Improvements in Hydraulic Lifts.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Nov., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 10th Mar., 1891-Accepted, 6th June, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hydraulic Lifts.
1, ROBERT CAREY, of 43, Arlingford Road, Brixton, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to hydraulic lifting or hoisting machinery, in which the lift
to be lifted is raised by the pressure of water admitted to one or more suitable
cylinders containing pistons or plungers connected with the lifting gear. It has for
its objects novel methods of constructing and operating such hydraulic lifts, by
which the power required can be varied automatically according to the weight
which is being lifted, or lowered, whilst the entire apparatus is simple, inexpensive,
safe, and economical in the quantity of water used.
Supposing that my invention is to be applied to a lift in which the cage for
passengers or other weight to be lifted is suspended from one or more ropes or
chains, which after passing over suitable pulleys are passed under a pulley or
pulleys carried by a heavy or loaded moveable block which by its descent in
suitable guides raises the lift and its load, aided if necessary by the pressure of
water upon one or more pistons or plungers contained in cylinders suitably arranged,
I arrange and fix below the heavy moveable block a vertical cylinder closed at its
upper end and having fitted into its lower open end with the intervention of
suitable packing, a hollow plunger of less diameter closed at its upper end and
having fitted into its lower open end a fixed hollow plunger working through
suitable packing and open at its upper end and firmly fixed at its lower closed end
to a suitable foundation. The lower end of the lower moveable plunger is
provided with lugs to which chains or rods are attached which are connected at
their upper ends to the moveable weight, and suitable valves are arranged and
operated as hereinafter described by which water under sufficient pressure
can be admitted into and discharged from the upper fixed cylinder and the lower
fixed plunger as described.
If now, both the latter are connected with the exhaust or discharge pipe from the
water, the intermediate cylinder and the chains and moveable weights can descend
by their own weight which is so proportioned as to raise the cage and any light
load contained therein. If a heavier load is to be raised, water under pressure is
admitted to both cylinders, and the weight of the moveable weight is then aided
by the pressure of the water upon the upper end of the moveable ram, the
effective area of which is however reduced by the area of the lower fixed plunger.
To lift a still heavier load, water is admitted to the upper fixed cylinder, whilst
the lower fixed plunger is connected with the exhaust, and the moveable weight is
then aided by the pressure of water upon the upper end of the moveable ram
without deduction.
In order to lower light loads, the
water pressure, and the upper fixed
the moveable weight is raised by the
the moveable ram.
lower fixed plunger is connected with the
cylinder with the exhaust, so that part of
pressure of water upon the upper end of
To lower heavier loads, both the upper fixed cylinder and the lower fixed
plunger are opened to the exhaust, and the load in the lift then has to lift the
moveable weight.
For the heaviest loads both the fixed plunger and the upper fixed cylinder are
connected with water under pressure and the load in the lift then raises the
moveable weight and also has to force back into the pressure main, against the
pressure in the latter, a quantity of water dependent upon the difference between
the areas of the moveable ram and the lower fixed plunger.

page_text: *
It will be understood therefore that in the arrangement described three different
degrees of power can be obtained in lifting.
By the following modification, seven different lifting powers can be made use of
instead of three.
In this a lower fixed cylinder is used above and in continuation of which a
smaller cylinder is arranged, the upper end of which is provided with a stuffing
box through which passes a rod the upper outer end of which supports the moveable
weight, whilst in the cylinder it is provided with two pistons fitting in the two
cylinders respectively.
For the lightest load (or first power) the lower end of the larger cylinder and
the upper end of the smaller cylinder are connected with the pressure supply, and
the space between the pistons with the exhaust. The moveable weight then
raises the load in the lift by its own weight minus the water pressure depending
upon the difference of the areas of the two pistons.
For the second power, the pressure is admitted on both sides of the lower
piston whilst the upper cylinder above the smaller piston is open to the exhaust.
The load is then lifted by the weight of the moveable weight, minus the pressure
below the upper smaller piston.
For the third power, pressure is admitted above and below both pistous. The
load is lifted by the weight of the moveable weight, minus the pressure depending
upon the area of the piston rod.
For the fourth power, the cylinders above and below both pistons are connected
with the exhaust, and the load is lifted by the weight of the moveable weight
only.
For the fifth power, both sides of the lower larger piston are open to the exhaust,
and water pressure is admitted above the upper smaller piston.
The load is then lifted by the weight of the moveable weight, plus the pressure
upon the upper side of the smaller piston.
For the sixth power, the spaces below the lower larger piston and above the
upper smaller one are connected with the water pressure, and the space between
the pistons with the exhaust. The load is lifted by the weight of the moveable
weight, plus the pressure dependent upon the difference of the areas of the two
pistons.
Finally, for the seventh power, the space below the lower larger piston is
connected with the exhaust, and the space between the two pistons and above the
upper smaller piston with the water pressure. The load is then lifted by the
weight of the moveable weight, plus the pressure above the lower larger
piston.
The method of construction last described may be varied by substituting
cylinders and plungers for cylinders and pistons. That is to say, the piston rod
passing through the upper stuffing box is connected to a plunger working in the
upper cylinder. This plunger passes out through a stuffing box at the lower end
of the upper cylinder and through a second stuffing box, into a cylinder containing
a larger plunger to the upper end of which it is attached. This larger plunger
passes down through a stuffing box at the lower end of the second cylinder and
through another stuffing box into a third cylinder.
