Improvements in Oranes.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 6th June, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 27th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 6th June, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by JULIAN KENNEDY, of Latrobe, in the County of
Westmoreland, and HENRY AIKEN, of Homestead, in the County of Alleghany;
both in the State of Pennsylvania, United States of America.]
Improvements in Oranes.
I, JOHN THOMSON KING of 4 Clayton Square Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object is to provide for raising lowering and moving heavy bodies, more
especially ingots to and from furnaces, a crane to be operated by fluid pressure which
shall be readily controlled, accurately adjustable and efficient, and not liable to get
out of order.
The invention consists essentially in the combination of a vertical mast and
horizontal jib with a travelling carriage provided with gear for gripping raising
and lowering heavy bodies, and with means for moving along and giving motion
to the jib.
In carrying my invention into effect I make use of the following novel features
First. Rigid fluid supply and waste pipes are employed between the stationary and
moving parts.
Second. Two or more operating valves are contained in one valve box.
Third. Gripping devices actuated by fluid pressure.
Fourth. A crane having an upright mast with adjusting and safety bearings.
Fifth A movable carriage with rigid fluid supply and waste ways.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Cranes.
I, JOHN THOMSON KING of 4 Clayton Square, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster,
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 :-
The object is to provide for raising, lowering and moving heavy bodies more
especially ingots to and from furnaces a crane to be operated by fluid pressure which
shall be readily controlled accurately adjustible and efficient and not liable to get out
of order.
The invention consists essentially in the combination of a vertical mast and
horizontal jib with a travelling carriage provided with gear for gripping raising
and lowering heavy bodies and with means for moving along and giving motion to
the jib.
In carrying my invention into effect I make use of the following novel features.
First. Rigid fluid supply and waste pipes are employed between the stationary and
moving parts.
Second. Two or more operating valves are contained in one valve box.
Third. Gripping devices actuated by fluid pressure.
Fourth. A crane having an upright mast with adjusting and safety bearings.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1, Sheet 1 is a plan view of the cranes heating furnaces and the tables of
the plate or other rolling mill used in connection with the furnaces. .
Fig. 2 Sheet 1 is an elevation of my improved crane illustrating its operation in
connection with one of the heating furnaces which is shown in section.
Fig. 3 Sheet 2 is a side elevation of the carriage and racking cylinder and con-
nections.
Fig. 4 Sheet 2 is a plan view of the racking cylinder.
Figs. 5. 6. 7 and 8 Sheet 2 are sectional views of the racking cylinder on the
line A. A. B. B. C. C. and D D in Fig. 4.
Fig. 9 Sheet 3 is a front elevation of the jib and carriage.
Fig. 10 Sheet 3 is a cross section of the supporting casting of the jib on the
line E. E. Fig. 2.
Fig. 11 Sheet 3 is a section of the casting on the line F. F. Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 Sheet 3 is an elevation showing the valve levers and connections on the
carriage.
Fig. 13 Sheet 3 is an additional view of the valve chamber and valves.
Figs. 14 and 15 Sheet 3 are sections on the lines G. G. and H H Fig. 13.
Fig. 16 Sheet 4 is a vertical section of the base place and the lower end of the
mast.
Fig. 17 Sheet 4 is a section of the top steadiment of the crane and the top of the
mast.
Figs. 18 to 21 Sheet 4 are details of Fig. 17.
In describing my invention I will begin with the construction of the crane an
elevation of which is shown in Fig. 2, Sheet 1. It has a hollow iron mast 2, the
lower end of which rests and turns in a base plate 3, and the upper end of which is
steadied and turns in a steadiment 4. It has also a jib 5, composed of channel or
other suitable bars of iron or steel the outer end of which is supported from the top of
the mast by an eye bar or eye bars 6, suspended on the jib is a carriage 7 which
carries the gripping devices, the operators seat, and the valves and valve levers which
control the movements of the crane. The carriage is moved by a cylinder 8 called
the "racking cylinder mounted on the jib. The water supply and waste pipes
extend down through the mast and along the jib and thence to the valve chamber
circulating pipes also lead from one of the valves on the carriage to a cylinder 9,
placed at or near the base of the crane to operate the piston which turns the crane.
"
The carriage-The carriage 7 fig. 3 Sheet 2 which is mounted on the jib, is com-
posed of two rectangular iron frames 10, (see also Figs. 9 and 12) which are sus-
pended from the opposite sides of the racking cylinder 8 and are fastened together by
the various parts and structures which are placed between and supported by them.
