In the early 1800s many Americans were experimenting with different new waterwheel designs. One of these men was Calvin Wing of Maine, who patented this design in October 1830.

The reaction wheel is made of a hollow iron disk with a large hole on one side to allow pressurized water in from a penstock,and six angled holes on the rim to allow water to exit. The force of water squirting through these six angled jets causes the wheel to turn in reaction to the force of the exiting water.

The reaction wheel, in some ways the predecessor of the modern turbine, operates on water pressure. (The pressure is obtained by confining the water as it falls). It has moderate efficiency, can operate over a very wide range of water levels, and runs fairly well in flooded back-water conditions.

The wheel's cast iron construction makes it extremely durable; it will not rot like a wooden wheel. It is also compact, generating much power as well as achieving high speeds while taking up very little space and eliminating the need for costly gearing. It requires precision manufacturing and installation, and thus is somewhat expensive compared to a simple wooden wheel. The 1830s miller who bought one was taking a risk and making an investment in new technology.