Improvements in Travelling Cranes
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Apr., 1891-Accepted, 4th July, 1891
UL
Improvements in Travelling Cranes
I, FREDERIC NORMAN DIXON, a Citizen of the United States, residing at
No. 3406 North Twenty-second Street in the City and County of Philadelphia, in
the State of Pennsylvania, United States of America, Patent Solicitor, 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 :-
My improvements relate to what are technically known as double-track travelling
cranes, in which a transversely extending bridge is adapted to be moved in either
direction with respect to and longitudinally of parallel bridge-ways, in which a
carriage or trolley is adapted to be moved in either direction with respect to and
longitudinally of said bridge, and in which a hoisting-tackle, sheave-provided fall-
block, or hook, depending from the trolley is adapted to have vertical movement
with respect thereto.
In cranes of the foregoing character the bridge-ways, bridge, trolley, and fall-
block, have been variously constructed and arranged, and the movement of the
bridge with respect to its ways, of the trolley with respect to the bridge, and of
the fall-block with respect to the trolley, have been accomplished by various
means.
In travelling cranes of what are known as the "movable-cable" type, hereinafter
referred to, as heretofore constructed, the bridge, the trolley, and the fall-block,
are three elements the various movements of which are derived from a fourth
element, namely, a motor or actuating device, operative upon a fifth element,
namely, a rope or cable device, being a connective medium between the motor and
the bridge, or the motor and the trolley, or the motor and the fall-block,—or, in
connection with brakes, between the motor and the bridge and the trolley, or the
motor and the bridge and fall-block, or the motor and the trolley and fall-block,
or, likewise in connection with brakes, between the motor and the bridge trolley
and fall-block.
-
While the history of the art shows merely mechanical variations in the con-
struction and relative arrangement of the bridge, trolley, fall-block, and motor, it
shows radical variations in the connective medium, being the rope or cable-
connection operative between the motors or actuating devices, and the bridge
trolley and fall-block or actuated or movable devices.
In order that my improvements may be understood, it is proper to briefly
describe the several important improvements in double-track travelling cranes
heretofore known to the art.
It being premised that a double-track travelling crane per se ante-dated them
all, one of those improvements comprehended a double-track travelling crane in
which fixed cables extending longitudinally of the bridge-ways were employed in
connection with mechanism carried by the trolley upon the bridge and adapted to
be engaged with said fixed cables in such manner that when operated, it, by virtue
of such engagement, occasioned the desired movements of both the bridge and
trolley or either of them.
Certain improvements upon the foregoing fixed-cable type of crane, comprehended
special mechanism located either on the trolley or the bridge, for securing the
propulsion of the bridge and trolley by the aid of the fixed cables.
Other inventions comprehended certain improvements in double-track travelling
cranes, known as "movable-cable" cranes, in which the bridge was pulled along by
moving cables (alone or in connection with a fixed cable), as distinguished from the
fixed cables of the earlier devices upon which the bridge was pulled along,―the
said movable cables having been suitably connected with the bridge and operated
from a motor either independent of the crane structure or carried by the bridge.

page_text: Another improvement comprehended a travelling crane of the movable-cable
type, in which a single movable cable engaged with the bridge and actuated by a
motor independent of the bridge was employed to occasion the travel of the bridge;
in which, also, a second single movable cable engaged with both the trolley and the
fall-block and also actuated by a motor independent of the bridge was, by the aid
of brakes applied in connection with the trolley, adapted to occasion the movements
of both the trolley and fall-block and of either of them.
Another improvement comprehended a travelling crane of the movable-cable type,
in which a single movable cable actuated by a motor independent of the bridge was
engaged not only with the bridge and trolley but also with the fall-block, and, by
the aid of brakes applied in connection with both the bridge and the trolley, was
operative upon any one of said three clements.
Another improvement comprehended a travelling crane of the movable-cable
type, in which a movable-cable-connection, actuated by motors independent of the
bridge, was engaged with both the bridge and the trolley, and, by the aid of brakes
applied in connection with the bridge, was operative upon either the bridge or the
trolley.
Another improvement comprehended a travelling crane of the movable-cable
type, in which a single movable cable engaged with the bridge trolley and fall-block
was, by the aid of brakes applied in connection with the bridge, operative upon
either the bridge or the fall-block.
Another improvement comprehended a travelling crane, in which a single movable
cable engaged with the bridge trolley and fall-block, was, without the aid of brakes,
operative upon the fall-block.
Such being a summary of the prior art, it should be further explained that my
improvements relate to travelling cranes of the movable-cable type, in which the
actuating mechanism is independent of the bridge and consequently of the crane
structure, and preferably grouped or concentrated in the region of what is termed
the "initial" as opposed to the "distant” "terminal" and of the bridge-ways
or "line."
or
The object of my improvements is the construction of a double-track travelling-
crane of the movable-cable type, in which the connective medium is common to
and operative upon any two or all three, that is to say upon a plurality, of the
movable devices, namely, the bridge the trolley and the fall-block, and adapted
solely through the instrumentality of suitable motive or actuating mechanisin
located at a point independent of the crane structure, and wholly without the aid of
brakes or kindred contrivances, to operate, as the case may be, any one, any two,
or all three of said movable elements, and in which every desired or possible
movement of said devices or elements, or of any one any two or all three of them,
can be induced through said cominon cable-connection as operated from a point
independent of the crane structure solely by said suitable motive mechanism
operative parts of which are in operative engagement with said cable-connection.
