Improvements in Capstans or Winding Engines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 24th Aug., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Capstans or Winding Engines.
I, JAMES BEARD SAMPLE, of Columbus, County of Muscogee, and State of
Georgia, United States of America, Inventor, do hereby declare the nature of
my invention for improvements in capstans, 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 an improvement in capstans; and it is embodied in
the construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter described, and defined in
the claims.
The aim and purpose of the invention is the provision of an improved machine
designed for moving heavy bodies and machinery and for lifting and elevating
purposes.
While I have shown in the accompanying drawings and embodiment of the
invention, desire it understood that the same is shown for the purpose of
explanation and not for limitation, as many changes can be made without depart-
ing from the nature and principle of the invention.
In the drawings like letters of reference designate corresponding parts in both
views.
Figure 1 is a top plan view of the machine.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation showing parts in section.
In the drawings, A represents the base of the frame, on which is supported
a step-box B.
C designates the side bars of the frame, which are conveniently placed, and D
designates the top bar.
Loosely journaled in the step-box B, is a vertical shaft E, extending up and
having its upper end journaled in the bearing in the bar D. This shaft is
provided on its lower end with a drum or pulley F of any convenient size or
form. Fixedly secured to the vertical shaft and extending out therefrom in
opposite directions, are the sweeps or levers G, conveniently in pairs, diverging
from the shaft. The outer ends of each pair of these levers are united by a
platform a, on which is mounted a motor K. These motors I have shown to be
of the electric type; but I desire it understood that any convenient form of
motor can be employed.
Dependent from the platforms a are the supporting-standards k, which are
preferably constructed to serve as additional braces for the two members of the

page_text: sweeps.
In the lower ends of the standards are journaled the axles of the driv-
ing wheels L, on the shafts of each of which are secured the sprocket-wheels 7.
M is a driving-belt, conveniently of the link type, which connects the sprocket-
wheel with the sprocket-wheel on the motor shaft.
N designates a circular track or way supported on posts n, and located below
the wheel L, and on which the latter travels. I have shown in the drawings
this track as having a smooth surface; but I desire it understood that the surface
of the track may have projections thereon or be of the "rack" type and that the
wheel may be made with its periphery to correspond.
0 0¹ designate the feed-wires, the same terminated in suitable brushes o,
located at the centre of the machine and conveniently below the upper bar. On
the vertical shaft are secured the collector-rings o¹, with which the brushes
engage, and from these rings the wires are carried outward along the sweeps
to the respective motors.
The gearing for the respective motors and driving-wheels is so fashioned and
adjusted that a powerful leverage can be had and the driving-wheels made to
travel at a very rapid rate of speed.
In operation, a current of electricity being supplied to the motors, the driving-
wheels are driven by the latter and rapidly travel around the track. The
power being applied to the outer ends of the sweeps will give an extended and
very powerful leverage, and the rapidity with which the motors will drive the
sweeps will be such that when a cable, belt or cord is attached to the pulley
or drum it will be rapidly wound thereon, and owing to the long leverage very
heavy bodies can be moved with but little trouble.
As above stated, I have shown my invention in what may be considered its
simplest form; but I desire it understood that the invention is not limited to
the construction shown and described, as it is apparent that many minor changes
can be made and other types of motors used while still retaining the nature and
principle of the invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is;
-
1. In a capstan, the combination with the supporting-frame, of an upright
shaft, sweeps connected to the shaft, a motor carried by the outer end of each
of the sweeps, means for supplying the motors with motive power, drive-wheels
driven by the motors and a track on which the wheels move, substantially as
described.
2. In a capstan, the combination with a frame, of a vertical shaft loosely
mounted therein, sweeps connected to the shaft and extending in opposite direc
tions therefrom, platforms on the outer ends of the sweeps, a motor mounted on
each of the platforms, a drive-wheel secured below each platform and having
driving connections with the motor thereon and a circular track on which the
drive-wheels move, substantially as described.
3. The combination with a frame, of a vertical shaft mounted therein, a sweep
fixedly secured to the shaft and extending outwardly therefrom, a motor on
the outer end of the sweep, means for supplying the motor with motive power,
a drive-wheel carried by the outer end of the sweep and having a gear connection
with the motor, a circular track on which the wheel moves and a drum on the
shaft.