The method of varying the different powers is the same as that described where
cylinders and pistons are used.
For lowering the lift and its load, there are proportional savings in the power
required.
As the load to be lowered varies, less power is required to aid it in lifting the
moveable weight, until the load in the lift is so great as to raise the moveable
weight without assistance. Further increases of load in the lift serve to drive back
correspondingly increasing quantities of water into the main against the pressure
in the latter.
In a third and very simple form of arrangement in which three different powers
can be made use of, I use a single cylinder having a piston connected to a rod which

page_text: passes up through a stuffing box at the upper end of the cylinder, and is then
connected to the moveable weight. To lift the lightest load, in this arrangement,
both sides of the piston are connected with the water pressure, and the load is
raised by the weight of the moveable weight minus the pressure depending upon
the area of the piston rod.
(Second). For a heavier load, both sides of the piston are connected with
the exhaust, and the load is lifted by the weight of the moveable weight alone.
(Third). For the heaviest load, the lower side of the piston is connected with the
exhaust, and its upper side with the water pressure, and the load is lifted by
the weight of the moveable weight, plus the pressure of water upon the upper
side of the piston.
To lower (first), the lower side of the piston is connected with the water
pressure, and the upper side with the exhaust, so that the moveable weight is
balanced.
(Second). Both sides of the piston are connected with the water pressure.
Part of the moveable weight is balanced by the excess of pressure below the
piston, depending upon the area of the piston rod.
(Third). Both sides of the piston are connected with the exhaust, so that the
load has to lift the moveable weight.
Instead of the arrangement of cylinder and piston just described, a plunger
may in this case also, be used having a rod connected with the moveable weight,
and passing through a stuffing box in the upper end of a cylinder. The plunger
passes down through another stuffing box at the lower end of the cylinder, and
through a third stuffing box into a second cylinder.
The methods of operating and of varying the power are the same as in the
last described arrangement, in which a cylinder and piston are used.
It is evident that the method of arranging the cylinders and altering the powers
may be varied more or less. For instance by adding two smaller cylinders to the
arangement first described seven instead of three different powers may be obtained.
The two smaller cylinders are fixed to the moveable weight and they work upon
lower hollow plungers fixed below, through which water can be admitted or with-
drawn. The weight of the moveable weight is balanced by the pressure of water
through the central fixed plunger and the two smaller ones just described. The
operations of lifting are as follows:-
(First). The two small cylinders are connected to the pressure, and the two
others to the exhaust, the load is lifted by the moveable weight minus the pressure
admitted to the two small cylinders.
(Second). The two small cylinders and the upper fixed cylinder are connected
with the exhaust, and the lower fixed plunger with the pressure, and the load
is lifted by the moveable weight, minus the pressure in the central moveable
cylinder.
(Third). All the cylinders are connected with the exhaust and the load is lifted
by the moveable weight alone.
(Fourth). All the cylinders are connected with the pressure and the load is
lifted by the moveable weight, plus the downward pressure upon the upper end of
the moveable plunger (from which has to be deducted the upward pressure
through the central fixed plunger and two smaller fixed plungers).
(Fifth). The two smaller cylinders are connected with the exhaust, and the
other cylinders with the pressure. The load is lifted by the moveable weight, plus
the downward pressure upon the moveable plunger (from which has to be deducted
the upward pressure on the latter through the central fixed plunger).
(Sixth). The two smaller cylinders and the upper fixed cylinder are connected
with the pressure, and the lower central fixed plunger with the exhaust. The load
is lifted by the moveable weight plus the downward pressure upon the moveable
cylinder, (from which has to be deducted the upward pressure in the two smaller
cylinders).
(Seventh). The upper fixed cylinder is connected with the pressure, and the

page_text: lower central and two small fixed plungers with the exhaust. The load (which is
now the heaviest) is lifted by the moveable weight and the downward pressure
upon the moveable plunger.
The lowering of the different weights is effected in a similar way to those used
in the second and third methods of arrangement above described.
The different valves for the admission of water in the several forms of arrange-
ment described, or in other modifications of my invention, are actuated preferably
automatically the position of the valves for the admission and exhaust of the water
from the different cylinders according to the combination required for the lifting or
lowering any particular weight being effected by the apparatus itself.
For instance, the end of the rope or chain after passing round the pulley or
pulleys in or connected with the moveable weight described, instead of being
attached to a fixed support or abutment, is attached to one end of a pivotted lever
the other end being raised by the weight of the lift and its load.
I arrange a series of moveable weights, duly proportioned, so that as the end
of the lever rises as described they are lifted by it in succession. If, therefore,
only the lift itself or a very light load has to be raised, the strain upon the rope
or chain is only sufficient to raise the first weight but not the second one with
which it subsequently comes in contact.
In this position the weight or lever, or other levers and rods connected to it,
adjusts the valves so that water is admitted to and exhausted from the cylinders in
the manner already described for very light loads. If the load be somewhat
heavier, the strain upon the rope or chain and lever is sufficient to raise the
second weight and in doing so to adjust the valves to the proper position for
operating the lift for such load, and so on in succession for as many different
powers as the apparatus may have been constructed to supply.
In each position there are of course two sets of valves one for the pressure and
the other for the exhaust combination and i use a starting valve or valves worked
by hand, and so arranged that when in its middle position the lift cannot move
either way.
