IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE of SCREW SPIKES AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Fildes, of Stockport, in the County of Lancaster,
Accountant, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE of
SCREW SPIKES AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH.”
Sealed the 31st July 1877, and dated the 17th February 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Fildes at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th February 1877.
"IM-
WILLIAM FILDES, of Stockport, in the County of Lancaster, Accountant.
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SCREW SPIKES AND IN MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
My Invention refers to the manufacture of those spikes which are formed with a
screw or spiral thereon, but which may be driven in, requiring however to be turned
for removal, and consists in forming the said spikes out of metal twisted into the
required spiral. Thus, if I required a two-threaded spiral, I take a flat piece of
metal, with a suitable head and point formed thereon, and twist it into the desired
spiral. In like manner for a three-threaded spike I take a triangular piece of metal,
and so on for, any other number of threads.
The machinery I propose to employ consists of a headstock provided with
suitable pullies, which turn and traverse a spindle, the latter motion being obtained
by screwing the said spindle and causing a nut to engage therewith when the
traversing is to take place. The head of the article to be twisted is placed in a
holder at the end of the spindle, and as it retreats it draws the metal between
adjustable bowls, or other such parts, and as the said spindle at the same time
revolves, the desired twisting is effected.
A special method of adjusting the bowls or other such parts consists in causing
them to move towards the centre simultaneously, for which purpose I propose to
imount them on parts which are capable of sliding in a fixed plate; such parts
being provided with pins which extend into inclined slots carried by a movable
plate, to which rotatory motion may be communicated by means of a worm and
wheel; and the whole of the bowls may thus be moved inward or outward
simultaneously.
:

page_text: In combination with the above I propose to use a cutting tool, which chases or
cleans the spirals as they are twisted.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Fildes in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 17th August
1877.
« IM-
WILLIAM FILDES, of Stockport, in the County of Lancaster, Accountant.
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SCREW SPIKES AND IN MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
My Invention relates to that description of spikes which have imparted to them
by a twisting process, either when in a heated or cold state, a spiral form, the
twist commencing on the shank of the spike blank a short distance from the head,
and terminating at or near the extreme end, which I draw out to a point in order
that such spikes may be driven into solid wood or other substances without (as is
usual in the case of large size and other spikes) previously boring holes to receive
them.
I am
aware that heretofore several attempts have been made to introduce
twisted spikes into general use, but hitherto without success, arising in all probability
from imperfections in the manufacture, caused by the want of proper machinery,
or from the defective form of the spike itself and want of uniformity in the
pitch of the spiral, which would prevent its being driven without fracturing the
wood, unless a hole was previously bored to receive it, but in that case it would
hold no better than a plain common spike. Now the twisted spikes manufactured
according to my Invention, and-in-the manner herein-after described, whilst being
driven, cut for themselves a clear unvarying spiral course into the wood, making
one or more turns or rotations during the driving operation, according to the
amount of twist they have received, one and a half turn, more or less, being
sufficient for a spike of from 5 to 6 inches long, and having, say, three distinct
spiral threads produced by using a trilateral or 3 sided spike blank, each angle of
which when twisted will form a separate thread or spiral. In like manner a
flattened or bilateral spike blank when twisted would produce on the spike two
separate threads or spirals, and a quadrangular or square spike blank when twisted
would carry 4 separate spiral threads.
I prefer to use the trilateral form of spike blank, as I know from experience
that such form of blank when twisted and driven into wood will hold most tena-
ciously, and in some cases will part with its head rather than yield to any effort
made to withdraw it; but generally, if the wood be not very hard, my spikes may
be extracted by the aid of a screw wrench or spanner without damaging either the
wood or the spike, which may be re-instated if thought desirable, when an additional.
blow of the hammer will make it hold as tenaciously as before.
For making the blanks of these twisted spikes I prefer to use what is known as
round rod or bolt iron, but rods otherwise than round may be used. The long
metal rod is first cut up into short pieces, each piece being in length sufficient to
form a spike the required size, an extri quantity of metal being allowed to form
the head of the spike, which may be made either sexagonal, square, or otherwise, and
swaged or worked into form either by machinery adapted to the purpose or by
hand labour..
