IMPROVEMENTS IN ELEVATORS OR LIFTS
Year: 1884

page_text: I HENRY EDWARD NEWTON of the Office for Patents 6 Breams Buildings
Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex Civil Engineer do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN ELEVATORS OR LIFTS to be as
follows:-
This Invention relates to various details of construction whereby the working of
Elevators or Lifts will be more efficient than heretofore and the safety in working
enhanced.
.
One part of this Invention refers to the valves whereby the operation of the
working piston in the main cylinder of a hydraulic elevator is controlled.
In carrying out this part of the Invention a main valve is employed for the
purpose of controlling the admission of the water to and its discharge from the
main cylinder which valve to express its function may be called the reversing valve
or the change valve and which is in the form of a piston fitting a cylindrical seat.-
On the stem of the said valve are secured two controlling pistons fitting to two
controlling cylinders formed in the same cylindrical casing with the seat of the said
valve at opposite ends of said seat.-One of the controlling pistons is of smaller
area than the said valve and the other is of the same area as the said valve or
thereabouts.
The outer end of the smaller controlling cylinder may be open and between the
inner side of the smaller controlling piston and the said valve the cylindrical casing
is constructed with a supply port or inlet passage for water under pressure which
may be derived from a pump or from a head of water obtained by placing a tank
in the upper part of the building in which the elevator is placed.
Between this main valve and the larger controlling piston the cylindrical casing
is constructed with a discharge or outlet port or passage which communicates with
the atmosphere or from which water may flow freely into a tank or vat below.―
The outer end of the larger controlling cylinder is closed and above it is a valve
chest containing an auxiliary valve controlling ports or passages in the casing
CD 1

page_text: whereby the larger controlling cylinder on the outer side of its piston may be
placed in communication with the outlet or discharge passage or with the said
auxiliary valve chest into which water is admitted under pressure from the main
supply pipe.
The main valve above described controls a port or passage which is connected
with the main operating cylinder of the elevator and which is termed the working
port. It will be understood that the supply passage being between the smaller
controlling piston and the main valve the water pressure acts with equal force per
square inch upon each of them and the discharge passage being between the larger
controlling piston and main valve they are both of them always free from pressure
on their adjacent faces.
When the auxiliary valve is shifted so as to admit water under pressure from
the auxiliary valve chest to the larger controlling cylinder on the outer side of its
piston the water pressure on the outer face of the said controlling piston counter-
balances the pressure of the supply on the main valve and the pressure of the
supply on the smaller controlling piston moves the main valve and controlling
piston in a direction to place the working port in communication with the discharge
passage and so permit the exhaust of water from the operating cylinder and the
descent of the car or cab.-When the auxiliary valve is shifted so as to permit
the exhaust of water from the outer end of the larger controlling cylinder to the
discharge passage then the pressure from the supply on the main valve will more
than balance the pressure of the supply on the smaller controlling piston and the
main valve by the excess of pressure upon it will be moved to place the supply
passage in communication with the working port and so admit water to the
operating cylinder to produce the rise of the car or cab.
The auxiliary valve is connected with and capable of operation by appliances
from the car or cab and its small size enables it to be shifted very easily the labor
of operating the main valve being performed by the pressure of water acting on
the controlling pistons as described. Not only is this auxiliary valve capable of
operation or being shifted by the appliances from the car or cab but it is
connected by levers with the stem of the main valve and controlling pistons
so that it is always moved automatically by the movement of said main valve
and controlling pistons. This enables the length of movement of the main valve
to be definitely controlled-Suppose for example it is desired to descend at
full speed: the auxiliary valve is shifted so as to entirely uncover the port which
supplies water from its chest to the larger controlling cylinder. The auxiliary
valve will be automatically moved to cover said port as the main valve moves but
will permit the full movement of the main valve before it is closed by the main
valve. If on the contrary the auxiliary valve be shifted so as to only half uncover
the port leading from its chest then the auxiliary valve by its automatic movement
will have covered said port when the main valve has made half its movement and
the main valve will then come to a standstill with the passage leading from the
operating cylinder to the discharge half open and the car or cab will descend at
half speed.
This part of the Invention consists in the above described combination with the
main change or reversing valve of the controlling pistons and auxiliary valve and.
appliances within the car or cab for the working of the auxiliary valve to produce
the operation of the main change or reversing valve and also consists in the combi-
nation of the auxiliary valve with the controlling pistons and main valve whereby
the auxiliary valve is moved automatically by the movement of said controlling
pistons and main valve as hereinabove described.
Another part of the Invention relates to the appliances whereby the auxiliary
valve which controls the operation of the change or reversing valve above
described may be shifted by the attendant in the car or cab.-These appliances
consist of a shaft or rod which is suspended in the well way or shaft in which the
car or cab moves and which extends from top to bottom thereof.-At the lower end
of the suspended rod or shaft it is provided with an excentric or arm which is

page_text: connected with the auxiliary valve before described and on or in the car or cab is
a sleeve which is free to slide upwards and downwards on the suspended shaft or
rod but which is fitted thereto so that any turning movement of the sleeve produces
the turning of the suspended rod or shaft and so shifts the auxiliary valve.-The
said sleeve is provided with a handle whereby it may be turned by the attendant
in the car or cab and by turning the sleeve at any time no matter what the
position of the car in its vertical lift the rod or shaft will be turned and the
auxiliary valve shifted. The suspended rod or shaft may be round and the sleeve
connected with it by a groove and feather or it may be square or round provided
with projecting ribs or wings or in the form of a Greek cross or the shaft may be
composed of two parallel rods or tubes The sleeve will be fitted to the one or
more rods or tubes which compose the suspended shaft in such a manner that the
turning of the sleeve will turn the shaft.-This rod or shaft is suspended at the
upper end where its weight is supported and its lower end has a guide which
simply prevents lateral movement hence it will not buckle or bind as it would be
liable to do if its weight were supported by a step or bearing at the lower end.-
This suspended shaft whether composed of one or more tubes must be very long
and its exterior must be flush or uniform so that the sleeve may slide easily upon
it. To this end the tube lengths are joined by a tube section of the same transverse
section but smaller in size so that it may be slipped within the meeting ends of the
lengths of tube and lap in both lengths and screws or rivets are inserted trans-
versely through the inner and outer tubes to connect the parts together As a
moditication of this part of the Invention a suspended shaft composed of two
parallel wires or wire cables may be employed, these wires or wire cables may be
held at the top against turning and attached at the bottom to a weight which may
rise and fall but cannot turn. The car or cab is provided with a sleeve as above
described but the turning of this sleeve serves to twist the wires or cables one
round another and so shortens the shaft and raises the weight at their lower ends
and this weight through a bell crank lever moves the auxiliary valve.-The part of
the Invention last described thus consists in combining with a suspended shaft in
the elevator shaft or well a sleeve which is carried by the car or cab and has a
handle in the car or cab and which is locked, to the suspended shaft so that the
turning of the sleeve produces the turning of the suspended shaft and also in the
construction of the suspended shaft and the manner of joining lengths of tube to
form such shaft.
Another part of the Invention relates to the construction of the operating
cylinder and piston whereby the car is raised and lowered.
This cylinder is or may be arranged on its side in a horizontal or inclined
position At the back end of the cylinder are a set of sheaves in stationary
bearings and another set of sheaves are carried by a crosshead to which the piston
rod is connected.-The hoisting cables are passed to and fro over these two sets of
sheaves and thence upward to the car or cab the movement of the piston being
multiplied in the car or cab.
The pipe or passage through which water flows to and from the cylinder is at
the rear end thereof and at the bottom so that any foreign matter will be carried
out with the rush of water from the cylinder From the top of the cylinder a pipe
leads to the casing of the change or reversing valve and serves to take off any air
and prevent its accumulation in the cylinder The rear end of the cylinder is
closed by a removable head having cast integral with it arms or brackets forming
bearings for the fixed shaft on which one set of sheaves turn.-To prevent the
cylinder from becoming oval by its weight it is constructed with integral reinforcing
flanges or brackets which also form feet or standards for the cylinder and to prevent
undue wear of the bottom of the cylinder by the piston the packing is arranged
obliquely on the piston instead of in a directly circumferential direction as hereto-
fore. The pressure of water then acts in a direction at right angles to the plaue of
obliquity of the packing and therefore has a tendency to lift the piston and
counter-balance its weight.-The piston is composed of a body and follower fitted