The brakes heretofore employed, and which, as stated, I dispense with, --have
been connected with or carried by either the bridge or the trolley, and have been
directly operative upon the cable-connection to, at will when operated, temporarily
but positively attach said connection to either one or to both of said elements.
My improvements, in this omission of brakes or their equivalent, comprehend a
radical departure from prior constructions of double-track movable-cable travelling
cranes, and careful contradistinction must, therefore, be drawn between that which
is of the essence of the invention and that which is merely formal and mechanical.
As a prefatory explanation it may, accordingly, be said that my invention
comprehends the combination with any two or with all three, that is to say with a
plurality, of the movable elements of a double-track travelling crane, of a movable-
cable-connection common to and operative upon any two or all three of said movable
elements and with respect to them operatively connected with suitable actuating
mechanism which comprises operative parts respectively adapted through said
cable-connection to control the respective movable devices, in such manner that said

page_text: cable-connection may, at will, by the action of the appropriate operative part or
parts of the actuating mechanism, be controlled to occasion any desired separate
successive or simultaneous movement of said movable devices, the operative part
or parts of said mechanism which are for the time being out of action simply
maintaining the movable device or devices which it or they control, at rest and
unaffected by the traction upon the common cable-connection occasioned by the
action of the operative part or parts in motion,-and all wholly without resort to
brakes or their equivalents.
The practical or mechanical or workshop embodiment of my improvements, that
is to say, the application and arrangement of the cable-connection with respect to
the movable devices, and the organization application and arrangement of the
actuating mechanism per se and with respect to the cable-connection, may be almost
indefinitely varied.
Several of the many possible and practical types of modification or variation
in the constructions and arrangements of the elements which in their organization
and relative application or arrangement equally and alike embody my improve-
ments, are represented in the accompanying drawings, and hereinafter described.
All of the figures of the accompanying drawings, except Figures 7, 8, 9, 18,
and 19, are diagrammatic views illustrating in outline or "dummy" plan, and with-
out regard to mechanical details which appertain solely to the workshop and are
within the province of any constructor, the general construction and special
applications and relative arrangements of the various elements in the combined
assemblage of which my improvements are embodied.
In all of the figures similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts, and
in all of them the parallel bridge ways are designated by the letter W, the bridge
by the letter 1, the trolley by the letter T, the fall-block by the letter F, the
cable-connection by powers of the letter C, the actuating or motor mechanism by
the letter M and by powers thereof both in upper and lower case, and the directing
sheaves, wherever designated, by numerals.
I have also, to facilitate description, applied to each sheet assumed cardinal
points of the compass.
In the drawings I have also represented actuating mechanism in the form only of
hydraulic rams or of drums assumed to be operated either by rams or otherwise, as
desired. It is, however, to be understood that in depicting only such devices, I do
not intend to limit myself to them alone as motors, but simply to indicate them as
convenient and useful types of motors, for which, however, may be substituted
other known motors actuated by steam, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, or
electricity.
Whenever, moreover, I represent as an operative part of the actuating
mechanism, a double ram embodying a pair of cable-sheave-provided plungers, the
movements of these plungers is to be understood as in uniformly equal opposite
correspondence.
Referring now to Figure 1, in which is represented a very simple embodiment or
type of my invention, in which the bridge trolley and fall-block are each and all
adapted to be operated by a common rope or cable-connection actuated by a motive
instrumentality independent of the bridge and preferably located and concentrated
at the initial end of the bridge-ways or "line," the bridge ways W, bridge B,
trolley T, and fall-block F, are all of any usual or preferred construction.
"
Of these devices the bridge trolley and fall-block may be designated as the
movable or actuated devices. The motive instrumentality or actuating
mechanism represented in this embodiment is composed of certain operative parts
or members, namely:-a motor drum M, adapted in any preferred manner to be
rotated in either direction upon its axis, a double ram composed of a pair of
cylinders M M², the plungers m² m² of which are at their outer extremities
equipped with plunger or cable sheaves m³ n, and a single hydraulic ram M*,
he plunger mx of which is similarly equipped with a plunger or cable sheave mo.
This motive mechanism considered as an entirety is operative upon the cable-

page_text: connection to occasion in it, or in selected portions or divisions of it, various move-
ments; and of its operative parts or members the drum may, for the sake of
explanation, be said to be the actuating device of the bridge or the bridge-moving
part or member,-the double ram the actuating device of the trolley or the trolley-
moving part or member, and the single ram the actuating device of the fall-block
or the fall-block-moving part or member.
The cable-connection, although herein for explanation described as composed of
portions or divisions, is, in fact, a unit intermediary of the actuating and actuated
devices.
