Improvements in Travelling Cranes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 24th Dec., 1890-Accepted, 24th Jan., 1891
ROVISIONAL DI LUIFICATION.
Improvements in Travelling Cranes.
A communication from abroad by WALTER Wood, of 400, Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, Merchant.
I WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11 Wellington Street, Strand, London,
in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby doclare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:
--
My invention relates moro particularly to that class of cranes known as overlead
travellers and consists in certain improvements whereby I am enabled to operate and
control the movements of the same either from a platform attached to, or suspended
from the bridge of the crane, or from any point in immediate proximity to the
crane. This I accomplish by the use of one or more ropes or chains actuated by
any suitable driving mechanism or motive power, arranged upon the bridge of the
crane or at any convenient spot, altogether independent of the crane. My arrange-
ment is such that by the aid of one rope or chain I am enabled to operate and
control the movements of the bridge or trolley, or both as may be found desirable and
also the hoisting tackle.
In another arrangement I use two ropes or chains, one for controlling the bridge
and trolley, and another for the raising and lowering mechanism; or I may use three
independent ropes or chains, one controlling the movements of the bridge, a second
that of the trolloy and a third that of the raising and lowering mechanism. A
further modification permits of the starting and stopping mechanism being effected
by the attendant from any portion of the building. In order to effect this I arrange
a suitable stage or platforin around the walls of the building immediately above
which runs the controlling rope or chain for operating the starting mechanism.
When it is desired to operate the trolley and bridge, or the trolley and hoisting
gear, or the trolley hoisting gear and bridge by a single rope or chain. I provide the
rope pulleys, over which the rope or chain passes at the outer end of the bridge with
suitable brakes, by means of which the rotation of one or other of these pulleys can
be retarded or arrested at the will of the attendant.
On the accompanying drawings:-
:-
Figure 1, represents a general view in perspective, illustrating the construction of
the bridge and its adjuncts without, however, showing the system of chains by which
the movements of the bridge and of the trolley are produced.
Figure 2, is a partial view of the bridge in perspective illustrating one method of
applying the actuating chain of the bridge and trolley.
Figure 3, is a similar perspective view illustrating another method of arranging
the said chain.
Figure 4, is a plan of a building having a stage or platform arranged around its
walls for the purpose of enabling the attendant to operate and control the starting
and stopping mechanism of the crane from any desired point, and
Figure 5, shows a method of suspending the platform and rope pulleys from the
bridge.
Figures 6 to 12 inclusive illustrate some arrangements of chain or rope which 1
have adopted for operating the bridge, trolley and hoisting mechanism but I would
here observe that I propose to use any equivalents thereof.
Figure 6, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for operating
the boisting mechanism.
Figure 7, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for operating
the bridge motion.

page_text: "
Figure 8, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for operating
the trolley motion.
Figure 9, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for operating
the trolley and hoisting motions.
Figure 10, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for operating
the trolley and bridge motions.
Figure 11, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for
operating the bridge and hoisting motions, and
Figure 12, illustrates various methods of arranging the rope or chain for operating
the hoisting, travelling and transverse motions.
The
Referring to Figure 1, A indicates the wall of the building or other enclosure
having suitable tracks H, upon which the wheels h, of the bridge C, run.
trolley D, is to run lengthwise upon said bridge or transversely with the building.
By means of suitable rods J, or in any other convenient manner, I suspend from
the bridge, and preferably upon each side thereof, a platform G, of such width as to
afford room for the operator to stand or walk from one end of the bridge to the other,
and I also prefer to add to said platform at the ends of the bridge, extension
wings, G', which may be hinged so as to fold up as indicated at the right hand side
of the figure, when it is necessary for the crane to approach. closely to either end of
the building.
The lifting chain B, is connected at one end with the actuating mechanism, which
in the present instance is indicated as merely a large drum E, bat which of course
may be of any known character. From said actuating mechanism said chain leads
over a pulley, upon the wall of the building to the bridge, where it passes around a
horizontal pulley 6, mounted near one. end thereof, thence over the pulley, upon
the trolley, descending to the lifting block K, again ascending it passes over a second
pulley, upon the trolley and then around a second horizontal pulley b², mounted
near-the other end of the bridge, from which it leads to an anchoring point 6, on the
wall of the building.
It is obvious that no matter what may be the position of the bridge or of the
trolley, the lifting chain B, so long as it remains of constant length, will support
the block k, at the same vertical height, while by actuating the drum E, in one
direction or the other, the lifting chain B, will be shortened or lengthened and the
block K, raised or lowered accordingly.
