US1047912A - Valve mechanism for steam-engines. - Google Patents

Description

J. C. BIRD.

VALVE MEHANISM EUR STEAM ENGINES.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 24, 1909.

VPatented Dec. 24, 1912.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

'la 111,14 r' Gnu-mm@ l )(r/m I @www 55% /UWW atto'onup c'oLUMmA PLANoGRAPH co., WASHINGTON. n. c.

J. C. BIRD.

VALVE MEGHANISM FOR STEAM ENGINES.

APPLICATION FILED AUG'. 24. 1909. 1 ,047,9 1 2.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Dec. 24, 1912.

coLuMBxA PLANOGRAPH C0..WASH|NGTON. D.c.

J. 0. BIRD. VALVE MEGHANISM FOR STEAM ENGINES.

. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 24, 1909. 1,047,91 2; Patented Dec. 24, 1912.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

l attoffnu) coLuMExA PLANOGRAPH C0.w^SHINnTON, D. c.

The improved modified construction here` reproduced isr very'effectivey in keeping the `pumps in step, that 'being the Vmain object,

UiviTiin STATES PATENT orrioii.

JoHNo. BIRD, or BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, Assioivon ToUNioN STEAM PUMrf COMPANY, OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN.

VALVE iviieioiinivisivi ,Flon STEAM-ENGINES.

for Steam-Engines, of whichvthe following is a specification. l

his invention relates to improvementsv in valve mechanisms, for steam engines.'

' yThe inventionrelates particularly to'modi ications and improvements' in'means for operating and ymeans coacting with the valve illustrated in my Patent No. 933,952, issued September 14, 1909.`v 1

. Y The objects of this invention are ,to provide means of controlling the said valve,

' proper siiccessiverelation whilethey are aty which are other than direct mechanical vconnections betweenjthe pairs of engines, it haviiigbeen found desirable in certain relations to so locate the engines that the mechanical means would not properly connect.r

The improvements also here, in some in- ,and econo-M the synohronizingvalve lis `operated by elecstances, facilitate construction niize in that particular.`

of course, of the entire structure, to keep two or more pumping engines in step in work. lVhen I say instep in this specification I mean the properly timed successive action of the engines.

I accomplish the objects of my inventionby the devices and means'described in the following specification. Y

The structure described constitutes one effective embodiment of my invention.y n Other embodiments would be readily devised by those skilled in the art.

The invention is' clearly defined and point-v ed oiitin the claims. n

A structure constituting an effective and vpreferred embodiment ofthe features of` my invention is clearly illustrated rin the accompanying drawing,l forming` a 'part ofthis specificatiomin which n o Y y Figure 1 is a plan view of a pair of pumping yengines,.with a pump illustrated in oonnection with one of them. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional vview through one l of the engines, taken on a line corresponding to line 2 2 of Fig. 1.` i Both engines are eX- actly similar. Fig. Sis a detail horizontal sectional view, through the engine valve Specification of Letters Patent. PatentedDec. 24 1912. Appiicationied Augustkzi, y1909. jseriai No. 514,383.

inea-ns, taken on a line corresponding to line'l B Baof Fig. 2,.showing the auxiliary valve and itsconnecting rod as well. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail vertical longitudinal sec-v tional view of the synchronizing valve, taken on a line 4 4 of Fig. 1, through the synchronizing valve. Fig. 5 is a horizontal lon- .s gitudinal detail sectionaly viewof the synv`` ohronizing valve, taken on a line correspond- :ingto line 5 5 of Fig. 4, showing details of verse detail sectional view of the synchronizf construction of the parts. Fig. 6 is a transing valve, taken on a line corresponding to lines 6 6 of Figs. 4 and Fig.r7is a detail .plan view of a modification ofthe connections for operating the synchronizing valve 'where the operating pipes are connectedto,

v.the ends of thefsteam engine cylinder. Fig.

8 isy a detail diagrammatic plan view kof another'modification ink whiclitlie pipesforA actuating the synchronizing valves are coni i nected to the cylinders of the water` ends of the pumps. Fig. 9 is a detail horizontal sectional view, through a modification, in which tric means, the same being taken on a liney i ythatwo-uld correspond to line 5 5 of Fig'c.

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic plan view of the.

electrical` connections, showing the various parts in conventional form. o

.In the drawings', similar numerals kof reference referto similar parts ythroughout the actuated engine valves and auxiliary valves are the same as those that,y appear in my former application above referred to.y 'Ihey will be here again described.

