An Improved Method of Obtaining Motive Power for Propelling Carriages or other Vehicles, likewise applicable for other purposes.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Jan., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 1st Apr., 1896-Accepted, 2nd Jan., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Method of Obtaining Motive Power for Propelling
Carriages or other Vehicles, likewise applicable for other
purposes.
I, HENRY COOMBS of Number 576 Woolwich Road Charlton in the County of
Kent, Sanitary Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to a new system or method for propelling carriages, tram
cars or other vehicles likewise applicable for other purposes where motive power
or pressure is required and is a further improvement upon a Patent applied for and
granted unto me, dated the 19th day of December 1893 and numbered 24427.
It consists in arranging suitable mechanism or devices so that the motive power
is produced by balancing or equiposing the weight or load about the axles, then
when necessary depressing or elevating same about its fulcrum, so that the weight
or load is applied toward the centre or driving axle or axles in such a manner as to
produce the required motive power.
Means may also be applied such as a screw and screw thread or nut actuated
and operated by a sprocket wheel or wheels and driving chain or chains or by a
lever or levers or other like or suitable mechanical means capable of imparting or
giving impetus or additional force or pressure to the propulsive action during the
driving or working of the vehicle or machine which I may effect in the following
or like suitable manner.
As applied to a tram car or other vehicle the underframe would be supported on
axles carrying wheels as may be required and above the said underframe links
would be fitted and connected to a further frame capable of being moved or worked
in a longitudinal direction towards either end of the underframe by means of a
screw and revolving nut suitably carried in bearings or by other suitable
mechanical means as before referred to. Or 1 may propose instead to use or
employ where suitable one or more tubes, barrels or cases having a plunger or
plungers working therein and acting upon a spiral or helical spring or springs
which when compressed would in like manner further act upon an outer plunger
connection directly and suitably toward the axle or axles or in other manner so as
to attain the particular object desired.
The said plunger or plungers would at one end or outer extremity be connected
to a rod or suitable bar connection, the other portion of each having respectively
a right and left handed screw thread formed thereon, each of which would work
into a nut having a corresponding right and left handed screw thread therein or
the like, which would be actuated in suitable manner and caused to rotate and give
action to the aforesaid screw or screws by means of a sprocket wheel or wheels or
the like worked as in manner to that of an ordinary ships steering wheel or in
other manner, or a lever or levers may be employed for the purpose.
When it is desired to work or act in an opposite direction the revolving or
actuated nut would be caused to work in the reverse direction and may be applied
as a brake and can with facility be easily controlled under all conditions, but under
certain circumstances I may propose to use or apply hydraulic or other power for
acting on a plunger connection or connections within the case, tube or tubes to be
acted upon or worked in suitable manner.

page_text: My system may be suitably adapted for driving machinery or other purpose or
purposes where motive power is required by the interposition of suitable cranks
and mechanical connections or like devices. The barrel, case, tube or tubes within
which the plunger would work as in manner proposed may have an internal or
external thread formed at end of same, so that a rod with a screw thread thereon
may be capable of working therein and be caused to actuate a plunger connection
or connections.
That the aforesaid motive power may be so applied and connected in any shape
or form as to be best suited for the particular purpose that may be required.
Dated this 3rd day of January 1896
HENRY COOMBS.
Frederic H. Roberts, C.E.,
Agent for the Patentee.
An Improved Method of Obtaining Motive Power for Propelling
Carriages or other Vehicles, likewise applicable for other
purposes.
I, HENRY COOMBS of 576 Woolwich Road, Charlton London, S.E. Sanitary
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention relates to a new system or method for propelling carriages,
tram-cars or other vehicles likewise applicable for other purposes where motive
power or pressure is required, and is a further improvement upon a Patent granted
unto me dated the 19th day of Decr. 1893 and numbered No. 24427.
