IMPROVEMENTS IN FENCES, SEPARATING OR DIVISIONAL BARRIERS, AND IN THE MACHINERY, ADDARAMIS OR MEANS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
Year: 1864

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to, Joseph Rowell, of the City and County of Aberdeen,
North Britain, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
FENCES, SEPARATING OR DIVISIONAL BARRIERS, AND IN THE MACHINERY,
ADDARAMIS OR MEANS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Rowell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 15th
March 1864.
I, JOSEPH ROWELL, of the City and County of Aberdeen, North Britain,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention' of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN FENCES, SEPARATING OR DIVISIONAL BARRIERS, AND IN THE
MACHINERY, APPARATUS, OR MEANS CONNECTED THEREWITH," to be as follows,
that is to say:-
This Invention relates particularly to new and improved constructions of
apparatus used for straining the wires, strands, or cords of fences or separating
barriers, and is partly based upon certain Inventions for which Letters Patent
were granted to me on or about the 12th day of September 1862; numbered
2516, and the 5th day of September 1863, numbered 2192.
The first part of the present Invention consists in substituting in lieu of the.
tangential screw and winding mechanisin a winding or straining barrel, having
one end or portion of it made square or polygonal, on which portion a ratchet,
A

page_text: catch, or step wheel is capable of sliding horizontally, and at the side of the
hollow pillar or other frame or bracket there is attached or formed a pro-
jecting stud, catch, or piu to fit into or between the teeth or holes or projections
that are made on the periphery of the catch wheel. Longitudinally through
the winding or straining barrel or roller a square or polygonal hole is made,
into which a portable winch or crank handle is placed for actuating it,
another hole or holes, or studs or eyes, being formed in or attached to the
barrel for the end of the wire to be strained to be inserted into. When it is
desired to strain a line of wire strand, cord, or other similar article used for
the purposes of fencing, power is first applied to the crank or winch handle,
thus reducing the pull on the catch wheel; this is then slid or moved along
the square or polygonal part of the barrel, so as to be out of contact with the
projecting stud; on the side of the post or pillar the required amount of
tension may now be put upon the wire strand or cord, and when this is done
the catch wheel is moved in its former position, and retained there by the pro-
jecting stud, stop, or catch, so that when the crank or winch handle is removed
the strain locks it, the advantage of this arrangement being that it cannot be
unlocked or tampered with without the application of the crank or winch
handle. By this arrangement a simple and efficient straining is effected.
Instead of using the last-named straining band in conjunction with the hollow
pillars, for which Letters Patent were granted to me on or about the 5th day
of September 1863, numbered 2192, they may be used in combination with
brackets or frames bolted or otherwise fixed to wooden posts, or other inter-
mediate standards, this arrangement constituting another feature of this
Invention.
Another part of this Invention consists in forming straining posts or pillars,
or straining brackets of two bars or plates of iron, through which holes are
made to receive the journals or bearings of the winding barrels or rollers.
When two bars are thus prepared the ends or journals of the barrels are
placed in the holes made to receive them, and the bars are kept apart at the
required distance by studs or distance pieces; when two such bars are thus
put together their ends are made secure by passing a bolt or rivet through
them, or they may be made secure in any other convenient manner.
instead of using two bars for forming the pillar, a flat bar can be bent so that
its two faces shall be parallel to one another, enclosing a width between them
equivalent to the length of the winding barrels between the shoulders; after
these are put in the one end may be closed or fastened by rivets, bolts, or
otherwise. On one side of such standards an inclined socket is formed for
the reception of a stay, for imparting additional support to the pillars, and a
Or

page_text: pivot and joint arrangement is also attached or formed on them when necessary
for hanging a gate to.
Another part of this Invention relates to an improved base for straining
pillars, intermediate standards, or telegraph, or signal poles, and which may
be either manufactured as a part of the pillars, standards, or poles, or may be
made separately, and of various shapes, such as two legs branching out in an
angular direction, tapered, cruciform, or other convenient shape, with or with-
out flat soles, as may be desired; these bases are fitted to the wrought-iron
standards, the lower portion of which is made with a wedge-shaped point, so
that when driven into the base or foot it becomes firmly fixed, but it may also
be fixed into the base or foot by a rivet, pin, cotter, or otherwise.
.
Another part of this Invention is the mode of straining wire in such a
manner through the posts or standards of fencing, that when the wire strand
or cord is placed through the top row of holes in one space or division of the
fence, it is then passed down the side of the standard to the level of the next
row of wires, and so on successively until it reaches the last or lowest line of
wires, from which position it is again, in passing through the successive spaces
or divisions, brought to the top of the fence. At the points where the wire.
has to turn off at right angles on the pillars or standards, rollers, studs,
brackets, or eyes, or other holding arrangement are fixed to the posts or
standards for the wire to pass over or through, thus enabling it to be main-
tained in successive parallel positions throughout the fencing. Or instead of
taking the wire successively through the different lines of the fencing, it 'may.
be taken down one or more divisions, passed along at that level to the hole in
the next standard, where it may be again taken up to the original level, and
then carried in this position to the next standard, and so on successively
throughout the fence. By this arrangement rectilinear gaps or openings are
left throughout the length of the fence, these being formed into rectangular
meshes by the next wire, which passing in the same sequence, but in a reverse
position, being passed up the pillar, when the former wire comes down, thus
producing in appearance a fence composed of a successive series of parallel
wires. Or one or more wires of a fence may also be first taken along parallel,
then up or down, or down and up a short distance at each or any intermediate
standard, passing in this manner over or through rollers, studs, or eyes where
the wire reverses its angle, whence it passes along at its original level. It is
evident that this last system of altering the level alternately or otherwise by
bringing down and up the sides of the standards is susceptible of a number of
modifications besides those herein-before mentioned, all possessing the same
advantages, imparting strength to the fencing and stability to the posts. This