I do not confine myself to the precise arrangement of valves and pipes and of the
levers and rods actuating them, nor to the exact method of automatically adjusting
the precise combination of valves required for a particular load, as such method
may obviously be varied according to the circumstances and conditions in which
the apparatus is used, my object being to so arrange and combine the several valves
and their actuating mechanism that the particular position of the several admission
and exhaust valves shall be automatically determined and fixed as may be necessary
by the weight of the lift and of the load carried by it.
In the different forms of apparatus which have been particularly described, the
number of different powers available may be largely increased by increasing the
number of cylinders and pistons or plungers.
Great economy of water is effected by my invention especially as not only
is the lift lowered without using water but where heavy loads are lowered their
weight is utilized to return some of the water in the cylinders back to the pressure
main.
For some of the forms of lifting apparatus described, I find it convenient to use
two or more starting valves in connection with a weighted lever actuating the
valves as described. For light loads the first of these valves is opened and if the
lift should not move, a harder pull upon the hand rope will move the lever
and open the second valve, and so on until the lift rises and continues to move
automatically.
Where valve gear of the kind described is applied to what are known as
balanced hydraulic lifts instead of suspended lifts, the position of the valves is
altered and adjusted by the variation of pressure in the cylinders acting upon small
pistons or plungers and suitable gear, instead of by the variation of the pull of the
rope or chain as first described.
I have not described all the modifications and combination of cylinders and

page_text: pistons or rams which may be used, according to my invention, to obtain a large
number of varying lifting powers. For instance twelve different powers may be
obtained by the following combination.
A plunger is arranged closed at its upper end which carries the moveable weight,
as in the arrangements already described. This plunger passes down through a
stuffing box at the upper end of a larger fixed cylinder, in which fits a piston upon
the lower end of the plunger. The moveable plunger has also fitted inside it a
smaller piston at the upper end of a smaller hollow fixed plunger through which
water under pressure can be admitted above the piston.
This smaller fixed plunger passes through a stuffing box at the bottom of the
moveable plunger, and a separate pipe passes up it through which water under
pressure can be admitted into the annular space between the central fixed plunger
and the interior of the moveable plunger. By varying the different combinations
of admission and exhaust valves to and from the different cylinders, twelve
different lifting powers can be obtained.
My invention is applicable to hydraulic cranes and lifts of all kinds.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hydraulic Lifts.
1, ROBERT CAREY, of 43, Arlingford Road, Brixton, in the County of Surrey,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement and accompanying drawings, that is to say :-
My invention relates to hydraulic lifting or hoisting machinery, in which the lift
to be lifted is raised by the admission of water to one or more suitable cylinders
containing pistons or plungers connected with the lifting gear. It has for its objects
novel methods of constructing and operating such hydraulic lifts, by which the
power required and the quantity of water consequently used, are varied automatically
according to the weight which is being lifted, or lowered, whilst the entire apparatus
is simple, inexpensive, safe, and economical in the quantity of water used.
Supposing that my invention is to be applied to a lift in which the cage for
passengers or other weight to be lifted is suspended from one or more ropes or
chains, which after passing over suitable pulleys are passed under a pulley or
pulleys carried by a heavy or loaded moveable block which by its descent in suitable
guides raises the lift and its load, aided if necessary by the pressure of water upon
one or more pistons or plungers contained in cylinders suitably arranged, I arrange
and fix below the heavy moveable block a vertical cylinder closed at its upper end
and having fitted into its lower open end with the intervention of suitable packing,
a hollow plunger of less diameter closed at its upper end and having fitted into its
lower open end a fixed hollow plunger working through suitable packing and open
at its upper end and firmly fixed at its lower closed end to a suitable foundation.
The lower end of the lower moveable plunger is provided with lugs to which chains
or rods are attached which are connected at their upper ends to the moveable
weight, and suitable valves are arranged and operated automatically as hereinafter
described by which water under sufficient pressure can be admitted into and
discharged from the upper fixed cylinder and the lower fixed plunger as described.
If now, both the latter are connected with the exhaust or discharge pipe for the
water, the intermediate cylinder and the chains and moveable weights can descend
by their own weight which is so proportioned as to raise the cage and any light

page_text: load contained therein. If a heavier load is to be raised, the valve is automatically
altered so that water under pressure is admitted to both cylinders, and the weight
of the moveable weight is then aided by the pressure of the water upon the upper
end of the moveable ram, the effective area of which is however reduced by the
area of the lower fixed plunger.
To lift a still heavier load, water is admitted by the still further automatic
alteration of the valve, to the upper fixed cylinder, whilst the lower fixed plunger
is connected with the exhaust, and the moveable weight is then aided by the
pressure of water upon the upper end of the moveable ram without deduction.
In order to lower light and moderate loads, the lower fixed plunger is connected
with the water pressure, and the upper fixed cylinder with the exhaust, so that
part of the moveable weight is raised by the pressure of water upon the upper end
of the moveable ram.
To lower the heaviest loads the valve is automatically altered so that both the
upper fixed cylinder and the lower fixed plunger are opened to the exhaust, and
the load in the lift then has to lift the moveable weight.
It will be understood therefore that in the arrangement described three degrees
of power can be obtained in lifting.
By various modifications of the cylinders and pistons or plungers, and automatic
valves, any number of different degrees of power are obtained.
