IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CON- NECTED WITH CRANES, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Henry Ward, of Smethwick, near Birmingham, in
the County of Stafford, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CON-
NECTED WITH CRANES, PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE
TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
Sealed the 1st May 1877, and dated the 6th November 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Henry Ward at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th November 1876.
THOMAS HENRY WARD, of Smethwick, near Birmingham, in the County of
Stafford. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH CRANES, PARTS OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
My Invention relates more particularly to cranes, and consists of certain improve-
ments in the parts of and applicable to the same, whereby increased efficiency,
economy, and utility are obtained. Parts of such improvements however are also
adapted for other purposes where similar functions are such, for example, as for
pulley blocks generally and other hoisting machinery, and for weighing machines.
One part of my Invention has for its object wholly or partially dispensing with
the brick foundations ordinarily employed for wharf cranes or cranes depending upon
foundations for stability, and the principle of my improvement, by which this object
is effected, consists in the utilization of the weight of earth as a means of resistance
in the manner herein-after described.
In carrying out this part of my Invention, I employ, a metal truncated cone, or a
plate ribbed, or a series of canti-levers radiating from a central hoss, the base of
which cone or its equivalent, as before mentioned, rests upon brickwork or concrete,
whilst the smaller end forms a conical hollow boss into which the lower extremity
of the crane post enters, or the post and the cone or its equivalent may be cast in
one if preferred. Through the centre of the crane post passes a tie rod which is
secured at its upper end to such crane post, and carries at its lower end a plate cone
or other suitably shaped extremity; and between this extremity, which I designate
a weight plate, and the cone or its equivalent above there is situate a mass or body
of earth, the weight of which comprised within the lines of the angle of repose
constitutes the resistance to the strain tending to subvert the crane post.

page_text: Another part of my Invention relates to the gear of the crane, and consists of the
following improvements:-1 employ a differential pulley block somewhat similar in
general construction to what is known as "Weston's differential pulley block," but
with the top slieaves in duplicate, and I employ duplicate chains, each of the
requisite strength to sustain one half of the strain only, in other words, I divide the
load between two distinct blocks on one upper shaft, (although for the sake of con-
venience I cast the top sets of sheaves in one, whereby I am enabled to reduce the
diameter of the links, and as the rubbing surface of the links rubbing on each other
increases with or as the diameter, I therefore diminish the amount of rubbing
surface and the friction consequent thereon.
I also reduce the number of teeth, per revolution in the top sheaves, by omitting,
say the alternate teeth, the ristance being borne alone by the tooth which for the
time being is the last in action, and as the friction of the links wedging into the
teeth increases with the number, I therefore by this means also diminish friction.
I also, for a like purpose, construct the chains of studded links, that is to say, a
link having a stud inserted for the purpose of strength, by which means I reduce
the diameter, and consequently the friction.
I further modify the upper gear, especially when arranged non-self-sustaining,
or so that the load shall be free to run down, by dispensing with the axial pin
ordinarily required for the top sheave, and employing alone the pin which is used
when internal spur gearing (as in what are known as "Weston's geared blocks") is
adopted. I substitute however for the internal spur gearing internal serrated frictional
gearing, the said pin carrying an externally serrated friction pinion upon which the
sheaves for the hoisting chains, that is to say, the differential or top sheaves made
hollow and serrated or their interior eccentrically ride or turns. On the pin before
mentioned there is also keyed at one or both ends a sprocket wheel, around which
wheel or wheels, and around other sprocket wheel or wheels, in connection with
brake gear below (when the sheaves are non-self-sustaining) pass endless chains.
These lower wheels, which are respectively tapped on their interior with right and
left hand screw threads and form nut wheels, are mounted upon a spindle having
corresponding right and left hand screw threads cut on portions of its exterior at
both ends, on each end. of which spindle is also keyed or fixed a hand wheel either
provided with a counterweight or constructed so as to have a preponderance on one
side sufficient to maintain it and consequently the shaft normally in a fixed position.