page_text: system of fencing may either be used by itself, or in combination with the
system of diagonal and interlaced wire fencing, or in combination with ordinary
parallel wire fencing. If only one or two wires at the top portion of a fence
are thus interlaced, great additional support would be imparted to the posts
or standards... When this system is applied to hurdles or gates, to both of
which it is equally applicable, the frames of these are pierced with holes, and
the wire passed through them along the side of the frame to the next hole,
whence the wire is brought back parallel to the former line, thence along the
side of the frame to the next hole, and so on throughout the structure. The
diagonal interlacing system of straining wire may also be combined with or
without the strengthening ornaments or rings at the crossings. The diagonal
system is equally applicable to the forming of gates or hurdles by lacing the
wire as in the last arrangement, but in a diagonal instead of in a horizontal
direction...
Another part of this Invention consists in the application of feet or bars
made of clay or composition in contradistinction to the use of iron, plain,
glazed, or vitrified earthenware or brickware, to straining posts or pillars,
intermediate standards, telegraph and signal posts. These feet are made of
any convenient shape, and holes, recesses, or cavities are made in them for the
reception of the lower end of the pole, which fit tightly into them, or they
may be secured in any other convenient manner. These ware feet or bases
are also applicable to the lower ends of posts or standards for erections of
various kinds.
Another part of this Invention is the construction of a straining pillar
which revolves, or is capable of being turned round on its vertical axis in such
a manner that the whole of the wires attached to it are simultaneously
strained, and when thus strained the pillar is held firm in its place by a con-
venient catch arrangement. It consists, first, in forming the foot or base with
a long pin or bar projecting up from it in a vertical direction, and in or
through the pillar itself is made a hole corresponding in length and diameter
to this projecting pin. When the pillar is to be used it is placed over the pin
or bar projecting from the foot, and a catch arrangement is attached to it for
the purpose of retaining it in position (when the strain is upon it) similar to
that herein-before described in reference to the holding of the straining barrel.
When it is desired to strain a series of wires with this arrangement of pillar,
the catch mechanism at the lower part is released; the pillar being formed
with a square or polygonal head, over or on which fits a lever, which is acted
upon by the workman to any desired extent. Grooves may also be cast ou
'the pillar to keep the wires or strands in continuously parallel positions.

page_text: Another part of this Invention consists in the application of hoop iron
strained in a horizontal direction with its flat sides perpendicular to the
ground, to which the last-mentioned straining pillar is. more particularly
applicable. These bars or strips of hoop iron are attached to the straining
pillar by holes made in the pillar to receive their ends by a stud, eyelet,
or otherwise; they are passed through slots made in the intermediate
standards to receive them, or they may be fixed thereto by a stud, staple,
eyelet, or in any other convenient manner. The ends of each length of hoop
iron are joined together by eyelets, hooks, or rivets, and there may be several
lengths of hoop.iron in one strain.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of 'the conditions' of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Joseph Rowell in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 14th September 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
ROWELL, of the City and County of Aberdeen, North Britain, Manufacturer,
send greeting..
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, in the twenty-seventh year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Joseph Rowell, Her, special license that I, the said Joseph Rowell,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Joseph
Rowell, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN FENCES,
SEPARATING OR DIVISIONAL BARRIERS, AND IN THE MACHINERY, APPARATUS, OR
MEANS CONNECTED THEREWITH," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said Joseph Rowell, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, or under the hand and seal of one of them,
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Rowell, do hereby declare the

page_text: nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention relates particularly to new and improved constructions of
apparatus used for straining the wires, strands, or cords of fences or separating
barriers, and is partly based upon certain Inventions for which Letters Patent
were granted to me on or about the 12th day of September 1862, numbered
2516, and the 5th day of September 1863, numbered 2192.
The first part of the present Invention consists in substituting in lieu of the
tangential screw and winding mechanism a winding or straining barrel having
one end or portion of it made square or polygonal, on which portion a ratchet,
catch, or step wheel is capable of sliding horizontally, and at the side of the
hollow pillar or other frame or bracket there is attached or formed a projecting
stud, catch, or pin, to fit into or between the teeth or holes or projections that
are made on the periphery of the catch wheel. Longitudinally through the
winding or straining barrel or roller a square or polygonal hole is made, into
which a portable winch or crank handle is placed for actuating it. Another
hole or holes, or studs, or eyes, being formed in or attached to the barrel for
the end of the wire to be strained to be inserted into. When it is desired to
strain a line of wire strand, cord, or other similar article used for the purposes
of fencing, power is first applied to the crank or winch handle, thus reducing
the pull on the catch wheel; this is then slid or moved along the square or
polygonal part of the barrel, so as to be out of contact with the projecting
stud on the side of the post or pillar, the required amount of tension may now
be put upon the wire strand or cord, and when this is done the catch wheel is
moved in its former position, and retained there by the projecting stud, stop,
or catch, so that when the crank or winch handle is removed the strain locks
it, the advantage of this arrangement being that it cannot be unlocked or
tampered with (and the fastening cannot be lost nor wantonly removed)
without the application of the crank or winch handle. By this arrangement
a simple and efficient straining is effected. Instead of using the last-named
straining barrel in conjunction with the hollow pillars for which Letters
Patent were granted to me on or about the 12th day of September 1862,
No. 2516, they may be used in combination with brackets or frames bolted or
otherwise fixed to wooden posts or other intermediate standards, this arrange-
ment constituting another feature of this Invention.
Another part of this Invention consists in forming straining posts or pillars
or straining brackets of two bars or plates of iron, through which holes are

