IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM HAMMERS AND PILE-DRIVING MACHINES
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Andrew Barclay, or Kilmarnock, in the County of
Ayr, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM HAMMERS
AND PILE-DRIVING MACHINES,"
Sealed the 20th December 1859, and dated the 22nd June 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Barclay at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
22nd June 1859.
I, ANDREW BARCLAY, of Kilmarnock, in the County of Ayr, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
STEAM HAMMERS AND PILE-DRIVING MACHINES," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the adaptation and use of steam power in working
mechanical hammers of the tilt or lever class, such as are technically known in
some parts of the country as "Olivers," so as to produce a very superior effect
in working as compared with manual or pedal labour applied in these tools.
Under one form of parts, by which this Invention may be carried out in
practice, a small vertical steam cylinder is fitted up alongside the anvil,
and beneath the hammer lever, which is overhead.
The connecting rod or piston rod of the piston of this cylinder is attached
to the pin of a crank upon the shaft centre on which the hammer lever works,
or it may be connected to the hammer lever either directly or through the
[Price 8d.1

page_text: intervention of a snug or crank lever piece, and the steam valve is actuated
either by hand or by any mechanical or self-acting means. A convenient auto-
inaticvalvulaŕaction is obtained by connecting the steam slidevalvetothecrank
of shaft of the hammer lever: The hammer lever is connected to an overhead
spring of any suitable kind, this spring being used for drawing the hammerlever
up after each blow, whilst the steam piston brings it down with great power.
The effect of this hammer is very great, as the hammer head can be made
much heavier than thoseof the ordinary hammers of this generalclass as fitted
up for hand or foot labour, and such a weight upon a lever moving through a
considerable arc gives a most efficient blow, whilst the lifting spring brings up
the hammer with great rapidity, and very quick strokes may thus be given.
Steam or compressed air may also be used in addition to aid in the lift of the
hammer.
Another mode of arranging these hammers consists in disposing the springs
so as to draw the hammers down with a smart and rapid blow upon the
anvil. Under another modification, a series of springs are connected directly
to the piston rod of a vertical hammer, so as to bring the hammer down upon
the block with any required degree of force. The tension of the springs, and
consequent force of the blow, being regulated by simple means under the
control of the workman, in this way the cylinder is only used for the purpose
of lifting the hammer a greater or lesser distance as required.
These improvements may be readily adapted to machinery for driving piles
and other similar purposes, in which kind of work a blow from a weight
descending through a short distance may be made to impart all the force it
would require in descending four or five times the distance with the ordinary
machinery, in addition to which other advantages are gained in the rapidity
with which the blows may be repeated, and the diminished expenditure
of fuel and labour.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Andrew Barclay in the Great Seal Patent Office on the a
22nd December 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ANDREW
BARCLAY, of Kilmarnock, in the County of Ayr, North Britain, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of June, in the year of our

page_text: Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Andrew Barclay, Her special license that I, the
said Andrew Barclay, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such
others as I, the said Andrew Barclay, my executors, administrators, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN STEAM HAMMERS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Andrew. Barclay, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-
formed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Andrew Barclay, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the fol-
lowing statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and
to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
My said Invention relates to the adaptation and use of steam power in
working mechanical hammers of the tilt or lever class, such as are technically
known in some parts of the country as "Olivers," so as to produce a very
superior effect in working as compared with manual or pedal labour applied in
these tools.
Under one form of parts, by which this Invention may be carried out in
practice, a small vertical steam cylinder is fitted up alongside the anvil, and
beneath the hammer lever which is overhead. The connecting rod, or piston
rod of the piston of this cylinder, is attached to the pin of a crank upon the
shaft centre on which the hammer lever works, or it may be connected to the
hammer lever either directly or through the intervention of a snug or crank
lever piece, and the steam valve is actuated either by hand or by any
mechanical or self-acting means. A convenient automatic valvular action is
obtained by connecting the steam slide valve to the crank or shaft of the
hammer lever. The hammer lever is connected to an overhead spring of any
suitable kind, this spring being used for drawing the hammer lever up after
each blow, whilst the steam piston brings it down with great power. The
effect of this hammer is very great, as the hammer head can be made muc