Extending longitudinally near the bottom of the carriage is the lifting bar 11,
Figs. 2 and 3 which is composed of two pieces 12 and 13 secured together by clamping
sleeves 14 and 15 fastened by wedges or keys 16 and 17. The piece extends beyond -
the end of the carriage 7 and at its outer end has a downward extension 18 having in
inwardly-projecting spur 19. Mounted in the part 13, which acts as a guide thereto
is a slide 20. This slide is provided at its outer end with a spur 21, and constitutes
the other member of the gripping mechanism, as is clearly shown in Fig 2 and the
accompanying enlarged detail where the two spurs 19 and 21 are shown as gripping
an ingot 22 between them. The slide 20 is operated by a horizontal cylinder 23,
mounted on the carriage, the piston of which is connected with the slide by a
pitman 24 Figs. 2 and 3.- The rear end of the bar 11 is pivoted by the carriage at 25,
and a vertical movement or oscillation on its pivot 25 is given to the bar to enable it
to pick up and lay down an ingot or other burden by means of a vertical cylinder 26
mounted between the vertical side frames 10 at the outer end of the carriage Figs. 3

page_text: and 9 the piston rod 27 of which is connected by a yoke with the bar 11 said yoke
reciprocating vertically between the side frames 10 of the carriage and thereby raising
or lowering the outer or gripping end of the bar 11. The bar 11 is made in two
parts, 12 and 13 because the outer end enters the furnace and is liable to become
warped and distorted thereby or to be bent by the weight of the burden. In such
case the whole bar does not have to be replaced but only the outer or injured part 13,
which is easily done by loosening the keys 16 and 17. The operators seat 29 is
placed on the cylinder 23 and platform 30 are provided so that he need not stand nor
step on the cylinder.
The valve chamber and valves-1 will now describe the valve chamber which is
also mounted on the carriage and is so constructed as to provide common supply and
waste pipes for all the valves instead of separate ones for each as heretofore.
Reference is now made to Figs. 13, 14 and 15 on Sheet 3. Each valve 31 Fig. 14
has a stem 32 which passes through a gland or stuffing box 33 at the lower end of
the valve case 34. It works in a tube or cylinder 35 and is provided with two
heads 36 one at each end of the cylinder fitted with flexible caps 37 bearing against
the sides of the cylinder.
The cylinder is encircled by three passages one 38 around the middle and one 39
near each end. The passage 38 communicates with the valve cylinder 35 by open-
ings 40 and the annular passages 39 with valve cylinder by perforations 41. The
ends of the cylinder 35 open into a passage 42. In my improved construction shewn
in the drawings four of these valves are inclosed in a common valve case or shell 34
in which the passage 38 by which the water is supplied to the valves communicates
with each valve so that a common supply pipe 43 serves all the valves. The outside
of the communicating passage 38 is shewn in Fig. 13 and the manner of communi-
cation with the valve is clearly illustrated by the sectional views Figs. 14 & 15.
Extending around the four sides of the valve case 34 is the waste water channel 42
which is indicated partly by broken lines in Fig. 13 and partly by full lines at the left
side of the figure where the shell is broken away. As stated the ends of the
valve cylinders 35 open into this passage so that the waste water may escape from the
valves into it and thence into a common waste pipe 44. The passages 39 of which
there are two for each valve do not communicate with the like passages in the other
valves but are separate and distinct. They communicate with the opposite ends of
the particular hydraulic cylinder which is operated by the valve they are connected
with by means of the pipes 45 and 46.
The operation of the valves is as follows.
The operator moves the proper lever 47 Fig. 12 to actuate the valve in the proper
direction say for instance, downward as in Fig. 14 and then the water from the
supply pipe 43 passes from the chamber 38 through the openings 40 into the
cylinder 35 and thence by perforations 41, passage 39, and pipe 46 to the end of
the cylinder operated thereby, where it acts on the piston in the desired direction.
At the same time the downward movement of the valve opens communication between
the pipe 45 which leads from the other end of the hydraulic cylinder by means of
the upper passage 39 and perforations 41 and the cylinder 35 above the upper valve
head 36, so that the waste water in front of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder can
pass freely. out into the waste passage 42, and thence to the waste pipe 44. This
explanation will be more readily understood by reference to Fig. 3 where the
circulating pipes 45 and 46 are plainly shown in connection with the cylinder 23.