page_text: one over the other and forming between them a channel or seat in which are
placed two or more rings of flexible packing which form the wearing surface of
the piston. These flexible rings are backed by a leather or other flexible band
wide enough to cover the rings of packing to prevent leakage between them and
to lap on the follower and so prevent leakage between the packing rings and
follower and behind or within this band metallic springs are arranged for forcing the
packing outwards against the cylinder.-Across the front or open end of the
cylinder a buffer-bar or cross-bar is secured against which the piston or cross-head
strikes as the piston approaches the ends of its movement and springs of india
rubber or other yielding buffers or cushions are interposed between the piston-and
cross-head and the buffer bar.-This part of the Invention therefore consists in
connecting the pipe for the passage of water to and from the cylinder at the
bottom of the cylinder so as to keep the cylinder free of foreign matter which
might obstruct the piston.-Also in connecting the top of the cylinder with the
change or reversing valve by a pipe providing for the escape of air from the
cylinder. Also in the construction of the cylinder with reinforcing flanges or
brackets which form the feet or standards for the cylinder and prevent its becoming
oval. Also in arranging the piston packing obliquely thereon so that the pressure
of water upon the piston will more or less counterbalance it.-Also in the com-
bination with the piston and crossbead of the buffer bar at the front end of the
cylinder and the interposed india rubber or other cushions.
The main change or reversing valve above described may be connected directly
with the operating cylinder but by preference a shut off or safety valve is
interposed between them whereby the piston will be slowed down and brought
almost to a standstill just before it or the cross head reaches the buffer bar.―This
valve consists of a casing or valve box having circular apertures for the passage
of water and two piston heads fast on a single stem and which by their movement
open or close these apertures.-These piston heads form a balanced valve and
when not otherwise acted on the said valve is held wide open by the pressure of
water or an unbalanced piston fixed to the same stem with the said balanced
valve. The stem or rod or this shut off or safety valve is prolonged to the front
end of the cylinder and is there connected with one arm of a three armed lever.-
A second arm of this lever has connected with it a push rod entering the cylinder
and against which the piston strikes in completing its outward or direct move-
ment. Another arm of this lever is made in the form of a cam and on the
crosshead of the operating cylinder is a roller which comes against this cam-like
arm as the piston terminates its inward movement This action of the piston on
the push rod and the crosshead roller on the cam-like lever arm both move the
valve rod in a direction to close the shut off or safety valve but said valve has
provision for a graduated leakage of water either through or around it and even
after it is shut the leakage is sufficient to complete the movement of the piston
and bring it or the crosshead gradually against the buffer bar.-To provide for this
leakage a small pipe may be carried around the shut off or safety valve and
provided with a cock for controlling the passage through it or the piston heads
may be made of two discs each having a circular series of holes which may be
more or less closed by a circular adjustment of one disc relatively to the other. As
the part which has acted on the aforesaid lever to close the shut-off or safety
valve recedes therefrom the valve will be gradually opened by the pressure of
water acting on its unbalanced piston and consequently the stopping and starting
of the operating piston and the car will be effected gradually and without shock
The part of the Invention last described consists in the combination with the
operating cylinder and change or reversing valve, of the shut-off or safety valve
interposed between them and connections through which it is automatically closed
at the termination of the stroke of the operating piston.-Also in combining with
the shut-off or stop valve, the unbalanced piston for opening it automatically and in
the means whereby a regulated leakage is secured either through or around the
shut-off or stop valve when it is closed.

page_text: Another part of the Invention which is also applicable to elevators operated by
steam engines, relates to the arrangement and manner of combining the hoisting
cables with other cables to which a counterbalance weight is attached to nearly
balance the weight of the car or cab.
Ordinarily the hoisting cables and counterbalance cables are entirely separated
from each other although both are attached to the car or cab, and a number of
hoisting cables are usually employed and arranged side by side. According to this
part of the present invention the counterbalance weight is made hollow or with an
opening through it and the hoisting cables are passed downward through it On
the hoisting cables are secured just above, and below the weight, clamps which
form rigid stops or abutments on the hoisting cables. In the event of the counter-
balance cables breaking the counterbalance weight rests and is supported on the
stop or abutment below it and is thereby simply transferred on to the hoisting
cables and continues to perform its function of balancing the car until new
counterbalance cables can be procured and applied. In the event of the hoisting
cables breaking between the counterbalance weight and the car the stop or
abutment on the hoisting cables above the said weight comes against the end
thereof and hoisting is continued, the hoisting cables being intact up to the said
weight and their place being supplied between the said weight and the car by the
counterbalance cables. The hoisting cables do not necessarily pass through the
counterbalance weight but may be arranged closely adjacent and outside the latter.
They must however pass so near the counterbalance weight that their stops or
abutments will be within range of the latter.-This part of the invention thus
consists in the novel combination above set forth of the counterbalance weight
and cables and the hoisting cables with their stops or abutments whereby the
counterbalance weight will be transferred to the hoisting cables in case of the
counterbalance cables parting and whereby the latter cables will serve for hoisting
in case of the hoisting cables proper parting.
Another part of the invention which is also applicable to elevators operated by
steam engines relates to the construction of the cage which contains the car or cab,
to the means of guiding the same on the upright posts or guides in the elevator
shaft, and to the safety dogs or pawls which engage with wood safety strips
secured parallel with said guides in the elevator shaft.
The top and bottom horizontal portions of the cage are formed each of a pair
of channel bars the flanges of which are presented outwards and the upright
portions of the cage are also composed of similar channel bars also having their
Hanges presented outwards. In the flanged back or outerside of each upright
channel bar at top and bottom of the cage is secured a recessed block to which
guiding shoes are fitted and secured by screws or bolts passing through the block
and tapped into the shoes. The shoes are thus held securely in place and their
chattering or rattling is prevented as they slide up and down the vertical guides.
The safety dogs consist of sharp edged and pivoted pawls or toes which when
thrown into action engage or bite into a wood safety strip on the upright guides
and cut or plane away the same thereby offering a resistance which is sufficient
to stop the cage and prevent its downward movement in case of the hoisting
cables breaking or of the cage from any cause acquiring two great a speed in
descending.
The safety dogs are pivotted in blocks or holders of metal which fit and are
secured in the flanged backs of the channel bars which form the horizontal portions
of the cage and the safety dogs work through recesses or slots in said channel
bars. The pivots of the safety dogs at the top and bottom of the cage have arms
projecting from them and are connected by rods so that they are thrown into
action simultaneously. If the upper safety dogs engaged the safety strips only to
the same depth as the lower dogs it is obvious that the upper dogs would have no
hold on the safety steps after the car had fallen its length. The recesses in the
blocks or dog holders are constructed to permit a certain amount of protrusion of the
dogs beyond the faces of the channel bars in which they are secured and to stop

