Improved Means applicable for use in Stopping and Re-starting Omnibuses, Tramcars and other Vehicles.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Dec., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 13th Sept., 1899-Accepted, 4th Nov., 1899
Improved Means applicable for use in Stopping and Re-starting
Omnibuses, Tramcars and other Vehicles.
We, HENRY Low WEBSTER and HANS JACOB NORBALLE, both of 11, St. Oswald's
Road, Lillie Bridge, in the County of Middlesex, Engineers, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
-
This invention relates to improved means for effecting the stoppage of a
vehicle, for storing the energy derivable from its momentum and for applying
such stored energy in re-starting or in assisting to re-start the said vehicle
whether propelled by animal, mechanical or electrical power; the object being
to provide simple, efficient and inexpensive mechanism more particularly adapted
for use with vehicles such as tramcars, omnibuses and the like whereby they
may be readily stopped and re-started, or slowed down when descending inclines,
the energy developed in stopping the vehicle being stored and subsequently
applied in re-starting or in assisting in re-starting the same.
The principle of our invention may be applied in various ways; but, according
to the mode of construction we prefer to employ, a chain or other flexible con-
nection is wound about a sheave or pulley against the resistance of a spring,
or compressed air cylinder and receiver, the character of which may be varied to
suit the design of the vehicle; the apparatus being brought into operation by
means of suitable clutch mechanism.
According to one mode of carrying our invention into effect, we utilise the
recoil of a spring, which has been compressed or coiled during the stopping
of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a shaft whereon is mounted a friction
clutch, which may be brought into operation by a foot or hand-lever in the usual
way, so as to effect the rotation of a sheave mounted on said shaft and to
which one end of a pitch-chain is secured, the other end of the said chain
being secured to the casing or drum wherein the spring is coiled. Alongside
this sheave is a second sheave of larger diameter than the first and having
coiled thereon, in the reverse direction, another pitch-chain, the latter being
connected in a similar manner to the first. By means of a ratchet-wheel mounted
on the shaft and a pawl carried by the larger sheave motion is transmitted from
the latter to the revoluble shaft or axle on which the sheaves are mounted; the
motion of the road wheels (in omnibuses) being transmitted to the revoluble
shaft or axle by means of a friction chain or friction pulley, as also the motion
of the revoluble shaft to the road wheels, all of which will be hereinafter more
fully referred to.
In applying our invention, by way of example, to an omnibus, the mechanism
is mounted on a shaft or axle which for convenience we place under the vehicle
in front of the large road wheels. The shaft or axle is journalled in a pair of
hanging bearings or pivoted arms fixed to the under body of the vehicle; the
said hanging bearings being each furnished with a pin or gudgeon whereon a
chain-wheel revolves. On each end of the revoluble shaft is also keyed a chain-

page_text: wheel. Roller tracks are mounted on the gudgeon and revoluble shaft, on each
side of the vehicle, the ends of the roller carriers being constructed as to allow
of the chain or sprocket wheels passing and revolving between them. The rollers
are preferably of steel and are so mounted that the peripheries of the rollers
project a short distance above the outer edges of the roller carriers towards
the circumferences of the road wheels. Around each pair of chain or sprocket
wheels is passed a twin chain, similar in construction to those ordinarily em-
ployed on bicycles, but having the block links in one chain joined to the block
links of its twin chain by saddle pieces formed with flanges, thus constituting
sockets for the reception of friction blocks which may be of wood, leather or
other suitable material. The pins of the chain are thickened in the centre and
the chains riveted on each end so that each pin acts as a distance piece between
the chains. On each side near the lower end of the hanging bearings or pivoted
arms is mounted a bell-crank lever whereof the longer arm is attached to a rod
which is connected with a foot-lever in the usual manner. The shorter end of
the bell-crank lever is connected by means of a forked rod or arm and spring
with the axletree of the large road wheels, the spring being contained in a
stirrup-piece.
