Improvements in Driving or Propelling Mechanism for Trans- mitting Power for Operating Lathes, Capstans, Sewing Machines. Velocipedes, and other Machines and MechanicalW MACHINES, VELOCIPEDES AND OTHER MACHINES AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; WHICH JMPROVEMENTS follows:AREBLE TO
Year: 1885

page_text: Improvements in Driving or Propelling Mechanism for Trans-
mitting Power for Operating Lathes, Capstans, Sewing
Machines. Velocipedes, and other Machines and Mechanical
I GEORGE RICHARD POSTLETHWAITE of Park Road Aston Manor near Bir-
mingham in the County of Warwick, Engineer do hereby declare the nature of
said invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN DRIVING OR PROPELLING MECHANISM FOR
TRANSMITTING POWER FOR OPERATING LATHES, CAPSTANS, SEWING MACHINES,
VELOCIPEDES AND OTHER MACHINES AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; WHICH
JMPROVEMENTS
follows:-
ARE APPLICABLE TO BRAKE AND CLUTCH MECHANISM to be as
My invention has for its object to supersede the use of what is known as the
crank action or motion commonly employed for driving or propelling foot lathes,
capstans, sewing machines, fret saws, bicycles, tricycles and other similar machines
and appliances, in which the crank has hitherto been indispensable; and my said
improvements are for the purpose of obviating or getting rid of what is commonly
known as dead centres, occasioned in converting a reciprocating into a rotary motion,
in transmitting power from a common source, to the machine or object to be worked
or operated-It is well known that the dead centre of a crank offers positive
resistance to the force applied, which occurs twice in each revolution of a crank;
that is, the top and bottom of the stroke, if the stroke be applied in a vertical
direction, or in the two opposite points of the application of the applied force, so
that any amount of force applied in the directions indicated is ineffective; from the
fact that the force being applied in an unavailable direction, unless some expedient
be applied in carrying the crank onward.
Thus again in all single crank motions where two cranks are used in the same
line, it is necessary that the speed should be sufficient to pass the dead centres
aforesaid; which said speed or motion must be sufficiently great to cause a con-
tinuance of the cranks through the entire distance, a portion of which is termed the
back stroke, or the aforesaid motion of the crank as in foot lathes and secwing and

page_text: other like machines, this as in most other cases may be truly said that the power
applied by the foot is in no-ways effective beyond about one third the revolution of
the crank, so that to ensure the complete revolution of the crank, two thirds more
power must be applied just at the available time to accomplish continual rotation
for the driving of a shaft.
The last opportunity of applying power during the back or upward stroke of a
foot lathe, tricycle or other treadle machine is usually compensated for by employing
two cranks at opposite angles, so that even in this case, only ab ut two thirds of
the power expended is rendered available for the transmission of power but still the
dead centres have to be overcome, which necessitates additional power, first with
one foot and then with the other, which necessarily creates a wobbling or uneven
motion in the machine, and further, in starting, the foot or feet must follow the
whole stroke of the crank, so as to be in readiness at the right moment.
In carrying out my invention, instead of the crank or cranks as before described,
I take a plain disc or wheel of any suitable diameter or thickness, the periphery of
which is perfectly even and smooth-This plain wheel or disc I mount upon the
driving shaft or axle to be driven or propelled which is affixed to the said shaft or
axle by a key or feather-The said plain disc or wheel I hereafter call the driving
wheel, and upon each of its sides I mount coupling plates which constitute coupling
links or levers for the purpose as hereinafter described-The coupling plates are of
any suitable thickness and shape but are preferably made with circular ends and
their sides tapering lengthways; the length is determined according to the object
or machine to which they are to be applied.
The said coupling plates are provided at their ends with joint holes or piercings,
the one end of which turns upon the shaft or other axle carrying the driving
wheel, while the other turns upon a joint pin which connects the plates to an
actuating lever; that is, the end of larger diameter turns freely upon the shaft or
spindle while the narrow or extended end projects some distance beyond the peri-
phery of the driving wheel-A lever of the thickness of the division between the
plates is introduced between the projecting portion of the plates, with its inner end
projecting against the periphery of the driving wheel-The said lever is connected
to the coupling plates by a joint pin or fulcrum, so that the distance between this
fulcrum and the acting end of the lever is considerable less than the other end.
The acting end of the lever is straight or at right angles to the axis of the lever
or a line passing through the combined centres of the lever and links-The back
part of the acting end of the lever is curved to the same radius as the driving
wheel which is fixed upon the driving axis of the machine-The plain or straight
part constitutes the grip, while the curved part forms a guide for allowing the
lever to move back the necessary distance to give the desired propulsion by the
forward movement.
The action of the driving or propelling mechanism is as follows-On the back-
ward movement of the compound lever composed of a lever proper and coupling
plates, the former being jointed to the latter, at a short distance from its acting
end, while the coupling plates are jointed and turn upon centres or joints on the
axis of the driving wheel-The result is the end of the acting lever which is pre-
vented to the driving wheel or boss glides evenly over its surface on being moved
in a backward direction; that is, the back motion has no effect, as the back part is
of a like radius as the wheel; but the stroke in the opposite or forward direction
brings that part of the acting end which is out of the radius of the wheel into
intimate contact with the wheel's periphery, gripping the said periphery and com-
pelling the wheel to move with the lever as if the lever and wheel were rigid ; thus
overcoming any resistance that may be offered to the lever's motion and thereby
driving or propelling the driving axle of a machine.
The powerful grip exerted by the end of the lever upon the periphery of the
driving wheel results from the change of angle of the compound lever, which creates
a wedge of infinite variation, as the position of the centres or joints of the system
change from an axial line by giving the lever a succession of alternate motions; a