It consists in arranging suitable mechanism or devices so that the motive power
is produced by balancing or equipoising the weight or load and displacing same
towards one or either end of the framing of the vehicle or machine which is then
necessarily depressed or elevated for the particular object and purposes required
in manner as arranged and provided for about its fulcrum or fulcra, so that the
weight or load thereon or about is applied towards the centre, and driving or
impelling media towards the axle or bar axles, in such a manner as to produce the
required motive power and by such mechanical means or power as a screw and
screw-threaded worm and nut giving or imparting impulse or impetus, operated or
actuated by means of a "sprocket wheel" or like wheels, driving chain or chains
or by means of a lever or levers, or other like suitable mechanical means may be
used or applied to give the required mechanical effort. As applied to a tramcar
or other vehicle, the under frame would be supported on axles carrying wheels as
may be required and above the said under frame, links would be fitted and connected
to a further frame capable of being moved or worked in a longitudinal direction
towards either end of the under frame by means of a screw and revolving nut
suitably carried in bearings, or by other suitable mechanical means as before
referred to.
I may propose instead to use or employ where suitable one or more tubes, barrels
or cases having a plunger or plungers working therein and acting upon a spiral or
helical spring or springs, which when compressed would in like manner further act
upon an outer plunger or connection or connections directly and suitably toward
the axle or axles or driving bar or bars in other manner, so as to attain the
particular object desired.
The said plunger or plungers would at one end or outer extremity be connected
to a rod or suitable bar connection, the other portion of each having respectively a

page_text: right and left-handed serew thread formed thereon, each of which would work into
anut having a corresponding right and left handed screw thread therein or the
like, which would be actuated in suitable manner and caused to rotate and give
action to the aforesaid screw or screws by means of a "sprocket wheel" or wheels
or the like worked as in manner to that of ordinary ships steering wheel or in
other manner, or a lever or levers may be employed for the purpose.
When it is desired to work or act in an opposite direction the revolving or
actuated nut would be caused to work in the reverse direction and may be applied
as a brake and can with facility be easily controlled under all condition, but I
may under certain circumstances propose to use or apply hydraulic or other power
for acting on a plunger connection or connections within the case, tube or tubes to
be acted upon or worked in suitable manner.
My system may be suitably adapted for driving machinery or other purpose or
purposes where motive power is required by the interposition of suitable cranks
and mechanical connections or like devices.
The barrel, case, tube or tubes within which the plunger would work, as in this
case and in manner proposed may have an internal or external thread formed at
end of same so that a rod with a thread thereon may be capable of working
therein or thereon acting upon a piston or internal disc so as to actuate and work
a plunger connection or connections.
The aforesaid motive power may be so applied and connected in any suitable
mechanical shape or form as to be best suited for the particular purpose that inay
be required.
In the accompanying drawing Figure 1, Sheet 1, exhibits a side view of a
vehicle of the cycle, or other like class. Figure 2, is an end view of same and
Figure 3 a top plan of same, wherein in this particular case I have shewu two
large or main wheels and two smaller fore and hind wheels but the form and
disposition of carriage likewise the number of wheels may be varied to suit
particular cases. In these several figures the letters of reference thereto refer to
like or corresponding parts wherein A is the main axle upon which are mounted
the two wheels B, B. C and C are the lower axles upon which the smaller fore
or guiding wheel D is mounted on the axle C, and the rear wheel D¹ upon the
axle C. The lower axles C and C', have connected to and coupled thereon on
each side of the boss of the respective wheels D and D', coupling, or supporting
bars or rods E and E', and at and to the outer ends of the said axles or bars are
connected upright or vertical rods or bars F and F¹ which are connected to the
upper cross bars G and G', forming a frame to carry or support the weight, where
levers may be applied direct on to the main axle or bar. Upon the said top or
upper horizontal cross bars and at or towards the central portions thereof the
screw or screws would actuate the plunger therefrom by means of the "sprocket
wheel" or wheels or like acting either direct or by means of links and exerting
required power on and toward the main axle A. With reference to the upright
bars F and F, connected with the supporting frame of the vehicle, provision is
made for its elevation or depression which may be obtained by inclining the weight
or weights by hand effort upon the upper or side lever portion of F and F', so that
when same is equipoised and a start or power is required, it is then caused to
become depressed and as long as wished to be kept in depression by links or chain
connections or the like, then the serew power is applied toward and onto the main
axle or driving bar or bars, the depression given in driving forward is at the rear
but vice-versa, so as to assist and give impulse and aid when screw power is exerted
to turn weight into a power so that the greater the weight and power of screw or
other mechanism is applied greater power is given and secured.
