AN IMPROVED METHOD OR SYSTEM OF USING INDIA-Rubber BufFERS AS SPRINGS FOR VEHICLES OF ANY KIND AND OTHER SIMILAR CONVEYANCES
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Conradi, Engineer and Patent Agent, of 8, Lower
James Street, Golden Square, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention
of "AN IMPROVED METHOD OR SYSTEM OF USING INDIA-Rubber BufFERS AS
SPRINGS FOR VEHICLES OF ANY KIND AND OTHER SIMILAR CONVEYANCES."
A communication from abroad by Alexander Engelhardt, of St. Petersburg,
Russia Colonal of the Imperial Russian Army.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Conradi at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th June 1878.
"
HENRY CONRADI, Engineer and Patent Agent, of 8, Lower James Street, Golden
Square, in the County of Middlesex. AN IMPROVED METHOD OR SYSTEM OF
USING INDIA-RUBBER BUFFERS AS SPRINGS FOR VEHICLES OF ANY KIND AND
OTHER SIMILAR CONVEYANCES." [A communication from abroad by Alexander
Engelhardt, of St. Petersburg, Russia, Colonel of the Imperial Russian Army.]
.
The object of this system is to replace the springs at present commonly used on
vehicles, to improve their effects by maintaining at the same time as second main
principle, the greater cheapness and greater durability. The india-rubber buffer
springs are designed in such a manner that they nove either automatically, or that
the parts connected with it are moved, but in such a way and manner that the
direction of the pressure exercised upon the india-rubber body is always perpen-
dicular to its end faces. The india-rubber buffer spring is composed of the following
parts: A, the bolt; B, the hinge or joint disc; C, the washer: D, one or several
intermediate layers; E, one or several india-rubber bodies; F, the nut; and G, the
support or bearing.
The following will more fully explain the design and the object of the different
parts:-The bolt A, Fig. 1, 2, & 3, is of hard metal, and is composed of its head,

page_text: its rod, and its thread. The latter is of a ordinary srew cut, like that of any other
screw bolt, and is marked with a in Fig. 1, 2, & 3. The rod is either round or
square, or of prismatic shape, of the required length, and is marked b in Fig. 1,
2, & 3.
The head c is according to requirements, either formed spherical, as represented
in Fig. 1, or like a tube, as shown in Fig. 2, or in the form of a crutch, as shown in
Fig. 3.
The hinge or joint disc B is made of metal best qualified to resist friction (like
phosphore bronze for example), and has to follow the motion of the axle, which it
transmits to the india-rubber body. It is composed of two parts, the disc, as
represented in Fig. 5, 6, 7, & 8 and 9, and marked d, and its sliding piece e.
According to requirements, disposition, and special effect to be obtained, the india-
rubber buffer spring is made of different shapo.
1. The sliding piece can be made in form of a sphere, as represented in Fig. 7,
which allows the disc, and with it the india-rubber buffer, to turn in all
directions.
2. The sliding piece can further have the form of a half cylinder, as shown in
Fig. 6, whereby the disc and the buffer can only move in one direction, namely, fore
and backward.
3. Another shape of sliding pieces is the cylindrical form, like a roller, as repre-
sented in Fig. 5; in this case the direction of the motion is exactly like that of
Fig, 2, but the motion is greater; the sliding piece, possessing a greater cylindrical
surface, has to travel through a greater space.
4. The form of the sliding piece being like the bottom part of a bearing, as
represented in Fig. 8, is the reversed disposition of those shown in Fig. 2 & 3, tho
direction of the motion being the same as in Fig. 2 & 3.
5. The spherical countersunk hinge or joint disc, represented in Fig. 9, corresponds
in its motion entirely to that shown in Fig. 1.
6. The disc represented in Fig. 4 is merely the bottom part of the slide pieces,
represented in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5; it is applied to immovable india-rubber springs;
that is to say, to such springs which move in their longitudinal direction only, and
not sideways, or in any other direction.