Some of these modifications are hereinafter described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a vertical section and Figure 2 a front
view, illustrating the arrangement just described. The weight to be lifted or
lowered is suspended to the chain a, which after passing over the pullies b, b, is
shewn passing round pullies b¹, b', in the heavy moveable block c, the descent of
which therefore raises the weight to be lifted through a greater distance. d is a
fixed vertical cylinder closed at its upper end and having a stuffing box at its lower
end through which passes the hollow plunger e which is also closed at its upper
end and has at its lower end a stuffing box through which passes a hollow plunger f
firmly fixed to a foundation, and into which water under pressure can be admitted
through the pipe g. Water can also be admitted into the cylinder d, through a pipe h.
These pipes g and communicate with a small valve chamber containing valves
which can be raised or lowered by a spindle passing out through a stuffing box and
connected to a rope or lever which can be worked by an attendant from any con-
venient place, or if the weight to be raised is an ordinary lift can be worked by a
person in such lift. The valve chamber i communicates by the pipes shewn with
the larger valve chamber k containing the valves which are actuated by a rod m
passing out through a stuffing box.
The upper valve relates to the adjustments for lifting, and the lower part for
lowering.
n is the pipe which admits water under sufficient pressure to the chamber k,
and E is a pipe communicating with an exhaust or discharge for the water. The
valve chambers i and k are also connected by the ports and pipes A, B, as shewn.
In the position shewn in Figure 1, the pipes and h are closed, and the plunger e
cannot move. This plunger is connected to the heavy block cl as shewn in Figure 2.
If now, the valves in the chamber i are moved down, the pipes g and become
connected through the upper pipes A and B and the valve with the exhaust
pipe E, and all pressure being removed from the fixed cylinder d and the hollow
plunger e, the moveable weight e descends and by its weight lifts any light load on
the chain a. If a heavier load is to be raised the valve l is raised to the position
shewn in Figure 14 and the water then passes under its upper edge and through A
to the cylinder d, and also through B and g to the interior of the hollow plunger e,
and the weight of the block e is aided by the pressure of water upon the upper end
of the rame, the effective area of which is however reduced by the area of the
lower fixed plunger f
To lift a still heavier load, the valve is further raised to the position shewn in
Figure 1B, and the water still passes through A and the pipe to the cylinder d,

page_text: whilst the hollow fixed plunger is connected through the pipes g and B, and the
valve with the exhaust E, and the weight c is then aided by the pressure upon the
plunger e without deduction.
In order that the position of the valve may be varied automatically as described
according to the weight to be lifted, one of the pullies b, b, round which the chain
or rope a passes, is carried by a lever 1, the other end of which carries a weight 2
which retains the lever in its position when the lightest load is being raised. Moveable
properly proportioned weights 3 and 4 are arranged so as to be lifted in succession
by the rod 5 attached to the lever 1, as the weight of the load to be lifted increases.
To the lever I a rod is also connected which actuates the valve spindle m and
and valve l, bringing the latter into the several positions shewn in Figures 1, 1^,
and 18, as already described.
In order to lower weights upon the chain a, the starting valve in i, is moved up
instead of down, and to lower a light or moderate weight the hollow fixed plunger f
is connected with the water pressure through the lower pipe B and the pipe g,
whilst the cylinder d is connected with the exhaust E through the lower pipe A
and the pipe so that part of the moveable weight c is balanced by the pressure
of water inside the upper end of the moveable ram e.
The same arrangement of the valve for lowering is used in Figures 1 and 1ª.
To lower heavier loads, the valve in k is automatically altered to the position
shewn in Figure 1B and the cylinder d is then open to exhaust E through the lower
pipe A and, the hollow plunger being also connected with the exhaust through
the lower pipe B and
By the following modification, as illustrated in Figure 3, seven different lifting
powers can be made use of instead of three.
In this a lower fixed cylinder is used, above and in continuation of which a
smaller cylinder e is arranged, the upper end of which is provided with a stuffing
box through which passes a rod c' the upper outer end of which supports the
moveable weight c, whilst in the cylinder it is provided with two pistons d', e¹,
fitting in the two cylinders respectively.
For the lightest load (or first power) the lower end of the larger cylinder d and
the upper end of the smaller cylinder e are connected with the pressure supply, and
the space between the pistons d', e', with the exhaust. The moveable weight c
then raises the load in the lift by its own weight minus the water pressure depending
upon the difference of the areas of the two pistons.
For the second power, the pressure is admitted on both sides of the lower
piston whilst the upper cylinder above the smaller piston e¹ is open to the
exhaust. The load is then lifted by the weight of the moveable weight, minus the
pressure below the upper smaller piston.
For the third power, pressure is admitted above and below both pistons. The
load is lifted by the weight of the moveable weight c, minus the pressure depending
upon the area of the piston rod e'.
For the fourth power, the cylinders above and below both pistons are connected
with the exhaust, and the load is lifted by the weight of the moveable weight c only.
For the fifth power, both sides of the lower larger piston are open to the
exhaust, and water pressure is admitted above the upper smaller piston e¹.
The load is then lifted by the weight of the moveable weight c, plus the pressure
upon the upper side of the smaller piston e¹.
For the sixth power, the spaces below the lower larger piston d' and above the
upper smaller one e' are connected with the exhaust, and the space between the
pistons with the pressure. The load is lifted by the weight of the moveable
weight c, plus the pressure dependent upon the difference of the areas of the two
pistons.
Finally for the seventh power, the space below the lower larger piston is con-
nected with the exhaust, and the space between the two pistons and above the
upper smaller piston el with the water pressure. The load is then lifted by the
weight of the moveable weight e, plus the pressure above the lower larger piston d².