To stop or act as a brake would be to reverse the screw, and brake power is then
given.
In Sheet 2, Figure 4, exhibits a plan. Figure 5 a longitudinal section taken on
the line A, A; and Figure 6 a longitudinal section on the line B, B showing how
my invention may be applied to a tram car or other vehicle when two pairs of

page_text: wheels are employed. Figure 7 is a longitudinal section and Figure 8 a part end
view as may be used for my particular purpose as in connection with this my
present invention; wherein a, is the underframe supported on axles b, each
carrying a pair of wheels and 2. Above the underframe a, and connected
thereto by means of links c', is another frame c, which in this case is intended to
receive the weight or load and capable of being moved longitudinally towards
either end of the underframe, or actuated by means of a screw d working into a
threaded nut and actuated by means of a "sprocket wheel" or in other like or
suitable manner as hereafter described or referred to.
Each of the axles b, is provided with two or other suitable number of slotted
bars or slides e, whose inner ends are coupled together longitudinally in pairs by
connecting rods e and whose outer ends are connected by chains or cables, to
screw pins e, carried at the opposite ends of the movable frame e, said chains or
cables passing around pullies e, e located on the end rails of the underframe.
The screw pins e, enable the tension of these chains or cables to be regulated by
adjusting the nuts e, with which the said pins are provided. Those portions of
the axles which pass through the slotted bars or slides e, are furnished with bosses
or bushes, and bearing against each side thereof and at the opposite ends of the
slots in the bars or slides are spiral springs f, whose purpose will be further
referred to.
The before mentioned links c' are, say six in number (but any other number may
be employed) connected transversely by the upper and lower tie-rods c³, c. These
rods serve the purpose of firmly bracing together the opposite sides of the
underframe a, and the muvable frame e, thus giving rigidity to the frames; the
lower rods, also serving as fulera, about which the links c', rock or pivot when
the movable frame is shifted from left to right or vice-versa during its longitudinal
movement and depression or elevation.
When the links c', are in the vertical position as shewn at Figure 5, Sheet 2,
the weight or load carried by the movable frame will be what I may term equipoised;
that is to say acting neither to the right or to the lett of the fulera c, and therefore
incapable of exerting any longitudinal strain upon the chains or cables e. But by
shifting the movable frame say to the right the links e, will be rocked towards the
right, the movable frame becoming at the same time slightly depressed thereby
allowing the weight of or the load carried by the movable frame to shift the
slotted bars or slides e towards the left through the intervention of the chains or
cables e, and connecting rods e', and in this way exerting a force or pressure upon
the axles towards the left through either the spiral springs f,f, or the like and
thereby tending to drive the vehicle as a whole.
The method or means shewn for effecting this longitudinal shifting and depression
of the moveable frame consist of the previously referred to screw d and revolving
nut d', which are carried in bearings formed in the transverse plates g, g, extending
across the underframe. The revolving nut d, is furnished with a "sprocket
wheel" d', operated by a driving chain that passes around a second sprocket wheel,
having handles on its periphery so as to be worked like a ship's steering wheel at
any convenient part of the vehicle. Instead of using sprocket wheels and a chain
for actuating this screw, I may prefer in some cases to employ a lever and then the
screw d, would be forked as at d³, and connected to a cross rod or spindle d*,
carried by the lower slotted extremities of the levers ds, which are pivotted on a
transverse rod do. The upper portions of these levers are formed as cams d', and
the under part of the transverse end rail of the moveable frame is furnished with
stops or projections e, against one or other of which the upper parts ur points of
the cams d' strike when the nut d' is revolved in either direction to actuate the
screw d. The striking of the points of these cams against the said stops or
projections suffices to shift the movable frame as to cause the links c', to be deflected
slightly out of the vertical and so allow the weight or load on the movable frame
to itself act and complete the longitudinal movement and depression of the said
frame, the curved portion of the cams, as the screw d, continues to advance regulates

page_text: the gradual descent of the frame until the said frame takes it lowermost position,-
when it becomes disengaged from contact with the cams and acts entirely upon the
chains or cables e, thereby compressing the spiral springs, on the right of the
axles and exerting a resilient longitudinal force or pressure thereon as before
described.