The washer C can be manufactured of iron or any other metal, not being exposed
to friction, and serving only as a counter bearing or support for the motions exer-
cised upon the india-rubber body; it is shaped like the bottom part of the hinge
or joint disc, without slide, and is kept in its position by the nut F and the india-
rubber body.
The intermediate layers D can also be made of iron or other metal. Their object
is to join, or to keep better together, the single india-rubber rings, if such are
applied, as represented in Fig. 10, 11, & 12, instead of a single body E, shown in
Fig. 13. The construction of such a layer D is shown in Fig. 14 & 15. Its
number depends from the number of india-rubber rings used. There is always one
layer less than india-rubber rings used.
The india-rubber body E has the shape, as represented in Fig. 10, 11, 12,
& 13.
The nut F, as shown in Fig. 18, is either like an ordinary screw nut, square or
hexagonal, and its object is, as already mentioned before, to keep the washer in its
position.
The support or bearing G is composed of a projecting piece or shoulder f of the
vehicle, arranged appropriately to receive the head of the bolt, whereby the axle of
the vehicle is connected with the hinge or joint disc. In the other case the shoulder f
is appropriately arranged to receive the hinge or joint disc, whereby the axle of the
vehicle is connected with the bolt head.
Fig. 18 & 19 represent the above-described arrangement of the shoulder ƒ
According to the shape of the bolt head, the shoulder is on one side provided with
à groove of semi-spherical shape, or formed like a channel, going to the half of its

page_text: depth, while, according to the motion of the bolt, which as aforesaid differs, another
groove is worked into the other side of the shoulder, which is either of the shape of
a funnel, or oblong, or conical, or cylindrical.
Fig. 18 & 19 represent exactly the connection of the india-rubber buffer spring,
with the vehicle. Both Figures represent the shoulder as firmly connected with
the vehicle; g represents the axle; d, the hinge or joint disc, respectively the washer ;
c, the bolt head; b, the bolt.
It is obvious that both parts of the vehicle, namely, the body or chest and the
axle, are connected in a springing, tightning manner, with both main parts of the
india-rubber buffer spring, namely, the bolt head and hinge, or joint disc. Both
chest and axle move to and fro against each other, thereforo varying in their
respective distances, the former indirectly, by means of the shoulder, which forms
a fixed part to it. If the vehicle is at rest, the bolt head on one part, and the
hinged or joint disc on the other part, press, with the assistance of the india-rubber
body, the axle g and the shoulder f against each other. During the motion of
these parts of the vehicle, varying in their respective distances, the corresponding
parts of the india-rubber buffer spring follow those motions, whereby the blows are
transmitted upon the india-rubber body, which takes them up by absorbing them,
either partly or totally.
Instead of receiving hard blows upon the shoulder or boaring box, the 'axle 'and
the body of the vehicle or chest are only moved to and fro by soft vibrations by
means of the india-rubber buffer spring. The effect of the latter, to prevent the
blows of the axle acting upon the cliest is therefore completely obtained.
One of the parts of the india-rubber buffer spring, which has not been mentionned
yet, by describing the separate parts, is the wrought-iron ring h, shown in Fig. 18
and 19. This ring is exactly 6 millimeter thick; it is applied, when only one india-
rubber body is used, and in cases of great working strains coming upon it, whero
this ring is then laid around the india-rubber body by being placed in the middle.
In cases where the india-rubber buffer spring is strained by heavy loads and the
india-rubber body is not strong, this ring adds considerably to its strength, and
gives a greater elasticity to the whole system.
Besides the direct connection of the body of the vehicle with the axle by means
of the india-rubber buffer spring, there is another kind applied, that is, the indirect
connection. The medium is in both cases a lever system, which is in an appropriate
manner connected with both parts of the vehicle, that is, with the body or chest of
the vehicle and the axle, so that it transmits the motions of these parts to the
india-rubber buffer spring, and reciprocally the motions of the latter by means of
the lever system, to both parts of the vehicle.
