IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINES TO BE WORKED BY STEAM, AIR. GAS. OR VAPOURS: WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO PUMPS FOR RAISING OR FORCING WATER. AIR. OR OTHER FLUIDS
Year: 1842

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 1, JOHN LAMB,
of Kidderminster, in the County of Worcester. Machinist, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most. Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain. bearing date ai
Westminster. the Fifteenth day of April. in the fifth year of ller reign, did.
for Herself, Her heirs and successors. give and grant unto me, the said John
Lamb. Her especial licence. full power, sole privilege and authority. that 1.
the said John Lamb, my executors, administrators, and assigns. and such others
as 1, the said John Lamb, my executors, administrators. or assigns. should at
any time agree with, and no others. from time to time and at all times during
the term of years therein mentioned. should and lawfully might make, lise.
exercise, and vend. within England. Wales. the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, and in all Her Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, and in the
Islands of Jersey. Guernsey. Alderney. Sark. and Man. my Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN ENGINES TO BE WORKED BY STEAM, AIR. GAS. OR VAPOURS:
WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO PUMPS FOR RAISING OR FORCING
WATER. AIR. OR OTHER FLUIDS;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a
proviso obliging me. the said John Lamb, 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 inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six
calender months next and immediately after the date of the said in part,
recited Letiers Patent, as in and by the same. reference being thereunto had
will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Lamb. do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, nud
the manner in which the same is to be performed. are particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following description thereof. reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto anexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say):-
"
This Invention in Improvements of Engines to be worked by Steam, Air,
Gas, or Vapours. applicable also to Pumps for Raising or Forcing Water, Air.
or other fluids. relates to that description of engine commonly called and known
by the name of rotary engines." am consists in one cylinder working-inside
another in a peculiar manner.
But in order that my Invention may be more
perfectly understood. I have shown in the accompanying Drawings various
views of my improved engine in different positions. and also many of the
parts are shewn detached. whereby their construction is more clearly seen.
Fig. is a sirle view of my improved engine, and Fig. 2 a vertical section
taken through the line a, b, of Fig. 3. which is an und view of the engine,
one of the end plates being removed to shew the interior. Fig. 4 is a section
taken in the line e. d. of Figures 1 and 2, and Figures 5 and 6 are
similar views. shewing the inner cylinder in different positions. The outer
cylinder or case a, a, is firmly fixed to the foundation plate by screw bolts, as
shewn in the Figures. This outer cylinder or case a. a, is shewn detached at
Fig. 7. The inner cylinder b. b; shewn detached at Figures 8 and 9. revolves
excentrically round the main shaft c. c. which is enlarged at that part situated
in the cylinder, as seen at Figures 2, 10, and 11. The cylinder b, b, has a
groove or slot r. r. formed therein, in order to admit the stationary steam
stop e, and the outer side of the said cylinder bears tightly against the inside
of the outer cylinder a, a. and the inner side of the cylinder b, b, is maintained
closely against the collar d. d, which surrounds the main shaft, and is cast on
or forms part of the outer case. c. c. is a stationary steam stop fixed to the outer
cylinder a, a, and the collar d, seen best in Fig. 7 and on each side of this
sicam stop are the passages and , for the entrance and exit of the steam.
The inner cylinder b, b, is open on one side, and its edges are ground to fit
accurately that side of the outer cylinder in which the steam passages g and h
are made. This cylinder also carries at its inside a pin or axle . which is
inserted in a moveable double wedged-shaped piece i. shown detached at
Figures 12 and 13. The wedge piece is acted upon by the two wedges i, i.
seen detached in Figures 14 and 15. A right and left handed screw passes
through these two wedge pieces, and may be easily turned by removing the
screw in the end plate of the engine (as seen in Fig. 2). When the screw k

