Patent GB-824197-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to motion converting machine
IPC: E01C19/27
Filed: 1956-09-19
Abstract: 824,197. Agricultural implements. LIVERMONT, F. W. Sept. 19, 1956 [April 23, 1956], No. 28628 /56. Class 6(1). [Also in Groups X, XV and XXXI]  A motion converting machine includes a frame 12, a rotary member 16 mounted to turn on the frame 12 about a certain axis, a wheelsupporting element 32 pivotally mounted on the rotary member for movement about an axis parallel to the first mentioned axis, a wheel 15 mounted upon the element and adapted to turn upon a flat surface, control means operable during motion of the rotary member for cyclically controlling the pivoting of the element relative to the rotary member in timed relation with each revolution of the rotary member, whereby the wheel 15 is caused to travel in a circular or non-circular path on the surface. The invention may be applied to machines for making or surfacing roads, or breaking up soil. The "wheel" may comprise a roller, disc or other ground-contacting rotary part. Figs. 1 and 2 show a road surfacing machine comprising two rotary assemblies 13, 14 each having a plurality of rollers 15. Each roller 15 is mounted on a trunnion element 32 which is pivoted at 30 and has a slotted extension 65 engaged by a pin 63. The distance of each pin 63 from the centre of rotation of the respective member 16 can be varied by fluid pressure means comprising a pump 95, Fig. 9, valves 103, 104 controlled by foot pedals 105, 105<SP>1</SP>, and pistons 53 in cylinders 52. The rotary members 16 are rotated at the same speed in opposite directions by means of an I.C. engine 85 through drive means in housings 86, 87 and 17. When the pins 63 coincide with the axes of rotation of the members 16, rotation of the members 16 simply causes the rollers 15 to revolve while the machine as a whole remains stationary. When either or both of the pins 63 are moved to an eccentric position, the trunnion elements 32 oscillate about their pivot pins 30 and cause each roller 15 to turn alternately about a short and a long radius. The machine can thus be made to move in a desired direction. In the position shown in Fig. 2, the machine will move in the direction of arrow 90. The orientation of the cylinders 52 and pistons controlling the pins 63 can be varied by means of a steering wheel 83 through chains 80 and sprockets 79, 81. The rollers 15 are frustoconical in shape and are so mounted that the apices of the cones do not lie on the axis of the rotary member 16, thereby improving the compacting action of the rollers. The paths of the rollers 15 on the two assemblies intersect one another so as to eliminate any untreated zone, but the positions of the rollers are staggered to prevent interference. Pneumatic tyred wheels, Fig. 7 (not shown) or paired discs, Fig. 8 (not shown) may be substituted for the rollers 15. Figs. 11, 12 show a modification in which a pair of trailer wheels 233 are mounted on a frame 210, and four caster wheel assemblies 222, each comprising independently rotatable wheels 227 are mounted in a bracket 223. These brackets are pivotedly mounted on trunnions 224 carried by a ring member 212 which is rotated on a bearing assembly 211 by means of an I.C. engine or electric motor through belts 213, 218 and pulleys. Crank arms 229 fixed to the brackets 223 are pivotally connected by links 230 to a control element 231. With the parts in the condition shown in Fig. 12, the wheel assemblies 222 describe circles about the centrally positioned control element 231. By moving this element to an eccentric position, Fig. 13 (not shown), the device can be made to move in any desired direction. The control element comprises a centre rod 240 having a ball element 243 mounted in a socket 242, the rod 24C being biased to the control position by a spring 244. Figs. 15, 16 show a further modification comprising two ring members members 312,313, rotatably supported on bearing assemblies on a frame 310, and rotated in the same direction by means of a motor 362 through bevel gearing 363, a pinion 359 and ring gears 360, 361. Brackets 323 carrying rollers 327 are pivotally mounted on the ring members 312, 313, and each roller has a central bore slidably receiving an axle 356. The axles 356 are pivotally connected to a control rod 340, and two rods 340 being connected by a link 358. Control of the device is similar to that in the previous embodiment. In further modifications (not shown) the crank and link control mechanism of Figs 11, 12 and the telescoping axle construction of Figs. 15, 16 are interchanged. The machine may have more than the two ring members shown in Figs. 15, 16. Toothed rollers, Fig. 18 (not shown), or multi-disc rollers, Fig. 19 (not shown), may be used for agricultural purposes.