page_text: continuous rotation is given to the working shaft or spindle of the machine or
appliance, without dead points or centres to overcome. The applied power is
always direct and available with no angle of resistance through the entire revolu-
tion. And as there is no fixed distance to traverse, like the throw of a crank, the
power can be applied at any time, or at any part of the revolution of the shaft so
driven; nor is it needful to give a full swing stroke, unless the resistance is very
great, such as at first starting, but a very high velocity may be attained by a quick
succession of short strokes of the lever. And lastly there is no defined limits as to
the length of stroke that shall be given to the lever when applied either in single
or duplicate which is available at opposite angles.
In its application to sewing machines, my invention is most favourable, as it
prevents backward motion and prevents the breakage of the needle, and other
damage to the work.
The angle of the gripping part may be more or less removed from a right angle
or tangent line as described; and instead of employing a double coupling link, a
single link may be employed with like effect.
The application of my invention to brake and clutch mechanism, differs in no
essential respect from its application to driving or propelling mechanism herein-
before described, other than that the wheel formerly described as the driving wheel
now rotates upon a shaft or spindle, and the lever is moved a sufficient distance
only, to retard or stop the velocity of the wheel by the bite or grip of its acting end.
Dated this first day of January 1885.

page_text: Machines, Velocipedes, and other Machines and Mechanical
Appliances; which Improvements are Applicable to Brake
and Clutch Mechanism.
I GEORGE RICHARD POSTLETHWAITE of Park Road Aston Manor near Bir-
mingham in the County of Warwick Engineer do hereby declare the nature of
said invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN DRIVING OR PROPELLING MECHANISM FOR
TRANSMITTING POWER FOR OPERATING LATHES, CAPSTANS, SEWING MACHINES
VELOCIPEDES, AND OTHER MACHINES AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO BRAKE AND CLUTCH MECHANISM" and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:—
My invention has for its object to supersede the use of what is known as the
crank action or motion commonly employed for driving or propelling foot lathes,
capstans, sewing machines, fret saws, bicycles, tricycles and other similar machines
and appliances, in which the crank has hitherto been indespensable; and my said
improvements are for the purpose of obviating or getting rid of what is commonly
known as dead centres, occasioned in converting a reciprocating into a rotary
motion, in transmitting power from a common source, to the machine or object to
be worked or operated. It is well known that the dead centre of a crank offers
positive resistance to the force applied, which occurs twice in each revolution of a
crank; that is, the top and bottom of the stroke, if the stroke be applied in a
vertical direction; or in the two opposite points of the application of the applied
force, so that any amount of force applied in the directions indicated is ineffective;
from the fact that the force being applied in an unavailable direction, unless some
expedient be applied in carrying the crank onward.
Thus again in all single crank motions where two cranks are used in the same
line, it is necessary that the speed should be sufficient to pass the dead centres
aforesaid; which said speed or motion must be sufficiently great to cause a
continuance of the cranks through the entire distance, a portion of which is termed
the back stroke, or the aforesaid motion of the crank as in foot lathes and sewing
and other like machines; this as in most other cases may be truly said that the
power applied by the foot is in no way effective beyond about one third the
revolution of the crank, so that to ensure the complete revolution of the crank, two
thirds more power must be applied just at the available time to accomplish
continual rotation for the driving of a shaft.
The lost opportunity of applying power during the back or upward stroke
of a foot lathe, tricycle or other treadle Machine is usually compensated for by

