Patent GB-190121955-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Machines for Picking Up and Laying Submarine Cables.
Inventor: JOHNSON WALTER CLAUDE
Filed: 1901-10-31
Granted: 1902-10-09
Abstract: 21,955. Johnson, W. C. Oct 31. Conductors, hauling and laying.-Relates to machines for picking up and laying submarine cables. The machine is a double one, either or both of the engines C being adapted to work either or both of the sections of the machine. All the controlling- devices for the engines and gear are brought within reach of a single operator at one end of machine. The main drums A run free on a shaft 0 fixed to the main frames E, F of the machine. The shaft 0 is provided with the necessary holes or channels for the supply of lubricant to the drum bearings from a screw-up grease lubricator O<1>. The drums are provided with extensions on which act the band brakes B. Perforated water pipes V<4> discharge water through openings in the brake straps on to the drums, which dip into water in the troughs V<6>. The drums are driven by pinions W<2>, which engage with internal teeth on the extensions of the drums. The pinions W<2> are carried by two shafts W', which can be coupled by a clutch W so as to act as one, in which case both main brakes can be used to retard either drum. The engines C drive the first-motion shafts X<1> of the change-speed gear through bevel gearing Z<5>. Either or both engines may be engaged with the shafts X', and the shafts can be coupled by a clutch X. Either or both engines can thus be caused to drive either drum, the speed gears Y being engaged correspondingly. The engine clutch mechanism is of the following character :-The bevel-wheels Z<5> are splined to the shafts X', and are tensioned inwards by springs Z<4>, so that both wheels tend to disengage themselves from the bevel pinions on the engine shafts. To each shaft X<1> is secured a cam-like part Z', shaped like a crown-wheel with two smooth or rounded teeth, and a similar part Z<2> turns freely on the hub of the wheel Z<5>. A dog Z<3>, fixed to the part Z<2>, has a nose which travels in a peripheral cam-groove in the part Z'. When the part Z' is turned so that the recesses in it are opposite the teeth of the part Z<1>, the parts Z<2>, Z<1> occupy the minimum space, and the spring Z' holds the wheel Z<5> clear of its driving-pinion. When the teeth of the parts Z', Z<2> are opposite one another, the space occupied is a maximum, or the wheel Z<5> is forced into engagement with its pinion. The hauling-off or holding-back sheaves D are drived by shafts P', to which are keyed ratchet-wheels P driven from the gearing p3 through pawls P<2>. A friction strap R forms one element in the drive, so as to allow slip to take place, if necessary. The sheaves run freely, controlled by brakes N, when paying out the cable, but are driven through the ratchet gearing when the main drum is reversed for hauling back. The handles S<1>, bevel-wheels S<2>, and screwed shafts S<3> serve to traverse the frames T, sheaves D, and jockey gear U relatively to the drums A. The hand-wheels K rotate worm shafts gearing with worm-wheels V<1> on the right and left banded screw spindles V of the brakes B. A nut V<2> travels on the screw spindle as it rotates until it reaches the lock-nut V<3>, the position of which thus determines the maximum braking power that can be applied to the main drums. Springs V<5> suspend the brake straps and ensure their uniform release all round the drum. The band brakes may be replaced by hydraulic brakes in which water is forced through an orifice. The fleeting knives are carried on a round shaft, on which they may turn to adjust the cable on the drums. Hand-wheels and worm gearing are provided for this purpose.