CERTAIN OBTAINING AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER."
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Christian Schiele, of Oldham. in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, for the Invention of "CERTAIN
OBTAINING AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER."
IMPROVEMENTS
IN
Sealed the 22nd January 1856, and dated the 26th July 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Christian Schiele at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 26th
July 1855.
1. CHRISTIAN SCHIELE, of Oldham, in the County of Lancaster. Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN OBTAINING AND APPLYING MOTIVE PоWBB," to be as follows:-
My present Invention relates principally to improvements on a former
Invention, for which obtained Letters Patent, bearing date 12th February
1852, in the Specification of which, under the same title as my present
Invention, is described a motive engine, in which the steam or other fluid is
made to act in a similar manner as water in some kinds of turbines or hori-
zontal water wheels. Streams of steam or other fluid are directed from an
outside circular casing through a series of tangential holes into duets or
channels made on the face of an inside revolving body, called a runner, by
which motion is obtained. This motion being very rapid, the usual means of
applying and transmitting it are inefficient, from which consequently arises the

page_text: necessity of further improvements. Certain alterations and additions in th
construction of such engines, and in their application, constitute my presen
Invention, some of which are also useful and applicable to other purposes i
obtaining and applying motive power.
My improvements consist. first, in constructing the induction appertures o
tangential openings so that the steam or other fluid leaves them in a more
compact stream, and the action being more continuous is consequently more
effective. The steam, instead of entering as in the former engine by a number
of circular holes at some distance from each other, is, in my present Invention
admitted through a number of rectangular appertures. generally formed by
thin plates of metal, which may he made to slide, so as to admit of the size of
the apertures being readily altered.
Second, in a new or improved mode of forming the channels or ducts of
thin plates of metal cast into the body of the runner (by which they are made
wider and deeper). the outer edges of such plates being bent over where
requisite to assist in retaining the steam; also, in giving different forms to the
external periphery, instead of the curved one described in my former Specifica-
tion; as, for instance, using a cylindrical form. as giving greater facility in the
manufacture.
Third, in a new indicator, for shewing the operation of the fluid on the
runner or runners, by which means I am enabled to adjust the velocity of the
Same, so as to use the momentum of the actuating fluid to the best advantage.
This consists in a small vane or number of vanes on a spindle, which is at
liberty to turn backwards or forwards. The spindle is placed in such a posi-
tion that the fluid on leaving the runner acts upon the vane or vanes. The
spindle passes through an aperture in the casing, and has at the other end a
finger, which shows on a dial the position of the vane, and consequently the
direction in which the fluid leaves the runner, and thereby shews whether
the force or momentum of the fluid is applied to the best advantage.
Fourth, in a mode of making any loss of the momentum of the actuating
fluid available for regulating the velocity of the runner. This is done by
means of vanes, similar to those mentioned in the last improvement, which by
means of mechanism and appliances are made to open or close the induction
appertures.
Fifth, in a new arrangement and construction of contact wheels for con-
veying the power, by which they are rendered more suitable for the high
velocities of these engines. This consists in two contact wheels, which embrace
betwixt them the spindle of the engine, or another contact wheel fixed upon it
for that purpose. An adjustable spring acts upon the bearings of the axes of

page_text: the two contact wheels. by which they are drawn together so as to press upon
the spindle or its contact wheel. and thereby produce the necessary adhesion.
Sixth, in a new or improved air pump, suitable for the high velocities of the
above engines where a condenser is used. This consists in a certain addition
or additions to the centrifugal pump, by which I am enabled to use water as
a means of drawing and expelling the air from the condenser.
Seventh. in Applying and adapting of part of the above improvements to
other purposes; that is to say
1st, the application and adaptation of my third improvement to other motive
machines, where the direction in which the actuating fluid leaves the engine
is required to be indicated, in order to shew its operation.
2nd. the application and adaptation of my fifth improvement to the purpose
of driving fans, spindles, or shafts by means of the usual motive powers.
3rd. the application and adaptation of my sixth improvement in certain
chemical processes where a vacuum more or less perfect is required, and also
for the purpose of obtaining high pressure blast or exhaustion.
by the said Christian Schiele in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th January 18.56.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 1, CHRISTIAN
SCHIELE, of Oldham, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-sixth day of July. in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. in the nineteenth year of Her
reign. did. for Herself. Her heirs and successors. give and grant unto me.
the said Christian Schiele. Her special licence that I. the said Christian
Schiele, my executors, administrators, and assigns. or such others that I, the
said Christian Schiele, my executors, administrators, 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 "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN OBTAINING AND APPLYING MOTIVE POWER," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Christian Schiele, my executors or adminis-
trators, 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