Control over the actuating mechanism is effected by means of a cord or rope F,
which, starting from its point of attachment to the valve 1, or other controlling
member of the actuating devices, passes over the pulley f, upon the wall of the
building, thence to a horizontal puloy f, upon the bridge; from this pulley it runs
the length of the bridge and aroun. a pair of pulleys, ff, thence returning along
the other side of the bridge te a pulley f, from which it leads to an anchoring
point, upon the wall of the baulding. Thus the cord F, is unaffected by any change
in the position of the bridge but remains of constant length throughout the move-
ments thereof, and is always accessible to the operator from his position on the
platform.
The extension wings G', afford a convenient position for him to overlook the work
from either side thereof, and as the cord F, may be brought around the end of the
building and along its other side before permanently anchoring, the operator can
control it from almost any point which he finds desirable.
In Figure 1, as before stated, only the lifting chain and its relation to the other
parts is indicated, and consequently, said figure shows but a single controlling cord f,
but it must of course be understood that the number of such controlling cords will
correspond with the number of actuating devices used.
Referring now to Figure 2, the construction and mode of operation of the
device for effecting the bridge and trolley movements will now be described.
The actuating mechanism, (which like that before mentioned, may be of any desired
character), is in the present instance indicated by a drum M, around which passes a
chain N. This chain passes over a pulley n, upon the wall of the building, thence

page_text: around a second pulley n', mounted upon the end of the bridge and thence to a point
of attachment d, upon the trolley D. From a second point of attachment 1, upon
the trolley, the chain again leads around a horizontal pulley n², upon the other end of
the bridge, and thence returns around pulleys n³, n³, n, arranged at the respective
corners of the building, back to the actuating drum M. The chain N, is thus
theoretically an endless chain, the trolley constituting in effect one link or member
thereof. Hence, if said chain is permitted to run freely upon all the several pulleys.
above referred to it will, without causing motion of the bridge, shift the trolley in one
direction or the other thereon according to the direction of its own movement. If,
however, the free motion of said chain upon the bridge be checked, as for instance by
means of brakes L, applied at the pulleys n n², the trolley can no longer move upon
the bridge but the bridge itself will be bodily shifted in one direction or the other
according to the direction of the movement of the chain N.
The control of this brake mechanism is of course readily effected from the bridge,
and. as above stated, a cord similar to the cord F, should be provided to control the
actuating mechanism for the chain N.
In Figure 3, I have shown another arrangement of the said actuating chain which
is there indicated at N2. Instead of leaving the bridge at the pulley n², and returning
to the actuating mechanism around the walls of the building, suid chain is carried
back along the bridge, around a second horizontal pulley no, at the end thereof, thence
to the pulley, near the end of the building, and thence back over the pulley n, to
the actuating mechanism.
I have indicated these two methods of returning said chain as convenient
alternatives, but since the path of the chain after it leaves the bridge is not material
to the operation, it must be understood that I do not propose to limit myself to the
described method of arrangement shown.
I contemplate using the above system in connection with known modes of
preserving the alignment of the bridge, and of taking up slack in the chains and
cords. I further contemplate the use of a duplicate actuating chain arranged in
proper correlation to the first so that the strain shall be applied equally on the opposite
sides of the bridge.
Furthermore, whilst the simplest type of the embodiment of the device is found
in the return of the actuating chain around the drum M, so that the chain is
practically endless, I do not propose to limit myself to this precise method of
construction since one chain can be led from one actuating drum to one end of the
trolley, whilst another chain is led from a second actuating drum to the other end of
the trolley, provided the respective actuating drums move in correspondence, or su
that one gives when the other takes.
So also, the lifting cbain instead of being anchored at the end shown, may
return around suitable pulleys by way of the bridge to the drum, or to a second
drum, or to a fixed point near the first, thus equalizing the strain upon the bridge,
due to the lifting pull.
These modifications do not affect the primary feature of my invention, which differs
from existing devices (so far as known to me) in that both bridge and trolley move-
ments are derived from the same chain, which is directly attached to the trolley only,
the actuating devices instead of being mounted upon the bridge, being placed at any
convenient location upon above or beneath the floor of the building.
I am thus enabled to dispense with the cumbersome machinery and grip wheels
heretofore generally carried by the bridge or trolley, and to avail myself of power
from any convenient source.
Dated this Blavanth day of Murah 1890

page_text: Improvements in Travelling Cranes.
