The Porter Governor
The Porter Governor was the first effective High Speed engine governor, Designed by the American engineer George Porter. The governor is driven via a pulley (k) through a set of bevel gears (not shown) a vertical shaft (d) is rotated, this in turn drives from above the governor balls (a), through linkages (c) the large and heavy governor deadweight (b) is also rotated, this is free to slide up and down the shaft (d) but rotates at the same speed as the balls.
As rotational speed increases centrifugal force acts on the balls and they try to fly outwards, they are restricted by the linkages (c) held by the weight of the dead-weight (b), however, when a speed is reached at which this force exceeds the resistance imposed by the dead-weight they will lift the weight up and be allowed move outwards.
This action lifts the collar at the base of the dead-weight at point (f) this lifts the lever (g) which is pivoted at point (e) the lever has a counterbalance weight (a) and a dashpot or oil damper (i) which prevents rapid movements of the governor mechanism which can lead to the engine 'hunting' which is unwanted speed fluctuations due to the sensitivity of the governor.
Linkage (l) moves up or down and is connected to the engine this controls the steam allowed into the cylinder either by the amount allowed through a valve or the amount of time a valve is open for, if the engine runs too fast either the quantity of steam allowed in will be reduced or it will be let in for a shorter time, if the engine runs slower then either more steam is let in or it is let in for a longer time.