page_text: 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 I. the said Christian Schiele, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention. and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement and accompanying Drawings (that is to say): -
My present Invention relates principally to improvements on a former
Invention, for which. under the same title as the present one. I obtained
Letters Patent. bearing date Twelfth February. in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, to the deposit paper lodged with Her
Majesty's Law Officers, and to the Specification of which I refer, for the pur-
pose (so far as they may be applicable) of elucidating my present Invention.
which will be more clearly understood from the following description, and the
two Sheets of Drawings hereunto annexed. and before mentioned. Where
figures and letters of reference occur in the description, they relate to various
parts set forth on the Drawings: it being understood that where the same
letters of reference or letters and figures conjoined are found. they indicate the
same parts of the engine. machinery. or apparatus.
Figs. 1 and 2 represent a rotatory steam engine (or pair of engines com-
bined) constructed according to my present Invention, as adapted in the
purpose of actuating the screw propeller for steam vessels: Fig. 2 represents
the engine as seen from above and Fig. 1. an elevation. shewn partly in
section. through the line y. z. Fig. 2. in order to display the form. construc-
tion, and arrangement of the internal parts. A. A. A. casing or shell, which
constitutes the exterior of the engine: A. A'. main shaft or axis of the
engine, which forms a continuation of the propeller shaft: A. A glands.
which being packed in the usual manner, the casing is kept steam and air
tight during the working of the engine: B. B. steam pipe by which the
steam is supplied to the engine; B', valve by which the supply of steam can
be regulated. so as to shut it off or direct it so as to give a backward or
forward motion to the engine: B. B. circular or annular chamber into
which the steam is introduced from the valve B'. This circular chamber
surrounds the runner C. C. and is furnished with a series of induction aper-
tures or tangential openings b. b. the construction of which constitutes my
first improvement. and will be more particularly described hereafter. The
runner C. C. is fixed on the axis A'. A'. and has on its external cylindrical
surface or periphery of series of channels or ducts. into which the steam enters
from the induction apertures, before mentioned, the mode of forming which

page_text: will he described further on. The external diameter of the runner just described.
including the channels or ducts, is such as to fill the interior of the circular
or annular chamber B. B. except a slight allowance for clearance. which is
B. B.
necessary to ensure the free and unimpeded motion of the runner.
another circular or annular chamber. similar to B. B. which also communi-
cates with the regulating valve B: it is also furnished with a series of induc-
tion apertures or tangential openings, in a similar manner and of the same
construction as those marked b. b. with this exception, that in this case the
apertures are inclined in a contrary direction. D. D. another runner fixed
on the axis A. A': it is precisely as the one before described. C. C, and is
furnished with channels or ducts of the same construction, with this exception
also. that in this case they are placed or stand in a contrary direction. A. A³.
condenser, which communicates with the interior of the shell or casing A. A;
A fixing which supports the end of the axis A'. A', and which when the
engine is in motion sustains the main thrust of the propeller: E. rotatory
air pump. (the lid E. Fig. 2. being removed to shew the interior.) by which
the water and air are evacuated from the condenser A. A: E. rotatory
engine (similar to those just described), the runner of which is fixed on the
same axis as the runner of the rotatory pump E. to which it gives motion
en being supplied with steam from the boiler. I do not, however, confine
myself to this mode of actuating the rotatory pump E. as I sometimes com-
municate motion to it from the first motion shaft of the engine in the usual
E. turbine or water wheel, of
manner, as, for example, as shown in Fig. 14.
a similar construction to the rotatory engine, also fixed on the same axis. and
which is actuated by the injection water used to condense the sieam.
water on leaving the turbine passes into the injection pipes E. E. E placed
inside the condenser, and which are perforated with holes in order to distribute
the water more equally amongst the steam. The peculiar construction of the
air pump E will be more particularly described hereafter, as it forms the
subject of my sixth improvement. The steam entering the annular chamber
B. B. from the regulating valve B'. passes through the induction apertures
b. b, and from thence passes into the ducts or channels formed in the external
cylindrical surface of the runner C. C: in these ducts or channels the force of
the steam is expended, and it then passes laterally out of the channels into the
interior of the casing A. A. in which a vacuum more or less perfect is main-
The runner C. C.
tained by the communication with the condenser A". A³
The
and the axis A'. A'. and consequently the propeller. are thus put into rapid
motion at the same time water is supplied to the condenser, and the heated
water and air evacuated from it by the roiatory air pump.
When the