page_text: heavier than those of the ordinary hammers of this general class as fitted up
for hand or foot labour, and such a weight upon a lever moving through a
considerable arc gives a most efficient blow, whilst the lifting spring brings up
the hammer with great rapidity, and very quick strokes may thus be given
Steam or compressed air may also be used in addition to aid in the lift of the
hammer.
Another mode of arranging these hammers consists in disposing the springs
so as to draw the hammers down with a smart and rapid blowupon the anvil
Under another modification, a series of springs are connected directly to the
piston rod of a vertical hammer, so as to bring 'the hammer down upon the block
with any required degree of force. The tension of the springs, and consequent
force of the blow being regulated by a simple means under the control of the
workman, in this way the cylinder is only used for the purpose of lifting the
hammer a greater or lesser distance as required.
These improvements may be readily adapted to machinery for driving piles
and other similar purposes, in which kind of work a blow from a weight
descending through a short distance may be made to impart all the force it
would acquire in descending four or five times the distance with the ordinary
machinery, in addition to which other advantages are gained in the rapidity
with which the blows may be repeated, and the diminished expenditure of fuel
and labour.
And in order that my said Invention of improvements in steam hammers
may be properly understood, I shall now proceed to describe the several
illustrative Figures on the explanatory sheets of Drawings which are hereunto
appended, for the purpose of showing certain modifications under which my
improvements may be judiciously carried out in practice, that is to say:-
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings is a front elevation of
one modification of my improved steam tilt hammers; Figure 2 on the same
Sheet is a partially sectional elevation or side view of a hammer, corresponding
to Figure 1, but taken at right angles thereto. The sole plate A has snugs
cast on its upper surface, into which is fitted the hammer block B, behind
which are arranged the two side standards C; these are strongly bolted down
to the sole plate A. Between the side standards, and resting on the sole plate,
is arranged the steam cylinder D, the cover of which has cast on it or bolted
thereto the vertical guides E. The upper end of the piston rod F terminates
in the block G, which is carried up and down by the motion of the piston, and
moves between the guides E. The laterally projecting extremities of the
block G form a crosshead, to which are connected the links H, and outside
these are fitted the rollers I. The upper ends of the links or connecting

page_text: rods H are attached to the pins of the crank levers J, which are fast to the
horizontal shaft K; the bearings of this shaft are carried in the brackets
which are cast on and extend outwards from the back of the standards C.
The shaft K has formed on it at the central part a square block, through an
aperture in the centre of which is passed the end of the hammer shaft L. The
end of the shaft which projects out beyond the block is screwed and fitted with
a nut, by means of which it is secured to the shaft K. To the outer extremity
of the shaft L is fitted the hammer M, which is keyed or otherwise connected
to the shaft, so that it will descend fairly and evenly on the anvil N, which is
carried in the block B. In this modification of my improvements the blow of
the hammer on the anvil is effected by the action of the steam on the upper
side of the piston of the steam cylinder D, whilst the lifting of the hammer is
mainly accomplished by the contraction of a series of india-rubber springs,
arranged on each side of the hammer shaft L, as delineated in the accom-
panying Drawings. The vulcanized india-rubber springs O are composed of
strong bands of the material, the extremities of which are bound together by
means of wire. In lieu of this arrangement, these springs may be manu-
factured in the form of endless bands of india-rubber,and so dispense with the
binding of the ends. The springs O are passed under the short crossheads P,
which are connected by links to the crank levers J. The upper parts of the
springs are supported on the horizontal cross head Q, which extends between
the standards C, and is supported therein. The springs O are in their normal
or unstretched state only long enough to extend between the cross-heaps Pi
and Q, when the piston is raised to the top of the cylinder, so that as the
piston descends to the bottom of the cylinder, the springs are continually
elongating, and when the steam pressure is removed, the springs instantly
contract and raise the hammer. The steam by means of which the piston is
actuated in its descent passes through the steam pipe R into the steam chests,
which is arranged at the back of the cylinder D. The slide valve T', which
regulates the admission and emission of the steam, has attached to it the rodu,
which works out through a stuffing box in the upper part of the steam chest.
The valve rod is jointed to two levers V, which are fast to the centres of the
wo horizontal shafts W and X. At one end of the shaft W, is a lever Y, the
free extremity of which is downwardly directed, and is connected to the barz,
he lower end of which bar is jointed to a lever a, fitted to the lower shaft X.
On the bar Z, is fitted the sliding block or tappet b, the curved front part of
which project outwards, so that as the piston descends the roller I comes in
ontact with the tappet b, and pushes it back, the movement of the bar Z and
evers Y and a, causes the small shafts W and X to partially turn on their