Tracing the course of the cable-connection, the better to describe it, as shown in
the construction of said Figure 1, it may, for purposes of explanation only, be con-
sidered as commencing at and securely connected with the trolley at a, and, under
the designation of the division C', as passing thence down and around the usual
sheave of an ordinary fall-block F, thence up and around a trolley-sheave t, thence
east along the bridge to a bridge sheave at the eastern end of the bridge, thence
south along the eastern bridge-way to the initial end of the "line," thence around
one or more directing sheaves 1 and 2, thence around the plunger or cable-sheave mº
of the (fall-block) ram Mx, thence around a directing sheave 3, thence around the
plunger or cable sheave m³ of the cylinder M' of the double (trolley) ram, thence
around directing sheaves 4 and 5, and thence to and once or oftener around the
motor (bridge) drum M ;—and, under the designation of the division C², as passing
from said drum around one or more directing sheaves 6 and 7, thence north along
the eastern bridge-way to and around a directing sheave 8 at the terminal end of
the "line," thence south to the bridge, to which, in the arrangement shown, it is
securely fixed at, although for the purpose of illustrating its practical continuity
it may, as shown in Figure 18, be considered as continuing west along the bridge
to its point of connection at the western end of the bridge;-and, under the
designation of the division C, as passing thence north from the point of con-
nection to a directing sheave 9 at the terminal end of the "line," thence south
along the western bridge-way to a directing sheave 10 at the initial end of the
"line," thence east to a directing sheave 11, thence to and once or oftener around
the motor (bridge) drum M ;-and, under the designation of the division C³, as
passing from said drum around one or more directing sheaves 12 and 13, thence
around the plunger sheave m* of the cylinder M of the double (trolley) ram,
thence around one or more directing sheaves 14 and 15, thence north in the direction
of the western bridge-way to a bridge sheave at the western end of the bridge,
thence east along the bridge to a point of fixed attachment with the trolley, at
which point said cable-connection may, for the purposes of this explanation only.
be considered as terminating, although for the purpose of illustrating physical con-
tinuity, it may, as shown in Figure 18, be considered as united with the
division C¹.
Consideration of this cable-connection will render it apparent that, while for
descriptive purposes it has been treated as composed of divisions C¹, C³, C³, and C*,
and while it may be properly considered as so composed, it yet in fact and effect
and with equal propriety of consideration is, as shown in Figure 18, a practically
single rope or cable, which may as well be considered as starting from a part of the
actuating motor or from the bridge or fall-block as from the trolley, and which
runs a practically endless although divisional course in common operative con-
nection with all of the members (drum, double ram, and single ram) of the selected
type of motive or actuating mechanism of the crane, and also in common operative
connection with the other or "moving" members of the crane as an entirety,
namely, the bridge the trolley and the fall-block.
From a contemplation of the course and application of the so-called division C¹
of the cable-connection, it will moreover be readily apparent that if traction be
exerted upon said division C', the result, if the fall-block be down, will simply be to
raise it to the limit of its upward movement; ard be equally apparent that the
expulsion of the plunger m* of the single ram M* acting upon said branch C¹ will

page_text: serve to effect this result, from which it follows of course, that if the plunger be
retracted, the fall-block will descend.
From a contemplation of the courses and connection of all of the so-called
divisions of said cable-connection, it will be further apparent,-assuming the fall-
block either elevated taut as shown in Figure 9, or into contact with the trolley
as shown in Figure 8, or else held down by a load sufficient to maintain the
division C taut against traction, that if traction to the southward be exerted
equally and simultaneously upon the divisions C and C³, and release be simul-
taneously equally and correspondently made upon the divisions C and C+, the
bridge will be drawn to the south, the trolley simply acting as a continuation of
the bight formed by the running in along the bridge and practical merger in it of
the divisions C and C, and not itself moving.
It will be further apparent that if, upon the other hand, similar traction be
similarly exerted upon the divisions C2 and C, and similar simultaneous release be
similarly made upon the divisions C and C, the bridge will be caused to move to
the north, the trolley again not moving but being maintained in equilibrium by the
divisions C and C³."
Now the above described traction upon a given pair of the divisions of the cable-
connection, and the above-described proportional release upon the correspondingly-
opposite (antipodal) pair of divisions, s easily and accurately effected by the
rotation in one or the other direction of the motor drum M with which all of the
so-called divisions of the cable-connection are, by being wrapped around it,
operatively engaged,-the said rotation operating to pull in and to correspondingly
pay out the opposing pairs of divisions. The motor drum, therefore, according to
the direction of its rotation, occasions, in the typical organization under discussion,
the travel of the bridge either north or south, without in any wise affecting
either the trolley or the fall-block.
From a still further consideration of the so-called divisions and points of
application of the cable-connection, it will be further apparent that if, while the
divisions C and Care held or maintained so as to be temporarily inactive or
static, the division C¹ be pulled to the south and the division C³ correspondently
and simultaneously released so that it may move to the north, the trolley will be
drawn to the cast; whereas if, during the similar inaction or repose of the
divisions C and C, the division (3 be pulled to the south and the division C
correspondently and simultaneously released so that it may move to the north, the
trolley will be drawn to the west, the bridge in either case remaining in a state of
equilibrium or rest.