page_text: employing two cranks at opposite angles, so that even in this case, only about
two thirds of the power expended is rendered available for the transmission of
power.
But still the dead centres have to be overcome, which necessitates additional
power, first with one foot and then with the other, which necessarily creates a
wobbling or uneven motion in the machine; and further, in starting, the foot or
feet must follow the whole stroke of the crank, so as to be in readiness at the right
moment.
In carrying out my invention instead of the crank or cranks as before described,
I take a plain disc or wheel of any suitable diameter or thickness, the periphery of
which is perfectly even and smooth. This plain wheel or disc I mount upon the
driving shaft or axle to be driven or propelled which is affixed to the said shaft or
axle by a key or feather. The said plain disc or wheel I hereafter call the driving
wheel, and upon each of its sides I mount coupling plates which constitute
coupling links or levers for the purpose as hereinafter described. The coupling
plates are of any suitable thickness and shape, but are preferably made with
circular ends and their sides tapering lengthways; the length is determined
according to the object or machine to which they are to be applied.
The said coupling plates are provided at their ends with joint holes or piercings,
the one end of which turns upon the shaft or other axle carrying the driving wheel,
while the other turns upon a joint pin which connects the plates to an actuating
lever; that is, the end of larger diameter turns freely upon the shaft or spindle
while the narrow or extended end projects some distance beyond the periphery of
the driving wheel. A lever of the thickness of the division between the plates is
introduced between the projecting portions of the plates, with its inner end
projecting against the periphery of the driving wheel. The said lever is connected
to the coupling plates by a joint pin or fulcrum so that the distance between
this fulcrum and the acting end of the lever is considerably less than the
other end.
The acting end of the lever is straight or at right angles to the axis of the lever
or a line passing through the combined centres of the lever and links. The back
part of the acting end of the lever is curved to the same radius as the driving
wheel which is fixed upon the driving axis of the machine. The plain or straight
part constitutes the grip, while the curved part forms a guide for allowing the lever
to move back the necessary distance to give the desired propulsion by the forward
movement.
The action of the driving or propelling mechanism is as follows. On the
back ward movement of the compound lever composed of a lever proper and
coupling plates, the former being jointed to the latter at a short distance from its
acting end, while the coupling plates are jointed and turn upon centres or joints on
the axis of the driving wheel. The result is, the end of the acting lever which is
presented to the driving wheel or boss, glides evenly over its surface on being
moved in a backward direction; that is, the back motion has no effect, as the back
part is of a like radius as the wheel; but the stroke in the opposite or forward
direction, brings that part of the acting end which is out of the radius of the wheel
into intimate contact with the wheel's periphery, gripping the said periphery and
compelling the wheel to move with the lever as if the lever and wheel were rigid;
thus overcoming any resistance that may be offered to the lever's motion and
thereby driving or propelling the driving axle of a machine.
The powerful grip exerted by the end of the lever upon the periphery of the
driving wheel results from the change of angle of the compound lever, which
creates a wedge of infinite variation, as the position of the centres or joints of the
system change from an axial line by giving the lever a succession of alternate
motions a continuous rotation is given to the working shaft or spindle of the
machine or appliance, without dead points or centres to overcome.
The applied
power is always direct and available with no angle of resistance through the