page_text: motion of the propeller is to be reversed, this is done by turning the valve B¹
half way round. By this operation the steam is shut off from the runner
C. C. and let on to the runner D. D. through the annular chamber B³ B.
and the series of induction apertures connected with it. When the engine is
to be stopped, this is effected by placing the valve B' in a position half way
betwixt the two, in which case the steam is shut off from both the runners.
In case a rod or shaft is connected with the valve B and continued upwards.
the motion of the engine can by that means be regulated from the deck of
the vessel as well as from below.
Fig. 3 represents a section of the induction apertures or tangential openings
b, h, through which the steam passes from the annular chamber B. 12. One
half of the Figure, as at d. shews the apertures as formed in the solid metal:
they are of a rectangular section, and terminate close to each other. In the
other half, marked e, the apertures, are represented as formed of thin plates.
fastened into an adjustable ring of metal, and sliding into grooves formed in
another corresponding and similar adjustable ring. By bringing these rings
closer together or moving them further apart. the quantity of steam let on to
the runner is regulated, so as to adjust it according to the varying load on the
engine or the varying pressure of the steam. It will be seen that the induction
apertures as described occupy the whole internal circumference of the annular
chamber B, B2, and consequently the fluid acts upon the rummer in a com-
tinuous stream. The ducts or channels formed on the external cylindrical
surface of the runners I prefer to be formed of thin plates of metal cast into
the body of the runner, by which I am enabled to make them wider and
deeper than when they are cut or cast in one piece with the runner.
The
form which prefer for the thin plates is that of two circular ares meeting in
an apex in the middle one. standing vertically on the face of the runner. as
shewn in Fig. 1. and also shewn in section in one half. marked . Fig. 8;
but when it is necessary in allow a considerable amount of play round the
runner. bend over the edges of the plates, as shewn in Fig. 9. and also in
section in the half of Fig. 8. The circular arcs are not absolutely essential,
as other curved forms may be used.
The mode of constructing the channels or ducts above mentioned, and
adapting them to the external surface of the runners (which may be of various
forms), constitutes the improvements comprised under the head of my second
improvement.
F. Fig. 1, a small vane fixed on a spindle, which passes through a tube F'.
and so through the external casing A. A, and having at its other extremity the
finger F, which plays betwixt two stops outside the casing, limiting the motion

page_text: The
of the vane F, so as to prevent its touching the vanes of the runner.
spindle is fixed so that the steam on leaving the runner acts upon the vane.
which consequently takes a position corresponding to the direction in which
the steam leaves the runner, which is thereby shewn by the finger on the dial
or plate outside of the casing A, A. By this means I am enabled to judge
whether the force or momentum of the actuating fluid is applied to the best
advantage, which is in most cases leaving the ducts at right angles to the face
of the runner.
In case it is not. I open or close the induction appertures or
tangential openings where constructed for adjustment, or adjust the load to the
power until the proper effect is produced. I generally apply a pair of these
indicators, one on each side of the runner, as shewn in Fig. 1, by comparing
which am enabled to see whether the runner is in its proper position with
respect to the induction apertures, as well as to judge of the effect of the
actuating fluid. This apparatus constitutes my new indicator, and is comprised
under the head of my third improvement.
Fig. 6 represents another modification of my last improvement. C¹, the
runner; G, a wheel furnished with vanes round its circumference, and which
is fixed on a spindle which passes through the casing, and has at its other end
a worm G, which turns a worm wheel G, fixed on another axis, which can
be made to convey the motion to an axis on which is the pinion G, see Fig. 4.
This pinion, which may also be adjusted by hand, takes into the teeth of an
internal rack or internal toothed segment, fixed on a circular rim or ring G³,
all around which is a series of inchned planes. These inclined planes act
against another set of similar inclined planes on the adjustable ring G
The parts referred to in this description of Figs. 6 and 4, it will be seen, are
duplicate; that is, there are two parts referred to by each reference, one on the
right hand side of the Figure and the other on the left; there are conse-
quently two adjustable sliding rings G, G. These sliding rings are of the
same construction as those before described and set forth in Fig. 3, being
furnished with thin plates of metal, which are attached to one of these rings
and slide in the other, and which form the induction apertures. G", a spring
by which the adjustable rings are pressed asunder. Several of these are used
at equal divisions round the rings. The operation of this mechanism is as
Follows: When the actuating fluid leaves the channels of the runner in a
irection parallel to the axis, or at right angles to the face of the runner, no
motion is communicated to the wheel G. the fluid then acting to the best
advantage; but when this is not the case, that is, when the fluid leaves the
hannels obliquely to the face of the runner, it then impinges on the vanes
of the wheel G, which turns round and causes the adjustable rings to advance

