CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ADAPTATION OF INDIAN-RUBBER SPRINGS
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Coles Fuller, of Bucklersbury, Cheapside,
in the City of London, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE ADAPTATION OF INDIAN-RUBBER SPRINGS."
Sealed the 31st October 1854, and dated the 10th May 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Coles Fuller
at the Office of the Cominissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th May 1854.
I, WILLIAM COLES FULLER, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ADAPTATION OF INDIAN-RUBBER
SPRINGS" to be as follows:-
The present Invention has reference to further improvements in the adapta-
tion of indian-rubber springs to useful purposes, not included under my former
Letters Patent, and consists in the adaptation of a ring or series of rings com-
bined with suitable iron work or other metal, so as to form a powerful spring.
for various purposes connected with shipping, as follows, viz.
1. A spring to connect a ship or vessel with the anchor and cable, so as to
give a slight degree of elasticity and prevent the sudden strain, such spring
being either combined with the anchor itself, or the shackle, or any other part
of the cable.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Coles Fuller in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
10th November 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
COLES FULLER, of. Bucklersbury, Cheapside, in the City of London, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the eighteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
William Coles Fuller, Her special licence that I, the said William Coles
Fuller, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
William Coles Fuller, my exécutors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,"
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE ADAPTATION OF INDIA-RUBBER SPRINGS," upon the condition (amongst)
others) that I, the said William Coles Fuller, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar mouths next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Coles Fuller, do hereby declare
the nature of my. said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-

page_text: formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, that is to say:
My said improvements in the adaptation of indian-rubber springs consist
in the adaptation of said springs, in the manner hereafter described, to
tlie purposes hereafter set forth, being the adaptation of indian-rubber
springs to various useful purposes, not encompassed by my former Letters
Patent, viz.
First, the adaptation of a powerful india-rubber spring to the cables and
anchors of vessels, for the purpose of giving a slight degree of elasticity
thereto. In ordinary cases, the curve which a chain cable assumes by its own
weight prevents any sudden tension of the parts; but in a heavy sea the cable
is always liable to be jerked into a straight line, which, though lasting but an
instant, exposes every link to the severest strain and consequent danger of
breakage.
These springs (which consist of a ring or series of rings combined with suit-
able iron work, may be applied in different ways, either on board the vessel
near to the hawse pipe, or any other convenient part, or to the anchor itself,
or to the cable: :
Fig. 1, Sheet 1, represents a side view of certain parts of a vessel, with the
cable in its usual position, passing through the hawse pipe to the riding bitt or
to the capstan; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. A, A, is an upright
moveable stopper or riding bitt, fixed immediately in front of the hawse pipe,
over which the cable passes freely. B, B, are two rods, by which the riding
bitt A, A, is connected with the framework C, C, under the deck, and secured
to the timbers D, D. E, E, are two columns of india-rubber rings, exerting
their pressure against the framework C, C. The upper part of the riding
bitt A, A, is. furnished with a stopper, which, when required, nips the chain
cable, and by slackening a few links behind from the capstan or windlass the
strain is thrown upon the india-rubber, the elastic action of which will at all
times preserve the links of the chain from the sudden tension which causes the
anchor and cable to part.
It will be seen by. this arrangement that the action of the capstan or wind-
lass is not at all interfered with, as the cable may be lengthened or shortened
instantly by removing the stopper from the riding bitt A, A, which allows it to
pass freely in or out,
A further advantage gained by the use of the riding bitt A, A, will be by
elevating the cable to lessen the friction and strain upon the hawse pipe, where
the breakage most frequently happens, owing to the bend of the chain in that