Referring fto the numbered parts of the drawing, a pair of engines 1 at the right and y2 at the left areshownconnected and controlled by my improved synchronizing vvalve mechanism. yA piston is in each engine cylinder and a piston Vrod t projects through a suitable stuiiing-box and connects to a pumpfor other' driven part, theengine being especially. adapted fory use on pumps and `direct-work, although of course it may be desirable to control such engines 'for -other ioof;

purposes. Each engine-cylinder l vand 2 and f vided ywith a steam-chest 5, which steam-y chest is provided with a steam-actuated valve controlled by pistons 7-'7 of short steam cylinders 7 7 at each end. A rod or stem 8 connects the two pistons together and connects them to a D-slide valve 6 containing perforations toward each end 6 for the admission of steam.

Steam is admitted to actuate the pistons 7 by the auxiliary engine-valve 11 in the auxiliary steam-chest 12, which auxiliary valve is controlled by the valve-stem 11 which is controlled by the action of the swinging arm 13 controlled from the piston rod by stop 14. The upper end of arm 13 contacts with the stops 11, 11, whereby the auxiliary valve is controlled and steam is admitted to actuate the pistons 7-7 in exactly the same manner that the piston of a steam engine is controlled. The swinging arm 13 is carried by one of the rods 15.

This steam-actuated valve mechanism and means is identical on the two engines 1 and 2 referred to. A steam supply pipe 16 leads from the synchronizing valve casing 20 to each engine and the exhaust from the engine is through pipes 17 and 17 connected to pipe 18, as clearly appears in Fig. 1.

Mfidway between the two engines 1 and is my improved synchronizing valve consisting of a casing 2() which receives steam through the pipe 19 and delivers to the engine through the pipes 16-16 which connect at bosses 16 16, as clearly appears in Fig. 5.

lVithin the valve chamber 20 is a piston valve 31 controlled in the preferred construction by pairs of pistons, hereafter to be fully described. The valve chamber 20 has a cent-ral annular chamber 25 and annular chambers or ports 26 and 27 toward each end. Three-way valves or cocks 23 and 24 are provided at each side for controlling the connection of the chambers 26 and 27 to the supply-pipes 16-16, leading to the engines, so that either chamber 26 may be connected to either pipe or either pipe may be shut off, as the operation of the engine or engines may require.

The valves or three- way cocks 23 and 24 are provided with handles 23 and 24, respectively, which are bent at proper angles to indicate the position of the three-way cocks which control the discharge of steam from the synchronizing valve.

The piston-valve 31 is provided with sections 28, 29 and 30, for cont-rolling. the chambers or ports 26 and 27, there-being a series of perforations 28', 29 and 30, respectively, in each of the sections, to permit of the discharge of a restricted or limited amount of steam when the said ports 26 and 27 are closed by the said sections. This v restriction of the steam is the means adopted for effectively controlling the engines and insuring that they move in step; and, if they start out of step, that they will vary their movement until they come into step. The sections 28, 29 and 30 are so spaced that the full ports may be uncovered and opened.

A pair of small pistons 35-35 are arranged to act on the right-hand end of the valve 20, and are in suitable small cylinder bores 35- 35, appearing in the casing 35". On the left-hand end of the synchronizing valve is an exactly similar structure, consisting of the pair of pistons 37H37, in cylinder bores 37 in the casing 37". The pistons at the right-hand end are connected by small pipes 3636 to the right-hand ends of the steam chest 5 5 at the corresponding side, and the ycylinders 3737 are connected by pipes 38-38, respectively, to the steam chests 5 and 5 at that end,-that is, to the left-hand end of the steam chest of the respective engine cylinders.