page_text: axes, and so actuate the slide valve Tin one direction. To impart the opposite
motion to the slide valve, a corresponding arrangement of levers and tappet is
provided, which is brought into action on the piston nearing the top of the
cylinder. The upper shaft W has near its opposite extremity an upwardly
directed lever c, the free end of which is jointed to the bar d, carrying the
tappet e, the lower end of the bar d is jointed to the upwardly directed lever f
on the lower horizontal shaft X. The curved inclined face of the tappet e is
placed in a reversed position to that of the tappet b, so that as its contiguous
roller I rises with the upward motion of the piston rod, it slides over the
surface of the tappet smoothly and without shock, at the same time pressing
it in a backward direction. This movement reverses the position of the slide
valve, and at the same time moves forward the tappet b, in readiness to be
actuated by the downward motion of its operating roller I. In this manner
the reciprocatory movement of the piston rod causes the tappets and e to
be alternately moved towards the front, and by their motion actuate the
slide valve for the due admission and egress of the steam to and from
the cylinder. The steam flows into the cylinder up through the passage g,
and by its pressure on the upper side of the piston, causes the descent
of the hammer. When the slide valve is shifted to allow the steam
to escape to the exhaust pipe R', a portion of the liberated steam
flows down the passage h, and by its sudden ingress below the piston,
serves to assist the springs in raising the hammer at the instant it is first
put in motion. The steam passage h is always open to the exhaust pipe,
so that when the steam has exerted its momentary pressure on the underside of
the piston, in its expanded state it offers no resistance to the downward motion
of the piston by which it is forced out of the cylinder. The mode of lifting the
hammer by the sudden contraction of springs admits of the blows of the
hammer being repeated with great rapidity and sharpness of concussion, so
that heavy work may be done with a comparatively light hammer; a rapid
succession of blows with a small hammer being more effective than the work
of a heavier hammer worked at a slower speed. To admit of the adjustment
of the tappets band e,on the bars Z, so as to regulate the length of the stroke,
each tappet has a laterally projecting pin which passes between the forked end
of the hand lever i. The two hand levers i are centred on studs which project
from the inner faces of the projecting parts of the standard C; by moving
these hand levers to a position more or less approaching the horizontal, the
tappets bande are brought nearer to each other, and the strokeof the hammer
is thereby shortened. In lieu of the arrangement of springs for lifting the
hammer, the order may be reversed, and the hammer be brought down by the