This lower gear, which constitutes the brake, operates in the following manner:
Assuming that the block is non-self-sustaining in lowering a load, the weight
being free to descend in so far as any restraint exercised by the upper block is
concerned, motion is imparted to the sprocket wheel or wheels carried on the pin
in which the friction pinion is mounted, and such motion is transmitted by means
of the endless chains to the nut wheels, and as the preponderance of the hand
wheels maintains them, and consequently their spindle normally fixed, the nuts are
caused to traverse respectively the right and left hand screw threads formed on the
spindle until they come into contact with and grip or press against fixed central
bosses which are provided as stops, whereby the descent of the load is arrested.
When the operator desires to lower the load he turns in the same direction as
the load tends to draw it one or other, as is most convenient, of the hand wheels,
thus slightly releasing the grip or pressure of the nut wheels, and the load may then
be continuously lowered by maintaining the said hand wheel in motion at the re-
quired speed, the descent being again arrested by the brake coming in operation
should he relax the speed or suspend the motion. I am thus enabled to control the
descent with facility without the employment of the detent and ratchet wheel used
in what is known as Weston's spiral incline frictional brake and coupling.
In the case of self-sustaining blocks, plain in lieu of serrated frictional gearing
may be employed.
I also propose to fix at the foot of the crane a drum which, with the leverage of
the crane jib, is sufficient for the purpose of drawing horizontally railway trucks,
for example, into a position for unloading and loading.

page_text: My Invention, lastly, relates to the combination with a crane of means for ascer-
taining the approximate weight of a load, and it consists in arranging apparatus in
such a manner that a proportion or component part only of the entire load instead
of the direct load itself is weighted or measured, the total weight being ascertained
and indicated upon the principal of the parallelogram of forces. For example, the load
required to be weighted being suspended it is forced or deflected out of its normal
position in any direction other than parallel to it by preference at or near right
angles. The radius of suspension is adjusted relatively to such deflective force. Either
the amount of deflection is measured under a constant deflective force, or a deflective
force is measured under a constant amount of deflection, or a combination of both
methods is employed simultaneously. The resultant or load in question is now read
off on a graduated scale situate in the path of or adjacent to the deflective
force, and which graduations are proportional according to the laws of the
parallelogram of forces. Thus the lines of deflective force and suspension are
equivalent to two components of forces, whose resultant is the load in question, the
direction of which resultant is a vertical line.
This part of my Invention is also applicable to weighing machines to be employed
separately or independently of cranes.
According to one mode of applying this part of my Invention to ordinary cranes,
I combine with the crane apparatus, whereby I deflect or displace the load from its
normal vertical line by moving it, say for example, at right angles to its direction
the arc of a circle, and I cause the amount of force so exerted, or the amount
of deflection under a given load to be measured or ascertained by any of the well-
known means, such, for example, as a spring balance or by other suitable means,
and the approximate total weight to be indicated by reason of the known relation
between the two sides thus obtained of the parallelogram of forces.
In adapting this part of my Invention to weighing machines, according to one
arrangement, I employ a weight plate for the load supported by suitable links or
brackets, or struts, which are mounted upon fixed centres or fulcra in such a manner
that the weight shall cause such links to turn upon their centres or fulera, and
move the weight plate through the arc of a circle the deflection thus obtained
being caused to act upon a spring balance or other suitable device by means of
which the amount of the motion is measured or ascertained, and the approximate
total weight is accordingly indicated.
SPECIFICATION filed in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Thomas Henry Ward in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
5th May 1877.
THOMAS HENRY WARD, of Smethwick, near Birmingham, in the County of
Stafford. "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH CRANES, PARTS OF WHICH
IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES."
