Improvements in Keel Blocks for Launching Vessels, applicable also for Raising or Lowering Heavy Weights.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Dec., 1891-Accepted, 30th Jan., 1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Keel Blocks for Launching Vessels, applicable also
for Raising or Lowering Heavy Weights.
A communication by WARREN HENRY CARR, of Bath, in the County of Sagadahoc
and State of Maine, United States of America, Gentleman.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6 Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to an improved keel block for launching vessels and
raising or lowering heavy articles, and has for its object to provide a block that
can be safely and quickly operated to raise or lower one end of a vessel, or raise
or lower heavy machinery, houses, etcetera, and also one that can be used repeatedly.
This invention consists in the peculiar construction of the several parts and their
novel combinations or arrangements, all of which will be more fully described,
whereby the various objects are accomplished.
In the drawings forming a part of this Specification
:~
Figure 1 is a side view of the improved block as applied and used.
Figure 2 is a detail perspective view of the parts detached.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the improved device, and
Figure 4 is a transverse section of the same.
In carrying out the invention, a wedge-shaped base-block A is employed, having
flanges a, projecting upwardly from the side edges of the said block, and near the
upper end of the block, midway between the flanges, is produced a lug or
projection a', arranged at right angles to the upper face of the block, said lug or
projection having a threaded aperture all produced therein parallel with the face of
the block. A second block B, wedge-shaped, slides upon the block B having its
contacting face recessed as at b to slide over the lug a. In the recess b is arranged
a screw shaft C, one end of said shaft engaging the threaded aperture a", the
opposite end of the shaft passing through the broad end of the block B and is
provided with collars c c, which prevent the shaft moving longitudinally indepen-
dently of the block B. The shaft is adapted to be rotated, and, by its engagement
with the threaded apertured lug, causes the block B to slide upon the block A, and
hence raise the level of the former block. The projecting end of the shaft is
preferably provided with an angular end, which is adapted to receive a wrench,
whereby the shaft may be rotated, or said shaft may have an apertured end in
which a lever may be inserted to turn the shaft.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The combination of an inclined block, an adjustable block mounted thereon,
and a screw for operating said adjustable block, substantially as set forth.
2. The combination, with a wedge base-block having flanges at the sides, of an
adjustable wedge block sliding on the base block between the flanges and a screw
for operating the adjustable block; substantially as described.
3. The combination, with a wedge block provided with an apertured lug, of a
wedge block carrying a screw working in said lug; substantially as described.

page_text: 4. The combination, with a wedge block provided with the flanges and apertured
lug, of a wedge block recessed as described, the screw, collars, and means for
revolving said screw; substantially as set forth.
Dated this 7th day of December 1891,
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.