Improvements in Traction Engines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Da of Application, 15th Apr., 1890
t
Complete Specification Left, 11th Dec., 1890-Accepted, 28th Feb., 1891
Improvements in Traction Engines.
A communication from abroad by GEORGE H. EDWARDS, of the City of Chicago,
County of Cook and State of Illinois, United States of America, Engineer.
1, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion to be as follows:-
--
This invention relates to a construction of tractor or traction engine involving
the feature of an endless belt or track which passes about the supporting wheels
and which is so operated therefrom that, conjointly with the advancement of the
wheels, a broad track will be laid for them to roll upon.
In
The principal object of the invention is to render a tractor of such nature
thoroughly practical and highly efficient as a machine for service upon all
occasions involving the desirability of means for interposing between the wheels
and the ground such extended area of bearing surface as shall avoid the miring or
sinking of the wheels into the earth; certain services which are particularly held in
view being that of ploughing the soil for the purpose of excavating, grading and
cultivation. In travelling over a field for the purpose of ploughing or cultivating
the same, the condition of the soil will practically necessitate not only the use of
an endless track for the wheels to roll upon, but also the employment of means for
so trussing or bracing such portions of the endless track as may be between the
front and rear wheels as to cause the weight to be distributed throughout said
portion of the track, which will thereupon provide a large area of surface arranged
to bear upon the ground and sustain the weight throughout its entire area.
ploughing or cultivating a field, however, it will almost invariably be found to
present many obstructions, other than softness of soil, to the advancement of the
machine, such obstructions being the furrows, ridges and other irregularities of
surface commonly incident to fields, and hence without some co-operating means for
permitting the machine to be driven over such obstructions by a reasonable
application of power, the machine will be practically useless.
overcome such obstructions, the avoidance of slip on the part of the wheels
is as necessary as the employment of a truss for bracing the track, and in this
connection, the provision of means for accommodating the trussed track to the
obstruction over which it is to pass so as to avoid loss of power, and relieve the
steering wheels from unnecessary weight while the traction device is surmounting
or climbing over the obstruction is just as much a necessity, as the employment of
means aforesaid for trussing the track and preventing slip on the part of the
wheels.
In order to
To the attainment therefore of a practically successful tractor involving the
foregoing essential capabilities, there is provided by this invention a tractor or
traction engine comprising an endless trussed belt or track which is gear-connected
with and driven from one or more of the main supporting wheels, and a jointed
frame adapted to provide both a rocking truck which travels upon the endless
trussed track, and a frame portion which is hinged to and in part supported from
the rocking truck, by which arrangement the lower leaf of the track, which will at
all times be straight and rigid as against upward pressure, may by the rocking
action of the truck adapt itself to the inclination of the ridge or furrow over which
it is to climb, and in thus climbing over a ridge in the field, the track will adapt
itself to the inequalities of surface, and the steering wheels of the frame to which

page_text: the track is hinged will be relieved of extra weight, while at the same time full
power of the traction device will be utilised as a propelling agent. The engine is
carried by the rocking truck, while the ploughs or other devices that are to be
drawn are attached to the frame portion which is connected with the rocking truck
by a rocking joint, and which may hereinafter be termed the main frame in contra-
distinction to the rocking truck frame. The main frame is provided with one or
more steering wheels, and it may also carry the boiler-furnace and boiler. The
water tank could of course be arranged upon the main frame which carries the
boiler-furnace and boiler, but as a further feature of improvement the water tank
is arranged within the space that is bounded by the endless track, the object of
this disposition of the water-tank being to permit the trussed track to sustain its
weight, and to dispose of it in an exceedingly convenient way..
The endless track can be trussed by various constructions of truss, and the gear
connection between one or more of the rocking truck-wheels and the endless track
can be effected in any suitable way. Power from the engine can be supplied to one or
more of the engine truck wheels or one or more of the axles, through the medium
of chain or wheel gearing, and as a further feature of improvement, steam
connection between the boiler and engine, and water connection between the tank
and the boiler can be made through the rocking joints of the jointed frame.