This corresponding opposite manipulation of divisions which in the typical
organization under discussion directly act upon the trolley or the trolley and
fall-block, as C¹ and C, while other divisions, as C² and C³, are permitted to be
inactive and maintained at rest, is, in said typical organization, conveniently
accomplished by the correspondingly opposite movement of the cable-sheave-
provided plungers of the double ram MM,-traction upon the division C¹ being
occasioned by the expulsion of the plunger in of the cylinder M', while equal
release upon the division C is simultaneously and correspondently made by
the retraction of the plunger m² of the cylinder M³, which retraction, as explained,
is necessarily correspondently opposite to the movement of expulsion of the
plunger m'.
Obviously, the reverse movement of the said plungers m' and m² will occasion
through the expulsion of the plunger m² and the retraction of the plunger m², traction
upon the division C and correspondent release upon the division C', with the result
that the trolley will under such action be moved to the west instead of to the east
as in the movement of the associated rams first described.
Having now explained in what manner the actuating mechanism is operative, in
the construction represented in Figure 1 under discussion, to occasion the separate
operation of the fall-block, or of the trolley, or of the bridge, it will be manifest
that any one of these so-called "movable" elements (bridge, trolley, or full-block)

page_text: may be separately first moved and the other two be in either sequence subsequently
moved, or that any two or all three may be simultaneously moved, and this by
reason of the fact that the rope division C will always run idly although in
operative connection or engagement with respect to the cable-sheave of
the single (fall-block) ram M*; and that, similarly, the rope divisions C₁ C' will
always run idly although in operative connection with respect to the cable-sheaves
of the double (trolley) ram M' M2, and this notwithstanding what for the time
being may be the extent or direction of the movement of the cable-connection
considered as an entirety under the movements imparted to it by the rotation of
the motor drum M.
It is equally apparent that any predetermined movement of either the double
ram M M or of the single ram M* or of both, may be made simultaneously and
without any possible interference with any predetermined movement of the motor
drum M.
So far, however, as the double ram M¹ M³ (or, in fact, any of the associated
rams represented or herein described), are concerned, the portions of the divisions
upon which they act may, for the purpose of explanation, be, in the typical
embodiments represented in the drawings, considered simply as so many added
lengths or loops of the cable-connection per se, the corresponding opposite
manipulation (shortening and lengthening) of the two halves, so to speak, of which
particular lengths or loops to occasion the movement of one movable device, is
wholly without effect upon all remaining added lengths or loops of said cable-
connection by the lengthening or shortening of which other movable devices are
moved.
In the foregoing embodiment of my invention, which is not, however,
individualized and first described because the preferred embodiment, it is obvious
that the several movements, separate successive or simultaneous, of the bridge
trolley and fall-block are occasioned through manipulations of the so-called divisions
of the cable-connection; and, by a parity of reasoning, said cable-connection being
a unit, by the manipulation of said connection itself; and obvious that this mani-
pulation is occasioned by the operation of the actuating mechanism or of the
operative parts thereof.
It is further apparent that the so-called manipulation of the cable-connection to
occasion bridge or trolley movements, is synonymous with the exertion of traction
or force to take up or pull in a given division or given divisions or portions of
said connection, when simultaneously accompanied by the correspondent release or
paying out of another or of other given divisions or portions, which in the selected
movements are correspondingly opposite (antipodal) divisions or portions of the
said cable-connection, and this wholly without regard to whether other given
divisions or portions of said cable-connection are maintained by the actuating
mechanism in a condition of temporary rest or inaction.
Thus the travel of the bridge in either direction is occasioned by traction upon
divisions or portions of the cable-connection in relatively fixed or operative
engagement with the bridge and leading from said bridge in the direction of
its desired movement, when such traction is simultaneously accompanied by the
correspondent release of maintenance balance equilibrium or retention, of other
divisions or portions of said cable-connection likewise in relatively fixed or operative
engagement with said bridge and leading therefrom in a direction opposite to that
of its desired movement, without regard to whether said divisions considered with
respect to their relation with the trolley or fall-block are active or inactive.
Thus, again, the travel of the trolley in either direction is occasioned by traction
exerted upon portions or divisions of the cable-connection in relatively fixed or
operative engagement with it and leading from said trolley in the direction of
its desired movement, when such traction is simultaneously accompanied by the
correspondent release of maintenance balance equilibrium or retention of other
portions or divisions of said cable-connection likewise in relatively fixed or
operative engagement with said trolley and leading therefrom in a direction

page_text: opposite to that of its desired movement,-without regard to whether other
divisions or portions are maintained in a condition of temporary rest or
inaction.
It is still further apparent that the so-called manipulation of the cable-connection
to occasion the movement of the fall-block toward or from the trolley, is
synonymous either with the exertion of traction to take up or of release to
pay out a selected portion or division of said connection, and this also wholly
without regard to whether other portions or divisions of said cable-connection are
in motion under the action of the actuating mechanism or are by it maintained in a
condition of temporary rest or inaction.