page_text: and hold them against further protrusion. To render the upper dogs equally
effective at all times their holders are formed so as to permit their protruding
twice as far as the lower dogs and therefore the upper dogs will hold effectively on
the wood safety strips even after the lower dogs have cut into them. The arms
which project from the pivots of the lower dogs are also made twice as long as the
arms of the upper dogs and hence a given length of movement of the rods which
connect said arms will produce a turning movement of the upper dogs twice as
great as the turning movement of the lower dogs. Difficulty has been experienced
by reason of the wood safety strips warping and becoming crooked and they also
have a tendency to split in advance of the dogs when the latter are in engagement
with them and so offer an insufficient resistance. To obviate these difficulties
multiple safety strips are employed that is strips composed of two or more sections
glued together. These multiple strips are not likely to warp and as the safety
dogs engage with the edges of all the sections they will not split in advance of the
dogs as the grain in all the sections will not be coincident.-Ordinarily the upright
rods above referred to as connecting the upper and lower safety dogs have been
connected with a strong spring at the top of the cage and this spring has been held
under tension with the dogs out of action by a latch or catch. A rotary ball
governor has also been arranged on the cage, the spindle being connected with the
latch or catch and a cable or rope has been passed around the pulleys of this
governor and fastened at the top and bottom of the elevator shaft. As the car
moves upwards and downwards, the governor pulley by traversing this stationary
cable or rope is rotated and when a dangerous speed is reached the catch or latch
is thrown off and the resilience of the safety spring throws the safety dogs into
action. Such a governor may be used in the present case but it is objectionable
as it is subject to wear, requires oiling and is liable to derangement or the breakage
of the cable or rope which operates it and in substitution therefor a governing
device is used which will be open to none of these objections and which will not
only release and throw the safety devices into operation in case of excessive speed,
but will perform the same result in case of any obstruction in the elevator shaft
below the car and will also throw in the safety devices in case of the hoisting
cables parting. To this end a device and catch is adapted on the car which when
the car travels at a normal and determined speed will hold the safety devices out
of operation, but when an undue speed is reached will be moved by the resistance
of air in the elevator shaft as the car descends and by its movement will release
the safety devices. This device may consist of a frame more or less heavy and
arranged just below and parallel with the bottom of the car and of any size found
necessary to accomplish the desired results preferably nearly as large as the
horizontal section of the car. This frame may be hung by knife-edge fulcrums on
hangers depending from the car and arranged nearer one side than the other
thereby forming a lever one arm of which is longer than the other and it is or may
be nearly balanced leaving the long arm the heavier, and said heavier or long
portion is supported by or rests upon hangers depending from the car.
The long
arm of the lever or the larger part of this frame is to be covered with sheet iron
or other material which will be element proof and not destructible by vermin.
The two lower safety dogs of the cage are connected by a shaft provided at the
middle of its length with an arm or toe which is engaged by a catch on the afore-
said frame which is just above the shaft. During the normal operation of the car
the covered frame or plate which may be termed an air resistance plate, remains
fixed relatively to the rising and falling car and holds the safety devices out of
operation but the instant the speed of the car in descending exceeds that desired
the resistance of the air in the shaft buoys up or raises the plate and thereby frees
the safety devices from their catch and allows them to come into action.-Not
only will this air resistance plate act in case of excessive speed, but if there be any
obstruction in the shaft below the car the plate on striking it will be raised and
release the safety devices This air resistance plate may also be connected by a
simple cord or flexible connection and pulleys with the usual safety spring at the

page_text: top of the cage so that in case of the hoisting cables breaking the air resistance
plate will be instantly raised and release the safety devices before the car can
acquire any momentum. The air resistance plate need not be fulcrumed as
described but may rest on and be supported at the corners by simple hangers
depending from the car, or it may be connected with the car by chains or by
flexible bellows leather or canvas like or section of a bellows. In any case the
resistance of the air when the car is moving at an undue speed will cause the air
resistance plate to operate as described. As a substitute for the air resistance
plate above described any other device may be employed at the top or bottom of
the car which will be caused to move by the resistance of the air and release the
safety devices when the car acquires an undue speed of descent. A propeller wheel
having two or more blades might be pivotted vertically below or above the car
and set with one of its blades forming a catch or lock to the safety devices. When
the car acquires a speed above that determined on and for which the apparatus is
set, the resistance of the air will cause the wheel to turn and release the safety
devices. The part of the Invention last above described consists in the elevator
cage having its horizontal and upright portions either or both, constructed of
channel bars arranged as described. Also in the arrangement of the guiding shoes
and their holders in the flanged outer sides of the uprights and the securing of the
shoes in place by screws which draw them backwards to their seats in their holders
and prevent their chattering. Also in the safety dogs and their holders arranged
in the flanged outer sides of the horizontal channel bars and in constructing the
holders of the upper and lower safety dogs so as to permit a greater projection of
the upper dogs than the lower dogs when in operation. And in the multiple
safety strips composed of sections of wood glued together as described. Also in
the combination with the cage and safety devices, of the air-resistance device
whether consisting of a board, plate propeller or other device, whereby the safety
dogs are held inoperative until the speed of the cage exceeds the limit desired.
Dated this 30th day of December 1884.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant

page_text: Improvements in Elevators or Lifts.
I HENRY EDWARD NEWTON of the Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer do hereby declare the
nature of the invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ELEVATORS OR LIFTS," 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 various details of construction, whereby the working
of elevators or lifts will be made more efficient than heretofore, and the safety in
working enhanced.
One part of this invention refers to the valves whereby the operation of the
working piston in the main cylinder of a hydraulic elevator is controlled, and
consists in the combination with the main change or reversing valve, of controlling
pistons and auxiliary valve and appliances within the car or cab for the working
of the auxiliary valve to produce the operation of the main change or reversing
valve, and it also consists in the combination of the auxiliary valve with the
controlling pistons and main valve, whereby the auxiliary valve is moved
automatically by the movement of said controlling pistons and main valve.
Another part of the invention relates to the appliances whereby the auxiliary
valve, which controls the operation of the change or reversing valve above described,
may be shifted by the attendant in the car or cab, and consists in combining with
a suspended shaft in the elevator shaft or well, a sleeve which is carried by the
car or cab, and has a handle in the car or cab, and which is locked to the suspended
shaft, so that the turning of the sleeve produces the turning of the suspended shaft;
and also in the construction of the suspended shaft and the manner of joining
lengths of tube to form such shaft.
Another part of the invention relates to the construction of the operating
cylinder and piston, whereby the car is raised and lowered, and consists in con-
necting the pipe for the passage of water to and from the cylinder at the bottom
of the cylinder, so as to keep the cylinder free of foreign matter which might
obstruct the piston. Also in connecting the top of the cylinder with the change
or reversing valve by a pipe providing for the escape of air from the cylinder.
Also in the construction of the cylinder with reinforcing flanges or brackets,
which form the feet or standards for the cylinder, and prevent its becoming oval.
Also in arranging the piston packing obliquely thereon, so that the pressure of
water upon the piston will more or less counterbalance it. Also in the combination
with the piston and crosshead, of the buffer-bar at the front end of the cylinder,
and the interposed india rubber or other cushions.
Another part of the invention, which is also applicable to elevators operated by
steam engines, relates to the arrangement and manner of combining the hoisting
cables with other cables, to which a counterbalance weight is attached to nearly
balance the weight of the car or cab.
Ordinarily the hoisting cables and counterbalance cables are entirely separated
from each other, although both are attached to the car or cab, and a number of
hoisting cables are usually employed and arranged side by side.-Now this part

