Buss, high speed governor 1876

Buss, high speed governor 1876

This is a steam engine governor of the form patented by Mr. E. Buss in 1876. The mechanism is mounted on a fixed vertical spindle projecting from a casing containing a cylindrical throttle valve. A long gunmetal sleeve fits over this spindle, which is suspended by a steel screw at the top and rotated by bevel gearing at the lower end; near the top of the sleeve lugs are formed, and below these a collar. A hollow spherical casing surrounds the sleeve and rotates with it, but is free to slide vertically; this has formed within it supports for the axes of four double-armed pendulums, the longer vertical arms of which project through the casing and carry balls at their lower ends, while the shorter horizontal arms turn towards the spindle and are connected with the sleeve lugs by short links. A helical spring is placed between the sleeve collar and the bottom of the casing. A rod is connected at one end with the lower part of the casing and at its lower end to a crank fixed on the valve spindle. When the engine shaft rotates above the normal speed, the balls fly outward and they, together with the casing, move upward compressing the spring; this movement acts upon the valve and so reduces the supply of steam. This form of governor can be made as sensitive as desired, and, while being compact, has a considerable motion between its extreme positions; the whole of its working parts, except the sleeve, are utilised in producing the controlling force.