Thus the movement of the fall-block toward or from the trolley is occasioned
either by the traction or by the release of a portion of the cable-connection which
is selected to be placed in operative engagement with said fall-block, and without
regard to whether other divisions or portions of said cable-connection happen to be
in a condition of action or of inaction or temporary maintenance in their then
position.
In any one of the possible movements of the bridge trolley or fall-block, which,
as stated, may be made either separately, or successively in any preferred sequence,
or simultaneously, the operating power applied to the cable-connection, that is
to say to a selected division or selected divisions thereof, is preferably applied
to said connection at a point of actuation independent of the crane structure and
bridge, and preferably in the region of the initial end of the line, and applied by a
motive or actuating instrumentality of any preferred character located at said
point, as to its components or several operative members preferably concentrated,
and by virtue of its organization susceptible of the separate or, in any preferred
sequence, of the successive, or of the simultaneous, movement of its operative
members, be they drums or rams or other preferred mechanical contrivances
under the volitional control of an operator,-upon the common cable-connection.
Such being the case, it is apparent that variations in the structure of the motor
and in the arrangement and application of the common cable-connection may
be almost indefinitely embodied and applied.
Thus, for instance, assuming the cable-connection to lead in the form of double
and oppositely corresponding divisions or pairs, as for instance, C¹ C³ and C³ C¹
away from the actuating mechanism, these divisions or pairs may be connected
with the bridge and trolley, or with the bridge trolley and fall-block, in an
almost indefinite variety of ways, and, for instance, in any one of the several
typical arrangements selected at random and depicted in the drawings.
Thus in Figures 2, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 19, the divisions C¹ and C³ are both
directly led to the bridge and then both in to engagement with the trolley, while
the divisions C and C+ are both led first to the distant end of the line, then back to
the bridge, and then both in to engagement with the trolley.
Thus, again, in Figures 1, 6, 12, 13 and 18, the divisions C¹ and C³ are both
directly led to the bridge and then both in to engagement with the trolley, while
the divisions C and Care both first led to the distant end of the line, and
then both back to the bridge and respectively engaged therewith.
Thus, again, in Figures 3, 10, and 11 the divisions C1 and Care both directly
led to the bridge, and respectively engaged therewith, while the divisions C and C+
are both first led to the distant end of the line, then both back to the bridge, and
then both in to engagement with the trolley.
In the first of the foregoing arrangements in which all four of the divisions are
led in to the trolley, it is apparent, as indicated in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 14 to 17
inclusive, that any one of them may be selected to pass over a trolley sheave,
thence down and around a sheave of the fall-block, and thence up to a point of
engagement with the trolley, or, as hereinafter more particularly explained, and as,
for instance, shown in Figures 18 and 19, of endless connection with another.
division, so as to form a bight, simple or multiplied, with respect to which the
fall-block is suspended.

page_text: In the last two of the foregoing arrangements in which either the divisions C³ and C³
or else the divisions C2 and C are respectively led in to the trolley, it is apparent
that either of the said divisions so led in may be passed over a trolley sheave, thence
down and around a sheave of the fall-block, and thence up to a point of fixed
attachment with the trolley, or, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, of endless connection 5
with its opposite or balancing division. These various arrangements, which are
purely mechanical, are respectively represented in Figures 1, 6. 12, and 13, and in
Figures 3, 10, and 11, of the drawings.
It is proper in this connection to reiterate that the fall-block may be constituted
by a simple hook at the end of a division of the cable-connection, adapted to carry 1
the load and to be at will raised to the trolley so as to "chock" against it to
render the said division taut for traction.
Thus, upon the other hand, considering the actuating mechanism, it is apparent
that the motor drum M, represented in Figure 1, and herein before described, as that
member of the actuating mechanism by the rotation of which in either direction the
bridge movement is, in the organization depicted, occasioned, may be replaced, as
shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, by a double ram M³ Me, the plungers m³ m of which
are connected respectively with or otherwise respectively operative upon the
divisions C¹C and C C of the cable-connection in such manner that by the
corresponding opposite movement of said plungers traction is exerted upon 2
the divisions C and C³ and simultaneous release made of the divisions C and C+,
or traction exerted upon the divisions C² and C, and simultaneous release made of
the divisions C and C³, to the end of occasioning the desired movement of the
bridge.
In the construction represented in Figure 3 the ram M' M2 which occasions the 2
trolley movement is shown as operative upon the divisions C² and C', while in
Figure 6 the said ram M' M³, which in said construction similarly occasions the
trolley movement, is shown as operative upon the divisions C¹ and C³.
In either of these constructions it is obvious that when the ram M* M* which
occasions the bridge movement is in action and the ram M' M² inactive, the cable- 3
connection, whether it be the divisions C and C+ or the divisions C¹ and C³,
operative in connection with said ram M' M³, runs idly with respect to the cable
sheaves of its plungers during the period of the action of the said ram M* M*.
In the construction shown in Figure 6 the ram M M which is operative to
occasion the movement of the bridge, is organized with double sheaves upon its 3
plungers, and the divisions C¹ C and CC are shown as anchored at m, in lieu of
the fixed attachment or anchoring of the said divisions C₁C and C'C' respectively
to the plungers m' me as is illustrated in the construction of Figure 3.
