IMPROVEMENTS IN CRANES
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Davies, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's
Inn, in the County of Middlesex, and No. 87, St. Vincent Street,
in the City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CRANES."-A communication from
abroad by Philippe Louis Henri Charles Lavagne, of Paris,
. France.,
Sealed the 14th August 1868, and dated the 12th June 1868.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said George Davies at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and
Declaration, on the 12th June 1868, pursuant to the 9th Section of
the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852..
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
and. No. 87, St. Vincent Street, in the City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer
and Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
CRANES," and, have, petitioned Her. Majesty to grant unto me, my.
executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters Patent for
[Price 8d.]

page_text: the same, and have made solemn Declaration that the same has been
communicated to me from abroad by Philippe Louis Henri Charles
Lavagne, of Paris, France.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Davies, do hereby declare
that the following Complete Specification, under my hand and seal, fully
describes and ascertains the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed in and by the following statement in
writing, and on reference to the accompanying Drawings, that is to say :-
The crane which forms the subject of the present Invention combines
in one apparatus the different movements of which machinery of this
description is susceptible, that is to say :-
1stly. Raising and lowering of the load.
2ndly. Variation at will of the range by the oscillation of the jib.
3rdly. Complete revolution or rotation in both directions.
4thly. Portability or mobility of the apparatus.
Within the maximum limit of the range of its jib this crane raises and
lowers its load on all points of the area of its revolution or traverse.
The revolving portion of the crane (or strictly speaking the crane itself)
is composed principally of a revolving post or pivot and a jib articulated
or jointed thereto.
The post or pivot (see Figures and 2, Sheet 1, of the annexed
Drawings), is composed of two uprights p, p, connected by cross
pieces 9, 9, and diagonal ties r, r; it has fixed to its lower part the
trunnion or pivot 8, s, on which the apparatus rotates. Towards the centre
of the post is fixed a circular plate or turntable t, t, which surrounding
the post allows of the rotation of the crane. This plate bears against and
turns upon friction rollers x, x, which themselves roll in and bear against
a hollow circular bed C fixed at the upper part of the timber framework
or carriage of the crane. Above this plate or revolving platform the
post carries in sockets y, y, the pin or axis o, o, by means of which the jib
is jointed to the post, or these sockets may be fixed on the turntable
if preferred.
The jib (see also Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1) is formed like the crane
post of two cheeks or side plates connected together by cross pieces;
it carries at its lower extremity on the axle o, o, a carrier pulley n, n,
for the lifting chain. At its other end it carries another pulley m, m,
for the same purpose, and placed intermediately are rollers 1, 2, to support

page_text: the lifting chain. The upper part of the jib is also furnished with
tension bars K, K, to connect its fore end with the chain i, i, for raising
and lowering the jib. The function of this chain is to give to the jib,
whether loaded or otherwise, all the positions rendered necessary by the
required variations of the range, and to hold the said jib in the different
positions.
Figure 3, Sheet 1, represents a parachute arrangement by which all
accident resulting from the chain i, i, which supports the jib is avoided.
For this purpose the said chain is constructed in the following manner,
and provided with the apparatus herein-after described:-The part i¹
of the chain winding on the pinion h is a simple chain of a sufficient
strength to resist the tension to which it is subjected; the other part {"
is composed of one or several chains capable of bearing a greater strain,
so that if the chain should break from too great tension it will be
broken in its weakest part ¹. The two parts of the chain are united
by the parachute in the following manner:-The end of the single
chain is attached to the extremities of two levers c, c, jointed together
at d in the same block e, e, which carries the stop pieces for the
levers c, c.
This block e, e, is itself attached to the upper chains 11, 21,
which are connected to the tension bars K, K, of the jib. The levers c, c,
are terminated by lumps m, m, the weight of which combined with
the length of the levers is greater than the whole of the single part of
the chain ; these lumps m, m, are provided with claws at their
extremities. Wooden joists f, f, are fixed within the uprights p, p, of
the crane post opposite to the claws, so that the latter in falling come
against the joists; guides g, g, fixed on the parachute embrace the
When the single
joists and prevent the claws from getting out of place.
chain, is strained the levers c are drawn back into the block e, e, and
the tension is transmitted to the upper part of the chain and to the point
of the jib; but if the single chain ¹ should break, the levers c, c, being
heavier than it fall down again, and the claws with which they are provided
penetrate into the joists f, f. (as shown by the dotted lines) and thus
prevent the falling of the jib.
Any other form of chain may be used besides that represented on the
Drawing. The parachute above described may also be applied to any other
kind of crane or similar raising and lowering apparatus.
Below the revolving plate or turntable t, t, is placed a drum g, g, the
axle of which is supported in bearings fixed on the uprights p, p, of the

page_text: controls the raising and lowering
Below the revolving platform (as
above the same, as the case may
crane post. This drum is intended to wind and unwind the hoisting
chain which passes round the carrier pulleys m and n placed on the
jib, and carries at its free end the hook for suspending the load. On
the shaft of this drum is keyed a pinion or worm wheel e gearing with a
worm d, which is itself driven by the steam engine u. This steam
engine is fixed on one of the uprights of the crane post, and is driven in
the desired direction by means of a lever L set on the revolving platform
within reach of the driver, who thus
of the load suspended from the hook.
shewn in the annexed Drawing) or
be, is mounted a chain pinion h, the axis of which is supported in
sockets fixed to the uprights p, p. This pinion gears into the chain i,
and is intended to lengthen or shorten it so as to control the
oscillation or range of the jib. On the axle of the pinion h is keyed
another pinion or worm wheel in gear with a worm 6 driven by a
second steam engine u¹ fixed on the opposite upright and governed by
the lever L' on the revolving platform, which lever is also within reach of
the driver, who thus controls the oscillation of the jib and consequently
the range of the crane.
The complete rotation of the crane in both directions is obtained by
means of a pinion a which gears with the fixed spur wheel B. The
axle of the pinion a carried by the frame of the steam engine a' is
driven by this engine by means of intermediate gearing. This engine
(intended also to effect the transportation of the crane) is driven like
the two former by means of a third handle L" placed within reach of the
driver on the revolving platform. This engine is provided with disengag-
ing apparatus 6, by which it may be caused either to drive the displace-
ment of the revolving motion or be completely isolated from both. The
displacement or deportation of the crane is effected either by this engine
or by hand by means of ordinary transmission gear actuating (by
means of screws, chains, or gearing) the two wheels A, A, which are
keyed on the same axle. The steam generator P should be mounted
(by preference) in the revolving part of the crane, as shown on the
annexed Drawing, in such a manner as to counterbalance as much as
possible the weight of the jib; it may, however, be placed outside the
revolving portion of the crane, employing any known means for introduc
ing the steam through the pivot, so that the rotary motion of the apparatus
may not be interfered with.

page_text: The four above described movements, viz., hoisting, oscillation,
rotation, and displacement, are obtained by means of three distinct steam
engines, but without altering the general construction of the crane they
can (by means of engaging and disengaging apparatus well known in
mechanics) be actuated by two or even by a single engine which may be
driven by steam or other motive force.
The turret shown in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, is composed of a
platform C¹ at its lower part formed of beams arranged in a suitable
manner according to the requirements of the crane, and constructed so as
to support the footstep and fixed spur wheel B, the wheels A, and the
uprights of the turret intended to receive at its upper part the hollow
circular bed C, in which the friction rollers a work.
The chief advantages of the arrangement of the carriage hereiu-after
described are as follows:-The concentration of the bulk of the apparatus,
reduction in the width of the ways on which the crane is mounted, and
compactness of the displacement mechanism.
It will be readily understood that the square form of turret represented
at Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, may be replaced with advantage in some cases
cases by a turret of a cylindrical, conical, or other form, according to cir-
cumstances. The one here shown is constructed with four vertical
standards d' supported on one side by the buttresses e¹, and united by
cross ties g¹, gl. The top or entablature is formed of a square frame fi
intended to support the hollow way C in which the friction wheels * roll.
That represented at Figures 2 and 3, Sheet 2, is composed of a truncated
cone or cylinder a, b, fixed to the platform c, and carrying at its upper
part a the hollow way in which the friction rollers run.
The main object of the carriage arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2,'
Sheet 2, is to divide in two parts the space on the ground occupied
by the crane, leaving the necessary room between these two parts for
the passage of railway trucks, wagons, or other vehicles. The carriage
is constructed of two V-shaped supports formed of the upright a con-
nected together by means of cross bars, braces, ties, and stays. The
lower braces 6, 61, carry the axes of the travelling wheels. One of
the supports of the carriage is arranged in such a manner as to receive
the revolving portion of the crane; for this purpose the braces 6 at
the bottom of this support carry the footstep on which the crane rests,
and the upper part of this support arranged in the form of a square
similar to the top of the turret previously described supports the hollow

page_text: way for the friction rollers. The revolving portion of this crane is capable
of a variety of applications, an important one of which, viz., its application
to a lighter or vessel, is represented at Figures 5 and 6, Sheet 2, the
footstep of the crane rests on the bottom of the vessel. The circular
hollow way for the friction rollers in which the crane post turns is fixed
on the deck of the vessel or on a turret formed for that purpose. The
movable counterweight P moved automatically is for the purpose of
diminishing the inclination of the vessel caused by the descent of the loaded
jib. For this purpose its actuating mechanism is so arranged as to remove
it from the centre of the crane when the jib is lowered, and to draw it
back when the latter is raised, the distance travelled over by the
counterpoise being proportioned to the amount of movement of the jib.
The centre of gravity of the crane is thus kept as much as possible in
the centre of the vessel. Excepting this addition of the counterpoise,
the floating crane is similar to the cranes above described to which also
the counterpoise may be applied; on the other hand the floating crane may
be made without the counterweight.
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Sheet 3 represent modifications of the
framing of the apparatus and of the made of hinging the jib.
The fixed frame (Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 3) is composed of vertical
standards fixed in the ground and connected together by cross bars
and ties. Their upper extremities are united by a frame on which the
circular way C is fixed. The footstep B is fixed in the ground concentrically
with the circular way.
The carriage represented at Figure 3, Sheet 3, is composed of two
supports of unequal heights carried by wheels. These V formed supports
are formed of standards connected together by ties and cross pieces.
The larger of the two carries the crane, its upper portion terminating for
that purpose in a frame, on which the circular way C is fixed, and in the
lower part is fixed concentrically with the circular way the footstep for
receiving the pivot of the crane. This carriage, as also that previously
described and represented at Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2, may carry a crane
on each support.
The fixed framework and carriage represented at Figures 1, 2, 3,
and 4, Sheet 3, allow of the point of the jib being raised very high,
but this point may be raised even higher by means of the arrangement
of the rotating parts of the crane, as represented at Figures 1 and 2.
In this arrangement the jib of the crane has its axis of articulation

page_text: at the top of the crane post; the jib being moved and held in position by
means of the chain p attached to one of its extremities. Its other end
supports the carrier pulleys for the hoisting chain.
Having now described the nature and object of my said Invention
for "Improvements in Cranes," together with the manner in which the
same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I would
remark in conclusion that the Inventor does not desire to limit or
confine himself to the precise form or arrangement of the various parts,
as herein-before described and represented on the annexed Drawings;
but claims as his Invention, the general construction and arrangement of
cranes, as herein-before described, or any mere imitation or modification
thereof, constructed and operating in substantially the same or a similar
manner.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Davies, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
GEORGE DAVIES. (L.B.)