Having thus described the object and the general arrangement of the india-rubber
buffer springs, I will now describe their principal working effects.
In regard to these arrangements the direct connections are represented in Fig.
18 & 19 (Sheet I.); the indirect connections are represented in Fig. 20, 21, 22, 23,
& 24 (Sheet II.).
The arrangement for direct connection, as represented in Fig. 18 & 19, has fo
the most part been already explained by describing the arrangement and disposition
of the shoulder f. There is only to be mentionned that the axle g, as represented in
Fig. 18, is provided with an opening, as shown in the vertical longitudinal section,
and in the plan of Fig. 16 and 17.
"
In the arrangement as represented in Fig. 19, the axle is also provided with such
an opening, which shape depends as already stated either upon that of the bolt head
or upon that of the slide piece of the hinge or joint disc. If the bolt head be of a
cylindrical shape like rollers, it is not required to provide the axle with such an
opening, and a cramp, hold fast, or similar fastening provided with eyes, is instead fixed
around it. The cylindrical bolt head, as represented in Fig. 2, in this case provided
with an opening, is placed between and fixed by a nut in the manner represented
in Fig. 25, Sheet II.; the same parts are also marked here with the same letters.
By the indirect connection, as represented in Fig. 20 to 24, Sheet II., there are also

page_text: two different kind of arrangements; 1, the arrangement with immovable or fixed
bolt; 2, the arrangement with movable bolt.
1. Arrangement with immovable or fixed bolt, as shown in Fig. 20 & 21.) O, P,
⚫ represents one part of the vehicle to which the lever H is fixed by means of the
hinge m, having the axle g fixed to its ends in an appropriate manner. The -bolt
is fixed to the vehicle by means of its head. so that it rests firm. The lever is
provided with an opening as it is represented in Fig. 16 & 17 of Sheet I.
In the arrangement as shown in Fig. 20 the lever is provided with a half cylindrical
boss or projection against which a hinge or joint disc is rubbing, as represented in
Fig. 6, Sheet I. In the arrangement as represented in Fig. 21, the hinge or joint
disc applied there is of the same shape as represented in Fig. 4, Sheet I., as in this
case scarcely any friction takes place."
"
II. Arrangement with movable bolts, represented in Fig. 22 to 24. The part of
vehicle marked with O, P, in Fig. 22, represents that part of the body or chest of
the vehicle to which the iron cramp, holdfast, or fastening q, q¹, 2, 1¹, is fixed, as
represented in section in Fig. 28. The bottom part 9, 1, of this cramp is provided
with an opening similar to the arrangement of the shoulder f in Fig. 18. The
lever H passing through the cramp is fixed by m, and is at the corresponding place
provided with a similar opening.
According to the above-described arrangements the shape of these openings have
to correspond to the shape of a rake or cross, or crutch-shaped bolt, as in this caso
only a bolt of such a form can be used, the motion taking place in one direction
only. The buffer bolt is pushed through this opening as well as that of the cramp,
so that its head passes into the top part of the lever opening. The hinge or joint
disc, the india-rubber body, and the washer, are then placed on the bolt and fixed
to it by the nut. If now the axle g be submitted to any motion the india-rubber
buffer spring begins to act and produces the working effect as described before.
The advantage of this arrangement is easily to be understood. While the axle is
traversing a great space, by its fore and backward motion, from the body or chest
of the vehicle, or respectively from the shoulder, the india-rubber buffer spring is
equal to the space described by the axle, while it moves to and fro against the
slioulder.
Instead of providing the lever with an opening as above described, the arrange-
ment, as shown in Fig. 25, can be applied, in which case the rake, cross, or crutch
shaped part of the bolt-head has to be provided with an opening.
