IMPROVEMENTS IN PILE DRIVING MACHINES
Year: 1884

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 19th day of August 1886, amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
[The Amendments are shown in erased and italic type.]
I, THOMAS WHITAKER of Horsforth in the County of York Contractor do hereby
declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN PILE DRIVING MACHINES
to be as follows :—
The improved Pile Driving Machine has an upright frame nearly similar to those
in general use.
Attached to the frame and capable of sliding up or down it, are fixed parts of a
steam hammer, namely, the Cylinder piston et cetera and the piston rod.
To the piston rod is coupled the monkey or pile driving. weight. The Cylinder
and its attachments when driving the pile are supported on a strong rod or rods
passing through or alongside the monkey or pile driving weight and resting on the
head of the pile.
The Cylinder and monkey slide down the frame and follow the pile as it is
driven into the soil. The Cylinder and monkey and framing have rollers or guides
attached to them, so that they are retained in correct position, the one to the others.
The Cylinder may be constructed so as to be either single or double acting. To
the Cylinder and upright frame are connected contrivances such that in the event
of the Cylinder being used with double action, it is prevented from being lifted
upwards by the steam, and the force of the falling monkey is increased by the
steam acting above the piston. Arrangements are made for lifting the Cylinder
and monkey to the top of the framing after the pile is driven home.
Gas or heated air may be used as the motive power in place of steam.
L

page_text: I, THOMAS WHITAKER of Horsforth, in the County of York, Contractor, do hereby
declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN PILE DRIVING MACHINES,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The Improved Pile Driving Machine has an upright frame, similar to those in
general use. Attached to the frame and capable of sliding up or down it, are
fixed parts of an ordinary steam hammer, namely the Cylinder piston et cetera, and
the piston rod. To the piston rod is coupled the monkey or pile driving weight.
The Cylinder and its attachments, when driving the pile, are supported on a
strong rod or rods, passing through or alongside the monkey or pile driving weight,
and resting on the head of the pile.
The Cylinder and monkey slide down the frame and follow the pile as it
is driven into the soil. The Cylinder and monkey and framing have rollers or
guides attached to them, so that they are retained in correct position, the one to
the others.
The Cylinder may be constructed so as to be either single or double acting. To
the Cylinder and upright frame are connected contrivances, such that in the event
of the Cylinder being used with double action, it is prevented from being lifted
upwards by the steam, and the force of the falling monkey is increased by the
steam acting above the piston. Arrangements are made for lifting the Cylinder
and monkey to the top of the framing after the pile is driven home.
.
Gas or heated air may be used as the motive power in place of steam.
In order that the description may be understood and to show how the Invention
may be carried into practical effect, there is attached hereto a sheet of drawings,
having Figures and letters of reference marked on the various parts, corresponding
with those in the following description.
'In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a side elevation, Figure 2 a
front elevation, and Figure 3 a plan of the essential parts of the Invention, and of
a' portion of the framing of an ordinary pile driver. A is the Cylinder similar to
that of an ordinary Steam Hammer, having the necessary parts, such as the covers
with the piston and valve motion.
B. is the monkey or pile driving weight, with rollers to guide it up and down
the frame.
C. C. are the upright leaders or framing of the pile driver. D. D. are the cross
pieces or stays of the framing. Eis the pile in process of being driven into the
soil.
A
.
.
Parts of the leaders, C. C. are cut away, so that the mechanism may be more
clearly observed.
On the Cylinder A. are cast projecting pieces F. F, which pass and fit loosely
between the guides or leaders C. C.
To the pieces F. F. are affixed 'rollers G. G. These bear against the back of the
leaders C. C., while the Cylinder itself bears against the front. Thus the Cylinder
and its attachments embrace the guides C. C., and are enabled easily to slide up and
down them.