page_text: made to receive the journals or bearings of the winding barrels or rollers.
When two bars are thus prepared the ends or journals of the barrels are
placed in the holes made to receive them, and the bars are kept apart at the
required distance by studs or distance pieces; when two such bars are put
together their ends are made secure by passing a bolt or rivet through them,
or they may be made secure in any other convenient manner. Or instead of
using two bars for forming the pillar a flat bar can be bent so that its two
faces shall be parallel to one another, enclosing a width between them
equivalent to the length of the winding barrels between their shoulders; after
these are put in, the one end may be closed or fastened by rivets, bolts, or
otherwise. On one or both sides of such standards inclined sockets are
formed for the reception of a stay or stays for imparting additional support to
the pillars, and a pivot and joint arrangement is also attached or formed on
them when necessary for hanging a gate to.
Another part of this Invention relates to an improved base for straining
pillars, intermediate standards, or telegraph or signal poles, and which may be
either manufactured as a part of the pillars, standards, or poles, or may be
made separately and of various shapes, such as two legs branching out in an
inclined direction, tapered, cruciform, or other convenient shape, with or
without flat soles, as may be desired; these bases are fitted to the wrought-
iron standards, the lower portion of which is made with a wedge-shaped point,
so that when driven into the base or foot it becomes firmly fixed, but it may
also be fixed into the base or foot by a rivet, pin, cotter, or otherwise.
Another part of this Invention is the mode of straining wire in such a
manner through the posts or standards of fencing that when the wire strand
or cord is placed through the top row of holes in one space or division of the
fence, it is then passed down the side of the standard to the level of the next
row of wires, and so on successively until it reaches the last or lowest line of
wires, from which position it is again, in passing through the successive spaces
or divisions, brought to the top of the fence. At the points where the wire
has to turn off at right angles on the pillars or standards, rollers, studs,
brackets, eyes, or other holding arrangements are fixed to the posts or
standards for the wire to pass over or through, thus enabling it to be main-
tained in successive parallel positions throughout the fencing. Or instead of
taking the wire successively through the different lines of the fencing it may
be taken down one or more divisions, passed along at that level to the hole in
the next standard, where it may be again taken up to the original level, and
then carried in this position to the next standard, and so on successively
throughout the fence. By this arrangement rectilinear gaps or openings are

page_text: left throughout the length of the fence, these being formed into rectangular
meshes by the next wire, which passing in the same sequence but in a reverse
position, being passed up the pillar where the former wire comes down, thus
producing in appearance a fence composed of a successive series of parallel
wires. Or one or more wires of a fence may also be first taken along
parallel, then up or down, or down and up, a short distance at each or any
intermediate standard, passing in this manner over or through rollers, studs,
or eyes, where the wire reverses its angle, whence it passes along at its
original level. It is evident that this last system of altering the level
alternately or otherwise by bringing down and up the sides of the standards
is susceptible of a number of modifications besides those herein-before
mentioned, all possessing the same advantages, imparting strength to the
fencing, and stability to the posts. This system of fencing may either be used
by itself or in combination with the system of diagonal and interlaced wire
fencing, or in combination with ordinary parallel wire fencing. If only one
or two wires at the top portion of a fence are thus interlaced, great additional
support would be imparted to the posts or standards. When this system is
applied to hurdles or gates, to both of which it is equally applicable, the frames
of these are pierced with holes, and the wire passed through them along the
side of the frame to the next hole, whence the wire is brought back parallel
to the former line, thence along the side of the frame to the next hole, and so
on throughout the structure. The diagonal interlacing system of straining
wire may also be combined with or without the strengthening ornaments or
rings at the crossings. The diagonal system is equally applicable to the
forming of gates or hurdles by lacing the wire as in the last arrangement, but
in a diagonal instead of in a horizontal direction.
Another part of this Invention consists in the application of feet or bases,
posts or standards, made of clay or composition concrete, in contradistinction
to the use of iron, plain, glazed, or vitrified earthenware or brickware, to
straining posts or pillars, intermediate standards, telegraph and signal posts.
These feet are made of any convenient shape, and holes, recesses, or cavities
are made in them for the reception of the lower end of the pole, which fits
tightly into them, or they may be secured in any other convenient manner.
These ware feet or bases are also applicable to the lower ends of posts or
standards for erections of various kinds.
Another part of this Invention is the construction of a straining pillar, which
revolves, or is capable of being turned round on its vertical axis in such
a manner that the whole of the wires attached to it are simultaneously strained,
and when thus strained the pillar is held firm in its place by a convenient catch