When it is desired to cause the vehicle to travel in the opposite direction the
revolving nut d, operated by the "sprocket wheel" in the reverse direction,
causing the cams d to elevate the movable frame with its load and displace it
longitudinally in the other direction, where it will be again depressed and act upon
the axles in the contrary direction in manner just described.
In order to still further augment the propulsive force generated by the shifting
of the equipoised load, before referred to,-i may provide a second h, and revolving
nut which would be operated upon by means of a "sprocket wheel ³, or wheels
and driving chain or chains in a similar manner to that before described with the
screw d and threaded nut d', permitting the former to take and work therein or by
any other suitable means. The front or inner end of the screw h, bears upon one
end of a frame i, suitably bushed for the reception of the axles b, so that by
tightening upon the said serew (or screws) a longitudinal force would be exerted
upon the axles.
I have also illustrated at Figure 6,-Sheet 2.-a form of brake which may be likewise
used in connection with my present invention consisting of an ordinary brake block
coupled to the lower end of the lever j', by the rod, the upper end of said lever
being connected by a chain or cord 3, to the sheavej, carried by the spindle,
which latter can be revolved by a crank handle under suitable control. The brakes
are normally held "off" by the spiral springs. The said brakes are kept "on"
when the vehicle is at rest, and "off" when about to start aud during running.
They would of course be readily applied when needful.
Screws and brakes may if desired be duplicated and at both ends and thus admit
of the vehicle being driven from either end.
With reference to Figures 7 and 8. Sheet 2. illustrates a further modified form
which may be used in connection with my present invention wherein one axle only
is used, arranged centrally and carrying a main or central pair of wheels, the ends
of the frame being supported in brackets i*, ix, and the smaller fore and aft
wheels or rollers k, k, are provided,-supported or carried by arms &, which are
capable of sliding vertically in slots formed in brackets, and controlled by
springs 3.
Instead of mounting the slotted bars or slides e, and frame i, upon the axle or
axles as shewn in the drawings, an independent bar or bars may be employed for
carrying them without in any wise departing from the nature of my invention.
Vehicles constructed according to my invention can by slight and obvious
modifications be very conveniently adapted for military or police use as a conveyance,
where it is desired to convey a body of men from place to place. And in such
cases by providing crank shafts geared up and connected with the axles, the men
themselves could by operating pedals, levers or the like, materially assist in
increasing the speed of the vehicles with but comparatively small exertion on
their part.
Figures 9 and 10, (Sheet 3) illustrates a method of applying my invention as may
be applied for driving machinery as may be used in connection with my present
invention, wherein I would propose to employ a carriage somewhat similar in
construction to that shewn by Figures 4. 5 and 6 (Sheet 2), save that I would use
a central axle having only one wheel 1, which would be flanged so as to run in a
circular track or guideway m. This carriage would be connected by a strong
framing n to a central vertical shaft o, so that as the carriage runs around the
circular track it transmits rotary motion to the shaft o. By suitable gearing the
rotary motion of this shaft can be transmitted to any desired place for use in driving
other shafting or machinery. In this case the spiral springs f, f, may be omitted
and in order to increase the active weight of the load on the moveable frame c,

page_text: I may use any suitable device such as a screw and nut for forcing down said
moveable frame towards the underframe and in this way add considerably to the
longitudinal propulsive force or pressure exerted by the load and directed upon the
axle through the chaius or cables e, and the slotted bars or slides e.