In Figure 2 in which the actuating mechanism is of the organization shown in
Figure 1, both divisions C' C³ are led over double plunger sheaves m³, and both 4
divisions C and C+ led over double plunger sheaves m,-the only distinction being
that in the construction of Figure 1 only the divisions C' and are led over the
plunger sheaves happening to be single sheaves, while the divisions C and C+ are
fed directly to the motor drum M.
In Figure 5 the double ram M M is shown as operative upon the divisions C¹ C³ 4
and CC to occasion the bridge movement, the plungers m n being provided with
double sheaves for engagement with said divisions, while the double ram M' M² is
shown as fixedly connected through its plungers respectively with the divisions C¹ C³
and C²C, to occasion the trolley movement.
In the construction represented in Figure 4 the double ram M'M' is operative
through its plungers, which are equipped with double sheaves, respectively upon
the divisions C¹C and C2C to occasion the bridge movement, while the trolley
movement is occasioned by the operation of a drum M' around which are led all
of the divisions C¹ and C³ being respectively, so to speak, continuations of each other
or endless, and C* C* similarly respectively continuations of each other or endless.
It is obvious that according to the direction of the rotation of the drum M',
simultaneous traction will, in this construction, either be exerted upon the

page_text: divisions C and C³, accompanied by the correspondent simultaneous release of
the divisions C and C, with the result that the trolley is moved to the east, or
else that simultaneous traction will be exerted upon the divisions C and C+,
accompanied by the correspondent simultaneous release of the divisions C¹ and C³,
with the result that the trolley will be moved to the west. Obviously, the trolley
movement may take place either simultaneously with or before or after the bridge
movement.
Whatever be the preferred arrangement of the actuating mechanism and cable-
connection to occasion the operation of the bridge and trolley, the operation of the
fall-block is preferably occasioned by the application of a ram, being an operative
part or member of the actuating mechanism proper under the control of an operator,
and operative upon whatever portion or division of the cable-connection happens to
be selected as that division or portion which is extended into a loop or bight below
the trolley and provided with a fall-block, or which, as explained, is directly
connected with the load-engaging device.
This division or portion, as the various arrangements of the cable-connection
depicted in Figures 10 to 17 inclusive of the drawings illustrate, may be any one of the
divisions C¹¹³ C³C, or it may in fact be a combined division, so to speak,
as in the case of the endless continuation into each other, so to speak,
longitudinally across the trolley of the divisions C₁ and C³, as shown in
Figures 18 and 19, or of the divisions C and C+, or transversely across the trolley
of the divisions C1 and C2 or the divisions C³ and C*.
I have not deemed it necessary to illustrate every one of these last above named
obvious special arrangements, it being, as explained, inconsequential whether the
so-called divisions of the cable-connection are in selected pairs united with or
merged into each other at the trolley (or the bridge), or whether they are at the
trolley (or the bridge) divided and each directly connected to it, one preferably
through the intervention of the fall-block or load-grapple.
It is proper to again state, that the fact that a particular division or portion of
the cable-connection is operative upon or in connection with the fall-block, in no
wise affects the capacity of said division for operation upon the trolley and the
bridge, because, if the fall-block be not loaded with a load the power required to
raise which is greater than that required to move either the bridge or the trolley
(in which event the division carrying the fall-block is operatively taut throughout
its course), it is only necessary to first actuate the motor to raise the fall-block or
its housing preferably into contact with the trolley, to render the branch which
carries said fall-block operatively taut throughout its course, and consequently
operative for occasioning the movement of either the bridge or the trolley.
To facilitate the last named operation I find it convenient to provide the fall-
block with a housing, such, for instance, as shown in Figure 8, adapted to make
contact with a spring buffer tx upon the trolley. This, however, is simply a device
of convenience for which there are obvious substitutes, such, for instance, as an
arrangement in which the division is simply pulled out taut with the fall-block or
grapple "dangling" on it, as shown in Figure 9.
In speaking of the divisions of the cable-connection as being taut throughout
their course, I do not mean to be understood that in practice there is no slack in
them, but simply that they are with respect to bridge trolley and fall-block, the
various operative parts or members of the motor, and the various directing sheaves
over which they pass, under sufficient tension to, without lost motion, occasion,
under the impulse of the motor, any desired movement of the bridge, trolley, or
fall-block.
Having now described several constructions alike embodying my invention in
each of which a common cable-connection is by the aid of the operative parts of the
actuating mechanism, potent to, without the aid of brakes or kindred contrivances,
occasion the separate, in any sequence successive, or simultaneous, movements of
any one any two or all three of the three moving elements (bridge trolley and
fall-block) of the crane,-it is proper to explain that my invention comprehends

page_text: constructions in which a common cable-connection in operative engagement with
given operative parts of the actuating mechanism is employed to occasion only the
separate or simultaneous movement of any two and not of the third of the said
three moving elements, for instance, of the bridge and trolley, but not of the fall-
block, or of the bridge and fall-block, but not of the trolley,-or of the trolley
and fall-block, but not of the bridge, and in which other means than the common
cable-connection of the other two elements is employed to occasion the movement
of the fall-block, of the trolley, or of the bridge, as the case may be.