In carrying out the invention, the frame of the machine is separated into two
prominent divisions or sections which are connected together by trunnions or
rocking joints so that the rear frame section which is desirably the shorter of the
two may rock independently of tlie front frame-section to which it is jointed. The
rear frame section herein constitutes a truck frame whereon an engine may be
mounted, while the front frame section may be supported both by its jointed
connection with the said rear frame section, and by any suitable arrangement of
steering wheel or wheels which can be arranged at its forward end.
The rear frame section is supported upon the axles of a pair of front wheels and
a pair of rear wheels, and, if desired, one or more pairs of wheels arranged to
intervene between said front and rear wheels could be employed in case it should
be desired to lengthen said frame section or truck-frame. The endless belt or
track passes about said wheels, which are therefore arranged within the space that
is bounded by the endless track. The endless track is preferably composed of a
series of transversely arranged planks or slats which are hinged together so as to
provide an endless flexible track. The planks or slats could be made of wood, but
for the purpose of strength, durability and comparative lightness, they are
preferably formed of channel iron. One or more, but preferably all, of the wheels
are gear connected with the endless track, and to such end the wheels can be
provided with peripherally arranged recesses adapted for engaging with lugs or
teeth upon the inner side of the endless track, it being understood that the said
track can be provided with two sets of such teeth, with the teeth of each set
arranged in endless series.
By means of such gear connection, the wheels are prevented from slipping upon
the track, and the full leverage of the driving wheels is obtained. Any one or
more of the wheels can be driven by chain or wheel gearing arranged between the
engine and the wheels on their axles, but it is preferred to drive the rear wheels
from the engine by some suitable power transmitting connection.
The endless track is provided along its inner side with an endless folding truss
which is desirably duplicated so as to provide two parallel lines of trussing
respectively adjacent to the vertical plane in which side wheels are arranged.
Various constructions of jointed or folding truss can be employed, it being, however,
essential to provide a folding truss of such character that it will not only fold to
permit the endless track to pass about the wheels and unfold to permit said track
to straighten out between the forward and rear wheels, but also unfold only to such
extent as will allow the track portions which may be between the front and rear
wheels to straighten out, whereby the lower leaf of the endless track will be braced
and held rigid against upward pressure and lie upon the ground as a broad flat

page_text: bearing which sustains the weight of the truck frame and engine in such way that
said weight will be distributed throughout the leaf or lower fold of an endless track
whereon the wheels are arranged to roll.
In one construction of folding truss, the struts or braces are secured upon the
track-slats, and at their inner ends connected together by arms or rods, each of
which is at one end pivoted to one brace, and at its opposite end extended through
a hole in the next succeeding brace, the terminal of the rod being, at a point back
of the second mentioned brace, provided with a nut which can be adjusted so as to
vary the extent of separation between the two inner ends of the said braces when
the truss is unfolded. By such arrangement, the truss can be adjusted in
conformity with the radius of the wheel about which the slatted belt is to pass.
In a modification, triangular braces and oblong braces are alternately secured
upon the slats, and at their inner ends connected by chord-links which are pivoted
to the said oblong braces and connected with the triangular braces by means of
pivot-bolts which are secured to the braces and arranged to extend through slots in
the chord-links. Connecting arms are made rigid with the oblong braces and
pivotally connected with the triangular braces, thereby providing hinge joints in
the outer chord of the truss and hinging the slats together. In another modification.
the slats are hinged together and provided with braces which are connected
together by rods. These rods extend and can slide through holes in the braces, and
are provided with nuts upon their ends, whereby the extent of unfolding action on
the part of the truss can be adjusted. Suitable teeth, with which a driving wheel
can engage, are arranged on the inner surface of the slats. In another modification,
the slats can be hinged together in any suitable way and provided with triangular
braces, which are connected together by chains. In another modification the slats
may be hinged together in any suitable way and provided with braces each having
a stud arranged to engage in a slot formed through the next brace. In another
arrangement, the slats are hinged together and provided with triangular braces
which are connected together by jointed links carrying small wheels or rollers at
their middle joints, it being observed that, with this construction, the drive wheel
should have an annular shoulder against which the small rollers or wheels will
strike so as to throw the links off dead centres.