A communication from abroad by WALTER WOOD, of 400, Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, Merchant.
I WILLIAM EDWARD GEDGE, of No. 11 Wellington Street, Strand, London, in the
County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
:-
This invention relates particularly to the class of cranes known as "Overhead
Travellers" or "Travelling Cranes" whose characteristic features are as follows:-
A pair of parallel tracks or ways, suitably mounted along the walls of the building
wherein the crane is to be employed, or in any other convenient location, carry a
transverse bridge provided with suitable wheels or rollers for free movement along
said ways. Upon this bridge is a carriage or trolly which runs upon suitable rollers
so as to traverse the bridge from end to end, said trolly is in turn provided with
pulleys or sheaves to carry a lifting rope descending in a bight or loop therefrom,
and at the lower end of said bight a fall-block, or sheave provided with a hook is
snspended.
Thus the apparatus as a whole comprises the capacity for three movements; to wit,
longitudinal travel of the bridge along the ways, transverse shifting of the trolly along
the bridge, and vertical raising or lowering of the fall-block.
For purposes of convenience in description, these movements will be herein-
after referred to respectively, as the bridge movement, the trolly movement and
the lifting movement.
In the Specification to my Letters Patent No. 19,204 of 1889, I have described
and broadly claimed certain improvements in cranes of this class, the main features of
improvement being the use of hydraulic actuating mechanism situated at a point or
points independent of the crane structure and connected with the moving members
thereof by suitable means, and also the use, with or without hydraulic actuating
mechanism, of a peculiar system of ropes, chains or cables for producing the three
movements above referred to, severally or collectively.
My present improvements relate first to the general control of the movements by the
operator, and are adapted to permit him to effect such control from the point most
advantageously situated with reference to the work upon which the crane is engaged.
My improvements relate in the second instance to various modifications in the
arrangements of the ropes, chains or cables, above referred to, which may be found
convenient in practice owing to the peculiar conditions of the structure in which the
same is erected, or from other cause.
In my present improvements therefore I utilize the fundamental principle which
characterizes ny said Patent, but I modify the details of the application thereof, as
will be hereafter more particularly set forth.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 represents a general view in perspective, illustrating the construction of
the bridge and its adjuncts, without however showing the system of chains by which
the movements of the bridge and of the trolly are produced.
Figure 2 is a partial view of the bridge, in perspective, illustrating one method of
applying the actuating chain of the bridge and trolly.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a building having a stage or platform arranged around
its walls for the purpose of enabling the attendant to operate or control the starting
and stopping mechanism of the crane from any desired point thereof.
Figure 4 shows a method of suspending from the bridge the platform for the
attendant.
Figures 5 to 30, both inclusive, illustrate various arrangements of the chain, rope or
cable which I have adopted for producing the bridge movement, trolly movement and

page_text: lifting movement, but I will here observe that I propose to use any equivalents thereof,
or inter-combinations.
In these last mentioned figures a diagramatic system of illustration is followed in
order to simplify the details, the motor being indicated by a large circle or circles
which may represent a suitably actuated drum, or for which any other motor or
actuating device adapted to the purpose may be substituted.
Referring to Fig. 1, A indicates the wall of the building or other enclosure having
suitable tracks, H, upon which the wheels, h, of the bridge C, run. The trolly, D, is
to run lengthwise upon said bridge or transversely with the building.
By means of suitable rods, J, or in any other convenient manner, I suspend from
the bridge, and preferably upon each side thereof, a platform, G, of such width as to
afford room for the operator to stand or walk from one end of the bridge to the other,
and I also prefer to add to said platform at the ends of the bridge, extension
wings, G', which may be hinged so as to fold up as indicated at the right hand side
of the figure, when is necessary for the crane to approach closely to either end of
the building.
The lifting chain B, is connected at one end with the actuating mechanism, which
in the present instance is indicated as merely a large drum, E, but which of course
may be of any known character. From said actuating mechanism said chain leads
over a pulley b, upon the wall of the building to the bridge, where it passes around a
horizontal pulley, mounted near one end thereof, thence over the pulley d' upon
the trolly, descending to the lifting block K, again ascending it passes over a second
pulley, upon the trolly and then around a second horizontal pulley 63, mounted
near the other end of the bridge, from which it leads to an anchoring point 6³, on the
wall of the building.
It is obvious that no matter what may be the position of the bridge or of the
trolly, the lifting chain B, so long as it remains of constant length, will support the
block K, at the same vertical height, while by actuating the drum E, in one direction
or the other, the lifting chain B, will be shortened or lengthened and the block K
raised or lowered accordingly.