page_text: arrangement; it consists, first, in forming the foot or base with a long pin
or bar projecting up from it in a vertical direction, and in or through the pillar
itself is made a hole corresponding in length and diameter to this projecting
pin. When the pillar is to be used it is placed over the pin or bar projecting
from the foot, and a catch arrangement is attached to it for the purpose
of retaining it in position (when the strain is upon it) similar to that herein-
before described, in reference to the holding of the straining barrel. When it
is desired to strain a series of wires with this arrangement of pillar, the catch
mechanism at the lower part is released, the pillar being formed with a square
or polygonal head, over or on which fits a lever, which is acted upon by
the workman to any desired extent. Grooves may also be cast on the pillar
to keep the wires or strands in continuously parallel positions.
Another part of this Invention consists in the application of hoop iron
strained in a horizontal direction, with its flat sides perpendicular to the
ground, to which the last-mentioned straining pillar is more particularly appli-
cable. These bars, or strips of hoop iron, are attached to the straining pillar
by holes made in the pillar to receive their ends, by a stud, eyelet, or
otherwise; they are passed through slots made in the intermediate standards to
receive them, or they may be fixed thereto by a stud, staple, eyelet, or in any
other convenient manner. The ends of each length of hoop iron are joined
together by eyelets, hooks, or rivets, as may be found most convenient.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I shall
now proceed to describe the system, mode, or manner under which the same
is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference being had to
the several Figures upon the explanatory Sheets of Drawings which I have
hereunto appended, and in the several Figures of which similar parts are
indicated by corresponding letters of reference, that is to say, on Sheet 1,
Figures 1 and 2 represent respectively, in end view and longitudinal section,
one of my improved straining pillars, consisting of two cast, wrought, or mal-
leable flat iron plates A. These plates being held or kept at the required dis-
tance apart by distance pieces B, each equal in length to or slightly longer than
the length between the collars or shoulders upon the straining barrels C, the
reason' of this being that when the side plates A are brought close and firmly
against the distance pieces B, the straining barrels C may not be held fast, but
5 left capable of revolving freely on their journals, which fit into suitable holes
made in the side plates A, the upper part of the straining pillar being finished
off with a semicircular distance piece B', so as to impart a better appearance;
this piece being fastened by means of the through bolt D, or a rivet may also
'be placed in lieu of a bolt. The plates A are fastened at their lower end

page_text: to the tapered open iron foot E by the bolts or rivets E¹, the form and con-
struction of the foot E being best understood on reference to the Drawings.
The chief peculiarity or marked feature of this straining pillar is the mode in
which the straining barrels C are themselves kept in place. On referring to
Figure 2, it will be seen that longitudinally through the barrels themselves
square holes are formed, but these holes may be made of any polygonal form,
their use being for the insertion of a winch handle, which is applied so as to
turn them until a sufficient amount of strain is placed upon the wires which
they are intended to tighten. One end or portion of the straining barrel C is
made polygonal, as in Figure 1, but it may be made oval, or of other suitable
shape, the hole in the centre of the catch wheels F being made of the same
form to fit on this polygonal portion of the barrels C, and so as not to turn
round upon them, but to slide horizontally over this polygonal part. At the
side of one of the side plates A, a catch or stop G is formed of such a shape
as to fit into the space between any two of the teeth on the catch wheel F, or
one or more of such catches may be used, their use being, that when a
sufficient amount of strain is imparted by the winch handle to the wires,
strand, or cord to be stretched, the catch wheel F is slid or moved horizon-
tally upon the barrel C, until it comes in close contact with the side of the
plate A, where the stop G enters between two teeth on the wheel which is now
held firmly in its place together with the straining barrel; the winch handle is
then removed, and the wire attached to the barrel in which it was placed
remains with the required strain permanently attached to it.
Figures 3 and 4 represent respectively an end view and horizontal section
of another modification of a similar kind of straining pillar, but to which there
is fitted a different kind of straining mechanism. The form and construction
of the pillar itself being similar to the one first before referred to, need not be
again described. The essential feature of the straining mechanism employed
in conjunction with the present pillar consists in substituting a loose catch
ring F¹, in lieu of the sliding catch wheel F, as in the former arrangement.
At one end of the straining barrel C, and close to one of the side plates A,
there is fixed a toothed wheel F, and in the inside of the catch ring F¹ there
are formed teeth fitting into the spaces between the teeth of the wheel F*,
there are also made two teeth on the outside of the catch ring F, these when
the ring is in its place upon the wheel F bear against the projections or studs
G and G³, formed on the inner side of the plate A. Pillars of the same form
as those represented at Figures 1, 2, 3, & 4, may be constructed of cast iron,
and in one piece, with bases separate or cast on, the barrels being fixed in with
a pin, the end of which enters a groove, or by a pin passing through one end,

page_text: and they may be constructed of one piece of wrought iron, or bar iron bent
round, so as to form the two sides. When it is desired to strain the wire,
strand, or cord that may be employed in the fencing, a winch handle is placed
in the hole made longitudinally through the straining barrel C, and the barrel
is turned until the required strain is imparted to the line of the fence being
stretched; when this is done the catch ring F¹ is slipped over the tooth wheel
F, and the outer teeth of the ring F¹ coming in contact with the stops G and
G', are by the reaction of the straiu imparted to the fence securely locked.
In combination with these two arrangements of straining pillars I employ my
stay socket described in Letters Patent granted unto me on or about the
Twelfth day of September, 1862, numbered 2516. In using the stay socket
in combination with these pillars, I prefer to cast the socket or sockets upon
one of the distance pieces B, as shown at B', in Figures 2 and 4, but they
may also be cast on the side plates A of the pillars.
Figures 5 and 6 show in end and longitudinal elevation the mode of
applying and fixing straining brackets H, constructed on a retaining principle,
the same as that shown and described in reference to Figures 1 and 2 to
wooden posts, and Burt's Patent or other iron sockets may be used in com-
bination with these wooden posts for preventing decay of the wood, they being
held in their places on the posts by bolts and nuts as shown.
Figures 7 and 8 show, drawn to a larger scale, respectively a longitudinal
and transverse section of a portion of a straining pillar similar to that de-
scribed in reference to Figures 3 and 4, in which the detail of the tooth wheel
F and catch ring F are more fully developed.
.
Figures 9 and 10 show, drawn to a larger scale, a vertical section and plan
of a straining bracket suitable for being attached to wooden posts or pillars,
as described in reference to Figures 5 and 6, the catch or retaining mechanism
being of similar construction to that described in reference to Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 19 shows, drawn also to a larger scale, a longitudinal section of a
straining bracket similar in construction to that described in reference to
Figures 3 and 4. The mode in which I prefer to secure the barrels C in the
brackets A in Figures 9, 10, and 19, consists in forming in that portion of the
barrel C which is situated enclosed in the bearings in the bracket an annular
groove, and in one or both of the bearings I insert a stud, screw, or bolt a,
more especially shown in Figure 10, the inner end of which enters into the
annular groove, and in this manner the straining barrel is kept in its place.
The pin for retaining the barrel may also be arranged in either a perpendicular
or vertical position, and in such manner that a portion of the body of the pin
:shall enter into the groove instead of the point, as herein-before described.