My said Invention relates to certain improvements in and connected with cranes,
whereby increased efficiency, economy, and utility are obtained, parts of which
improvements are also applicable to differential pulley blocks generally for hoisting
purposes and to weighing machines, and it consists,-
First. Of an improved mode of constructing the foundation of a crane.
Secondly. Of various improvements in the gear of the crane, parts of which
improvements are applicable to differential pulley blocks generally for hoisting
purposes.
Thirdly. In the combination with a crane of apparatus or means herein-after
described for ascertaining the approximate-weight-of-the-load, such apparatus-
or means being also applicable to weighing machines.
The first part of my Invention has for its object partially dispensing with the
brick, stone, or concrete foundations ordinarily employed for cranes depending upon

page_text: foundations for stability, and the principle of my improvement by which this object
is effected consists in the utilization of the resistance of earth in the manner herein-
after described.
In carrying out this part of my said Invention I employ a metal truncated cone
or ribbed plate of any suitable section, the base or periphery of which cone or its
equivalent, as as before mentioned, rests upon brickwork, concrete, or stone, whilst
the smaller end or central portion thereof forms a conical hollow boss, into which the
lower extremity of the crane post enters, or the post and the crane or its equivalent
may be cast in one if preferred. Through the centre of the crane post passes a tie
rod, which is secured at its upper end to such crane post, and carries at its lower
end a plate, cone, or other suitably shaped extremity. The tie rod is fixed to the
earth by passing it down a well hole, which is enlarged at the bottom, and between
this enlargement and the bottom plate a mass of concrete or brickwork or other
suitable material is placed, leaving the rod consequently wedged all round to the
undisturbed surrounding earth. In order to make a firmer job the excavated earth
is rammed in again.
My said Invention has for its object, secondly, obtaining compactness in the
arrangement of crane gear, dispensing with a portion of the framework ordinarily
required for carrying the gear, and thereby effecting a considerable reduction in the
cost of its construction, a further object being the providing increased facilities for
controlling the descent of the load.
In carrying out this part of my said Invention, in order to effect these objects, I
employ a differential pulley block, such for example as that known as Weston's
differential pulley block, or any other adapted for the purpose, but in duplicate,
that is to say, I employ two blocks mounted side by side on one and the same
shaft or axis with the jib or its equivalent interposed, and I also use duplicate
chains, each of the requisite strength to sustain one-half of the load, the load being
thus divided between two distinct blocks on one upper shaft or axis.
A further improvement under this head of my said Invention consists in dis-
pensing with the axial pin or spindle ordinarily required for the top sheave, and
employing alone as the upper shaft or axis the pin or spindle which is used when
internal gearing (as in what are known as Weston's geared blocks) is adopted. I
substitute however for the internal spur gearing internal serrated frictional gearing,
the shaft carrying externally serrated friction pinions, upon which the sheaves for
the hoisting chains (that is to say, the differential or top sheaves) made hollow and
serrated on their interior eccentrically ride or turn. On the said shaft is also keyed
at one or both ends a wheel, around which and around a corresponding wheel or
wheels fast on a shaft below pass an endless chain or chains or cords, by operating
which lower shaft, either by hand or power, motion is imparted to the upper shaft,
and then transmitted to the friction pinions mounted thereon, and to the eccentric
sheave wheels engaging therewith, whereby the load is raised or lowered, as the
case may be, according to the direction in which the motion is imparted.
The arrangement of frictional gearing is also applicable to differential pulley
blocks generally for hoisting purposes.