A spring loaded pin 39 is at the left-hand end o-f the synchronizing valve, pressure being applied by means of a spring 41 on a central collar 40, which stops against the outer part of the casing 37, brackets or supports 39 being provided for the spring loaded pin 39. A similar spring loaded pin 42 is at the right-hand end of the synchronizing valve, having the spring 44 acting against the collar 43, which is stopped at the outside, the same being supported by a suitable bracket 42. rlhese spring loaded pins extend into the valve casing 2() and contact against the opposite ends of the valve 31, locating and supporting the same in its central position. The tension of the spring is sufficient to overcome the frictional resistance of the pins 39 or 42 and the valve 31. Vhen single pistons at opposite ends of the valve 31, for instance pistons 35 and 37, have fluid pressure admitted to them they will counter-balance each other because they act in opposite directions on the valve. The spring tension of the opposed springs 41 and 44 at the opposite ends of the valve will be sufficient to bring the valve 31 to a substantially central position. If, however, it occurs that the two small pistons 35 at the same end of the mechanism have iuid pressure on them, their' force will be suiciently powerful to overcome the tension of the single piston 37 at the opposite end and will compress the spring 44 at the opposite end of the valve 31 and thus throw the valve to the further limit of its travel in that direction. Should two small pistons 37 at the same end have fluid pressure, their force will be sufficient to overcome the single piston 35 at the opposite end and compress spring 39, and the reverse motion will occur. By the arrangement of the mechanism only two of the small pistons have fluid pressure on them at the same time.

Having thus enumerated and described the various parts constituting my invention, I will now point out their operation and their consequent purpose. vIn the first posij tion of the mechanism, the piston engine 1 is on the point of reversing and the piston ofv engine 2 at its central position, moving toward the right@` Inthis position, the

steam is passing through the hollowpistonvalve 31 out through the restricted perfora- ,45 v j This admits steamto its right-hand end and valve is set for the steam to pass to the lefthand end of the cylinder.y At thefsame time,

steam is passingvfreely from the chamber,

25 through the wide open ports to the chamber or port 26 through the ypipe 16, without any obstruction, to ythe lett-hand end of,k

engine 2, which should be at about the center ofv its stroke. The pistons of both engines are thus moved in the same direction, and, when the piston of engine 2 reaches the end of its stroke, it will through swinging arm' 13 actuate the auxiliary valve 11, which will operate the steam-actuatedk engine valve `6 of that engine, causing it to move to the reversing position. Whenthe valve of engine 2 moves to the reversing position, it, of course, is actuated by steam pressure, which steam pressure, through the pipe 36andthe connected piston 35, reacts on the synchronizing valve, moving it to central position, where the section will cover the portp'26 and steam will pass thereto only through the restricted apertures 30. n They result is that the piston 3 of the engine 2 beginsl to move slowly toward the left. The same movement of the valve moves the section 23 from over kthe port 27 and admits ythe steam full'head without restriction to port or chamber-27 which permits the steam to act upon the piston 3 ofthe engine 1 with full force until it reaches the end of its stroke when the piston 3 of the engine 2 'will be at about midstroke. When the piston of engine 1 reaches the end of its stroke, it actuates its auxiliary'valve and by it the main valve of the engine 1 is operated and moved instantly to the left.

steam passes through pipe 36 to actuate piston connectedthereto which acts to throw the piston valve 31 toward the left when thesection 29 coversthe port 27 and steam is admitted gradually through the apertures 29 to the right-hand of the end ofthe cylinder of engine 1; land the same movement carries the section 30 from over the port 26 and admits the steam full lhead into the right-hand end of the cylinder 2. The movement then continues until the piston 3 of engine 2 reaches the end of its stroke toward veo the left, at which'time the pistons of engine 1 will be about midstroke. Theny the piston 3fof engine 2 reaches the end of its stroke,

itgthrough swinging arm y13`actuates itsl auX- i'liary valve, which controls the steam-act-uated engine valve which is thrown toward the right to the position 'indicated inFig.

10. The vsteam'is'a'dmitted at the ,left end of the cylinder to do this andthe steam pres-r l Avalve to the right and moves it to position so thatthe port 27 is again lopenedand the port 26 is covered by the section 30 and the flow of the steam thereto is restricted through the perforations 30 to the left-hand end olt' the cylinder ofengine 2, and the port 27 is opened and the steam admitted full yhead to the `right-hand of the cylinder of engine 1,

when its piston3 will be movedpromptly to i the left-hand end of its stroke. In engine 2 n the piston 3 will be movedfto the middle 01' brings the said pistons and'` valves to the powill be seen from this thatpthere ycangbenc rits stroke toward the right-hand end, which short stroke of yeither engine, becauseeach controls its'own valves, and any ytendency forthe engines to get vout of step will result in retarding the movement of the engine' which tends-to move most rapidly,by restricting the flow of steampthereto and controllingthe same in thatfway until the 0pposite vengine finishes its stroke, the finish of the stroke in each instance being von a full headof steam and the supply of steam to the opposite engine being restricted until the full' stroke of the other engine isl completed ineach instance,--which restriction, if there is a tendency for one engine to move in adj Vance` of the other and get `out yof step, is

continued vormore than haltl of the stroke,

therebyL compelling the piston thereof, due

to the restricted passage, to move slowly.

while the other piston receives the fullhead of steam-and promptly finishes its stroke.