The racking-cylinder-At a proper point on the jib 5 is a rigid casting 68,
Figs. 2, 10, and 11 which supports the stationary piston rod 48 of the racking
cylinder. 8, the main supply and waste pipes and the circulating pipes which lead
to the cylinder 9. The racking cylinder 8, carrying the carriago 7, reciprocates on
the stationary piston 48 which is secured in the middle opening of the casting 68.
The main supply and waste pipes 49 and 50 lead from the mast 2 to the left hand
chambers 52 and 51 of the casting. Fastened in the other end of these chambers
are pipes 53 and 54 which extend to the end of the jib beyond the end of the racking
cylinder 8 and. are there supported by a suitable plate 55 Figs. 3.and 9. Similar

page_text: pipes extend from the right hand chambers 56 and 57 of the casting but these pipes
are designed as will be hereinafter described to convey the water to and from the
cylinder 9. The racking cylinder 8 (see Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) is cast with side
wings in which are four water ways 58, 59, 60 and 61-two in each wing. The
pipes 53 and 54 from the chambers 51, 52 extend through the ways 58, 59 and the
pipes from the chambers 56, 57, extend through the ways 60, 61 and the ends of
the ways are closed around the pipes by glands or stuffing boxes 62 figs. 3, 5, and 8
which permit the cylinder to slide freely over the pipes and yet prevent the escape
of the water. The pipes 53, 54 and their companion pipes on the other side of the
cylinder are perforated as at 63, Fig. 8, to permit the passage of water at a point
which when the cylinder 8 is at its outermost position shall still be within the water
ways. Communication is had between the chambers 58 and 59 and the valve
chamber 34 by means of the ports 64 and 65, Figs. 3 and 6 with which the supply
and waste pipes 43 and 44 connect. The port 64 (shown in broken lines in Fig. 6)
extends through the cylinder casting from the water way 59 to the pipe 44 which
leads thence to the passage 38 and the port 65 (shown in full lines in Fig. 6) extends
through the cylinder-casting from the water way 58 to the pipe 44 which extends
thereto from the waste water 42. In Fig. 6, the like ports on the opposite side of
the cylinder are clearly shown. These ports 66, 67 connect the water ways 60, 61
with the pipes 45, 46 leading to the valve which controls the operation of the
cylinder 9. The cylinders 8, 9 and 23 have each valve-connection pipes 45, 46 while
the cylinder 26 has but one pipe 46. This cylinder is vertical, and its piston main-
tains the weight of the bar 11. The pipe 46, when the valve is depressed, as in
Fig. 14, admits the water under the piston and raises it; but when the valve is raised
and communication is opened between the pipe 46 and the waste-passage 42 the
weight of the piston and the bar 11 forces the water back through the pipe 46 into
the waste passage and the piston descends. The pipes 45 46 of the racking-cylinder 8
are connected to its opposite ends, as shewn in Figs. 3 and 5 and in Fig. 4. The
valves are operated by bell cranks or levers 47, mounted on a cross-shaft 69 between
the side frames 10 in front of the operators seat 29, said levers being connected
with the valve-stems 32 by links 70. (See Figs. 3 and 12.)
The Mast. I will now describe the top of the mast, in which connection reference
is had to Sheet 8 of the drawings. As stated the mast is a hollow metal column.
Its upper end consists of a heavy hollow casting 71, to which the eye-bar 6, which
supports the outer end of the jib, is fastened. The upper end of this casting 71 is
round in cross-section and is twice reduced in diameter, as at 72 and 73. The
reduced portion 73, which constitutes the journal of the mast, turns in an annular
ring or collar 77, the inner surface of which forms the bearing for the journal 73, and
the outer surface, which is of spherical shape, allows the collar to vibrate or oscillate
in its bearing to compensate for any deflection of the mast or movement of the roof
structure and thereby preserve a uniform bearing of the journal of the mast in the
collar 77. The latter is centered in a heavy casting 74, called the "top steadiment"
which is securely bolted to I-beams 75, supported by the roof of the building.
The steadiment has a circular opening 76, and its lower end extends down sufficiently
to surround the thicker part 72 of the mast-head. The rounded sides of the collar 77
bear against a corresponding concave surface or seat in the steadiment. Inverted
T-shaped recesses are formed in the sides of this circular concave seat, in which
four T-head bolts 78 are placed in an inverted position. Surrounding the seat in the
upper surface of the steadiment is a circular seat, in which is placed a circular plate
or follower 79, having 4 holes 80 for the passage of the ends of the bolts 78 and a
curved or concave inner edge 81 to bear on the upper part of the ring 77. This
follower is secured firmly in place by nuts screwed on the projecting ends of the bolts.