The third part of my said Invention has for its object enabling the approximate
weight of a load suspended from a crane to be ascertained, and it consists in the
employment, in combination with a crane, of apparatus arranged in such a manner
as to admit of a proportion or component part of the load being weighed or measured,
and of the total weight being thence ascertained upon the principle of the
parallelogram of forces, and indicated upon a dial or graduated scale. This result
may be accomplished by causing the load suspended from the crane to be forced or
deflected out of its normal position in any direction other than parallel to it (by
preference at or near right angles) the radius of suspension being a constant, and
by employing apparatus, such for example as a hydrostatic weighing machine or a
spring balance, or other suitable apparatus so arranged as to admit of the measure-
ment either of a deflective force under a constant amount of deflection, or of the
amount of deflection under a constant deflective force, or of a combined varying

page_text: deflective force and varying amount of deflection. As the lines of deflective force
and suspension are equivalent to two components of forces, whose resultant is the
load in question, and as the radius of suspension is a known quantity, it will be
obvious that either of the other quantities being found the resultant may be thence
ascertained, and that by providing a scale graduated in accordance with the known
relations between the sides of the parallelogram of forces such resultant or load may
be read off instantaneously when the deflection is produced.
This part of my said Invention is also applicable to weighing machines to be
employed separately or independently of cranes.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the
annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding
parts in all the Figures.
The first part of my Invention is illustrated on Sheets 1 and 2 of the accompanying
3 Sheets of Drawings.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, is a sectional side elevation of a jib crane constructed according
to my said Invention, and intended to be worked by steam power; Figure 2 is a
sectional front elevation of the upper portion of the same.
Figure 3, Sheet 2, is a sectional side elevation of a similar crane to but of less
power than that represented by Figures 1 and 2, and intended to be operated by
hand; and Figure 4 is a sectional front elevation of the same portions of the second
part of my said Invention are also illustrated on the preceding Figures.
Figure 5, Sheet 3, is a side elevation of a portion of a overhead travelling crane,
with the second part of my said Invention applied thereto; Figure 6 is a sectional
plan of the same; and Figure 7 represents a sectional elevation of a modified con-
stuction of the gear. .
Figures 8, 9, and 10, Sheet 3, represent respectively three modifications of appa-
ratus constructed according to the third part of my said Invention for ascertaining the
approximate weight of the load carried by the crane, another modification of
which apparatus is illustrated in Figure 1, Sheet 1; and Figure 11, Sheet 3,
illustrates the application of this part of my said Invention to a platform weighing
machine.
Referring to Figure 1, Sheet 1, and Figure 3, Sheet 2, A is a cast-iron truncated
cone, the apex or smaller end of which is formed with a hollow conical boss B for
the reception of the lower conical end C of the crane post D, or if desired the latter
may be cast in one with the cone A. The base of this cone is provided with a
flange a, which is supported upon brickwork or concrete or stone E, to which it may
be secured by bolts b, a bed of concrete E¹ being interposed if desired between the
brickwork E and the earth, as shewn in Figure 1; F is a bolt or tie rod passing
through the centre of the crane post D (to the top of which it is secured by a nut c),
and carrying at its lower extremity a metal plate G, by preference of a conical form.
The tie rod is fixed to the earth by passing it down a hole excavated for its insertion,
and enlarged at the bottom, and between the upper side of this enlargement and the
plate G is placed a mass H of concrete, brickwork, or other suitable material, leaving
the rod consequently wedged all round to the undisturbed surrounding earth I, the
excavated earth being subsequently rammed in again.
By the aid of my Invention I am enabled to dispense with the ordinary brick
foundations, the mass or body of undisturbed earth before mentioned being utilized
as the means of resistance to the strain tending to subvert the crane post, whereby
considerable facility for erecting cranes and economy in the construction of the
foundations are obtained.
Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, represent one modo of carrying out the second part of
my Invention, which relates to the gear of the crane, which is placed at the top.
K is a shaft or spindle fitted to rotate in a bearing L carried in the upper end of
the jib M, on the opposite ends of which spindle there is keyed a differential
pulley N, N, constructed for example after the manner of a western's pulley block.