page_text: of the invention consists in a novel combination of the counterbalance weight and
cables, and the hoisting cables with their stops or abutments, whereby the
counterbalance weight will be transferred to the hoisting cables in case of the
counterbalance cables parting, and whereby the latter cables will serve for hoisting,
in case of the hoisting cables proper parting.
Another part of the invention, which is also applicable to the elevators operated
by steam engines, relates to the construction of the cage which contains the car
or cab, to the means of guiding the same on the upright posts or guides in the
elevator shaft, and to the safety dogs or pawls which engage with wood safety
strips secured parallel with said guides in the elevator shaft, and consists in the
elevator cage having its horizontal and upright portions, either or both, constructed
of channel bars arranged as described. Also in the arrangement of the guiding
shoes and their holders in the flanged outer sides of the uprights, and the securing
of the shoes in place by screws which draw them backwards to their seats in their
holders and prevent their chattering. Also in the safety dogs and their holders
arranged in the flanged outer sides of the horizontal channel bars, and in con-
structing the holders of the upper and lower safety dogs so as to permit a greater
projection of the upper dogs than the lower dogs when in operation. And in
multiple safety strips composed of sections of wood glued together. Also in the
combination with the cage and safety devices, of an air resistance device, whether
consisting of a board, plate, propeller, or other device whereby the safety dogs are
held inoperative until the speed of the cage exceeds the limit desired.
In order that this invention may be properly understood, I will now proceed to
give a detail description thereof in the words of my Foreign Correspondent, reference
being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures marked
thercon, that is to say :-
Fig. 1 represents an elevation of an elevator cage, its operating cables, and its
hydraulic operating cylinder and valves; the working piston being nearly run out
to the forward end of its stroke; Fig. 2 is a plan, partly in section, of the operating
cylinder and appurtenances, the working pistou being at the rear of its end stroke;
Fig. 2 is a transverse section on the dotted line x*x*, showing the cylinder in
eud elevation; Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section showing the two end portions of the
operating cylinder and working piston on a larger scale.
Fig. 4 represents half of the working piston, partly in plan view, and partly in
transverse section; Fig. 5 represents a sectional view of the change or reversing
valve and shut-off or safety valve on the plane of the dotted line xx, Fig. 2, and
on the same scalo as Figs. 3 and 4. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate different positions of
the auxiliary or pilot valve.
Fig. 8 is an end view and partial transverse section of the operating cylinder
and its valve on the plane of the dotted line y, y, Fig. 2, and on the same scale as
Figs. 3, 4, and 5.-Fig. 8 is a transverse section on the plane of the dotted
line, Fig. 5, illustrating the connection with the chest of the auxiliary valve,
of a pipe for supplying water thereto under pressure; Fig. 9 is an elevation of the
cage which is to contain the car or cab on a larger scale than Fig. 1: Fig. 10 is
an elevation of the cage at right angles to Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a horizontul section
of the cage.
Fig. 12 represents on a larger scale transverse sections of channel bars which are
comprised in the upper and lower horizontal parts of the cage, and safety dogs or
pawls and holders therefor fitted and secured to said channel bars; Fig. 13 is a
back view, and Fig. 14 a horizontal section, of a portion of one of the channel bars
above referred to, and a dog or pawl-holder and dog or pawl arranged to operate
on the wood safety strip shown in Figs. 12 and 14; Fig. 15 is a horizontal section
of a portion of one of the upright guides and an upright channel bar comprised
in the cage, also showing the guiding shoes or slides which are fitted to said
upright guides.
Fig. 16 is an elevation of the counterbalance weight and portions of the hoisting
counterbalance cables on a larger scale than Fig. 1; Fig. 17 is a plan of a clamp

page_text: or stop which is applied to the hoisting cables above and below the counterbalance
weight, and Fig. 18 is a plan of said weight,-Figs. 17 and 18 both including a
transverse section of the hoisting and counterbalance cables. Fig. 19 is a partly
sectional elevation of a portion of the cage, the change or reversing valve and
appliances for controlling the same from the car or cab.
Fig. 20 is a horizontal section on the dotted line z z, Fig. 19, and also including
one of the upright guides. Fig. 21 represents a portion of the suspended rod or
shaft partly in elevation and partly in section; Fig. 22 is a transverse section of
the shaft in Fig. 21; Fig. 23 is a transverse section of a shaft of different form.
Fig. 24 is a partly sectional elevation of the upper portion of the cage and
appliances for shifting the change or reversing valve, illustrating a modified con-
struction of the suspended shaft; Fig. 25 is a horizontal section of the shaft shown
in Fig. 24, the sleeve fitted to it, and a plan of the lever or handle for turuing the
sleeve; Fig. 26 is a partly sectional elevation of the lower portion of the cage, or
change or reversing valve, and appliances of modified form for shifting the valve;
and Fig. 27 is a plan of the devices which in Fig. 26 are arranged within and upon
the floor of the car or cab.
Fig. 28 is a sectional elevation of the lower portion of a car or cab, and the
improved governing device applied thereto; Fig. 29 is a horizontal section on the
plane of the dotted line 1, 1, Fig. 28; Fig. 30 is a vertical section on the plane of
the dotted line 2, 2, Fig. 28; Fig. 31 is an elevation of a cage or car, or cab, and
the improved governing device so combined with the hoisting cables, that it will
be moved to release the safety dogs or pawls in the event of the said cables
breaking, and Fig. 32 is an elevation of the lower portion of a car or cab and a
governing device of modified form also embodying the invention.
Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all the Figures.
A designates the hydraulic operating cylinder which is shown as arranged
horizontally. Its rear end is partly closed by an integral head A¹, in which is a
central aperture, a, large enough to receive a boring bar to bore out the cylinder.
The aperture a is closed by a removable head A³. This cylinder is usually of
comparatively large diameter, and to prevent it becoming oval by its weight,
I reinforce it externally by integral flanges or brackets A*, cast upon it, and
forming the feet or standards by which the cylinder is supported on foundations A³,
At the front end, the cylinder A is open, save that it has a buffer bar A* extending
laterally across it, and secured at its ends to the cylinder by bolts a¹. This buffer
bar will be hereinafter more fully described. In order to prevent the buffer bar A*
from tearing loose from the cylinder, the latter is strongly reinforced by ribs a³
forming seats for the bolts, as best shown in Fig. 1.
B designates the piston, which is fitted to the cylinder, and which is secured on
one end of the piston rod B¹; and on the other or outer end of the rod is secured
a crosshead C. The piston rod B' may consist of a pipe or tube to give it lightness
and strength, and one end is screwed into a socket b in the piston, while the other
end is screwed into a similar socket c in the crosshead C, as shown in Fig. 3.
At the rear end of the cylinder are a set of sheaves D, which are free to turn
independently of each other on the pin or shaft D. As here shown, this pin or
shaft d is supported and held by arms d³, which project from, and are formed
integral with the head A³, and the arms are thereby properly supported; and the
central position of the sheaves D relatively to the cylinder is maintained. At
their outer ends, the arms a³ are connected by braces a with the foot of the
cylinder A, as shown in Fig. 1.
The crosshead C moves back and forth as the piston B travels, and is provided
with wheels c² which run upon tracks or rails c, and these tracks or rails support
the weight of the crosshead and outer end of the piston rod B¹. The crosshead is
provided with a set of sheaves D¹, which are free to turn independently of each
other on a pin or shaft cs supported and held by arms C¹, which are formed integral
with the crosshead.