page_text: I prefer to use steam in the Cylinder both above and below the piston, or
by what is known as double action. When steam is admitted above the piston,
the force tends to lift the Cylinder as well as drive down the monkey.
On the top of the Cylinder is arranged a frame H. This is carried by links I. I.
with pins supporting rollers J. J. The rollers bear against wedges K. K. These
wedges are held from rising by the frame H, while they can adjust themselves to
the upright leaders C. C. The leaders C. C. are plated with iron to reduce the wear.
and tear.
The rollers J. J. are held against the wedges K K by links L.L. These links are
arranged at an angle as shown, and fastened to the frame H by pins, allowing
the rollers J. J. to travel up and down the wedges K. K. The result of this
combination is that upon the slightest upward movement of the Cylinder, the
links I. I. press the rollers J. J. with great force against the wedges K K and resist
effectually any further movement in the same direction. At the same time the
Cylinder is free to slide down carrying with it the links I. L and the rollers J. J.
and thus relieving the pressure against the leaders C. C.
M. is the steam pipe through which the motive power passes to the piston in the
Cylinder A. This pipe is flexible for portions of its length, and is arranged so that
the Cylinder may slide from top to bottom of the leaders C. C. without any
cessation of the action of the motive power. N is the exhaust pipe. O. is a lever
by which the equilibrium valve in the case P. may be worked by hand if required.
Qis a lever by which the action of the steam in the Cylinder may be varied to suit
circumstances. R. is a tappet lever, geared to the valve through suitable links and
levers, and bent as shown, in order to make the apparatus automatic and that the
action of the steam on the top of the piston, may continue to the end of the stroke
and give what is known as a dead blow to the pile E.
The end of the piston rod S. is enlarged and formed into a ball and is embraced
between suitable hollow shaped pieces inserted in the monkey B. Thus the
monkey can slightly adjust itself to the inequalities of the top of the pile E.
A strong rod T. passes through a hole in the monkey B. The upper end of this
rod is attached to and carries the Cylinder A and all its appendages. The lower
end of the rod T. rests upon the pile. By this arrangement it will be clearly see
that the whole of the parts of the engine are supported by the pile itself; that as
the pile is driven into the soil the engine follows, and consequently the pile occupies
the same position with regard to the engine at every blow.
On the top of the Cylinder are placed links U. A strong chain is connected to
these, which passes over a pulley fixed on the summit of the pile driving frame, and
is carried down to a winch, within reach of the operators on the base of the frame.
Thus after a pile is driven to its full depth, the Cylinder and monkey and all the
parts constituting the pile driving engine can be raised to the top of the framing
in preparation for acting on a second pile. The samne chain also serves to raise the
pile into position.
With reference to the various parts of the apparatus, I may remark that I do not
confine myself to use them precisely as shown.
Many variations may easily be made as is well known to practical men. For
instance the Cylinder may be made so as only to admit steam under the piston, or
to be driven by single action. The method of actuating the valves may be varied
in many ways, as is well known to makers of steam hammers. The piston rod may
be attached to the monkey by wedges with wood packing, or by other well known
methods.
The frame H. and its appliances may be varied; for instance a rack or racks
may be fitted against the upright frame C. C. and on the Cylinder may be fixed
pawls, to catch into the said racks, so as effectually to prevent the Cylinder from
rising and at the same time, allow of its descending easily.
A chain may be fastened to the lower part of the Cylinder, and carried down to
a winch, and the operators at the foot of the frame may thus prevent the Cylinder
from rising, and so on,

page_text: The handles for working the valves may be operated by means of a rope or chain
from below, or the workman may stand on a stage attached to the Cylinder, or he
may use the frame itself as a stage.
"
The Cylinder may be fixed alongside the monkey, and the monkey may be
carried by a strong arm projecting from the piston rod, which may be carried
through the top of the Cylinder. By this means the pile driving frame may be
made shorter. I prefer however to place the Cylinder above the monkey, as before
described and drawn.
The framing of the pile driver may be constructed so as to drive the piles at any
angle.
The engine may be carried by more than one rod answering to that marked T,
or the rods may pass outside the monkey B if preferred.
The rod T. may be made in two pieces, or the length varied, in order that with a
short stroke of the piston, a longer pile may be placed in position if required.
I generally, enlarge the end of the rod T. as shown, so that it will not penetrate
the pile, but an iron plate may be inserted in the top of the pile, and other
expedients of a like nature be adopted for the same purpose.
The boiler for supplying steam to the pile driver may be fixed on the frame and
move with it, or may be fixed permanently, and pipes be carried to the pile driver.
The crane or winch for raising the piles and engine may be worked by steam or
other motive power.
Hot air or gas may be used in lieu of steam.
Having now particularly described the nature and some methods of applying my
said Invention, I wish it to be clearly understood that I do not limit myself to the
precise details herein described, I make no claim for a double or single acting
engine used to wind up a monkey or used in such manner that it shall not follow
the pile in its descent and rest upon it or be guided in position by the position of
the pile head nor do I claim the arrangement of valves and valve levers here
shown per se, and when applied to other purposes than pile-driving engines-
but what I consider as novel and claim as such is;
1. The combination and arrangement of parts of a pile driving engine sub-
stantially as drawn and described, or any mere modification-thereof by
which steam or other like motive power operates in a Cylinder to actuate a
monkey for driving piles, the Cylinder being prevented from rising and the
pile carrying the apparatus.
:
2. The method of supporting a pile driving engine by a rod or rods or any mere
modification thereof from the top of the pile, as described, or any mere
modification-thereof.
3. The appliances and method for preventing the Cylinder from rising, sub-
stantially as described, er-any-mere modification thereof.
4. The valve-mechanism shown and described and other parts-by-which-steam is
used both above and below the pistons of pile driving engines or by what-is
known-as-double-action, or-any-mere-modification-thereof.
4. The arrangement of valve mechanism and other parts of pile driving engines
by which steam is used both above and below the piston or by what is known
as double action, substantially as described.
Dated this fourth day of November 1884.