Another arrangement is represented in Fig. 23, which could probably be under.
stood without a more detailed description. O, P, represents one part of the body
or chest of the vehicle; II, the lever; g, the axle; and k, the india-rubber buffer
spring of which the head of the bolt passes through both openings & and s'.
Another arrangement of the same principle, but with another shaped lever,
.turning round the axis m, is represented in Fig. 24. H is the lover; O, P, part of
.the body or chest of the vehicle; g, the axle.
In cases where a cheap india-rubber buffer spring arrangement may be required
for vehicles, waggons, &c., which are not much used, the arrangement as represented
in Fig. 29 & 30 is to be recommended. The lever system is the same as in the
arrangements above described, but the india-rubber buffer spring is replaced by an
india-rubber body disposed as represented in Fig. 29 and 30. It is fixed to the
lever or body of the vehicle by ordinary screws. The two iron bend straps n
between which the lever moves as represented in Fig. 29 and 30, are connected
together at appropriate places by bolts, thus limiting the motion of the lever in each
direction.
The system of india-rubber buffer spring to be used for ammunition boxes of
guns, and for gun carriages, is represented in Fig. 31-32, and is easily to be
understood without a more minute description.
As shown by the description the india-rubber buffer spring does not only replace
the springs on the vehicles, but offers advantages as to effect and durability.
As the described arrangements allow the application of the lever systems, they are

page_text: therefore very much appropriate to reduce at midway, that is to say, as soon as it
reaches the india-rubber buffer spring the effect of the shock transmitted from the
axle to the body or chest of the vehicle. The india-rubber buffer spring has
therefore still farther to reduce the rest of the effect by the already shortened space,
its work is therefore much simplified and facilitated.
-
The improvements upon which the claims are principally based, consist,—
1. In the combination of the parts as above described in detail to a complete and
effective system of spring arrangement for vehicles and similar conveyances,
absorbing the vibrations produced by the shocks and transforming the same in
limited prescribed motions of the body or chest of the vehicle or other similar
conveyance.
2. In the arrangement of using india-rubber buffers as springs upon which the
load acts by means of levers, reducing therefore these motions in the proportion of
the length of the lever.
3. In the application of metallic rings with the india-rubber bodies to render
them more resistible.
4. In the arrangements of all the details of the different parts as above
described.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Henry Conradi in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 20th December
1878.
HENRY CONRADI, Engineer and Patent Agent, of 8, Lower James Street, Golden
Square, in the County of Middlesex. "AN IMPROVED METHOD OR SYSTEM OF
USING INDIA-RUBBER BUFFERS AS SPRINGS FOR VEHICLES OF ANY KIND AND
OTHER SIMILAR CONVEYANCES." A communication from abroad by Alexander
Engelhardt, of St. Petersburg, Russia, Colonel of the Imperial Russian Army.
The object of this system is to replace the springs at present commonly used on
vehicles, to improve their effects, by maintaining at the same time as second main
principle the greater cheapness and greater durability. The india-rubber buffer
springs are designed in such a manner that they move either automatically, or that
the parts connected with it are moved, but in such a way and manner that the
direction of the pressure exercised upon the india-rubber body is always perpen-
dicular to its end faces. The india-rubber buffer spring is composed of the following
parts: A, the bolt; B, the hinge or joint disc; C, the washer; D, one or several
interinediate layers; E, one or several india-rubber bodies; F, the nut; and G, the
support or bearing.
--
The following will more fully explain the design and the objects of the different
parts The bolt A, Fig. 1, 2, & 3, is of hard metal, and is composed of its head, its
rod, and its thread. The latter is of an ordinary screw, cut like that of any other
screw bolt, and is marked with a in Fig. 1, 2,.& 3. The rod is cither round or

page_text: square, or of prismatic shape, of the required length, and is marked C in Fig. 1,
2, & 3.
The head c is, according to requirements, either formed spherical, as represented
in Fig. 1, or like a tube, as shown in Fig. 2, or in the form of a crutch, as shown in
Fig. 3.