This construction is intended to give the upper end of the mast a steady uniform
bearing as it swings around under a load and to counteract the tendency of the roof,
caused by its expansion and contraction, to subject the mast to injurious strain and
friction. The shape of the bearing-surfaces of the ring 77 and its seat permits the
mast to adjust itself to all changes in the roof and maintain an even and steady

page_text: bearing without strain or unnecessary friction in all its movements. The reduction
in the diameter of the top at its journal 73 reduces the leverage and enables the
crane to be operated with less power and greater efficiency, while if for any reason
the reduced portion or journal should break the mast would be prevented from falling
by reason of the projection of the thicker and stronger part.72 up into the skirt 82
of the steadiment."
.:
The supply and waste pipes.-Fastened to the inner part of the mast by a suitable
brace or braces 83 is a fitting 84, and extending through its upper and larger end is
a vertical pipe or tube 85, which is screwed into the threaded lower end of the vertical
member of the fitting. The vertical member of the fitting is enlarged about the
middle to form an annular chamber 86, in the side of which is a threaded hole to
connect the waste-pipe 50, leading thereto from the chamber 51 of the casting 68,
Figs. 17, 2 and 10. At the extreme lower end the fitting 84 curves around laterally
and is provided with a threaded opening to connect the supply-pipe 49, which leads
therefrom, to the chamber 52 of the casting 68, Figs. 17, 2 and 10. The vertical
pipe 85 extends upward inside of a larger pipe 89, which is screwed into the threaded
upper end of the fitting 84, and there is an annular passage 90 between them,
through which the waste water ascends from the pipe 50 and the chamber 86 to the
discharge-pipe 92, with which it communicates through the annular chamber 91,
while supply water descends from the pipe 93 and chamber 94, through the smaller
or inner pipe 85 to the pipe 49, and thence to the racking-cylinder, as I have
described. Set-screws 95 96 Fig. 20, penetrating the sides of the fitting 84 and
bearing against the pipes 85 89 hold them rigidly thereto, so that they shall tarn
with the mast. Supported on the top steadiment 74 by suitable legs 9.7 is a cylin-
drical casting 98, to which the supply and waste pipes 93 and 92 are attached. The
lower end of this cylinder has a large bore for the reception of the upper end of the
large outer pipe 89, and this bore terminates in an annular chamber 91, with which
the waste-pipe 92 communicates. The pipe 89 passes through a stuffing box 100 at
the lower end of the cylinder 98. The bore of the cylinder above the chamber 99 is
reduced to the size of the inner or smaller pipe 85, which passes through a stuffing
box 101 therein and terminates at the chamber 94, with which the supply pipe 93
communicates. In chamber 94 is a perforated inverted cup-shaped piece or
follower 102, the lower end of which bears against the packing 101, and by means
of the set-screw 103, which extends through the cap 104 of the cylinder, may be
forced down upon the packing 101, so as to compress it tightly upon the pipe 85 and
thereby form a perfectly-tight joint. The water supply passes through the pipe 93
and through the perforations in the follower 102 into supply pipe 85. The cylinder 98
is not rigidly connected to the pipes 85 and 89, so that they are free to turn therein
as the crane swings on its axis. Pipes 92 and 93 are rigidly and permanently
attached in place, so that it is desirable to have the cylinder remain stationary while
the crane turns.
The rotating cylinder-connections-The cylinder 9, by means of which the crane is
rotated, is placed on the ground in proper position with relation to the foot of the
mast, Fig. 2. Its piston is connected by a rod 105 with a reciprocating rack 106,
which engages a gear-wheel 107, mounted on the foot of the mast, Figs. 2 and 16.
The lower end of the mast upon which the gear-wheel 107 is mounted, consists of a
heavy casting 108, to which the shell of the mast is bolted, and this casting has a
small opening through its centre for the passage of the circulating-pipes. It is
stepped in a hemispherical foot 109, which is fitted into a correspondingly-shaped
bowl-like concave socket 110 in the base-piate 3, the meeting faces of the parts 109
and 110 being ground to fit into each other, so as to have a perfect bearing and admit
of an easy turning to the mast when it is deflected by the load, as it would otherwise
tend to bind therein. If, by reason of lack of lubrication or heating of the journal of
the mast, it should exert undue friction in turning in the foot 109, the latter will turn
in the socket 110, and will thus prevent wear or cutting of the bearing until the cause
of friction therein is removed. The annular bearing at the top of the mast is also
preferably revolable in the top steadiment for the purpose of effecting a similar result.