On the revoluble shaft or axle is keyed the inner body of a friction-clutch,
engagement with its casing being effected by means of telescopic arms and
wedge-pieces. Spiral springs on the telescopic arms allow a certain elasticity
in the coupling. The degree of tension may be regulated by means of a screwed
collar. The clutch may be operated by a bell-crank lever whereof one end works
against a sliding collar or block which carries the telescopic arms.
The friction-clutch may be constructed as follows:-The smaller sheave to
which the clutch pertains is provided with a flange, or its rim may be extended
in an outward direction parallel with the axle to form the outer portion of the
friction-clutch. On the axle is keyed the inner portion of the said clutch con-
sisting of a boss provided with two radial arms, each carrying a bow-shaped
extension arranged concentrically with the axle and projecting to or towards the
other radial arm. The rim or friction surface is thickened at the divisions and
is recessed in the centre of each division for the reception of the wedge; the
purpose of the wedges being to thrust the friction surfaces apart and thus to
increase the diameter, causing the engagement of the inner and outer portions of
the clutch and effecting the rotation of the sheave with the axle. The friction
surfaces may be cone-shaped. The wedges are carried upon two radial telescopic
arms pivoting on trunnions projecting from a block which slides over a feather
on the axle; the said arms being constructed in two parts so as to slide the
one within the other. A pin in the inner part of each projecting through a longi-
tudinal slot in the other part prevents the rotation or withdrawal of the arm
beyond the necessary limits. A coiled spring or a spring-washer, arranged
between collars on each part, tends to keep the arms extended. The telescopic
arms are forked and are journalled on both trunnions, each fork embracing
only a portion of the circumference of each trunnion. The arms are maintained
in position by thimbles or caps which are screwed to the trunnions, and which 4
embrace the incomplete hubs of the bearings of the forked arms.
In order that the friction-clutch may be used as a brake for reducing the
momentum of the vehicle without stopping the same, the friction surfaces of
the two portions of the clutch may be formed of different materials.
The spring-
washers on the telescopic arms may be caused to increase in tension as the latter 5
assume a position perpendicular to the sliding block, either by screwing up the
collars between which the spring-washers work, or by adding ordinary washers
to increase the compression, and, when using the clutch as a brake, to compensate
for wear between the surfaces of the cones.
The smaller sheave is formed with a chain groove on its periphery and is 5
free to revolve in either direction on the revoluble shaft. Adjacent to the smaller
sheave is the second or larger sheave which is free to revolve on the said shaft

page_text: in one direction only, its revolution in the opposite direction being prevented by
a pawl and ratchet-wheel, the latter being keyed on the revoluble shaft.
In the plane of the sheaves and carried in a suitable bracket arranged im-
mediately over the sheaves is a flanged drum or casing provided with a fixed
axle whereon is coiled a strong spring; the inner end of the spring being secured
to the fixed axle while the outer end is secured to the inner circumference of
the casing. Around the latter are wound a pair of pitch-chains one end thereof
being secured to the casing, their others ends being secured to the peripheries
of the sheaves, upon which the chains are wound in opposite directions. When
the spring is released and the pawl is engaged with the ratchet-wheel the motion
of the larger sheave is transmitted to the revoluble shaft. A light coiled spring
may be arranged between the chain sheaves, one end of the spring being attached
to the periphery of the larger sheave while the other end of the spring is secured
to the hub of the smaller sheave.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows:-When the bell-crank lever is
pulled over, the hanging bearings or pivoted arms which support the revoluble
shaft are moved back, bringing the friction- or brake-chain into contact with
the tyre or rim of the wheel; the extended bearing surface of the friction-
chain obviating the necessity for the exertion of great pressure. When 'the
friction- chain is carried forward, the chain- or sprocket-wheels on the revoluble
shaft cause the latter to revolve, this revolving motion being communicated to
the smaller sheave by the throwing into gear of the friction-clutch, which is
so adjusted as to permit of the shaft revolving, if necessary, and so serve as
a brake when descending an incline. When the said friction-clutch is thrown
hard into gear, the vehicle is brought to rest, owing to the resistance offered
by the coiling of the spring within the drum or casing resulting from the winding
of the chain on the smaller sheave.
