Mayhew Diaphragm Steam Engine, Patent Model
Mayhew Diaphragm Steam Engine, Patent Model
- Description
- This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Theophilus Mayhew, of New York, New York, July 8, 1879, no. 217392.
- The engine consists of a hemispherical cuplike chamber over the concave opening of which is stretched a flexible diaphragm. This chamber connects to a valve chest in which a flat plate valve works over the intake and exhaust ports. A lever extends from the frame of the machine over the diaphragm upon which a projection of the lever rests. Inflation and deflation of the diaphragm by admitting and exhausting steam raise the lever and permit it to fall by its own weight. A system of cranks and spring actuated by the lever operates the valve. The engine was designed as a simple device for operating churns and similar machines.
- Reference:
- This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- engine, steam, and other, model
- patent model, motor
- Object Type
- Patent Model
- date made
- 1879
- patent date
- 1879-07-08
- inventor
- Mayhew, Theophilus
- place made
- United States: New York
- associated place
- United States: New York, New York City
- Measurements
- overall: 5 1/2 in x 7 in x 5 7/8 in; 13.97 cm x 17.78 cm x 14.9225 cm
- on base - from catalog card: 5 1/2 in x 7 in; 13.97 cm x 17.78 cm
- ID Number
- MC.308705
- catalog number
- 308705
- accession number
- 89797
- patent number
- 217,392
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Mechanical and Civil Engineering
- Bulletin 173
- Engineering, Building, and Architecture
- Work
- Industry & Manufacturing
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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