page_text: contraction of the springs. the lifting only of the hammer being effected by the
pressure of the steam on the underside of the piston. A modification of suchan
arrangement applied to a direct acting verticalhammerisherein-afterdescribed
and shown on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings. Imayalso here observe
that I do not confine myself to the use of vulcanized india-rubber springs,
either in the modification I have had occasion to describe, orthose that herein.
after follow, as in some cases it may be preferable to use metallic or other
springs instead of india-rubber.
A second modification of my improved steam tilt hammer is delineated in
Figure 3, on Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings; in this arrangement
the use of springs for actuating the hammer in either direction is entirely
dispensed with. The Figure represents a partially vertical section of one
modification under which the tilt hammer may be arranged and constructed.
The framing of the hammer consists of the parallel verticalstandards C,between
which is arranged the steam cylinder D, having on its upper cover the guides E.
Concentric with the cylinder D, and arranged in a vertical direction below it,
is the high-pressure steam cylinder D¹; these cylinders are fitted with the
pistons Fand F, both pistons being connected to one rod,theupper extremity
of which terminates in the block G. All the parts connected with the piston
rod,and by means of which the hammer is actuated,as well as the mechanical
arrangement for giving motion to the slide valve, are similar to those shown in
Figures 1 and 2, and are marked with corresponding letters of reference.
The action of these parts being also identical, it is unnecessary to repeat the
description of them. The high-pressure steam as it enters the valve chest S,
passes down the passage h, below the piston F1, the upward motion of which
raises the hammer M. The upward movement of the pistons having shifted
back the tappet e,and altered the position of the slidevalveT, thehigh-pressure
steam escapes by the steam passages and g, and enters the cylinder D, and
exerts its expansive force on the piston F, whichisof much larger area than the
lower piston F¹. The pressure of the steam on the piston F is sufficient to
bring the hammer M down with the requisite degree of force, the blows being
tempered to the nature of the work by the adjustment of the tappets 6 and e.
The upper edge of the high-pressure cylinder D¹ projects a short distance
above the bottom of the cylinder D, and the piston F has a circular recess
formed in its under side to admit of its descending fairly to the bottom of the
cylinder. And in order to force out any steam or water of condensation that
may collect beneath the piston F, a clack valve or other convenient outlet,
is fitted at the lower part of the cylinder D; this valve opens outwards, and
the descent of the piston forces out the steam or water. The blow of the
h
b

page_text: hammer may also be checked or tempered by allowing steam to flow into
the cylinders between the two pistous; this is provided for by means of the
pipe, which communicates with the exhaust pipe, and enters the upper
part of the cylinder D¹. The passage of the pipe is controlled by the
cock 7, by opening which, more or less steam may be admitted to the space
between the pistons, and the rapidity of their motion may by this means
be more or less impeded. The construction of this hammer may be modi-
fied so as to dispense with the lower cylinder, and so raise and lower the
hammer by the pressure of the steam acting alternately on both sides of
the piston in the manner of an ordinary steam engine.
Figure 1 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings is an elevation of one
of my improved steam hammers, in which the steam cylinder is arranged
overhead, the hammer being attached to the lower end of a long and heavy
piston rod, which works out through both end covers of the cylinder.
Figure 2 is a partially sectional elevation of the upper and principal part of
the hammer. In this modification the hammer is raised by the pressure of the
steam on the under side of the piston, the blow of the hammer being given
by the sudden contraction of elastic springs. In the snugs which are cast on
the sole plate A is fitted the hammer block B, and behind this is bolted the
vertical standard C, the curved upper part of which partially overhangs the
block B. This standard or frame has cast in it at its upper part a recess to
receive the projecting part of the cylinder and its steam chest; above and
below this recess the standard diverges laterally so as to form a face sufficiently
broad to admit of the cylinder and its appurtenances being bolted thereto.
The steam cylinder D has both of its covers fitted with stuffing boxes or with
the improved metallic packing herein-after described, out through which the
piston rod E works. The piston rod E is formed of a long bar of malleable
iron, the piston F being by preference forged on the rod E; two circular
grooves are formed in the periphery of the piston, into which are sprung two
narrow rings which form the metallic packing, or the piston may if preferred
be arranged and constructed in the ordinary manner. To the lower extremity
of the piston rod is keyed the hammer G, which is over the anvil H. The
upper end of the piston rod terminates in the duplex cross heads I, over
which are passed the ends of the vulcanized india-rubber springsJ; thelower
loops of these springs are carried under the laterally projecting studs in the
upper cover of the cylinder. In order to prevent the springs J from becoming
rotten by the frequent or continuous distension or contraction, they are kept
continually wetted with water. On the cylinder cover is fitted an annular
hase of wood or other suitable non-conducting material, to this base is fixed