page_text: The method of construction last described may be varied by substituting
cylinders and plungers for cylinders and pistons as illustrated in Figure 4. That
is to say the piston rod c¹ passing through the upper stuffing box is connected to a
plunger working in the upper cylinder. This plunger passes out through a stuffing
box at the lower end of the upper cylinder and through a second stuffing box, into
a cylinder containing a larger plunger f¹ to the upper end of which it is attached.
This larger plunger passes down through a stuffing box into a third cylinder.
The method of varying the different powers is of a similar kind to that described
where cylinders and pistons are used.
For lowering the lift and its load, there are proportional savings in the power
required.
As the load to be lowered increases, less power is required to aid it in lifting the
moveable weight, until the load in the lift is so great as to raise the moveable
weight without assistance. Further increases of the load in the lift serve to drive
back correspondingly increasing quantities of water into the main against the
pressure in the latter.
In a third and very simple form of arrangement illustrated in Figure 5, in which
three different powers can be made use of, I use a single cylinder e having a piston e
connected to a rod which passes up through a stuffing box at the upper end of the
cylinder, and is then connected to the moveable weight c. To lift the lightest load,
in this arrangement, both sides of the piston e are connected with the water
pressure, and the load is raised by the weight of the moveable weight c minus the
pressure depending upon the area of the piston rod c'.
(Second). For a heavier load, both sides of the piston e¹ are connected with the
exhaust, and the load is lifted by the weight of the moveable weight c alone.
(Third). For the heaviest loads, the lower side of the piston el is connected with
the exhaust, and its upper side to the water pressure, and the load is lifted by the
weight of the moveable weight c, plus the pressure of water upon the upper side of
the piston e¹.
To lower (first), the lower side of the piston e' is connected with the water
pressure, and the upper side with the exhaust, so that the moveable weight c is
balanced.
(Second). Both sides of the piston el are connected with the water pressure.
Part of the moveable weight c is balanced by the excess of pressure below the
piston, depending upon the area of the piston rod c¹.
(Third). Both sides of the piston e' are connected with the exhaust, so that the
load has to lift the moveable weight c.
Instead of the arrangement of cylinder and piston just described, a plunger may
in this case also be used, as illustrated in Figure 6, having a rod connected with
the moveable weight, and passing through a stuffing box in the upper end of a
cylinder. The plunger passes down through another stuffing box at the lower end
of the cylinder, and through a third stuffing box into a second cylinder.
The methods of operating and varying the power are the same as in the last
described arrangement, in which a cylinder and piston are used.
It is evident that the method of arrangement of the cylinders and of altering the
powers may be varied more or less. For instance by adding two smaller cylinders
to the arrangement first described, seven instead of three different powers may be
obtained. This method of arrangement is illustrated in Figure 7, in which D, D,
are the two smaller cylinders fixed to the moveable weight and they work upon
lower hollow plungers C, C, fixed below, through which water can be admitted or
withdrawn. The weight of the moveable weight e is balanced by the pressure of
water through the central plunger B in the cylinder D' and the two smaller ones
just described. The operations of lifting are as follows:-
(First). The two small cylinders D, D, are connected to the pressure, and the
two others A, B, to the exhaust, and the load is lifted by the moveable weight
minus the pressure admitted to the two small cylinders.
(Second). The two small cylinders D, D, and the upper fixed cylinder A are

page_text: connected with the exhaust, and the lower fixed plunger B with the pressure, and
the load is lifted by the moveable weight c, minus the pressure in the central
moveable cylinder.
(Third). All the cylinders are connected with the exhaust and the load is lifted
by the moveable weight c alone.
(Fourth). All the cylinders are connected with the pressure and the load is lifted
by the moveable weight, plus the downward pressure upon the upper end of the
moveable plunger D' (from which has to be deducted the upward pressure through
the central fixed plunger B and two smaller fixed plungers D, D).
(Fifth). The two smaller cylinders D, D, are connected with the exhaust, and
the other cylinders with the pressure. The load is lifted by the moveable weight c,
plus the downward pressure upon the moveable plunger D¹ (from which has to be
deducted the upward pressure on the latter through the central fixed plunger B).
(Sixth). The two smaller cylinders D, D, and the upper fixed cylinder A are
connected with the pressure, and the lower central fixed plunger B with the
exhaust. The load is lifted by the moveable weight c plus the downward pressure
upon the moveable cylinder D', (from which has to be deducted the upward
pressure in the two smaller cylinders D, D).
(Seventh). The upper fixed cylinder A. is connected with the pressure, and the
lower central and two small fixed plungers B, C, C, with the exhaust. The load,
which is now the heaviest, is lifted by the moveable weight e and the downward
pressure upon the moveable plunger, Di.
The lowering of the different weights is effected in a similar way to those used
in the second and third methods of arrangement above described.
The different valves for the admission of water in the several forms of arrange-
ment described, or in other modifications of my invention, are actuated preferably
automatically, the position of the valves for the admission and exhaust of the water
from the different cylinders according to the combination required for the lifting or
lowering any particular weight, being effected by the apparatus itself, in a manner
similar to that described and shewn in Figure 1.
In each position there are of course two sets of valves, one for the raising and
the other for the lowering combination, and I use a starting valve or valves worked
by hand, and so arranged that when in its middle position the lift cannot move
either way.
