IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Andrew Higginson of Liverpool in the County of
Lancaster Engineer for an invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Andrew Higginson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th May 1882.
T
ANDREW HIGGINSON of Liverpool in the County of Lancaster, Engineer.
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DRILLING OR BORING METALS
The invention relates mainly to portable machinery or apparatus operated by
hydraulic power for drilling or boring holes in metal plates, girders and the like.
Under the first part. I connect a hydraulic engine of any suitable construction
directly to the spindle or bar carrying the drill or boring tool without the inter-
vention of gearing and I obtain the forward motion of the drill or boring tool by
means of fluid pressure acting on the drill or boring spindle or bar.
Under the second part. I so arrange a valve, passage piston and cylinder or
their equivalent or equivalents that the hydraulic engine shall give motion to the
drill or boring tool spindle during such time only as the hole is being drilled or
bored in the metal, that is to say the motion of the drill or boring tool is
automatically arrested after a hole has been made and the tool is automatically
started when placed in contact with the metal to be drilled or bored.
Under the third part. Portable drilling or boring machinery or apparatus under
the first and second parts is carried by one arm of a horse shoe shaped frame, the
other arm serving as a table to carry the metal to be drilled or bored.
Under the fourth part. The improved machinery or apparatus under the first
and second parts is carried by a frame provided with a hydraulic cylinder and
gripper for attaching it to the metal to be drilled or bored.
Ünder the fifth part. My improved drilling and boring apparatus is carried by
any suitably shaped or constructed frame, and grippers tables or holders are
provided for carrying the metal to be drilled or bored.
Hydraulic power is obtained from any suitable store of water or from an
accumulator.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Andrew Higginson in the Great Seal Patent Office
25th November 1882.
on the
ANDREW HIGGINSON of Liverpool in the County of Lancaster. Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APParatus for DRILLING OR BORING METALS
"
The invention relates mainly to portable machinery or apparatus operated by
hydraulic power for drilling or boring holes in metal plates girders and the like.
Under the first part. I connect a hydraulic engine of any suitable construction
directly to the spindle or bar carrying the drill or boring tool without the inter-
vention of gearing and I obtain the forward motion of the drill or boring tool by
means of fluid pressure acting on the drilling or boring spindle or bar.
Under the second part. I so arrange a valve passage piston and cylinder or
their equivalent or equivalents that the hydraulic engine shall give motion to the
drill or boring tool spindle during such time only as the hole is being drilled or
bored in the metal, that is to say the motion of the drill or boring tool is
automatically arrested after a hole has been made and that the tool is automatically
started when placed in contact with the metal to be drilled or bored.
Under the third part. Portable drilling or boring machinery or apparatus
under the first and second parts is carried by one arm of a horse shoe shaped frame
, the other arm serving as a table to carry the metal to be drilled or bored.
Under the fourth part. The improved machinery or apparatus under the first
and second parts is carried by a frame provided with a hydraulic cylinder and
gripper for attaching it to the metal to be drilled or bored.
.
Under the fifth part. My improved drilling and boring apparatus is carried by
any suitably shaped or constructed frame and grippers tables or holders are
provided for carrying the metal to be drilled or bored
Hydraulic power is obtained from any suitable store of water or from an
accumulator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Fig 1 is a vertical section of machinery or apparatus for boring or drilling
metals, illustrative of the first and second parts of my invention. a is the drilling
or boring spindle b crank, c bearing, d frame surrounding a and acting both as a
bearing and piston rod, e frame in general, foscillating engines. g fluid admission
way, hexhaust way. i supply parts. j exhaust ports. valve tappet, m slut
off valve, n. o. passages, p q pistons or plungers, 7 s. cylinders, & drill, u passage,
v spring, w bracket, a bolt and nut.
The engines is an ordinary non reversing oscillating hydraulic three cylinder
engine and the piston rods or plungers are connected to the crank b in the usual
manner. The water under pressure is admitted to the engine through the inlet
ports when the valve k is raised off its seat. The hydraulic engines may be of
any convenient or desired construction either reciprocating or rotary. I prefer to
use four fixed cylinders with the fluid pressure acting in one end of each cylinder
only and with the piston rods connected directly to the crank. In all the drawings
herewith three cylinder engines are shown on account of the inlet and exhaust
ports and passages being more easily shown in one and the same view. The stem
of the valve k passes through the frame e and is raised by means of the tappet
secured to the crank b. The tappet is screwed or otherwise attached to or is
formed with the crank b. The cylinder r fits around the lower part of the frame d

page_text: which is turned on the outside so as to act as a piston rod a stuffing box is
provided if desired to keep the parts in water tight contact. The piston or plunger
p which also forms the cylinder 8, is secured to the end of the frame d by screwing
or in any other convenient manner. The piston or plunger which is also the
drill stock is secured to the end of the drilling or boring bar or spindle a. The
securing bolt and nut x may be replaced by grippers cramps or other securing
agents of any desired kind.