Control over the actuating mechanism is effected by means of a cord or rope, F,
which, starting from its point of attachment to the valve I, or other controlling
member of the actuating device, passes over the pulley, upon the wall of the
building, thence to a horizontal pulley f, upon the bridge, from this pulley it runs
the length of the bridge and around a pair of pulleys 2, 3, thence returning along
the other side of the bridge to a pulley 4, from which it leads to an anchoring point f
upon the wall of the building. Thus the cord F is unaffected by any change
in the position of the bridge but remains of constant length throughout the move-
ments thereof, and is always accessible to the operator from his position on the
platform.
The extension wings G₁, afford a convenient position for him to overlook the
work from either side thereof, and as the cord F, may be brought around the end
of the building and along its other side before permanently anchoring, the operator
can control it from almost any point which he finds desirable.
In Figure 1, as before stated, only the lifting chain and its relation to the other
parts is indicated, and consequently, said figure shows but a single controlling cord f
and it must of course be understood that the number of such controlling cords will
correspond with the number of actuating devices used.
Referring now to Figure 2, the construction and mode of operation of the device
for effecting the bridge and trolly movements will now be described.
The actuating mechanism (which like that before mentioned may be of any desired
character) is in the present instance indicated by a drum M, around which passes a
chain N. This chain passes over a pulley n, upon the wall of the building, thence
around a second pulley n', mounted upon the end of the bridge, and thence to a point
of attachment d, upon the trolly D. From a second point of attachment d', upon the
trolly, the chain again leads around a horizontal pulley n², upon the other end of the
bridge, and thence returns around pulleys n³, nt, n³, arranged at the respective corners

page_text: of the building, back to the actuating drum M. The chain N, is thus theoretically an
endless chain, the trolly constituting in effect one link or member thereof. Hence if
said chain is permitted to run freely upon all the several pulleys above referred to it
will, without causing motion of the bridge, shift the trolly in one direction or the
other thereon according to the direction of its own movement. If, however, the free
motion of said chain upon the bridge be checked, as for instance by means of the
brakes L, applied at the pulleys n', n, the trolly can no longer move upon the bridge
but the bridge itself will be bodily shifted in one direction or the other according to
the direction of the movement of the chain N.
The control of this brake imechanism is of course readily effected from the
bridge, and as above stated, a cord similar to the cord F, should be provided to
control the actuating mechanism for the chain N.
In Figure 3, the platform G2, is shown as running all around the walls of the
building at a convenient height for the operator to overlook the work and a con-
trolling cord F, suitably supported upon pulleys f, also runs entirely around the
walls of the building so as to be accessible from said platform. This controlling
cord leads, as in the other instance, to the valve or other member by which the
operation of the hydraulic or other machinery is directly controlled.
In Figure 4a cago or short platform is shown as suspended from one end of
the bridge, the controlling cord F, being suitably guided through said platform.
Referring now to the diagramatic views, Figures 5 to 10, both inclusive, indicate
various arrangements of the rope or ropes for effecting the lifting movement, and
in these figures the representation of the bridge and of the trolly are omitted to
avoid confusion.
The fall-block may either be provided with a sheave or sheaves around which
the lifting rope runs freely or, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, it may be fixedly
attached to the rope, in which case the lifting-rope becomes a two-part rope and
must be actuated from each end in order to produce the proper. motion of the
fall-block.
In the cases where the fall-block is provided with a sheave or sheaves, the lifting-rope,
after leading by the prescribed course from the initial end of the line to the bridge,
along the bridge to the trolly, thence in a bight to the fall-block, thence again to the
trolly and along the bridge, and thence to the distant end of the line, may terminate
at a fixed point of attachment at said distant end, as shown in Fig. 7, which is
the simplest type, and in Figs. 8 and 11, where said type is duplicated in two
different ways. Thus in Fig. 8 the lifting rope, after entering the bridge, running to
the trolly and descending to the fall-block, rises again to the trolly and runs along the
bridge to the end opposite to that at which it first entered, thence passing to the
distant end of the line. In Fig. 11, however, the lifting rope after entering the bridge,
running to the trolly, descending to the fall-block and rising again to the trolly returns
to the end of the bridge at which it entered, and thence passes to the distant end of
the line.
Instead, however, of terminating at a fixed point of attachment at said distant end
of the line, the lifting rope may pass around a pulley at the distant end of the line and
return in continuity to the initial end. Such return may be by way of the bridge, as
shown in Fig. 5, or independent of the bridge, as shown in Fig. 6, or may be by way
of the bridge and fall-block, as shown Figs. 9, 10, 12 and 15.