page_text: the sheet iron can or vessel K, which is kept supplied with water, so that
when the piston is at the bottom of the cylinder, the springs are nearly or
wholly immersed in the water. In the sectional view, Figure 2, is shown the
internal arrangement of the steam chest L; the steam flows in through the
pipe M and down the steam passage N to the lower part of the cylinder
beneath the piston F, the used steam passing away through the exhaust
pipe O, which if preferred may be attached to a condenser. The slide valve P
is connected to the vertical rod Q, which works out through the upper end
of the steam chest L, and is jointed to a lever fast to the short horizontal
shaft R. On each end of the shaft R is a bell-crank lever S and S¹, the
vertical arms of these levers are placed in opposite directions, so that the
extremity of one points upwards whilst the other is directed downwards.
The vertical arms of the bell-crank levers S and S', are connected by the
links T, to two other bell-crank levers U, arranged at the lower end of the
cylinder D. The links T are two flat bars of metal, one on each side of
the cylinder; each link has fitted to it a tappet V, the face of which forms a
double inclined surface.
Each tappet is jointed at the back to a link W, the
other extremity of which is attached to the hand lever X, which is centred on
a laterally projecting stud fixed in each side of the standard C. Projecting
from the inner side of each of the hand levers X is a pin, which when placed
in either of the notches of the segmental racks Y, serves to retain the hand
levers in that position, and in this manner the tappets V, may by shifting the
hand lever be moved either up or down the links T. It is by the alternate
motion of these tappets in a backward direction, that the slide valve P is
actuated. To each side of the cross head I is attached a flat bar Z, the lower
part of which slides
and down in a guide a, bolted to the side of the
cylinder. Projecting out from the face of the bar is a stud which carries the
roller b, as the piston rod traverses up and down this roller slides over the face
of its contiguous tappet V, and so pushes back the link T, which moves the
shaft R about its axis, and actuates the rod Q of the slide valve. The back-
ward movement of the one tappet V, in the descent of the piston rod causes
the tappet on the opposite side of the cylinder to move forward in readiness to
be acted upon by the roller in the upward traverse of the piston. In this
manner the slide valve is alternately actuated in the opposite directions, and
the length of the stroke and the consequent force of the blow may be regulated
with the utmost ease and nicety by the simple shifting of the tappets V.
There is also an arrangement by means of which the slide valve may be
worked when necessary by hand, so that the blows of the hammer may
be given in accordance with the movements of the operator's hand. To th
up

page_text: horizontal arm of the bell-crank lever S is jointed a link c, by which it is
attached to the bell-crank lever U, on the prolonged arm of which is fitted
the box ended hand lever d, which extends backwards parallel to the
standard C; as the operator moves this hand lever up or down the slide valve
is correspondingly actuated, and the hammer moved in accordance with the
admission and emission of the steam. This hammer may with slight modifi
cations be fitted to work in the reverse way, that is to say, in which the piston
rod E is raised by the action of springs, and the blow given by the pressure
of the steam acting on the piston F, this mode of actuating the hammer being
similar to that herein-before described and shown in Figures 1 and 2 on
Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings.
An arrangement of a steam hammer well adapted for the heavier kinds of
work is delineated in the partially sectional elevation, shown in Figure 1,
Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings. In this modification the hammeris
ättached to the lower end of a heavy hollow or solid ram, which forms a
species of elongated piston traversing up and down in the steam cylinder. The
sole plate A, the hammer block B, and the standard C, corresponds to those
herein-before described, with the exception that they are made proportionately
heavier. The cylinder D is by preference formed in two parts, which are
bolted together; within this cylinder the piston or ram E works in the manner
of an ordinary piston; it is in this modification hollow, the upper extremity
being closed by a flanged metal disc. To the lower extremity of the piston is
attached the hammer F; which descends on to the anvil G beneath it. At the
upper part ofthe lower portion of the cylinder is fitted the metallic packing H,
within which the piston E traverses steam-tight. There are also two vertical
feathers or projecting ribs I cast on the lower part of the enlarged portion of
the piston; these parts are shown in the transverse section of the cylinder and
piston, Figure 2, on Sheet 3; this section is taken across the line 1 and 2,
Figure 1. The feathers I slide up and down in the vertical guides J, which
are slots cut in the internal face of the cylinder, the metal being cast thicker
at this part to allow for the recess. This arrangement of the feather traversing
in its contiguolis guide is to prevent the piston from turning round, and so
deranging the working of the hammer. The steam pipe K conveys the steam
to the valve chest L, and after being used it escapes by the pipe M. In order
to obtain rapidity of motion in the slide valve, combined with as little friction
as possible; it is constructed on the equilibrium or balanced principle. The
slide valve N is arranged with two recesses O in the back of the valve, and to
which the steain has access; the areas of these recesses are equal to the trans-
verse areas of the steam passages P and Q, and they communicate with each