page_text: But instead of this arrangement I in some instances insert a pin through the
end of the straining barrel C, which in this case is allowed to project further
beyond the outside of the bracket, so as to allow of a hole being formed
therein for the reception of a pin, whilst on the other end of the said barrel a
shoulder or collar is formed; in' this way the barrel is kept from sliding out of
its place. On referring to Figure 10 it will be seen that straining pillars are very
conveniently formed in section of the form shown there in plan, the retaining
mechanisms being similar to those herein-before described, and this construc-
tion of straining pillar I consider an important part of my present Invention.
Figures 11 and 12 show another form and construction of straining pillar,
the chief feature in this pillar being the construction of the base or foot I,
which having the flat concave surface of the plate J presented in the direction
of the strain forms a very powerful resistance to it; this construction of base
or foot I consider an important part of my present Invention. The straining
mechanism is similar to that described in reference to Figures 1 and 2, but
that shown in Figures 3 and 4 may also be advantageously employed.
Instead of placing the semicircular distance piece at the head of the pillar a
crown is formed thereon in Figures 11 and 12 for the purpose of giving.a
better appearence and finish.
Figures 13 and 14 show in end and side elevation a duplex straining
pillar, so called from its having a double set of straining barrels C for straining
in opposite directions; its form and construction being in other respects
similar to that indicated in Figures 11 and 12 need not be further described
with the exception of the foot or base I' having two concave surfaces J', by
which a more firm hold in the ground is obtained.
Figure 15 shows in longitudinal or front elevation the mode of fixing
straining brackets L to a standard of a T formed section, as described in Letters
Patent granted to me on or about the 15th day of September 1863, numbered
2192, the essential variation in this pillar or post from the former one
being that the present one is formed with a base shaped as in Figures 11 and
12, which is more especially adapted for a straining pillar. The straining
brackets are secured to the pillar by bolts and nuts M, but they may also be
affixed thereto by rivets, studs, or in any other convenient manner.
Figure 16 represents in back elevation an improved intermediate standard
having small pulleys or rollers N, over or around and under which the wires,
strands, or cords of a system of fencing, presently to be described, pass. More
particular reference to this Figure is herein-after made.
Figure 17 represents in partial elevation and vertical section an improved
straining pillar more especially applicable to the straining of hoop iron

page_text: fencing, as shown, but it may also be advantageously employed for the straining
of fences composed of wire strand, cord, or other similar materials. The chief
feature of the pillar represented in Figure 17 is that itself in this arrangement
becomes a large revolving straining barrel. On referring to the Figure it will
be seen that the lower part A of the pillar has projecting from it a long circular
spindle A¹ which fits into a corresponding socket B formed in the foot B¹.
The lower part of the pillar is placed in its corresponding socket B, so as to
be capable of revolving therein, that part of the pillar A'immediately above
the base B, and represented in the Figure: by C, being made polygonal and
having fitted on it the catch wheel C³, the spaces between the teeth of which
are of such width that the projecting catch or stud D fits between any of them.
The hoop iron, strand, cord, or wire to be stretched are fastened into the
grooved spaces E by a rivet, stud, or otherwise, but I prefer to affix them
thereto by a bole, the end of the article being stretched being placed in this
hole, so that when the several lines of fencing are attached to the pillar thè
workman places a bar or lever through the holes F in the head of the pillar
and turns it round until a sufficient strain is imparted to the fence; when this
is done the catch wheel C¹ is passed down over the pillar until the catch D
passes between any two teeth of the catch wheel; when this is done the work-
man removes the lever and the pillar remains fixed with the strain upon the
fence.
Another modification of this description of straining pillar is represented in
Figure 18, the lower part of the pillar being drawn in section to show more
completely the construction of the mechanism, and in which the bearing stud
or spindle A is a fixture on the base B, and projects upwards from it and fits into
a corresponding socket formed in the lower part of the pillar proper. On the
lower part of the pillar there is fixed the tangent wheel C',' and to the upper
part of the base B there is fixed a rectangular frame B' through a circular
hole, in which the spindle A projects, this hole being sufficiently large to
admit through it the lower portion of the pillar itself, the lower part of which
when in its place bears upon the 'upper surface of the base proper. Inside
the rectangular frame B' a bracket is fixed for carrying the screw D, which
actuates the tangent wheel C', and through the body of the screw spindle a
polygonal hole is formed, into which a winch handle is inserted for the purpose
of turning it, and with it the worm wheel Ci fixed to the pillar; in this
manner the pillar is caused to rotate, and the lines of the fence are strained.
The rectangular frame B' may be made in one piece with the base B, and
open at one or at two opposite sides, so that the worm wheel C' may be passed
into the interior of it, a hole being made in the worm wheel to fit over the