It will be apparent that, the larger sheave having rotated in the opposite
direction (by means of the light coiled spring between the two sheaves) and its
chain wound thereon, it is in a position to receive the force of the recoil of the
spring within the drum, to transmit such force to the revoluble shaft or axle
and thence to the tyre or rim of the road wheel. The twin or friction-chain is
forced against the rim of the road wheel by the roller track acting as a guide and
support for the rear or inner side of the said chain.
According to a modified construction, a pulley formed of a thick india-rubber
band held between two flanges bolted together and having serrated inner edges
is keyed on each end of the revoluble shaft or axle. Upon being forced against
the rim of the wheel, the yielding surface of the band presents a large bearing
surface on which the high frictional co-efficient of the rubber and iron are amply
sufficient for the re-starting of the vehicle.
According to another modification, the revoluble shaft or axle may be caused to
rotate by means of a pair of pitch-chains which gear with chain- or sprocket-
wheels on the ends of the shaft or axle and on the hubs of the road wheels. An
ordinary ratchet box must, in this case, be introduced between the chain- or
sprocket-wheels on the revoluble shaft in order to permit of turning.
When applied to tramcars or vehicles in which the wheel axle revolves with
the road wheel, the sheaves and friction-clutch and other parts are mounted
directly on the axle.
If desired, an air-compressing cylinder may be employed in conjunction with
the spring, the latter being enclosed in the cylinder and compressed by the piston.
Or an air-compressing cylinder may be employed the air being compressed into
an air receiver. Automatic valve gear being provided for the delivery of the
compressed air into the receiver and for the cut off at any point of the stroke
when starting, whereby long inclines may be utilized for storage. The spring in
this instance acts only to return the piston to its normal position when the
apparatus is used for reducing the momentum of the vehicle.
The energy so
stored is rendered available in the re-starting of the vehicle.

page_text: In applying this part of our invention, by way of example, to a tramcar where
the axle revolves with the wheels, the axle is furnished with two sheaves or
pulleys whereof one is loose upon the axle and a friction-clutch, preferably of
the construction herein described, is provided to effect its revolution with the
axle when required. The other sheave is capable of revolution upon the axle in
the reverse direction; but, on being rotated in the forward direction, causes the
rotation of the axle through a pawl on the sheave engaging with a ratchet-
wheel keyed upon the axle.
The sheaves are embraced, or partially so, by chains or other flexible means
wound in opposite directions, each chain being secured at one end to its respective
sheave and at the other end to the cross-head of a piston-rod, the piston of
which is enclosed in a cylinder; a spiral or coiled spring maintaining the said
piston at the outer end of the cylinder. The sheaves are further provided with
suitable gearing, such as a pinion meshing with a circular rack on each sheave,
adapted to revolve the sheaves and to take up any slack of the chains, and also,
on the revolution of the first pulley with the axle, to wind up the chain pertaining
to the second pulley. Or a spring may be employed between the sheaves for the
same purpose.
The guides for the cross-head may be carried to the axle and provided with
ball-bearings, thus rendering the mechanism self-contained and providing against
any undue strain upon the flooring or framework to which the apparatus may
be attached.
An oscillating cylinder may be employed; the chains or other flexible con-
nections being secured to the piston-rod in such a manner that the chain, for the
time being sustaining the greater strain, may be in alignment with the piston-
rod and cylinder. Or guide pulleys may be used between the reversing sheaves
and the air cylinder.
In the case of a vehicle fitted with axles on which the wheels revolve, a
shaft is arranged parallel to the axle, and apparatus of the kind hereinbefore
described is mounted thereon; the ends of the shaft being in connection through
suitable gearing with the hubs of the wheels.
The action of this form of apparatus is as follows:-On throwing the friction-
clutch into operation, the sheave forming part of the clutch winds up the chain
pertaining thereto against the resistance of the spring or of the piston; a re-
tarding effect, gradually increasing in extent, resulting as regards the rotation
of the axle or shaft. Meanwhile, the second sheave, through the gearing, or
under the influence of the spring between the two sheaves, winds up the chain
pertaining thereto. On the release of the friction-clutch, for the purpose of re-
starting the vehicle, the retreat of the piston to its normal position in the cylinder,
under the influence of the compressed spring or of the compressed-air effects the
rotation of the axle or shaft; the pawl on the second sheave engaging with the
ratchet-wheel keyed upon the shaft and the chains unwinding.