page_text: is turned, it causes the two wedges i, j, to approach each other, and thereby
force back the double wedge piece i, which carries the axle of the inner
cylinder. The consequence of this will be that the inner cylinder will be forced
tightly against the inside of the outer cylinder at the point I, and also against
the collar at the point 2. and thereby form steam-tight junctions. The upper
part m of the steam stop is formed separate from the stationary pari e, and,
being accurately ground and fited. works on a pin n, which is inserted in the
end of the stationary part of the steam stop e. The part m also slides in an
oblong opening or slot g, in the top of the inner cylinder b. b, for the purpose
of guiding this cylinder on its own axis. All the internal parts of the engine
are kept steam-tight by means of tlie metallic ring o, o, which, by turning the
set screws p. p, forces the inner cylinder b. b, close against the end of the outer
cylinder a. a. as seen in Fig. 2.
Having thus far explained the construction and arrangement of the various
parts of my improved engine. I will now proceed to describe the manner in
which it is worked. Steam enters by one of the passages g or h (say g, Fig. 5).
and exerts its elastic power against the immoveable steam stop e. the collar d.
and the inside of the cylinder b. b. and thereby causes the latter, which is
moveable, to recede in the direction of the arrows. into the position seen in
Fig. 6. By this movement a space will be formed between the outside of the
cylinder b. b, and the outer cylinder a. a; and into the space steam from the
way also enters. and acting against the stationary parts (that is to say), the
steam stop e and the outer case a. and also against the outside of the inner
cylinder . . This latter is caused to recede further into the position shewn
in Figures 3 and 4. having thus performed one half of a revolution. From
the time the steam enters the engine at g until the present moment, the space
A. inside the cylinder b. b. and the space B. on the outside thereof. are in com-
munication; but when, by the half rotation of the cylinder b, the point
of this cylinder comes against the stationary collar d, this communication is
cut off, and as the elastic force of the steam continues to act against the out-
side of the cylinder b. b, it makes this cylinder recede, and allow the steam
from the space A to escape gradually through the passage h at the point 4.
which point, as the cylinder recedes, gradually rises to the position shown in
Fig. 5. At the same time. however, that the steam from one part of the
inside of the cylinder is passing out of the engine at the passage h, on that
side of the steam stop e, steam is a second time entering the space A through
the passage g. and causing the cylinder h, b, to recede again (as seen in
Fig. 6), thereby expressing the steam from the space C. behind and between
the cylinder b and the case a. The steam in this space begins to escape at one

page_text: side of the steam stop immediately that steam enters the chamber A on the
other side of the steam stop. From this it will be understood that steam is
always entering one. and sometimes two spaces, and at the same time issuing
from the same number of capacities. The vibrating steam stop m works in
the slot in the bottom or cover of the cylinder b. and by being ground
accurately to fit. this slot, and also the top of the stationary steam stop, as well
as the metallic ring o, o, it effectually prevents any steam from escaping from
one side of the stationary steam stop to the other, without first. forcing round
the cylinder b. b. In the accompanying Drawings 1 Inve shewn the steam
passages and h in connection with a slide valve box of the ordinary construc-
tion. by means of which the motion of the engine may be reversed at pleasure;
and although in the foregoing description have used the term steam as
applied to the motive agent, yet it will be evident that air. gas, or other vapours
may be used without any alteration in the mechanical arrangement.
In Figures 16, 17, and 18 of the accompanying Drawings I have shewn a
modification of the engine above described, such modification being suitably
arranged for working after that mode usually termed expansively (that is to
say), the steam having exerted its elastic power in the engine. as above
described, passes therefrom to other chambers. constituting another engine of
enlarged capacity, and from thence into any ordinary condensing apparatus.
Fig. 10 is an end elevation of this arrangement, the cap and plate or ring o
and bottom of the chamber b, b. being removed. Fig. 17 is a vertical trans-
verse section, and Fig. 18 a view of the left-hand end of Fig. 17, the
steam passages in this last Figure being shewn in section. in order to expose
their construction. The cylinder a, a, of the former construction is extended
10 a larger diameter, the outward casing a', forming with the casing ",
another annular space to be divided into induction and eduction chambers, as
in the former arrangement, for which purpose the cylinder b. b, is also in like
manuer extended, the outward casing thereof b', ', revolving in contact with
the inward surface of the cylinder a, a, and the inward surface thereof
revolving in contact with the outward surface of the cylinder a. By this
arrangement it will be understood that the parts a. b. &c. constitute the engine
as first described; the cylinder a, a, however, in this instance holding that
position with reference to the cylinder b', b', which the collar d, d, does with
reference to the cylinder b. b. The cylinders a and a' are each provided with in-
duction and eduction passages g, h, g, h, by means of which the steam is allowed
to enter and flow from their respective chambers. The eduction passage, say h
of the interior and sinaller engine is connected by means of the communication
with the induction passage of the outward and larger engine (as seen in