This is an improvement over the usualduplexfarrangement of valves, where the pisvtons of one engine/control the valves of the opposite engine, because, under suchcircum-r stances, the valves on one engine may be reversed bythe oppositek engine `reaching the l' end of its stroke, causing one engine toshortstroke, thereby resulting in a great waste 'of steamk and consequent loss, dependingupon the extent of the defect in adjustment of the pump. This theoreticallyfresults yin some loss yat lany point of the operation of such kduplex pumps, because, theoretically, a perfect adjustment would be impossible and the loss would be in proportion to the defects ofA Such pumps yrequire constant adjustment. n

attention to keep them in full stroke,-all of which isavoided by my improvements.

When it is desired to cut out either pumpfcr any purpose,.with my improved mechanism, one of the three-way cocks 23 imr chambers or ports 26 and A27.; :whereupon the/.130

position of the synchronizing-valve is imma terial because it has no control of the supply ot steam. It is best to etlect this connection in cutting in this way, as it avoids a multiplicity of valves.

lt will be noted that in the operation of this device the two engines are about halfstrolre apart, the piston in engine 2 being in the lead about one-half stroke. This position could be reversed by reversing the po sition of the valves Q3 and 24 when the pis ton of engine l would be about a halt-stroke in the lead of the piston of engine 2. It does not matter, however, which piston is in the lead; the results from the operation of the synchronizing-valve are just the same. It the pistons of the engines are not in this position on starting they will quickly assume this position and relation from the control of my improved synchronizingvalve.

1n Fig. 7 I have shown a modification ot my device in that the steam pipes 36-86 and 8S-38 are not connected to the opposite ends of the steam chests 5--5, in which are contained the steam-actuated engine valves, but to the opposite ends of the steam engine cylinders themselves.

From what I have already stated in describing the operation of the device, the operation of the synchronizing-valve will be understood in this behalf, because it will be the pressure of the steam in the engine cylinders themselves, as distinguished from the pressure of the steam in the steam chests 5*-5 that operates the synchronizing valve and moves and holds it in the successive positions indicated.

ln Fig. 8, I show a still further modilication, in which pipes M -45, corresponding to pipes 236-36, and pipes 4G-4G, corresponding to pipes StB- 38, are connected to the opposite ends ot the water cylinders, which are actuated by the steam pump. In this manner, the pistons 35-35 and 3737 become hydraulic pistons, in place of steam pistons, which is the only difference.

Vln Figs. 9 and 10 I have shown a further modification in which pairs of plungers, operated by electro-magnets, are substituted for the piston plungers,that is to say, at the right-hand end, there is an electro-mag netic core 49, extended into a plunger, which contacts with the end of the valve 3l, which core and plunger is operated by a coil 50, which is in the circuit 5?, which contains a battery, or source of electric supply 54. The lett-hand end is provided with a pair of such plungers :3l-5l, which are operated by the electro-magnetic coils 52-52, which are in the circuits :S5- 55, respectively, which circuits each contains a source ot electric supply and battery 56-56. The operation of the synchronizing valve is readily understood from the effect of these plungers, which is exactly the same as of the piston plungers in the other structure. These plungers are operated successively by providing extensions of the stems on the ends of the steam-actuated valves 6 of the engine cylinders l and 2. At the right-hand end of each valve a stem 57 extends, which has a lateral extension 58, which closes on to the terminals of the circuits 53, thereby closing the same and operating the synchronizing valve whenever the engine at that particular point is moved toward the lett. On the opposite end of each valve is a stem 59, having a lateral extension 60, serving as a switch to close the circuits i5 at that side and actuate the electro-magnetic plungers at that side. The operation of the device will be readily understood from this description, these electro-magnetic plungers being operated successively by the contacting ot the switches 58-58 and 60-60 respectively.

l have thus described my invention in various forms so that it will be readily seen that the synchronizing valve can be eectively operated by various means, although it is desired to remark that for ordinary purposes the mechanical connection appearing in my earlier' application is desirable on account of its extreme simplicity.