page_text: lower portion of the pillar so as not to turn round thereon, and the wheel is
fixed thereto by a key or keys, set screw, or in any other convenient manner;
and when the worm wheel C' is made in one piece with the pillar the
frame B is made in two portions, and bolted or riveted into its place after
the pillar is fixed in its position on the spindle. It is obvious that the con-
struction of this last-named pillar may be modified in many ways so as to
yield the same result. Figure 20 represents a straining bracket fixed to a
T-formed standard by means of bolts H and nuts H¹; it may also be
fixed by rivets or otherwise. Upon referring more particularly to this bracket
it will be seen that the straining barrel I is situated in a vertical position, and
that it is intended to be used in lieu of the last-mentioned arrangement of
straining pillar. I do not consider the vertical straining barrel as novel and
original, but what I do consider as my Invention is the peculiar way in which
this present straining bracket is constructed. The mode in which this bracket
is put together is as follows, and the result is a much more cheaply con-
structed straining bracket and equally efficient to any hitherto made:-Through
the bracket J thère is made a circular hole for putting the bracket J and
barrel I together; the barrel is first placed between the open space of the
bracket, and the screw K. is then placed in its position in the circular
bearing L; when this is done, the barrel I, with the worm wheel M, are
brought up until the worm wheel comes in gear with the screw K; when the
barrel and worm wheel are in this position a bolt is passed down through
holes in the upper and lower part of the bracket, which are concentric with
and nearly of the same dimensions as the hole passing vertically through the
barrel I; as soon as this is accomplished the bracket is ready for use, and it
is actuated by means of a winch handle placed in the hole formed through the
tangent screw. The barrel I, in Figure 20, is shown with an annular groove I'
formed round it, with an oblong hole also formed therein for the reception of
the end of a length of hoop iron, but it is equally applicable for straining wire,
strand, cord, or any other similar article. This bracket is equally applicable
for being fixed to wooden as well as iron straining posts. Another way in
which the tangent screw may be fixed, is by forming a shoulder at one end,
which works into a corresponding socket, the other end being formed into a
journal, and passing through a suitable hole in either a pillar or bracket; a
pin is put either through it, or a groove is made round that portion of the
journal which is situated in the hole, when a pin is inserted into the pillar,
part of which passes into the groove, and thus holds the screw in its place.
By either of these arrangements the screw works much more freely and
smoothly than by that above described and shown in the Drawings.

page_text: On referring to Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings, Figure 1 represents
in front elevation another improved construction of pillar for straining fences,
composed of wire strand cord and other similar articles; the general arrange-
ment of this pillar is, however, better understood on referring to the partial
plan and horizontal section, Figure 2, taken on the line a, a, Figure 1, in
which it will be seen that the portion coloured in dark blue, representing the
section of the pillar A, is cruciform, the straining mechanism and foot or base
of the pillar being represented in plan. On each side of the four feathers
forming the pillar A there are formed the projecting pieces A¹, the vertical
surfaces of any two such opposite pieces being parallel to one another; and at
such a distance apart as to receive between them the straining barrels B,
carrying the oblique worm wheel C, which gears into the tangent screw C¹,
which may be arranged either above or below the straining barrel itself, but is
in the Drawings shown as arranged above the straining barrel with a covering D
to protect it to a certain extent from the action of the rain. It will be seen that
the tangent screw C' is arranged to lie close against and parallel to one side of
one of the feathers of the pillar, and that the straining barrel C itself stretches
across or subtends the angle contained between the two sides of the feathers;
this arrangement necessitates the construction of the obliquely-pitched worm
wheel C, so that it may gear suitably with the tangent screw C'. The great
advantages of this form an arrangement of pillar will herein-after be more
fully seen and understood.
On referring to Figure 2, the cruciform pillar is shown arranged with
straining barrels C on all its four sides; this form and construction of pillar is
especially applicable for the purpose of dividing off a field or other tract of
ground into four portions by fences, and it is frequently advantageous for the
purpose of straining fences which meet at a common point.
Figure 3 represents in side elevation a straining pillar containing one set of
straining barrels arranged in the same manner as those in Figures 1 and 2,
the horizontal section and plan of this pillar being better understood from
Figure 4, which is taken on the line b, b, Figure 3. The pillar, Figure 4, is
intended to be used in lieu of an ordinary straining pillar, the reason for which
is, that it is produced at a cheaper cost and stronger, with a less amount of
metal than any straining pillar hitherto constructed. At the back of the pillar,
Figure 4, there projects the feather E, which is attached thereto for the
twofold purpose of imparting strength, as well as for holes being formed
therein at the parts marked E' in Figure 3, for the insertion of the ends of
the wires forming the fence, and which would be strained at the other end by
another straining pillar.

