IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPRESSED AIR-MOTORS FOR DRIVING VELOCIPEDES, TRICYCLES AND OTHER LIKE MACHINES
Year: 1884

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
I ARTHUR HENRY ALLDRIDGE of King Edwards Works 54 Edward Street Parade
Birmingham in the County of Warwick Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature
of my Invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPRESSED AIR-MOTORS FOR DRIVING
VELOCIPEDES, TRICYCLES AND OTHER LIKE MACHINES, to be as follows:―
The object of my invention is to provide a simple form of motor for driving
velocipedes, tricycles, and other like machines by means of compressed air.
In carrying out my invention I provide a suitable chamber or reservoir of
sufficient strength to sustain a high pressure, and provided with an adjustable
safety-valve to prevent explosion or rupture.
One or more air pump or pumps is or are fitted, having suitable inlet valves;
whereby air is forced into the reservoir until the required pressure is obtained.
One or more cylinder or cylinders is or are fitted to cranks or other driving
gear, having pistons valves and connecting rods for utilising the compressed niř
and thereby driving the wheel or wheels of the vehicle or other object to be driven,
with reversing gear to drive in either direction; chains or toothed wheels being
sometimes used in order to adapt such motors to the work.
I also prefer to fit suitable reducing valves in order to equalise the pressure of
the air on the pistons and render the speed uniform as the compressed air expands
while working.

page_text: I ARTHUR HENRY ALLDRIDGE of King Edward's Works, Parado, Birmingham in
the County of Warwick do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN COMPRESSED AIR MOTORS, FOR DRIVING VELOCIPEDES, TRICYCLES,
AND OTHER LIKE MACHINES" and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The object of my invention is to provide a simple form of motor for driving
velocipedes, tricycles, and other like machines, by means of compressed air.
When a velocipede is proceeding down a hill, there is a considerable amount of
propelling power consumed in the shape of friction on the brake, which, in ordinary
circumstances, is entirely wasted; and which surplus power would be of great
service, if it could be stored up, so as to be utilised, either as an independent means
of driving, or as an auxiliary power, when travelling up hill or on a level road.
Now my invention consists of a suitable means of utilising such surplus power,
or any other surplus power which may be found available for storing air and
retaining the same so stored until it is required to drive, or assist in driving, the
vehicle.
I provide a suitable reservoir or receiver, of sufficient strength to sustain the
necessary internal pressure. This receiver is preferably made of steel, in order to
insure lightness with strength, and is fitted with a suitable safety valve, adapted
to its strength. I do not confine myself to any precise position for this receiver,
as such position depends upon the particular construction of the vehicle to which it
is applied.
;
To the ordinary pedal axle I fit two or more extra cranks. One or more of such
cranks is or are fitted so that it or they may work or drive one or more air pump
or pumps.
Suitable induction and eduction valves are fitted to the pumps, the
induction valves admitting air from the external atmosphere into the pumps, and
the eduction valves allowing the air to be pumped or forced into the reservoir, and
prevent its return. A junction tube with a cock is also fitted to allow the air to
pass freely in and out of the pump when it is inconvenient to force air into the
reservoir, or relief taps of any convenient form may be fitted for the same purpose;
or disconnecting apparatus inay be fitted, whereby the pumps may be put into or
out of gear.
The most convenient and advantageous time for using the pump and storing air
in the reservoir, is when descending a steep hill; at which time the application
thereof not only utilises the propelling force acquired from the inclination of the
road, but also acts effectually as a brake to prevent the speed of the vehiclo
becoming too great.
When the vehicle has arrived at the end of the incline the pumps may be
immediately disconnected, or the air admitted freely thereto, as no useful work can
then be obtained from them, and the reservoir retains the compressed air, already
stored until it is required for use to produce motive power.
The remaining crank or cranks hereinbefore mentioned as fitted to the pedal axle,
is or are in connection with a driving cylinder or driving cylinders constructed and
arranged in a similar manner to steam engine cylinders having pistons, piston aud
connecting rods, valves, eccentrics and reversing gear, for working the slide valves,
and distributing the compressed air to the cylinders. Or instead of ordinary
cylinders, I adapt the "Tower" spherical engine as a means of driving the pedal
axle. I connect such engine or cylinder or cylinders, by means of a pipe, having a
regulating valve or stop cock, with the air reservoir, providing a suitable reducing
valve, in order to equalize the pressure of the air, and the power of the engine.

page_text: The means of applying the power stored in the reservoir, being always at the
command of the rider, such power may be applied whenever required, but it is
intended, more especially, to be used in ascending hills, in which case it is used
either as an auxiliary power to that of the rider, through the pedal axle, or it may
be used alone, according to the inclination and state of the road.
And in order that my said invention may be more clearly understood, reference
is hereby made to the accompanying drawing, which is merely shewn to illustrate
the general principle of the invention. Detail drawings are unnecessary, as such
details are well known, and will be understood from the foregoing description."
In the accompanying drawing, which represents a perspective view of a tricycle,
fitted with one form of my improvements, a is the reservoir for containing the
compressed air, b is the air pump, which is worked by the crank c, d is the driving
cylinder, e is the crank driven thereby, and which actuates the pedal axle, f is the
eccentric which works the slide valve, g is the air pipe leading from the reservoir
to the driving cylinder, and h is the cock or regulator for admitting the compressed
air to the cylinder d.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
"
The application of compressed air motors to the propulsion of velocipedes,
tricycles, and other like machines, substantially as and in manner herein before
described, and illustrated in the drawing:
Dated this 24th day of Decembe 100%
GEO. DOWNING,
Agent for Applicant.