Resource Type

Reversible Steam-Engine. (open access)

Reversible Steam-Engine.

Patent for "reversible reciprocating steam engines, its objects being to simplify the mechanism for reversing the valve, and to provide a valve in which the area of steam pressure upon its face is reduced to the minimum." (Lines 14-19) Includes instructions and illustrations.
Date: July 24, 1894
Creator: Lester, Frank
System: The Portal to Texas History
Rotary Valve for Steam-Engines. (open access)

Rotary Valve for Steam-Engines.

Patent for a rotary valve for steam-engines that has a simplified valve and less pressure on the valve. It has a rocking valve that is "operating within a steam chest independent of the cylinder and connected therewith by pipes entering through the cylinder ends, a cam movement being provided for rocking the valve" (lines 21-25).
Date: September 18, 1894
Creator: Lester, Frank
System: The Portal to Texas History
Port-Regulating Valve. (open access)

Port-Regulating Valve.

Patent for a port-regulating valve. It is meant for use in steam-engines and regulates the steam in engines that the inventor had previously patented (No. 523,360). "The invention consists of a slide-valve for covering each port leading from the steam-chest to the rock-valve, with means for operating such slide-valves from the shaft controlling the rock-valve, and a link movement for adjusting the throw of the slide-valves and which is under the control of the engineer" (lines 21-28).
Date: August 27, 1895
Creator: Lester, Frank
System: The Portal to Texas History