A REMARKABLE PUMPING ENGINE.

A REMARKABLE PUMPING ENGINE.

Probably one of the most curious engines ever built is the “ Spider," at the Hope pumping station in Providence, R. I. This machine, says The Safety Valve, is entirely different from anything ever before or since attempted, as well as being the only one of its pattern ever built and probably the only one that ever will be constructed. It is so peculiar in design and appearance that it is doubtful if anj'one going into the room, and seeing it for the first time, would ever mistrust what it was. It stands at one side of the large room. Two very large pipes form a circle around it with the ten pistons projecting, and a short pair of steps leading to the top, from which the arrangement can be seen on the inner side of the circle. Looking down upon it you see the ten piston rods attached to a centre or eccentric, which has a very peculiar motion. There is no balance-wheel, and the machine was built by the late George H. Corliss for the special purpose of a pumping engine. The main idea in its peculiar construction was to have it so arranged as to keep a constant stream or pressure in the water pipes. In carrying out this idea, the builder overlooked several other important points, which rendered it of no especial practical value, and it is only run occasionally, just enough to keep it in working order. The main shaft or eccentric only makes from three to five revolutions per minute. The arrangement of the pistons is such that there is no dead centre, having a constant pressure all the way around.

Probably one of the most curious engines ever built is the “ Spider," at the Hope pumping station in Providence, R. I. This machine, says The Safety Valve, is entirely different from anything ever before or since attempted, as well as being the only one of its pattern ever built and probably the only one that ever will be constructed. It is so peculiar in design and appearance that it is doubtful if anj'one going into the room, and seeing it for the first time, would ever mistrust what it was. It stands at one side of the large room. Two very large pipes form a circle around it with the ten pistons projecting, and a short pair of steps leading to the top, from which the arrangement can be seen on the inner side of the circle. Looking down upon it you see the ten piston rods attached to a centre or eccentric, which has a very peculiar motion. There is no balance-wheel, and the machine was built by the late George H. Corliss for the special purpose of a pumping engine. The main idea in its peculiar construction was to have it so arranged as to keep a constant stream or pressure in the water pipes. In carrying out this idea, the builder overlooked several other important points, which rendered it of no especial practical value, and it is only run occasionally, just enough to keep it in working order. The main shaft or eccentric only makes from three to five revolutions per minute. The arrangement of the pistons is such that there is no dead centre, having a constant pressure all the way around.