IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, BOILERS, FURNACES, AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THERE-
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Parker, of Ivy House, Bradford, in the County-
of York, and Joseph Wells and Benjamin Wells, of Bowling, near
Bradford, aforesaid, Millwrights, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEAM ENGINES, BOILERS, FURNACES, AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THERE-
"
Sealed the 8th July 1862, and dated the 13th January 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION. left by. the said John Parker, Joseph
Wells, and Benjamin. Wells at the Office of the Commissioners of
Patents, with their Petition, on the 13th January 1862.
We, JOHN PARKER, of Ivy House, Bradford, in the County of York, and
JOSEPH WELLS and BENJAMIN WELLS, of Bowling, near Bradford, aforesaid,
Millwrights, do hereby declare the nature of the said. Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN STEAM ENGINES, BOILERS, FURNACES, AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH OR APPLICABLE THERETO," to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to obtain a more efficient or effective force
of steam when applied as a motive power, or to economize the working of
steam engines, and consequently to effect a saving in fuel; also to promote &
better combustion of the gases, which we effect by the following means:-
Two or more cylinders of unequal diameters are cast together,.side by side,
with openings to each other, and with stuffing-box covers at each end. The
pistons are of diameters equal to the interior diameter of the small cylinder,

page_text: and of the same lengths as the interior lengths of the cylinders. The ends of
the pistons are recessed, and projections are formed on the covers to enter
therein, leaving spaces betwixt for steam to enter on the inlet side to balance
the pistons. The piston of the small cylinder has a longitudinal groove of
size and form suitable to receive a corresponding longitudinal feather or
tongue which projects from the other piston. The piston rods pass through
the stuffing boxes, and are geared together outside by equal cog wheels.
Steam is admitted to the large cylinder through a double-action conical
equilibrium valve of peculiar construction at one junction of the two cylinders,
where it acts upon the feather, tongue, or projection, causing the pistons to
rotate; and by means of an expansion valve capable of adjustment, the steam
can be cut off at any desired point, and which steam will be exhausted at the
other junction, from which it is then conducted to a surface condenser con-
sisting of a series of plates so arranged within chambers communicating with
each other, as to obtain an extensive cooling surface, such., apparatus being
placed in a vessel supplied with cold water, and rotary motion may be given
thereto or through a series of tubes. connected to suitable chambers and
surrounded by cold water, and through which tubes pass other tubes of
smaller size, leaving a steam space betwixt, such tubes being supplied with
cold water and atmospheric air, which circulate therethrough; from thence
the condensed steam and water is forced by the pump through a double-action
check valve, by which a constant circulation of the water is promoted, and
conducted through tubes placed in the flues, which are arranged in a
serpentine direction, and returned to the boiler at a high temperature. The
condenser tubes may be secured by screwing them into bushes fixed in the
bottom chambers, and by nuts and india-rubber washers or other elastic
packings to the top chambers, or by means of wood hoops coated with lead
or other incorrosive metal. Tubes are also placed in the boilers opening at
each end to the fire bed, and arranged in such manner that by means of a jet
of steam introduced a current is produced, and the most intense heat of the fire
is caused to circulate therein, which accelerates the generation of steam. A
small branch is provided opening to the front of the boiler to admit air, or for
viewing the action of the flame, which can be shut or opened at pleasure.
The door frames, dead plates, and fire bars are made hollow for the passage of
atmospheric air to the furnace to promote combustion of the gases; such
hollow grate bars we make in two parts, which are riveted or fastened
together in any convenient manner. We also make skeleton grate bars, and
rivet them together to obtain strength and lightness. When applying the air
passages to locomotive boilers, we have bell-mouthed pipes opening to the

