Oliver Evans, American Inventor

Oliver Evans (September 13, 1755 - April 15, 1819) was an American inventor who pioneered the high pressure steam engine. Evans is remembered today for his Oruktor Amphibolos a steam-powered dredge. No technical drawings of the device survive, and the only evidence for its design come from his own descriptions. The vehicle was a 30 foot long, 15 ton scow, powered by a 5 horse-power steam engine. The small size of the engine, the large size of the vehicle, and the lack of any contemporary evidence other than Evans own writings for it make this seem unlikely. The Oruktor Amphibolos was never a success as a dredger, and after a few years of sitting at the dock was sold for parts. Evans invented, but did not build, a high-pressure steam engine in 1801 (patented 1804), that had a higher power to weight ratio, making it practical to make locomotives and steamboats. In 1811, he founded the Pittsburgh Steam Engine Company. In 1819, while in NYC, he was informed that his workshop in Philadelphia had burned to the ground. Evans suffered a stroke at the news, and died soon after at the age of 63

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1755 1819 Amphibious Autodidact Automated Digger Dredge Flour Reassure

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