Where the fall-block has no sheave, as indicated in Fig. 13, the lifting rope is
provided with a motor at each end of the line, and these motors must be actuated in
conjunction. The type shown in Fig. 14 is a duplication of the arrangement shown
in Fig. 13, and two motors are provided at each end of the line.
In the type shown in Fig. 16, although the fall-block is provided with sheaves, the
lifting rope is really a two-part rope, since it is not continuous throughout the whole
line, but returns on each side of the bridge to the end from whence it originally
started.
Where the lifting rope is to be utilized for producing the bridge movement, as
described in my said former Patent, it must return in continuity to the initial end of

page_text: the line, and must be so connected with the motor devices as to be capable of end wise
movement in either direction. Where, however, the lifting rope is to be utilized for
effecting only the trolly movement it need not return thus in continuity, but may
terminate at the distant end of the line, since in this instance the movement of the
trolly along the bridge can be produced by shifting the bridge itself whilst the lifting
rope is prevented from running freely at the trolly pulleys.
Referring now to the devices for producing the bridge movement alone (shown in
Figs. 17 to 21, both inclusive) Fig. 17 represents a simple type thereof wherein a
motor is provided at each end of the line, and a rope leads therefrom to a fixed point
of attachment on opposite sides of the bridge, said motors being of course operative in
correlation so that one shall pay out while the other hauls in the rope. In Fig. 18 the
bridge is shown as provided at one side with a pair of ropes directly attached thereto
at its respective ends, and leading to a motor at one end of the line, while upon the
other side the bridge is freely connected with a rope which returns in continuity to
the end of the line from which it started.
Figure 19 shows another modification of such continuous rope, the arrangement
upon the left hand side thereof showing one end of the rope as secured to a fixed point
of attachment, whilst upon the right hand side of said figure, the rope returns to the
motor. In Figs. 20 and 21 the bridge shifting rope passes around a pulley at the
distant end of the line and returns in continuity to the initial end, which arrangement
permits of the use of a drum capable of reversed rotation in order to effect both
movements.
In
The arrangements for producing the trolly movement are shown in Figs. 22 to 30,
both inclusive. In Fig. 22 the trolly shifting rope is continuous and freely supported
throughout the whole line, the drum in effect constituting a portion of said rope, and
the rope
is provided with a motor capable of reversed movement. In Fig. 23 the rope
itself is similarly arranged, but two motors are shown, which must of course work in
correlation. In Fig. 24 the trolly is provided with sheaves and the shifting rope,
capable of reversed movement, terminates at the distant end of the line. In Fig. 25
the trolly is similarly provided with sheaves, but the rope returns in continuity to the
initial end of the line and to the actuating devices. In Fig. 26 a motor is provided at
each end of the line and the rope leads therefrom respectively to the trolly ends.
Fig. 27 a pair of ropes are connected with each end of the trolly and lead thence on
either hand to each end of the line and to individual motors. In Fig. 28 the arrange-
ment is the same except that only two motors are provided, one at each end of the line,
said motors being capable of reversed movement and the trolly shifting rope being
continuous at each of them. Fig. 29 represents the saune arrangement as that shown
in Fig. 11, as an instance of arrangement which is adapted to produce the trolly and
the lifting movements from the same rope. Fig. 30 represents an arrangement the
same as that of Fig. 25 except that the rope instead of passing around sheaves upon
the trolly is attached thereto at fixed points.
In thus setting forth a number of variations in arrangement, which my improved
system of actuation permits, I do not mean to be understood as restricting myself to
the specific types shown, and obviously, as above stated, various inter-combinations of
the several systems may be employed. I do not therefore intend to restrict my claims
Lo such precise arrangements, but instance these as typical of the various forms.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The combination, with a travelling crane and with actuating mechanism. substan
tially as set forth, of a platform carried by said crane and a controlling cord
operatively connected with the said actuating mechanism and extending over the
whole or a portion of the path travelled by said platform in moving with the crane.
2. In combination with a travelling crane and with actuating mechanism, substan-
tially as set forth, a platform extending along the path of travel of the crane and a

page_text: controlling cord suspended in proximity to said platform and operatively connected
with said actuating mechanism, substantially as set forth.
3. In combination with the several members of a travelling crane the arrangements
of actuating ropes herein shown.
Dated this Twenty-fourth day of December 1890.