page_text: The mouth of the bowl-shaped base-plate is made with a heavy strong bead 111
around it, which extends above the lower edge of the hub of the gear wheel 107 and
of the thicker portion of the casting 108, so that if the lower end of the mast should
break it cannot become unshipped from its seat, and thus danger of its falling in such
case is guarded against. Secured by suitable braces 112 in the hollow of the mast is
a cylinder 113, similar to cylinder 98 at the top of the mast, to which the circulating-
pipes 114 and 115 leading from the chambers 56 57 of the casting 68, are attached.
In the base-plate 110 is a chamber 116, from which a pipe 117 leads upward to the
cylinder 113, and also in the base plate at a point above the chamber 116 is a second
chamber 118, from which a larger pipe 119 leads up to cylinder 113. The pipes 117
and 119 are secured rigidly to the base-plate by screw-threads and set-screws, as
shewn in Fig. 16. The pipe 119 extends through the stuffing box 120 in the
cylinder 113 and terminates in the chamber 121, with which the pipe 115 communi-
cates while the pipe 117 extends through the chamber 121 and through a stuffing
box 122 and terminates in the chamber 123, with which the pipe 114, communicates.
The packing 122 is compressed by means of a perforated inverted-cup-shaped piece
or follower 124, which is forced down thereon by means of a set screw 125,
extending through the cap of the cylinder. The water which enters through the
pipe 114 passes through the chamber 123 and the perforations in the part 124 into
pipe 117. The pipe 119 is sufficiently large to form an annular passage 126 between
it and pipe 117, which passage leads down to the chamber 118, while the pipe 119
leads down to the chamber 116. Communicating with the chambers 116 and 118 are
pipes 127 and 128, which lead to the opposite ends of cylinder 9. The operation of
the cylinder 9 is controlled by one of the valves 31 on the carriage 7, the connection
being through the pipes 45 46 66 67, water-ways 60 and 61, pipes 53 54, chambers 56
57 and pipes 114 115, which connect with the cylinder 113. When it is desired to
force the piston forward in the cylinder 9, the valve is so moved by the operator as to
cause the water to flow therefrom through the connection-pipes just named into
pipe 114, whence it passes by chamber 123, pipe 122, chamber 116, and pipe 127
to the outer end of the cylinder, and acting on the piston forces it forward in the
cylinder, ejecting the water from the front end thereof through the pipe 128,
chamber 118, pipe 119, chamber 121, and thence by pipe 115, and the other
connections herein before described to the valve-chamber, whence it passes by the
waste-channel 42, waste pipe 44, port 65, water-way 58, pipe 53, chamber 51,
pipe 50, chamber 86, pipe 89, and chamber 91 to the discharge-pipe 92 at the
top of the mast.
In Fig. 1 I illustrate the arrangement of two of my improved cranes as I have
them in practical operation. The two cranes are arranged back to back in the
center of a circle formed by six heating-furnaces 130, three of the said furnaces
being served by each of the cranes. The feed-table 131 of a plate or other rolling
mill extends within the range of the jibs of the cranes, so that the latter can enter any
one of its particular furnaces, seize an ingot therein, retract it from the furnace and
swing it around and deposit it upon the feed table of the rolling mill. The ingots are
brought to the furnaces by a tramway or track 132, one branch of which lies in front
of each group of furnaces. A suitable car 133, for conveying the cold ingots to the
heating-furnaces, runs on this track and the furnaces are charged by means of the
cranes, the lifting mechanism seizing an ingot in the manner bereinbefore described
as it lies on the car, lifting it, inserting it into the furnace, and, after placing it
properly therein, releasing it and withdrawing from the furnace.
The entire operation of charging and discharging the furnaces and serving the
rolling-mill is accomplished by the cranes without the intervention of any manual
labor whatever, except that of the operator, who sits on the crane and manipulates the
valves. From the time an ingot is placed on the car and the car is run to the furnace
it is not touched or moved by manual labor until after it is placed upon the mill-table.
By reason of the capabilities of my improved cranes and their utilization, as shown in
Figure 1, a great saving of time and labor is effected and the whole operation is
.carried on much more rapidly and with far greater precision than heretofore.