I make this explanation not because it is, in my judgment, of advantage to
resort to any one of these plans, but to emphasize the fact that it is competent for
me to do so without departure from my invention.
As already explained, in order to simplify the illustration, the actuating
mechanism is represented in "dummy" plan, but it is to be understood that in the
practical employment of my invention the motor drums when employed are of the
usual construction of cable-propelling drums and are operated by any power
adapted to rotate them in either direction; and also to be understood that the
cylinders of the hydraulic rams are suitably and preferably vertically disposed, and
provided with suitable pipe connections from a source of hydraulic pressure and
with the usual valves for controlling the movement of their plungers. All such
details, however, being within the province of the constructor, are, for simplicity,
omitted from the drawings.
It is further to be remarked that where rams occasion the movement of the bridge,
devices for multiplying the thrust of their plungers are preferably applied, for the
reason that, the bridge movement being of greater extent than the trolley movement
and it not being desired to employ cylinders and plungers of great length, it is of
advantage to arrange them with several sheaves not only upon the plungers but also
upon the distant end of their cylinders, or other permanent body, in a manner well
known and typically represented in Figure 7, in order that by leading the divisions
of the cable-connection operative in connection with given cylinders and plungers
around their sheaves in the manner indicated, for instance, in the cylinder and
plunger represented in said Figure 7, the thrust of the plungers occasioning the
cable-movement will be multiplied by the number of turns which the cable-connection
makes with reference to the sheaves of the said plungers and cylinders.
It is further to be understood that the throttle or valve levers or kindred
devices which operate to control the desired movements of the operative parts of
the motor, and which are indicated, but, for clearness, not lettered in the drawings,
are preferably concentrated at a single point, so that a single operator can, without
moving from his post, control every member of the motor and of every operative
part thereof, and consequently occasion any desired movement of any "moving"
member (bridge trolley or fall-block) of the crane.
Obviously, the association or correlation of the operative parts or members of the
motor controlling the cable-connection with the bridge, is, from a mechanical
stand-point, such as to occasion uniform traction or release upon correspondingly
opposite divisions or portions of said cable-connection, to the end that in the
movement of the bridge upon its ways the traction upon each of its ends may be
equal, and the bridge in consequence be controlled against torsion.
In conclusion, it is manifest that whatever be the selected type of apparatus in
which my invention be embodied, the mutual relationship of all of the instru-
mentalities which together constitute the apparatus as an entirety, is such that my
desired movement of the bridge or the trolley or the fall-block may be performed
without any interference with the simultaneous performance of any movement of
which either or both of the other two members is capable; and that, in consequence,
the bridge, for instance, may be moved to any extent in either direction without
reference to the position upon it which the trolley for the time being occupies, and
without reference, in fact, to whether the trolley be at rest or in motion; and that
similarly the trolley may be moved in either direction upon the bridge without
regard to the position which the latter occupies upon the ways, and without

page_text: reference to whether it be at rest or in motion, and also without respect to the
height which the fall-block, when loaded, occupies with reference to it, and without
regard to the elevation or descent of said fall-block; and, in consequence, that the
fall-block may be lifted or dropped without regard to the action or temporary rest
of the bridge or the trolley, or to the relative position of the bridge with respect to
its ways or of the trolley with respect to the bridge.
In a word, any movement of the bridge or the trolley or the fall-block may be
separately performed independently or in any predetermined sequence, or any
movement of either two, or of all three, of said elements may be simultaneously
performed, without mutual interference, the apparatus in its entirety possessing
the capacity for the simultaneous, the successive, or the separate, use of either the
operative parts or members which together compose its actuating mechanism or of
the moving parts or members which together compose its actuated mechanism.
The advantages appertaining to my invention are so obvious to those familiar
with cranes of the movable-cable type as heretofore constructed, as not to require
special mention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a travelling crane, in combination :-a movable bridge,-a movable
trolley, a movable fall-block,-a cable-connection common to and operatively
engaged with a plurality of said movable devices, and actuating mechanism
independent of the crane structure, the operative parts of which are independently
operative upon said common cable-connection, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
2. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a cable-connection common to and operatively engaged with both,-and
actuating mechanism independent of the crane structure, and embodying bridge-
moving parts and independent frolley-moving parts both of which are operative
upon the common cable-connection, substantially as set forth.
3. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a bridge and a trolley,-a cable-
connection common to both, connected with the trolley, and passing around bridge
sheaves, and actuating mechanism comprising independently operative trolley-
moving parts and bridge-moving parts engaged upon common divisions of the
cable-connection and which are adapted to simultaneously or separately take up
and pay out portions of said cable-connection,-substantially as and for the purposes
set forth.
4. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a bridge and a trolley,-a cable-
connection common to both, connected with the trolley, and passing around bridge
sheaves, and actuating mechanism comprising independently operative trolley-
moving parts and bridge-moving parts engaged upon common divisions of the
cable-connection, and one of which moving parts is equipped with cable sheaves
which in its operation act to correspondently take up and pay out portions of said
cable-connection, substantially as set forth.