page_text: entire revolution; and as there is no fixed distance to traverse, like the throw of a
crank, the power can be applied at any time, or at any part of the revolution of
the shaft so driven; nor is it needful to give a full swing stroke, unless the
resistance is very great, such as at first starting, but a very high velocity may be
attained by a quick succession of short strokes of the lever. And lastly there is
no defined limits as to the length of stroke that shall be given to the lever when
applied either in single or duplicate which is available at opposite angles.
In its application to sewing machines, my invention is most favourable, as it
prevents backward motion and prevents the breakage of the needle, and other
damage to the work.
The angle of the gripping part may be more or less removed from a right angle
or tangent line as described; and instead of employing a double coupling link, a
single link may be employed with like effect.
The application of my invention to brake and clutch mechanism differs in no
essential respect from its application to driving or propelling mechanism herein-
before described, other than that the wheel formerly described as the driving
wheel now rotates upon a shaft or spindle, and the lever is moved a sufficient
distance only to retard or stop the velocity of the wheel by the bite or grip of its
acting end.
I will now proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying Drawings,
the manner in which the same is to be performed.
Figure 1 represents in side elevation, partly in section a foot pedal or lever
constructed according to my invention, for driving or propelling machinery, such
for example, as foot lathes, sewing machines, velocipedes, and other mechanical
appliances in which a reciprocating pedal movement is required to be transmitted
to the driving shaft or axis carrying pulleys or other gear, for transmitting power
or motion to a distance for various purposes. Figure 2 represents a side elevation
of the same with the coupling links or plates removed, in order to better exhibit
the acting face of the short end of the lever.
figure 2, separated. Figures 4 and 5 the
Figure 6 an edge view of the grip wheel.
connects the coupling links to the lever.
gripping parts of the mechanism in section.
The same letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures
of the Drawings.
Figure 3 represents the said parts
coupling plates or links separately.
Figure 7 is the fulcrum pin which
Figure 8 is a plan of figure I with the
a is a grip wheel or collar made of highly tempered steel, and b is a pedal or foot
lever having at its back end a tread or plate 62, the forward or acting end is
provided with a fulcrum hole or centre 63, and within this hole pin c takes, and
upon which the said lever turns as a fulcrum. dd are coupling links or plates,
having fulcrum holes or centres d² d³, the pin c passes both through the holes d³ in
the coupling plates and also through the hole 63 in the lever. The said pin
preserves the connection and couples together the parts, while the holes d2 are
threaded upon the shaft or spindle e, which passes through the hole a and is affixed
to the said spindle a² of the grip wheel a which latter is affixed to the spindle by a
cotter pin or by other means; so that the spindle or shaft upon which the grip
wheel is keyed forms the joint or fulcrum centre upon which the coupling plates
turn at that end. f is a bracket on the foot lever, to which is connected a spring
or weight for effecting the return movement of the pedal of the lever-The acting
or gripping face of the said lever is shaped at its front part, into a plane at right
angles to the axis of the said lever, or in a tangential plane to the periphery of the
grip wheel, and is marked 6-The back or other part of the face of the lever is of
the same radius as the grip wheel, and is marked b³.
It will be seen that this mode of directly connecting the grip wheel and coupling
lever links to the driving shaft or axis is only advisable where immense power is
required, and consequently a slow speed is only attainable, as the centre of motion

page_text: is in the grip wheel. The foot pedal may be lengthened or shortened, in order to
increase or diminish the throw, and as the power applied through the foot lever,
always tends to the direction of the centre of motion, without the usual dead
centres or points as is common with cranks and expedients of like nature, and by
applying speed gear in connection therewith, any desired velocity can be attained.
The grip wheel may if necessary be fitted upon the sleeve or socket of a tooth or
spur wheel, which latter revolves upon a fixed stud or pin by means of the said
sleeve or socket.
The action of the driver or propeller is as follows.
In the upward stroke, the foot lever is free to move independent of the grip
wheel a on account of the curvature be on the back end being struck from the same
radius as the circuraference of the wheel; which also admits of the coupling links
or plates & rotating freely around the shaft or spindle to which they are connected;
but on the return movement of the foot lever, a rigid grip is effected between the
plain or straight part 6 and the periphery of the grip wheel a, which wheel is
affixed upon the driving shaft; so that the grip thus effected, compels the whole of
the parts to move rigidly together, and so communicating a rotary motion to the
main driving shaft. The grip is attained by the shape given to the face of the
short end of the lever b, and in virtue of the double joints ce, and the compound
lever created by the jointed connection of the coupling plates d and the lever b,
thus compelling the grip part 64 to approach the centre of the grip wheel on the
forward movement of the lever, although the distances between the centre of
motion always remaining the same.
The frictional contact between the acting surfaces in order to obtain the
necessary grip, is the result simply of the wedge like action of the part b, created
by the direction of motion of that part upon the periphery of the wheel, thereby
creating a lock; so as to compel the parts to move rigidly together.
Figure 9 is another form of driver or propeller, which may be driven from a
connecting rod or link figure 10, and figure 11 shows another form of driver to
which my invention can be applied. In this case, the actuating lever is in the
same line and in the same direction as the line of the grip, and the axial line of
the fulcrum centres are at right angles to the lever.
Figure 12 is a side elevation of driving or propelling mechanism constructed
according to my invention to be applied to a bicycle or other velocipede, the
unimportant parts of the machine not being shown.
g is the fork of the machine, h is the hub of the wheel, and i the driving axle.
b is the pedal or lever, provided with the gripping mechanism and parts herein-
before described with respect to figure 1- is a toothed wheel mounted upon an
axis which passes through the bush of the grip wheel a. The said wheel and parts
are supported by a bracket k. is a pinion gearing with the toothed wheel j; the
said pinion is mounted on the driving axle i-m is a stop supported by a banging
bracket. This stop limits the downward movement of the pedal lever; so that on
downward pressure being applied to the pedal lever, the straight part 6 on the
acting face of the short end of the lever, grips the collar or wheel a, and compels
the said wheel and other parts rigidly connected with it to rotate; such rotation
advances the toothed wheel; and communicates motion to the pinion on the driving
axis, thereby driving the machine; so that it matters not to what extent the pedal
is depressed, it communicates its equivalent motion to the driving axis of the
machine without any loss of effect.
Figure 13 is a plan of figure 12, and figure 14 shows the wheel bracket and the
bearings separately-Figure 15 is a side elevation.
Figure 16 is a side elevation of a complete bicycle provided with my improved
driving or propeller mechanism.
Figure 17 shows my invention applied to a foot lathe; and figure 18 the same
applied to a sewing machine.