Chains N¹, each of sufficient strength to support one half of the load to be raised,

page_text: pass over these pulleys and round two sheaves O carried on a shaft P fitted to the
block Q, to which the load is attached. The two pulleys N are provided with
internal teeth d in the same manner as Weston's geared blocks, in gear with two
pinions e keyed on a transverse shaft f working in bearings in the upper end of the
jib M. This shaft also carries two bevel wheels g, cast for the sake of convenience
on the back of the wheel e, and in gear with corresponding pinions / keyed on the
upper ends of shafts i working in bearings k, and carrying at their lower ends other
bevel pinions in gear with bevel wheels m keyed on a transverse shaft n. This
shaft, which is mounted in bearings in the lower part of the jib M, receives rotatory
motion by means of gearing o from the steam engine R, which motion is trans-
mitted through the shafts and gearing, herein-before referred to, to the pulleys N,
whereby the load suspended from the bottom block is raised or lowered as required,
according to the direction in which the shaft n is rotated.
By the employment of duplicate pulley blocks N, with the two blocks arranged
respectively on opposite sides of the jib on one shaft in the manner herein-before
described, the weight of the load is divided between the two pulleys, whilst at the
same time great compactness of the gear is obtained.
Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 2, illustrate a further improvement under this head of my
said Invention in the construction of the upper gear of a crane. According to this
arrangement I dispense with the axial shaft K which carries the pulleys N, as
described with reference to the first arrangement, and I fit on to the shaft f
two friction pinions e serrated on their peripheries, as shewn in Figure 4. Upon
these pinions are mounted. hollow sheaves N carrying the hoisting chains N', and
which are caused to turn eccentrically round the pinions e by means of endless
chains S passing round grooved wheels T keyed on the extremities of the shaft f,
and round corresponding wheels S mounted upon a transverse shaft n situate at
the lower part of the jib M. Motion is imparted by hand to the shaft n by means
of crank handles p (if desired however steam or other power may be employed for
the purpose), which motion is transmitted through the friction pinions e to the
sheaves N, whereby a load suspended from the bottom sheaves may be raised or
lowered as required according to the direction in which the shaft n is rotated.
By means of this arrangement greater purchase is obtained by the wheels T over
the blocks without necessarily enlarging the diameter of the wheels T and without
the addition of a second shaft, as in Weston's geared blocks, and a considerable
saving of metal is effected. This arrangement of frictional gearing is also applicable
to differential pulley blocks generally for hoisting purposes.
The construction of the upper gear for jib cranes herein-before described are
equally adapted to over head travellers cranes, examples of which are shewn in
Figures 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 3 of my Drawings. M represents a travelling beam
mounted upon wheels t which run upon rails u; on M is mounted in bearings the
shaft K carrying the two differential pulleys N, one on each side of the beam, in
the manner herein-before described, with reference to the jib crane, Figures 1 and 2,
Sheet 1, to which pulleys rotatory motion is imparted by means of two horizontal
shafts arranged on opposite sides of the web w of the beam M. These shafts
which are actuated from any suitable prime mover through the intervention of the
bevel gearing land m and the transverse shaft n, have mounted thereon level wheels /
engaging with corresponding wheels keyed on the transverse shaft f, the latter
also carrying two spur pinions e in gear with the internal teeth formed on the
pulleys N.
.
By means of this arrangement one girder only is requisite in lieu of two as in
the ordinary method, whereby considerable economy is obtained. If desired a
single shaft with its corresponding gearing may be used in lieu of employing the
same in duplicate for transmitting the motion to the pulleys N.
Figure 7, Sheet 3, represents a transverse section of the beam M shewing the
application to overhead travelling cranes of the internal frictional gear pulleys
⚫ described with reference to Figures 3 and 4, Sheet 2, which are actuated in a
similar manner, and therefore need no further description.

page_text: The third part of my said Invention which relates to a means of determining the
approximate weight of a load sustained by the crane is illustrated in Figure 1,
Sheet 1, and by Figures 8, 9, and 10, Sheet of my Drawings.
