Object Details
- Description
- This is a crank-operated demonstration model of an early type of Corliss detachable rotary valve gear. The model is constructed of partially painted bronze and mounted on a walnut base. In the image the rotary valve is located in the wooden block at the upper left. The valve stem terminates in a short lever by which the valve is rotated. This lever is permanently connected to a plunger in a closed cylinder or dash pot located below the valve. A hook or latch is operated up and down in a position so that the hook engages with the lever on its upstroke and rotates the valve to open it. A stiff flat spring holds the hook against the lever while a bearing pin is located so that it will disengage the hook from the valve stem lever after the hook has raised it a determined amount. When the lever is freed a spring closes the valve. The dash pot prevents the too rapid closing of the valve.
- Corliss was a prolific inventor of steam technology in the middle 1800s and was the founder of the Corliss Steam Engine Company. His engines were used worldwide, and his designs were adopted by other engine manufacturers.
- Credit Line
- Gift of Franklin Machine Company, Providence, R.I.
- ID Number
- MC.309816
- catalog number
- 309816
- accession number
- 109438
- Object Name
- Engine, Steam, Valve Gear
- engine, steam, valve gear, model
- place made
- United States: Rhode Island
- Related Publication
- Frank A. Taylor. Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States National Museum, Bulletin 173
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Mechanical and Civil Engineering
- Engineering, Building, and Architecture
- Exhibition
- Power Machinery
- Exhibition Location
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of American History
- Subject
- Model
- Steam Engines
- Record ID
- nmah_846129
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-8d29-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