page_text: and
atmosphere, which can be set and adjusted so as to obtain a current or blast
to the furnaces. The steam is conducted from the boiler through a series of
chain pipes or pipes formed in circular or oval links, connected together by
short branches, and arranged in the flues in such manner as to obtain an
extended circulation of the steam under an increased heating surface,
whereby the steam becomes superheated. There is also provided in con-
nection therewith a pipe and valve, whereby any surplus of superheated
steam not required for the cylinders may be returned to the boiler. The
governor is supported upon a hollow pillar, which fixed on the back of
the bevil wheel, through which motion is given to the said governor ;
the arms which are made of malleable cast iron or homogeneous steel pass
through slots in the pillar to the spindle, and are made with socket joints.
We also make a clothing or covering for boilers, cylinders, steam pipes, or
other parts requiring to be kept hot, by enclosing sawdust betwixt two pieces
of any suitable fabric, and by quilting or stitching them together. We also
employ a self-acting apparatus for opening and shutting the steam taps, and
air dampers for promoting the combustion of the gases, which consists of a
shaft placed in any convenient position, motion being given thereto by means
of worms and wheels connected with levers, which can be so arranged and
adjusted that when the doors of the furnaces are opened for supply of
fuel, the apparatus will be set in motion to shut off at any required
time..
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Parker,. Joseph Wells and Benjamin. Wells in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 12th July 1862.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
PARKER,. of. Ivy House, Bradford,. in the County of York, and JOSEPH WELLS
and BENJAMIN WELLS,, of Bowling, near Bradford, aforesaid, Millwrights,.
send greeting..
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Thirteenth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-fifth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto us, the said John Parker, Joseph Wells, and Benjamin Wells, Her
special license that we, the said John Parker, Joseph Wells, and Benjamin
Wells, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the

page_text: said John Parker, Joseph Wells, and Benjamin Wells, our executors, admini-
strators, 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 STEAM ENGINES, BOILERS, FURNACES,
AND APPARATUS IN CONNECTION THERE WITH OR APPLICABLE THERETO," upon the
condition, amongst others, that we, the said John Parker, Joseph Wells, and
Benjamin Wells, our executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under our, or their, or one of our or 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
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said John Parker, Joseph Wells, and
Benjamin Wells, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement (that is to say):-
The object of this Invention is to obtain a more efficient or effective force
of steam when applied as a motive power, or to economize the working of
steam engines, and consequently to effect a saving in fuel; also to promote a
better combustion of the gases, which we effect by the following means:-Two
or more cylinders of unequal diameters are cast together side by side, with
openings to each other, and with stuffing-box covers at each end. The pistons
are of diameters equal to the interior diameter of the small cylinder, and of the
same lengths as the interior lengths of the cylinders. The ends of the pistons
are recessed, and projections are formed on the covers to enter therein, leaving
spaces betwixt for steam to enter on the inlet side to balance the pistons.
The piston of the small cylinder has a longitudinal groove of size and form
suitable to receive a corresponding longitudinal feather or tongue, which pro-
jects from the piston. The piston rods pass through the stuffing-boxes
and are geared together outside by equal cog wheels. Steam is admitted to
the large cylinder through a double action conical equilibrium valve of peculiar
construction at one junction of the two cylinders where it acts upon the feather,
tongue, or projection, causing the pistons to rotate, and by means of an ex-
pansion valve capable of adjustment, the steam can be cut off at any desired
point, and will be exhausted at the other junction, from which it is then con-
ducted to a surface condenser consisting of a series of plates so arranged as to
form a series of chambers communicating with each other, and thereby to

page_text: obtain an extensive cooling surface, such apparatus being placed in a vessel
supplied with cold water, and rotary motion may be given thereto if required;
or the exaust steam may be conducted through a series of tubes connected
to suitable chambers, and surrounded by cold water, and through which may
pass other tubes of smaller size leaving a steam space betwixt, such inner tubes
being supplied with cold water and atmospheric air, which is caused to cir-
culate therethrough; from thence the condensed steam and water is forced
by the pump through a double action check valve, by which a constant circu-
lation of the water is promoted, and conducted through tubes placed in the
Alues, which are arranged in a serpentine direction, and returned to the boiler
at a high temperature. The condenser tubes may be secured by screwing
them into bushes fixed in the bottom chambers, and by a nut and india-rubber
washer, or other elastic packing to the top chambers, or by means of wood
hoeps conted with lead or other incorrosive netals. Tubes are also placed
in the boilers opening at each end to the fire-bed, and arranged in such
manner that by means of a jet of steam introduced a current is produced, and
the most intense heat of the fire is caused to circulate therein, which accelle-
rates the generation of steam. A small branch is provided opening to the
front of the boiler to admit air, or for viewing the action of the flanie,
which can be shut or open at pleasure. The door frames, dead plates, and
fire bars are made hollow for the passage of atmospheric air to the furnace
to promote combustion of the gases; such hollow grate bars we make in two
parts, which are riveted or fastened together in any convenient manner. We
also make skeleton grate bars, and rivet them together to obtain strength
and lightness. When applying the air passages to locomotive boilers we havo
bell-mouthed pipes opening to the atmosphere, which can be set and adjusted
so as to obtain a current or blast to the furnaces. Steam is conducted from
the boiler through a series of chain pipes, or pipes formed in circular or oval
links connected together by short branches, and arranged in the flues in such
manner as to obtain an extended circulation of the steam under an increased
heating surface, whereby the steam becomes superheated. There is also pro-
vided in connection therewith a pipe and valve, whereby any surplus of super-
heated steam not required for the cylinders may be returned to the boiler.
The governor is supported upon a hollow pillar, which is fixed on the back of
the bevil wheel through which motion is given to the said governors, and the
arms, which are made of malleable cast-iron or homogeneous steel, pass through
slots in the pillar to the spindle, and are made with socket joints. We also
make a clothing or covering for boilers, cylinders, steam pipes, or other pipes
requiring to be kept hot by enclosing sawdust or other vegetable substance