The hinge or joint disc B is made of metal best qualified to resist friction (like
phosphore bronze, for example), and has to follow the motion of the axle, which it
transmits to the india-rubber body. It is composed of two parts, the disc, as
represented in Fig. 5, 6, 7, & 8, and 9, and marked d, and its sliding piece e.
According to requirements, disposition, and special effect to bo obtained, the
india-rubber buffer spring is made of different shape.
1. The sliding piece can be made in form of a sphere, as represented in Fig. 7,
which allows the disc and with it the india-rubber buffer to turn in all directions.
2. The sliding piece can further have the form of a half cylinder, as shown in
Fig. 6, whereby the disc and the buffer can only move in one direction, namely
forward and backward.
3. Another shape of the slideing piece is the cylindrical form, like a roller, as
represented in Fig. 5; in this case the direction of the motion is exactly like that
of Fig. 2, but the motion is greater; the sliding piece possessing a greater cylindrical
surface has to travel through a greater space.
4. The form of the sliding piece being like the bottom part of a bearing, as repre-
sented in Fig. 8, is the reversed disposition of those shown in Fig. 2 & 3, the direction
of the motion being the saine as in Fig. 2 & 3.
5. The spherical countersunk hinge or joint disc, represented in Fig. 9, corre-
sponds in its motion entirely to that shown in Fig. 1.
6. The disc represented in Fig. 4 is merely the bottom part of the slide pieces
represented in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. It is applied to immovable india-rubber springs,
that is to say, to such springs which move in their longitudinal direction only, and
not sideways, or in any other direction.
The washer C can be manufactured of iron, or of any other metal, not being
exposed to friction, and serving only as a counterbearing or support for the
motions exercised upon the india-rubber body. It is shaped like the bottom part of
the hinge or joint disc without slide piece, and is kept in its position by the
nut F and the india-rubber body.
The intermediate layers D can also be made of iron or other metal; their object
is to join or to keep better together the single india-rubber rings, if such are applied
as represented in Fig. 10, 11, & 12, instead of a single body E, shown in Fig. 13.
The construction of such a layer D is shown in Fig. 14 & 15; its number depends
from the number of india-rubber rings used; there is always one layer less than
india-rubber rings used.
The india-rubber body E has the shape as represented in Fig. 10, 11, 12, & 13.
The nut F, as shown in Fig. 18, is either like an ordinary screw nut, square or
hexagonal, and its object is, as already mentioned before, to keep the washer in its
position.
The support or bearing G is composed of a projecting piece or shoulder ƒ of the
frame of the vehicle, arranged appropriately to receive the head of the bolt, whereby
the axle of the vehicle is connected with the hinge or joint disc. In the other case
the shoulder f is appropriately arranged to receive the hinge or joint disc, whereby
the axle of the vehicle is connected with the bolt head.
Fig. 18, 19, represent the above-described arrangement of the shoulder f
According to the shape of the bolt head the shoulder is on one side provided with a
groove of semi-spherical shape, or formed like a channel going to the half of its
depth, while according to the motion of the bolt which, as aforesaid, differs, another
groove is worked into the other side of the shoulder, which is either of the shape of
a funnel, or oblong, or conical, or cylindrical.
Fig. 18 & 19 represent exactly the connection of the india-rubber buffer spring
with the vehicle. Both Figures represent the shoulder as firmly connected with

page_text: the vehicle. represents the axle; d, the hinge or joint disc respectively, the
washer; c, the bolt head; b, the bolt.