In use the machinery or apparatus is secured in the required position by means
of the nut and bolt x The bracket w is made with a slot to allow of adjustment.
The water supply pipe is connected to the way g and the shut off valve m is
opened. Water under pressure passes from 9 through the way n past the valve m
and along the passage o into the cylinder r. From the cylinder the water flows
into the cylinders through the passage u. The pressure of the water in the
cylinders and 8 causes the frame and engines and the drilling or boring bar to
move in the direction of the arrow When the point of the drill reaches the metal
to be drilled the forward motion of the drilling or boring bar is arrested, whilst the
frame and engines still continue to advance. On account of the engines moving
forward after the motion of the drill has been arrested the valve seat is moved
away from the valve k. It will be observed to effect the above the cylinder 8 must
be of less area than the cylinder r. Water under pressure enters the cylinders
through the ports i and the drilling or boring bar is caused to rêvolve As soon
as the hole has been bored or drilled through the metal the fluid pressure
in the cylinder a causes the drilling or boring bar a to advance so as to allow
the valve k to return to its seat. The flow of water to the engines is arrested
and the drilling or boring bar remains stationary. The valve m is opened
and the water is forced out of the cylinders and s by the reaction of the spring v.
The bolt and nut x is slacked off and the machinery or apparatus is removed to a
fresh place and re secured.
Fig 2 is a side elevation of machinery or apparatus constructed in accordance
with the third part of my invention. Here drilling apparatus a constructed in
accordance with the first and second parts of my invention is secured to a horse
shoe shaped frame b, c table or platform for carrying the plates or articles d to be
drilled or bored. The said table or platform is adjustable by means of screws or
otherwise if desired, e is a presser or holder actuated by hydraulic or other means
so as to press on the plates or articles d and hold them in position whilst being
drilled or bored. The said presser or holder may be dispensed with if desired:
The frame table c and holder e are constructed in the usual or any desired
Inanner with the exception of their adaptation for and their combination with the
hydraulic drilling or boring machinery or apparatus a constructed in accordance
with the first and second parts of my invention.
Fig 3 is a vertical section, and fig 4 a plan of drilling or boring machinery or
apparatus illustrative of the first second and fourth parts of my invention, 1 drilling
or boring spindle or bar, 2 crank, 3 link secured to crank 2 and to the rotary slide
valve spindle 4. 5 reciprocating engines with fixed cylinders, 6 framework,
7 admission ports 8 exhaust ports, 9 water supply pipe, 10 valve chamber,
11 starding valve, 12 lever and fulcrum pin, 13 rod attached to lever 12 and base
plate 14. 15 passage from valve box 10 to valve box 16. 16* reversing valve
and handle, 17. 18. passages from the valve box 16 to the cylinder 19 20 plunger,
21 drill or boring tool. 22 key. 23 retaining bolts. 24 springs. 25 hydraulic
cylinder, 26 piston. 27. 28 gripper and wedges, 29 set screw, 30 securing screw
and nut, 31 slot, 32 pipe leading from the valve box 10 to the cylinder 25.
33 metal plates to be drilled.
The engines are of the usual hydraulic three cylinder type with fixed cylinders
and with the piston rods connected direct to the crank shaft. The valve is of
the usual rotary type and is operated by the link 3 which is secured to the crank
shaft 2 by means of a nut and screw as shown or in any other convenient manner
such as by a key, the said link is here shown passing through a slot in the valve
•

page_text: stem 4 it may be otherwise secured thereto. The reversing valve 16* is constructed
with a passage like an ordinary D valve and is operated by its handle so as to
connect as required either of the passages 17. 18. to the valve box 16 or to the
exhaust port 8.