page_text: to or lerede from each other. and so opens or closes the induction apertures.
and thus regulates the supply of the actuating fluid.
Fig. represents another modification of the same apparatus. H, II, a
wheel of the same diameter as the runner, working loose on the same centre.
and having round its periphery the vanes . '. &c. The wheel carries a
pinion H², which takes into the toothed wheel H, which geers into the internal
toothed segment II. fixed on a circular rim or ring carrying inclined planes,
as before described, (see Fig. 1.) The operation of this mechanism is similar
to that last described.
The mechanism now described, and shown in Figs. 4. 5. 6. 7. by which
the steam apertures are regulated, is comprised under the head of my fourth
improvement,
Fig. 12 exhibits my new arrangement and construction of contact wheels for
conveying motive power. I, small contact wheel, or the end of the spindle or
shaft of the engine, from which rapid motion is to be communicated: I', I', two
contact wheels, which embrace betwixt them the smaller contact wheel I. The
axes of the two contact wheels 1. 1. are mounted in bearings at one end,
which slide so as to admit of the contact wheels being brought closer together.
These bearings are acted upon by the spring F. by varying the tension of which
the pressure of the contact wheels on the smaller contact wheel is regulated,
so as to produce the requisite degree of adhesion. The motion is communi-
cated from one or both the larger contact wheels, as may be necessary.
on fixed
Fig. 13 represents another modification of the mode of applying the contact
wheels. small contact wheel at the end of the spindle or shaft of the
engine: 1. two larger contact wheels, which in this case turn
centres, and serve to support the shaft of the engine through the medium of
the smaller contact wheel F. which is thus held forcibly in contact with the
larger ones. By this arrangement the spring is dispensed with. In other
respects the application is the same as before described. When rapid motion
is required to be communicated to a spindle or shaft, I use the same means,
the operation being in this case, however, the reverse of that just described.
K. Fig. 11, toothed wheel on a shaft deriving motion from a first mover, or
moved by hand; K', K', two pinions on two separate shafts, which carry at
the other ends the two larger contact wheels K, K. The ends of these shafts
are mounted in sliding bearings of a similar construction to those just described,
and which are acted upon and forcibly drawn together by the spring K. This
causes the two contact wheels K. K², to embrace forcibly betwixt them the
spindle, or a smaller contact wheel on the spindle, to which rapid motion is to
be communicated, or the bare spindle itself.

page_text: Fig. 1 shews this mechanism as applied to give rapid motion to the spindle
of a fan for blowing or exhausting atmospheric air. but which from what has
been said may be readily adapted to drive spindles or shafts in most cases
in which rapid motion is required. This mechanism comprises my fifth
improvement.
Figs. 14. 15. and 16 represent my improved centrifugal air pump. shewn
as applied vertically at E. Fig. 1. by which I am enabled to use water as
a means of drawing and evacuating air from the condenser of a steam
engine. L. hot well or receiving vessel for the water and air evacuated
from the condenser: L'. catch wings of the pump: 12 the fan or pump.
constructed according to Platt and Schiele's Patent: it is fixed on the axis
L. which receives motion from the pulley or wheel L. or may be actuated
as shewn in Fig. 1. L. the compound tube or conduit pipe by which the
water and air are conveyed to the fan. The water passes through the
central he and out to the fan through a number of small jet pipes
arranged in a circle. The air in like mammer passes to the fan through the
intervals betwixt the jet pipes from the vessel. tube, or reservoir which
surrounds the water tube. before mentioned. The water and air are there-
fore momentarily mixed together in their passage through the fan. the
superior weight and momentum of the water carrying the air along with
it into the separating vessel or hot well L. When the pump is in opera-
tion. there is an end pressure produced against the pivot of the fan. which
pressure is represented in Fig. I as being made useful in balancing the weight
of the working parts of the air pump by its being set vertical. Where the end
pressure is objectionable. the pump or fan may be made duplicate for balancing
the pressure. This centrifugal pump I also apply in certain processes where a
vacuum more or less perfect is required, as, for instance, in the manufacture of
sugar or gas, or of sulphuric acid; the apparatus being modified when neces
sary so as to admit of other fluids than water being made use of.
In some
cases the same water may be used repeatedly over again. This is effected by
connecting the receiving vessel L. with the central or water tube of the com-
pound conduit pipe or tube L. and regulating the flow of the water or fluid by
the regulating valve L. The same apparatus I apply to the purpose of pro-
ducing high-pressure blast, by supplying air from the atmosphere and conveying
it from the separating vessel in pipes or tubes in the usual manner.
Fig. 17 represents an elevation, and Fig. 18 a plan. of my patent rotatory
steam engine as applied to actuating a blowing fan, here used for supplying air
to a steam engine furnace where rapid combustion is required. M. steam
engine of a similar construction as already described. M. Platt and Schiele's