It is obvious that both parts of the vehicle, namely, the body or chest, and the
axle, are connected in a springing, tightening manner, with both main parts of the
india-rubber buffer spring, namely, the bolt head and the hinge or joint disc. Both
chest and axle move to and fro against each other, therefore varying in their
respective distances, the former indirectly by means of the shoulder, which form a
fixed part to it. If the vehicle is at rest the bolt head on one part and the hinge
or joint on the other part press with the assistant of the india-rubber body the
axle g and the shoulder fagainst each other. During the motion of these parts of
the vehicle, varying in their respective distances, the corresponding parts of the
india-rubber buffer spring follow those motions, whereby the blows are transmitted
upon the india-rubber body, which takes them up by absorbing them, either partly
or totally.
Instead of receiving hard blows upon the shoulder or bearing box, the axle and
the body of the vehicle or chest are only moved to and fro by soft vibrations by
means of the india-rubber buffer spring. The effect of the latter to prevent the
blows of the axle acting upon the chest is therefore completely obtained.
One of the parts of the india-rubber buffer springs which has not been men
tionned yet, by describing the separate parts, is the wrought-iron ring h, shown in
Fig. 18 and 19. This ring is exactly six millimeter thick; it is applied when only
one india-rubber body is used, and in cases of great working strains coming upon
it, where this ring is then laid around the india-rubber body, by being placed in
the middle.
In cases where the india-rubber buffer spring is strained by heavy loads, and the
india-rubber body is not strong, this ring adds considerably to its strength, and
gives a greater elasticity to the whole system.
Besides the direct connection of the body of the vehicle with the axle by means
of the india-rubber buffer spring there is another kind applied, that is, the indirect
connection. The medium is in both cases a lever system, which is in appropriate
manner connected with both parts of the vehicle, that is, with the body or chest of
the vehicle and the axle, so that it transmits the motions of these parts to the india-
rubber buffer spring, and reciprocally the motion of the latter, by means of the lever
system to both parts of the vehicle.
Having thus herein-before described the object and the general arrangement of
the india-rubber buffer springs I will now describe their principal working effects.
In regard to these arrangements the direct connections are represented in Fig. 18
and 19; the indirect connections in Fig. 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24.
The arrangement for direct connection, as represented in Fig. 18 and 19, bas for
the most part been already explained by describing the arrangement and disposition
of the shoulder f; there is only to be mentioned that the axle g, as represented in
Fig. 18, is provided with an opening, as shown in the vertical longitudinal section
and in the plan of Fig. 16 and 17.
In the arrangement as represented in Fig. 19 the axle is also provided with such
an opening, which shape depends, as already stated, either upon that of the bolt
head or upon that of the slide piece of the hinge or joint disc. If the bolt lead be
of a cylindrical shape, like rollers, it is not required to provide the axle with such
an opening, and a cramp, holdfast, or similar fastening provided with eyes is instead
fixed around it. The cylindrical bolt head, as represented in Fig. 2, in this case
provided with an opening, is placed between and fixed by a nut in the manner
represented in Fig. 25. The same parts are also marked here with the same letters.
By the indirect connection, as represented in Fig. 20 to 24, there are also two
different kind of arrangements:-1, the arrangement with immovable or fixed
bolts; 2, the arrangement with movable bolts.
J. Arrangement with Immovable or Fixed Bolts, as shown in Fig. 20 and 21.
O, P, represents one part of the vehicle, to which the lever H is fixed by means of

page_text: the hinge m, having the axle g fixed to its end in an appropriate manner. The bolt
is fixed to the vehicle by means of its head, so that it rests firm. The lover is pro-
vided with an opening as it is represented in Fig. 16 and 17.
.
In the arrangement as shown in Fig. 20 the lever is provided with a half cylin-
drical boss or projection, against which a hinge or joint disc is rubbing, as repre-
sented in Fig. 6. In the arrangement as represented in Fig. 21 the hinge or joint
dise applied there is of the same shape as reprosented in Fig. 4, as in this case
scarcely any friction takes place.
