The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-12-09
MIR. sEDGwICI&'s INVENTION.
A New Device for PrOpeIling Car
rfages and Other Vehicles.
Richmond 1nd) Item.

Richmond Qnd) Item.
1t was the privilege of an Item reporter
last evening to be the first to examine tne
plans of an invention of Mr.. Isham Sedg-
wick's, which is thought to be one OF the
best things Of the kind ever constructed.
The work is very simple, there being no
great complications of machinery which Is
liable to get out of order. A reporter called
on Mr.. Sedgwick. and asked for 2 story OF
the invention and what it would do. Mr.
Sedgwick said:
My latest invention consists in the appli-
cation Of motor power to vehicles OF differ
ent kinds. The special claim is the applica-
greatly increasing the traction force of the
motive power, allowing an equal distribu-
tton the weight on all wheels and giving
to the vehicle the ability to so over the
toughest roads and steepest grades on the
roads in the State 1t will also go through
any mud. where it is possible for any horses
gulches
In connection with this application of
power, there is also q very excellent steer
ing device that renders it possible on such
vehicles that are built with what is known
as cut under wheels, to turn around CEN
ter or central point, under the vehicles. This
Improvement also admits of an oblique mo-
ton, which is very useful in motor vehicles
IN moving to the side of the street or hack
ing W. to anything or in changing the posi-
ton of the vehicle In any manner, for the
convenience of loading. The method of guild
ing also admits of attaching several wag-
onS to the motor power, and all Of the %ag-
ons VIII follow in the same, wheel tracks
making 1t possible to turn any street orner
with a train OF several wagons attached to
the road engine, built on this plan. The en-
tire train is controlled by the operator of the
motor power, who can steer the train or
throw the brakes while on the engine
The inventor believes it entirely practical
TO build ladder truck that will readily
turn in any street where the ladder itself
can be turned. IL is as easily run backwards
as forwards there being practically no DIFF
ference in the power or speed or ease Of
handing in either direction. The manner Of
be used and this allows the body of the
vehicle to be placed al any height above the
ground desired. This construction admits of
q high or low wheel being used and without
any expense the body may be placed low
with the advantage of a high wheel, to pass
over instructions with less jar or concus-
sion than possible with low wheels 1t is
very easy with the use of a five-foot wheel
and the power of an ordinary threshing en-
glne to go over log two feet in height. a
thing impossible with any other construc-
ton of motor vehicles heretofore invented
The plans have been shown TO several
mechanics and each has admitted every
claim made by the inventor. None of the
present motor vehicles has been able to
run over ice or snow or more than COM
monty slick or muddy roads This inven-
tlon enables the vehicle to be made useful
In many places where service would be i'm
possible by other methods.
The wheels are set on short axles or spin
uleS on the side of a post, piVOted at the
side of the vehicle. This admits of the
body being. SO constructed that no other
SWlVdl mOt1On is needed, other than that
secured by the partial turning of these
posts. A compensating gear is introduced
next to the power. This equalizes the mo-
tor between two wheels on opposite sides
of the vehicle. The rear and front wheels
on the same side running at exactly the
same speed require only a simple connec-
ton.
The power is applied by beveled gear on
the. wheel. A spur gear is on the post and
with the same small bevel driving gear
gears into spur gear on a shaft on the
times
parallel with the post carrying the spindle
OF the vehicle wheel The body of the We
nlcle IL carried on -four or eight springs,
which fully and at all times compensate
for the inequality of the roads.
With the invention it is possible to equip
hose wagons or fire ladders with either
storage battery or compressed air motors
available for instant service and yet at no
expense for maintenance from one time of
ready for instant use.
This motor power can be used on the
ilghtest buggy or vehicle and also on the
heaviest road wagon. The cost of the mo-
tor power gearing will be not more than
800 for each vehicle and the purchaser has
the option of using compressed air, storage
battery or gasoline. The cost of the vehicle
depends on the kind of power used. How
ever, the invention of Mr.. Sedgwick is the
cheapest. lightest and most practical of any
yet invented. The field in which an inven-
ton OF this kind can be used is almost un-
limited, as 1T has been demonstrated that it
is only. question of time until the horse
Mr.. Sedgwiok has also invented a wheel
which will be used on vehicles where the
application of motor power is used The
rim is a common wagon tire of any width
desired. The hub is made of steel with a
hange on each end. The suspension rods
are simple plain bolts. The wheel is capa-
BILE of carrying an immense load and is per-
haps the. strongest wheel ever made.
1t is the intention of Mr.. Sedgwick to
form a company for the purpose of manu-
featuring and placing on the market his
invention. He has made application for
patent In this country and will also have
Ele has all the confidence necessary in his
invention and every one who has seen the
plans agree that he has the correct idea
for attaching motor power to Vehicles