A Compound Steam Engine

15,451. Reeves, C., and Heath, C. M. June 29. Compound and multiple-expansion engines; valves, distributing.-The invention is described as applied to a locomotive. A single balanced valve A is used for both high and low pressure cylinders. It is divided transversely by a gate K , which can be moved from outside. When the gate is lowered the exhaust from the high-pressure ports C passes into the adjacent low-pressure ports D ; when it is raised, however, the engine runs simple. A starting-valve co-operates with ports on the side of the main valve A, and is so arranged that, when the latter is off centre, steam can be admitted inside the end of A, which is furthest from the centre.