The next part of the process consists in reducing the greater portion of the
length of the shank to a trilateral or other form, according to the number of spirals
or separate threads required on the spike, such form in all cases terminating in a
point.
And another important part of my Invention in connection with the preparation
of the spike blanks consists in making for general purposes one half the length, or

page_text: thereabout, of the trilateral portion of each spike blank parallel or uniform in size,
and thence to the point .its. forin is gradually tapered, for although when required
I make, as shown by. some of the Figures in the Drawings hereunto annexed,
twisted spikes that gradually taper from the head of the spirals throughout, say,
/tb
ths of their whole length, and thence more suddenly to the point yet I
much prefer that a portion, say, to the mid-length, or thereabout, be made uniform
in size, and thence to form them regularly tapering to the point, believing after
the experience I have had that the latter form of twisted spike holds in the wood
with much greater tenacity, and will (on the same principle as the wire rail) con-
tinue to do so, even after the wood into which it is driven has lost its elastic
property, whereas repeated concussion, or otherwise, on a twisted tapering spike
after the fibres of the wood wherein it is embedded bas become rigid, might have
the effect of partially loosening it in its self made nut of wood, and thereby
render it more easy of withdrawal, possibly in some cases without even the aid of
screw wrench.
I employ for the purpose of reducing the shank of the round bolt rod to a
trilateral or other form, suitable forging or swaging machinery, such as is commonly
used for such purposes, my chief care being to accurately fit into the operating
parts of such machines suitable swages in pairs, one or more pairs to shape the
parallel portion or half part, and another or other pairs to reduce or draw down
the remaining half length or portion tapering to a point.
The working and effect of this kind of machinery is so well known and generally
understood that any detailed description of it here is unnecessary.
I will now further describe this part of my Invention with reference to the
Figures on Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
Fig. 1 marks a sexagonal headed parallel and taper pointed spike blank, as
prepared for the twisting process.
Figs. 2 and 3 are transverse sections of Fig. I taken at D, D, and E, E, shewing
that one half the length of the trilateral portion of this spike blank is parallel and
of uniform size, and thence to the point it is tapering.
Fig. 4 shows Fig. 1 after it has been subjected to the twisting process, the dotted
lines indicate the parallel portion to the mid-length, and also shew by the inter-
vening spaces the tapering portion of the point.
Fig. 5, transverse section of Fig. 4, taken at F, F.
Fig. 6, square headed tapering spike blank as prepared for the twisting process.
This blank tapers gradually throughout nearly 4th of the trilateral portion, and
thence tapers more suddenly to the point.
Figs. 7 and 8 are show transverse sections of Fig. 6 taken at the parts marked
A, A, and B, B.
Fig. 9, transverse section of Fig. 6 taken at c, c.
Fig. 10 shews Fig. 6 after it has been. twisted; its tapering form throughout is
shewn by the spaces between it and the parallel lines.
Fig. 11 marks a portion of a twisted spike.
Fig. 12, end view of Fig. 11, shewing that the trilateral form of the spike blank
is not altered by the twisting process.
Fig. 13, small size, square leaded, parallel; and taper pointed spike blank pre-
paratory to twisting.
Fig. 14 shews Fig. 13 after it has been subjected to the twisting process.
The last part of my Invention relates to the means I employ for twisting the
spike blanks. This is effected by the machine exhibited on Sheet 2 of the annexed
Drawings, the main features or operating parts of this machine consisting of a screw
spindle which passes through a tubular mandrel, a traverse wheel with an inter-
nally threaded tubular axis, a holder with radial slides and presser bowls, and
various other minor accessories, all of which I will now describe as they are illus-
trated on Sheet 2, and refer to the letters and numerals which mark the several
parts and details.

page_text: T
Fig. 1 exhibits a front view of the twisting machine; Fig. 2 shews à plan;
and Fig. 3 a vertical section of the machine taken at A, A.