page_text: E designates the hoisting cables, which are fixed at one end in an abutment a³
formed on the cylinder A, as shown in Fig. 2, and are thence carried to and fro
between and over the sheaves D D¹, and thence upward from the sheaves D to and
over the overhead sheaves D, and down to the cage F, to which they are attached.
This cage may be of any suitable construction, but a very desirable construction
therefor will be hereinafter described. Only one hoisting cable is shown in Fig. 2,
but a number (four, for example) are usually employed, and the sheaves are each
wide enough to receive the several cables. To prevent sagging, the upper and
lower courses of the cables E are supported by small rollers or sheaves d¹, shown
in Fig. 1.-When water pressure is applied behind the piston B, the latter, and
with it the crosshead C, and set of sheaves D¹, are forced outwards, and the cage
will be raised as many feet as the movement of the piston, multiplied by the
number of courses of cable between the sheaves D and D. If there are ten courses
of cable, and the stroke of the piston be ten feet, then the vertical travel of the
cage F will be one hundred feet.
The piston is best shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Its body is of cast metal, and has
fitted and secured to it by bolts b¹, a follower 62. The body and follower are
rebated into each other, and between them is a packing b*, of india rubber, to
prevent leakage.
When the body and follower and thus secured together, there is formed between
them a circumferential groove or space, in which are fitted packing rings b³, of
canvas, hemp, or other flexible material, which surround the piston. The rings b³,
are backed by a leather or other flexible band or strap b, which is in turn backed
and pressed outward by metal springs 66, one of which is shown in Fig. 4.
A number of these springs 65, twelve, for example, are arranged around the piston,
and are held in place by lugs or projections, 66, formed on the piston body B, as
also shown in Fig. 4. In the piston body B, are holes *, as shown in Fig. 3,
through which water may enter behind the band or strap 64, and force it and the
packing b³ outwards. The band or strap 6 is made wider than the two rings b³,
and laps onto the inner side of the follower b². This band, therefore, not only
serves to distribute the outward pressure of the water properly upon the packing
rings b³, but it also prevents the outward leakage of water between said two rings,
and between the rings and the follower 62-I have here shown the piston B, as
having a second follower, 67, secured by bolts 68 to the follower 62, and forming an
annular channel or seat in which are placed coils of soft packing 6, which is
saturated with lubricating material, and serves to lubricato the surface of the
cylinder in advance of the packing proper b³.
With large and heavy pistons in horizontal cylinders, there is a tendency to
undue wear of the bottom of the cylinder and piston. To prevent this, I arrange the
packing, ba, in a plane which is slightly oblique to the axis of the piston, instead
of being truly at right angles thereto. In other words, the packing b at the top
of the piston is slightly nearer the rear end of the cylinder than at the bottom of
the cylinder. The obliquity is shown by the dotted line 610, Fig. 3, which is truly
at right angles to the axis of the cylinder. The water pressure behind the piston
is exerted in a line at right angles to the oblique plane, of the packing, and hence
has a tendency to lift, or more or less balance, the piston, and lessen the wear on
the underside of the piston and cylinder.
The construction of the buffer-bar A' is shown in Figs. 2* and 3. This bar is of
cast metal, and is of considerable depth, to give it the necessary strength. In the
body B of the piston, and also in the crossheads, are cavities or recesses 610, and on
the bar A are circular projections, 61, which enter the said recesses. In the
recesses 610* are cushions 62, of india rubber, which serve to deaden the shock in
case the piston or crosshead strikes the bar A' at full speed. The recesses 610* are
longer than the cushions b", to afford room for lateral expansion of the latter.
Yielding cushions of other form may be substituted for the india-rubber blocks.
• The construction and arrangement of valves for controlling the admission of
water to, and its exit from, the operating, cylinder A, are shown most clearly in

page_text: Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 8*.-G designates a cast metal casing, which contains the
cylindric valve seat for the main change or reversing valve, and the cylinders
for its controlling or operating pistons. This casing has a belt or annular
enlargement G', to which water is admitted by a pipe G₁, from a tank at the top
of the building, a pump, or any other suitable source of supply under pressure,
and the casing also has a belt or annular enlargement G³ from which water may
escape by a pipe G2* after performing its work in the cylinder A, and to allow the
car or cab, and its supporting cage F, to descend.-The casing G, also has a central
belt or annular enlargement G³, from which a passage G³* leads to the cylinder A.
- This passage G³, which I term the working passage, because through it water
passes both to and from the cylinder A, might be uninterrupted from the belt G³
to the cylinder A, but as here shown, a shut-off or safety valve, to be hereinafter
described, is interposed between the change or reversing valve casing G. and the
cylinder A, and the passage G³* is formed partly on the cylinder A and partly in
the shell or casing G of the shut off or safety valve, as shown clearly in Figs. 5
and 8.
Referring now particularly to Figs. 5 and 8, it will be seen that the casing G,
contains a main change or reversing valve, which consists of two piston heads g, g
fitting a cylindric valve seat g¹, which extends on both sides of the belt G³, and
communicates therewith by ports g², which I term the "working ports," because
through them water passes both to and from the passage G³*, and thence to and
from the cylinder A.-Beyond the supply belt G¹ towards the right hand of Fig. 5,
is a smaller controlling cylinder g³, to which is fitted a smaller controlling piston g³,
and beyond the discharge belt G', towards the left hand of Fig. 5, is a larger
controlling cylinder g, to which is fitted a larger controlling piston g-Between
the controlling cylinder, g³, and the valve seat g¹, are ports g, which communicate
with the discharge belt G³, and consequently the larger controlling piston g6, and
main valve g, are always free from any considerable pressure on their adjacent
faces, while the main valve, g, and the smaller controlling piston, 9, are always
subject to the full working pressure on their adjacent faces. The smaller con-
trolling cylinder g³ has a lining 93*, and the valve seat gl, and larger controlling
cylinder, go, being of the same size, are fitted with a lining g₁, in which the
working ports g* and discharge ports g are cut. These linings are of brass, to
prevent corrosion. As here shown, the main valve g, and controlling pistons g*, gº,
are all formed by a number of thimbles or sleeves having flanges or discs, and all
strung upon a rod, g³, and secured between a forked head g* and a nut g³.—The
several flanges or discs have leather or other packings g10 interposed between them,
and secured by tightening the nut 9º. The main valve and controlling pistons
then move altogether as one piece.-As shown in the drawing, the main valve g, g,
covers the working ports g2, and water cannot flow either to or from the operating
cylinder A, but if the said valve be moved to the left hand of Fig. 5, water under
pressure can flow from the supply belt G', through the working ports g² and
passage Gs, to the cylinder A, to force the piston B outwards, and if the main
valve be shifted to the right hand of Fig. 5, water can flow from the cylinder A
through the passage, G³*, and working ports g², to and through the discharge
ports g and belt G².
Above the larger controlling cylinder g, is a valve chest 91, which communicates
by a port g, with the cylinder g³ on the outer side of the piston 96, and by a
port g with the discharge belt G.-In the chest gll is an auxiliary or pilot
valve H, which is operated by a stem h, and which contains a cove or passage h¹,
whereby it may place the ports 91, 9¹s in communication when moved to the
position shown in Fig. 6, or whereby it can uncover the port 91%, to place the
chest gl in free communication with the larger controlling cylinder g³, on the outer
side of the piston go, when moved to the position shown in Fig. 7. From the
supply belt G¹, a pipe, g¹, extends towards the larger controlling cylinder g³, and by
a passage g formed therein, as shown in Fig. 8*, supplies water under pressure to
the chest g, In the pipe 914, may be placed a regulating valve g¹-I will now