page_text: betwixt two pieces of any suitable fabric, and by quilting or stitching them
together. We also employ a self-acting apparatus for opening and shutting
the steam taps, and air dampers for promoting the combustion of the gases,
which consists of a shaft placed in any convenient position for motion being given
thereto, on which are worms gearing with wheels connected with levers, which
can be so arranged, and adjusted that when the doors of the furnaces are
opened for supply of fuel the apparatus will be set in motion to shut off at any
required time.
In order that our Invention may be clearly understood we have given re-
ference to two accompanying Sheets of Drawings, in which Fig. 1 is an elevation
of a steam engine constructed according to this Invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical
section; and Fig. 3 is a horizontal section of the same. A1, A2, A3, are three
cylinders cast together, opening to each other, the diameter of the middle one
being less than the other two; B1, B2, B3, are three pistons all of the same
diameter as the middle cylinder, consequently the two out ones leaves annular
spaces betwixt the pistons and cylinders. The middle piston has a longitudinal
groove 6, and the two others have each a feather, tongue, or rib b1, b2, thereon,
which are formed and arranged so as to fit into the groove, and make as near
as possible a steam-tight joint, while in the said groove, and to be adjustable
to the surfaces of the large cylinders, when out of the groove; C, C3, C³, are
the piston rods, which pass through stuffing-box covers D1, D2, D³, and are
geared together by equal spur cog wheels E, which maintain the pistons in
relative positions. The cylinders are enclosed in a steam-tight box or frame
F, the piston rod passing through to gear to machinery; G is the double-
action equilibrium valve through which steam is admitted to the cylinder;
g' is the inlet pipe for steam, and g³ is the valve rod connected to the governor
by lever and rod gs. This valve and its seating are shewn in detail at Figs. 4
and 5, where Fig. 4 is a vertical section, and Fig. 5 a plan with part of the
valve g removed to shew the seating 93, in which is an annular opening g', for
the passage of steam when the valve is lifted; Fig 6 shews how this valve
and seating may be reversed in relative position. This valve is applicable
also for regulating the flow of water; H is an expansion or cut off valve
(shewn in plan at Fig. 7,) fixed on the end of the piston rod C2, but capable
of adjustment as required, and is made to fit within a cylindrical box or casing
h', in which are the ports or steam passages h³, h³, which conduct the steam
to the cylinders entering at the points of junction with each other, when it
acts upon the feathers or tongues of the pistons, producing rotation thereof,
and the exhaust steam passes out at the openings and passages h*, ho, from
whence it is conducted to a surface condenser by the pipe h. Fig. 8 is a