In carrying out this part of my Invention I employ the apparatus next herein-
after described, one modification of which is illustrated by Figure 8, Sheet 3 of my
Drawings, in which M represents the jib of the crane; N, the top gear; x, the load;
and U the weight-indicating apparatus. To the upper part of the jib M I fix one
end of a rope or chain q which passes under a pulley r carried by the block Q, from
which the load is suspended, the bottom end of such chain hanging loose. In
order to weigh it is necessary to hoist the load a little until the hook of this loose
chain can reach and be hooked to the spring weight indicating apparatus U fixed at
any suitable part of the jib M; the load is then lowered until a given link on the
chain comes into a determined position upon the pulley r, thus ensuring a constant
radius of suspension, and deflecting the load from its normal vertical track, the
amount of deflection being less or more according to the weight of the load. The
lines of deflective force 8, U, and of suspension s, N, are equivalent to two components
of forces whose resultant is the load in question. By graduating therefore the
scale U in accordance with the known relations between the sides of the parallelogram
of forces such result may be read off instantaneously, and the weight of the load
consequently ascertained. For example, assume the weight of the load x to be 1 ton
when it is lowered to the necessary position, that is, when the given link is in a
given position on the wheel, as indicated by the Drawing, the remaining parts, N,
will be brought into an angular position. The load x is thus deflected from its
vertical course towards the weighing apparatus, and by reason of its tendency to
resume its normal vertical position exerts a certain amount of strain upon the spring
contained in the apparatus U, causing the pointer y to slide along a graduated scale
until it arrives at the corresponding division marked thereon. Should however the
load weigh more than one ton the strain upon the spring will be greater, and con-
sequently the pointer will be caused to slide a greater distance along the index,
the approximate total weight being in all cases indicated, whilst a proportion or
component part only is weighed or measured.
Figure 9, Sheet 3, represents another modification of weighing apparatus as
applied to a crane. According to this arrangement a bell-crank lever U is sub-
stituted for the spring apparatus U last described, to one army of which lever I
attach one end of the chain q, whilst from the other arm z I suspend a load V of
known weight. The load x by acting upon the chain in its descent in a similar
manner to that described in the preceding arrangement will be deflected and
cause the bell-crank lever U₁ to turn on its centre and elevate the lever V, the
amount of elevation of which load, or the length of the arc which the arms of
the bell crank are caused to describe, indicating upon a scale the weight of the
load x.
Figure 10, Sheet 3, represents a longitudinal section of a modified construction of
the spring indicating apparatus herein-before described, W being the spring, one end
W of which is secured at X to the interior of the case U, whilst its opposite
end W² projects outside the front of the case, and carries at its extremity an
eye W³ to which the chain q, herein-before described, is attached. The free end W
is provided with a screw thread, upon which is fitted a finger or pointer Z having
an internally screw-threaded boss corresponding with the thread formed on the end
of the spring. The approximate weight of the load is ascertained by this apparatus
in the following manner-The deflective power of the load by acting upon the
spring W so as to elongate it causes the end W2 to be projected from the base U
more or less, according to the weight of the load, and as the pointer Z is carried by
the end of the spring it will be moved a corresponding distance from the dial or
index plate 1 connected to the case U.
In order to ascertain the weight of the load the pointer L, after it has been
moved from the dial 1, is rotated by the hand of the operator upon the screwed
portion of the spring W until the boss of the said pointer comes in contact with

page_text: the end of the case U, when the extremity of the pointer will indicate on the dial 1
the deflective force or weight of the load, after which the pointer is returned by
hand or by a balance or spring arrangement to its former position, to admit of the
spring W resuming its normal condition, when the load is removed, or when the
chain is disconnected from the eye W³.