page_text: particular part. The mode in which the chain cable is fastened by the nippers
in front of the riding bitt may be varied according to circumstances, care being
taken that the strength of such fastening or stopper is equal to the strength of
the cable itself.
»[g
Fig. 3 represents a front view on a large scale of the riding bitt A, A... The
centre part is of wood, the side cheeks of wrought iron, bolted thereto. The
centre bolt by which is connected with the rods B, B, may, if preferred,
be fitted with an iron friction roller with a channel to fit the links of the chain
cable. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the upper part of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 represents a form of stopper, of wrought iron, shaped out to fit the
links of the chain, and furnished with a groove on each side to clip the checks;
by dropping in the stopper the cable will be effectually secured to the riding
bitt.
Another form of riding bitt may be used in some cases made wholly of
iron, the upper part being constructed with strong jaws to nip the cable by
means of a screw, similar to that shewn for towing ropes, Fig. 10, Sheet 2. It
should be observed, however, that the manner of applying these springs will
necessarily vary, according to the size and construction of the vessel itself. In
most cases where a capstan is used, the spring described at Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4,
on the second Sheet, may be used with similar effect, by connecting the same
with the capstan, or any other convenient part of the vessel.
Fig. 6 represents a method. of applying it to the capstan, as referred to..
A, A, represents the capstan; B, B, the posts of the capstan; C, C, the cable
bitted on to the capstan; D, D, are the india-rubber springs, (similar to
Fig. 1, Sheet 2,) connected with the cable by two chains E, E, terminating
in a strong claw or stopper. The springs D, D, are fixed to the posts by two
screw eyes; but, if preferred, the chain E, E, may be continued round the
posts.
AT
Fig. 7 represents another form in which the india-rubber springs may be
applied to the anchor itself, where the stock is of wood or iron and fixed to
the shank. A, A, are two bolts, running paralel with the shank B and passing
through the stock C, against which the india-rubber rings exert their
pressing power; the other end of these bolts is furnished with a round eye
through which the shackle bolt D passes, whilst the eye of the shank is oval,
thereby allowing the compression of the rings.
com
Fig. 8 represents another form in which these rings may be applied to the
shackle of the anchor. A is the shank; B, the shackle, forged with a round
head, for the expansion of the india-rubber rings; C, a wrought eye, with the

page_text: bolt and nut keyed on and fitted with a strong round plate D. The com-
pression takes place between the plate D and the head B.
Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, represent different forms of india-rubber
rings in section, and their plates referred to in the annexed Drawings and
Specification.
My improvements consist, secondly, in the adaptation of india-rubber
springs for the purpose of towing vessels at sea, or on canals or rivers, or for
warping a vessel into dock, or any other similar purpose where a rope or cable
is subjected to sudden strain.
Fig. 1 (Sheet 2) represents such a spring suitable for towing, warping, and
other suitable purposes. A, A, is a frame or shackle, made of round bolt iron,
terminating with two nuts, by which it is firmly secured to the end plate B, B,
(as shewn at 1); C, C, is a moveable plate of similar shape, which slides
upon the shackle A, A; D, D, are the india-rubber rings and plates; and E,
the centre bolt, secured at one end by a nut to the sliding plate. C.
The compression of the rings takes place between the plates B and C, and
it may be made of any power, from two to twenty tons, according to the
diameter and thickness of the rings employed. In constructing this spring flat,
iron may be used for the frame, if preferred, secured to the end plate B by
welding, instead of nuts and screws.
Fig. 2 represents a similar spring, but shorter and without the sliding plate,
being adapted to many purposes where less action is required. The same
letters refer to similar parts of the various Figures in this Sheet.
Fig. 3 represents a spring enclosed in a wrought-iron cylinder, the prin-
cipal advantage of which is, that the outer cylinder, whilst it answers the
same purpose as the shackle in Fig. 1, forms a cover, protecting the spring
from dirt and injury.
Fig. 4 is a slight variation of Fig. 3, in which the cylinder, instead of a
shackle end, terminates with a bottled-shaped neck, with the eye strongly
screwed or welded in, and the bottom plate also screwed in with a flange,
rendering the spring very compact and suitable for many purposes.
Figs. 8, 9, and 10 represent another mode of applying these springs for
owing purposes. A, A, Fig. 8, is a strong post fixed to any convenient part
of the deck; F is the centre bolt, terminating with a nut and screw at one
end and a book at the other, through which the towing rope may be passed
and made fast to any convenient place; C, the end plate as before; and D, D,
he india-rubber rings.
Figs. 9 and 10 represent another form of applying these springs for towing

