VALVE AND LINK REVERSE.
Such is the theoretical effect of a perfect link; but the dead center is not absolute, and the motion of the link is varied by the point at which the rod is attached which lifts and lowers it, and also by the length of this rod. In full gear the block is not allowed to come quite to the end of the link, and this surplus distance is called the clearance. The radius of a link is the distance from the center of the driving shaft to the center of the link, and the curve of the link is that of a circle with that radius. The length of the radius may vary considerably, but the point of suspension is important. If a link is suspended by its center, it will certainly cut off steam sooner in the front stroke than in the back. Usually it is suspended from that point which is most used in running the engine.
THE WOOLF REVERSE VALVE GEAR.
The Woolf reversing gear employs but one eccentric, to the strap of which is cast an arm having a block pivoted at its end. This block slides in a pivoted guide, the angle of which is controlled by the reverse lever. To the eccentric arm is attached the eccentric rod, which transmits the motion to the valve rod through a rocker arm on simple engines and through a slide, as shown in cut, on compound engines.
The Meyer valve gear does not actually reverse an engine, but controls the admission of steam by means of an additional valve riding on the back of the main valve and controlling the cut-off. The main valve is like an ordinary D-valve, except that the steam is not admitted around the ends, but through ports running through the valve, these ports being partially opened or closed by the motion of the riding valve, which is controlled by a separate eccentric. If this riding valve is connected with a governor, it will regulate the speed of an engine; and by the addition of a link the gear may be made reversible. The chief objection to it is the excessive friction of the valves on their seats.
GOVERNORS.
A governor is a mechanism by which the supply of steam to the cylinder is regulated by revolving balls, or the like, which runs faster or slower as the speed of the engine increases or diminishes. Thus the speed of an engine is regulated to varying loads and conditions.
SECTIONAL VIEW SHOWING VALVE OF WATERS GOVERNOR.