The gripper consists of a wedge shaped stem 27 secured to the
piston 26, and of wedge pieces 28. The key 22 is for the purpose of allowing
the drilling or boring bar 7 to slide within the plunger 20 and at the same time
be capable of causing the said plunger to revolve the said plunger also serves as
boring bar and drill stock.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-
The gripper 27. 28. is passed through a hole in the metal to be drilled and
hydraulic power is turned on from the supply, the water flows from the valve
box 10 through the pipe 32 to the lower part of the cylinder 25 beneath the
piston 26 this causes the piston to rise and carry with it the stem 27. The
stem 27 acts on the wedge pieces 28 which are prevented from rising by abutting
against the lower end of the cylinder and causes them to expand until they are
tightly wedged in the hole. The set screw 29 is then tightened so as to take up
the thrust when the drill is at work. The drill is now adjusted over its work by
means of the screw and nut 30 and slot 31. When the drill is in position the
nut 30 is tightened and the machine is rigidly fixed in position. The valve 16 is
turned so as to allow water at pressure to pass from the valve box 10 through the
passages 15 and 17 into the cylinder 19 above the plunger 20. The plunger 20 is
moved forward carrying with it the drill until the said drill reaches its work; the
water pressure then acting between the head of the plunger 20 and cylinder cover
formed by the frame 6 causes the said frame to be raised from the sole plate 14
against the tension of the springs 24. As the frame 6 rises the lever 12 one end
of which is held stationary by the rod 13 lifts the valve 11 from its seat and water
under pressure passes to the engines and causes them to give motion to the crank 2
and with it the spindle or bar 1, plunger 20 and drill 21. When the hole has been
drilled the springs 24 cause the frame and engines to move forwards against the
sole plate, the valve 11 is closed and the motion of the engines arrested. The
valve 15 is now reversed and the water is allowed to flow by the passage 18 below
the plunger at the same time the passage 17 is opened to the exhaust: the plunger
and drill are thereby caused to move backward into position for drilling another
hole. If the adjustment allowed by the slot 31 is insufficient to admit of the drill
being placed in position the water is turned off from the pipe 32 and a tap in the
cylinder 25 beneath the piston 26 is opened and the water allowed to flow out.
The piston then descends and the grippers are loosened; the machine is removed
to the required position and the grippers inserted in another hole.
Fig 5 is a vertical section of a modification of drilling or boring machinery or
apparatus illustrative of the first, second and fourth parts of my invention. 1 crank
2 boring spindle or bar, 3 drill socket, 4 drill, 5 metal to be drilled, G frame,
7 springs 8 engines, 9 inlet ports, 10 exhaust ports. 11 slide valve, 12 shut off
valve, 13 spindle 14 tappet link. 15 water supply pipe, 16 waste pipe, 17 passage
from valve box 18 to valve box 19, 20 reversing valve and handle, 21. 22. passages,
23 hydraulic cylinder, 24 piston rod, 25. 26 pistons, 27 wedge gripper, 28 biting
pieces or projections.
In this modification of apparatus the general arrangement of the engines and
valves is similar to that described in connection with figs 3 and 4 with the
following exceptions. The shut off valve 12 seats on the top of the slide valve 11
and is operated by a stem 13 from the tappet link 14 instead of by a lever and
rod. The piston rod 24 serves as a connection between the drilling or boring
machinery or apparatus and the gripping cylinder. The action of the machinery
or apparatus is as follows:
The gripper 27 is is inserted through a hole in the metal to be drilled the
valve 20 is turned so that water is allowed to flow by the passages 17. 21. above
and below the pistons 25. 26. The piston 26 rises and tightens the gripper 27 in
the hole, the biting pieces or projections 28 assisting in obtaining a secure hold.

page_text: The piston 25 descends carrying with it the frame 6, engines 8 and drill spindle 2
and drill 4 until the said drill 4 touches the metal to be drilled; the drill 4,
spindle 2 crank 1 stem 13 and valve 12 then remain at rest, whilst the piston 25
still moves down carrying with it the frame 6 and engines 8 against the reaction
of the springs 7. By this means the valve seating is removed from the face of the'
valve 12 and water under pressure enters the valve 11 and passes to the engines.
The engines give motion to the drilling or boring bar or spindle 2 and to the drill;
and the pressure of water on the piston 25 causes it to move down and feed the
drill forward. As soon as the drill has passed through the metal the springs 7
'cause the drill stock 3 and spindle 2 to move forward and release the valve 12.
The valve 12 then seats on the valve 11 and the motion of the drill is arrested;
The valve 20 is reversed and water under pressure is allowed to flow down the
passage 22 into the cylinder between the pistons 25. 26, and the passage 21 is
opened to the exhaust port 10. The pistons 25. 26 move towards the ends of the
cylinder 23 the grippers are released and the drill drawn back through the hole in
the metal ready to be again set to work.
