US72707A - Improvement in steam-engine slide-valves - Google Patents

Description

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES WHITTIER, OF ROXBURY, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO UNION STEAM VALVE COMPANY.

IMPROVEMENT IN STEAM-ENGINE SLIDE-VALVES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N0. 72,707, dated December 24, 1867.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES WHITTIER, of Roxbury, in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Balance Slide-4 Valves, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making a partot' this specification, in which- Figure l represents in part an elevation and partly a longitudinal vertical section of the cylinder, valves, 8vo., embodying my improvement. Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of the top ofthe same, and also a partial view of the bottom with cover removed. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section through one end of the valve-chest and cylinder.

The object of my invention is to so arrange and locate a balance slide-valve in relation to the ports that by a very limited movementot the valve a large opening can be produced for the passage of the steam directly into the cylinder with very little Waste-steam room between the valve and the cylinder; and the invention consists in the arrangement of the valves so that they will operate at right angles with or crosswise to the axis of the cylinder, and as close to the inlet as practicable. A series ot'openings is provided in the valves so as to admit the steam instantly and simultaneously through a corresponding series of openings leading to the main passage, and with full pressure into or across the Whole diameter ot' the cylinder. The exhaust-valve is operated independently of the inlet or steam valve, and is similarly located in relation to the cylinder, the arrangement of the same being inverted in its relation to the inside ofthe cylinder, so that the steam may always enter the valve first, and from thence pass through the ports into the eduction-passa-ge or condenser, as the case may be.

My invention is more particularly applicable to engines of large size, and also to variable cut-oii's, although it may be used with advantage in engines of the ordinary size.

Referring to the drawings, a represents the casing of the cylinder and valve-chest. b b are the heads ofthe valve-chambers. d is the openingfor theentrance of steam to the steamchest e. ois the cylinder, and p the piston.

At each end of the valve-chest is placed a valve, f, formed with inclined sides, as shown in Fig. 1, and arranged transversely across the chest over the ends of the cylinder, and at right angles with the axis of the same. A series of openings are formed-in the valves, as shown in Fig. 3, which correspond with a series of ports in the wall g, the ports communicating with or opening into the passage leading to the cylinder. There are four valves, one at each end of the valve-chest above and below, the two upper ones forming the steam or inlet and the two lower ones the exhaust valves. The valves are placed as near as practicable to the entrance and to the exit of the steam into and from the cylinder. The valves are designed to be formed with webs extending transversely across the same between each opening, or at suitable intervals, in order to strengthen them. The under side of the valve is provided with a groove or recess to allow the steam to pass through and thus balance the valve.

l represents the exhaust-valve, placed in the lower part of the chest at each end, and is formed similarly to the inlet or steam valve f, having openings communicating with ports that lead to the exhaust-passage n. The exhaust-steam passes from the cylinder through the outlets or passages 7c le into the valves l, and thence through the ports in the walls to the exhaust-passage a. The faces of the valves tit and move steam-tight in the walls g g and m m, and the walls may be cast with the cylinder. By thus arranging the valves a large opening will be secured for the steam to enter the cylinder With a very limited movement of the valves, thus rendering them particularly applicable to variable cut-offs and to large cylinders, and securing with a less expenditure ot' power a simple, sure, and efficient means for supplying and regulating the amount of steam required tor the engine.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 1s-

The arrangement ot' the balance slid e-valves in relation to the steam chest and cylinder, as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereofl have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subseribing witnesses.

CHARLES WHITTIER.

Witnesses:

J. H. ADAMS, JAMES A. WOODBUEY.'

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