Fig. 4 shews a face view of the holder and its accessories.
Fig. 5 shews a back or inside view of the annular or movable part of the holder;
and Fig. 6 is an edge view of the same.
Fig. 7 shews a section of the traverse wheel taken through the plane of its
internally threaded axis.
Fig. 8 is a face view of the sliding clutch.
And Figures 9 and 10 show two full size front and side views respectively of a
holder slide fitted with its holding bowl.
The framework or bed of the machine marked A has the form of the bed of a
turning lathe; it is supported on standards A', and upon it at one end is fixed A²,
a headstock with A, back gearing, also similar to a lathe. Here however the
similitude ends, for instead of using a solid mandrel or spindle I employ one
(marked B) which is tubular.
The screw spindle (B¹) already mentioned carries throughout one half or more of
its length a coarse pitch screw comprised of several threads, and cut externally
along the remaining or after portion, which is plain, there is a longitudinal groove.
This screw spindle is fitted to slide a limited distance endwise through the tubular
mandrel B, which is mounted in the headstock bearings, and carries A*, the loose
driving pulley, and A5, the pinion that actuates the back gearing, and thereby com-
municates motion to the tubular mandrel by means of A6, the spur wheel, which is
fixed thereon in front of the driving pulley. Fixed lengthwise inside the after end
of the tubular mandrel is a key or feather that fits and slides in B³, the groove,
formed in the plain or tail end of the screw spindle, and by this means although the
latter has liberty to slide longitudinally within the tubular mandrel it is compelled
to rotate therewith. The fore end of the screw spindle B₁ projects a considerable
distance beyond the fore end of the tubular mandrel, and it carries C, which is
called a traverse wheel. This wheel has a long tubular axis that projects con-
siderably on each side, and it is screw-threaded internally. Its projecting axis rests
in coupled bearings carried by C¹, which marks two upright brackets fixed on the
machine bed, and placed in a direct line with the screw spindle, so that the screw-
threaded portion thereof can engage with and pass through the threaded tubular
axis of the traverse wheel. C2 is a pawl or detent catch, which when required to
prevent the rotation of the traverse wheel is made to engage with one or other of
the notches on its periphery; C3, a spur which is made to throw the pawl
catch into action by the motion of the strap or starting lever. Mounted with
liberty to rotate on the end of the screw spindle (which projects through and
beyond the axis of the traverse wheel) is D, a pair of clams, in or between (D), the
gripping jaws whereof the heads of the spike blanks during the twisting operation
are securely held; the body of the clams during the process being rigidly fixed on
the end of the screw spindle by means of D³, a sliding clutch is compelled to rotate
therewith. D is a small yoke that is fixed to the body of the clams; D³ is a screw
that closes the clam jaws; and Do are removable pieces that grip the heads of the
spikes.
As soon as the heated spike blank is fixed in the clam jaws the screw spindle is
moved forward endwise by turning the traverse wheel C, and the trilateral portion
of the spike blank is projected through an important part of the machine marked E,
and called the holder, which prevents the rotation of the spike, but admits of its
being drawn back whilst the twisting of it is effected. This holder consists of two
principle parts, one marked E¹, the central portion is a circular disc fixed to E², an
upright bracket, which is bolted on the machine bed in such a position that the
centre of the disc faces the clam grippers D¹, and is on a direct line with the centre
of the traverse wheel and the axis of the screw spindle.