page_text: .
purposes, by which the rope may be instantaneously fixed or released by mean
of a screw. A, A, represents the post, as before; E, the centre bolt; D, I
the rings; C, the end plate; F, F, Fig. 9 and 10, represents a nipper or vice
the jaws of which are formed so as to grip the rope K; the lower part
works upon a bolt or pivot. This vice is connected with the india-rubbe
spring by means of the centre bolt E, the eye of which passes round the box
and screw at H. By this arrangement it will be seen that the whole strain i
thrown upon the india-rubber spring D, D, whilst the rope may be shortened
or lengthened at pleasure by means of the screw H.
My improvements consist, thirdly, of a spring suitable for a floating pier o
quay for vessels to moor to, the object of which is, by imparting a slight degree
of elasticity to save the rope.
Fig. 5 represents a side view of a spring suitable for the above purpose.
The principle on which it acts is similar to those before described; the only
variation being, that the centre, bolt E is provided with a hook to receive the
bight of a rope, and is made to revolve upon a bolt or staple F, so as to swing
round to either side, as may be required.
Fig. 6 represents a plan view of Fig. 5.
....
My improvements consist, fourthly and fifthly, of other forms of springs,
which may be fixed to the deck, or to the rigging, or any other part of. a
vessel where slight elastic action is required, and which may also be usefully
adapted to the breeching rope of
guns.
Fig. 7 represents one form of the above springs. A, A, is a 'wrought-iron
frame, to screw to the deck or any other part of a vessel. The end plate C,
and the upper part of the frame A, are of a, round shape, similar to Fig. 1, A,
for the india-rubber to expand upon; and the centre pin E may terminate in
a hook or eye, as is most convenient; also, if preferred; the rings may..be
placed underneath the deck, thereby dispensing with the iron framework, and
terminating with a ring or hook on deck.
Fig. 11 represents another useful application of these springs to the breech-
ing rope of a gun. A, A, represents part of the timbers at the port hole of a
vessel; B, B, the india-rubber springs, similar to that shewn at Fig. 2; C, C,
the rope passing through the eye at the breech end of the gun..
As each piece,
on firing, recoils with a force of several tons, the united discharge of a broad-
side must produce a strain of probably from two hundred and fifty to three s
hundred tons on the vessel's side, and it is believed the use of these springs in
the manner described would tend materially to diminish the shock and strain
pon the timbers of the vessel.

