in gear and released. The advantages of this
appliance are a quick yet gradual stoppage of the basket by means of the
said spring brake, which stores up all the power expended on a break
strap, utilizing this power in starting by giving the basket the first
impulse, thus relieving the straps (where used) of any sudden strain, and
preventing the friction wheels from having a tendency to slip; not only
does this enable the basket to be started more quickly, but it is an econo-
mizer of power, requiring a less development of engine power.
For the purpose of more easily adjusting the position of the centri-
fugal spindle to the wear in the cone bush I employ an arrangement of
lever to support the footstep in which the spindle runs, this lever being
supported in a fulcrum close to the footstep and its other end adjustable
by a nut and screw thread, so that the spindle can be raised or depressed
at pleasure even when the basket is running. By this arrangement great
power is obtainable, and in case of the cone running hot and sticking it
can be released at once by raising the footstep in the manner herein-
before described without having to use, as at present, any laborious
means of forcing the spindle out of the cone.
To regulate the action of the juice pump so as to maintain the liquid
in the juice cistern at about the same level, thus preventing the suction
of air (as the liquid gets low), which is detrimental to the quality of
the juice, I employ,―

page_text: pipe regulated by a ball float and lever, so that as the ball falls the
valve is closed.
Secondly. An ordinary butterfly throttle valve in the suction pipe
regulated in the same way.
Thirdly. Levers or cams for propping up or preventing the full
opening of the suction or discharge valves regulated in the same way.
Fourthly. Automatic regulating gear for varying the throw of the
crank, and thus regulating the stroke of the pump bucket, and conse-
quently the discharge of the pump, also regulated in the same way.
This automatic gear is arranged as follows:-A nut is attached to the
crank pin working on a thread having a bevil or mitre wheel on one end
gearing with a bevil or mitre wheel running loose on the crank shaft,
this wheel being in connection with two sets of differential spur or
friction wheels, so that each is thrown into gear alternately by a small
cylinder of water or steam power regulated by the position of a float on
the liquid in the cistern, and when one set is in gear the throw of the
crank is varied a fraction each revolution of the crank until the stroke
of the pump bucket is adequate to the supply of the liquid to the
cistern.
This arrangement of regulating gear is applicable to other pumping
purposes, such as well or drainage pumping, where the discharge of the
pump has to vary with the supply of liquid.
Another more simple method is to produce the herein-before described
thread and attach to it a ratchet or small pronged wheel on the end, and
by working two moveable stops by the ball float and lever each will be
put into gear alternately as the liquid rises or falls, causing the throw of
the crank to vary by the thread revolving a fraction every revolution of
the crank by coming in contact with the stop.
30
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said George Fletcher in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 6th May 1875.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of November, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the thirty-
eighth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said George Fletcher, Her special licence that
I, the said George Fletcher, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said George Fletcher, my executors, adminis-
trators, 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 AND RELATING
TO MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SUGAR, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS
ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said George Fletcher, my executors or admini-
strators, 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 1
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Fletcher, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement, reference being had to the Drawings hereto :
annexed and to the figures and letters marked thereon, that is to say :-
The first part of my Invention relates to improvements in the con-
struction and method or means of applying steam engines to driving
centrifugal and other rapidly revolving machines.
In carrying out my improved method or means of applying steam
power to driving centrifugal machines for the manufacture of sugar, and
which is also applicable to other rapidly revolving machines, I employ
an arrangement of double cylinder engine driving a horizontal shaft,
which by means of a pair of friction wheels transmits its motion to the
vertical spindle of the centrifugal (or other machine), and thus drive g
the basket without the use of belts or gearing of any kind. I adopt
this arrangement by preference, but this class of engine can also be