page_text: vertical section of a surface condenser constructed of circular plates or castings
so as to form chambers I, with communicating passages I' for the exhaust
steam to circulate through, also passages I for water to circulate in, the whole
series of plates forming a cellular apparatus, which is placed in a vessel sup-
plied with a stream of cold water, the steam entering at Is, and passing out
at I', and rotary motion may be given to the apparatus if desirable; Fig. 9 is
a horizontal section of another cellular condensing apparatus slightly different
to the former, being constructed of square plates or castings, a plan of which
is shewn at Fig. 10, the steam entering at 15, and the condensed water
passing off at I, with this apparatus plugs with spiral ribs may be placed in
the water passages as shewn at 1', and in the detail Fig. 91, by means of these
plugs water is caused to impinge on the sides of the passages, and by
moving them endwise will scrape the surfaces, removing any dirt or other
matters that may adhere thereto.
Figs. 11 and 12 are elevation and sectional plan of an apparatus constructed
of a series of tubes or pipes cast together, with openings to each other, as shewn
at J, and with pipes placed within, as shewn at Ja, leaving annular spaces
betwixt. This apparatus being also enclosed in a vessel supplied with cold
water, which circulates around the plates and through the pipes, the exhaust
steam entering at the chamber J³, passes betwixt the pipes or through the
openings and spaces, and out therefrom at the chamber J'.
Fig. 13 shews a vertical section of an apparatus composed of two series of
pipes arranged to form annular spaces as in the preceding illustration; each
series of pipes or tubes being fixed at each end into diaphragms or plates which
form chambers K and K', which is enclosed in a vessel supplied with cold
water at the pipe K2, in which is a perforated dish K³, placed there to prevent
any solid substance from passing to the tubes. The water entering at the
bottom of the cistern or vessel rises to the top around the outer tubes, and
passes down through the smaller or central tubes, (drawing air through the
opening K,) and passes out at K³, or the apparatus may be arranged for the
water to be introduced to the bottom chamber, and pass up the centre tubes
flowing out at their top ends and surrounding the water tubes, and may then
be carried off from the bottom by a pipe rising to the level; the water is
required to remain in the cistern. The exhaust steam
through the spaces betwixt the tubes and out at K'.
sections of the wood hoops or other elastic packings
the tubes in the diaphragms. In Fig. 14, a is a wood hoop with a groove
cut in it, and b is lead or other incorrosive metal run upon it, to fill the
recess in the diaphragm or plate; or india-rubber may be used as at c,
enters at K6, passes
Figs. 14 and 15 shew
employed for securing

page_text: Fig. 15, with lead or other incorrosive metal pressed upon it, the recesses
being made dovetail. The condensed steam or water is returned from the
condenser to the boiler by means of an ordinary air pump and force pump,
and a double action check valve with an arrangement of piping in the flues,
shewn at Figs. 16, 17, 18, and 19. A is the check valve fixed in front of
the boiler through which the water is caused to pass and thence through the
furnace in pipes B which are arranged in a serpentine direction within the
flues, or in the flame bed of the boiler, thence back through the upper part
of the furnace and enters into the upper part of the boiler at a high degree
of temperature. The check valve A is shewn in detail at Figs. 20, 21, 22,
and 23, on a larger scale. The water enters from the pump at the branch a
and passes through the valve 6 and the branch pipes C to the circulating
pipes B. The valve A is also connected by a branch d to the lower part of
the boiler, and having a valve e opening outward, so that if the pump should
cease to work, the water from the lower part of the boiler will pass through
the valve e to the pipe B to supply the place of the water which will be
forced out therefrom by the intense heat from the furnace, and will thus keep
up a constant circulation of the water in the boiler through the pipes B with-
out the aid of the pump. The arrangement of these pipes and the method
of fixing them in the flues is shewn in detail at Fig. 24.. This arrangement
of apparatus may be applied to other descriptions of boilers, and the pipes
may be employed without the aid of the check valve or other valves by having
the inlet end to pass through the flue to near the bottom of the boiler, as
shewn by the dotted lines in Fig. 16, and these pipes can be employed for
heating the feed water supplied from any other source as well as from the
condenser. D are pipes or passages formed on the sides of the furnace or
fire-box, each with a small opening to the front of the boiler into which we
can force a jet of steam from the steam chamber by a pipe E, which can be
opened or closed by the tap R3, by which means a current is produced and
the most intense heat of the fire is caused to circulate therein, which accele-
rates the generation of steam and promotes a more complete combustion of
the gases.
Each of the openings to these side flues is also provided with a
door d to admit air or view the action of the flames, which can be open or
closed as required. The door frames G, dead plates H, fire bars I, and
bridge piece J, are made hollow for the passage of atmospheric air to the
flames to promote combustion of the gases. Such grate bars we make in two
parts and rivet or screw them together, or fasten them together by any suit-
able means. We also make skeleton grate bars in two parts, riveted or
screwed together to obtain strength with lightness, as will be readily under-