In a further modification, the slats are hinged together and provided with
triangular links. Eye-bolts are adjustably secured to the inner ends of said braces,
and short chains are attached to the eye-bolts. In another modification the slats
are hinged together and provided with braces which are connected with the slats by
chains. With regard to the several constructions of truss above mentioned, it will
be understood that all of said constructions involve a like principle.
The rear frame section, which may be termed the engine truck, is connected with
the front main frame by rocking joints consisting of trunnions which are secured to
the channel iron side bars of the main frame, and bearings which are rigid with the
engine truck and fitted to turn upon the said trunnions by which arrangement the
engine truck can rock independently of the main frame. This independent rocking
action of the engine-truck permits the slatted track to adapt itself to any irregu-
larities of the ground over which it may pass, and in passing over a ridge or the
like the lower leaf of the track which is rigid as against upward pressure will be
permitted to lie flat upon the inclination of the ground. If the engine-truck were
rigid with the main frame, the full leverage of the driving wheels could not be
utilised, and undue weight would be thrown upon such steering wheels as will be
employed at the forward end of the machine, but by thus providing a rocking
connection between the engine-truck and the main frame, the track will adapt itself
to irregularities of the ground without materially altering the portion of the weight
normally carried by the steering wheels, and the full leverage and power of the
engine truck wheels will be utilised.
The boiler furnace is arranged upon the main-frame in advance of the engine
truck, and steam from the boiler is desirably carried to an engine upon the engine
truck through one of the trunnions which serve as pivotal connections between the

page_text: engine truck and the main frame. The water tank is also desirably arranged
within the space that is bounded by the endless track, and water from the same also
conducted to the engine through one of the trunnions. To such end the trunnions
are made hollow or chambered, and connections made from one of the trunnions with
the boiler and the engine, while on the other hand, connections are made from the
remaining trunnion with the water tank and boiler, a steam pipe leading from the
boiler to one of said trunnions and a second steam pipe leading from said trunnion
to the engine, while on the other hand a water conducting pipe leads from the tank
to the remaining trunnion and a second water conducting pipe leads from said
trunnion to the boiler as a means for applying the same. The axles extend through
and support the water tank which will be provided with tubular bearings which
extend from side to side of the tank for the axles to pass through.
Dated this 14th day of April 1890.
WM. P. THOMPSON & CO.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Traction Engines.
A communication from abroad by GEORGE H. EDWARDS, of the City of Chicago,
County of Cook and State of Illinois, United States of America, Engineer.
1, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, 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 to a construction of tractor or traction engine involving
the feature of an endless. belt or track which passes about the supporting wheels
and which is so operated therefrom that conjointly with the advancement of the
wheels, a broad track will be laid for them to roll upon.
The principal object of the invention is to render a tractor of such nature
thoroughly practical and highly efficient as a machine for service upon all occasions
involving the desirability of means for interposing between the wheels and the
ground such extended area of bearing surface as shall avoid the miring or sinking
of the wheels into the earth; certain services which are particularly held in view
being that of ploughing the soil for the purpose of excavating, grading and culti-
vation. In travelling over a field for the purpose of ploughing or cultivating the
same, the condition of the soil will practically necessitate not only the use of, an
endless track for the wheels to roll upon, but also the employment of means for so
trussing or bracing such portions of the endless track as may be between the front
and rear wheels as to cause the weight to be distributed throughout said portion of
the track which will thereupon provide a large area of surface arranged to bear
upon the ground and sustain the weight throughout its entire area. In ploughing
or cultivating a field, however, it will almost invariably be found to present many
obstructions other than softness of soil, to the advancement of the machine, such
obstructions being the furrows, ridges and other irregularities of surface commonly
incident to fields, and hence without some co-operating means for permitting the
machine to be driven over such obstructions by a reasonable application of power,
the machine will be practically useless. In order to overcome such obstructions,
the avoidance of slip on the part of the wheels is as necessary as the employment
of a truss for bracing the track, and in this connection, the provision of means for
accommodating the trussed track to the obstruction over which it is to pass so as to
avoid loss of power, and relieve the steering wheels from unnecessary weight while
the traction device is surmounting or climbing over the obstruction is just as much
a necessity as the employment of means aforesaid for trussing the track and
preventing slip on the part of the wheels.