5. In a travelling crane, in combination -a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a cable-connection leading in opposite directions from the bridge and in
opposite directions from the trolley, the divisions which lead from the trolley
passing around bridge sheaves near the extremities of the bridge and all the
divisions extending along the bridge ways,-and actuating mechanism, an
operative part of which is adapted to correspondently take up and pay out
divisions of said cable-connection leading from opposite sides of one of said
movable devices, and an operative part of which, comprising correspondently
associated sheave-equipped members, is interposed between the operative part
first mentioned and the movable devices, and is adapted to correspondently take up
and pay out divisions of said cable-connection leading from opposite sides of the
other of said movable devices,-substantially as set forth.

page_text: 6. In a travelling crane, in combination :-a movable bridge and a movable
trolley, a cable-connection which is common to and operatively engaged with
both, and actuating mechanism comprising independently operative trolley-moving
parts and bridge-moving parts engaged upon the common cable-connection, one of
which moving parts embodies a pair of cable sheaves which operate in association
and with reference to directing sheaves in such manner that one of the pair takes
up while the other pays out a portion of the cable-connection, and the other of
which moving parts, in order to shift or move the other movable device, moves or
shifts said cable-connection through or with respect to said cable-sheaves,―
substantially as set forth.
7. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a bridge,-a trolley,-a cable-
connection in operative engagement with both said bridge and trolley,-and
actuating mechanism independent of the crane structure, operative parts of which
are in operative engagement with said cable connection and through it adapted to
occasion the movement of both said bridge and trolley or either of them, and the
action of the bridge-moving parts of which when accompanied by the inaction of
the trolley-moving parts occasions the travel of the bridge and the rest of the
trolley, the action of the trolley-moving parts of which when accompanied by
the inaction of the bridge-moving parts occasions the movement of the trolley and
the rest of the bridge, and the simultaneous action of both the bridge-moving
and the trolley-moving parts of which occasions the independent but simultaneous
movement of both bridge and trolley,-substantially as set forth.
8. In a travelling crane, in combination :-a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a movable fall-block,-a cable-connection common to and operatively
engaged with said bridge and fall-block, and actuating mechanism independent of
the crane structure, and embodying independently operating bridge-moving parts
and fall-block-moving parts, both of which are operative upon the common cable-
connection, substantially as set forth.
9. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a movable fall-block,-a cable-connection common to and operatively
engaged with both said trolley and said fall-block, and actuating mechanism
independent of the crane structure, and embodying independently operating
trolley-moving parts and fall-block-moving parts, both of which are operative upon
the common cable-connection,-substantially as set forth.
10. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a movable fall-block,-a cable-connection common to and operatively
engaged with said bridge trolley and fall-block, and actuating mechanism
independent of the crane structure, and embodying bridge-moving parts trolley-
moving parts and fall-block-moving parts all of which are independently operative
upon said common cable-connection, substantially as set forth.
11. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a fall-block,-a cable-connection leading in opposite directions from the
bridge and in opposite directions from the trolley, the divisions which lead from
the trolley passing around bridge sheaves near the extremities of the bridge, all of
the divisions extending along the bridge ways, and one division leading from the
trolley being engaged with the fall-block, and actuating mechanism, an operative
part of which is adapted to correspondently take up and pay out divisions of said
cable-connection leading from opposite sides of either of said movable devices
(bridge or trolley), an operative part of which, comprising correspondently
associated sheave-equipped members, is interposed between the operative part
first mentioned and the aforesaid movable devices, and is adapted to correspondently
take up and pay out divisions of said cable-connection which lead from opposite
sides of the other of said movable devices, and an operative part of which,
comprising a sheave-equipped member, is engaged with that cable division which is
engaged with the fall-block,-substantially as set forth.
12. In a travelling crane, in combination:-a movable bridge, a movable
trolley, a movable fall-block,-a cable-connection in operative engagement with

page_text: said movable devices, and actuating mechanism independent of the crane
structure, the bridge-operative trolley-operative and fall-block-operative parts of
which are in operative engagement with said cable-connection and adapted through
it either by action to occasion the movement or by inaction to secure the rest, of
any or all of said movable devices,-the arrangement being such that a given
operative part or given operative parts are active or inactive at will without
reference to the action or inaction of other given operative parts or of another
given operative part,-substantially as set forth.
13. In a travelling crane, in combination :-a bridge and a trolley,-a cable-
connection common to both connected with the trolley and passing around bridge
sheaves, and actuating mechanism, comprising bridge-moving parts and trolley-
moving parts, one of which moving parts consists of a drum, and the other of a
pair of associated cable-sheave-provided plungers interposed between the first
named moving part and the bridge and trolley, and engaged upon the appropriate
divisions of the cable-connection,-substantially as set forth.
Dated this 3rd day of April A.D. 1891.
Witnesses:
LEWIS ALTMAIER.
JOHN HOWARD MORRIS.
FREDERIC NORMAN DIXON.