page_text: "
I, THOMAS WHITAKER of Horsforth in the County of York Contractor do hereby
declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN PILE DRIVING MACHINES
to be as follows:-
The improved Pile Driving Machine has an upright frame nearly similar to those
in general use.
Attached to the frame and capable of sliding up or down it, are fixed parts of a
steam hammer, namely, the Cylinder piston et cetera and the piston rod.
To the piston rod is coupled the monkey or pile driving weight. The Cylinder
and its attachments when driving the pile are supported on a strong rod or roda
passing through or alongside the monkey or pile driving weight and resting on the
head of the pile.
The Cylinder and monkey slide down the frame and follow the pile as it is
driven into the soil. The Cylinder and monkey and framing have rollers or guides
attached to them, so that they are retained in correct position, the one to the others.
The Cylinder may be constructed so as to be either single or double acting. To
the Cylinder and upright frame are connected contrivances such that in the event
of the Cylinder being used with double action, it is prevented from being lifted
upwards by the steam, and the force of the falling monkey is increased by the
steam acting above the piston. Arrangements are made for lifting the Cylinder
and monkey to the top of the framing after the pile is driven home.
Gas or heated air may be used as the motive power in place of steam.

page_text: I, THOMAS WHITAKER of Horsforth, in the County of York, Contractor, do hereby
.declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN PILE DRIVING MACHINES,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :—
The Improved Pile Driving Machine has an upright frame, similar to those in
general use. Attached to the frame and capable of sliding up or down it, are
fixed parts of an ordinary steam hammer, namely the Cylinder piston et cetera, and
the piston rod. To the piston rod is coupled the monkey or pile driving weight.
The Cylinder and its attachments, when driving the pile, are supported on a
strong rod or rods, passing through or alongside the monkey or pile driving weight,
and resting on the head of the pile.
The Cylinder and monkey slide down the frame and follow the pile as it
is driven into the soil. The Cylinder and monkey and framing have rollers or
guides attached to them, so that they are retained in correct position, the one to
the others.
.
The Cylinder may be constructed so as to be either single or double acting. To
the Cylinder and upright frame are connected contrivances, such that in the event
of the Cylinder being used with double action, it is prevented from being lifted
upwards by the steam, and the force of the falling monkey is increased by the
steam acting, above the piston. Arrangements are made for lifting the Cylinder
and monkey to the top of the framing after the pile is driven home.
Gas or heated air may be used as the motive power in place of steam.
In order that the description may be understood and to show how the Invention
may be carried into practical effect, there is attached hereto a sheet of drawings,
having Figures and letters of reference marked on the various parts, corresponding
with those in the following description.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a side elevation, Figure 2 a
front elevation, and Figure 3 a plan of the essential parts of the Invention, and of
a portion of the framing of an ordinary pile driver. A is the Cylinder similar to
that of an ordinary Steam Hammer, having the necessary parts, such as the covers
with the piston and valve motion.
B. is the monkey or pile driving weight, with rollers to guide it up and down
the frame.
C. C. are the upright leaders or framing of the pile driver. D. D. are the cross
pieces or stays of the framing. E is the pile in process of being driven into the
soil.
Parts of the leaders C. C. are cut away, so that the mechanism may be more
clearly observed.
On the Cylinder, A. are cast projecting pieces F. F, which pass and fit loosely
between the guides or leaders C. C.
To the pieces F. F. are affixed rollers G. G. These bear against the back of the
leaders C. C., while the Cylinder itself bears against the front. Thus the Cylinder
and its attachments embrace the guides C..C., and are enabled easily to slide up and
down them.
I prefer to use steam in the Cylinder both above and below the piston, or
by what is known as double action. When steam is admitted above the piston,
the force tends to lift the Cylinder as well as drive down the monkey.
On the top of the Cylinder is arranged a frame H. This is carried by links I. I.
with pins supporting rollers J. J. The rollers bear against wedges K. K. These