page_text: To the attainment therefore of a practically successful tractor involving the
foregoing essential capabilities, there is provided by this invention a tractor or
traction engine comprising an endless trussed belt or track which is gear-connected
with and driven from one or more of the main supporting wheels, and a jointed
frame adapted to provide both a rocking truck which travels upon the endless
trussed track, and a frame portion which is hinged to and in part supported from
the rocking truck, by which arrangement the lower leaf of the track, which will at
all times be straight and rigid as against upward pressure, may by the rocking
action of the truck adapt itself to the inclination of the ridge or furrow over which
it is to climb, and in thus climbing over a ridge in the field, the track will adapt
itself to the inequalities of surface, and the steering wheels of the frame to which
the track is hinged will be relieved of extra weight, while at the same time the full
power of the traction device will be utilized as a propelling agent. The engine is
carried by the rocking truck, while the ploughs, or other devices that are to be
drawn, are attached to the frame portion which is connected with the rocking truck
by a rocking joint and which may hereinafter be termed the main-frame in contra-
distinction to the rocking truck frame. The main-frame is provided with one or
more steering wheels, and it may also carry the boiler furnace and boiler. The
water tank could of course be arranged upon the main-frame which carries the
boiler-furnace and boiler, but as a further feature of improvement the water tank
is arranged within the space that is bounded by the endless track, the object of this
disposition of the water tank being to permit the trussed track to sustain its weight,
and to dispose of it in an exceedingly convenient way.
The endless track can be trussed by various constructions of truss, and the gear
connection between one or more of the rocking truck wheels and the endless track
can be effected in any suitable way. Power from the engine can be supplied to one
or more of the engine truck wheels or one or more of the axles through the medium
of chain or wheel gearing, and as a further feature of improvement steam con-
nection between the boiler and engine and water connection between the tank and
the boiler can be made through the rocking joints of the jointed frame.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1, represents in side elevation a tractor embodying the principles of
this invention, the portion of the frame in rear of the traction device being broken
away.
Figure 2, represents a cross-section on line 2-2 in Figure 1. This view
illustrates portions of the steam and water pipes that are connected with the rocking
joints.
Figure 3, represents the rocking truck and traction device in side elevation, the
construction of endless folding truss shown in this figure as a means for bracing the
endless track being somewhat different in construction from the truss in the preceding
figures.
Figures 4 and 5, are in the nature of diagrams or skeleton views respectively
representing opposite side portions of the traction device and mainly intended to
illustrate the steam pipe connections between the boiler and the engine and the
water pipe connection between the tank and boiler.
Figure 6, is a section taken on a vertical central plane through the water tank so
as to mainly illustrate in cross-section the front and rear axles and a rotary shaft
which extend through the tank.
Figure 7, shows a cross-section through the water tank on line 7-7 in
Figure 6.
Figure 8, is a similar section through the water tank on line 8-8 in Figure 6.
Figure 9, is a side elevation and Figure 10 a plan of a portion of a truss
differing slightly in construction from the truss shown in Figure 1.
Figure 11, represents in side elevation a portion of a truss in which the struts or
braces are chain connected at their inner ends.
Figure 12, shows in side elevation a portion of a truss involving braces which
consist of blocks connected together by limited sliding connections.

page_text: Figure 13, shows in side elevation a portion of a truss in which triangular braces
are connected by jointed links.
Figure 14, shows in side elevation a portion of a truss in which triangular braces
are connected by chains that are attached to adjustable bolts.
Figure 15, shows in side elevation a portion of a truss in which the braces are
connected with slats of the endless bolt or track by chains.