page_text: other by the horizontal apertures shown in the Figure. Another recess R is
also made in the valve, which recess is made to communicate with the external
air, the area being equal to that of the exhaust port of the valve. With this
arrangement when the steam which is admitted to the cylinder is tending to
force the slide valve N outwards, this force is balanced by a corresponding
pressure of steam on the recesses O; so also when the steam is escaping by
the exhaust, there is a corresponding amount of atmospheric pressure on the
area R, tending to keep the valve exactly balanced, or very nearly balanced.
In this steam hammer the steam acts in the same manner as in the arrange-
ment shown in Figure 3, Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings. The high-
pressure steam passes down the steam passage Q, and presses against the
enlarged upper portion of the piston or ram E, and lifts it to the required
height. When the steam is allowed to escape from the under side of the
piston, the shifting of the slide valve opens a way for it to pass by the passage
P to the space above the piston, so that the pressure of the steam is now exerted
upon the increased area of the upper side of the piston, and this force, which
may be varied at pleasure, is added to the weight of the piston or ram. The
gearing for actuating the slide valve N is in this modification somewhat
differently arranged to the others that are herein-before described. The valve
spindle S is carried up and connected to a cross head T, to the extremities of
which are attached two vertical links U; the lower ends of these links are
jointed to the horizontal arms of two bell crank levers V and W, which are
fast to the horizontal shaft X; this shaft is carried in brackets cast on the
standards C. The pendent arm of the bell crank lever V is jointed to the
bar Y, on which the tappet Z is fitted; this tappet is connected by a link at
the back to the hand lever a, which is centred on a stud projecting laterally
from the framing. By means of this hand lever the tappet may be traversed
up and down the bar Y; there is a small pin projecting from the inner side of
the hand lever, which, upon being placed in either of the series of holes b,
retains the tappet in the required position. The pin on the inner side of the
handle projects but a short distance outwards, so that the spring of the handle
is sufficient to release it when desired. The lower end of the bar Y is con-
nected to the pendent arm of the bell crank lever c, which is fast to the
horizontal shaft d, that is arranged parallel to and in manner similar to the
shaft X. The horizontal arm of the bell crank lever c is attached to the link e,
which is connected to one of the links U, which give motion through the cross
head T to the spindle S of the slide valve, the other link U being connected
in like manner to the hell crank lever f, which is fitted on the further end of
the shaft d. The upwardly directed arm of the bell crank lever f is jointed

page_text: to the bar g, on which is fitted the tappet h, the upper extremity of the bar
being connected to the bell crank lever W. The tappet his attached at the
back part to the long vertical rod j, which extends upwards above the
top of the cylinder, where it is connected to a laterally projecting arm
fixed on the upper extremity of the screw k. The mechanical arrange-
ment connected with this screw is for the purpose of contracting the steam
space above the piston E when it is required to shorten the stroke of the
hammer. The screw k works through a nut 7, which is fitted and runs loosely
in the cylinder cover; to the nut is keyed the spur wheel m,and at the lower
extremity of the screw is fitted the plunger n, which fits the cylinder D in a
steam-tight manner. On the cylinder cover is cast a laterally projecting snug,
in which the journal of the angularly disposed shaft o rotates; this shaft has
fast to its upper extremity the pinion p which gears with the wheel m. The
lower end of the shaft o carries a pinion, which is in gear with the spur
wheel p¹.
This wheel is carried on a stud which projects through to the
opposite side of the standard C, to admit of its having fitted thereto the band
wheel q, so that this wheel maybe in convenient proximity to the other hand
gear of the machine. Upon turning the hand wheel q in one direction, the
screw and plunger n is caused to descend; the downward motion of the
plunger contracting the internal capacity of the cylinder,and by means of the
rod j serving at the same time to move the tappet h down the bar g. The
effect of this movement is, that the slide valve is actuated at shorter intervals,
and the stroke of the machine proportionally reduced; if necessary, the other
tappet Z may also be raised nearer to the tappet h by means of the hand
lever a.
The tappets Z and h are alternately pushed back by the rollers r,
only one of which can be seen in the elevation; these rollers are fitted on
studs or a spindle carried in brackets projecting from the back face of the
piston or ram. The reciprocatory movement of the piston moves the tappets
back alternately, and through them actuates the slide valve in the manner
herein-before described. The backward extremity of the bell-crank lever V
is prolonged beyond the link U, and fitted with a box ended hand levers, so
as to actuate the slide valve by hand, if required. The lower cylinder cover is
fitted with an improved arrangement of metallic packing to be used in lieu of
the ordinary stuffing boxes, which packing is also applicable to other parts
of steam hammers.
Figure 3, on Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings, represents a plan of
the arrangement of the packing, drawn to a scale twice the size of that shown
in Figure 1 on the same Sheet. The piston rod is encircled by two brass
rings t, arranged one above the other; each ring is cut into three segments,