II. Arrangement with Movable Bolts, represented in Fig. 22 to 24.-The part of
the vehicle marked with O, P, in Fig. 22, represents that part of the body or chest
of the vehicle to which the iron cramp, holdfast, or fastening q, q, r, r, is fixed, as
represented in section in Fig. 28. The bottom part q', ', of this cramp is provided
with an opening similar to the arrangement of the shoulder f in Fig. 18. The
lever passing through the cramp is fixed by m, and is at the corresponding place
provided with a similar opening.
According to the above-described arrangements the shape of these openings have
to correspond to the shape of a rake, or cross, or crutch-shaped bolt, as in this case
only a bolt of such a form can be used, the motion taking place in one direction
only. The buffer bolt is pushed through this opening as well as that of the cramp,
so that its head passes into the top part of the lever opening. The hinge or joint
disc, the india-rubber body, and the washer are then placed on the bolt and fixed to
it by the nut. If now the axle g be submitted to any motion the india-rubber buffer
spring begins to act and produces the working effect, as described before.
The advantage of this arrangement is easily to be understood. While the axle is
traversing a great space by its for and back ward motion from the body or chest of
the vehicle, or respectively from the shoulder, the india-rubber buffer spring is only
slightly compressed or expanded, while by the above-described arrangement of
direct connection the compression or expansion of the india-rubber buffer spring is
equal to the space described by the axle while it moves to and fro against the
shoulder.
Instead of providing the lever with an opening, as above described, the arrange-
ment as shown in Fig. 25 can be applied, in which case the rake, cross, or crutch-
shaped part of the bolt head has to be provided with an opening.
Another arrangement is represented in Fig. 23, which can be understood without
a detailed description. O, P, represents one part of the body or chest of the
vehicle; H, the lever; g, the axle; and k, the india-rubber buffer spring, of which
the head of the bolt passes through both openings & and s¹.
Another arrangement of the same principle, but with another shaped lever turning
round the axis in, is represented in Fig. 24. H is the lever; O, P, part of the body
or chest of the vehicle; g, the axle.
In cases where a cheap india-rubber buffer spring arrangement may be required for
vehicles, waggons, and so on, which are not much used, the arrangement as repre-
sented in Fig. 29 and 30 is to be recommended. The lever system is the same as
in the arrangements above described; but the india-rubber buffer spring is replaced
by an india-rubber body k, disposed as represented in Fig. 29 and 30. It is fixed
to the lever or body of the vehicle by ordinary screws. The two iron bend straps n
between which the lever moves, as represented in Fig. 29 and 30, are connected
together at appropriate places by bolts, thus limiting the motion of the lever in
each direction.
The system of india-rubber buffer springs to be used for ammunition boxes of
guns and for gun carriages is represented in Fig. 31 and 32, and is to be understood
without a more minute description. As shown by the description the india-rubber
buffer spring does not only replace the springs on the vehicles but offers advantages
as to effect and durability.
As the described arrangements allow the application of lever systems they are
therefore very much appropriate to reduce at midway; that is to say, so soon as it

page_text: reaches the india-rubber buffer spring the effect of the shock transmitted from the
axle to the body or chest of the vehicle. The india-rubber buffer spring has there-
fore still further to reduce the rest of the effect by the already shortened space; its
work is therefore much simplified and facilitated.
Having thus herein described the nature of the said Invention, and the manner
of performing the same, it will be understood that the improvements upon which
the claims are principally based consist,―
1. In the combination of the parts, as above described in detail, to a complete
and effective system of spring arrangement for vehicles and similar conveyances,
absorbing the vibrations produced by the shocks and transforming the same in
limited prescribed motions of the body or chest of the vehicle or other similar
conveyances.
2. In the arrangement of using india-rubber buffers as springs upon which the
load acts by means of levers, reducing therefore those motions in the proportion of
the length of the lever.
3. In the application of metallic rings with the india-rubber bodies to render
them more resistible.
4. In the arrangement of all the details of the different parts, as above described;
the whole as represented in the adjoined Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Conradi, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Seventeenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
זמותזNA
H. CONRADI. (L.)