page_text: describe how the main valve, g, is controlled by the small valve H, which requires
very little power to move it. When the valve H is in its middle position shown
in Fig. 5, the ports gls, gis, are both covered, and the main valve is held stationary,
covering the working ports g'. Suppose that it is desired to raise the car or cab,
the attendant therein, by devices hereinafter described, shifts the auxiliary H to
the position shown in Fig. 6.-The water on the outer side of the piston g, in the
cylinder g³, can now pass freely through the port g¹³, valve H, and port g¹³, to the
discharge belt G³, thereby rendering the larger controlling piston inoperative, and
as the pressure on the main valve, g, towards the left hand of Fig. 5, overbalances
the pressure on the smaller controlling piston g, towards the right, the said valve
will move towards the left hand of Fig. 5, thereby uncovering the ports g², and
allowing water under pressure to flow from the supply belt G¹ through said ports,
and to the operating cylinder A. The speed of movement of the main valve
towards the left may be regulated by a throttling device in the port g¹³. For this
purpose I may employ a screw 8, as shown in Fig. 8*-If it is desired to lower
the car or cab, the attendant therein shifts the auxiliary valve H to the position
shown in Fig. 7, thereby admitting the full working pressure of water from the
chest g to the larger controlling cylinder. The pressure on the larger controlling
piston, towards the right hand, now counterbalances the pressure on the main
valve g, towards the left hand, but the pressure on the smaller controlling piston g
is still unbalanced, and this pressure inoves the main valve g towards the right to
uncover the ports g, and thereby allows water to flow freely from the operating
cylinder A through the passage G* and ports g², 97, to the discharge belt G³, and
the car or cab then descends.
Not only is the auxiliary valve H free to be moved by hand, but it is so
connected with the main valve, g, and controlling pistons, that it is moved auto-
matically by them, and always in a reverse direction. Above the smaller
controlling cylinder g³, is journalled a rock shaft h², from which lever arms ³
extend upwards. The valve stem, h, is fitted to a guide *, and is connected by a
lever h, and rod h, with the forked head g* of the bolt or rod g³. The lever
arms are connected by rods or links, h, with the lever . The devices for
shifting the valve H by hand, which are hereinafter described, are connected with
the ends of the lever arms, h³, and by shifting said arms into the dotted position
shown in Fig. 5, the valve H and stem h will be moved, the. joint, h³, between tho
lever and the rod h³, serving as a fulcrum.-When the main valve g and its
controlling pistons move, they act through the rod hs, and lever *, to move the
auxiliary valve H in the reverse direction, the joint * forming the fulcrum.
automatic movement of the auxiliary valve is very desirable, as it enables the
degree of opening or movement allowed the main valve to be accurately regulated.
Suppose that it is desired to descend at half speed, the auxiliary valve will be
shifted so as to only half open the port g₁₁ to the chest gl, and then, by its
automatic movement, the auxiliary valve will cover the port g¹³, and the main
valve will be brought to a stand still, when the working port g2 is but balf
uncovered to the discharge. The valve stem, and the levers and rods above
described as connected therewith, are omitted from Fig. 2, in order to show the
parts beneath.
This
I will now describe the construction and operation of the shut off or safety
valve, which is contained in the casing G', and the devices which operate it auto-
matically as the car or cab nearly reaches the end of its movement in either
direction. In the casing G are apertures or circular openings i, through which
the upper and lower portions of the passage G³* communicate, and to these
openings is fitted a double piston balanced valve composed of two heads i¹, fitted
on a stem, and on said stem is also secured an unbalanced piston ³, which is
fitted to a small cylinder at one end of the casing G-At the other end of the
casing is a bonnet is, forming a guide to the stem. The piston heads ¹ consist
each of two flanges or discs which are provided with circular series of coincident

page_text: holes i*, and by shifting the flange or disc relatively to its fellow the holes i* may
be more or less closed to regulate the leakage through them, and thus through, to,
or from the cylinder. The flanges or discs are formed integral with sleeves which
fit the stem 2, and after adjustment to more or less close the holes i*, the flanges or
discs may be clamped and held in place between the shoulder **, and nut is, on the
stem When the stem i is pressed inwards to the position shown in Fig. 5, the
heads close the openings i, save for the leakage through the holes i*, but when
freed from the device which has pushed it in, the pressure on the piston 23 forces it
outwards against the shoulder at the end of the cylinder is, and so holds the
heads, in position to allow a free opening through the apertures i.
The devices for automatically closing the valve are shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 2*.
The valve stem i is fitted to a guide i7, and prolonged to the front end of the
cylinder A, where it is connected with one arm, j, of a three-armed lever j, j¹, j³,
which has a vertical fulcrum j* in a bracket ja projecting from the buffer bar A',
as shown in Fig. 2*.-The arm j¹ of the three-armed lever has connected with it a
push rod which projects into the cylinder A, and against which the piston B
may strike near the end of its forward movement. The lever arm j is cam shaped,
and on the crosshead C is a bowl or truck roller which acts upon said arm j³,
as the piston nears the end of its inward or rearward movement. Whether the
piston acts upon the push rod j at the end of its outward movement, or the
roller jupon the cam arm j, at the end of the inward movement of the piston,
the result is the same in both cases, viz., by means of the heads ¹ on the rod i³, to
close the aperture, i, and stop the flow of water to or from the cylinder A, save
for the regulated leakage which gradually brings the piston to the end of its
movement where it is arrested by the buffer bar A. When the change or
reversing valve is shifted, the piston starts again very slowly, because at first the
water flows to or from the operating cylinder A through the leakage holes i*, but
as the piston or roller ³, whichever has acted to close the valve, recedes from the
part on which it acted to close the valve i¹, the pressure on the unbalanced piston i³,
opens the valve i', wide, and the flow of water to or from the operating cylinder
is free.
In order to prevent the accumulation of any foreign matter in the cylinder A,
I connect the working passage G³* therewith at the bottom, and near the rear, as
shown in Fig. 8, and therefore any such matter will be carried out with the rush
of water from the cylinder. When the cylinder is horizontal, trouble is experienced
by reason of the accumulation of air in the cylinder, and to avoid this, I connect
the top of the cylinder A with the working belt G³ by a pipe je, as shown also in
Fig. 8. This pipe will be controlled by the main change or reversing valve g, I,
but in view of the regulated leakage through the valve i¹, the latter might be
made to close tightly, and the leakage could take place through the pipe j, the
latter being provided with a valve whereby the flow of water through it could be
regulated. Its use, as by-pass pipe, around the shut off safety valve, would not in
auy way impair its function as an air escape pipe.
I will now describe the construction of cage F which I deem it desirable to use,
and which, with its safety appliances, are shown in Figs. 9 to 15 inclusive.-The
upper or top horizontal portion of the cage is composed of two channel bars ff,
placed back to back, with their flanged backs presented outwards. The bottom of
the cage is composed of a similar pair of channel bars f¹, f¹, similarly arranged,
and the upright portions are each composed of an upright channel bar, fs, with the
flanges presented outwards, and secured by bolts or rivets between the channel bars
of the pairs at top and bottom of the cage, so as to make a strong and rigid
structure. This cage may have a simple floor F¹, if designed for freight, or it may
contain a car or cab if for passenger traffic.-The flanged guides I, shown in
Figures 11 and 15, extend from top to bottom of the well way or elevator shaft,
and near the top and bottom, the cage is provided with guiding shoes, or slides, as
shown in Fig. 15. In the flanged back of the upright channel bar ƒ³, is secured

page_text: a block f³, and to seats or channels in the faces of this block are secured shoes or
gibs f, which may be faced with soft metal, and are held to their seats by bolts
or screws f³ inserted through the holder f³, and tapped into the shoes or gibs f^.
By this means the shoes or gibs may be held securely in their seats in the holder,
and no chattering is noticeable. When the shoes or gibs f* become worn, the
screws f are loosened, and liners or thin strips f** are inserted behind them, as
shown in Fig. 15; and the bolts f5 are then tightened to hold them in place.
To the channel bars f1f1 at the top and bottom of the cage, and near their
ends, are secured dog or pawl holders I I², which are fitted to the flanged backs of
the bars, and there secured by bolts.-The construction of these holders is shown
in Figs. 12, 13, 14.-They each have on their inner sides a cavity f6, wherein is
fitted a safety dog or pawl f', and opposite this cavity the channel bar is notched
or slotted at f³, as shown best in Figs. 12 and 14, so that the dog or pawl may
work through it and engage with a wood safety strip J, which is secured to each of
the upright guides I.
Each dog or pawl f' is fitted to a square axle or pin fo, which has, on each side
of the square, round portions f**, which are fitted to bearings in the dog holder I¹
or I', as shown best in Fig. 14, so as to turn freely therein. Each pin ƒ has an
arm f, whereby it is turned, and the arms of the pivots of the upper and lower
dogs are connected by rods f", which, at their upper ends, are connected by bars or
arms At their inner ends, these arms f12 are attached to a bolt or rod f¹³,
which is held up by toggle levers f, with the centre joint of which engages a
hook or latch on the end of a safety lever f15, which, at its other end, is attached
to the spindle of a safety governor J'.-The pulley J* of this safety governor is
encircled by cable J³, which is fastened at the top and bottom of the elevator shaft,
and is passed over small pulleys j7 on the cage, and as the cage traverses this
stationary cable, as it rises and falls, the governor is rotated constantly. The
hoisting cables are to be attached to the hoisting shackle or connection E*, and
when these break, or when, from any reason, the elevator cage acquires too great
a speed, the safety lever ƒ¼ becomes detached from the toggles f, and the
arms and rods f" fall, and by their weight acting on the arms f10 of the safety
dogs f, throw them inward, and cause them to engage with the safety strips J.
The tops of the cavities fe in the dog holders I' I form stops to limit the inward
movement or degree of protrusion of the dogs f", and it will be obvious, that were
the upper and lower dogs all allowed to protrude from their holders to an equal
extent, the upper dogs would only have a hold on the strips J until the cage had
fallen its length, and thereafter would follow its in the path of the lower dogs.
To make the upper dogs equally effective with the lower dogs at all times, I con-
.ct the cavities in the upper dog holders I' so as to allow the upper dogs to
protrude twice as far (more or less) as the lower dogs, as indicated by dotted lines
in Fig. 12. Consequently, the upper dogs will have an effective hold on the strips,
even after they have been cut away by the lower dogs. For a like reason, the
arms f10, of the upper dogs are made only half the length of the arms of the lower
dogs, as also shown in Fig. 12. Difficulty has heretofore been experienced by
reason of the safety strips J warping, and becoming crooked, and also by reason of
the grain of the wood splitting ahead of the dogs, and so loosening their useful
effect. To obviate these difficulties, I make the strips in sections (three of which
are here shown) glued together, and I have the dogs engage with the edges of the
sections as shewn in Fig. 14. These multiple strips will neither warp, nor split ⚫
ahead of the safety dogs.
•
The peculiar arrangement of the hoisting cables E, and the counterbalance cables
and weight, are indicated in Fig. 1, but are shewn clearly, and on a larger scale, in
Figures 16, 17, and 18. The hoisting cables E are four in number, and E¹
designates the counterbalance cables, which consist of a single wire rope having its
ends secured to the cage F, and passing over the sheaves D' shown in Figure 1,
and having a counterbalance weight E³ suspended from its bight or double end, as