To obviate the clicking of the pawl on the ratchet-wheel during ordinary
running, the pawl may be lifted out of contact with the ratchet-wheel by causing
the tail-end of the pawl to engage beneath a bevel plate or spring carried either
on the car or on the friction-clutch sheave; or a silent roller nipping clutch
may be employed.

page_text: Improved Means applicable for Use in Stopping and Re-starting
Omnibuses, Tramcars and other Vehicles.
We, HENRY LOW WEBSTER and HANS JACOB NORBALLE, both of 11, St. Oswald's
Road, Lillie Bridge, in the County of Middlesex, Engineers, 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 improved means for effecting the stoppage of a
vehicle, for storing the energy derivable from its momentum and for applying
such stored energy in re-starting, or in assisting to re-start the said vehicle
whether propelled by animal, mechanical or electrical power; the object being
to provide simple, efficient and inexpensive mechanism more particularly adapted
for use with vehicles such as tramcars, omnibuses and the like whereby they
may be readily stopped and re-started, or slowed down when descending incliues,
the energy developed in stopping the vehicle being stored and subsequently
applied in re-starting or in assisting in re-starting the same.
The principle of our invention may be applied in various ways; but, according
to the mode of construction we prefer to employ, a chain or other flexible con-
nection is wound about a sheave or pulley against the resistance of a spring
or compressed-air cylinder and receiver, the character of which may be varied to
suit the design of the vehicle; the apparatus being brought into operation by
'means of suitable clutch mechanism.
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a fractional view of a vehicle having
our means for stopping and re-starting shown applied to one of a pair of rear
wheels. Figs. 2 and 3 are respectively a corresponding side view and a plan.
Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are detached views of alternative means of conveying motion
from the road-wheel to the stopping and re-starting mechanism and vice versa.
Fig. 7 is a view showing the means of connecting the chain-carrying sheaves with
the casing or drum of the power spring. Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are detached views of
one form of clutch mechanism adapted for effecting the objects of our invention.
Figs. 11 and 12 illustrating an alternative method of construction. Figs. 13, 13"
and 13 are diagrammatic views illustrating another arrangement wherein the
motion from the road-wheel to the stopping and re-starting mechanism is con-
veyed by means of chains. Figs. 14 and 15 are respectively a side view and a
plan of a construction wherein an air-compressing cylinder is employed in con-
junction with the power spring; Fig. 16 illustrating a similar arrangement
wherein the cylinder is mounted so as to oscillate upon trunnions.
According to one mode of carrying our invention into effect, we utilise the
recoil of a spring, which has been compressed or coiled during the stopping of
the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a shaft A whereon is mounted a friction
clutch B, which may be brought into operation by a foot- or hand-lever in the
usual way, so as to effect the rotation of a sheave C, mounted on said shaft,
and about which a pitch-chain C₁ is coiled, one end of this pitch-chain being
secured to the said sheave while the other end thereof is secured to the casing
or drum D wherein the power spring is coiled. Alongside the sheave C is a
sheave E of larger diameter and having coiled thereon, in the reverse direction,
a pitch-chain E, the latter being connected with the casing or drum D of the power
spring in a similar manner to that of the chain C. By means of a ratchet-
wheel F (keyed on the shaft A) and a pawl F1 carried by the sheave E motion
is transmitted from the latter to the shaft A; the motion of the road wheels
(in omnibuses) being transmitted to the said shaft by means of a friction-
pulley G, or friction-chain, as also the motion of the revoluble shaft to the
road wheels.

page_text: In applying our invention, by way of example, to an omnibus, the mechanism
is mounted for convenience under the vehicle in front of the large road wheels.