page_text: Fig. 12 represents another forin of spring, which acts on the same prin-
ciple as Fig. 1 and 2, except that the outer frame is dispensed with by means
of a hollow tube. E, E, represents the centre bolt keyed to the end plate C.
A, A, is the hollow tube with a fixed plate B at one end, and an eye F screwed
on to the opposite end. This tube has a slot half way along it, in which the
key slides, allowing the compression of the rings between the plates B and C.
This form of spring may be found useful in certain cases where greater com-
pactness is requisite.
130
Fig. 13 represents another form of spring, on the same plan as Fig. 1,
except that it has double columns of rings, and may be used with advantage:
where greater strength is necessary. This form of spring and all others where
the end plate is made to slide on the outer frame (as Fig. 1) will act as a
swivel, the centre rod revolving freely..
Having now described my said Invention, and the different modes of carry-
ing out the same, I have to observe that, although I generally prefer using
india-rubber rings of the cylindrical form, (see Fig. 9, Sheet 1,) such as have
been formerly patented by me for railways, I do not by any means confine
myself to this particular form of ring, but vary the diameter, depth, and shape,
according to circumstances. Fig. 9, 10, 11, and 12, represent different forms
of the square, round, and conical sections of rings, each of which I may occa-
sionally employ, strengthening the material, if needful, by an outer band or
rim; also, in respect to the iron work, the forms here given may be varied.
according to circumstances, both as to the width, length, and strength of the
materials, the principle being the same in each case; and care must be taken
always to provide a sufficient surface for the india-rubber to expand upon, so
as to prevent cutting or damaging the material. The separating plates also
where used should be of larger diameter than the india-rubber, so as to
provide for the expansion, and these plates may be made either of wrought or
cast iron, with or without a boss, according to the situation and the kind of
rings employed in each particular case.
What I claim as new in respect to the present Invention being as follows,
viz.
The adaptation to the after-mentioned purposes of rings of india-rubber
or other elastic material, of whatever form or shape, as springs.
First, to the anchors and cables of vessels, applied either on board the vessel
itself, or to the anchor, or shackle, or any part of the cable.
Second, to ropes or cables used in towing, warping, mooring, and similar
purposes.
Third, on floating piers, quays, or dummies, used for vessels to moor to.

page_text: Fourth, for the breeching ropes of guns; though I do not claim for any
adaptation to ropes employed in the tackling thereof.
Fifth, for any portion of the hulk or rigging of vessels where slight
elasticity is required, with the exception of the standing rigging where fixed to
the dead eyes.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Coles Fuller, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Signed and scaled in my presence,
F. W. CAMPIN,
Patent Agent,
156, Strand.
W. C. FULLER. (L.s.)

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Coles Fuller, of Bucklersbury, Cheapside,
in the City of London, for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE ADAPTATION
PATION OR TH
Sealed the 31st October 1854, and dated the 10th May 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Coles Fuller
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th May 1854.
I, WILLIAM COLES FULLER, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ADAPTATION OF INDIAN-RUBBER
SPRINGS" to be as follows:
.The present Invention has reference to further improvements in the adapta-
tion of indian-rubber springs to useful purposes, not included under my former
Letters Patent, and consists in the adaptation of a ring or series of rings com-
bined with suitable iron work or other metal, so as to form a powerful spring
for various purposes connected with shipping, as follows, viz.
1. A spring to connect a ship or vessel with the anchor and cable, so as to
give a slight degree of elasticity and prevent the sudden strain, such spring
being either combined with the anchor itself, or the shackle, or any other part
of the cable.
TISH

page_text: 2. A spring to be used for the purpose of towing vessels in canals and
rivers or at sea, and which, by imparting a slight degree of elasticity to one or
both ends of a rope or cable, will prevent sudden strain or breakage.
3. A spring constructed so as to receive the rope of a floating pier or quay
for vessels to moor to, the object of which is, by a slight degree of elasticity to
save the rope.
4. A spring which may be inserted in any part of a rope or cable, and which
may be so made as to answer the purpose of a swivel..
5. An elastic hook or eye for fixing to the deck.or any other part of a.
vessel where ropes or chains are affixed, and slight elastic action is desirable.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by, the said William Coles Fuller in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
10th November 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
COLES FULLER, of Bucklersbury, Cheapside, in the City of London, send
greeting.
1.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the eighteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
William Coles Fuller Her special licence that I, the said William Coles
Fuller, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
William Coles Fuller, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times. thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE ADAPTATION OF INDIA-RUBBER SPRINGS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said William Coles Fuller, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to. be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that 'T, the said William Coles Fuller, do hereby declare
the nature of my said. Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
1