page_text: applied direct to the spindle of the centrifugal or other machine by
placing it under the machine so that the crank shall drive direct on to the
spindle or on to a shaft coupled with the spindle. I place the two
cylinders opposite one another, or at an angle communicating in a
common centre space; each cylinder is fitted with a piston and con-
necting rod coupled to one crank revolving with its shaft in the centre
space between the cylinders, which can be cast together or separate.
Steam is admitted to the back of each piston alternately, and is regu-
lated by means of a double slide valve or slide with two cavities, which
is worked by a small crank driven by the main crank pin. The arrange-
ment of ports is such that the exhaust steam passes into the bodies of
the cylinders and central space between the pistons, and thence out in
the usnal manner. By this arrangement while the forward stroke is
taking place the piston is forced forward by the steam, and during the
return stroke the piston is forced back by the crank pin; the joints in
the connecting rods bear on one side, and if they should become loosened
by wear or otherwise no blows or noise would be caused by the working
of the engine.
I prefer employing a reciprocating slide valve for obtaining a steam-
tight surface, the surfaces working equally all over; whereas in the
case of a revolving disc valve the surface near the periphery, and that
on which it works, must necessarily wear much more owing to the
higher velocity at which it travels than the surface nearer the centre,
consequently an open space is worn between the disc and the facing,
resulting in an escape of steam and diminished development of power.
The engine shaft passes through a long bearing fitted with a metal
stuffing similar to an ordinary V valve; the valve itself is formed in
segments (three or four in number) and is forced down on to its seat by
a spring, thus causing the segments to close upon the shaft and make
a steam-tight joint; thus there is little risk of an escape of steam.
For the prevention of overrunning the centrifugal or other machine,
and thereby lessening the chance of accidents by the bursting of the
basket, I employ a peculiar form of governor, which by its sensitiveness
will act quickly on the throttle valve and maintain the required speed,
the construction of governor, herein-after described, is the one I use
by preference. A small but heavy rim revolving in a horizontal plane
is cut in halves through any diameter, and each half is suspended by
links to a top bush running on a point on the top of the governor

page_text: spindle; similar links support the sliding bush, which is itself a nut, or
is connected to a nut working on a screw thread cut on the governor
spindle, this thread having an inclination of forty-five degrees, or there-
about. The effect of the centrifugal force on the two halves of the rim
gives them a tendency to fly apart and raise the sliding bush when the t
correct speed has been acquired; if then there should be any variation
of this speed the governor (not being fast on the spindle, but for the
time being like a fly wheel) would maintain its acquired speed, keeping
with it the sliding bush and nut, thus causing an instantaneous action
of the screw thread, the nut rising or falling according as there is an 1
increase or decrease in the speed of the spindle.
This arrangement of screw thread and nut is applicable to any form
of ball governor, and also to the fan governor, by applying a fly wheel
in the horizontal plane, either fast with the nut carrying the fans, or by
poising it on a point on the top of the spindle, or carrying it on a
collar on the spindle, when the same action of the nut would take place
as in the case of the ball governor, with any variation of speed.
1
In the application to a ball governor it should be loaded; but instead
of having a weight at the centre this same weight should be spread out
in the form of a fly wheel, which will give the governor the required 2
momentum and inertia.
In the above-described arrangement of governor I combine the balls
and the fly wheel together in the form of two halves of a fly wheel rim,
thus combining the centrifugal force of the balls with the momentum
and inertia of a fly wheel.
2
This construction of governor can be advantageously applied to all
engines requiring regulation, particularly those in which the work to be
done is most varied, such as in saw mills, and rolling mills, and in
marine engines (when the screw propeller gets out of water) where the
work to be done comes on suddenly and goes off as suddenly, and in fact 8
the quicker this change in the requirements of the engine the better the
action of the governor.
The sensitiveness of this construction of governor may be greatly
increased by its having a high speed of rotation (that is, a greater effect
would be produced on the nut and throttle valve for a given variation 3
in the speed of the engine if the speed were multiplied into the

page_text: governor). For this purpose I employ an arrangement of multiplying
gear which can be either applied to the governor spindle, or to the
countershaft driving the governor. This multiplying gear consists of
two mitre or bevel wheels facing each other, loose on the same centre,
and a third wheel revolving on a stud at right angles to the main centre,
and gearing into the two former wheels. This stud is carried by and
revolves with the main shaft, taking the middle wheel round with it,
causing it to roll upon one of the first whools which is held in a
stationary position, and to take the other wheel round twice to every
turn of the main centre; this wheel then transmits its motion to the
governor spindle, or to the countershaft driving the governor. There
can be one or more of these studs at right angles to the main centre
with a wheel on each, all gearing into the two first wheels. The said
arrangement gives a ratio of speed of two to one; but this can be varied
by making the arrangement one of skew bevil wheels and studs not at
right angles to the main centre, which will give speeds varying from
more than two to one to less than two to one. Also by a similar
arrangement of wheels with this difference, that instead of carrying the
studs and their wheels on the main shaft they are carried in a box or
rim, and the other wheel being fast on the main shaft. This box or rim
will revolve one half a revolution to one revolution of the main shaft,
and by putting skew bevel wheels as herein-before described this speed
can be varied from less than one half to one to more than one half to
two. Thus a great variation of speeds can be acquired on one centre
for different purposes, either for increasing or decreasing the speeds.
By a simple arrangement of lever and catch mechanism this gearing
can be thrown in and out of action, thus enabling the whole to
revolve together as if solid, or to apply the variation of speed at
pleasure.
The above arrangement of gearing can be adapted to driving a bicycle