If desired the wheel 7, instead of being arranged centrally in the carriage may
be situated near one end thereof while the framing of said carriage to the central
shaft may be bolted to the opposite end of the carriage. I may also employ two
or other desired number of carriages all connected to the central shaft and adapted
to run in the circular track or guideway m.
Figure 11 Sheet 4 exbibits an alternative method whereby a tube a, would be
suitably supported and connected in any required position and within said tube a
spiral or helical spring or springs b, would be contained therein having a rod or
bar c, with a screw thread formed thereon and having a pistou or plunger disc and
connection d', free to work within the tube, sleeve or barrel a ;-the said rod or
bar c, having keyed on to its outer end a "sprocket-wheel" e. The screwed portion
of the rod or bar support worked by the sprocket wheel e, when actuated takes into
an internal thread or female screw formed within the tube, sleeve or barrel a, and
wheu propelled forward or motion given thereto it impels an inner disc g, which
causes the screw to become compressed within the tube a, and direct pressure
is given therefrom onto the plunger d and hub d', to either the main axle or through
knuckle joints or lever connections toward same.
Figure 12 (Sheet 4) exhibits a metal sleeve or tube a', having a spring or springs
placed therein cempressed or worked by means of a disc plunger or plungers b', 6',
the said plunger or plungers being actuated in first instance by means of a
"sprocket wheel," e', or wheels or the like, having a hub or boss formed on the
centre thereof and having a right and left handed screw formed on equal portions
therein, and working within same a rod or bar c', having a corresponding left and
right handed screw formed thereon takes and works, the outer or extended portions
of the said bar or rod form a yoke bar, which when actuated by either the afore-
said right and left handed screw or screws work directly on or toward the centre of
the tube or tubes and connections therein, as the power is applied or required
either in advance or vice-versa, by means of the "sprocket-wheel" e', as in this case
actuating directly and giving impulse by means of the discs bearing upon the
springs within the said tube or tubes. One or more cylinders or tubes with like
plungers discs and connections may be used and applied for like purposes as just
before referred to where additional power or effort may be required.
Figure 13 (Sheet 4) is a further method of giving impulse or power by means of
a "sprocket wheel" a', with a threaded screw rod or bar 2, fixed to sprocket
wheel a², said screwed rod working into a swinging or moveable plate e, supported
or carried on trunnions, having a boss d, thereon with a screw thread formed
therein slightly out of the centre of same so that the top or upper portion may be
inclined forward or vice-versa, by the action of the screw either to the right or left
and the said screwed rod 3, operates and works upon a disc e, suitably connected
for the purpose. The said arrangement may work direct from an upper bar
through the intervention of either knuckle joints or lever connections and so
arranged as to be capable of acting direct on to the main driving axle or axles.
Figure 14, Sheet 4, shews a disposition of cranks capable of being connected to
a main driving or other shaft, from which motion may be given through coupling
or connecting rods and power applied direct therefrom as indicated by arrows as
shewn. The said crank connections as may be adapted for my particular purpose
may be duplicated as required for use as may be desired in connection with this
my present invention only.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The particular method or system of obtaining motive power for propelling

page_text: carriages, tram-cars or other vehicles as a motor in manner herein referred to and
described:-and may be suitably adapted arranged and disposed for driving
machinery or giving propulsion by equipoising or causing the carriage frame
together with the frame or load to be elevated or depressed as in combination with
a threaded nut and screw working therein and capable of actuating lever or lever
connections or the like as to give impulse or power toward and onto the main
axle or axles or driving bar.
2. Creating and giving impulse through a right or left handed threaded screw.
or screws working into a threaded nut or nuts actuated by a "sprocket wheel,"
lever or levers through a tube, barrel or case wherein a spring or springs would be
suitably disposed and permitted to freely work therein or thereon so as to drive
or exert power upon the main axle or working bar as in manner herein described.
3. In other cases for producing motive power I may arrange in like or similar
manner as referred to and illustrated by Figures 9 and 10 Sheet 3 as to give and
produce impetus and power direct upon the axle as in manner herein described.
Dated this day the 1st of April 1896.
HENRY COOMBS.