The shaft A is journalled in a pair of pivoted arms or hanging bearings H
fixed to the under body of the vehicle. On each end of the shaft A is keyed a
pulley G formed with flanges g g whereof the latter is removeable, a thick
india-rubber band g² being placed between the said flanges. The inner surfaces
of the flanges may be serrated. Upon proceeding to unite the parts of the pulley
the rubber band is compressed so as to normally assume a bulged condition, as shown
in Fig. 3, whereby the outer covering ³, formed of leather chain belting.
is secured against displacement. A yielding pulley of this character presents a
large frictional surface to the road wheel. Near the lower end of each arm H
is mounted a bell-crank lever I whereof the longer arm is attached to a rod K
which is connected with a foot-lever in the usual manner; the shorter arm of
the said lever I being connected by means of a forked rod L, spring L' and
stirrup piece L2 with the axle tree of the road wheels.
are
The friction-clutch may be constructed as follows:-The outer portion B is
formed integral with the sheave C, while the inner portion 131 of the clutch
is keyed on the shaft A and consists of a boss provided with two radial
arms 6 b, each carrying a bow-shaped extension 61 61 arranged concentrically
with the axle and projecting to or towards the other radial arm. The bow-
shaped portions are thickened at the divisions and are recessed in the centre of
each division for the reception of the wedges 62 ; the purpose of the wedges
being to thrust the bow-shaped portions apart so as to bring the inner and outer
portions of the clutch into frictional contact with each other and thereby effect
the rotation of the sheave with the shaft. The friction surfaces may be cone-
shaped, and be formed of different metal or materials. The wedges
carried upon two radial telescopic arms 663 pivoting on trunnions bb projecting
from a block b which slides over a feather on the shaft A; the said arms being
constructed in two parts so as to slide the one within the other. A pin 66 in
the one part working in a slot in the other part prevents the rotation and with-
drawal of the arm beyond the necessary limit. A coiled spring 7, or a spring-
washer, arranged between collars 68 69 on the inner and outer part respectively,
tends to keep the arms extended and permit a certain elasticity in the coupling.
The degree of tension may be regulated by the employment of a screwed collar
at 68, or by the addition of ordinary washers to increase the compression of the
spring and to compensate for wear between the friction surfaces of the clutch.
The telescopic arms 63 are forked and are journalled on both trunnions 6', each
fork-end 60 embracing only a portion of the circumference of each trunnion.
The arms are maintained in position by thimbles or caps 6 which are screwed
to the trunnions, and which embrace the incomplete hubs or fork-ends. The
clutch may be operated by a bell-crank lever 612 whereof one arm is connected
with the rod 613 and the other arm works against the sliding collar or block 65.
The sheave C is free to revolve in either direction on the shaft A and the adjacent
sheave E is free to revolve on the said shaft in one direction only, its revolution
in the opposite direction being prevented by the ratchet and pawl.
The casing or drum D is flanged and is carried in bracket bearings d; it
being provided with a fixed axle d¹ whereon is coiled the power spring (not
shown) of which the inner end is secured to the axle while the outer end is
secured to the inner circumference of the casing. Around the latter are wound
the respective pitch-chains C¹ E¹ as they are unwound from the peripheries of
the sheaves C and E. When the power spring is permitted to uncoil, the pawl Fi
engages with the ratchet-wheel F and the motion of the sheave E is transmitted
to the shaft A. A light coiled spring M may be arranged between the sheaves C
and E, one end of the said spring being attached to the periphery of the sheave E
while the other end is secured to the hub of the sheave C, whereby the rotation
of the sheaves is effected and any slack in the chains taken up.
In operating the mechanism, the bell-crank lever I is pulled over so as to

page_text: bring the pulley G into contact with the tyre of the road wheel whereupon the
pulley revolves and effects the revolution of the shaft A. This latter motion
is communicated to the sheave C by the throwing into gear of the friction-clutch;
the latter when light pressure is adopted serving as a brake when descending an
incline by offering a resistance to the rotation of the shaft A. When, however,
the said friction-clutch is thrown hard into gear, so that the inner and outer
portions firmly engage together, the vehicle is brought to rest, owing to the
resistance offered by the coiling of the power spring resulting from the winding
of the chain C¹ on the sheave C. It will be apparent that, the sheave E having
rotated in the opposite direction (by means of the light coiled spring M) and its
chain E wound thereon, it is in a position to receive the force of the recoil
of the power spring, to transmit such force to the shaft A and thence to the road
wheels in order to effect the re-starting of the vehicle. This is accomplished
by releasing the sheave C by means of the lever 612 whereby the power spring
effects the revolution of the drum D and the winding thereon of the chains C¹
and E¹ the sheave E thus causing the rotation of the shaft A and friction-
pulleys G G.