Formed equidistant relatively on the face of the disc are E³ which comprise three
radial grooves, wherein are fitted E* comprising three right-angled oblong pieces

page_text: that are capable of sliding to and from the centre of the disc, the sliding pieces
being covered by a face plate. Fitted freely to rotate in a morticed recess, cut
endwise in the inner end of each sliding piece, is E³, a narrow pressing roller or
holding bowl, and at E, which marks the outer end of each of the sliding pieces,
the latter are suitably fashioned to engage respectively with E7, which marks three
eccentrically curved fixed inclines carried by E³, which shows the annular part of
the holder, to which by means of (F¹) a worm rack fixed to its periphery and F.
that marks a worm, the spindle whereof F2 is actuated by (F³) a weighted lever
adjustable by means of the discs F, limited rotary action is imparted to Es in
either direction so as to cause either a simultaneous divergence of the holding bowls
when the weighted lever is raised to a vertical position or their gradual con-
vergence whilst the lever is brought down, inclining to the horizontal, approaching
which position the full power of the weighted lever will act effectually during the
twisting operation, and cause the holding bowls to press with sufficient force one
against each side of the spike blank as to hold and prevent its turning, although
by respectively turning on their. own axis they admit of its being drawn out
from between them by the clams on the then revolving and at the same time
retreating screw spindle, the latter motion whereof is due to the fixed position of
the traverse wheel, which is then-held by the pawl catch and acts as a fixed nut.
It will therefore be seen that the spike blank is twisted by two separating parts of
the mechanism (vizt.), the screw spindle which rotates whilst retreating, and the
holder which is fixed. :
I will now explain how I contrive to make the pitch of the spiral threads on the
twisted spike uniform, which as I have already shewn is of the utmost importance.
G marks a vessel containing cold water, which escapes through G¹, a small stop-
cock, when the latter is opened. This is made to occur (at the same moment that
the power is applied to the machine) by means of (G²) a light connecting rod, one
end of which is jointed to the lever G³, which opens and closes the water tap. Also
by means of the same connecting rod G2 I act upon Cs that marks the spur, which
projects from the pawl catch C2 so as to cause the latter to engage with and fix the
traverse wheel C. The extreme end of the connecting rod G³ I connect to what is
common to most machines, and known as the starting lever G₁, which is generally
disposed in a pendant position in connection with the strap of the driving apparatus
which gives motion to the machine. The water falling upon the heated spike
within a limited distance from the bolding bowls immediately chills the surface of
the metal at that point, and causes the twisting to take place with great regularity
between the part so chilled and the holding bowls as the spike is gradually drawn
out from between them.
The twisting of the spike (which occupies only a few seconds having been
effected the motion of the machine is stopped by reversing the position of the
starting lever, which at the same time closes the water cock and throws the pawl
catch out of gear with the traverse wheel.
The twisted spike being released by relaxing the hold of the clam grippers falls
out, and another heated spike blank being secured therein, and the holder bowls
separated by raising the weighted lever, the trilateral portion of the blank is pro-
jected through the holder by turning the traverse wheel, then the weighted lever is
again depressed and the water is again turned on, the catch pawl is thrown into
gear and the machine set in motion by repeating the movement of the starting lever,
and the twisting of another spike blank is immediately effected.
And now having fully disclosed the nature of my Invention and the manner and
means by which I practice it, I wish it to be understood that I lay no claim to any
of the parts and details of the machinery described when such parts and details are
taken separately and used for other purposes, neither do I claim to be the inventor
of twisted spikes, but what I believe to be new and do claim as my Invention con-
sists (as herein described) in,-
First. The particular combination of mechanical parts and details comprising a
machine adapted to the purpose of twisting spikes, in the manner described.
.

page_text: Second. Causing the continuance twist of the spike blank to take place close to
the holding bowls by chilling the already twisted part of the spike a short distance
from them in advance in order to ensure uniformity in the pitch of the spirals or
threads.
Third. Twisting spike blanks by the combined aid of a rotating and at the same
time retreating screw spindle, a traverse wheel acting as a fixed nut, and a holder
constructed with radial slides and holding bowles.
Fourth. Preparing headed spike blanks of round iron by swaging or reducing
nearly the whole length of the shank to a trilateral or other form drawn gradually
to a point from about the mid-length only, the other trilateral or half portion being
made throughout parallel or of uniform size, in order to increase the holding
power of such spikes when twisted and driven into wood or other suitable sub-
stance.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Fildes, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Sixteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
WILLIAM FILDES. (L.S.)