Improvements in Centrifugal Machines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Sept., 1890-Accepted, 4th Oct., 1890
Improvements in Centrifugal Machines.
I, JOHN LAIDLAW, of the firm of Watson Laidlaw & Co. 98 Dundas Street,
Kingston, Glasgow, in the Counties of Lanark and Renfrew, North Britain,
Engineers, 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 :-
My invention, which relates to improvements in centrifugal machines, has reference
to that class of such machines in which the basket is self-balancing and driven from
below.
In order that my invention may be properly understood and readily carried into
effect I will now proceed to describe the drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1 is a vertical section of a centrifugal machine with my improvements.
Figure 2 is a modification of the same.
The driving spindle A A rests in a step at B, and passes through a journal C
supported by the bracket D, and is driven by the belt and driving pulley as shown
at E and F. At the top of the spindle a conical hollow G is formed. The basket H H
is supported on the top of the spindle by means of the pivot I resting in the conical
hollow G. By supporting the basket in this way it is free to assume as its contre of
gyration the true centre of gravity of the revolving load, and is thus self-balancing.
The surface of contact between the spindle and pivot is small so that the basket
shall not be driven by friction at this place. The rotation of the basket is accomplished
by means of the arms JJ, which are attached to the spindle by means of the collar K.
These aruns are pivoted at L L so that when the spindle is not revolving they fall into
the position shown in dotted lines. When the spindle is caused to revolve rapidly
the arms fly out by centrifugal force into the position shown on the drawing, and
become engaged with the sloping side M M of the basket and cause the basket to
revolve with them.
Figure 2 is a modification showing how my invention can be carried out if the
sides M M of the basket are vortical. In this case the arms J J are formed of two
pieces JJ, sliding one inside the other as shown on the drawing. When the spindle
revolves rapidly the outer ends J of the arms fly out and become engaged with the
sides M M, and carry the basket round with them. A spiral spring Ji is provided,
which is just strong enough to draw J" back from contact with the basket when the
spindle is stopped.
I
Although prefer to form a hollow at the top of the spindle in which the pivot
rests, I may form the pivot on the top of the spindle, and provide a conical hollow or
cap in the basket.
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 :-
In self-balancing underdriven centrifugal machines, the use of radially expanding
arms which are actuated by centrifugal action and which cause the drum to rotate
by friction, substantially as hereinbefore described and shown on the annexed shect of
drawings.
Dated this 2nd day of Santember 1840.
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.