Referring to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the pivoted arms H may be each furnished with
a pin or gudgeon h whereon a chain-wheel revolves. On each end of the
shaft A is keyed a chain-wheel h². Roller tracks h³ are mounted on the gudgeon h
and shaft A, on each side of the vehicle, the ends of the roller carriers being
so constructed as to allow of the chain or sprocket wheels passing and revolving
between them. The rollers h³ are preferably of steel and are so mounted that
their peripheries project a short distance above the outer edges of the roller
carriers Around each pair of chain or sprocket wheels is passed a twin
chain he, similar in construction to those ordinarily employed on bicycles, but
having the block links in one chain joined to the block links of its twin chain
by saddle pieces 7 formed with flanges, thus constituting sockets for the reception
of the friction blocks 8 which may be of wood, leather or other suitable material.
The pins of the chain may be thickened in the centre by means of a collar;
the chains being riveted on each end so that each pin acts as a distance piece
between the chains. The extended bearing surface offered by the friction-pulley
or by the friction-chain obviates the necessity for the exertion of great pressure
when stopping or partially stopping the vehicle.
According to the alternative method of constructing the friction-clutch, illus-
trated in Figs. 11 and 12, each radial arm bb is provided with a vibratory
arm whereof one extremity operates against the free end of the bow-shaped
extension ; the other extremity being furnished with a spring supported
plunger 6. The sliding collar is made in the form of a truncated cone
whereby the arms 6 are deflected with the result that the inner portion B¹ of
the clutch is caused to engage with the outer portion B.
According to a modified construction the revoluble shaft A may be caused to
rotate by means of a pair of pitch-chains N which gear with chain- or sprocket-
wheels N1 N2, keyed on the ends of the shaft A and on the hubs of the road wheels
respectively. An ordinary ratchet box O is in this case introduced between the
chain- or sprocket-wheels on the shaft in order to permit of turning. In this
construction the pivoted hanging bearings H are connected with the axle-tree
by means of rods H¹ the object being to maintain the shaft A at a fixed distance
from the hubs of the road wheels.
Instead of the spring M, the sheaves may be provided with suitable gearing,
such as a pinion M* meshing with circular racks C* E* respectively formed on
the sheaves C and E for the purpose of rotating the sheaves and taking up
any slack of the chains, and also, on the revolution of the sheave C to wind up
the chain pertaining to the sheave E. The pinion M³ is mounted in a radial
arm Mo whereof the inner end embraces the shaft A and the outer end is secured
to the framing of the vehicle at M¹.
When applied to tramcars or vehicles in which the wheel axle revolves with

page_text: the road wheel, the sheaves C and E and friction-clutch B and other parts are
mounted directly on the wheel axle.
According to the construction illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15, an air-compressing
cylinder P is employed in conjunction with the power spring D1, the latter being
enclosed in the cylinder and compressed by the piston P¹. The air may moreover
be compressed into an air receiver whereby long inclines may be utilised for
storage; automatic valve gear being provided for the delivery of the compressed
air into the receiver and for effecting the "cut-off" at any point of the stroke
when starting. The spring in this instance acts only to return the piston to its
'normal position when the apparatus is used for reducing the momentum of the
vehicle. The energy so stored is rendered available in the re-starting of the
vehicle.