page_text: Fig. 18.) In order, however, that this arrangement may be perfectly under-
stood. I will briefly describe the operation thereof: bui as the mode by which
the rotatory motion is communicated to the shaft e is precisely the same as in.
the firstly described arrangement, and similar letters of reference being marked
upon similar parts in both of the arrangements. a repetition of that description
will be unnecessary. The steam entering by the pipes and passage g into the
engine will exert its elastic force upon the various parts, as before described,
while that contained in the chamber on the other side of the steam stop will
escape by the passage ; but in this case instead of passing off directly to the
atmosphere or condensing apparatus, it proceeds by the communication .
(Fig. 18), and induction passage into the larger chamber, where it again
exerts its expansive force, driving round the excentric b, b, by reason of the
elastic force exerted against the moveable surface b', the ring and steam stop
c' being in this instance the abutments analogons to the collar d, d. and steam
stope of the interior engine. during which time the eduction steam contained
in the chamber on the other side of the steam stop el passes through the
passage and eduction pipe at a diminished temperature to any ordinary
condensing apparatus. It will now be understood that steam is constantly
entering by the passages g, g', on one side of the steam stops e, e', and passing
out through the passages h. h', on the other side thereof that steam now
exerting its elastic force against the steam stop e. &c., having at the previous
revolution exerted that power against the steam stop c. In order to admit
of an extensive expansion of the steam after it has passed from the
first cylinder, the anunlar chamber of the second cylinder, formed by the
casing a and a', is of greater depth than that of the first cylinder formed
by the collar d. d. and ring a, a, as seen in the vertical section. Fig. 17, and
this difference in capacity may be varied according to the temperature of the
steam employed and the expansion required. In this engine have shewn a
variation in the arrangement of the guide m. By referring to Fig. 16 it will
be perceived that in this instance it turns upon a joint formed within the out-
ward part of the cylinder bb', extending therefrom through a stuffing box
formed in the side of the outward casing a', in which stuffing box it slides
freely upwards and downwards as the engine revolves; but if desired the same
arrangement as that shewn in the former Figures may be adopted. I would here
reinark. that if thought desirable, the cylinder a, a, may be still further extended.
and a greater number of annular chambers formed. within which respective
eccentric rings, similar to those b. b, may work, the steam passing from the one
chamber to the other, as above described. I would also remark, that when

page_text: such a provision is required, the induction and eduction pipes may pass into a
ordinary slide valve box, in order that the motion of the engine may be reversed
when desired..
Having thus described my improvements in engines to be worked by steam.
air, gas, or vapours. I would remark that no alteration in arrangement or con-
struction of the engine first described will be positively necessary.
When the
apparatus is to be applied for the purpose of forcing air, as in a blast engine.
or of pumping water or other fluids, the induction passage g, being in commu-
nication with the fluid to be pumped or forced, and the eduction passage h.
with the receptacle into which the fluid is to pass. rotatory motion being com-
unicated by any convenient means to the shaft c. the fluid will be passed
through the apparatus precisely in the same manner as above described with
reference to steam or other vapours. 1 prefer. however. in these cases, to
widen the apertures g, and h. and find it desirable. when pumping water or
other liquids, to cover the surface of the sides of the cylinders a and b, with
leather or other such material. 1 would also remark that the arrangement of
engine. secondly described, may, under some circumstances. be used for
pumping liquids. For instance, should it be desired to convey them from two
vessels into the same or separate receptacles, pipes leading from such separate
vessels may be in communication with the induction passages g.g'. the eduction
passages being, if desired, joined and in communication with a pipe leading
therefrom to the receptacle into which it is intended to deposit the two liquids:
and in like manner. should more than two chambers he constructed, liquids,
from as many other vessels may be conveyed to any required receptacles.
Having thus fully described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is in he performed, I wish it to he under-
stood that claim as my Invention, under the above in part-recited Letters
Patent-
Firstly, the construction of engine to be worked by steam, air, gas, or
vapours. consisting in the application of the excentric cylinder or cylinders b.
in combination with the stationary stop or stops e, such cylinder or cylinders b,
being capable of turning on their own axis, and performing the motions above
described.
Secondly, claim the like arrangement of apparatus for the purpose of
raising or forcing water, air, or other fluids.
In witness whereof, 1, the said John Lamb, have hereunto set my hand'
and seal, this Sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord. One
thousand eight hundred and forty-two.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED that on the Sixth day of October, in the
sixth year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the said John Lamb
came before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged
the Instrument aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and
specified. in form above written. And also the Instrument aforesaid was
stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made in the fifty-fifth year of
the reign of His late Majesty King George the Third.
Inrolled the Fifteenth day of October, One thousand eight hundred and