page_text: patent blowing fan, the vanes of which are on the same axis as the runner of
the engine M. pipe or tube conveying the air to the ash-pit of the furnace
M³ M. steam pipe; M. exhaust pipe, leading either into the condenser or
into the atmosphere.
Fig. 19 represents my patent rotatory steam engine. here shewn in plan, as
applied to the purpose of actuating a centrifugal pump for feeding steam boilers.
N. steam engine of similar construction as before described; N. centrifugal
pump on the same axis as the runner of the engine: N. pipe which conveys
the water to the steam boiler. This combination of the engine and centri-
fugal pump also forms a convenient and effective fire engine, or may be used
for raising or forcing water for other purposes. The connexion of pipes to
suit the different requirements of this steam pump may be made in the usual
manner. merely foot valves being required to prevent the water returning
when the pump stops. This arrangement of the engine and centrifugal
pump, as well as the former one of the engine and fan, may be attached to
the side of the steam vessel. or placed in any other position where there is
convenient room.
Fig. 10 shews the application of my new indicator (see my third improve-
ment, already described.) to such motive engines where it is of importance to
know the direction in which the fluid leaves the engine in order to show its
operation. as, for instance. the turbine of Founeyron. O. the stationary guide
wings: 0'. the revolving part: and 03. the indicator vane. A modification of
this apparatus. similar to that described under the head of my fourth improve-
ment, may likewise be applied in similar cases to the above.
I would here observe. that though sleam is mentioned as the actuating fluid
in the engine described, other fluids. (as water. for instance.) may be used.
variations being made when necessary in the construction for that purpose:
and also though the engine is described as working with a condenser, it is also
equally applicable in cases where no condenser is used.
Having described the nature of my Invention and the manner in which the
same is to be performed. I would have it understood that I do not confine
myself to the precise details and arrangements of construction, as herein set
down, as these may be varied, the peculiar characteristics and main features of
my Invention being at the same time retained; but that what I claim as new
and of my Invention, and herein-before described, is as follows:-
First. the peculiar construction of the induction apertures or tangential
openings.
Second, the peculiar construction of the adjustable induction appertures or
jangential openings,

page_text: Third. the peculiar construction of the runner and its annular chamber of a
cylindrical form. or form approaching thereto.
Fourth, the system or mode of forming the ducts or channels of thin plates
cast into the body of the runner as applied to steam engines.
Fifth. the application of a vane or vanes to indicate the effect of the steam
on the runner.
Sixth, the application of a number of vanes on the periphery of a wheel for
the purpose of adjusting the induction appertures.
Seventh, the system of constructing and applying contact wheels to transmit.
rapid motion from the engines, so that the pressure required to produce suffi-
cient adhesian is balanced, or nearly so. by opposite pressure.
Eighth the system or mode of expelling air from condensers, by combining
or intermixing it with the injection water on its passage through a fan or
centrifugal pump.
Ninth, the application of a vane or vanes to indicate the effect of water or
other fluids when made to act in a similar manner as steam in the above
engines, and also to adjust the size or opening of the induction apertures.
Tenth. the system of constructing and applying the contact wheels in cases
where rapid motion has to be transmitted to or from shafts or spindles.
Eleventh, the system or mode of evacuating, propelling, or discharging air
or other gas. by combining and intermixing it with water or other heavy fluid
in its passage through a fan or centrifugal pump.
In witness whereof. I. the said Christian Schiele. have hereunto set my
hand and seal. this Twenty-fifth day of January. in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
CHRISTIAN SCHIELE. (L.S.)
Signed by the within-named Christian Schiele.
In the presence of
JOHN POTTER, C.E..
Office for Patents, &c..
9, Corporation Street, Manchester.