rl`he structures which I have shown here are of advantage in various relations where it is not expedient or possible to place the engines in the proper relation to react upon the synchronizing valve by means of the crossbar.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as-new and desire to secure by Let-- ters Patent is:

l. The combination of a pair ot engines l and 2 each provided with a steam-actuated engine-valve consisting ot a steam-chest with cylindrical ends, pistons 7-7 in the ends, a D-slide valve 6 connecting by a stem 8 to the said piston-heads; an auxiliary valve ll in a steam-chest 12 for controlling the supply ot steam to the steam-actuated engine-valve; a valve-stem 11 arranged to be actuated by a moving part of the engine, whereby each engine controls its own valve; a synchronizing-valve consisting of a casing 20 with a central port or chamber 25 and end-ports 26 and 27, with a supply leading thereto and supply pipes 16-16 leading therefrom to the steam-chests of the two engines, three-way cocks 23 and 24 for controlling the connections of the chambers 2G and 27 to the pipes 16-16, a piston-valve 3l within the valve-casing 20, consisting of sections 28, 29 and 30, containing restricted ports 28', 29 and 30 respectively, for controlling t-he ports 26 and 27 and valves 28 and 24 on the sides of the valve-casing 9.0 to regulate and reverse the same; a controlling means consisting of pairs of oppositely-tacing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections Lto corresponding ends of said engines to operate the valve normally in the centralposition to beacted on successively by saidplungers, all' co-acting substantially as described and for the purpose specified. f 2. The combinationof a pair of engines 1 y,and 2 each provided with a steam-actuated engine-valve consistingot a steamches't 5 with cylindrical ends, pistons 7-.7 in the ends, a D-slide valve 6 connecting byk a stem 8 to the said piston-heads; an auxiliary valve A11 in a steam-chest 12 for controlling the supply of steam to the steam-actuated ,en-

gine-valve; afvalve-stem 11 arranged to'bey actuated by af moving part roi the engine,

, whereby each engine controls itsown valve;

a synchronizing-valve consistingyof a casing 2O with a central port or chamber 25 'and end-ports 26 and 27, with a supply leading thereto and supply pipes 16-16 lleading 'therefrom to the steam-chests ofthe two engines, three- way cocks 28 and 24 for controlling the connections of the chambers 26 and 27k to the pipes 16-16, a piston valve 31 within the valvecasing 20, consisting` `of sections 28, 29 and 30, containing yrestricted ports 28, 29 and 30 respectively, for controlling the ports 26 and 27 and valves 23 and 24 on the sides of the valve-casing 20fto regulate and reverse the same; a controlling means consisting of pairs of oppositely-fa'cing plungers at the opposite ends of thesai'd f synchronizing kvalve with connections to `corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said ypairs yieldingly and successively; and yielding means `for returning said valve normally to thecentral position to be acted on successivelyvby said plungers, all co-acting substantially as described and for the purpose specified.

'3. The combination of a. pair of engines 1 and 2 each provided with a. steam-actuated f engine-valve consisting of a steam-chest with cylindrical ends, pistons 7-71in the ends, a D-slide valve 6 connecting by a stem 8 to the said piston-heads, an auxiliary valve 11 in a steam-chest 12 `for controlling the supply of steam to thesteam-actuated engine-valve; a valve-stem 11 arranged to be actuated by; a moving part ofthe4 engine,

whereby each engine controlsits own valve; a synchronizing-valve consisting of a casing 20 with a central portor chamber., 2,5 and end-ports 26 and 27, with a supply leading thereto and supply pipes 16-16 leading therefrom to the steam-chests ofthetwo engines, av piston-valve l Vwithin the valvecasing-20, consisting of sections 28, 29 and 30, containing restrict-ed `ports 28., 29 and 30 respectively, for controlling the ports 26-and 27 andtvalves 23 and 24 on the sides of the valve-casing 20 toV regulate and reverse thesame; a controlling means consistlng of pairs ofjoppositely-faclng plungers at! the opposite ends of the saidfsynchronizing valve with connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said. pairs "/yieldingly and` successively; andfspringfloaded pins extending inwardly at .the opposite ends ofsaid valve, thesprings. beingof such tension and soarranged as to holdk the valve normally in the central position to be acted on successivelyk by said plungers for the purpose of controlling the said synchronizing-valve, `all coacting substantially as described and for the purpose specified; s.