page_text: formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, that is to say:-
My said improvements in the adaptation of indian-rubber springs consist
in the adaptation of said springs, in the manner hereafter described, to
the purposes hereafter set forth, being the adaptation of indian-rubber
springs to various useful purposes, not encompassed by my former Letters
Patent, viz..
!
First, the adaptation of a powerful india-rubber spring to the cables and
anchors of vessels, for the purpose of giving a slight degree of elasticity
thicreto. In ordinary cases, the curve which a chain cable assumes by its own
weight prevents any sudden tension of the parts; but in a heavy sea the cable
is always liable to be jerked into a straight line, which, though lasting but an
instant, exposes every link to the severest strain and consequent danger of
breakage.
These springs (which consist of a ring or series of rings combined with suit-
able iron work; may be applied in different ways, either on board the vessel
near to the hawse pipe, or any other convenient part, or to the anchor itself,
or to the cable..
1
Fig. 1, Sheet 1, represents a side view of certain parts of a vessel, with the
cable in its usual position, passing through the hawse pipe to the riding bitt or
A, A, is an upright
to the capstan; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same.
moveable stopper or riding bitt, fixed immediately in front of the hawse pipe,
over which the cablo passes freely. B, B, are two rods, by which the riding
bitt A, A, is connected with the framework C, C, under the deck, and secured
to the timbers D, D. E, E, are two columns of india-rubber rings, exerting
their pressure against the framework C. C. The upper part of the riding
bitt A, A, is furnished with a stopper, which, when required, nips the chain
cable, and by slackening a few links behind from the capstan or windlass the
strain is thrown upon the india-rubber, the elastic action of which will at all
times preserve the links of the chain from the sudden tension which causes the
anchor and cable to part...
It will be seen by. this arrangement that the action of the capstan or wind-
lass is not at all interfered with, as the cable may be lengthened or shortened
instantly by removing the stopper from the riding bitt A, A, which allows it to
pass freely in or out,
A further advantage gained by the use of the riding bitt A, A, will be by
clevating the cable to lessen the friction and strain upon the hawse pipe, where
the breakage most frequently happens, owing. to the bend of the chain in that
1

page_text: particular part. The mode in which the chain cable is fastened by the nippers
in front of the riding bitt may be varied according to circumstances, care being
taken that the strength of such fastening or stopper is equal to the strength of
the cable itself.
Fig. 3 represents a front view on a large scale of the riding bitt A, A. The 5
centro part is of wood, the side cheeks of wrought iron, bolted thereto. The
centre bolt by which it is connected with the rods B, B, may, if preferred,
be fitted with an iron friction roller with a channel to fit the links of the chain
cable. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the upper part of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 represents a form of stopper, of wrought iron, shaped out to fit the 10
links of the chain, and furnished with a groove on each side to clip the checks;
by dropping in the stopper the cablo will be effectually secured to the riding
bitt.
Another form of riding bitt may be used in some cases made wholly of
iron, the upper part being constructed with strong jaws to nip the cable by 1
means of a screw, similar to that shewn for towing ropes, Fig. 10, Sheet 2. It
should be observed, however, that the manner of applying these springs will
necessarily vary, according to the size and construction of the vessel itself. In.
most cases where a capstan is used, the spring described at Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4,
on the second Sheet, may be used with similar effect, by connecting the same
with the capstan, or any other convenient part of the vessel.
Fig. 6 represents a method of applying it to the capstan, as referred to.
A, A, represents tho capstan; B, 13, the posts of the capstan; C, C, the cable
bitted on to tho capstan; D, D, are the india-rubber springs, (similar to
Fig. 1, Sheet 2,) connected with the cable by two chains E, E, terminating
in a strong claw or stopper. The springs D, D, are fixed to the posts by two
screw eyes; but, if preferred, the chain E, E, may be continued round the
posts.
Fig. 7 represents another form in which the india-rubber springs may be
applied to the anchor itself, where the stock is of wood or iron and fixed to
the shank. A, A, are two, bolts, running paralel with the shank B and passing
through the stock C, against which the india-rubber rings exert their com-
pressing power; the other end of these bolts is furnished with a round eye
through which the shackle bolt D passes, whilst the eye of the shank is oval
thereby allowing the conipression of the rings.
Fig. 8 represents another form in which theso rings may be applied to the
shackle of the anchor: A is the shank; 13, the shackle, forged with a roun
head, for the expansion of the india-rubber rings; C, a wrought cyo, with th