The frame of the machine is herein separated into the two prominent divisions
or sections A, A', which are connected together by trunnions or rocking joints so
that the frame section A which is desirably the shorter of the two may rock
independently of the frame section A' to which it is jointed. The frame section A¹
herein constitutes a truck frame whereon an engine B may be mounted, while the
frame section A' may be supported both by its jointed connection with the frame.
section A, and by any suitable arrangement of steering wheel or wheels which can
be arranged at its forward end as at C.
The frame section A is supported upon the axles of a pair of front wheels 1 and
a pair of rear wheels 2, and if desired one or more pairs of wheels arranged to
intervene between said front and rear wheels could be employed in case it should be
desired to lengthen said frame section or truck frame. The endless belt or track D
passes about said wheels which are therefore arranged within the space that is
bounded by the endless track. The endless track is preferably composed of a
series of transversely arranged planks or slats 3 which are hinged together so as to
provide an endless flexible track. The planks or slats could be made of wood but
for the purpose of strength, durability and comparative lightness, they are preferably
formed of channel iron. One or more but preferably all of the wheels 1 and 2 are
gear connected with the endless track, and to such end the wheels can be provided
with peripherally arranged recesses 4 adapted for engaging with lugs or teeth 5 upon
the inner side of the endless track, as in Figure 2, it being understood that the said
track can be provided with two sets of such teeth, with the teeth of each set
arranged in endless series.
By means of such gear connection, the wheels are prevented from slipping upon
the track, and the full leverage of the driving wheels obtained. Any one or more
of the wheels can be driven by chain or wheel gearing arranged between the engine
and the wheels on their axles, but it is preferred to drive the rear wheels from the
engine by some suitable power transmitting connection.
The endless track is provided along its inner side with an endless folding truss
which is desirably duplicated so as to provide two parallel lines of trussing
respectively adjacent to the vertical plane in which side wheels are arranged.
Various constructions of jointed or folding truss can be employed, it being however
essential to provide a folding truss of such character that it will not only fold to
permit the endless track to pass about the wheels and unfold to permit said track
to straighten out between the forward and rear wheels, but also unfold only to such
extent as will allow the track portions which may be between the front and rear
wheels to straighten out, whereby the lower leaf of the endless track will be braced
and held rigid against upward pressure and lie upon the ground as a broad flat
bearing which sustains the weight of the truck frame and engine in such way that
said weight will be distributed throughout the leaf or lower fold of an endless track
whereon the wheels are arranged to roll.
which
In the construction of folding truss illustrated in Figure 1, the struts or braces 6
are secured upon the track-slats, and at their inner ends connected together by
arms or rods 7 each of which is at one end pivoted to one brace and at its opposite
end extended through a hole in the next succeeding brace, the terminal of the rod
being at a point back of the second mentioned brace provided with a nut
can be adjusted so as to vary the extent of separation between the two inner ends of
the said braces when the truss is unfolded. By such arrangement the truss can be
adjusted in conformity with the radius of the wheel about which the slatted belt is
to pass..
In Figure 3, triangular braces 9 and oblong braces 10 are secured upon the slats

page_text: and at their inner ends connected by chord-links 11 which are pivoted to the braces 10
and connected with the braces 9 by means of pivot-bolts which. are secured to the
braces and arranged to extend through slots 12 in the chord-links. Arms 13 are
made rigid with the braces 10 and pivotally connected with the braces 9 thereby
providing hinge joints in the outer chord of the truss and hinging the slats together.
In Figures 9 and 10 the slats are hinged together and provided with braces 14
which are connected together by rods 15. These rods extend and can slide through
holes in the braces, and are provided with nuts 16 upon their ends whereby the
extent of unfolding action on the part of the truss can be adjusted. Figure 10 also
illustrates teeth 17 with which a driving wheel can engage. In Figure 11 the slats
can be hinged together in any suitable way and provided with triangular braces 18
which are connected together by chains 10. In Figure 12 the slats are understood to
be hinged together in any suitable way and provided with braces 20 each having a
stud 21 arranged to engage in a slot formed through the next brace. In Figure 13
the slats are hinged together and provided with triangular braces 23 which are
connected together by jointed links 24 carrying small wheels or rollers 25 at their
middle joints, it being observed that with this construction the drive wheel should
have an annular shoulder against which the small rollers or wheels will strike so as
to throw the links off dead centres.