page_text: Thus constructed the operation of my improved crane is evident. The operator
seated on the carriage is able to turn the crane in either direction by moving the lever
of the valve which controls the circulation of water to the cylinder 9, to advance or
retract the carriage and the lifting mechanism by moving the lever of the valve which
controls the racking-cylinder 8, to raise or lower the lifting mechanism by moving the
lever of the valve which controls the cylinder 26, and to actuate the gripping
mechanism by moving the lever of the valve which controls the cylinder 23. All of
the operating-valves being placed on the carriage, which is mounted on and travels
with the jib, the operator moves with the jib and occupies a fixed position relatively
to the work, such that he is always near it and has it under close inspection. This
enables him to operate the crane with greater precision and rapidity and with less
danger to the furnace and other objects with which it is used than can be done with
any crane where the levers and operator's seat are on the mast or in some other place
less favorable for inspection of and at a greater distance from the work. With such
cranes there is constant liability of objects coming between the operator and the work,
and as he is usually dependent upon signals for direction he is constantly liable to
swing the burden against the side or roof of the furnace or other object and thereby
injure it.
With my improved crane ingots and other objects can be introduced into or taken
from furnaces and similar places horizontally with great accuracy and safety, the.
furnace can be very closely filled, and the ingots moved therein by the operator alone
and without the necessity of any signaling or additional labor except for opening and
closing the doors of the furnace. The operator moves with and is always near the
work, and by means of the several levers can operate the ponderous machine with
immense loads with the ease and precision of a hand-tool.
While I have described and illustrated my invention for use with a gripping device
for gripping and raising ingots, I do not wish to Jimit myself thereto, because the
bar 11 may be provided with a forked or spade end, upon which the burden may be
placed and by which it may be deposited in the furnace upon suitable rests, which will
permit the fork or spade to be withdrawn from or inserted under the burden. In such
case the cylinder 26, and the parts operated by it would be dispensed with.
The use of a movable racking-cylinder is an important feature, because it enables
the carriage to travel back and forth with the work, and thereby dispenses with the
necessity of projecting the lifting bar therefrom, and hence gives the bar a stronger.
and better support, renders it more manageable, and preserves the same distance.
between the end of the bar and the operator's seat. The use of rigid circulating-pipes
dispenses with flexible pipe-connections for the racking-cylinder, and makes a better,
more efficient, reliable and compact structure. The construction of the water-connections
in the mast, whereby the rigid supply and waste pipes 93 and 92 can be used with the
rotating mast and the fixed circulating-pipes of the cylinder 9 can be supplied from
the rigid pipes mounted on the swinging jib, are also of importance, as they form
simple and efficient means of conducting the water without interfering with the move-
ments of the mast or jib and dispense with the use of flexible pipes. The uniting of
the valves in one case having common supply and waste pipes is not only convenient,
but effects a very large saving by dispensing with separate connecting-pipes to each
valve and gives a more compact and permanent arrangement. In the present instances
two such pipes do the work of eight.
It is necessary, in order that the operator may have a fixed position to and close
inspection of the work, that his seat, the lifting mechanism, and the valves which
control the movements of the racking-cylinder and lifting mechanism should be con-
nected to and travel with the jib, and that the carriage upon which the valves and
lifting mechanism are carried should be moved by the racking cylinder.
It is a great convenience, saves the necessity of an additional operator, and increases-
the rapidity and accuracy of the movements of the crane to add to the valves placed
on the carriage the valve which controls the operation of the rotating cylinder 9; but:
this is not necessary to give the operator a fixed position with relation to the lifting
devices, and therefore I do not desire to limit my claim for the means by which the,

page_text: fatter end is exected by including therewith the placing of the valve or cylinder y ou
the carriage.
In the claims relating broadly to these combinations I do not wish it to be
understood that I confine myself to a movable racking-cylinder, because, although I
prefer that construction, the use of a stationary racking-cylinder mounted on the jib,
and a movable piston for actuating the carriage, is an obvious equivalent, and such a
one as a person skilled in the art could substitute therefor. The same is also true
of the connections between the circulating-pipes on the jib and the valves on the
carriage.
It is a mere matter of calculation and arrangement on the part of the skilled person
with my construction before him to substitute therefor others that will work, and
therefore I do not by claims specifically setting forth iny particular connections wish
to limit myself to their use in connection with matters covered by other claims.
It is apparent that the pivoted lifting-bar can be made to move sidewise instead of
vertically to reach over the end of the ingot or other burden.
While I refer to my invention as an improvement in hydraulic cranes, I do not
limit myself to the use of water, but include also steam, air, gas, oil, or other fluid as
the equivalents thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is―
1. The combination, in a hydraulic crane, of a movable racking-cylinder mounted
on the jib, a carriage provided with lifting devices suspended on the racking-cylinder
and valves for controlling the movements of the racking-cylinder mounted on the
carriage substantially as and for the purposes described.
