Edmund Rudge
of Tewkesbury
1840 List of new patents: 'Edmund Rudge, jun., of Tewkesbury, tanner, for a new method or methods of obtaining power for locomotive and other purposes, and of applying the same.-Sealed 8th February - six months for inrolment.'[1]
1840 'Mr. E. Rudge, of Tewkesbury, tanner, has obtained a patent for a new method or methods of obtaining motive power for locomotives and for other purposes, and of applying the same. These improvements are for the construction and application of a new form of atmospheric engine, which may consist of two, three, or more open-topped cylinders, placed either vertically or horizontally, the piston rods of which are connected with two or three throw cranks. The air below each piston in the cylinder is condensed by a jet of steam, when the preponderating influence of the atmosphere on the external surface of the several pistons produces the available power. The cylinders are lubricated by means of a small funnel on the top of the piston rod, whence the oil flows into a hollow space. within the rod, and thence into a groove turned is the piston. In order to gain a reserve of power, for any particular purpose, a large cylindrical receiver is filled by a condensing air-pump placed on either side, and connected with the main shaft of the engine ; thus when the carriage is descending a hill, the air-pumps will compress the air into the large cylinders, which again will supply the air for working the pistons while ascending a hill.'[2]
1847 advert: 'TO BE DISPOSED OF, THREE-CYLINDER CONDENSING ENGINE, of about 12-horse power, well adapted for a Grist Mill, or any description of Machinery, and might be made applicable for Steam-boat purposes. Working a three-throw triangular Crank, it possesses superior advantages from its steady and even motion. . For particulars apply to Mr. Edmund Rudge, Engineer, Church-street, Tewkesbury.'[3]
1848 advert: 'TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE CONTRACT, a THREE-CYLINDER CONDENSING ENGINE. 16 Horse-power; also an Eight-horse High-pressure THREE CYLINDER ENGINE, working upon 3-throw triangular cranks, thereby affording steady and uniform motion, which renders them particularly applicable and well adapted for Grist Mills, Clothing Mills, or any Machinery requiring steady and even movement.—Address EDMUND RUDGE, Engineer, Church-street, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.'[4]
The above engines are early examples of three cylinder engines.
1857 Bankruptcy proceedings against Edmund Rudge[5]
This Edmund Rudge, taner and engineer, was probably the nephew of Edmund Rudge, an immensely wealthy eccentric miserly tanner in Tewkesbury, who died in 1843[6]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Carlisle Journal - Saturday 21 March 1840
- ↑ Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard - Saturday 26 September 1840
- ↑ Worcestershire Chronicle - Wednesday 29 September 1847
- ↑ Bristol Mercury - Saturday 6 May 1848
- ↑ Worcester Herald - Saturday 02 May 1857
- ↑ Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 26 October 1843