IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER CAPSTANS
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Bristow Hunt, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's
Inn, in the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER CAPSTANS."-A communication from abroad
by David Newell Brown Coffin, junior, of Newton, Thomas Hunter
Johnston, of Charlestown, and Benjamin Woodward, of Somerville,
all in the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States of
America.
Scaled the 13th April 1869, and dated the 24th October 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Bristow Hunt at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
24th October 1868.
I, BRISTOW HUNT, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County
of Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER CAPSTANS," (a communication to
me from abroad by David Newell Brown Coffin, junior, of Newton,
Thomas Hunter Johnston, of Charlestown, and Benjamin Woodward, of
Somerville, all in the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States
of America,) to be as follows:-
The nature of this Invention relates to improvements in the method
of gearing and other peculiarities of construction of power capstans.

page_text: The bed plate is cast hollow beneath in one piece with the lower
portion of the spindle or centre shaft which forms the journal for the
capstan barrel; this lower journal part of the spindle is as well as the
bed plate cast hollow. The upper portion of the spindle may be of
any desirable construction; the best, however, is to make it of wrought
metal and cast the lower part on it or insert it after the lower part
is made by boring and turning, in which latter case it may be secured
by a pin, or by rivetting the lower end, or in any suitable manner.
The bed plate is furnished with the usual pockets for the pawls on
the barrel and also with inclined faced lugs, which lugs have faces
in opposite directions for operation in both directions; a conical or
taper internal gear is furnished on its under side with corresponding
inclined faced lugs, also having faces in two opposite directions, and
corresponding lugs on the bed plate, the space between them being
at least sufficient to allow the free interlocking with those on the bed
plate. When force is applied, tending to rotate the above-named conical
gear in either direction, the inclined faces of the lugs cause it to be held
closely (stationary) to the bed plate; it is nevertheless free at all
times when the capstan is taken apart to be lifted off. A series of
conical or taper pinions plays into the gear as a fulcrum; these
pinions are fast to the lower or outer ends of inclined shafts by
casting on or otherwise. To the upper or inner ends of these inclined
shafts are fastened other conical pinions by means of a feather and
a piu or otherwise; the inclined shafts are arranged at an angle in
relation to the axis of the centre gear and the capstan. The second
named conical pinions gear with a similar pinion which turns freely
upon the centre shaft or spindle. The lever head is furnished with
lever pockets and turns freely upon the centre shaft and rests upon
a suitable shoulder thereon so as not to bear on the parts connected
to the central pinion. In the lever head is arranged a series of lifting
inclines and locking bolts for connecting and disconnecting the lever
head to and from the capstan barrel when required. This mechanism
for locking together and unlocking different parts of the capstan is a
prominent feature of this Invention. The capstan or windlass barrel
is driven directly by means of lugs on its end when simple power is
required. The lever head is provided with two pairs of sliding bolts.
The central pinion is furnished with a flange having lugs cast on or
otherwise formed so as to furnish a holding place for the inner pair of
bolts. For the purpose of operating the bolts inclined or wedge-shaped

page_text: lifters are provided. A ring guided by suitable bearings in the lever
head has two series of inclined lifters fixed or cast on it, the inclines
sloping in opposite directions. When the ring is rotated partially in
one direction one set of the inclines lifts the outer bolts, the other
allows the inner bolts to slide into action and lock the central pinion
to the lever head: When the ring is moved in the opposite direction
one pair of inclines lifts the inner bolts from connections with the lugs
on the plate attached to the central pinion, and the other inclines allow
the outer bolts to slide into connection with lugs on the capstan barrel;
the latter movement locks the lever head to the barrel of the capstan
or windlass for simple power, and the former locks the centro gear to
the lever head for power multiplied. The bolts and lifters with their
ring or circular connection may be of cast iron or other suitablo
materal. The inclined shafts at the part where they fit into the upper
conical pinions are tinned over to prevent cementing by rust.
The Invention further relates to improvements in the construction of
geared or power capstans, which may be used as a simple capstan or in
combination with other capstans or windlasses, and to the construction
and arrangement of the parts of the windlass with reference to such
combination and use. The capstan base is furnished with the usual
pawl pockets and also a groove under the projecting part into which a
block or other guide may be hooked to guide the rope when being wound
from an elevation out of the proper level to cause it to wind properly on
the barrel without further guidance. Through the centre of the bed
plate is formed a bearing for the central shaft or, spindle to turn in;
this shaft is keyed, geared, clutched, or otherwise made fast to the body
of the capstan so as to turn with it. In the body of the barrel are
arranged either vertical or inclined shafts with a pinion on each end, the
upper pinion playing into a central pinion connected or connectable to
the lever head, and the lower ones playing into the fulcrum gear. In
the lever head is arranged a series of vertically movable bolts,, which by
a partial rotary movement of a series of inclines are lifted or dropped,
thereby connecting or disconnecting the barrel. to or from the lever head.
These inclines are moved by a projection connected thereto, either
directly or by turning the cover, into which the projection is notched
for the purpose. This series of inclines. may be connected with other
inclines to operate bolts in an opposite direction to lock and unlock the
central gear to and from the lever head in alternation with the locking