2. The combination, in a crane, of a hydraulic motor comprising a racking-cylinder
and plunger mounted on a jib, a carriage moved along said jib with the moving
element of the motor, lifting devices carried by the carriage, and valve-operating
mechanism also carried thereby and controlling the racking-cylinder, substantially as
and for the purposes described.
3. The combination, in a crane, of a hydraulic motor comprising a racking-cylinder
and plunger mounted on a jib, a carriage moved with the moving element of the
motor, hydraulic lifting devices carried by the carriage, and valves also carried by the
carrriage and controlling the lifting devices and the racking-cylinder, substantially as
and for the purposes described.
4. The combination, in a hydraulic crane, of a cylinder and mechanism operated
thereby for rotating the crane, a jib, a carriage mounted upon said jib, circulating-
pipes extending from the cylinder to the carriage and return, and a valve for said
circulating-pipes located upon the carriage, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
5. The combination in a hydraulic crane, of a mast and jib, a carriage supported on
the jib, lifting devices mounted on the carriage, a hydraulic cylinder for raising and
lowering said lifting devices, a hydraulic cylinder for advancing and withdrawing
them, valves mounted on the carriage for controlling said cylinders, and circulating-
pipes extending along the jib to said valves and connecting the same with the source
of supply and with the exhaust, substantially as and for the purposes described.
6. The combination of the jib, the stationary piston, the movable racking-cylinder,
a carriage supported on the racking-cylinder, a valve to control the racking-cylinder
placed on the carriage and circulating-pipes extending from said valve to the opposite
ends of the cylinder, substantially as and for the purposes described.
7. The combination of the jib, the stationary piston and stationary main circulating-
pipes supported on the jib, a moveable racking-cylinder having also chambers through
which the circulating-pipes extend and with which they communicate, a carriage
moved with the racking-cylinder and supporting the valve thereof, pipes connecting
said valve with said chambers, and pipes connecting the valve with the opposite ends
of the racking-cylinder substantially as and for the purposes described.

page_text: 8. The combination of the rotating mast, the jib, the movable racking-cylinder on
the jib, having also four chambers or water channels through which the circulating
pipes extend, a stationary piston and four stationary circulating-pipes a cylinder at
the foot of the mast for turning the same, circulating pipes extending from the
opposite ends of the turning-cylinder to two of the stationary circulating pipes on the
jib, main circulating-pipes extending to the other two stationary pipes, a carriage
moved with the racking-cylinder and supporting the valves which control the mast-
turning cylinder and the racking-cylinder, pipes connecting said valves with the
chambers in the racking cylinder and pipes connecting one of the valves with the
opposite ends of the racking-cylinder substantially as and for the purposes described.
9. The combination of the mast and jib with main supply and waste pipes leading
down the mast and out along the jib, a racking cylinder supported on the jib, with
which the said pipes connect, a carriage supported on the jib and actuated by the
racking-cylinder a valve for controlling the operation of said cylinder placed on said
carriage and lifting devices supported by the said carriage, substantially as and for
the purposes described.
10. The combination in a hydraulic crane, of the jib, a movable carriage mounted
on the jib, a pivoted horizontal lifting-bar mounted on the carriage, a hydraulic
cylinder for raising the lifting-bar and a valve and suitable water connections, with.
the cylinder and the source of water supply, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
11. The combination of the carriage, the pivoted lifting-bar having an end
projection, with a sliding gripper, and a cylinder with suitable water connections
and valve to operate such sliding gripper substantially as and for the purposes
described.
12. The combination for a crane and the jib of a horizontal lifting bar upheld by
the jib and having a gripper at the end thereof, power devices for lifting said bar,
and power devices for moving the bar horizontally along the jib substantially, as and
for the purposes described.
13. The combination, in a crane, of the pivoted lifting bar having a lateral, pro-
jection or extension of the outer end with a reciprocating slide, which projection
and slide constitute the gripping mechanism of the crane and act in conjunction to
seize and hold the burden between them, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
14. The moveable carriage having mounted thereon and in combination therewith
the pivoted lifting bar and a hydraulic cylinder for giving it a short vertical
oscillation, a sliding gripper capable of acting in conjunction with the lifting bar-to
grip the load, a hydraulic cylinder for actuating the sliding gripper, and valves.
having suitable water connections with the source of water supply and the said
cylinders for the purposes of governing the operation of the cylinders, substantially as
and for the purposes described.