Under the fifth part. Drilling machinery or apparatus constructed in accordance
with the first and second parts of my invention are combined with any suitably
shaped or constructed frame as may be found desirable for special kinds of work
and grippers similar to the hydraulic grippers hereinbefore described or of other
construction such as are in common use for holding tools or machinery in position
are combined with the said machinery or apparatus and frame. Instead of
grippers tables or holders similar to that described in connection with fig 2 may
be used or they may be otherwise constructed as found desirable.
It will be obvious that the engines valves ports and passages do not require any
detailed explanation as these parts may be of any usual construction and of the
materials employed for such purposes: and only so much of them is shown as to
give an idea of their position and size as compared with the drill or boring tool.
Cup leathers stuffing boxes and means for lubrication are provided where required
in the usual way though the parts generally will be sufficiently lubricated by the
water which finds its way between most of the surfaces moving in frictional
contact.
The grippers shown in the drawings are arranged to be secured by passing
through holes in the metal but grippers passing round or under lugs or projections
in the metal being drilled may also be used. Drills or boring tools for cutting out
annular rings of metal may be used instead of the ordinary bits or drills.
The great advantages of drilling or boring machinery or apparatus constructed
under my invention is that they are light and portable and may be moved from
place to place to drill or bore holes in structures or pieces when in position
thereby ensuring great regularity of work where holes are required through several
thicknesses of metal thereby reducing the cost of handling or moving large masses
to and from drilling or boring machines.
Having now described and illustrated the said invention in such manner that
others will be enabled to carry the said improvements into effect I would have it
understood that I do not contine my invention to the details of apparatus shown
What I claim is :-
Under the first part. (a) In drilling or boring machinery or apparatus imparting
to the drilling or boring spindle or bar both rotary and traversing motion by the
direct action of fluid pressure.
(b) The combination in drilling or boring apparatus of a spindle or bar with
direct acting hydraulic engines and fluid pressure appliances for giving the
required feed motion.
(c) In fig 1. The spindle or bar a, crank b, engines f, valve m, passage o
cylinder r, frame d, piston p and spring v combined and operating substantially in
the manner and for the purpose set forth.
(d) In fig 3 and 4 The Spindle or bar 1. engines 5, valve 10*, passage 17 and

page_text: plunger 22, combined and operating substantially in the manner and for the
purpose setforth.
(e) In fig 5 The Spindle or bar 2, engines 8, valve 20, passage 21, piston 25 and
cylinder 23, combined and operating substantially as setforth.
Under the second part (a) In Hydraulic drilling or boring machinery or
apparatus the combination of a valve, passage, piston and cylinder or the equivalent
of one or more of them all operating substantially, in the manner and for the
purposes setforth.
(b) The spindle or bar a, crank b, tappet valve passage h valve m, passages o
and u and piston or drill stock q combined and operating substantially in the
manner and for the purposes setforth-see Fig 1.
(c) The spindle or bar 1, crank 2 link 3, valve 4, passage 17 plunger 22
cylinder 19, lever 12, rod 13 sole plate 14, bolts and nuts 23 and springs 24
combined and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose setforth-
see Figs 3. and 4.
(d) The combination of the socket or stock 3, springs 7, frame 6, spindle or
bar 2 crank 1 tappet link 14, valve stem 13, valve 16 passages 17 and 21, piston
rod 24, piston 25 and cylinder 23 combined and operating substantially in the
manner and for the purposes setforth-see Fig. 5.
Under the third part. The combination of the drilling machinery or apparatus a,
frame b, and table e substantially in the manner herein setforth. see Fig 2.
Under the fourth part. The combination of drilling or boring machinery or
apparatus constructed substantially as setforth under the first and second parts
with hydraulic cylinder. and gripper for the purpose setforth.
Under the fifth part. The combination of drilling or boring machinery or
apparatus constructed substantially as setforth under the first and Second parts
with frames, tables, grippers or holders of convenient construction for carrying the
metal to be drilled or bored.
In Witness Whereof I the said Andrew Higginson have hereunto_set_my
hand and seal this twenty third day of November in the year of Our Lord
one thousand, eight hundred and eighty two.
J. JOHNSON
Patent Office
4 Clayton Sqr.
Lpool
Witness
ANDREW HIGGINSON (LS.)