page_text: and unlocking of the lever head to the barrel. The bolts and inclines
may be omitted, and the centre gear permanently fastened to the lever
hicad whenever the improved locking and suspension device is applied to
the fulcrum gear. This device I will proceed to describe :-A series of
bolts is fitted loosely in sockets in the bed plate so as to be movable
vertically by means of a series of inclines, which may be moved in a
circular path by means of a projection. The tops of these bolts have
double inclined faces corresponding to the double inclined faced lugs on
the bottom of the fulcrum gear, so that when it is desired to drive by
the fulcrum gear the projection is pushed with the foot or hand so as to
lift the bolts and with them the fulcrum gear, and so lock it to the bed
plate by the interlocking of the bolts and lugs at the proper elevation.
When only the simple power is required the bolts are dropped down
again by moving the projection and inclines in the opposite direction so
as to leave the fulcrum gear in a state of suspension. When the fulcrum
gear is left in this suspended position it simply revolves with the capstan
body free and clear of all stationary or differently moving parts, and
consequently causes no friction. This device obviates any necessity for
allowing the gearing to be driven when the simple capstan is required
only to operate. When a capstan is required only to operate in one
direction the fulcrum gear may be elevated, locked, and dropped to its
position of suspension by means of a series of pawls. These pawls are
hung in the ordinary manner, except that a stop is furnished, so that
when the gears act against the pawl, causing it to rise and lift the
fulcrum gear to the proper elevation, this stop will prevent the further
movement of the pawl, so that as long as the action of the gears
continues it will hold the fulcrum gear locked at the proper height, and
the end of the pawl and its socket being properly inclined the fulcrum
gear cannot rise higher. When the action of the gears causes the pawl
standing at an inclination will allow the fulcrum gear to drop down
again to its position of suspension, and on the capstan being worked with
simple power the pawls drag over the pockets, as in ordinary cases.
a
The cover fastening is as follows:-Cast or otherwise fastened to it is
lug, or there may be two or more. In the hub of the lever head are
cast or otherwise formed grooves or sockets in corresponding relation to
the lugs, so that by dropping the cover down the lugs passing through
the vertical parts of the grooves and then partially rotating the cover,
the lugs catch under the horizontal parts of the grooves and hold the

page_text: cover on, and by giving a slight inclination to the top of the groove or
lug the cover will be tightly held to the head. Now a notch or cover is
made at such a point that when the projection before mentionel is at its.
centre of movement, the notch being placed thereon, the lugs will be.
directed into the vertical parts of the groove in the hub, then a stop is
formed on the head at either side of the projection, so that if the cover
be turned one way till the projection strikes the stop the bolts are let
into action and the head is locked for simple power. When turned in
the opposite direction to the stops the bolts are lifted, and the central.
pinion comes into action so as to bring the multiplied power into use,
cither by the dropping into action of the bolts, or by the permanent
connection of the gear to the lever head, and at either extreme of the
movement of the cover it is fastened by the lugs and the grooves as
explained, while at the intermediate position it may be lifted off. When
it is desired to apply this capstan to the operating of the windlass the
central shaft is extended below (or above, as the case may bc) to a
bearing of the windlass. The windlass shaft is sustained also in bearings,
and is provided with a bevil wheel fast to the shaft and playing into a
similar wheel on the capstan shaft; this latter wheel is loose, but may be
locked to the shaft at pleasure by means of bolts which drop into notches
or pockets upon the wheel; these bolts are carried in a part securely
fastened to the capstan shaft, and are lifted and dropped into action
by means of inclines which are movable in a circular path by means of
a projection. The bevil wheel on the windlass shaft has secured to it a
pawl wheel or ratchet, and a series of pawls are arranged to play into it
in the usual manner. These pawls are constructed with a partly circular
head, and inserted loosely into correspondingly shaped sockets; a simple
guard keeps them in. All fittings of pins and screwing or otherwise
fastening them in is saved, great strength secured with great facility of
removal. The windlass barrel turns freely on its shaft, but may be
locked and unlocked from the pawl wheel at pleasure by means of a key
or block which fits into recesses in the barrel and ratchet. On the barrel
is formed a friction wheel which bears a friction strap, one end of this
strap is made fast to some stationary object, while the other end is
jointed by a chain or other suitable connection to a windlass shaft which
extends upward and downward to all desirable points for working it,
and has lever sockets at all such points, so that by turning this shaft
strain is applied to the friction strap, whereby the movements both of
the barrel and the anchor chain wheel may be controlled, the chain

page_text: wheel being loose on the shaft, but connectable at pleasure for joint
operation with the barrel by means of a key or block fitted removably to
recessos in both chain wheel and friction wheel. On the opposite side of
the capstan shaft the windlass shaft may be extended, and all the parts
duplicated in symmetrical order from the ratchet wheel to the chain
wheel, as is often required. When a second upright windlass or capstan
is required a barrel is fitted to the extension of the capstan shaft and
furnished with notches or lugs for bolts to take into or against, or it may
be keyed directly to the shaft. It will be observed that this capstan or
windlass may be operated well in either direction. When the windlass
is operated in one direction the upper capstan pawls will be depended
on, as when running chain out of the locker. An additional set of
windlass pawls may, however, be arranged opposite to those above
described, or over the pawl wheel, if required, for heavy work in this
direction. In the parts carrying the bolts there are pockets for levers
to be used in case it is required to rotate the windlass below.
In another modification of the Invention the windlass or capstan
barrel has cast to it wrists or journals with retaining heads, or the
journal may be on the pawl; a socket is cast in the pawl or in the
barrel; this socket has a retainer for the pawl. The pawl is applied
in a position parallel to the axis, and when the capstan barrel is brought
down to its proper position the pawl being turned up cannot get down
and consequently cannot come off, as the downward and parallel position
is the only one where it can be applied or removed; it may, however,
be adapted to be applied or removed in either the upward or downward
positions. The pawls can be drawn and operated in either direction
to the right or left. The pawls are arranged to play in pockets formed
of a circular or annular groove divided by the stops or bridges against
which the pawls act; the spaces in the groove between these bridges
are the pawl pockets, and have a curved section at their bottom.
This curved bottom not only gives symmetry and beauty to the design
but seems to direct the pawl as it presses down in action to its centre or
deepest point and so avoids any side strains against the rims of the
pockets; it also conveys the water accidentally or otherwise accumu
lated more readily to the outlet in its bottom. In the base of barrel
are arranged sliding bolts which act as pawls to detain or lock
the barrel to the bed plate. In the barrel these bolts (one, two, or
more) are enclosed from view, but for side openings which are made

