細節
STEPHENSON, GEORGE, Inventor. Document signed, A PATENT FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE STEAM ENGINE, Newcastle upon Tyne, l8 May l822. One page, large oblong folio, 594 x 785mm. (23 1/8 x 30 7/8 in.), ON PARCHMENT, blue papered L5 tax stamp at top left. The text, comprising 49 long lines, written in a clear scribal italic hand, countersigned by several clerks at bottom, INCORPORATING A FINE
INK AND WATERCOLOR DRAWING OF THE INVENTION, the drawing measuring 305 x 230mm. (11 3/4 x 9 1/2in.), and consisting of two figures (side-views, in cross section) with various components of the machinery labeled with letters (A-G and a-i) corresponding to the description in the text.
THE INVENTOR OF THE RAILROAD PATENTS A VACUUM PUMP TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STEAM-ENGINE
The present patent, the preamble notes, incorporates new design features not in a previous patent. Stephenson here declares that "the nature of my said invention...consists of a method or methods of producing a more perfect vacuum than has been done in the Condenser, consequently in the cylinder of a Single or double-powered Bolton and Watts Engine [steam engine] or any other Engine in which a Condenser is used or where the Condensation is performed in a Vessel separate from the Cylinder...." James Watts had perfected his so-called Double Acting Steam Engine in l782, which achieved greater force through the application of steam and vacuum to each side of the piston alternately. Stephenson, who early in his career had worked on Watt & Boulton engines, perceived that a more effecient vacuum would add additional power to engines of this design. After a detailed explanation of the component parts and functioning of his engine, Stephenson's patent concludes: "It is well known that the present apparatus can not be applied to work the whole length of the stroke of the Engine without proportionally decreasing the purity of the vacuum, but in my invention the increased length of the stroke increases the purity of the vacuum...An Engine upon my plan may from its simplicity of construction be removed and erected upon a smaller space and at considerably less expense than has hitherto been done...."
Stephenson (1781-l848), regarded as the inventor of the steam-powered locomotive, was the son of a colliery worker. He tinkered with clocks and watches, became an engineer's apprentice and later the engineman in another colliery, which employed steam-powered lifts. After considerable experimentation, his first steam-powered locomotive was tested in l813, and used in hauling coal. Wider applications were immediately apparent to Stephenson and in l821 the construction of the first railway line was authorized by Parliament. Stephenson, now the company's chief engineer, established workshops at Newcastle where the locomotives were built according to his designs. The new line, which connected Stockton and Darlington, opened on 27 September l825. (2)
INK AND WATERCOLOR DRAWING OF THE INVENTION, the drawing measuring 305 x 230mm. (11 3/4 x 9 1/2in.), and consisting of two figures (side-views, in cross section) with various components of the machinery labeled with letters (A-G and a-i) corresponding to the description in the text.
THE INVENTOR OF THE RAILROAD PATENTS A VACUUM PUMP TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STEAM-ENGINE
The present patent, the preamble notes, incorporates new design features not in a previous patent. Stephenson here declares that "the nature of my said invention...consists of a method or methods of producing a more perfect vacuum than has been done in the Condenser, consequently in the cylinder of a Single or double-powered Bolton and Watts Engine [steam engine] or any other Engine in which a Condenser is used or where the Condensation is performed in a Vessel separate from the Cylinder...." James Watts had perfected his so-called Double Acting Steam Engine in l782, which achieved greater force through the application of steam and vacuum to each side of the piston alternately. Stephenson, who early in his career had worked on Watt & Boulton engines, perceived that a more effecient vacuum would add additional power to engines of this design. After a detailed explanation of the component parts and functioning of his engine, Stephenson's patent concludes: "It is well known that the present apparatus can not be applied to work the whole length of the stroke of the Engine without proportionally decreasing the purity of the vacuum, but in my invention the increased length of the stroke increases the purity of the vacuum...An Engine upon my plan may from its simplicity of construction be removed and erected upon a smaller space and at considerably less expense than has hitherto been done...."
Stephenson (1781-l848), regarded as the inventor of the steam-powered locomotive, was the son of a colliery worker. He tinkered with clocks and watches, became an engineer's apprentice and later the engineman in another colliery, which employed steam-powered lifts. After considerable experimentation, his first steam-powered locomotive was tested in l813, and used in hauling coal. Wider applications were immediately apparent to Stephenson and in l821 the construction of the first railway line was authorized by Parliament. Stephenson, now the company's chief engineer, established workshops at Newcastle where the locomotives were built according to his designs. The new line, which connected Stockton and Darlington, opened on 27 September l825. (2)