A further modification of weighing apparatus is illustrated in Figure 1, Sheet 1,
and which is constructed and arranged so as to indicate deflective force, and con-
sequently the weight of loads under a constant amount of deflection. The chain q
is connected at one end to the top of the jib between the two differential pulleys N,
as in the previous modifications, and passes round a pulley on the block Q, its
opposite end being attached to the piston of a hydrostatic weighing machine U of
any. suitable construction, such for example, as that known as Duckham's, bolted to
the jib M. The load when being lowered is deflected by the chain q from its vertical
course towards the jib, and exerts pressure upon the water contained in the cylinder,
which water by acting upon the pointer y in the well-known manner indicates
upon the dial 1 the deflective force, and consequently the weight of the load, the
amount of deflection being practically a constant, by reason of the incompressible
nature of the fluid, whatever the weight of the load may be. A screw plug may
be provided for compensating for leakage, the act of turning the plug having the
effect of adjusting the position of the piston so as to maintain the same at a uniform
point.
Figure 11, Sheet 3, is a sectional side elevation of a platform weighing machine
shewing one arrangement of my improved weight-indicating apparatus applied
thereto. The load to be weighed is placed upon the weigh plate or platform 2,
which is supported upon, say 4 links, 3 cast (for the sake of convenience and in
order to avoid rocking sideways) in pairs, and provided at their upper ends with
knife-edge centres or fulcra 4 upon which the platform rests, their lower ends being
supported by similar fulcra 5 upon a fixed frame 6. These links are arranged at a
slight inclination from a vertical line when the platform is in its normal position, so
that a weight placed on the platform will cause the links to turn on their centres
and the platform to move through the are of a circle. To one end of the platform 2
is fitted a rod 7 which passes through an opening 8 in the frame 6, and has screwed
on to its outer end a pointer Z, in a similar manner to that referred to in the
modification, Figure 10. The platform 2 is maintained in its normal position when
unloaded by a spring 9 fixed at one end to the rod 7 and its opposite end to the
fixed frame 6. The deflection of the platform, which will be greater or less,
according to the weight of the load placed thereon, will cause the spring 9 to be
more or less elongated, and at the same time the pointer Z to approach the dial or
index platė 1 attached to the frame 6; the pointer Z is then rotated by the hand of
the operator upon the screwed end of the rod 7 until it comes in contact with the
dial 1, when it will indicate thereon the amount of deflective force, and consequently
the weight of the load.
The machine should always lie horizontal, for any variation will vary the
deflective force also.
The other modifications of weighing apparatus, herein-before described, with
reference to cranes, are also applicable to weighing machines generally.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect,
I would observe in conclusion that 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 system or mode of constructing the foundations of cranes depending
upon foundations alone for stability by the utilization as a means of resistance of a
mass or body of earth situate between upper and lower connected metal cones, plates,
or bodies,substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Secondly. Securing a crane post by means of a central tie rod or bar attached at
both ends in the axis of the crane post, substantially as herein-before described.

page_text: Thirdly. The employment in cranes of duplicate upper-pulley blocks mounted on
one and the same shaft or axis, the load being thereby divided between two distinct
blocks on one upper shaft or axis, substantially as herein-before described.
Fourthly. A pulley block for cranes and other hoisting purposes, consisting of a
shaft or axis having fast thereon a friction pinion, around which is or are loosely
mounted eccentrically a hollow sheave or sheaves having an internal frictional
surface for engaging with such friction pinion, substantially as herein-before
described.
Fifthly. The employment in combination with cranes of apparatus arranged in
such a manner that in or by the deflection of the load suspended from the crane a
proportion or component part of such load is weighed or measured, the approximate
total weight being thence ascertained upon the principle of the parallelogram of
forces, substantially as herein-before described.
Sixthly. The system or mode of determining the approximate weight of a load
by causing such load to be deflected, and weighing or measuring a proportion or
component part thereof, and thence ascertaining the total weight upon the principle
of the parallelogram of forces, substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas Henry Ward, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and seal the Third day of May, One thousand eight
hundred and seventy-seven.
THOMAS HENRY WARD. (L.S.)