This engine has a massive, peculiarly constructed frame, being cast in
two parts. The forward part contains the main pillow block bearing, and
the part in which the cross-head runs is cylindrical in shape, and has
bored Guides, and large lateral openings.
The crank is a large disc plate, and the large heavy fly-wheel serves
the double purpose of a drive pulley and balance wheel.
The cylinder is supplied with four valves, two at the top and two at
the bottom, and directly upon the bore of the cylinder. The two at the
top are the steam valves, the two at the bottom are exhaust valves, and
receive their motion from a single eccentric acting through the medium
of a wrist plate or vibrating disc, from which the valve connections
radiate. The valve being independently adjusted, the commencement,
extent and rapidity of the movement of each can be most accurately
arranged. The steam valves are controlled by the Governor, which, being
very sensitive to the variation of load, allows just the required
amount of steam to enter the cylinder to keep up the uniform speed.
The exhaust valves being at the lower ends of the cylinder, at the
clearance space, the water of condensation is allowed to escape in
the most thorough manner, without the use of cylinder cocks or other
devices.
This style of engine is intended for all purposes, but is especially
adapted to heavy and continuous work and where the conditions call for
an engine capable of working under a high steam pressure, also when the
work is of an intermittent character.
[Illustration: Reynolds Corliss “1890” Engine—Front View.]