page_text: to give access to them through these side openings they may be
seen and lifted up and down by means of a notch in the side of the
bolt for that purpose.. Lock notches are formed on the bed plate by
casting or otherwise, and beside them are arranged inclined lifters, two
and two, sloping in opposite directions or reversed order with a flat
clevation between. When the clevation is against the lock notch the
bolts may slide freely over them, but when one set of inclines is made
to match one set of angles the bolts may slide down and catch when
moving in one direction, while they will slide up and over while going
in the opposite direction, so if the other reversed inclines are placed
to match the other angle the reverse of these latter results occurs.
These inclines are connected together and are operated by means of a
mover or projection. To connect and disconnect the barrels to and
from the friction wheel which is arranged between them, a slanting socket
or bolt is formed by casting or otherwise, the slanting or inclined
socket having a counterpart, or socket, or shoulder in the adjacent barrel
or wheel; the bolt is movable radially, and on being drawn is thrown
into the socket or between shoulders, and the two parts are locked.
On being pushed back toward the centre again they are released; or
the device may be modified in the following manner:-The bolt is
made to slide radially in a retaining groove in the barrel, and when
pressed towards the centre moves in a recess in the friction wheel,
but when drawn radially locks against a shoulder, when the barrel and
friction wheel thereby become locked together. When pressed towards
the centre again in the recess the barrel and friction wheel arc again
free to move independent of each other, the recess being a continuous
or annular onc. A shcave or roller is also proposed to be arranged
with its axis obliquely to the axis of a capstan or windlass so as to
conduct the delivered cable or line to one side of the incoming portion.
In some cases a series of rollers is arranged around the spindle and
within the barrel. When these are used the part of the spindle on
which they bear as well as the rollers themselves may all be of unfinished
cast metal; the rollers may be conical or cylindrical and they may be
cast hollow or solid. A shoulder in the barrel bears on one end of the
rollers, while the other end of the rollers bears on shoulders on the
spindle or bed plate. The endwise thrust may, however, be taken
otherwise than on the rollers if preferred. On the upper deck the fulcrum
gear is furnished with sockets to receive the bolts for locking the gear;
under these bolts is arranged a ring for lifting and holding them up

page_text: Inclined
Springs
when not required to take on the lugs on the bed plate.
lifters are formed on the under side of this ring for lifting it.
or elastic substances are interposed between any suitable part on the
stationary portion of the bed plate and the part which is divided or
separate from it and bearing the pawl pockets and suitably formed
parts thereon to be acted on by said elastic substance or spring. The
movable part may be held to the fixed part in any suitable manner to
allow it to move somewhat under the control of the resisting spring
or elastic substance. In the lever head is cast a clutch corresponding
to that on the centre gear so that when the lever head is slipped down to
its place on the spindle the gear is thereby automatically clutched to it.
Concentric or annular flanges or nibs are cast on the bed plates of
the capstans and windlasses; these flanges give all necessary strength
with some elasticity and without the liability of fracture as common
to the radial flanges in common use. A small windlass barrel with
two sizes of winding surfaces is arranged to receive connections from
the two ends of a friction strap or band, so that by turning the crank
or other attachment the differential action furnishes a powerful and
casily managed strain upon the friction barrel through the strap, which
may also be easily relieved by turning in the opposite direction; the
bearing for shafts forms at the same time a friction shoe for the friction
wheel. In the chain wheel are formed radial sockets below the bottom
of the groove and extending up its sides; in these sockets are arranged
the chain lugs spanning the groove and made adjustable radially to
fit different chains; they may be adjusted by putting blocks behind
them or by means of keys. The keys may be straight or conform to
an angular groove in the throat of the wheel, or the chain lugs may
be adjusted radially and held by screws. It is also proposed to form
a chain wheel similar to the one previously described directly upon and
as a part of the lower portion of the capstan barrel in cases where a
chain capstan is required on canals, and where action of the line or
cable is required in both directions the double-barrel capstan will be
applied with great advantage.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Bristow Hunt in the Great Scal Patent Office
on the 23rd April 1869.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, BRISTOW
HUNT, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-cight, in the
thirty-second year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said Bristow Hunt, Her special
licence that I, the said Bristow Hunt, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Bristow Hunt, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
ethers, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the.
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN POWER CAPSTANS," (a communication to me from abroad by. David
Newell Brown Coffin, junior, of Newton, Thomas Hunter Jolinston, of
Charlestown, and Benjamin Woodward, of Somerville, all in the County
of Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States of America, upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Bristow Hunt, my exc-
cutors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or
their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Bristow Hunt, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement in writing, and on reference being had to the
accompanying Sheet of Drawings, that is to say :-
This Invention relates to various improvements in the method of
gearing and other peculiarities in the construction of power capstans
herein-after more particularly described.

page_text: On Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional
elevation of the improved capstan; Figure 2, a plan of the lever head;
Figure 3, a plan of the capstan barrel or windlass; Figure 4, a plan of a
flange or clutch with lugs cast in one piece with gear h, as shown in the
Drawing, or otherwise fastened to it; Figure 5, a view of an incline or
wedge-shaped lifter and a sliding bolt to slide vertically or otherwise;
Figure 6, a sectional clevation of the base of the capstan.
On Sheet 2 of the Drawings, Figure 1 is a general view of the improve-
ments; Figure 2, a side view of the windlass, pawls, and sockets; Figure 3,
a separate view of the friction meclianism for controlling the windlass,
barrel, and chain wheel when letting go anchor; Figures 4 and 5, views
of the hub of lever head showing the sockets or grooves for fastening the
cover; Figure 6, a separate view of the bolts and inclines for locking and
unlocking the connections between the capstan and second capstan or
windlass; Figure 7 shows separately the system of bolts and the inclines
for operating them that are located in the capstan head; Figure 8
represents the bolts located in the capstan base for locking the fulcrum
gear and the inclines which operate them; Figure 9 shows the arrange-
ment of gears n, f; Figure 10 shows the arrangement of gears s, t; the
number of these gears, however, may be varied according to the strength
required, namely, the gears s and n; Figure 11 shows how the fulcrum
gear may be held by a self-acting lifter pawl when a capstan is not
required to operate in both directions; and Figure 12 shows the
applicability of the improvement to that class of fulcrum gear capstan
where parallel shafts and gears are used instead of angular shafts and
conical gears; it also shows the extension of the central shaft above
as well as below.
And on Sheet 3 of the Drawings, Figure 1 is a general sectional
elevation of a capstan on the upper deck connected with vertical wind-
lasses on the lower deck; Figure 2, a perspective view showing one of
the many ways of applying the improvement, namely, by interposing
an elastic cement between the parts bearing the pawl pockets and the
barrel to relieve the suddenness of the stress on the pawls and the parts
operated by them; Figure 3, a transverse section through the barrel, side
shafts, journal rollers, and spindles, illustrating the improved journal
roller arrangement, which is applicable both to the geared and the simple
capstan; Figure 4, a sectional perspective view of the fulcrum gear
showing the inclined surface lugs and the adjacent inclines a; Figure 5,