15. The combination of a series of two or more double acting bydraulic piston
valves, a single shell having individual chambers within which the valves are mounted,
common waste passages formed in the shell at each end of the valves, a common
supply passage formed in the shell, and independently operating actuating levers
whereby any one of a number of hydraulic moters may be operated from a common
supply without operating the remainder, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
16. The combination, with two or more double acting hydraulic piston valves
within a single chamber or shell and having independently operated actuating levers,
of common supply and waste passages whereby any one of a number of bydraulic
cylinders may be operated from a common supply without operating the remainder,
substantially as described.
17. The combination of two or more double acting. hydraulic valves 31 within,a
single chamber or shell having independently operated actuating levers, a common
distributing inlet, passage 38, to which the common supply pipe is connected, a
common waste or exit passage 42, to which the common waste pipe is connected and
B

page_text: separate annular passages 39 for each valve at opposite sides of the common
passage 38, which are connected with the service pipes of the cylinder controlled by
the valve, substantially as and for the purposes described.
18. The combination of the fixed piston and moveable racking cylinder with the
fixed circulating pipes extending through longitudinal water ways in the sides of the
racking cylinder and communicating therewith by means of perforations formed in
said pipes near the limit of the inner movement of the cylinder, and suitable
connections connecting the water ways with the valve or valves by which the water is
controlled, substantially as and for the purposes described.
19. In combination with the jib, the moveable racking cylinder having water ways
extending longitudinally through its sides, fixed circulating pipes extending through
said water ways and supported beyond the ends of the cylinder, said pipes communi-
cating with the water ways by perforations in their sides, and suitable connections
connecting the water ways with the valve or valves by which the water. is controlled,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
20. In a crane, the combination, with the upright mast having a top journal, of an
annular bearing having a spherical outer surface and a top steadiment having a
concave seat in which the spherical bearing may move, substantially as and for the
purposes described.
21. In a crane, the combination of the upright mast having a top journal,
removable annular bearing having a spherical outer surface and a top steadiment
having a concave seat for the bearing, said mast having an enlargement below the top
steadiment substantially as and for the purposes described.
22. The combination, in a hydraulic crane, of a rotating mast having circulating
pipes extending through the same with stationary non rotary supply and waste pipes
connected therewith by intermediate chambers, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
23. The combination of the rotating mast provided with circulating pipes, one
within the other, a cylinder or casing 98, having chambers 91 and 94 with which the
said pipes respectively communicate, and a cupped follower 102 in the chamber 94,
said follower bearing on the packing of one of the circulating pipes and being
perforate to afford passage of fluid therethrough, substantially as described.
24. In a crane, an upright rotary mast having a top journal of small diameter and
an adjoining thicker portion, in combination with a top steadiment having a thick
metal skirt extending down around the said thicker portion, substantially as and for
the purposes described.
25. The combination of the mast having a hemispherical foot in which it is stepped
with a base plate having a concave socket for receiving said foot, said socket being
provided with a strong rim extending up above the foot, and a gear wheel upon the
mast, the hub of said gear wheel extending within said rim, substantially as and for
the purposes described.
26. The combination of the hollow rotating mast, the base plate, two circulating
pipes, one within the other, rigidly attached to the base plate, the inner and smaller
one extending beyond the ends of the outer one, a cylinder attached to and rotating
with the mast, chambers provided with stuffing boxes within the cylinder, in which
the ends of the pipes terminate, chambers in the base plate in which the lower ends of
the pipes terminate, pipes leading from the upper chambers to the controlling valve,
pipes leading from the lower chambers to the hydraulic cylinder, and gearing
intermediate between the hydraulic cylinder and mast for rotating the latter, sub-
stantially as and for the purposes described.
27. The combination, in a hydraulic crane, of a motor comprising a racking
cylinder and plunger mounted on a jib and a carriage provided with lifting devices
suspended directly from the moveing element of the motor and moveable therewith,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
28. In a crane, the combination, with an upright mast having a top journal, of an
annular bearing within which the top journal is revoluble, said annular bearing
having a spherical outer surface, and a top steadiment having a concave seat

page_text: within which the spherical annular bearing is rotatory, substantially as and for the
purposes described.
29. In a crane, an upright mast having at the base a spherical foot set in a corre-
spondingly shaped socket and at the upper end a spherical bearing having a concave
seat, substantially as and for the purposes described.
30. The rotatory mast having at its foot a spherical bearing in which it is revolubly
stepped and a concave socket in which the said bearing is journaled, substantially as
and for the purposes described.
Per pro J. T. KING,
J. Johnson.