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Title: |
1871 Article-Portable Steam Engine & Mfg. Co., Bradford's Portable Steam Engine |
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Source: |
American Artisan., V13, 02 Aug., 1871, pg. 72 |
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Insert Date: |
2/12/2021 9:50:36 PM |
In the accompanying engraving, we illustrate an improved portable engine, in which several noticeable features of novelty are presented, and which is claimed to possess the essential and important advantages of avoiding condensation in the cylinder and steam pipes, and in preventing the pounding, strain, and breakage occasioned by water in the cylinder, which frequently causes more mischief to the mechanism than does all the legitimate work that the engine is called upon to perform.
An opening is provided in the top of the horizontal boiler, immediately over the firebox, and over or upon this opening is arranged the base of the steam dome, through which free access can be had to the water surface of the crown-sheet tubes and the firebox of the boiler. Within this steam dome is arranged the engine cylinder, while the dome serves not only as the manhole of the boiler, but also as a foundation to support one end of the engine, the manhole of course being readily opened by removing the cylinder and the upper part of the steam dome which surrounds or jackets the same. It will be noticed that the dome is made in two sections, the base or lower one being attached direct to the boiler, as just described, while the upper is secured by balls and flanges to the upper portion of the base. It will be seen that the cylinder being surrounded by steam of the same temperature as that in the boiler itself, all the evils of condensation in the cylinder are avoided. The feed-water heater, of approved construction, is also arranged within a chamber provided in the steam dome, whereby, in a simple and efficient manner, all the acknowledged advantages of heating the feed previous to its entrance to the boiler are secured. With reference to other details of construction, it may be remarked that the pillow blocks of the engine are connected centrally with the cylinder by an iron frame which receives the strain in a direct line and is not deflected by the action of the engine, thus tending to keep in line instead of getting out, as in the old style. The heater being, as before mentioned, encased in the base of the dome, the pipes are secure from frost, but the heater receives the exhaust steam in the usual way. The engine is furnished with a compound crack and two drive-pulleys. To clean the boiler, it is only necessary to separate the upper from the lower part of the steam dome, with the removal of the cylinder, by which means free access is afforded to the necessary parts.
This improved steam engine was patented June 13,1871, by Mr. Gilbert Bradford. All inquiries for further information should be addressed to I. P. Powers, Secretary, Portable Steam-engine and Manufacturing Company, Watertown, N. Y. |
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1871 Portable Steam Engine & Mfg. Co., Bradford's Portable Steam Engine
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