page_text: a view of the same illustrating the arrangement of the bolt, the inclines,
and their operation; Figure 6 shows one of the several modes of applying
the improvement in jointing the pawls by a casting process alone to
the capstan barrel or windlass; Figure 7 shows a modification of thic
retaining device in the same; Figure 8 shows another modification of
the same, in which the journal part is cast on the pawl instead of the
barrel and the socket in the barrel; Figure 9 is another modification.
of this improvement in the application of pawls; Figure 10 shows the
centre first moving gear of a capstan illustrating the improvement, namely,
casting, or otherwise forming lugs or a clutch on it to automatically
clutch or lock into a corresponding clutch or lugs cast, or otherwise
formed in the lever head whenever the head is put on; Figure 11 shews
a method of operating the locking bolts of a capstan, which is further
illustrated in the base of the lower part of Figure 1; the improvement
in this point will allow the bolts to lock automatically in either direction
at pleasure or in neither, and to slide over automatically in the direction
opposite to that in which it locks; Figure 12 shows the improved mode
of conducting the cable or line clear of the incoming portion; Figure 13
shows the automatic clutching arrangement between the head and barrel
in the case of a simple and ungeared capstan; Figure 14 represents,
together with Figure 19, a mode of automatically locking together the
part carrying the pawl pockets and the bed plate so as to leave them,
free to move somewhat about their centre, subject to an elastic resistance
with reference to each other; Figure 15, another mode of locking the
same; Figure 16 is a plan, and Figure 17 a sectional elevation of another
plan of locking the same parts; Figure 18 shows a method of securing
both parts under the same conditions by means of the bolts which secure
the bed plate to the deck or other foundation; Figure 19 is a plan;
Figure 20 illustrates the improvement in applying a differential windlass
to strain and relieve the friction band for controlling the windlass in
giving or paying out cable or linc, and applicable to both a vertical and
a horizontal windlass; Figure 21 shows another arrangement of the
same improvement, and also a bearer between the shaft and friction
wheel in the shape or nature of a bearing for the shaft and brake shoe
for the friction wheel and combined in one; Figures 22 and 23 are
two views illustrating the improvement in the mode of locking and
unlooking several barrels to and from the friction wheel, or to and froni
each other, as the case may be. Another mode or modification of the
mode is shown in Figure 1 in the lower deck windlass. Figure 24 shows

page_text: the application of steam to the capstan by extending the shaft through
the base plate, and there connect it in any suitable manner with steam.
power, and also the use of a double barrel for acting in both directions;
Figure 25 shows the application of pawls which actuate the barrel by
the turning of the lever head, and a mode of oiling the working parts.
To the lever head a of the capstan are attached two pawls b, ; the.
pawl being in contact with ratchet teeth formed, as shown at Figure 26,
on the barrel d, and thus actuates the latter by turning the lever head,
while the pawl p operates on ratchet teeth of the above form on the
centre gear c.
These pawls may be arranged to work in either direction
as the arrangement of the gears and other parts may require. The
part if the barrel surrounding the hub of gear c, and which forms the
seat and bearing of the latter, is filled with oil or other lubricator.
Until otherwise stated the following letters and numbers of figures.
refer to Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
a is the bed plate, which is cast hollow beneath in one piece with the
lower portion of the spindle or centre shaft, forms the journal for the
capstan barrel b; this lower journal part of the spindle is as well as
the bed plate a cast hollow. As the main strain of the capstan comes
upon the lower journal part of the spindle the advantage of casting
large hollow for lightness and successful casting, and directly upon the
bed plate and as a part of the same, is apparent without explanation.
The upper portion of the spindle may be of any desirable construction;
the best however is to make it of wrought metal and cast the lower
part on it or insert it after the lower part a is made by boring and turning,
in which latter case it may be secured by a pin, as shown, or by
rivetting the lower end, or in any suitable manner. The bed plate a is
furnished with the usual pockets for the pawls on the barrel, and also
with inclined faced lugs i, which lugs have faces in opposite directions;
a conical or taper internal gear e is furnished on its under side with
corresponding inclined faced lugs, also having faces in two opposite
directions and corresponding lugs i on the bed plate, the space between
them being at least sufficient to allow the free interlocking with those
on the bed plate. When force is applied tending to rotate the gear e in
either direction the inclined faces of the lugs cause it to be held closely
(stationary) to the bed plate; it is nevertheless free at all times when
the capstan is taken apart to be lifted off. A series of conical or taper
pinions plays into the gear e as a fulcrum; these pinions fare fast to
the lower or outer ends of inclined shafts j by casting on or otherwise.

