CERTAIN MACHINERY FOR THE PUR- POSE OF IMPARTING MOTION, TO BE WORKED BY STEAM AND WATER, WITHOUT EITHER CYLINDER OR PISTON, AND WITH LESS LOSS OF POWER THAN OCCURS IN WORKING ANY OF THE STEAM ENGINES THEN IN USE
Year: 1821

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
MASTERMAN, of 38, Broad Street, Ratcliffe, in the County of Middlesex,
Common Brewer, send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth, by His
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing at West-
minster, the Tenth day of February, in the second year of His reign, did, for
Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Thomas
Masterman, my executors, administrators, and assigns, His especial licence
that I, the said Thomas Masterman, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
and every of them, by myself or themselves, or by my and their deputy or
deputies, servants or agents, or such others as I, my executors, administrators,
or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term of years therein expressed, should
and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and
the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and also within all His Majesty's Colonies
and Plantations abroad, my Invention of "CERTAIN MACHINERY FOR THE PUR-
POSE OF IMPARTING MOTION, TO BE WORKED BY STEAM AND WATER, WITHOUT EITHER
CYLINDER OR PISTON, AND WITH LESS LOSS OF POWER THAN OCCURS IN WORKING ANY
OF THE STEAM ENGINES THEN IN USE;" in which said Letters Patent there is
contained a proviso, obliging me, by an instrument in writing under my hand
and seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the same to be

page_text: enrolled in His Majesty's High Court of Chancery within four calendar months
next and immediately after the date of the said recited Letters Patent, as in
and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large
appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso I do hereby
declare that the nature of my said, and the manner in which the same is to be
performed, is described and ascertained by the Drawings in the margin of
these presents, and by the following explanation thereof, and by the descriptions
and observations herein-after contained (that is to say):-
-
Figure 1 represents a vertical section of that part of the machinery which
revolves, and which I call "the troke." (A) is a solid piece of metal, some-
what resembling a drum, and which I call "the nucleus." One end of the
nucleus is a perfect plane; this end I call "the face" (see Figure 2). A solid
axis (see a) projects from the centre of each end of the nucleus, and at right
angles with the plane of the face, and revolves with the nucleus. (b, b, b, b,) are
four holes sunk in the face at equal distances from each other, in a space which
would be included between two concentric circles (described from the centre of
the axis) of such diameters as to leave a margin both towards the axis and
towards the outer edge of the face. These holes may be of any form, but the
form I prefer is the following:-Describe two redii from the centre of the said
axis cutting the said two concentric circles, and with such an angle that a circle
touching each of such concentric circles would also touch each of such redii;
the space included between the segments of the concentric circles terminated
by the redii will be of the form proposed. Those holes are sunk in a direction
parallel to the axis until they reach half way through the nucleus, when they
take a direction at right angles with the axis, and open in periphery of the
nucleus at equal distances from each other. (B) is a hollow annulus or ring
composed of four equal parts joined together. The transverse section of the
annulus may be of any form, but a square or oblong is preferable, and this I
have adopted in the Figure. (C, C, C, C,) are four holes at equal distances
from each other, through the centre of the inner side or circle of the annulus.
(D, D, D, D,) are four tubes or hollow redii of equal length, connecting the
said four holes in the annulus with the said four holes in the periphery of
the nucleus. The joints in the annulus and in the redii are made steam-tight.
(E, E, E, E,) are four steam-tight valves in the annulus, one placed at each
of the four joints thereof. These valves are all similar to each other, and
open in the same direction by a hinge placed next that side of the annulus
nearest the axis, and the openings are made nearly as large as the cavity of
the annulus, or they may be made of the same size by enlarging the dimen-

page_text: sions of the annulus in that part of it where the valves open. These valves
are so fixed, that while the troke revolves on its said axis (which is placed
horizontally), their own weight would cause them to open in ascending and to
shut in descending; but as the reverse is required, viz, to be shut in ascend-
ing and open in descending, this is effected in the following manner (sec
Figure 3)-A rod is placed in the cavity of the annulus along that side
of the opening for the valves nearest the axis; one end of this rod enters
a socket, the other passes through a stuffing box to the outside of the
annulus. To this rod the valve is attached, to which it serves as a hinge. A
lever is fixed to that end of the rod which projects through the annulus at
right angles with it, and pointing towards the axis when the valve is half
open. A weight sufficient to overcome the weight of the valve is affixed
to the end of this lever; or it may be effected in the following manner
(see Figure 4, which is a section of part of the annulus and of the
valve) Pass a rod through the centre of the annulus at a short dis-
tance above the ascending valve in a direction parallel to the axis; place
a lever across the centre of this rod; inside the annulus, at right angles with
it, and traversing upon the rod, is a fulcrum; connect the end of this lever
farthest from the axis to the valve, a little beyond its centre, towards the
side opposite the hinge, by means of a rod having a moveable joint at
each end, and to the other end of the lever affix a weight sufficient to
overcome the weight of the valve. Figure 5 is a thick circular plate of metal
which I call "the mask." The mask is equal in diameter to the face of the
nucleus, and one side of it is a perfect plane. Through its centre there is a
circular hole (c) of sufficient diameter to admit that end of the axis which
projects from the face. There are also two other holes (d and e) through it,
of the same form and size as one of the holes in the face, except that the redii
terminating the segments of the concentric circles include an angle of about
sixty degrees. These two holes are situated so near to each other as to leave
a space (f) between them of such a size as just to cover completely one of
the holes in the face. (g) is another circular hole through the mask, situated
within the space which would be included by completing the concentric circles,
segments of which determine the sides of the two holes (d and e), and in the
middle of the larger space left between the same two holes. The axis passes
through the centre hole in the mask, and the plane side of the mask is kept
pressed closely against the face of the nucleus. The mask is secured immove-
ably in such a position as that the space (f) on its plane side is somewhat
above the level of the axis on the ascending side of the troke. The best way
of, thus securing it and keeping it so pressed appears to be by the axis imme-
1