page_text: bolt and nut keyed on and fitted with a strong round plate D. The com-
pression takes place between the plate D and the head B.
Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, represent different forms of india-rubber
rings in section, and their plates referred to in the annexed Drawings and
Specification.
.
My improvements consist, secondly, in the adaptation of india-rubber
springs for the purpose of towing vessels at sea, or on canals or rivers, or for.
warping a vessel into dock, or any other similar purpose where a rope or cable
is subjected to sudden strain.
Fig. 1 (Sheet 2) represents such a spring suitable for towing, warping, and
other suitable purposes. A, A, is a frame or shackle, made of round bolt iron,
terminating with two nuts, by which it is firmly secured to the end plate B, B,
(as shewn at 1); C, C, is a moveable plate of similar shape, which slides
upon the shackle A, A; D, D, are the india-rubber rings and plates; and E,
the centre bolt, secured at one end by a nut to the sliding plate C.
The compression of the rings takes place between the plates B and C, and
it may be made of any power, from two to twenty tons, according to tho
diameter and thickness of the rings employed. In constructing this spring flat,
iron may bo used for the frame, if preferred, secured to the end plato 13 by
welding, instead of nuts and screws.
Fig. 2 represents a similar spring, but shorter and without the sliding plate,
being adapted to many purposes where less action is required. The same
letters refer to similar parts of the various Figures in this Sheet.
Fig. 3 represents spring enclosed in a wrought-iron cylinder, the prin-
cipal advantage of which is, that the outer cylinder, whilst it answers the
same purpose as thoi shacklo in Fig. 1, forms a cover, protecting the spring
from dirt and injury. ;
Fig. 4 is a slight variation of Fig. 3, in which the cylinder, instead of a
shacklo end, terminates with a bottled-shaped neck, with the eye strongly
scrowed or welded in, and the bottom plato also screwed in with a flange,
rendering the spring wvery compact and suitable for many purposes.
Figs. 8, 9, and 10 represent another mode of applying these springs for
towing purposes. A, A, Fig. 8, is a strong post fixed to any convenient part
of the deck; F is the centro bolt, terminating with a nut and screw at ono
end and a hook at the other, through which the towing rope may be passed
and made fast to any convenient place; C, the end plate as before; and D, D,
the india-rubber rings.
.."
Figs. 9 and 10 represent another form of applying these springs for towing

page_text: .
of a screw.
purposes, by which the rope may be instantaneously fixed or released by means
A, A, represents the 'post, as before; E, the centre bolt; D, D,
the rings; C, the end plate; F, F, Fig. 9 and 10, represents a nipper or vice,
the jaws of which are formed so as to grip the rope K; the lower part G
works upon a bolt or pivot. This vice is connected with the india-rubber
spring by means of the centre bolt E, the eye of which passes round the box
and screw at H. By this arrangement it will be seen that the whole strain is
thrown upon the india-rubber spring D, D, whilst the rope may be shortened
or lengthened at pleasure by means of the screw H.
My improvements consist, thirdly, of a spring, suitable for a floating pier or
quay for vessels to moor to the object of which is, by imparting a slight degree
of elasticity to save the rope.
Fig. 5 represents a side view of a spring suitable for the above purpose.
The principle on which it acts is similar to those before described; the only
variation being, that the centre,bolt E is provided with a hook to receive the
bight of a rope, and is made to revolve upon a bolt or staple F, so as to swing
round to either side, as may be required.
Fig. 6 represents a plan view of Fig. 5.
My improvements consist, fourthly and fifthly, of other forms of springs,
which may be fixed to the deck, or to the rigging, or any other part of. a
vessel where slight clastic action is required, and which may also be usefully
adapted to the breeching rope of guns.
Fig. 7 represents one form of the above springs. A, A, is a wrought-iron
frame, to screw to the deck or any other part of a vessel. The end plate C,
and the upper part of the frame A, are of a round shape, similar to Fig. 1, A,
for the india-rubber to expand upon; and the centre pin E may terminate in
a hook or cyc, as is most convenient; also, if preferred, the rings may be
placed underneath the deck, thereby dispensing with the iron framework, and
terminating with a ring orthook on deck. :
Fig. 11 represents another useful application of these springs to the breech-
ing rope of a gun. A, A, represents part of the timbers at the port hole of a
vessel; B, B, the india-rubber springs, similar to that shewn at Fig. 2; C, C,
the rope passing through the eye at the breech end of the gun. As each piece,
on firing, recoils with a force of several tons, the united discharge of a broad-
side must produce a strain of probably from two hundred and fifty to three
hundred, tons on the vessel's side, and it is believed the use of these springs in
the manner described would tend materially to diminish the shock and strain
upon the timbers of the vessel