page_text: and they are arranged so as to break joint as indicated by the dotted lines
on the inner circles in Figure 3. Outside the rings are placed two other
rings u, which are divided and arranged in like manner, and also arranged
to break joint with the inner rings t. External to these packing rings is
placed a ring v, equal in depth to the two rings u; this ring is tapped with
laterally diverging screws, in which are fitted the adjustable screws w. The
screws are arranged in two tiers, so that each segment of the externa
packing rings is pressed inwards by its respective screw. An outer plate x
encloses the whole of the bolts y, for securing which pass through the holes z
in the ring v. The points of the adjusting screws w enter small countersunk
holes in the rings u; the packing rings are also made with small projections
which fit into corresponding grooves in the contiguous rings, so as to keep
each segment in its prearranged position.
A second modification of this improved packing is shown in Figure 4,
on Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings. The four segmentally divided
rings 3 and 4 are arranged as in Figure 3, but instead of the outer ring v,
they are enclosed by two steel eccentrics, only one of which, 5, is shown in
the Drawing. Each eccentric encircles one of the packing rings 3 and 4 ;
the thicker part of the eccentrics being arranged in opposite directions.
The eccentrics are tappet with internal screws, in which are fitted the
tightening screws 6, the screwing up of which tightens each segment of the
packing rings; jam nuts may be applied to these screws, if required. In
some cases a single eccentric may be used for adjusting both tiers of rings,
but I prefer the arrangement I have just described.
The last modification of my improved steam hammers which I shall have
occasion to describe under the present Invention is delineated in Figure 5, on
Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings. In this arrangement, the principle
of construction herein-before described in reference to Figure 3, on Sheet 2,
of my Drawings, is applied to a direct acting hammer of the vertical class; I
need, therefore, ouly describe those parts which differ from the modifications
of the vertical hammers herein-before given. The cylinder D is of the duplex
kind, the smaller portion being at the lower part; or the cylinders may be cast
in two parts, and bolted together. The pistons E and Fare either forged in
one, or fitted on to the long heavy piston rod G, to the lower end of which is
attached the haminer H. To prevent the hammer from turning round, the
piston E is fitted with the two guide rods I, which pass through stuffing
boxes J, or the improved metallic packings I have herein-before described.
In lieu of this arrangement, the piston may be fitted with a single rod, which
is guided in a vertical direction by passing it through a cross head carried