In Figure 7, the arrangement and position of the valves for four different powers
are illustrated, and the principal valve is shown itself actuated by the pressure of
water instead of by the direct action of a weighted lever. The weighted lever 1,
similar to and operated in the same way as that already described is connected to
one end of a lever 6, the other end of which is connected to the piston rod 7 of a
piston 8 working in a cylinder 9, whilst the centre of the lever is pivoted to the
spindle of a valve 10, which regulates the movements of the piston 8. The piston
rod 7 is also connected to the valve which regulates the distribution of the water
to the cylinders A, B, C. Water under pressure is admitted outside the valve 10,
which in the position shewn in Figure 7 admits the water below the piston 8. When
a weight is attached to the chain a, the lever 6 is raised until the lever 1 is stopped
by the weight 3, and the valve 10 moves until water is admitted above the piston 8,
which from its greater area is forced down and brings the valve / to the proper
position (as shewn in Figure 74), the port and pipe A. admit water to the cylinder A
and the ports and pipes B, C, to the hollow plungers B, C, C.
The movement of the piston 8, after that of the lever 1 has stopped, brings down
the valve 10 until the pressure is cut off from above the piston 8 and its movement,
with that of the valve 1, is arrested. If a heavier weight be suspended to the chain a
the valve 10 is again raised, and the piston 8 forced down until the valve / takes
the position shewn in Figure 78, the water being admitted through the ports A, C,
to the cylinder and the hollow plungers C, C, whilst the hollow plunger B is
connected with the exhaust E.

page_text: The movement of the piston 8 and valve are again arrested, until a still heavier
weight is added to a, when the valve / descends to the position shewn in Figure 7º,
when pressure is admitted through A to the cylinder A, and the hollow
plungers B, C, C, are connected with the exhaust E.
The several ports are covered and uncovered by the valve and are closed by
the small valve, until the latter is raised by hand, in the way already described,
to open them, until which the lift cannot move. The corresponding ports operated
by the back of the valve are used for lowering varying weights in the lift or hoist,
and are closed until required by the hand moved valve 2. In the first two positions
(Figures 7 and 74) the cylinder A, and hollow plungers C, C, are open to the
exhaust, and the hollow plunger B to pressure, whilst in the two last positions
(Figures 7 and 7°), all are open to exhaust.
Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement very similar to that shewn in Figure 1, the
moveable weight c being connected to the plunger e by a rod passing through a
stuffing box instead of by side rods c¹.
Figure 9 also shews an arrangement similar to Figure 1, but having the moveable
weight c carried by the lower end of the plunger e and provided with pulleys round
which the chain a passes, one end of which is fixed at p, the chain after passing
under one of the pulleys upon the weight c, passing over a fixed pulley b, thence
under the other pulley on the weight, and being then led to the position where the
hoist or lift is to be operated.
Figure 10 illustrates another modification, in which twelve different degrees of
lifting power may be made available, thus:

page_text: the proper position to admit the water to or from the right cylinder to lower the
load. If the hand rope R is pulled down into the middle position the whole of the
passages A B C and E are closed and the machine is brought to a standstill.
If it is pulled further down the lower valve is operated in exactly the same way.
The arms O' and O2 allow the movement of the hand rope in one direction without
actuating the levers N and N' which only rest upon pins or rollers at the ends of
the levers, and thus the lowering or the lifting valve is only moved, according to
whether the machine is required to raise or lower. The multiplying hydraulic
cylinders are supposed to be for a 4-power machine similar to that already
described.
Figure 12 illustrates another modification, (the plungers and cylinders being
similar to those shewn in Figure 7). This is a modified arrangement of valves and
gear by which the position of the distributing valve is arranged and determined.
The lever actuated by the load in the cage brings a sliding stop I or its equivalent
with steps corresponding to the number of powers of the machine, into position as
the load is put into or taken out of the cage, or attached to or taken off from the
chain in the case of cranes. To start the machine the small valve F is moved one
way or the other by the hand rope R according as to whether the load is to ascend
or descend. If to ascend, the rope R is pulled down in the cage so as to move the
valve up and admits the pressure water into the passages and pipes G and G¹.
The pressure acting on the piston II opens all the passages A B C and E and
acting on the piston H2 moves it downwards until stopped by the sliding piece I.
If the load has to be lowered the valve F is lowered and the pressure admitted into
passages and pipes G2 and G, and the piston His raised and all the passages A B
Cand E opened. The distributing valve is brought into the proper position by
the piston H2 moving down until arrested by the stop I as before.
When the machine is standing, the valve F is in the position shewn in the
drawing and all the pistons H H' and H2 are open to the exhaust beneath. This
is only one way out of many of setting the position of the distributing valve after
the water is admitted for starting the machine. L is a lever and M a safety rope
with stops, by which the pistons H H and starting valves are moved up or down
so as to stop all movement of the lift at the top and bottom of its travel.
Figures 13, 14, 15, shew two cylinders arranged to work in the opposite direction
to the main ram, so that a two power machine is made, the water being distributed
by a valve as shewn. The lever is shewn to be actuated by the pull of the tail
end of the chain or rope as the load is varied.
Figure 13 is a two power machine in which Y is the main ram working in the
cylinder Z which is fixed. The two side cylinders X X are also fixed and the
combined area of their two rams X' is less than that of the main ram Y, and they
act in the contrary direction to the latter and are attached to the moving sheave
frame W on the head of the ram Y by means of the side rods V V. To raise
light loads water under pressure is admitted to all three cylinders, and to raise
heavy loads it is admitted to the cylinder Z, the cylinders X X being connected
with the exhaust by means of a valve or valves automatically set into position by
the weight to be raised as before described.