page_text: Fig. 12 represents another form of spring, which acts on the same prin-
ciple as Fig. 1 and 2, except that the outer frame is dispensed with by means
of a hollow tube. E, E, represents the centre bolt keyed to the end plate C.
A, A, is the hollow tube.with a fixed plato B at one end, and an eye I screwed
5 on to the opposite end. This tube has a slot half way along it, in which the
key slides, allowing the compression of the rings between the plates B and C..
This form of spring may be found useful in certain cases where greater com-
pactness is requisite.
:....
.'
Fig. 13 represents another form of spring, on the same plan as Fig. 1,
except that it has double columns of rings, and may be used with advantage.
where greater strength is necessary. This form of spring and all others where
the end plate is made to slide on the outer frame (as Fig. 1) will act as a
swivel, the centre rod revolving freely.
Having now described my said Invention, and the different modes of carry-
ing out the same, I have to observe that, although I generally prefer using
india-rubber rings of the cylindrical form, (see Fig. 9, Sheet 1,) such as have
been formerly patented by me for railways, I do not by any means confine
myself to this particular form of ring, but vary the diameter, depth, and shape,
according to circumstances. Fig. 9, 10, 11, and 12, represent different forms
of the square, round, and conical sections of rings, each of which I may occa-
sionally employ, strengthening the material, if needful, by an outer band or
rim; also, in respect to the iron work, the forms here given may be. varied.
according to circumstances, both as to the width, length, and strength of the
materials, the principle being the same in each case; and care must be taken
always to provide a sufficient surface for the india-rubber to expand upon, so
as to prevent cutting or damaging the material. The separating plates also
where used should be of larger diameter than the india-rubber, so as to
provide for the expansion, and these plates may be made either of wrought or
cast iron, with or without a boss, according to the situation and the kind of
ings employed in each particular case.
What I claim as new in respect to the present Invention being as follows,
iz.The adaptation to the after-mentioned purposes of rings of india-rubber
r other elastic material, of whatever form or shape, as springs.
First, to the anchors and gables of vessels, applied either on board the vessel
self, or to the anchor, or shackle, or any part of the cable.
Second, to ropes or cables used in towing, warping, mooring, and similar
urposes.
Third on floating nion

page_text: Fourth, for the breeching ropes of guns; though I do not claim for any
adaptation to ropes employed in the tackling thereof.
Fifth, for any portion of the hulk or rigging of vessels where slight
elasticity is required, with the exception of the standing rigging where fixed to
the dead eyes.
1
In witness whereof, I, the said William Coles Fuller, have hereunto set
my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord"
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Signed and sealed in my presence,
F. W. CAMPIN,
Patent Agent,
156, Strand.
W. C. FULLER. (LB.)