page_text: diately beyond the outside of the mask being formed into a screw, on which
place a nut, and between that and mask place a spring, having a hole through
its centre for the admission of the axis, and whose arms press on each oppo-
site extremity of the mask. The above-described machinery is constructed of
cast iron or other metal. It is inclosed in a case of stone or brick and
mortar, iron, or other material, in such a manner that the troke revolves freely
on its axis, which rests horizontally in each side of the case.
Each separate
part of the annulus is constructed of the same form, size, and weight, so as
that the troke may revolve on its axis in equilibrio. The end of the axis
farthest from the face passes through a stuffing box in the side of the
case, and it is to this projecting end of the axis that the machinery, &c.,
to which it is proposed to impart motion, is connected. Two pipes pass
from the outside of the case to the outside of the mask. The end of one
terminates in the hole (d), and the end of the other in the hole (e). The
1st I call the steam pipe; it communicates with the boiler, and in it (out-
side of the case) is a cock or valve. The said pipe that terminates in the
hole (e) is bent (just outside of the case) in a perpendicular direction, and ter-
minates on a level with the top of the annulus. Above the case is a small
metal reservoir for water, inclosed so as to leave a space round every part
thereof. A pipe passes from near the bottom of the reservoir through the
inclosure above it, for the admission of the water. There is a communication
between this space and the interior of the case. It is the combination of the.
machinery above described that I claim as my Invention. It forms a machine
or engine for imparting motion, which is worked by steam and water in the
following manner :-The steam required to work it is generated in the usual
manner, my Invention not extending to the boiler. The annulus is, in the
first place, about half filled with water, which may be introduced therein
either in a cold or heated state. If in a cold state it is introduced through
the said perpendicular pipe, or through a pipe (having a stop-cock in
it), and branching from the said steam pipe between the steam valve
and the case, and it is heated by the steam being suffered to flow through
the steam pipe into the annulus. If in a heated state (and which I
prefer) I heat and introduce it as follows:-A branch from the pipe
terminating in the hole (9) communicates with the boiler, the end of which,
after entering it, is bent downwards below the general water level therein. In
this branch is a cock or valve. As niuch water as will be sufficient to fill about
half the annulus must be run into the boiler, besides what is required to remain
in the boiler for generating the steam to work the engine. When the water
boils, the steam is suffered to. blow through the inside of the machine (by way

page_text: of the steam pipe) until it be thoroughly heated; then close the steam cock,
and open that in the last-mentioned branch pipe, when the water from the
boiler will rush through that pipe into the annulus by such one of the holes
in the face as happens to be or is placed opposite the hole (9), and when the
annulus is about half full shut the same cock. The annulus being thus about
half full of heated water (whether heated therein or in the boiler) the troke
is made to revolve as follows:-On the steam valve being opened, the steam
enters the hole (d), and passing from thence through such one of the holes in
the face as happens to be opposite to it into the annulus, displacing the water
from the radius through which it passes, and rising through the water in the
annulus, it is stopped by the valve situated immediately above the radius,
through which it entered the annulas (which valve from the construction of
the machine will then be closed). It then presses the water below such valve
downwards, and thus proportionably raises it on the opposite side of the
annulus until the reaction of the steam against such valve overcomes the
resistance, when the troke revolves on its axis, and as it revolves each hole
in the face opens in succession into the hole (d), which is of such a length
that previously to one of such holes leaving it the succeeding hole opens into
it, so that there is a continual flow of steam through the hole (d) into the
annulus, reacting on the valves thereon successively as they ascend. Each of the
holes in the face as they successively pass from the hole (d) to the hole (e) will
be completely closed by the space in the mask (f), and as they successively
open into the hole (e), which is of such a length, that previously to one hole
leaving it, the succeeding one opens into it, the steam will continually escape
from the annulus by them, and through the hole (e) into the case; and the
pressure of steam being thus removed from the valves, they (from the con-
struction) open as they successively begin to descend, so as to allow a free
passage on that side of the annulus for the water, and thus a uniform rotatory
motion is produced and maintained as long as the steam flows through the
steam pipe, and acting with a power proportionate to the difference of level
off water in the annulus. The steam that escapes into the case tends while
there to prevent condensation of the steam in the inside of the machinery
inclosed by the case. Part of the steam in the case enters the space round
the reservoir, and there condensing on the sides and bottom of the reservoir
heats the water therein. The remainder of the steam in the case escapes into
the air by an opening near the bottom of the case. The water in the reservoir
supplies any waste of the water in the annulus, and it is introduced from the
reservoir into the annulus by a pipe from the reservoir (with a stop-cock in it),
terminating just above the perpendicular pipe which terminates in the hole (g),