page_text: Figures 5 and 6 show other modifications of this species of straining pillar;
in Figure 5 the straining barrels C are. arranged at right angles to one
another, and this pillar is for the purpose of being placed in a corner where
two lines of fencing meet at right angles or nearly so, whilst in Figure 6 the
barrels C are placed. opposite and parallel to one another; so that the pillar
may be placed. in any part of a fence to strain from both of the opposite
sides.
.
:
לייי
The form and construction of the base of this last referred to construction
of straining pillar can be best understood on referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6, in all of which it will be observed that the object I have in view is
the formation of a light base possessing a superior power of holding in the
ground.
..
Figures 7 and 8 represent respectively a front and side elevation of a
straining bracket to be fixed on to separate wooden, metal, or other posts, the
construction and arrangement of the mechanism being identical with that
herein-before described in reference to the pillars, Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
need not be again referred to. :.
.
The way in which the mechanism in these last-mentioned arrangements is
put together is as follows:-The tangent screw C³ is first placed in its position
in the semicircular socket D', which is constructed so that the screw may fit
therein in a manner to be capable of being turned round'; when the screw C¹
is in its place the straining barrel C is brought up until the teeth of the worm
wheel are in gear with the tangent screw C¹; this being done, a bolt or rivet
is passed through the holes in the sides of the pillar or bracket, which now
are in communication with a hole of similar diameter formed longitudinally
through the barrel C¹, and by this the arrangement is kept together, and
when required for use a winch handle is placed in the polygonal hole F
formed in the tangent screw C¹, and by it the straining mechanism is actuated.
I also form telegraph poles of sections similar to these last arrangements of
pillars, the result being the production of a lighter and cheaper pole than has
hitherto been manufactured.
It is evident that telegraph poles may be manufactured in the afore-
mentioned manner, and that by the insertion of the straining mechanism they
perform the additional service of a straining post. I also wish it to be under-
stood that I employ when required the stay socket described in Letters Patent
granted to me on the 12th day of September 1862, and numbered 2516.
Figure 9, Sheet 2, represents an arrangement of wire fencing by which a
very strong divisional barrier is produced, and in many cases I prefer to use
this in lieu of the diagonal system of fencing described in the Letters Patent

page_text: granted to me on the 5th day of September 1863, and numbered 2192. The
peculiarity of the present construction of fencing is that the wire a, after passing
along horizontally and over the pulley 6, on the first intermediate post c, passes
down the front of the post and under the next roller or pulley 61, whence it is
taken along in a horizontal direction to the third post c, and passes over the
roller 63, down the side of the post and under the next roller b³, and so on
until it reaches the lowest line of the fence. When one wire is laced and
strained in this way, it is obvious that a series of rectangular openings or
other meshes are left in the fence, but when all the wires in the fence are thus
laced these are filled up to present the appearance of an ordinary straight-lined
fence. It is evident that this arrangement of fencing is capable of numerous
modifications, any
one of which produce a very much stronger fence than it is
possible to obtain by lacing the wires in continuous lines throughout.
Instead of placing rollers or pulleys at those parts where the wires turn off
at right.angles or nearly so, I sometimes employ stud pins, and in most cases
I find the eye staples described in the Letters Patent granted to me and bearing
date the 11th day of September 1862, numbered 2516, especially advantageous
for these purposes, either in combination with wooden or metal posts. When
rollers are used I prefer to place two on the same spindle or stud that carries
them; so that each wire may be strained on one independent set of pulleys, and
with as little friction as possible.
Figure 10 represents in end elevation the arrangement of the intermediate
standards with rollers applied thereto, as shown in front elevation in Figure 9.
Figure 11, Sheet 2, represents the two top rows of the fence laced as in the
last arrangement, this modification imparts great additional strength to the
fence. Figures 12 and 13, Sheet 2, represent in front elevation two gates,
the body of which is composed of wires a, a, laced in the manner shown to the
frame b. In Figure 12, the vertical wires a are each one looped through a
hole in the upper and lower part of the frame, and after being stretched therein,
they are secured in place by their ends being twisted round the main portion
of the wire, additional strength being imparted to the gate by the diagonal
wires c; secured in a similar way.. In Figure 13 the wire a is first secured by
a'loop at one end to a hole in the frame b, and then interlaced in a diagonal
direction through the several holes in the frame until arriving at the last one,
when a straining screw is applied thereto and the whole becomes sufficiently
tight.
Figure 14, Sheet 2, represents a hurdle composed of a frame, the body
being made up of strained wire in the manner last described in reference to gates,
but which.in this case is arranged in a vertical instead of a diagonal direction.

page_text: It is obvious that either of the methods herein-before described for the forma-
tion of strained wire hurdles and gates are capable of numerous modifications,
any one of which, or one or two in combination, are equally applicable to the
constructions of hurdles and gates. In the construction of such hurdles and
gates I prefer to employ frames made of metal, in which the wire is to be
stretched, but wooden frames may also be used. What I consider to be my
Invention in these last-named arrangements of gates and hurdles, is the
application of wire strained in a frame in lieu of forming either of them by
bars or wires riveted into them as hitherto.
© Another part of this Invention is the application of strained wire for the
strengthening of wooden hurdles and gates. On Sheet 3, Figure 1 represents
a front elevation of a pillar to be used in places where the wires of a fence
have to turn off from the straight line, for instance in the corner of a field.
The chief use of this pillar is to avoid that friction which would be produced
when the wires have to turn off at an angle in the holes of an ordinary inter-
mediate standard. The essential feature of this pillar, shown at Figure 1,
Sheet 3, and in end elevation at Figure 2, is that friction rollers B. are
inserted between the small brackets B', formed on the pillar, and the wires of
a fence when turning off at an angle are placed in the deep groove formed in their
periphery, so that when the wires are strained they cannot slip out of the
groove. This pillar may be modified and constructed in other ways from that
shown in the accompanying Drawings, for instance, instead of placing the
friction rollers between brackets cast upon the surface of the pillar, studs with
a spindle extending upwards or downwards with the friction roller placed so as
to revolve thereon may be used, or either of these small brackets containing
such a roller may be secured to wooden posts when these are used. One use
of this pillar, as well as one of the modifications of straining pillar herein-before
described and shown at Figure 5, in the second Sheet of Drawings, is better
understood from Figure 3, Sheet 8, which is a plan of a roadside railway
station, in which A, A, are the two lines of rails, B the station platform, and
B' the station house and offices; C, the area for carriages, conveyances, and,
passengers at the back of the station, this space being enclosed by the fencing
D, which is arranged in the following manner: The continuous fence D¹ of
the railway itself is shown at either end of the platform, where there is
situated the straining pillar E, having two sets of straining barrels arranged at
right angles to one another, as shown, the reason of which arrangement is that
one pillar strains the continuous fence D₁ of the railway as well as that
portion of the fence D which extends thence round the corner posts F, and is
finally fastened to the gate posts G. My reason for giving this plan of a