Figure 14 shews a three power machine. It is similar to Figure 13 but fixed in
an inverted position, and weights U are attached to the moving sheave frame W.
When all the cylinders are connected with the exhaust the weights U will descend
and raise the empty chain if a crane, or the empty cage if a lift.
If pressure is
admitted to all the cylinders the weights are aided by the pressure upon the ram Y
minus that upon the two small rams X' X' which act in the opposite direction to
the main ram Y. If a still heavier load has to be raised the cylinders X X are
connected with the exhaust and pressure is admitted to the cylinder Z. By this
machine moderately heavy loads can be constantly lowered and the empty chain
or cage returned to the top of its travel ready to descend again, without using
any water.

page_text: Figure 15 shews a form of valve for a two power machine such as Figure 13.
The weighted lever is actuated by the varying pull of the tail end of the chain a.
When a light load is being raised the weighted lever is in the position shewn, and
to raise the load the valve is opened and water under pressure is admitted through
the pipes A B to the three cylinders Z XX. If a heavier load is to be raised
the pull on the chain a raises the lever into the position shewn by the dotted line
where it is stopped by a stop o².
The valve is raised and opens the pipe B which communicates with the
cylinders X X, to the exhaust E water under pressure being admitted to the
cylinder Z through the pipe A.
To lower, the valve is opened as shewn which allows the pipes A B to
communicate with the exhaust pipe E.
Figures 16, 17, and 18, shew different balancing cylinders for direct acting
hydraulic lifts without lifting chains or ropes. Small rams are arranged to work
in the opposite direction to the main ram or piston, and the water is admitted by
valves similar to those already described. The position of the distributing valve
is adjusted as before (as shewn in Figure 16) by a lever H picking up weights as
the load is increased in the cage or lift, the lever being raised by a ram N which
acts with increased force as the pressure in the lift cylinder O increases owing to
increased weight or vice versa.
Figure 16 shews a three power machine with balancing cylinders for a direct
acting lift. For light loads the weights U are sufficient to raise the lift, the spaces
above and below the piston being connected with the exhaust. For heavier loads
water under pressure is admitted both above and below the piston, whilst for the
heaviest load the pressure is admitted above the piston and the space below it
connected with the exhaust. The machine will lower heavy loads and return the
cage to the top without using any water. The valve is automatically set in
position by the pressure of the water in the lift cylinder O, which increases as the
load is increased and acts on the plunger N, the lever H and valve operating as
before described.
Figure 17 shews another form of balancing cylinder in which two side cylinders
and rams CC take the place of the annular space below the piston shewn in
Figure 16, the action being otherwise the same.
Figure 18 shews another modification having a fixed piston through the rod of
which water under pressure can be admitted into the cylinder above and below the
piston. The method of operation is otherwise the same as in the others.
I do not confine myself to the precise arrangement of valves and pipes and of
the levers and rods actuating them, nor to the exact method of automatically
adjusting the precise combination of valves required for a particular load, as such
method may obviously be varied according to the circumstances and conditions in
which the apparatus is used, my object being to so arrange and combine the
several valves and their actuating mechanism, so that the particular position of
the several admission and exhaust valves shall be automatically determined and
fixed as may be necessary by the weight of the lift and of the load carried
by it.
In the different forms of apparatus which have been particularly described, the
number of different powers available may be largely increased by increasing the
number of cylinders and pistons or plungers.
Great economy of water is effected by my invention especially as not only the
lift is lowered without using water, but where heavy loads are lowered their
weight is utilized to return some of the water in the cylinders back to the pressure
main.
For some of the forms of lifting apparatus described, I find it convenient to use
two or more starting valves in connection with the weighted lever actuating the
valves as described. For light loads the first of these valves is opened and if the
lift should not move, a harder pull upon the hand rope will move the lever and

page_text: open the second valve, and so on until the lever rises and continues to move
automatically.
Where valve gear of the kind described is applied to what are known as
balanced hydraulic lifts instead of suspended lifts, as illustrated in Figures 16, 17,
and 18, the position of the valves is altered and adjusted by the variation of
pressure in the cylinders acting upon small pistons or plungers and suitable gear,
instead of by variation of the pull of the rope or chain as first described.
Figure 19 shews a simple form of two-power balance.
The power ram B is made to take up say half the full load. In ordinary cases
more than this power is not required but when the pressure rises the plunger K
rises and opens the valve M so that the full pressure from the main on the lift
ram A is obtained which is large enough for the full load.
This overcharges the balance so that there is too much water between A and C.
But when B is opened to exhaust, the pressure due to the cage and load on A
drives C up to the top of the stroke when it opens a relief valve and the surplus
water escapes.
The double rams last described may be used for presses as well as for lifts.
I have not described all the modifications and combinations of cylinders and
pistons or rams which may be used, according to my invention, to obtain a large
number of varying lifting powers. For instance twelve different powers may be
obtained by the following combination.
A plunger is arranged closed at its upper end and which carries the moveable
weight, as in the arrangement already described. This plunger passes down
through a stuffing box at the upper end of a larger fixed cylinder, in which fits the
piston upon the lower end of the plunger. The moveable plunger has also fitted
inside it a smaller piston at the upper end of a smaller hollow fixed plunger
through which water under pressure can be admitted above the piston.