page_text: shown in Figure 16. As shown, the weight E' is made in two parts, bolted
together, and has a central cavity e, receiving through it the hoisting cables E,
which serve to guide the weight, and prevent lateral movement thereof. The
bight E of the counterbalance cable is laid in a cavity formed in the meeting
faces of the two parts of the weight, and there clamped by the bolts, e¹, which
secure the two parts together. To the hoisting cables E, above and below the
weight E, are secured two part clamps e², e³, forming stops or abutments. In the
ordinary operation of the elevator, the weight E' does not touch the stops or
abutments, and hangs wholly on the counterbalance cables E', as shown by Figure 16.
In case the counterbalance cables E' break, the weight E' settles onto the lower
stop or abutment e³, and still serves to counterbalance the car, the hoisting ropes
serving as counterbalance cables also until a new set of counterbalance cables can
be obtained and placed in position. In case of the hoisting cables E breaking
between the weight E and the car, the unbalanced weight of the car causes the
weight to rise against the upper stop or abutment e³, and thereafter the counter-
balance cables E¹ serve as hoisting cables until new hoisting cables can be procured
and placed in position.
In Figures 19 to 25 inclusive, I have represented portions of the cage before
described, and the appliances whereby the attendant in the car or cab controls the
auxiliary valve H before described.--In figure 19, I have shown the entire change
or reversing valve, and have placed thereon the same letters of reference as in
the Figures before described. The portions of the cage shown are also lettered
similarly to Figures 9, 10, and 11. K designates a shaft which is suspended in the
elevator shaft or well-way, and is of a length to extend from top to bottom thereof.
At the top it has fitted to it a bush k, having a cylindric exterior fitted to a bracket
bearing, and a flange k*, which is supported by friction balls, ², so as to support
the weight of the shaft and permit it to be turned with but little friction. At the
lower end, the shaft K is fitted to a bush or sleeve, ³, which is free to turn in a
bracket bearing-On the lower end of the shaft K, I have shown an eccentric, k³,
having a rod, ke, which is connected with the ends of the lever arms, h³, and by
turning said shaft, the auxiliary valve H in the chest, g" may be shifted as the
attendant desires.-In bearings 7, attached to the upper and lower channel-bars ffl
of the cage, as shown in Figures 9, 10, 11, 19, and 20, is journalled a sleeve K',
which moves up and down with the cage, but is free to turn in said bearings.
A portion of the sleeve at the top and bottom is fitted to the shaft, K, so that,
although it can slide freely thereon, any turning movement of the sleeve will be
communicated to the shaft, and will effect the shifting of the valve.. This sleeve K¹
has a handle K2, which extends through the side of the car F*, a small portion
only of which is shown, and this lever or handle may be turned or moved by the
attendant at any point in the movement of the car. The arrangement of the lever
or handle K relatively to the car F* is shown with clearness in Figure 20, and
during the movement of the car, it is stationary relatively thereto, and may
therefore be moved with ease and precision by the attendant. By its stationary
relation to the car during its travel, this lever or handle is distinguished from any
controlling device which has a real or apparent movement relatively to the moving
car, such, for example, as a hand rope, along which the car travels, or a hand
wheel, which is rotated constantly as the car moves, and is grappled and stopped
by the attendant when he desires to stop the car.
The upright guide I, shown in Figure 20, forms part of a hollow column or
post I, by which it is supported.
The suspended shaft K is often very long, and it may consist of a rod or tube of
any suitable transverse section, or of two or more such rods or tubes. The shaft
shown in Figures 19 and 20, consist of a single tube having its transverse section
in the shape of a Greek Cross, but the shaft shown in Figures 24 and 25 consists
of two parallel square tubes, to which the sleeve K¹ is fitted.-The tube or tubes
of which the suspended shaft K is composed are made in comparatively short

page_text: lengths, and their joints must be such as to produce a shaft having a smooth flush
exterior from end to end. This may be done as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22.
Two tube sections are butted together, as at ³, and within them is slipped a
smaller tube section K*, having the same transverse section, and lapping on the
abutting sections. The inner and outer sections are then securely united by rivets
or screws, k³, inserted transversely through them in different directions, as shewn.
The form of a Greek Cross for the shaft is advantageous, because it affords broad
tangential faces as indicated at ¹0, on which the snugly fitting or nut-like
and lower portions of the sleeve K', may act, to turn the shaft.
The tube may
however be of other transverse section.. In Figure 23 I have shown a cylindric
tube having radial ribs, k¹¹, and the sections of which are joined by an inner
circular tube K*.
upper
In all the devices illustrated by Figures 19 to 25, the turning of the sleeve K¹
causes the suspended shaft to turn on its axis, and so shifts the valve, but in the
example of the invention shown in Figures 26 and 27, the turning of the suspended
shaft causes it to shorten and raises its lower end. K³ designates a shaft composed
of parallel cables or wires fixed at their upper ends in a bracket 18, which is
secured at the top of the elevator shaft, and having their lower ends fixed in
a weight ka, which is free to slide vertically, but cannot turn in a bearing k¹,
at the lower end of the elevator shaft.-Fixed to the bottom of the car F* is a
stand or outer tube l, having at the top a sector-shaped frame, 1, and within this
stand is an inner tube, , having at the top a sleeve or hub, 3, which receives
through it the parallel wires or cables of the shaft K.-The sleeve or hub ³, and
tube, may be turned by a lever or handle K' within the car, and by turning said
lever or handle, the wires or cables are twisted or untwisted, and the weight k¹³
rises or falls. The weight 13 is connected with one arm of a bell-crank lever 15,
fulcrummed at kl, and through a rod k", which extends to the lever arms h³, shifts
the auxiliary valve which controls the operation of the main change or reversing
valve.
In Figures 28 to 32, I have illustrated my governing devices, which are adapted
to operate by the resistance of air in the elevator shaft, as applied to a car or
cab F*, and cage F ordinary construction. I will first refer to Figures 28, 29,
and 30. Just bei e bottom of the car is a horizontal plate or board L,
which I term an a. resistance plate. As here shown, it consists of a frame *,
which may be of me, and which has fulcrums or journals, l, nearer to one side
than the other, therey forming a lever having a longer and a shorter arm.
journals, 15, rest in pen or slotted hangers 6, depending from the car, and the
These
heavier side of the frame rests upon hangers, 7, depending from the corners of the
car.
I designates the upright guide, and the car is provided with slides, m, fitted
thereto, and consisting of castings having formed on them, bearings, m³, for a
shaft, m², which extends transversely across under the plate or board, L.-On the
ends of the shaft m³, are safety dogs, f', which are adapted to engage with safety
strips, J, on the guides I; and on said shaft are also secured arms f10, which are
connected by rods f", with the upper safety dogs, as here shown.
Near the middle of the shaft m³, is an upwardly extending arm, m³, and on the
frame, , is a lug or shoulder which engages with the arm, and forms a catch to
hold the safety dogs out of operation.-As soon as the plate or board, L, is raised
slightly, it releases the arm, m³, and the weight of the rods, f¹¹, and arms, ƒ¹º,
throws the dogs, f", against the strips J, and into operation.
The longer arm of the lever formed by the frame 1, is covered with sheet
metal, s, or other indestructible material, to form a surface for the air to act on,
and the board or plate should be so nearly balanced as to require but a slight
pressure to raise it sufficiently to free the arms, m³. On the frame 1, is a bar or
beam,, along which a weight, 110, may be adjusted and secured, to as nearly
balance the plate or board L as may be desired. During the normal operation of
the elevator, the plate or board L rests upon the hangers, 1, and holds the safety.