page_text: and thence through such perpendicular pipe; and as such perpendicular pipe
communicates with the annulus as the holes in the face successively pass the
hole (g), it is evident that the water from the annulus will rise in the perpen-
dicular pipe to the level of the water in the annulus, and preserve such level,
and thus furnish a means of regulating the supply of water from the reservoir
to the annulus.
The boiler may also be kept supplied with water from the reservoir; but I
do not claim as part of my Invention either the above method of heating the
water in the reservoir, or the keeping the boiler supplied therefrom. Or, instead
of supplying any waste of water in the annulus from the reservoir, as above
mentioned, such supply may be had from the boiler by the same means by
which the annulus is in the first instance supplied with heated water from the
boiler. In the outer side of the annulus is a valve for running the water
therefrom when required, to which access is obtained through an opening
or door near the bottom of the case, which is shut while the engine is
working.
The above-described machinery admits of various modifications, as follows:-
The number of valves in the annulus may be varied from three to any number
upwards, the radii and holes in the face corresponding in number therewith.
The valves may be regulated by catches or stops acting upon levers projecting
outside of the annulus, instead of by the methods before described, and in
such case the hinges of the valves may be placed on any side of the annulus.
Two trokes may be placed on the same axis so as to form one machine, and
the steam, after exerting its power in the first, may be passed from it to the
other, so as also to exert its power therein in the following manner :-Let the
holes in the first face be continued (from where they take a direction at right
angles with the axis) in a direction parallel to the axis quite through the first
nucleus; let the end of the first nucleus farthest from the boiler be made a
perfect plane, so as to form a second face; let a mask be applied to the
second face, having only one hole in it, which is for the steam to pass out by
after escaping from the first annulus; let the hole (e) in the first mask be
omitted in such first mask; let the second troke, and the mask to it, be of the
same construction and position as those before described where one troke only
is intended to be used; the perpendicular pipe attached to the third mask
being continued through the top of the case, connect the hole in the
mask of the second face of the first troke with the hole in the mask of
the second troke, corresponding with the hole (d), by which pipe the steam
will pass from the first troke to the second troke; the supply of water that
may waste in the annuli must be had from the boiler, and the second per-

page_text: pendicular pipe must be used as the guage for regulating such supply; it is
evident that in this manner three or more trokes may be placed on the
same axis, the same steam working them successively. The before-described
machinery is described as working at a high pressure, but by conveying the
steam to a condenser from the hole by which it escapes from the mask, it may
be worked at a low pressure. The said combination of machinery, modified as
aforesaid, I also claim as my Invention. The Figures or plans in the margin
are not drawn to any particular scale, as the dimensions must vary indefinitely
according to the power required; and the power may be varied in two ways,
either by varying the diameter of the troke, or the size of the cavity of the
annulus. From the well principles of the pressure of fluids, there can be no
difficulty in ascertaining the dimensions proper for an engine on the above
construction of any required power and to be worked at any required pressure.
I have herein-before described my machinery as worked with steam and water,
not having made any experiments with any other liquid instead of water; but
as it is obvious from the construction of such machinery, and from the principles
on which it works, that liquid bodies only can be made use of in the annulus,
and that the only properties water possesses which are available therein
are gravity and liquidity, it is probable that mercury might be advantageously
substituted for water for working the machinery, provided much oxidation of
the mercury should not take place. My above-specified machinery would
neither be varied in construction nor principle by such substitution; therefore
my exclusive right under the said Patent to such machinery would not be
effected by such substitution; but as I have, in my petition for the said Letters
Patent, described my machinery to be worked by steam and water, the public
are at liberty, on purchasing my said specified machinery, to work it with steam
and mercury instead of with and water; my only reason for mentioning
mercury in this my Specification being, that in case I should on experiment
discover that the most beneficial mode of working my said machinery would
be by substituting mercury for water as aforesaid, and should in consequence
make such substitution, and should not have mentioned the probability of such
substitution being more beneficial, my said Letters Patent might be endangered,
on the ground that I had not published the most beneficial mode of working
my said machinery.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, the Eighth
day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and twenty-one
THOS (L.S.) MASTERMAN.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the same Eighth day of May, in
the year above mentioned, the aforesaid Thomas Masterman came before our
Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid,
and all and every thing therein contained, in form above written. And also
the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute
in that case made and provided.
Inrolled the Seventh day of June, in the year above written.