4. The combination of a pair of engines 1 and2 each provided with ya steam-actuated engine valve, consisting y0f a steam chest with cylindrical ends, pistons-77 `in kthe ends, a Dlslide valve 6 connecting by a stemy 8 to the said piston-heads an auxiliary valve 11 in a steam-chest: 12 for controlling the supply of steam to the steam-actuated engine-valve; a valve-stem 11 arranged to be y t actuatedwby. a moving part of the engine,

whereby each engine controls its ownlvalve; f 5

a synchronizingyalveconsisting of" a casing 20 with a central portv or chamber' 25 and end-ports' 26 and 27, withk a supply leadingr thereto and supply l,pipes 16-16 leading therefrom to the steam-chests of the two engines, a"pistonvalve 31 within the valvecasing 20, consisting of sections 28, 29, and 80, containing restricted ports 28,29v and 30 respectively for controlling the ports 26 and 27 and valves 28 and 24 on the sides of the valve-casing 2() to regulate and reverse the same; a contro-llingfmeans consisting of pairs of oppositely-facing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections to corresponding endsof said engines to operate the said plungers of said pairs yieldinglyand successively; and yielding means for returning said valve normally to thecentral position to vbe acted'on successively by said plungers,

`all co-acting substantially as described` and for the purpose specified. v

5.' The combination of a pair of direct acting steam engines, each l containing va steam-actuated valve and an auxiliary valve i connectionsto corresponding ends of said 'engines to operatefthe said-plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; spring-v loaded pins extending inwardly atthckoppo- Y iaof site ends of said valve, the springs being of such tension and so arranged as to hold the valve normally in the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers for the purpose ot' controlling the said synchronizing-valve; restricting passages in said synchronizing-valve controlling the ports of said valve to restrict the initial flow of steam to the said engines; a supply-pipe to the synchronizing-valve; and supply-pipes from the synchronizing-valve to the steam-chests of the engines, whereby the actuation of the steam-actuated valve contro-ls andregulates the supply of steam to the said steam-chests of said engines, substantially as described and for the purpose specified.

6. The combination of a pair of direct acting steam engines, each containing a steam-actuated valve and an auxiliary valve contro-lled from the piston of each of said engines for controlling the said steam-actuated valve thereof whereby each engine controls its own valve; a synchronizing-valve; a controlling means consisting of pairs of oppositely-facing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing-valve with connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; yielding means for returning said valve normally to the central po-sition to be acted on successively by said plungers; restricting passages in said synchronizing-valve controlling the ports of said valve to restrict the initial flow of steam to the said engines; a supplypipe to the synchronizing-valve; and supplypipes from the synchronizing-valve to the steam-chests of the engines, whereby the actuation of the steam-actuated valve controls and regulates the supply of steam to the said steam-chests of said engines, substantially as described and for the purpose specitied.

7 The combination ot a plurality of steam engines; steam-actuated engine-valves for each of said engines; an auxiliary valve controlled by a moving part of each engine for admitting steam to actuate the steam-actuated engine-valve thereof whereby said engine controls its own valve; a synchronizingvalve having restricted and also full ports for contro-lling the flow of steam to the4 engine valves of each engine; a controlling means consist-ing of pairs of oppositely-facing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections to correspondingends of said engines to operate "the said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and spring-loaded pins extending inwardly at the opposite ends of' said valve, the springs being of such tension and so arranged as to hold the synchronizing valve normally in the cent-ral position to be acted on successively by said plungers as specified.

8. The combination of aplurality of steam engines; steam-actuated engine-valves for each of said engines; an auxiliary valve controlled bya moving part of each engine for admitting steam to actuate the steam-actuated engine-valve thereof whereby said engine controls its own valve; a synchronizing-valve having restricted and also full ports for controlling the flo-w of steam to the enginevalves of each engine; a controlling means consisting of pairs of oppositelyfacing plungersat the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and yielding means for returning said valve normally to the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers, as specified. Y

9. Thecombination of a plurality of steam engines; steam-actuated engine-valves for each of said engines; an auxiliary valve controlled by al moving part of each engine, for admitting steam to actuate the steam-actuated engine-valve thereof whereby each engine controls its own valve; a synchronizing-valve for controlling the ffow of steam to the engine-valve of each engine; a controlling means consisting ol pairs of oppositely-t'acing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and spring-loaded pins extending inwardly at the opposite ends oit said valve, the springs being of such tension and so arranged as to hold the valve normally in the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers, as specified.