page_text: dogs out of operation, but when the normal speed desired is exceeded, the
resistance of the air will raise the plate or board, and so release the safety dogs.
Not only will the plate or board L release the safety dogs in case the normal speed
is exceeded, but in case any obstruction is in, or projects into, the shaft below the
descending car, the plate or board will strike it, and be raised by it. To render
the plate or board L more effective in this respect, such part of the frame, 14, as is
not covered by the sheet metal, may be covered with wire gauze, as shown at ",
Figure 29, which will meet any obstruction without offering any considerable
surface for the air to act on.-In lieu of being pivotted as shown, the plate or
board, L, might be simply supported at the four corners by hangers, l, or it might,
be connected with the car by canvas bellows, leather, or other flexible material, as
shown by dotted lines at 2, Figure 28.-In Figure 31, I have represented the air
resistance plate or board L, as so combined with the hoisting cables E, that it will
also release the safety dogs in case the said cables break. The plate or board is
arranged and operates as before described, but from it a cord, n, extends upward
over pulleys or sheaves, n¹, and is attached to a safety spring, n².-This spring is
so connected with the hoisting shackle or connection E*, that it will be held under
tension, or deflected, so long as the cables hold, but in case of their breaking, the
resiliance of the spring, n², will cause it to pull on the connection, n, and so raise
the plate or board, L.
In lieu of a plate or board L, to be operated by the resistance of the air, I may
employ a device such as is shown in Figure 32.-The arrangement of the guides
and safety strips, I, J, the shaft, m³, dogs, f', and arm, m³, is all as before described,
but the governing device consists of a screw or propeller M, having two or more
blades, and capable of rotating on a vertical pivot, m*, on the bottom of the
car, F-The number of blades, the pitch, and the size of the propeller, should be
Buch that it will not turn until the normal and desired speed is exceeded, and one
of its blades may be set against the arm, m³, and form a stop therefor.-When,
however, the car acquires a speed above the determined limit, the propeller will be
rotated, and its blade, by the first turning movement, will release the arm, m³,
allow the safety dogs, f*, to act.
and
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, 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
1st. The combination of the main, change, or reversing valve, its controlling
pistons, the auxiliary or pilot valve, and appliances for controlling the auxiliary
or pilot valve from the car or cab, substantially as and for the purpose herein
described.
2nd. The combination of the change or reversing valve, its controlling pistons,
the auxiliary or pilot valve, and connections, whereby the auxiliary or pilot valve
is moved automatically by the movement of the main, change or reversing valve
and controlling pistons, and appliances for controlling the auxiliary or pilot
valve from the car or cab, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
3rd. The combination with an elevator car or cab, and a valve for controlling its
movements, of devices substantially such as are shown and described with reference
to Figures 19 to 27 of the drawing, and comprising a lever or handle which
occupies a stationary position relatively to the car or cab as it travels, whereby
said valve may be operated.
:
4th. The suspended valve operating shaft composed of sections of tubing
abutted together, and joined by an inner piece of tubing of corresponding transverse
section, but smaller, lapping onto the abutting sections, and rivets or screws
inserted transversely through the inner and outer tubes for uniting them,, sub
stantially as and for the purpose herein described.
5th. The combination with an elevator car or cab, and a valve for controlling
its operation, of a shaft suspended in the elevator shaft, and having radial or

page_text: tangential faces, a sloevo fitted to, and sliding upon said shaft as the car or cab
rises and falls, and a lever or handle in the car or cab for turning the sleeve,.
substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
6th. The combination with an operating cylinder and piston for a hydraulic
elevator, the cylinder being arranged approximately horizontally, of the working
passage leading to the rear end and bottom of the cylinder, substantially as and
for the purpose herein described.
7th. The combination with an operating cylinder and piston for a hydraulic
elevator, the cylinder being arranged approximately horizontal, of a change or
reversing valve, and an air pipe leading from the top of the cylinder to the valve,
and controlled thereby, substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
8th. The combination of the operating cylinder with integral reinforcing flanges
or brackets A* forming feet or standards on which the cylinder is supported,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
9th. The arrangement of the piston packing obliquely thereon, substantially as
and for the purpose herein described.
10th. The working-piston and packing constructed and combined, substantially
as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.
11th. The combination with the operating cylinder, piston, and crosshead, of
the buffer-bar, across the end of the cylinder, and yielding cushions interposed
between the buffer-bar and the piston and crosshead, substantially as and for the
purpose herein described.
12th. The combination with the operating cylinder and change or reversing
valves, of the shut-off or safety valve interposed between the reversing valve and.
cylinder, and connections through which said shut-off or safety valve is auto-
matically closed at the termination of the piston's stroke, substantially as and for
the purpose herein described.
13th. The shut-off or safety valve constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figures 5 and 8 of the drawings, and having provision for a regulated
leakage, either through or around said valve, substantially as and for the purpose
herein described.
14th. The hoisting cables, counterbalance cables, and counterbalance weight
combined as described with reference to Figures 16, 17, and 18 of the drawings,
whereby the counterbalance weight will be transferred to the hoisting cables in case
of the counterbalance cables parting, and whereby the latter cables will serve for
hoisting in case of the hoisting cables proper parting, substantially as herein
described.
15th. The elevator cage having its horizontal and upright portions, either or
both, composed of channel-bars arranged and connected as herein described.
16th. The arrangement of the guiding shoes or gibs and their holders in the
flanged backs of the upright channel-bars, and screws or bolts whereby said shoes
or gibs are held to their seats in the said holders, substantially as and for the
purpose herein described.
17th. The arrangement of the safety dogs and their holders in the flanged
backs of the horizontal channel-bars, substantially as and for the purpose herein
described.
18th. The recessed holders for the upper and lower safety dogs, and the upper
and lower dogs arranged in said holders, and having arms of different lengths
connected by rods, whereby the upper dog is caused to protrude from its holder
to a greater extent than the lower dog, substantially as and for the purpose
herein described.
19th. The multiple safety strips J, composed of sections glued together, in
combination with safety dogs arranged to engage the edges of the sections,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described.

page_text: 20th. The combination with an elevator cage or car, and safety dogs or pawls,
of an air resistance device, whether consisting of a board; plate, or propeller carried
by the elevator cage, whereby the dogs or pawls are held out of operation until
the cage or car acquires a speed greater than that intended, substantially as and
for the purpose herein described.