page_text: To the upper or inner ends of these inclined shafts j are fastened other
conical pinions 9 by means of a feather and a pin or otherwise; the
inclined shaftsj are arranged at an angle in relation to the axis of the
centre gear and the capstan. The extent of the angle will be determined
by the advantage required in the employment of the gears. The more
the angle is distended the larger the fulcrum gear and the greater the
advantage to and by the gear in overcoming resistance at the expence of
time, while as the angle is lessened the fulcrum gear is reduced and the
less the advantage to and by the gear in overcoming resistance at the
expense of time, while as the angle is lessened the fulcrum gear is
reduced and the less the advantage to and by the gear in overcoming
resistance. The second named conical pinions h gear with a similar
pinion g which turns freely upon the centre shaft or spindle. The lever
head c is furnished with lever pockets and turns freely upon the centre
shaft and rests upon a suitable shoulder thercon so as not to bear on the
parts connected to the central pinion h. In the lever head is arranged
a series of lifting inclines and locking bolts for connecting and discon-
necting the lever head to and from the capstan barrel when required.
This mechanism for locking together and unlocking different parts of the
capstan is a prominent feature of this Invention. c is the lever head,
and the centre gear, which is to be driven when the capstan is used as
a power capstan. The capstan or windlass barrel b is driven directly by
means of lugs on its end when simple power is required. The lever
head is provided with two pairs of sliding bolts. The central pinion is
furnished with a flange 8 having lugs t cast on or otherwise formed so as
to furnish a holding place for the inner pair of bolts m. For the purpose
of operating the bolts n and m the inclined or wedge-shaped lifters q
and are provided. If the lifter q is moved to the right it will act on
the projecting part of the bolt, in dotted lines, and move it from the base
of the lifter till it stands at the elevated part of the lifter, as shown in
full lines. On moving the lifter in the opposite direction the bolt is free
to slide by its own gravity or other force applied to the position shown
by the dotted lined with reference to the lifter. A ring p guided by
suitable bearings in the lever head c has two scries of these inclined
lifters fixed or cast on it (q and 7), the inclines sloping in the opposite
directions from q. When the ring is rotated partially in one direction
one set of the inclines lifts the outer bolts u, the other allows the inner
bolts m to slide into action and lock the central pinion to the lever head.
When the ring p is moved in the opposite direction one pair of the

page_text: inclines lifts the inner bolts m from connections with the lugs t on the
plates attached to the central pinion, and the other inclines q allow
the outer bolts n to slide into connection with lugs on the capstan
barrel; the latter movement locks the lever head to the barrel of the
capstan or windlass for simple power, and the former locks the centre
gear to the lever head for power multiplied. The ring p is moved by
projection o. The bolts and lifters with their cirlcular connection may
be of cast iron or other suitable material. The clined shaft ; at the
part where they fit into the upper conical pinions are turned over to
prevent cementing by rust. When the parts are all made and the
capstan is to be put together the shaft j with gears e, f, g, and h, are
adjusted in their proper places and relations within the capstan barrel,
substantially as shown, and the whole is then slipped on to the centre
shaft or spindle u, k. The lever head is then provided with the parts
belonging thereto and slipped down upon the spindle, after which the
nut or a pin is applied to secure head and barrel down. This capstan
always rotates in the direction of the movement of the handspikes, so
that it can always be operated either backward or forward with equal
facility by simply reversing the direction of the movement with the
handspikes and directing the barrel pawls accordingly. The gears with
the exception of the fulcrum gear rotate freely when the simple capstan
is used, but do not otherwise act except when the power arrangement is
used. The number cach of bolts n and m may be varied from one
upward, and so with respect to shaft j and its gears. Strength is gained.
with the increase in number. Three each is probably best. The angular
conical or taper method of gearing affords abundance of space for the
massive cast hollow spindle formed in one with the bed plate. The
advantages incidentally arising from the taper form of gearing are very
great both in construction and operation.
The Invention further relates to improvements in the construction of
geared or power capstans, which may be used as a simple capstan or in
combination with other capstans or windlasses, and to the construction
and arrangement of the parts of the windlass with reference to such
combination and usc. Until otherwise stated the following letters and
figures refer to Sheet 2 of the Drawings.
a is the capstan base, and is furnished with the usual pawl pockets and
also a groove under the projecting part into which a block or other guide
may be hooked to guide the rope when being wound from an elevation

page_text: out of the proper level to cause it to wind properly on the barrel without
further guidance. Through the centre of the bed plate is formed a
bearing for the central shaft or spindle 6 to turn in; this shaft is
keyed, geared, clutched, or otherwise made fast to the body of the
capstan c so as to turn with it. In the body of barrel c are arranged
either vertical or inclined shafts dore with a pinion on each end, the
upper pinion & playing into a central pinion t connected or connectable
to the lever head i, and the lower ones o playing into the fulcrum gear f.
In the lever head i is arranged a series of vertically movable bolts g,
which by a partial rotary movement of a series of inclines are lifted or
dropped, thereby connecting or disconnecting the barrel c to or from the
lever head i. These inclines h are moved by a projection j connected
thereto, either directly or by turning the cover k, into which j the pro-
jection is notched for the purpose. The series of inclines may be
connected with other inclines to operate the bolts in an opposite
direction to lock and unlock the central gear to and from the lever head
in alternation with the locking and unlocking of the lever head to the
barrel directly by bolts g. The bolts m and inclines may be omitted
and the centre gear t permanently fastened to the lever head i whenever
the improved locking and suspension device is applied to the fulcrum
gear. This device I will proceed to describe:-A series of bolts o is
fitted loosely in sockets in the bed plate so as to be movable vertically
by means of a series of inclines p, which may be moved in a circular path
by means of a projection 9. The tops of these bolts o have double
inclined faces corresponding to the double inclined faced lugs on the
bottom of the fulcrum gear, so that when it is desired to drive by the
fulcrum gear the projection q is pushed with the foot or hand so as to
lift the bolts o and with them the fulcrum gear, and so lock it to the bed
plate by the interlocking of the bolts and lugs at the proper elevation to
be acted on by the gears u on shafts d or e. When only the simple
power is required the bolts o are dropped down again by moving the
projection q and inclines p in the opposite direction so as to leave the
fulcrum gear in a state of suspension either upon the flanges of gears u,
or any other suitable attachment to the capstan barrel. When the
fulcrum gear is left in this suspended position it simply revolves with the
capstan body free and clear of all stationary or differently moving parts
and consequently causes no friction. This device obviates any necessity
for allowing the gearing to be driven when the simple capstan is required
only to operate. When a capstan is required only to operate in one