page_text: stood by reference to Figs. 25 to 30. The manner of applying the air
passages to locomotive boilers will be seen by reference to Fig. 31 in Sheet 1
where adjustable flaps are shewn to open or close the bell mouths by means
of lever and rod as required. Steam is conducted from the boiler through
a series of chain pipes or hollow oval links placed in the flues beyond the feed
pipes as shewn at K, Figs. 16 and 17, which are made in short lengths and
bolted together, and straight pipes may be employed as at L, or serpentine
pipes may be formed as shewn by dotted lines at L'. The object of these
pipes is to obtain an extended circulation of the steam exposed to great heat,
whereby it becomes superheated. M is a valve opening to the boiler through
which any surplus quantity of steam produced in consequence of the
superheating and not being drawn off to the engine or other purpose may
return to the boiler; N is an ordinary stop valve, for stopping or for taking
off the steam to where required. It will be seen that when the stop valve
is open the valve M will close, and cause the steam to pass through
the superheating pipe L, but when the stop valve is closed steam will
circulate through the said pipe and valve M to the boiler again, in con-
sequence of the intense heat of the flue impinging upon the superheating
pipe, and this circulation will prevent injury to the pipes and increase the
generation of steam. By means of this arrangement of pipes and valve
we prevent "priming," or the passage of water from the boiler to the
engine, cylinder, or other purpose requiring pure steam. This valve being
automatical or self-acting requires no attention, and being placed in the
interior of the boiler cannot be tampered with. The self-acting apparatus for
opening and closing the steam taps and air dampers are shewn in Fig. 18, and
also in detail at Figs. 32 and 33. A frame O is fixed to the boiler, on which
is a stud plate P capable of sliding up or down, and carrying a worm wheel Q.
Two levers R and R' are hinged on the frame, their short arms entering slots
in the stud plate. A spiral spring S is placed under the stud plate which
supports the same, and keeps the worm wheel in gear with a worm T fixed on
a shaft U, on which is a cone pulley V, by which motion is given to the appa-
ratus. A lever W is also hinged to the frame O extending downwards, so as
to be operated by a finger X fixed on the fire door, and having a spring to
act against the boiler end to press the upper end of the said lever against the
worm wheel. On the said upper end is formed a circular projection Y, the
centre of which is a little more than the full length of the teeth of the worm
wheel lower than the centre of the stud which carries the said wheel when
the same is in gear with the worm. A pin Z is fixed in the face of the
wheel, and when motion is given to the shaft, and the projecting circular end

page_text: of the lever W is pressed against the wheel, the said pin passes under the
projection and draws the wheel out of gear with the worm, but on reaching
the opposite side is liberated, and the spiral spring forces the wheel into gear-
again. It will be observed that when the lever R is operated it will open the
air dampers of the grate bars, and the lever R¹ will open the steam tap R2,,5
for introducing a jet of steam to the side flues, but when the fire door is open.
beyond a certain point the finger X will press the lever W, and remove the-
projection Y out of contact with the pin Z, so that the wheel will rotate.
without operating the levers R and R¹. The clothing for boilers, cylinders,.
steam pipes, or other similar purposes where heat is required to be retained, 1
or to prevent radiation of heat, by preference, we employ sawdust, but peat or
turf, or other non-conducting vegetable substance may be employed either
separately or mixed with sawdust, and which we enclose betwixt two suitable
textile fabrics. The fabrics are then quilted or stitched together, which may
be done either by hand or by sewing machinery..
Having thus fully described the nature of our said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is or may be performed or carried into practical:
operation, we would have it distinctly understood that we do not confine our-
selves to the precise details of construction, combination, or arrangement of
apparatus, as herein set forth; but what we claim as of our Invention and s
believe to be new within the realm is,-
Firstly, the construction, combination, and arrangement of parts constituting
a steam engine, substantially as herein described and illustrated by the two.
Sheets of Drawings annexed.
Secondly, the construction and application to steam engines generally of an
expansion valve or "cut-off" valve, as herein described aud shewn.
Thirdly, the construction and application of a double-action conical equili-
brium valve for regulating the flow of steam or water, as described and
illustrated.
Fourthly, the construction and application of surface condensers to marine
and stationary steam engines, as herein described and illustrated.
Fifthly, the construction and application to boilers of the double-action check
valve, together with the arrangement, position, and method of fixing pipes
for heating the feed water, substantially as herein described and illustrated.
Sixthly, the application to cornish or fire box boilers of tubes opening to
the furnace at each end, together with air passages in manner and for the
purposés as herein described and illustrated.
Seventhly, the construction and application of grate bars made in two parts,
as explained herein and shewn in the Drawings.

page_text: Eighthly, the construction and application of chain pipes or serpentine pipes
for superheating steam placed. in the flues or up-take of steam boilers; also
the application of a self-acting valve for returning the surplus steam to the
boiler, substantially as set forth."
Ninthly, the application of a self-acting apparatus for opening and closing
the steam taps and air dampers, as explained.
Tenthly, the construction and application of a covering for boilers, steam
engine cylinders, steam pipes, or other parts requiring to be kept hot in
manner as herein described.
In witness whereof, we, the said John Parker, Joseph Wells, and
Benjamin Wells, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Tenth
day of July One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two.
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