page_text: wedges are held from rising by the frame H, while they can adjust themselves to
the upright leaders C. C. The leaders C. C. are plated with iron to reduce the wear
and tear.
The rollera J. J. are held against the wedges, K K by links L. L. These links are
arranged at an angle as shown, and fastened to the frame H by pins, allowing
the rollers J. J. to travel up and down the wedges K. K. The result of this
combination is that upon the slightest upward movement of the Cylinder, the
links I. I. press the rollers J. J. with great force against the wedges K.K and resist
effectually any further movement in the same direction. At the same time the
Cylinder is free to slide down carrying with it the links I. I. and the rollers J. J.
and thus relieving the pressure against the leaders C. C.
M. is the steam pipe through which the motive power passes to the piston in the
Cylinder A. This pipe is flexible for portions of its length, and is arranged so that
the Cylinder may slide from top to bottom of the leaders C. C. without any
cessation of the action of the motive power. N is the exhaust pipe. O. is a lever
by which the equilibrium valve in the case P. may be worked by hand if required.
Qis a lever by which the action of the steam in the Cylinder may be varied to suit
circumstances. R. is a tappet lever, geared to the valve through suitable links and
levers, and bent as shown, in order to make the apparatus automatic and that the
action of the steam on the top of the piston, may continue to the end of the stroke
and give what is known as a dead blow to the pile E.
The end of the piston rod S. is enlarged and formed into a ball and is embraced
between suitable hollow shaped pieces inserted in the monkey B. Thus the
monkey can slightly adjust itself to the inequalities of the top of the pile E.
A strong rod T. passes through a hole in the monkey B. The upper end of this
rod is attached to and carries the Cylinder A and all its appendages. The lower
end of the rod T. rests upon the pile. By this arrangement it will be clearly see
that the whole of the parts of the engine are supported by the pile itself; that as
the pile is driven into the soil the engine follows, and consequently the pile occupies
the same position with regard to the engine at every blow.
On the top of the Cylinder are placed links U. A strong chain is connected to
these, which passes over a pulley fixed on the summit of the pile driving frame, and
is carried down to a winch, within reach of the operators on the base of the frame.
Thus after a pile is driven to its full depth, the Cylinder and monkey and all the
parts constituting the pile driving engine can be raised to the top of the framing
in preparation for acting on a second pile. The same chain also serves to raise the
pile into position.
With reference to the various parts of the apparatus, I may remark that I do not
confine myself to use them precisely as shown.
Many variations may easily be made as is well known to practical men. For
instance the Cylinder may be made so as only to admit steam under the piston, or
to be driven by single action. The method of actuating the valves may be varied
in many ways, as is well known to makers of steam hammers. The piston rod may
be attached to the monkey by wedges with wood packing, or by other well known
methods.
The frame H. and its appliances may be varied; for instance a rack or racks
may be fitted against the upright frame C. C. and on the Cylinder may be fixed
pawls, to catch into the said racks, so as effectually to prevent the Cylinder from
rising and at the same time, allow of its descending easily.
A chain may be fastened to the lower part of the Cylinder, and carried down to
a winch, and the operators at the foot of the frame may thus prevent the Cylinder
from rising, and so on.
The handles for working the valves may be operated by means of a rope or chain
from below, or the workman may stand on a stage attached to the Cylinder, or he
may use the frame itself as a stage.
The Cylinder may be fixed alongside the monkey, and the monkey may be
car.ied by a strong arm proiecting from the piston rod, which may be carried

page_text: through the top of the Cylinder. By this means the pile driving frame may be
made shorter. I prefer however to place the Cylinder above the monkey, as before
described and drawn.
The framing of the pile driver may be constructed so as to drive the piles at any
angle.
The engine may be carried by more than one rod answering to that marked T,
or the rods may pass outside the monkey B if preferred.
The rod T. may be made in two pieces, or the length varied, in order that.with a
short stroke of the piston, a longer pile may be placed in position if required.
I generally enlarge the end of the rod T. as shown, so that it will not penetrate
the pile, but an iron plate may be inserted in the top of the pile, and other.
expedients of a like nature be adopted for the same purpose.
The boiler for supplying steam to the pile driver may be fixed on the frame and
move with it, or may be fixed permanently, and pipes be carried to the pilė driver.
The crane or, winch for raising the piles and engine may be worked by steam or
other motive power.
Hot air or gas may be used in lieu of steam.
Having now particularly described the nature and some methods of applying my
said Invention, I wish it to be clearly understood that I do not limit myself to the
precise details herein described, but what I consider as novel and claim as such is
1. The combination and arrangement of parts of a pile driving engine as drawn
and described, or any mere modification thereof by which steam or other
like motive power operates in a Cylinder to actuate a monkey for driving
piles, the Cylinder being prevented from rising and the pile carrying the
apparatus.
2. The method of supporting a pile driving engine by a rod or rods from the top
of the pile, as described, or any mere modification thereof..
3. The appliances and method for preventing the Cylinder from rising, as.
described, or any mere modification thereof."
4. The valve mechanism shown and described and other parts by which steam is
used both above and below the pistons of pile driving engines or by what is
known as double action, or any mere modification thereof.
Dated this fourth day of November 1884.