page_text: direction the fulcrum gear may be elevated, locked, and dropped to its
position of suspension by means of a series of pawls, as illustrated at
Figure 11, Sheet 2. These pawls, one of which is shewn, are hung in the
ordinary manner, except that a stop is furnished, so that when the gears n
and fact against the pawl, causing it to rise and lift the fulcrum gear, as
indicated by dotted lines, to the proper clevation, this stop will prevent
the further movement of the pawl, so that as long as the action of the
gears continue it will hold the fulcrum gear locked at the proper height,
and the end of the pawl and its socket being properly inclined the
fulcrum gear cannot rise higher. When the action of the gears cease the
pawl standing at an inclination will allow the fulcrum gear to drop down
again to its position of suspension, and on the capstan being worked
with simple power the pawls drag over the pockets, as in ordinary cases.
The cover fastening is as follows:-Cast or otherwise fastened to it is
a lug, or there may be two or more. In the hub of the lever head are
cast or otherwise formed grooves or sockets in corresponding relation to the
lugs (see Figures 1, 4, and 5, Sheet 2) so that by dropping the cover down,
the lugs passing through the vertical parts of the grooves and then
partially rotating the cover, the lugs catch under the horizontal parts of
the grooves and hold the cover on, and by giving a slight inclination to
the top of the groove or lug the cover will be tightly held to the head.
A notch or cover is made at such a point that when the projection j
is at its centre of movement, the notch being placed thercon, the lugs
will be directed into the vertical parts of the groove in the hub; then a
stop is formed in the head at either side of the projection j, so that if the
cover be turned one way till the projection strikes the top the bolts jare
let into action and head is locked for simple power. When turned in
the opposite direction to the stops the bolts g are lifted and the central
pinion comes into action so as to bring the multiplied power into use,
either by the dropping into action of the bolts m or by the permanent
connection of the gear t to the lever head, and at either extreme of the
movement of the cover it is fastened by the lugs and the grooves as
explained, by the intermediate position it may be lifted off. When it is
desired to apply this capstan to the operating of the windlass the central
shaft is extended below (or above, as the case may be) to a bearing n
of the windlass. x is the windlass shaft sustained also in bearings y, and
is provided with a bevel wheel fast to the shaft and playing into a
similar wheel on the capstan shaft b; this latter wheel A is loose, but
may be locked to the shaft at pleasure by means of bolts B which drop

page_text: into notches or pockets upon the wheel; these bolts are carried in a
part securely fastened to capstan shaft b, as shown in Figures 1 and 6,
Sheet 2, and are lifted and dropped into action by means of the
inclines D, which are movable in a circular path by means of a pro-
jection E. The bevil wheel Z on the windlass shaft has secured to it a
pawl wheel or ratchet F, and a series of pawls G are arranged to play
into it in the usual manner. These pawls are constructed with a partly
circular head and inserted loosely into correspondingly shaped sockets;
a simple guard H keeps them in; all fittings of pins and screwing or
otherwise fastening them in is saved; great strength with great facility of
removal. I is the windlass barrel which turns freely on shaft Z, but
may be locked and unlocked from the pawl wheel at gear Z at pleasure
by means of a key or block K which fits into recesses in the barrel and
ratchet I and F. On the barrel I is formed a friction wheel L which
bears the friction strap M. One end of this strap is made fast to some
stationary object, while the other end is jointed by a chain or other
suitable connection to the windlass shaft N, which extends upward and
downward to all desirable points for working it, and has lever sockets
at all such points, so that by turning this shaft strain is applied to the
friction strap whereby the movements both of the barrel I and the
anchor chain wheel P may be controlled, the anchor chain wheel P
being loose on the shaft but connectable at pleasure for joint operation
with the barrel I by means of a key or block a fitted removably by
recesses in both chain wheel and friction wheel l' and L. On the
opposite side of the capstan shaft 6 the windlass shaft may be extended
and all the parts duplicated in symmetrical order from the ratchet wheel
like F to the chain wheel like P, as is often required. When a second
upright windlass or capstan is required to fit, a barrel is fitted to the
extension of the capstan shaft b, and furnished with notches or lugs for
bolts B to take into or against, or it may be keyed directly to the shaft.
It will be observed that this capstan or windlass may be operated well in
cither direction. When the windlass is operated in one direction the
upper capstan pawls will be depended on, as when running chain out of
the locker. An additional set of windlass pawls may, however, be
arranged opposite to those above described, or over the pawl wheel if
required for heavy work in this direction. In the parts carrying the
bolts B there are pockets for levers to be used in case it is required to
rotate the windlass below (sec Figure 6, Sheet 1).
The following letters and figures refer to Sheet 3 of the Drawings.