page_text: One great advantage in its application to a sewing machine, is that there is no
possibility of the machine being worked in the wrong direction, thus avoiding
breakages in needles and other parts as well as spoiling the work, which is
frequently done by accidentally treadling backwards.
The application of my invention to brake and clutch mechanism consists
essentially as follows.
Figure 19 represents in front elevation, a clutch applied to a pulley or drum.
Figure 20 is a side elevation partly in section of the same. The other figures 21, 22
and 23 represent some of the parts separately upon a larger scale.
fis the pulley, is an annular boss, d is the shaft, a is the grip collar, i i are the
grip levers jointed upon the centres e e, which levers are operated by the forked
arms gg coming in contact with the said gripping levers.
The pulley is allowed to run freely upon the shaft, when the forked arms g of
the annular boss k is moved laterally upon the said shaft, so as to remove the arms
from in front of the ends of the levers i i. These arins work through the carrying
arms of the pulley. Thus when the pulley is in motion, and the forks withdrawn,
the shaft d will remain at rest, but on the boss k, and forks being advanced by a
lever working within the race or groove of the boss k, the forked arms g are
brought in front of the levers i as best seen in figures 20, when the said levers i
are turned upon their joints e e and the acting faces of the said levers made to grip
the periphery of the collar or wheel a upon the shaft, thereby compelling the shaft
and pulley to move together.
Upon again withdrawing the forked arms 9 g, to a stop not shown, the pulley
becomes free to move independently upon the shaft, so that the shaft ceases to
rotate.
To avoid any sudden jerk on putting the clutches into operation, I introduce
between the lower ends of the levers ii and the plain wheel or collar a, two
segmental caps or boxes b b. These caps are lined with hard wood or india-rubber,
as shown in dotted lines.
To maintain these caps in position, they are provided with ribs or guides b¹.
In applying my invention to brakes, the gripping levers have only to be
regulated by stops or their equivalents in order to convert the grip action into a
brake or motion retarder.
Figure 24 shows a modification of the former clutch mechanism. In this
arrangement the pulley is allowed to run only one way; that is, in the direction
of the motion of the shaft.
The gripping lever acts directly upon the boss or wheel without employing caps
or boxes.
The application of my driving and propeller mechanism for transmitting power
or motion for operating other machines and mechanical appliances, differs in no
essential respect from its application to the machines already described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
First. Driving or propelling mechanism for transmitting power for operating
lathes, capstans, sewing machines and velocipedes, and other machines and
mechanical appliances by means of the gripping or clutch action of a compound
or jointed lever which acts upon the periphery of a plain wheel or collar which is
mounted upon the driving axle or shaft of a machine, so that the motion of the
lever in one direction, compels its acting end to grip the periphery of the wheel and
thereby compel the said wheel and parts connected with it, to move forward with
the motion of the lever and so drive the machine. The parts being constructed
arranged and combined and acting in the manner and for the purpose substantially
as described and illustrated.

page_text: Secondly. The formation of the acting end of the gripping lever marked bª b5
which grips the driving axle or a wheel affixed upon the driving axle, when the
lever is moved in one direction, and slips over the axle or wheel without effect
when moved in the reverse direction substantially as described and illustrated.
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