page_text: in vertical standards on the cylinder cover. At the lower part of the larger
cylinder there is fitted a clack valve K, or other equivalent means, for effec-
tually discharging any steam or water of condensation that may collect below
the piston E. The small quantity of rarefied air or attenuated steam that may
remain between the two pistons is of no importance as regards the motion of
the pistons. There is also a pipe L leading from the waste steam pipe M,
and entering a lower part of the larger cylinder; this pipe has a cock N
fitted in it, by means of which steam from the waste pipe M may be caused
to flow into the cylinders between the pistons E and F, to check, when
required, their otherwise too rapid motion.
The arrangement for actuating the slide valve by means of the rollers on
the back of the hammer H, alternately moving back the tappets, and so
operating their connected parts, are the same as that herein-before described
and shown in Figure 1, on the same Sheet, excepting that, in this case, both
the tappets are moved by hand levers arranged on the one side of the
standard. The lower tappet O is connected by the link P to the hand
lever Q, which is keyed to the small shaft R; this hand lever is retained in
the required position by a pin on its face slipping into one of the segmental
series of holes S. The other tappet T is attached by the link U to a horizontal
bar, which is also connected to the lever V; this hand lever is carried loosely
on the shaft R, and is held in the required position by a spring catch or stud
taking into the notches of the segmental rack W. To operate the slide valve
by hand a box-ended hand lever is fitted on the prolonged extremity of the
bell-crank lever X. With these arrangements the whole of the movements
for controlling the action of the hammer, are in convenient proximity of
the operator's hand.
The self-acting mechanical hammers, under one or other of the modifications
herein-before described, are adapted to all the purposes required in smiths' or
engineers' shops, the arrangement of the several parts admitting of their being
worked with the utmost facility and economy in the expenditure of steam.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-
before in part in recited Letters Patent, is,-
-
First, the general arrangement and construction of steam or mechanically-
actuated hammers, as herein-before described and shown in the accompanying
Drawings.
Second, the system or more of arranging and actuating mechanical

page_text: hammers of the "tilt" class, in which the hammer is moved or actuated
in one direction by steam, and in the other by means of springs, or solely
by steam, as herein-before described and delineated in Sheet 1 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Third, the system or mode of arranging and constructing mechanically-
actuated haminers of the tilt or lever class, wherein the piston rod of the
actuating steam cylinder is connected to the hammer lever by an arm or
other detail set at an angle with the actual lever, or so as to project there-
from, for the purposes herein-before described.
Fourth, the system or mode of arranging and constructing mechanically-
actuated hammers of the tilt or lever class, wherein the piston rod works
the hammer lever through a crank or other detail attached to the rocking
shaft, forming the working centre of the hammer lever.
Fifth, the application and use of springs of any kind, to and in
mechanically-actuated hammers, when such springs are used either for
rapidly lifting the hammer, after the blow has been struck, or for lowering
the hammer, and thus imparting a succession of sharp quick blows to
the work, as here-before described.
Sixth, the system or mode of arranging and constructing the gearing
for actuating the slide valves of mechanically actuated hammers, so that
the valves may be actuated either by self-acting means or by hand, and
the length of stroke adjusted as required, as herein-before described and
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings.
Seventh, the application and use of a heavy elongated piston or ram to
and in steam hammers, for the purpose of imparting additional force to
the blow of the hammer, the said piston or ram being arranged in the
manner herein-before described and delineated in Figure 1 on Sheet 3 of
the accompanying Drawings.
Eighth, the mechanical arrangement or any equivalent therefor, by
means of which the capacity of the cylinder above the piston is con-
tracted, so as practically to shorten the cylinder when the stroke of the
hammer is required to be moderated, as herein-before described and shown
in Figure 1, on Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings.
Ninth, the system or mode of arranging and applying to the cylinders
and other parts of steam hammers the metallic packings, herein-before
described and shown in Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings.
Tenth, the system or mode of arranging and constructing steam
hammers of the vertical class, with duplex cylinders, as delineated in
Figure 5, on Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings.

page_text: Eleventh, the system or mode of assisting the upward notion of hammers
of the tilt and vertical classes, by the momentary pressure of the steam on the
under side of the piston, whilst the steam is passing off to the exhaust pipe,
as herein-before described and delineated in Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet 1 and
in Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings.
Twelfth, the system or mode of increasing the force of the blow of steam
hammers by admitting high-pressure steam from the smaller cylinder to the
upper part of the larger cylinder where it is confined, and so caused to act
on the surface of the larger piston, as herein-before described.
Thirteenth, the system or mode of facilitating the descent of steam
hammers, by forming a vacuum between the double pistons of duplex cylin-
ders, and admitting steam above the pistons, as herein-before.
In witness whereof, I, the said Andrew Barclay, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-first day of December, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
ANDREW BARCLAY. (L.S.)