In Figure 14 the slats are hinged together and provided with triangular links 26.
Eye-bolts 27 are adjustably secured to the inner ends of said braces, and short
chains 28 are attached to the eye-bolts. In Figure 15 the slats are hinged together
and provided with braces 29 which are connected with the slats by chains 30. "With
regard to the several constructions of truss illustrated in Figures 9 to 15, inclusive,
it will be understood that all of said constructions involve a like principle.
The frame section A which may be termed the engine truck is connected with the
main-frame A by rocking joints consisting of trunnions 31 which are secured to the
channel iron side bars 33 of the main-frame, and bearings 34 which are rigid with
the engine truck and fitted to turn upon the trunnions 31, by which arrangement
the engine truck can rock independently of the main-frame. This independent
rocking action of the engine-truck permits the slatted track to adapt itself to any
irregularities of the ground over which it may pass, and in passing over a ridge or
the like the lower leaf of the track which is rigid as against upward pressure will
be permitted to lie flat upon the inclination of the ground. If the engine-truck were
rigid with the main-frame the full leverage of the driving wheels could not be utilized
and undue weight would be thrown upon such steering wheels as will be employed
at the forward end of the machine, but by thus providing a rocking connection
between the engine-truck and the main-frame the track will adapt itself to irregu-
larities of the ground without materially altering the portion of the weight normally
carried by the steering wheels, and the full leverage and power of the engine-truck
wheels will be utilized.
The boiler furnace F is arranged upon the main-frame in advance of the engine-
truck and steam from the boiler is desirably carried to an engine upon the engine-
truck through one of the trunnions which serve as pivotal connections between the
engine-truck and the main-frame. The water tank E is also desirably arranged
within the space that is bounded by the endless track, and water from the same also
conducted to the engine through one of the trunnions 31. To such end the
trunnions are made hollow or chambered and connections made from one of the
trunnions with the boiler and the engine-while on the other hand connections are
made from the remaining trunnion with the water tank and boiler, as indicated in
Figures 2, 4 and 5, wherein a steam pipe 35 leads from the boiler to one of said
trunnions and a steam pipe 36 leads from said trunnion to the engine, while on the
other hand a water conducting pipe 37 leads from the tank E to the remaining
trunnion and a water conducting pipe 38 leads from said trunnion to the boiler as a
means for supplying the same. The axles 40 and 41 extend through and support
the water tank E which will be provided with tubular bearings 41 which extend
from side to side of the tank for the axles to pass through as in Figures 6, 7 and 8.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of a main-frame pro-
vided with one or more steering wheels, a rocking engine-truck jointed to the main-
frame, and an endless trussed track arranged for the engine-truck to roll upon.
2. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of a main-frame pro-
vided with one or more steering wheels, a rocking engine-truck jointed to the main-
frame and carrying an engine, and an endless trussed track arranged for the engine
truck-wheels to roll upon and geared to said wheels.
3. The combination substantially as herein before set forth of the rocking engine-
truck carrying an engine and supported upon an endless track, a main-frame carrying
a boiler furnace, and steam connection between the boiler and the engine passing
through one of the joints between the engine truck and the main frame.
4. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of the engine truck,
an endless track upon which the engine-truck is supported; and a water tank
supported within the space that is bounded by the endless track.
5. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of the engine truck,
an endless track upon which the engine truck is supported, a water tank supported
within the space which is bounded by the endless track, a main-frame to which the
engine-truck is pivoted, a boiler furnace and boiler upon the main-frame, and con-
nection between the water tank and the boiler.
6. The combination substantially as hereinbefore set forth of a main-frame pro-
vided with one or more steering wheels at its forward end and adapted for carrying
ploughs at its rear end portion, a rocking engine-truck which is jointed to the main-
frame between the ends of the latter and which is supported upon an endless trussed
track geared to and driven from one or more of the engine-truck wheels.
7. In a tractor an endless slatted belt provided with a jointed folding truss such
as set forth.
Dotad this 10th day of December 1890
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.