page_text: A is the windlass or capstan barrel, and has cast to it the wrists or
journals a with retaining heads b; or the journal a may be on the
pawl. A socket e is cast in the pawl or in the barrel; this socket has
a retainer for the pawl (sec d, Sheet 3). The pawl is applied in a position
parallel to the axis, and when the capstan barrel is brought down to its
proper position, the pawl being turned up cannot get down, and
consequently cannot come off, as the downward and parallel position is
the only one where it can be applied or removed (see Figures 1, 6, 8,
and 9, Slicet 3). Figure 7 shows it adapted to be applied or removed
in either the upward or downward positions. The pawls can be drawn
and operated in either direction to the right or left. The pawls are
arranged to play in sockets formed of a circular or annular groove
divided by the stops or bridges e, against which the pawls act. The
spaces in the groove between these bridges e are the pawl pockets, and
have a curved section at their bottom. This curved bottom not only
gives symmetry and beauty to the design, but seems to direct the
pawl as it presses down in action to its centre or deepest point, and so
avoids any side strain against the rims of the pockets; it also conveys
the water more readily to the outlet in its bottom. In the base of
barrel B are arranged the sliding bolts, which act as pawls to detain
or lock the barrel B with reference to the bed plate G. In the barrel B
these bolts (one, two, or more) are enclosed from view but for the side
openings which are made to give access to them. Through these
side openings they may be seen and lifted,. or prised up and down, by
means of a notch in the side of the bolt for that purpose. Lock
notches, Figures 1 and 11, Sheet 3, are formed on the bed plate by
casting or otherwise, and beside them are arranged the inclined lifters i,
two and two, sloping in opposite directions or reversed order with a flat
elevation j between. When the clevation j is against the lock notch /
the bolts may slide freely over them; but when one set of inclines, as in
Figure 11, is made to match one set of angles the bolts may slide down
and catch when moving in one direction, while they will slide up and
over while going in the opposite direction, so if the other reversed
inclines are placed to match the other angle the reverse of these latter
results occurs. These inclines are connected together, and are operated
by means of a mover or projection . To connect and disconnect the
barrels B and B to and from the friction wheel E, which is arranged
between them, a slanting socket or bolt is formed by casting or other-
wise, the slanting or inclined socket having a counterpart or socket or

page_text: shoulder in the adjacent wheel or barrel as m. The bolt is movable
radially, and on being drawn is thrown into the socket or between
shoulders m, and the two parts are locked. On being pushed back
towards the centre again they are released, as shown in Figure 1; or
the device may be modified or changed to that shewn in Figures 22
and 23, where the bolt n is made to slide radially in a retaining groove
in the barrel D, and when pressed towards the centre moves in a recess
in the friction wheel E, but when drawn radially lock against a
shoulder o, when the barrel D and friction wheel E thereby become
locked together. When pressed towards the centre again in the recess p
the barrel D and friction wheel E are again free to move independent
of each other, the recess p being a continuous or annular one. A sheave
or roller q is arranged with its axis obliquely to the axis of a capstan
or windlass so as to conduct the delivered cable or line to one side of
the incoming portion (see Figure 12). When the delivered portion is
from the top the dotted lines represent it, when from the bottom as in
the full lines.
In Figures 1 and 3 is shewn a series of rollers r arranged around the
spindle and within the barrel. When these are used the part of the
spindle on which they bear as well as the rollers themselves may all
be of unfinished cast metal. The rollers may be conical as shewn, or
cylindrical, and they may be cast hollow or solid. A shoulders in the
barrel bears on one end of the rollers, while the other end of the rollers
bears on shoulders on the spindle or bed plate. The endwise thrust
may, however, be taken otherwise than on the rollers if preferred.
Figure 1 (upper deck) shows the fulcrum gear E furnished with sockets
to receive the bolts for locking the gear. Under these bolts wis
arranged a ring for lifting and holding them up when not required to
take on the lugs n on the bed plate. Inclined lifters are formed on the
under side of this ring for lifting it, or on the ring x, as in other
cases, the ring being prevented from turning by notches or shoulders.
against the guide y.
In Figure 2, C are springs or elastic substances interposed between
any suitable part on the stationary portion and the part II which is:
divided or separate from it, and bearing pawl pockets and suitably
formed parts thereon to be acted on by said elastic substance or spring G.

page_text: manner to allow it to move somewhat under the control of the resisting
spring or elastic substance G. Several modes are shown.
-
In the lever head M is cast a clutch corresponding to that shown on
the centre gear in Figures 10 and 1, so that when the lever head is
slipped down to its place on the spindle the gear is thereby auto-
matically clutched to it. Concentric or annular flanges or ribs are
cast on the bed plates of the capstan and windlasses (see Figure 1) N.
These flanges N give all necessary strength with some clasticity, and
without the liability of fracture as common to the radial flanges in
common use. A small windlass barrel P with two sizes of winding
surfaces is arranged to receive connections from the two ends of a
friction strap or band O, so that by turning the crank or other attach-
ment the differential action furnishes a powerful and casily managed
strain upon the friction barrel D through the strap O, which may be
casily relieved by turning in the opposite direction. R is a bearing for
shafts P or T, and forms at the same time a friction shoe for the friction
wheel E or D'. In the chain wheel B are formed radial sockets
below the bottom of the groove and extending up its sides. In these
sockets are arranged the chain lugs W spanning the groove, and made
adjustable radially to fit different chains; they may be adjusted by
putting blocks behind them, or by means of the keys Z, as shown.
The keys may be straight or conform to any annular groove in the
throat of the wheel, or the chain lugs may be adjusted radially and held
by screws.
It is also proposed to form a chain wheel similar to the one previously
described, shown at Figure 1, Sheet 3, directly upon and as a part of
the lower portion of the capstan barrel in cases where a chain capstan
is required.
On canals and where actions of the line or cable is required in both
directions the double barrel capstan will be applied with great advantage.
"
Having now described the nature and object of the said Invention for
Improvements in Power Capstans," together with the manner in which
the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect,
I would remark, in conclusion, that I claim as the Invention commu-
nicated to me by the above-named David Newell Brown Coflin, junior,
Thomas Hunter Johnston, and Benjamin Woodward,