This smaller fixed plunger passes through a stuffing box at the bottom of the
moveable plunger, and a separate pipe passes up it through which water under
pressure can be admitted into the annular space between the central fixed plunger
and the interior of the moveable plunger.
By varying the different combinations of admission and exhaust valves to and
from the different cylinders, twelve different lifting powers can be obtained.
My invention is applicable to hydraulic lifts and cranes of all kinds.
It is to be understood that I do not confine myself to the particular methods of
construction and arrangement, nor to the details of the several valves and other
parts, which may be varied and modified more or less as may be found advisable in
the different circumstances and conditions in which the apparatus is to be used,
my invention consisting substantially of any form of arrangement of valves set
automatically into their proper position by the varying pull upon the rope or chain
from which the cage or load is suspended in the case of suspended lifts or cranes,
and by the varying pressure of the water in the lift cylinder in the case of direct
acting hyraulic lifts with separate balancing cylinders; but having now particularly
described and ascertained the nature of the said invention and the manner in which
the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In hydraulic lifting machinery, the combination with hydraulic cylinders and
plungers and moveable weight, of a valve or valves automatically adjusted so that
their position is determined by the varying weight which is to be lifted or lowered,
and so that only sufficient water to lift or lower any particular weight is admitted
to the cylinders and consumed, substantially as set forth and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
2. In hydraulic lifting machinery, the combination with hydraulic cylinders and
plungers, of a hydraulic cylinder and plunger or piston (instead of the moveable
weight described and claimed in the first claim) a valve or valves automatically
adjusted so that their position is determined by the varying weight which is to be

page_text: lifted or lowered, and so that only sufficient water to lift and lower any particular
weight is admitted to the cylinder and consumed, substantially as set forth and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. The combination, of the moveable plunger e, fixed cylinder d, fixed hollow
plunger, chain a, pulleys b, b, weight c, starting valve and chamber i, regulating
valve chamber k and valve l, l, connecting pipes A, B, E, g, h, lever 1, and move-
able weights 3, 4, all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purposes
set forth and illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 8, and 9.
4. The combination of the cylinders d and e, pistons d', e', and piston rod c¹, as
illustrated in Figure 3, with the distributing valve, connecting pipes, lever and
moveable weights for automatically operating the lift with varying weights,
substantially as described.
5. The combination of the three fixed cylinders, plungers e, f, and rod c', as
illustrated in Figure 4, with the distributing valve, connecting pipes, lever, and
moveable weights for automatically operating the lift with varying weights,
substantially as described.
6. The combination of the cylinder e, piston e¹, and piston rod c¹, as illustrated
in Figure 5, with the distributing valve, connecting pipes, lever, and moveable
weights, for automatically operating the lift with varying weights, substantially as
described.
7. The combination of two fixed cylinders, plunger el, and rod c', as illustrated
in Figure 6, with the distributing valve, connecting pipes, lever, and moveable
weights, for automatically operating the lift with varying weights, substantially as
described.
8. The combination of the fixed cylinders A, the moveable cylinders D, D, D,
and the hollow fixed plungers B, C, C, and weight c, with the distributing valve 1,
ports and passages A, B, C, E, starting valves i, 2, lever 1, moveable weights 3, 4, 5,
lever 6, piston rod 7, piston 8, cylinder 9, and valve 10, arranged and operating
substantially in the manner described, and illustrated in Figures 7, 7, 7, and 7.
9. The combination of the several cylinders, plunger, hollow piston rod, and
passages, illustrated in Figure 10, with the distributing valve, connecting pipes,
lever, and moveable weight, for automatically operating the lift with varying
weights, substantially as described.
10. The combination of the cylinders, plungers, and moveable weight, with the
lever X and moveable weights 2, 3, 4, hand rope R, lever W, cams V, V,
levers U, U', connecting rod T, levers S, S', ports and passages A, B, C, E, stop Q
connecting rod P, lever O, arms O', O2, levers N, N', distributing valves 1, 1, and
starting valves i, , substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 11.
11. In combination with the lever H operating in succession moveable weights,
the moveable stop I, by which the extent of movement of the distributing valve is
determined, substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 12.
12. The combination with hydraulic cylinders and plungers or pistons by which
a weight is raised and lowered, of the lever H and moveable weights, the moveable
stop I, cylinder and piston H2, distributing valve l, and ports and passages for the
water, starting valves H, H', pipes G, G', G2, valve F, and safety rope M,
substantially as described, and illustrated in Figure 12.
13. In combination with cylinders moving in the opposite direction to the main
ram, the lever l' attached to the main chain or rope a, the ports and passages A, B, E,
distributing valve 1, and starting valves ', ², substantially as described and
illustrated in Figures 13, 14, and 15.
14. In balancing cylinders for direct hydraulic lifts without lifting chains or
ropes (as illustrated in Figures 16, 17, and 18) the combination of small rams
working in the opposite direction to the main ram or piston, with the lever H,
moveable weights, distributing valve 7 and ports and passages A, B, E, plunger N,
and starting valves ",, substantially as described and illustrated in Figure 16.
15. In balancing cylinders for direct hydraulic lifts without lifting chains or

page_text: ropes, the combination with the rams and cylinders, distributing valve M, and
ram K communicating with the lift cylinder A, as illustrated in Figure 19, of a
relief valve, arranged and operated substantially as and for the purpose described.
Dated this 10th day of March 1891.
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.