In applying this method of working, by way of example, to a tramcar where
the axle revolves with the wheels, the mechanism is mounted upon the wheel
axle. The sheaves C and E are respectively embraced, or partially so, by the
chains C¹ and E¹ which are wound in opposite directions, cach chain being
secured at one end to its respective sheave and at the other end to the cross-
head P2 of the piston-rod P³ the spiral or coiled spring D₁ maintaining the
piston P at the outer end of the cylinder P. The guides for the cross-head are
extended to the wheel-axle (A) and provided with ball-bearings, thus rendering
the mechanism self-contained and providing against any undue strain upon the
flooring or framework of the vehicle. For ensuring the alignment with the piston-
rod and cylinder of the chain for the time being sustaining the greater strain,
guide-pulleys Q Q may be arranged between the sheaves and the cross-head.
Or the cylinder may be arranged to oscillate as shown at Fig. 16. In the case
of a vehicle fitted with axles on which the wheels revolve, the mechanism is
mounted upon a shaft parallel with the axle in a similar manner to that herein-
before described in connection with the application of the invention to
omnibus.
an
On throwing the friction-clutch into operation, the sheave C winds up the
chain C against, the compression of the power spring D¹ or of the air in the
cylinder, the result being a gradually increasing retarding effect as regards the
rotation of the axle or shaft (A). Meanwhile, the sheave E through the gear-
ing (M*, etc.), or under the influence of the spring (M) between the two sheaves,
winds up the chain E. On the release of the friction-clutch and consequently
of the sheave C, for the purpose of re-starting, the retreat of the piston to its
normal position in the cylinder, under the influence of the compressed spring (D¹)
or of the compressed-air is permitted; the unwinding of the chains C¹ and Ei
causing the pawl FI on the sheave E to engage with the ratchet-wheel F and
effect the rotation of the axle or shaft.
To obviate the clicking of the pawl F¹ during ordinary running, the pawl may
be lifted out of contact with the ratchet-wheel F by causing the tail-end of the
pawl to engage beneath a bevel plate for spring; or in some instances the
clicking may be obviated by means of a silent roller nipping clutch.
-
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we claim :-
1. The improved means for use in stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tram-
cars and other vehicles, arranged and operating substantially as herein described,
and whereby the energy represented by the momentum of the vehicle may be
stored and subsequently applied in re-starting; the operation of storing effecting
a braking action."
2. The improved means for use in stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tram-
cars and other vehicles, arranged substantially as herein described and capable of
being applied in such a manner as to produce a light braking effect as dis-
tinguished from the harsher arresting effect incidental to the storing of energy.
3. The herein described means for use in stopping and re-starting omnibuses,

page_text: tramcars and other vehicles, comprising chains, a pair of sheaves which may be
geared together and about which the chains may be wound, a power spring
or an air-compressing piston, and a suitable clutch; motion being transmitted
from the road-wheels to the mechanism by means of friction-gear, substantially
as set forth.
4. For use in apparatus for stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tramcars and
other vehicles, the herein described means for conveying the motion of the road-
wheel to the stopping and re-starting mechanism and vice versa; same comprising
flanged pulleys, mounted on the shaft pertaining to the said mechanism, the
peripheries of each of the said pullies being furnished with an india-rubber
band and with an outer covering band of leather.
5. For use in apparatus for stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tramcars and
other vehicles, the herein described alternative means for conveying the motion
of the road-wheel to the stopping and re-starting mechanism and vice versa,
same comprising a chain or chains furnished with friction-blocks and passing
round chain-wheels suitably mounted in hanging bearings; the blocks being
presented to the periphery of the road-wheel by means of roller tracks carried by
the hanging bearings.
6. For use in apparatus for stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tramcars and
other vehicles, the improved construction of clutch, comprising an outer part
and an inner part, the latter being expanded within the former by means of
spring-controlled arms and wedges, substantially as herein described.
7. In apparatus for use in stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tramcars and
other vehicles, the combination, with the shaft A, of the clutch B, power
spring (D), sheaves C and E, chains C and E', ratchet F and pawl F1, friction-
pulley G, or friction-chain, and spring M, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
8. For stopping and re-starting omnibuses, tramcars and other vehicles, the
employment of means arranged and operating substantially as described with
reference to Figs. 13, 13" and 13b, to Figs. 14 and 15, or to Fig. 16 respectively
of the accompanying drawings.