page_text: railway station is to show the applicability of this part of my Invention, as
well as to point out the saving resulting from the fewer straining pillars
required by the arrangement than it would be necessary to employ if the
ordinary straining pillars were. used.
Figure 4, Sheet 8, is a plan of a level crossing of a railway and common
road, this view being given chiefly to point out the advantage of the straining
pillar arranged with the straining barrels at right angles to each other.. In.
this Figure the straining posts A are shown as straining the fencing of the
railroad B, as well as that of the common road C, the advantage herein
shown being that fewer straining pillars are thus required than would be the
case if ordinary pillars were used for producing the tightening of the fence.
Figure 5, Sheet 3, represents in plan the mode of dividing off a piece of
land into four compartments, which is very quickly, efficiently, and cheaply
done by means of employing the straining pillar herein-before more fully
described, as having straining barrels placed on each of its four sides. This
pillar is shown in plan at A, Figure 5, as straining the four wires B, B', B³,
and B', which divide the piece of ground into the compartments C, C¹, C²,
and C. At two diagonally opposite corners D there are placed the straining
pillars, having two sets of straining barrels, as shown in reference to the two
last-mentioned arrangements, and which in the present instance stretch two
adjoining sides of the exterior fencing. It should also be stated that the
ends of the fence strained by the central post A are attached to tie posts E.
In combination with all the various arrangements of fencing herein-before
described I employ the eye staples described in the Specification of, and
shown in the Drawings appended to, the Letters Patent granted to me on the
12th day of September, 1862, and numbered 2516.
Figure 6, Sheet 8, is a perspective view of the straining fence of .a. railway
at a part where it approaches a bridge crossing the line of railway, this view
being given to show certain advantages which are the result of the present as
well as my former Inventions. It frequently happens that when the strain
is put upon a fence, part of which is led up the side of an embankment, as
shown in Figure 6, that the pillars for some distance on either side of the
angle formed by the straight portion of the fence, and that portion which
inclines to it, are pulled up out of the ground. To obviate this, I place in
the angle itself one of my T-shaped standards A, having the broad foot or
base B shown in dotted lines. Owing to the base having so large a quantity
of soil above it, it is held down much more rigidly than could be done if any
of the ordinary standards were used. By the introduction of this pillar at the

page_text: .
angle the fence is rendered capable of being much more tightly strained. One
great advantage which results from the employment of straining pillars as
herein-before described, in which the straining barrels are placed on one, two,
three, or four sides of the pillar, as the case may be, is that the winch handle
when inserted into the hole in the tangent screw is in the position of an
acute angle with the fence itself, and thus it can be turned round con-
tinuously instead of being turned half or only part of the way round, then
taken out of the hole, its position reversed, and turned half or part of the
way round again, which awkward process cannot be avoided when the winch
handle for tightening lies in the direction of the fence, as is the case in nearly
every arrangement for straining wire fencing.
Another improvement under this Invention is the application of strained
chains for the formation of fences and divisional barriers. In combination
with all of the herein-before described arrangements of straining pillars I use
suitable hangers and brackets for gates to be hung upon..
Another part of this Invention is the construction of posts, bases, standards,
telegraph and signal poles of clay, concrete, and glazed or vitrified earthen-
ware, any of which are made in the same manner as articles made in any of
these materials are usually produced, my Invention being the application of
these materials for the purposes herein-before referred to.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or practically
carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that I do not confine or
restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements herein-before described
or referred to, as many variations may be made therefrom without deviating
from the true principles and main features of my said Invention; but what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured
to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First, the general arrangement, construction, and combinations of apparatus
for straining the wires of fences and tie posts for strained fences, as herein-
before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Second, the construction of straining mechanism in which a sliding catch
wheel or moveable catch ring retains the strain on the fence in the several
ways herein-before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Third, the arrangement and construction of straining pillars of any kind,
composed of two separate bars riveted or bolted together and kept apart by
distance pieces or pillars formed of a single bar bent and arranged to receive
straining barrels, as herein-before described or any mere modification thereof.

page_text: Fourth, the arrangement and construction of pillars for straining fences in
which the straining barrels are arranged at an oblique angle with the tangent
screw, as herein-before described and shown in the Drawings hereunto
appended, or any mere modification thereof.
Fifth, the general arrangement and construction of the several straining
brackets to be fixed on to separate posts, as herein-before described, or any
mere modification thereof.
Sixth, the construction and application of posts or standards, bases or
brackets, made of clay, concrete, glazed or vitrified earthenware for fencing
purposes, gate pillars, telegraph and signal poles, as herein-before described,
or any mere modification thereof.
Seventh, the arrangement and construction of straining pillars in which the
pillar itself is caused to revolve, and in which the lines of the fence, whether
made of hoop iron, strand, wire, cord, or any other similar article, are
stretched in the manner herein-before described, or any mere modification
thereof.
Eighth, the application and construction of strained chain fences as herein-
before described.
Ninth, the arrangement and construction of gates or hurdles formed of
strained wire in the manner herein-before described, or any mere modification
thereof.
Tenth, the mode of strengthening ordinary wooden gates and hurdles by the
application of strained wire as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Rowell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twelfth day of September, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-four.
ITחת חת100