10. rlhe combination of a plurality of steam engines; steam-actuated engine-valves for each of said engines; an auxiliary valve controlled by a moving part of each engine, for admitting steam to actuate the steamactuated engine-valve thereof whereby each engine controls its own valve; a synchronizing-valve for controlling the flow of steam to the engine-valve of each engine; a. controlling means consisting o pairs oft' oppositely-facing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and yielding means for returning said valve normally to the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers, as specified.

1l. The combination ot' a plurality of steam engines; steam-actuated engine-valves for each of said engines; a synchronizing valve arranged in the supply passage to said engines with ports for controlling the delivery of steam to said engine valves; a controlling means consisting of pairs of op- `iov acting for the purposey specified.

positely-facing plungers atithe opposite .ends of the said synchronizing valve with connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the said plungers of said vpairs yieldingly and successively; and springloaded pins extending inwardly at the opposite ends of said valve, the springs being of such tension and so arranged as to hold the valve normally in the central position to be acted on successively by'said plungers, co-

12. The combination of a plurality of steam engines; steam-actuatedr engine-valves for each of said engines; a synchronizing valve arranged in the ksupply passage to said engines with ports `for controlling the delivery of steam to said engine valves; a controlling means consisting of pairs of'oppositely-facing plungers at the opposite ends of the said synchronizing valvelwith connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operatethe said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and yieldpurpose specified.

ing means for returning said valve normally to the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers, coacting for the 13. The combination of a plurality' of steam engines; steam lactuated valves for each of said engines, a synchronizing valve y arranged in the supply passage to said engines with ports :for controlling the delivery of steam to said engine valves; a controlling means consisting of pairs of oppoysitely-facing plungers 'at the opposite endsy y steam engines, steam actuated valves. for

each of said engines, a synchronizing valve arranged in the supply passage to said engines with ports for controllingl the delivery of steam to said engine valves; a controlling means consisting of pairsfof oppositely-facing plungers at the ropposite ends lof the said synchronizingy valve with connections to-corresponding endskfoil said engines to operate the said plungers 'of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and yielding meansfor returning said valve normally to the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers, v coacting for the purpose specified.

r15. The combination of a plurality of steam engines; steam-actuated valvesfor Copies of'this patent'may be obtained for ve cents each, by address Washington, D. G. v

each of said engines, av synchronizing valve l to control the operation of said engines; a controlling means consisting of pairs of oppositely-facing plungers kat the. opposite ends Y of the said synchronizing valve with'connections to corresponding ends of said engines to operate the saidplungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; spring-loaded pins extending inwardly at vv7,0 and y the opposite ends'of said valve, the springs l being ofsuch tension and so arranged as to hold the valve'normally in the central position to be acted on successively by said plungers, for the purpose specified.'

16. The combination of a plurality of steam' engines; steam-'actuated valves for each of said engines, a synchronizing valve to control the operation of said engines; a

controlling means consisting of pairs ofopy positely-facing plungers at lthe opposite ends l ofthe said synchronizing valve with connections to corresponding` ends of said engines to operate the Said plungers of said pairs yieldingly and successively; and

yielding means for returning said valve normally to the central position lto be acted Von y successively by said-plungers, for thel pur-` pose specified.

y17. In ay synchronizing valve and means of actuating the saine, the combination withr a plurality of engine cylinders, of a synchronizing valve through which rsteam is delivered to actuate said engines, said synchronizingvalve being provided with open ports and restricted ports; means` for holdy y ing said valve yieldingly in position of theA restricted portage; and a connection for the said synchronizing valve to both ends of both engine cylinders l for actuating the same, the combination of the actuating means of, both engine cylinders being required to move the valve tothe full portage, coacting as specified.

18. In a synchronizing `valve and means actuating the same, theVV combination with a` plurality of `engine cylinders, of a synchronizing valve through which steam is delivered to actuate. said engines; means for holding said valve yieldingly in a position of restricted portage; and a connectionfor the said synchronizing valve to both endsof both engine cylinders for actuating the iio same, the, combination of the .actuating i means of both engine'cylinder's being required .to move the valve to the full portage, co-acting as specified.

Inwitness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand .and seal in they presencey of two witnesses. f

Witnesses H. VAN. WAGNER, EDWARD REEVES.

'.JoHN einen. [a a] y' ng the Commissioner of Patents, y

Images