page_text: First. The conical or taper pinions h, g, f, e, attached to angular or
inclined shafts in combination with the barrel of a capstan, substantially
as described.
Second. Connecting the fulcrum gear e of a power capstan to the bed
plate automatically by furnishing cach with a series of inclined faced
lugs, substantially as described.
Third. Duplicating the inclined faces of the lugs i on the fulcrum
gear and the bed plate in reverse order, so as to operate in both
ways.
Fourth. The inclined or wedge-shaped lifter q made movable
separately from the parts to be locked together in combination with
the sliding bolts of a capstan, substantially as described.
Fifth. The arrangement of one or more series of inclined or wedge-
shaped lifters upon a ring or circular connection p, so as to operate
simultaneously on several bolts in the locking mechanism of a capstan,
substantially as described.
Sixth. Casting the lower journal part of the spindle or shaft of a
capstan on and as a part of a bed plate.
Seventh. Casting the lower journal part of the spindle or a shaft
of a capstan hollow in combination with its formation on and as a
part of the bed plate irrespective of the construction of the upper
portion.
Eighth. Compounding the spindle or shaft of a capstan by forming.
the lower journal part on and as a part of a bed plate, and inserting
the comparatively lighter wrought part to form the upper portion,
substantially as described.
Ninth. The employment of the shaft extended from the capstan in
combination with the shafts d or e, with suitable power-multiplying
gear, as n, f, 8, and t, substantially as described.
Tenth. Locking the fulcrum gear of a capstan to the bed plate by
means of bolts movable upwards from beneath into contact therewith,,
substantially as described.
Eleventh. The employment of a series of inclines movable in a circle,'
and so applied in combination with the fulcrum gear of a capstan, so as
to lift said gear from its position of inaction to the proper position to be
acted on by gears playing into it, substantially as described.

page_text: Twelfth. Fastening the cover of a capstan by means of lugs vin
combination with sockets or grooves in the hub, substantially as
described.
Thirteenth. The arrangement of the cover fastening in relation to the
locking mechanism of the capstan, so that when the cover is rotated to a
stop in one direction the bolts will be adjusted for the simple power and
the cover fastened, and when rotated in an opposite direction to a stop the
cover will also be fastened and the bolts adjusted for the multiplied
power, while in an intermediate position the cover is unfastened and may
be removed, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. Suspending the fulcrum gear to the rotating body of the
capstan.
Fifteenth. The arrangement of the gears A, Z, pawl wheel F, barrel I,
friction L, and chain wheel P, and the points of disconnecting, whereby
both barrel I and chain wheel P are brought under control of the friction
mechanism and get used separately for winding, heaving in, and so
forth, substantially as described.
Sixteenth. Arranging the windlassliaft N in combination with the
friction band a barrel of a windlass, substantially as described.
Seventeenth. The use of partly circular heads and sockets in com-
bination with the pawls of a windlass, substantially as described.
Eighteenth. Forming a groove under the projecting part of a capstan
base, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Nineteenth. The application of pawls to a capstan by means of a
cast joint or hinge in any manner, so as to allow the pawl to operate in
both directions.
Twentieth. The employment of a side opening g in combination with
inclosed bolts in the construction of a capstan.
Twenty-first. The arrangement of inclined lifters made movable in
combination with the lock notches or spaces h, so as to be used both to
slide the bolts out of connection automatically and also at the pleasure
of the operator.
Twenty-second. The arrangement of inclined lifters i, i, in duplicate
and in reverse order in combination with lock notches or lugs and sliding
bolts.

page_text: Twenty-third. The arrangement of an elevated flat part j between two
inclines arranged in reverse order, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
Twenty-fourth. Radially sliding keys or bolts in combination with a
retaining socket in one part and a locking space or shoulder in another
of two parts of a capstan or windlass to be connected or disconnected as
required, substantially as described.
Twenty-fifth. A roller or sheave arranged with its axis at an angle to
guide the chain, substantially as described.
Twenty-sixth. The employment of conical or cylindrical rollers
arranged in combination with the spindle or barrel of a capstan or
windlass to relieve the friction incident to the side or transverse thrust,
substantially as described.
Twenty-seventh. The arrangement of rollers longitudinally between
the shoulder of a barrel and that of the spindle or bed plate to sustain
and support the barrel endwise.
Twenty-eighth. The arrangement of sliding bolts in sockets on the
fulcrum gears, as described.
Twenty-ninth. A lifting and sustaining ring v in combination with
the bolts or locking mechanism of a capstan and inclined lifter arranged
cither on it or on an auxiliary part x.
Thirtieth. The employment of an elastic or spring element interposed
between the part bearing the pawl pockets and the fixed portion of the
bed plate.
Thirty-first. The use of inclines x for automatically lifting the fulcrum
gear, substantially as shown.
Thirty-second. Locking or clutching the centre or first moving gear of
a capstan to the lever head automatically by interlocking lugs formed on
cach, substantially as described.
Thirty-third. The arrangement of a concentric circular or annular
flange or rib N between the spindle or hub, and the rim or periphery
of the bed plate of a capstan or windlass, substantially as described.
Thirty-fourth. The arrangement of a friction wheel between the
two barrels of a capstan or windlass with provision for connecting or
disconnecting it to or from one or both at pleasure.

page_text: Thirty-fifth. The application of the differential windlass to the friction
mechanism of a capstan or windlass.
Thirty-sixth. The employment of a combined bearing and brake and
friction shoe in the friction mechanism of a capstan or windlass.
Thirty-seventh. The employment of chain lugs spanning the groove
in the chain wheel and made adjustable radially in sockets at the bottom
and extending up the sides of the groove between the two checks of the
chain wheel, substantially as described.
Thirty-eighth. The employment of keys at the back of said lugs,
either with or without the circular form, substantially as described.
Thirty-ninth. The arrangement of a ratchet or toothed rim directly
in connection with the central or first actuating gear of a capstan above
the main barrel bearings and in combination with a non-traversing or
local jointed pawl or pawls connected to the lever head, substantially as
described.
Forticth. Constructing the ratchet plate and central or first actuating
gear of a capstan in one piece, substantially as shown.
Forty-first. Scating the hub of those rotating parts of a capstan
which have a vertical or approximately vertical axis directly within
an oil or other lubricator receptacle or rim, substantially as shown.
In witness whereof, I, the said Bristow Hunt, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of April, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine.