IMPROVEMENTS IN DRIVING BELTS AND SPRINGS
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Robertson, of Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
DRIVING BELTS AND SPRINGS."
Sealed the 25th February 1859, and dated the 3rd September 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Robertson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 3rd
September 1858.
I, JAMES ROBERTSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN DRIVING BELTS AND SPRINGS," to be as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to the application and adaptation of corrugated,
undulated, or indented plate or sheet metal to the construction of driving
belts and springs, and has for object the obtainment of economy, efficiency,
and various other advantages.
Driving belts formed of ordinary (that is to say, uncorrugated,) plate or
sheet metal, and which would otherwise possess many obvious advantages, are
rendered objectionable by their want of elasticity. According to the present
Invention, however, the requisite elasticity is obtained by forming the belts
with transverse corrugations, such corrugations admitting of longitudinal
extension and contraction to suit inequalities in the pulleys, or in the belts
themselves. The corrugations, undulations, or indentations of the metal of

page_text: which a driving belt of this kind is formed, may assume any one of a great
variety of configurations or shapes, and they may extend over the entire length
of belt, or over a portion or portions only. According to one plan, the belt
may be shaped so as to present on the inner or acting face a series of narrow
indentations or concavities arranged at intervals. The belt may consist of the
corrugated metal only, or this may be combined with other materials. Thus,
the indentations or concavities may be filled or charged with pitch, gutta
percha, or other substance, to increase the adhesion of the belts upon the
pulleys. Or the corrugated metal belt may be embedded in gutta percha or
caoutchouc, or in other words, a gutta percha or caoutchouc driving belt may
be strengthened by being formed with a core of corrugated.metal, the outer
surfaces of the gutta percha or caoutchouc being flush or not, as may be
deemed desirable; or, again, the corrugated metal belt may be lapped or
covered with yarn or other material. The ends of these corrugated metal
belts may be united or jointed in various ways, as, for example, by means of
the common hinge joint; or the two ends may be brought together with some
of the corrugations coinciding, and be united by means of rivets placed in
the concavities, so as not to come in contact with the surfaces of the pulleys.
The adhesion of the corrugated belts may be increased by attaching to them
short angular or wedge-shaped pieces, to work in grooves formed in the
pulleys. The metal of which driving belts of these kinds are formed, may be
of uniform thickness or of varied thicknesses.
Corrugated metal plates or sheets may be arranged to act as springs in
various ways. Narrow plates corrugated transversely and held at the ends
form excellent springs for beds, sofas, chairs, and various other articles, the
elastic tension being called into play in such examples by the elongation of the
plates. A very convenient spring for use, where extreme compactness is
desirable, is formed by combining two or more corrugated plates with the
corrugations of one plate arranged at right angles to or crossing those of the
adjacent plate or plates, or with flat plates alternated between the corrugated
plates. A spring of this kind is designed to resist compression, tending to
spread out the corrugations, and it is suitable for bearings of all kinds. It is
extremely well adapted for the bearings of the shafts used with my wedge-
surface frictional gearing, already protected by British Letters Patent.
Various shapes or configurations of corrugation or undulation may be adopted,
and the metal may be of uniform thickness or of varied thicknesses. The
corrugated plates may be of various forms; for some purposes an annular form
or that of a washer will be very suitable. Such an annular plate may be

page_text: formed with parallel corrugations, or with radial corrugations, or with
corrugations all equally inclined to the several radii.
It may, however, be mentioned that annular corrugations are unsuitable
and not contemplated in this Invention, as not admitting of being spread out
according to the mode of action sought to be developed. A single corrugated
plate may be used as a spring in the same way as the combined plates.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Robertson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd March 1859.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
ROBERTSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Third day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-second year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said James Robertson, Her special licence that I, the said James
Robertson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said James Robertson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after 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." IMPROVE-
MENTS IN DRIVING BELTS AND SPRINGS," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said James Robertson, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, 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 James Robertson, 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 following statement
in writing, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the.
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-.

page_text: My said Invention relates to the application and adaptation of corrugated,
undulated, or indented plate or sheet metal to the construction of driving
belts and springs, and has for object the obtainment of economy, efficiency,
and various, other advantages.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood and
carried into effect, I have hereunto appended three Sheets of explanatory
Drawings, the Figures upon which Sheets are numbered consecutively and in
one continuous series.
"
Figures 1 to 33 representing modifications of my improved driving belts,
and Figures 34 to 69 modifications of my improved springs as detached and
in their simplest forms, whilst Figures 70 to 80 represent applications of the
belts; and Figures 81 to 113 applications of the springs.
Driving belts formed of ordinary (that is to say, uncorrugated,) plate or
sheet metal, and which would otherwise possess many obvious advantages, are
rendered objectionable by their want of elasticity. According to the present
Invention, however, the requisite elasticity is obtained by forming the belts
with transverse corrugations, such corrugations admitting of the longitudinal
extension and contraction essential to efficient action, and obviating the defects
of inequalities in the pulleys, or in the belts themselves whilst they facilitate
the placing of the belts tightly on the pulleys. The corrugations, undulations,
or indentations of the metal of which a belt of this kind is formed may assume
any one of a great variety of configurations or shapes, and they may extend
over the entire length of belt or over a portion or portions only.
According to one plan the belt may be shaped so as to present on the
inner or acting face a series of narrow indentations or concavities arranged
at intervals.
Figure 1 is an edge view; Figure 2, a plan or outside view; and Figure 3,
a transverse section of a portion of one of the simplest and probably most
useful modifications of my improved belts.
The belt may consist of the corrugated metal only, as shown in Figures 3
1, 2, and 3, or this may be combined with other materials; the corrugated metal
belt may be lapped or covered with yarn or other material, such as leather or
cloth. Figures 4, 5, and 6 are edge, outside, and sectional views of a piece of
corrugated belting, lapped or wound with yarn; and Figures 7, 8, and 9 are
similar views of a piece of corrugated belting, having yarn plaited or woven 3
over it; or, again, the corrugated metal belt may be embedded in gutta percha
or caoutchouc, or in other words a gutta percha or caoutchouc belt, may be
strengthened by being formed with a core of corrugated metal, the outer

page_text: surfaces of the gutta percha or caoutchouc being flush or not, as may be
deemed desirable. A portion of such a compound belt is represented in
Figures 10, 11, and 12, which are respectively a longitudinal section, a face
view, and a transverse section. Figures 13, 14, and 15 are edge, face, and
sectional views shewing a mode of strengthening a comparatively broad gutta
percha belt by embedding in it three strips of corrugated metal. The number of
these strengthening strips may obviously be varied accordingly as the maker or
user of the belts may find it desirable; or, the corrugated metal belt may be
covered with a thin protective coat of gutta percha, caoutchouc, or other suitable
matter, such as pitch or other resin, which may also increase the adhesion
of the belt on the pulleys. If the belts are of steel they may also be protected
from corosion by being "galvanised."
When a belt of extra strength is required to transmit or sustain a great
strain, as in coal pit winding machines, two, three, or other number of my
thin corrugated metal belts may be combined together, as shown in Figures
16, 17, and 18, which are respectively edge, outside, and sectional views.
These component belts should be bound together at intervals by means of fine
copper or other wire lapped round them, as shown in the Figures for example.
It is preferred to make the corrugations of the several component belts to
coincide, and to apply each binding at a corrugation; or, instead of forming
these component belts with small corrugations at separated intervals, as shown
in Figures 16 and 17, they may be formed so as in their free unstrained
condition to present the continuous undulatory contour shown in Figure 19,
which is an edge view; Figures 20 and 21 being face and sectional views to
correspond. It may be mentioned that the giving combined belts of these
kinds a corrugated or undulated form will ensure an equal or nearly equal
distribution of the strain, as in case the strain does not at first bear on all the
component belts, that one or those belts bearing it will elongate until the
others take their share.
The adhesion of the corrugated belts on the pulleys may be increased by
attaching to them short angular or wedge shaped pieces to work in grooves
formed in the pulleys, or, wedge shaped projections may be formed in the
belt when the metal is in a soft state for the same purpose. A corrugated
belt of this kind is shown in edge, outside, and sectional views in Figures
22, 23, and 24; or, the wedging action may be obtained by forming the belt
with short angular or inclined pieces on its edges, such angular pieces bearing
against the sides of the pulley groove. A corrugated belt of this kind is
shown in edge, outside, and sectional views in Figures 25, 26, and 27..

page_text: The ends of these corrugated metal belts may be united or jointed in various
ways, as, for example, by means of the common hinge joint; or, the two ends
may be brought together with some of the corrugations coinciding, and be
united by means of rivets placed in the concavities, so as not to come in con-
tact with the surfaces of the pulleys; or, again, notches may be formed in the
edges of the belt at the coinciding corrugations, and fine copper or other wire
may be wound round the overlapping portions of the belt ends, in such a way
as to lie in the concavities of the corrugations on the inner or contact side,
whilst it is passed crosswise at the back from one corrugation to the next.
(This kind of joint is shown in Figures 70 and 71, Sheet 2, herein-after more
particularly referred to.) Perhaps the best mode of jointing the ends is that
shown in Figures 28, 29, and 30, (Sheet 1,) according to which fine notches
are filed in the edges of the overlapping belt ends, as shown in the fragmentary
view, Figure 29; fine copper or other wire being wound round, as shown in
Figures 28 and 30. The component strips of combined belts, such as are
shown in Figures 16 to 21, may be jointed in the manner shown in Figures
28, 29, and 30; but the joints of the several strips should be arranged so that
no two coincide in position. In cases where it is desirable to take the sharp
edge off my improved belts, these belts may be formed with a thick rounded
edge, as shown in edge, outside, sectional views in Figures 31, 32, and 33.
This form may be obtained by rolling the metal to the section, or by sub-
sequently applying a thickening of solder.
It is preferred to make these improved corrugated belts of steel, but other
metals or alloys may also be used, and the thickness of the belts may be
uniform throughout or varied. Applications of these belts are herein-after
described.
Corrugated, undulated, or indented metal plates or sheets may be arranged
to act as springs in various ways. In all the modifications of such springs
comprehended in this Invention, the spring or elastic action is called into play
by spreading out or elongating the corrugations, undulations, or indentations,
and exhibits itself in contracting or tending to contract them to their original
forms. This spreading out on elongation may result from a tensional or
pulling strain applied to the spring, or from a compressing strain applied so
as to tend to reduce the depth of the corrugations, and the various modi-
fications of the improved springs may be divided into two classes accordingly.
In Figures 34 to 46 are represented springs of the first class, or which are
designed to resist a tensional or pulling strain, whilst springs of the second
class, and designed to resist compression, are represented in Figures 47 to 69.

page_text: I shall herein-after distinguish the springs respectively appertaining to these
wo classes by the simple terms "tension" and "compression." Figure 34°
s an edge view, and Figure 35 a face view of a narrow strip of sheet steel,
of which metal, suitably tempered, I prefer to make my improved springs;
such strip being corrugated transversely, and constituting the simplest modi-
fication of tension spring. A tension spring of great strength is formed by
combining together two or more such corrugated strips, as shown in Figure 36.
This kind of spring is suitable where a small range or extent of action is
required. Figure 37 is an edge view, and Figure 38 a face view, of the half
of a tension spring, formed with deeper corrugations or undulations, so as to
possess a greater range or extent of action. Figures 39 and 40 are edge and
face views of the half of a similar spring, formed with a slight longitudinally
disposed bend in addition to the transverse corrugations. Various medi-
fications of the tension springs may be formed with the additional longitudinal
bend, to give thereto increased strength, but it should be very slight, as shown
in the transverse section at B, Figure 40. At A, Figure 38, is a transverse
section of the spring without the longitudinal bend. The tension springs may
be made of strips of metal of parallel-sided section, as if cut from a plate of
uniform thickness, or the strips may be tapered or thinned towards the edges.
Figure 41 is an edge view of a tension spring, having deep corrugations,
formed of four narrow plates or strips of metal combined together to give
extra strength. Figures 41 and 42 are an edge and a face view of a single-
plate tension spring, formed with deep and overlapping corrugations to give it
an extra range or extent of action. This spring may be magnetised, whereby
the resulting attraction between the adjacent corrugations will tend to render
the action of the spring more uniform, such attraction being greatest when the
resisting power of the spring is weakest. Figure 44 is an edge view of a
combined tension spring, designed to resist a great strain, such as that applied
to the drawbar of a railway carriage. In this Figure is shown the form of
undulation which I consider best where a great strain is to be provided for.
Figures 45 and 46 are edge and face views of this spring, as elongated by a
severe strain. The component metal strips should be bound together at
intervals, as shown, by copper or other wire.
Whilst it is preferred to make the corrugations of the tension springs
transverse or at right angles to the line of tension, they may, if desired, be
formed more or less obliquely in particular cases. A tension spring consisting
of two plates corrugated obliquely, but with the corrugations of one plate
èrossing those of the other, will act almost as though the corrugations of both

page_text: were transverse. Similarly, whilst it is preferred to make the corrugations o
the tension springs regular and undulatory, or with a continuous bend or sweep
still they may also be made irregular or with angles; and the thickness. o
metal may be varied longitudinally, a uniform thickness, however, being
preferred.
Applications of tension springs are herein-after described. The compression
springs constructed according to this Invention are for the most part designed
for a comparatively small range or extent of action. Figures 47 and 48 are
edge and face views of a compression spring of the simplest construction, being
designed to resist a compressing force applied to the upper and under corru-
gated surfaces, or, in other words, to the bends of the corrugations presented
on opposite sides, such force tending to spread out the corrugations or to
elongate the plate in a direction at right angles to the corrugations. Figures
49 and 50 are edge and face views of a compression spring consisting of several
corrugated plates combined to give increased strength. These plates are in this
instance arranged with the several corrugations coinciding or fitting together,
and the range or extent of action of the combined spring is the same as that
of a single plate. Figures 51 and 52 are edge and face views of a combined
compression spring, in which corrugated plates are alternated with flat plates.
Figure 53 is an edge view, showing this spring in a state of compression.
Figures 54 and 55 are edge and face views of a combined compression spring,
consisting of a pile of corrugated plates arranged with the corrugations of each
plate crossing those of the adjacent plates. Figure 56 is an edge view of this
plate in a state of compression. Figures 57 (commencing Sheet 2 of the
Drawings) to 65 are explanatory of various modifications of compression springs
of a circular or "washer" form, to be placed upon central rods or bolts for
various applications, some of which will be herein-after described. Figures 58
and 59 are edge and face views of a combined washer spring, consisting of
plates formed with parallel rectilinear corrugations, those of each plate being
arranged to cross those of the adjacent plates. Square holes are cut in the
plates, and they are put upon a square bolt C to prevent their being disarranged.
Figure 57 is an edge view of a single plate. Figure 60 is an edge view of a
single washer-shaped plate formed with radial corrugations. Figures 61 and 62
are edge and face views of a combined washer spring composed of radially
corrugated plates alternated with flat plates or washers. The bolt for this
spring may be round. To prevent misapprehension, it may here be explained
that the radially corrugated washer spring just described differs from a so
called "radially corrugated" spring, which has been proposed for railway

page_text: carriages; the latter being conical or dish-shaped, and bearing at the centre
on one side, and at circumferential points on the other; whilst my radially cor-
rugated washer springs are flat in general contour, or, in other words, are so
shaped that the corrugations extend to equal depths on opposite sides of a
centre plane; and they bear on points on both sides equally distant from the
centre or axis. There are also other differences between the two kinds of
springs. Figure 63 is an edge view of a single washer spring, and Figures
64 and 65 are edge and face views of a combined washer spring, the plates of
which are formed with rectilinear corrugations inclined in plan to the several
radii. These corrugations may also be described as being tangential to a
determinate circle concentric with the washer. In building up a combined
spring of plates corrugated in this way, every second plate is inverted, which
causes the corrugations of the adjacent plates to cross each other. Figure 66
is an elevation partly in section, and Figure 67 is an edge view, of a combined
cylindrical compression spring, designed for cushioning in any direction, and
shown as placed around the bush D of a shaft or spindle E. The plates com-
posing the spring are alternately longitudinally corrugated, and transversely or
circularly corrugated; or the plates may be corrugated obliquely, as shown
in edge and face views in Figures 68 and 69, the plates being combined in
such a way that the corrugations of each plate cross those of the adjacent
plates. Applications of compression springs are herein-after described.
I would here remark that although both tension and compression springs,
or spring plates made according to this Invention, will in general comprehend
in each case several currugations, undulations, or indentations, still I shall
deem as comprehended in this Invention any spring or spring plate acting in
the manner herein-before explained, if it has more than two acting bends
(formed by the corrugations, undulations, or indentations,) projecting on
either side; but I do not use the terms " corrugated," "undulated," or
"indented," in a sense in which they might be thought. applicable to a single
"bend," "curve," " corrugation," "undulation," or "indentation." It may
further be mentioned that annular or concentric corrugations are not con-
templated in this Invention, as being unsuitable for springs on account of the
impossibility of spreading them out according to the mode of action sought to
be developed. In order further to exhibit the nature, applicability, use, and
scope of my said Invention, I shall now proceed to describe some of the
many applications of which my improved belts and springs are susceptible.
Figures 70 and 71 are edge and side elevations of a driving and a driven
pulley, between which the power is transmitted by an improved corrugated

page_text: inetal belt of the kind represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3 (Sheet 1). To
increase the adhesion of the belt upon the pulleys, the pulleys may be covered
with leather or other material of a like nature; in which case it may be
unnecessary to turn the metal rims of the pulleys, the leather being cemented
on the rough cast surfaces, and afterwards turned down to a true shape;
or, the belt may be magnetised to increase its adhesion upon a plain iron
pulley or upon a steel rim fixed on the pulley. Figures 72 and 73 are edge
and side elevations of a pair of pulleys, with a belt of the kind represented in
Figures 22, 23, and 24 (Sheet 1). The belt is supposed to be cut away from
one of the pulleys in Figure 73, to show the manner in which the pulley is
grooved to receive the wedge-shaped projections of the belt. Figures 74 and
75 are edge and side elevations of a pair of pulleys with a belt of the kind
represented in Figures 25, 26, and 27 (Sheet 1.) It is not necessary that
the flat parts of the belt should bottom in the pulley groove; in fact, it is
better that it should not be able to do so until a portion of the pressure or
strain takes effect upon the angular side pieces. The shape of the pulley
groove is shown in Figure 75, a portion of the belt being supposed to be cut
away for that purpose. Figure 76 is a side elevation, and Figure 77 is a plan,
of a pair of wagon or dray wheels, formed with grooves to receive an endless
belt, consisting of eight or ten plies of corrugated metal straps, which are by
preference to be wound on round both wheels, as shown, in one continuous
length. This arrangement may be considered as an application of the corru-
gated metal, either as a belt or as a spring. It has been before proposed to
use plain belts in this way, to ease the draught of wagons or drays, particularly
over bad roads, and its application has also been proposed to steam and other
heavy cultivating machines with the view of the extended surface it presents
preventing the machine from sinking into the soil. The rendering of the
belts elastic by corrugating them will unquestionably make them more
efficient and successful in applications of this kind. Figure 78 is a side
elevation of a mingle pullèy with a belt, such as is represented in Figures
19, 20, and 21 (Sheet 1), arranged as the hauling rope for a mine shaft.
Figure 79 is a side elevation, and Figure 80 is a plan, showing the application
of a single belt of the kind represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3 (Sheet 1), for
lifting purposes, in a warehouse for example. It will be observed that a very
short winding barrel is required, and that the whole may be constructed in a
very compact form. Figure 81 is a side elevation of an easy chair, the back
of which is hinged to the seat, whilst tension springs of the kind represented
in Figures 37 and 38 (Sheet 1) are fixed between the back and the front

page_text: arms to impart an elastic yielding character to the back. Figure 82 is a
perspective elevation of a portion of a door frame and door, showing the
application thereto of a tension spring of the kind represented in Figures 37
and 38 (Sheet 1). The spring is shown at S. Figures 83 and 84 are side
elevations, showing the applications of tension springs of the kinds shown, one
in Figures 37 and 38, and the other in Figures 42 and 43 (Sheet 1) to levers in
a manner suitable for looms and various other machines; for which purpose
my improved tension springs are peculiarly suitable, as a modification may be
selected from them to act with any degree of elasticity, or with any range that
may be required. Figure 85 is a side elevation, showing a very useful
application of my improved tension springs, namely, for lessening the effect of
jerks in lifting heavy weights. For this purpose, the spring is attached to the
end of the lifting chain or rope, as at S, the weight to be lifted being attached
to the free end of the spring. The kind of spring shown in Figure 85 is
like that represented in Figure 41 (Sheet 1), but other modifications may be
used according to the weights to be lifted in each case. Figure 86 is a plan
of a ship's gun, showing the application at of springs of the kind shown in
Figure 41 (Sheet 1), to moderate the effect of the gun's recoil when dis-
charged. Figure 87 is a side elevation of a railway axle bearing, with the
front horn plate removed, and Figure 88 is an end or edge elevation corre-
sponding. Tension springs S of the kind shown in Figure 41 (Sheet 1) are
here applied to the axle bearing, the springs being fixed at their lower ends to
cross studs H, connecting the inner and outer horn plates I, and at their
upper ends to a cross-head J fixed upon a vertical rod K, which bears upon
the upper axle bearing L.
I may here remark that my improved tension springs may be applied in a
great variety of ways to railway axle bearings, and have many advantages over
ordinary springs used for similar purposes.
Figure 89 (commencement of Sheet 3) is a side elevation, showing one
amongst a great many modes of applying the tension springs S to the axles of
common road carriages. The kind of spring shown in this example is the
same as that represented in Figure 41 (Sheet 1).
Figure 90 is a plan of a railway carriage framing, showing a mode of
applying the tension springs S to the buffers and draw bars of railway
carriages. This and other applications of the tension springs for railway
purposes are perhaps amongst the most important of their uses, on account
of their comparatively small cost and of the facilities they afford as regards
arrangement.

page_text: Figure 91 represents in edge view a tension spring S of the kind shown in
Figures 34 and 85 (Sheet 1), as fixed at each end (upon a bed frame for
example), the tensional elasticity being called into action in this case by
deflecting the spring as indicated by the dotted lines. This kind of tension
spring thus fixed at both ends forms an excellent elastic support for chair and
sofa cushions and for beds. Figures 92, 93, and 94 show a mode of arranging
the springs in a chair, being respectively a perspective view, a vertical section,
and a side elevation. Figures 95 and 96 are a section and plan showing the
same arrangement applied to a bed. In both chair and bed the springs S are
represented as fixed across the under sides of the seat frame of the chair and
of the bed frame, the ends of the springs being covered and held against the
frames by strips M of wood or metal. The springs S being fixed on the
under sides of the chair and bed frames, a kind of recess is in each case
formed within the frames to receive a soft cushion or a feather bed, no
mattress being required for the bed. The springs may, however, be fixed on
the top sides of the frames, if preferred.
Figures 97 and 98 are section and plan of a web spring or piece of spring
web to be used for various purposes, formed by incorporating yarns or fibres
as a weft, with a number of parallel strips of thin corrugated steel (such as is
represented in Figures 34 and 35, Sheet 1,) arranged as a warp. Figures 99
and 100 are section and plan showing a number of thin corrugated steel
strips arranged crosswise, and interlaced like a plain woven fabric, to form a
spring or elastic net work or web for supporting beds and cushions, and for
various purposes. (A modification of this form of spring is herein-after
described.)
These last described modifications of tension springs, as well as most of the
others, may be combined with caoutchouc, or they may be protected by being
galvanised, or by coverings of yarn, cloth, leather, or other protective material.
My improved compression springs are very convenient for use where ex-
treme compactness is desirable, and extremely well adapted for the bearings of
the shafts used with my wedge-surface frictional gearing, already protected by
British Letters Patent.
Figure 101 is an elevation of a plummer block, showing the application at
W of washer springs of either of the kinds shown in Figures 61 to 65
(Sheet 2) to the bolts which hold down the cover, these springs allowing the
cover to rise slightly. Plate springs of either of the kinds shown in Figures
51 to 56 (Sheet 1) are placed at P, between the lower brass and the bottom
of the block in a recess cut in the brass, and allow the bearings to yield

page_text: slightly in a downward direction. Figure 102 is an elevation of a plummer
block showing another mode of applying the springs, the entire block being
made capable of yielding slightly upwards or downwards. Springs of either of
the kinds shown in Figures 51 to 56 (Sheet 1) are placed at P between the
block and its seating; and springs of either of the kinds shown in Figures 61
to 65 (Sheet 2) are applied at W to the bolts holding the block down in its
place. Figure 103 is an elevation of a hanging bracket bearing, to which a
slight elasticity is imparted by applying at W to the bolts, attaching it to the
overhead beam springs of either of the kinds shown in Figures 61 to 65
(Sheet 2), these springs being placed on both sides of the flange of the bracket.
Figure 104 is a side elevation of a fragment of a crane jib, showing a mode
of giving a slight elasticity thereto by means of my compression springs, to
enable it to yield slight when an extra strain acts suddenly upon it. The
lower cast-iron socket of the jib is formed in two pieces N, O, with enlarged
flanges on the adjacent parts. Between these flanges a number of plate
springs P of either of the kinds shown in Figures 51 to 56 (Sheet 1) are
placed, and the pieces N, O, are fixed together by bolts passing through the.
flanges and through the spring plates P, whilst springs of either of the kinds
shown in Figures 61 to 65 (Sheet 2) are placed at W under the bolt nuts.
Figure 105 is an elevation of a starting or engaging lever, to which a slight
elasticity is imparted in a similar way by springs at P and W, to cause a
strain suddenly applied to it to take effect gradually. Figures 106 is a plan
of a portion of shafting, baving the springs P and W applied at the coupling
to form a species of universal joint, admitting of one portion of the shafting
being slightly inclined to the other. The modes illustrated by Figures 104 to
106 of connecting parts of pieces generally united in a solid or rigid manner,
may be advantageously adopted in many cases where a slight elasticity or
yielding power is or may be considered desirable. As an example, springs
may be applied in this way to the masts and other spars of boats and ships.
The compression springs are extremely suitable for the axle bearings of
railway wagons on account of their small cost, and. of the simplicity of
arrangements requisite on applying them. Figure 107 is a side elevation, and
Figure 108 is a horizontal.section showing one very simple mode of applying
the spring plates P arranged as in Figures 51 or 54, (Sheet 1), the plates
being placed between the bearings and the wagon frame, and having notches
cut in their ends to fit the horn plates and keep them in their places.
.
Another simple arrangement is shown in side elevation in Figure 109,
where the bearings are held in an inverted block Q, bolted to the wagon

page_text: frame, the springs P being inserted between the block and the frame; washer
springs are also applied at W, between the bolt nuts and the block.
Figure 110 is a plan, partly in section, showing the application of the washer
springs W of the kinds shown in Figures 57 to 65 (Sheet
to the buffers
and drawbars of railway carriages. These form perhaps as important appli-
cations of the springs as any, their extreme simplicity being evident, whilst
great economy respecting various details of carriage construction must obviously
result from their use.
Figure 111 is a vertical section, and Figure 112 an elevation, of a portion
of the side of a war ship, as protected by a number of corrugated steel
sheets designed to act as springs in preventing the usual damage arising from
projectiles. Trial alone can determine what force of projectile can be with-
stood by an elastic projective covering of this kind, but it is certain that many
a ball which would do immense injury to an ordinary ship would be thrown
off or be prevented entering a vessel so protected. Figure 113 is a vertical
section, shewing the manner in which it is presumed the corrugated plates
would yield to the impulse of a ball. This is one example of the application of
the corrugated spring plates for protective purposes, but there are many other
cases in which a similar use may be made of them.
There remains to be described a modification of the form of spring herein-
before described, in connection with Figures 99 and 100 (Sheet 3). This
modification consists of a sheet of thin steel with square holes punched in it
at regular distances; the portions between the sides of the squares being
corrugated in two directions at right angles to each other. Supposing the
sheet to be oblong in form, transverse corrugations across the square holes
will contract its length, and longitudinal corrugations, also in lines passing.
through the square holes, will contract its width; whilst the transverse and
longitudinal corrugations will be quite distinct; and the corrugated sheet will
have the power of extension both longitudinally and transversely. The shaping
and tempering of my improved belts and springs may be effected by processes
in common use for similar purposes. They may be shaped by rolling, the rolls
being shaped to give the required form; their efficiency will in general depend
in a great measure on their temper, which should of course be as uniform as
possible throughout each piece. It is proposed to obtain the desired certainty
and uniformity of temper, by means of steam or gases, or steam combined
with gases heated up to a suitable temperature. In carrying out this plan a
case or vessel must be provided near the place where the steel plates are heated,
so that these may be instantaneously put therein, and the tempering medium
be admitted to envelope them.

page_text: Having thus particularly described my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I have to state that
I do not restrict myself to the precise details herein described or delineated,
and that I do not claim to have invented every separate detail herein described,
delineated, or referred to; but that what I consider to be novel and original,
and claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent, is,-
First, my herein-before described systems or modes of applying and adapting
corrugated, undulated, or indented sheet or plate metal to the construction of
driving belts and springs.
Second, the application and use of single or combined corrugated metal
belts, for the transmission of motive force, as herein-before described.
Third, the application and use of compound belts for transmitting motive
force, such belts consisting of corrugated metal belts combined with such
substances as gutta percha, caoutchouc, leather, cloth, and yarn, as herein-
before described.
Fourth, the system or mode of constructing corrugated metal belts for
transmitting motive force with wedge-shaped projections or angular edge
pieces, the pulleys being formed with corresponding grooves or inclined surfaces
as herein-before described, together with the berein-before described modes of
increasing the adhesion of the belts by means of magnetism.
Fifth, the application and use, in the manner herein-before described, as
"tension or "compression springs according to arrangement of single or
combined plates or strips of corrugated, undulated, or indented sheet metal,
together with my various herein-before described modes of forming and
arranging such springs.
Sixth, the system or mode of easing the lifting of heavy bodies by means of
my improved tension springs, as herein-before more particularly described
in connection with Figure 85, on Sheet 2 of the Drawings hereunto appended.
0 Seventh, the system or mode of supporting beds and chair and sofa cushions
by means of my improved tension springs, and the application and use of such
springs in similar situations, where, fixed at both ends, they are put into action
by deflection, as herein-before more particularly described in connection with
Figures 91 to 96, on Sheet 3, of the Drawings hereunto appended.
5 Eighth, the application and use of the modifications of tension springs
herein-before more particularly described in connection with Figures 97 to 100,
on Sheet 3 of the Drawings hereunto appended.
Ninth, the system or mode of imparting an elastic yielding power to

page_text: bearings, by means of my improved compression springs, as herein-before
more particularly described in connection with Figures 101, 102, and 103, on
Sheet 3 of the Drawings hereunto appended.
Tenth, the system or mode of imparting a slight elastic yielding power to
crane jibs, levers, shafts, masts, spars, and various other articles, by means of
my improved compression springs, as herein-before more particularly described
in connection with Figures 104, 105, and 106, on Sheet 3 of the Drawings
hereunto appended.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Robertson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this First day of March; in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine.
JAMES ROBERTSON. (L.B.)
Witness,
EDMUND HUNT, Patent Agent,
28, St. Enoch Square, Glasgow.