page_text: from its contents shall find easy exit with the least possible obstruction,
and combine therewith strength of outer casing of the basket.
Firstly. I construct the basket of wrought-iron plates corrugated
vertically so that the inner lining of copper gauze will rest against and
be supported by the corrugations on the inside of the basket; the wrought-
iron plates are perforated either with circular holes or slots.
Secondly. I can construct the basket of wrought-iron plates rolled
with parallel strips projecting from the surface and having perforations
in them, these strips are placed either vertically, horizontally, or at an
angle on the inside of the basket for the wire gauze to rest against, and
to form the required space for the ejection of the liquid. I construct
both these baskets so as to discharge their contents through holes in the
bottom to facilitate the operation.
For greater facility in starting these baskets so that the strain on the
belts (where they are used) shall be lessened, or that the friction wheels
shall not have a tendency to slip when starting, I apply an arrangement
of spring brake to store up and accumulate the power lost and expended
on the brake strap when stopping the basket so as to yield it up again,
apply it to the basket, and assist it in starting. I employ a powerful
spring similar to an ordinary clock spring placed in a box running loose
on the vertical spindle of the centrifugal machine or on the countershaft,
the box itself to which the outer coil of spring is attached being pro-
vided with a cone or joggle clutch, as also is the boss to which the
centre coil of spring is attached, these clutches having their corre-
sponding clutches so arranged that they can slide endwise on the shaft
on a feather key or otherwise and gear into each alternately. The box
and the clutch carrying the centre coil of spring are each provided with
a ratchet wheel and pawl, the teeth in one wheel pointing in the opposite
direction to the teeth in the other wheel.
The action and advantages of the spring brake will be easily under-
stood, thus when the basket is to be stopped one of the clutches must be
thrown into gear, so that as the basket continues to revolve the spring
is wound up, its tension gradually increasing until the basket is brought
gradually yet quickly to a stand still, and without jerk the pawls will
prevent a recoil of the spring and the clutch can be thrown out of gear,
leaving the basket free to revolve for the purpose of emptying and
cleaning out the same; then to utilize this storage of power when

page_text: starting the other clutch must be put into gear, and the pawl which
holds the former clutch must be released; this will allow the spring to
unwind and cause the spindle and basket to revolve in the same
direction as before and not in the opposite direction, which would be the
case if the first clutch were kept in gear and released. The advantages
of this appliance are a quick yet gradual stoppage of the basket by
means of the said spring brake which stores up all the power expended
on a brake strap, utilizing this power in starting by giving the basket
the first impulse, thus relieving the straps (when used) of any sudden
strain, and preventing the friction wheels from having a tendency to
slip; not only does this enable the basket to be started more quickly, but
it is an economizer of power requiring a less development of engine
power.
For the purpose of more easily adjusting the position of the centrifugal
spindle to the wear in the cone bush I employ an arrangement of lever
to support the footstep in which the spindle runs, this lever being
supported on a fulcrum close to the footstep, and its other end
adjustable by a nut and screw thread, so that the spindle can be raised
or depressed at pleasure even when the basket is running. By this
arrangement great power is obtainable, and in case of the cone running
hot and sticking it can be released at once by raising the footstep in
the manner herein-before described without having to use as at present
any laborious means of forcing the spindle out of the cone.
To regulate the action of the juice pump so as to maintain the liquid
in the juice cistern at about the same level, thus preventing the suction
of air (as the liquid gets low), which is detrimental to the quality of the
juice I employ,-
Firstly. A common flap or lift valve at the lower end of the suction
pipe regulated by a ball float and lever, so that as the ball falls the
valve is closed.
Secondly. An ordinary butterfly throttle valve in the suction pipe
regulated in the same way.
Thirdly. Levers or cams for propping up or preventing the full
opening of the suction or discharge valves regulated in the same way.
Fourthly. Automatic regulating gear for varying the throw of the
crank, and thus regulating the stroke of the pump bucket, ànd con-
-

page_text: Figure 2, Sheet 2, shews the arrangement for preventing the complete
closing of the delivery valve for the same purpose (which is also appli-
cable to the suction valve).
Figure 3, Sheet 2, shews the arrangement of automatic regulating
gear for varying the throw of the crank pin, and consequently the dis-
charge of the pump.
Figure 4, Sheet 2, shews a more simple arrangement of regulating
gear.
.
In Sheet 1, A, A, are the two cylinders placed opposite each other (or
they may be placed at an angle) communicating in a central space B.
Each cylinder is fitted with a piston O packed in any ordinary manner.
These pistons are connected by rods D, D, to one crank E, each rod
bearing nearly half way round the crank pin, and being held in position
by two rings, one on each side of the rod ends. The crank shaft F passes
through a bearing in the side of the space B, at the end of which bearing
is a kind of V shaped stuffing G (in two or more segments) which is
pressed against the said bearing by a spring H, and thus forms a steam-
tight joint. The crank pin is extended and works another smaller crank,
the shaft of which passes (in the opposite direction to the main crank
shaft) through a hole in the slide valve and out through a small stuffing
box in the valve chest cover. On this shaft is an eccentric ring, which
works a block in the slide valve, and thus gives the latter a reciprocating
motion, and admits steam alternately along the ports a, a, to the back of
each piston, the exhaust steam being taken through the cavities in the
slide valve into the central space B and out by the exhaust pipe I. On
the other end of the crank shaft F is a friction wheel J bearing against
another similar friction wheel K on the vertical spindle L of the centri-
fugal machine. The wheel J is kept against the wheel K by the action
of the herein-before described spring H.
In Figure 4, Sheet 1, shewing my improved governor on an enlarged
scale, M, M, are the two half rims suspended by links from a top bush N.
Šimilar links are attached to the sliding bush O, which is either the nut
itself or is connected to the nut working on the quick threaded screw P
çut on the governor spindle. By the action of centrifugal force the half
rims tend to fly asunder and rise on the links, raising the sliding bush,
but if there is then any sudden variation in the speed of the engine the
action of the thread will come into play, causing the nut to rise or fall,

page_text: according as there is any increase or decrease of speed, as the governor
not being fast on the spindle would by the effect of the law of inertia
maintain its speed for the time being.
The arrangement of duplicate gearing for driving this governor is also
shown in Figures 1 and 2. The centre bevel or mitre wheel Q is 5
carried round on a stud projecting from the hollow shank R. This
wheel rolls on the lower mitre wheel S, which is held in a stationary
position by the catch lever T, causing the upper mitre wheel and the
governor to revolve twice to every revolution of the hollow shank R,
thus multiplying the speed, and by simply raising this catch lever T 1
so that it shall catch a projecting piece on the hollow shank R the
whole will revolve together as if it were solid, and thus produce a
variable speed at pleasure.
The centrifugal basket U, Figures 1 and 2, is shown made of corru-
gated iron, the corrugations running vertically and being perforated with 1
circular holes or slots to allow of the easy exit of the liquid; against
the corrugations on the inside of the basket rests the copper gauze V,
thus forming a substantial basket, constructed with a view to obtaining
strength and good drainage.
I can also construct the basket of wrought iron, rolled with parallel 2
strips projecting from the internal surface, and perforated and applied in
the same manner as the corrugated iron.
My improved arrangement of spring brake is also shewn in Figure 1;
6 is the box to which the outer coil of the spring c is attached, the box
has a cone clutch on the top, and a ratchet wheel on the lower edge; 2
d is the boss to which the inner coil of the spring is attached, the boss
also having a cone clutch and a ratchet wheel; e is a sliding boss with a
cone clutch at each end, and a groove (in which a forked lever
works) at the lower end; this boss slides on a feather key on the
shaft.
It will be seen that either clutch can be put into gear by the action of
the lever; thus, to stop the basket the top clutch is put into gear, and
the pawl preventing the other clutch from turning causes the spring to
be wound up, and stores up the power usually lost on the brake strap;
then to start the basket and utilise this power the other clutch must be
thrown into gear and the pawl released; the spring will then unwind in
the same direction as that in which it was wound up, and will help the

page_text: basket to start and prevent any slipping of the friction wheels, or of
belts when belts are used; fis the footstep block for the spindle of the
centrifugal machine, supported on a lever which oscillates on a pin g,
the other end of the lever being suspended by a tie rod and nut h, so
that by tightening or slackening this nut the spindle of the centrifugal
machine will be raised or lowered for the purpose of adjusting the same
to the wear of the cone bush. This operation can be effected whilst the
machine is in motion; it is also a powerful and sure mode of releasing
the spindle should it at any time run hot and become fast.
In Figure 1, Sheet 2, A. is the suction pipe of an ordinary juice pump
in which is fitted a common butterfly valve, actuated by a ball float and
lever B, so that the rise or fall of the level of the liquid in the cistern
will open or close the valve, and thus regulate the discharge of the
pump.
Figure 2, Sheet 2, represents another method of obtaining the same
result by means of a ball float and lever D, acting so as to prop up the
delivery valve E and so prevent a full discharge by allowing some of the
liquid to return through the valve again.
In Figure 3, Sheet 2, which shews the arrangement of automatio
regulating gear, F is the crank pin (working a juice pump) to which is
attached a nut, worked by a thread G on which is a bevel or mitre wheel
gearing into another bevel wheel H running loose on the crank shaft;
to this wheel is fastened a spur wheel gearing into another spur wheel
on a shaft I, together with two other spur wheels which gear into two
more spur wheels, also loose on the crank shaft, but having a cone clutch
on each, into which is thrust a cone clutch J sliding on a feather key on
the crank shaft. This cone clutch is actuated by a small steam or water
power cylinder K, the valve of which is worked by a float on the liquid
in the cistern; its action will be readily seen, for if the liquid is at about
its mean level, so that the small cylinder is inert, and neither clutch is
gear, the screw will not revolve, and the crank pin will remain at a
constant radius; but if the level of the liquid were to vary, one clutch
would be thrown into gear, and so cause the spur wheel to which it is
attached to revolve with the crank shaft, and by means of the differential
gearing the bevel wheel H would revolve at a different speed to that of
the crank shaft, and so cause the screw to revolve and vary the radius
in
3

page_text: of the crank pin, consequently the delivery of the pump would vary
also.
Figure 4, Sheet 2, represents a more simple arrangement for accom-
plishing the same result by putting a small spoked wheel on the outer
end of the screw, working the crank pin, or a bevel or mitre wheel L in 5
its place, and attaching a spoke wheel to the other bevel wheel M running
loose on a stud, so that as the crank revolves the spokes of this wheel
shall strike one or other of the two stops actuated by a float and levers,
and cause the screw to revolve a fraction for each revolution of the
crank, and thus cause the radius of the crank and discharge of the pump 1
to vary according to the level of the liquid in the cistern.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention and the
manner of performing the same, what I claim as new and intended to be
protected by the herein in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The peculiar construction of steam engine with reciprocating 1
slide valve for driving centrifugal machines for the manufacture of sugar
and other rapidly revolving machines, either direct on the main shaft or
by means of a countershaft and pair of friction wheels, as herein-before
described.
Secondly. The peculiar construction of governor to regulate the said
herein-before described engine and its application to ball-and-fan
governors, in combination with an arrangement of variable gearing for
driving such governor or other machine and the means of using the
same at pleasure, as herein-before described.
Thirdly. The construction of the centrifugal basket of sheet iron 2
rolled with parallel strips on its surface, as herein-before described.
Fourthly. An arrangement of spring brake to serve as an economizer
of power, to stop and start the centrifugal basket by utilizing the power
lost and expended on an ordinary brake strap, and to relieve the belts
(when belts are used) from any sudden strain, and to prevent the friction 8
wheels from a tendency to slip, as herein-before described.
Fifthly. An arrangement of lever and screw for adjusting the centri-
fugal spindle to the wear of the cone bush, as also to give great power in
releasing the said spindle should it happen to run hot and get fast, as
herein-before described,
3

page_text: Sixthly. The various methods or arrangements for regulating the dis-
charge of the juice pump, and in particular the automatic differential
gear for varying the throw of the crank, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Fletcher, have hereto
set my hand and seal, this Fifth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.