NEWLY IMPROVED CAP- STAN, WINDLASS, AND HAWSE ROLLER
Year: 1821

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
NICHOL, of the Parish of Saint John's, Hamstead, in the County of Middlesex,
Master Mariner, do send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth, by His
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Twenty-second day of August, in the second year of His
reign, did give and grant unto me, the said John Nichol, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, His special licence, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said John Nichol, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within that part of His Majesty's Dominions called
England, His Dominion of Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and
also in all His Colonies and Plantations abroad, my "NEWLY IMPROVED CAP-
STAN, WINDLASS, AND HAWSE ROLLER;" in which said Letters Patent there is
contained a proviso, obliging me, the said John Nichol, under my hand and
seal, to cause a particular description of the nature of my said Inventions, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within two calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same
(relation being thereunto had) may more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said John
Nichol, do hereby declare that the improvements I have invented are set

page_text: forth and explained in the underwritten description and Drawings hereunto
annexed; and in order to identify the same more clearly, the description thereof
is divided into three distinct parts and sections.
Section First contains my improvement on the capstan. Section Second
contains my improvement on the windlass. Section Third contains my im-
provement on the hawse roller.
Section the First. The improvement I have invented in capstans consists
in making the whelps (which have always been stationary) moveable, by which
contrivance the diameter of the capstan may be varied at pleasure. Conse-
quently the power may be encreased or diminished within certain limits as
occasion may require.
The mortices to
The bosse B, in
Drawing 1, Fig. 1. A represents a cast-iron drum head.
receive the capstan bars are shewn in dotted lines at a, a.
the centre, contains a hexagonal hole, by which it is placed on a similar
shaped spindle, and wedged or keyed to its place thereon in the usual manner.
The six fillets that radiate from the bosse have each an additional cylindrical
part b, b, cast upon them, which encreases the size sufficiently to enable them
to receive a strong screw in each. Fig. 2 shews a front elevation of the
drum-head, and Fig. 3, a section of the same, taken through the dotted line
C, D, at Fig. 1. Fig. 4. E represents a plan of the upper whelp plate. The
bosse F, in the centre, has a hexagonal hole, by which it is placed upon the
spindle; but it is not necessary to fix it by keys or wedges, it being intended
to move freely up or down upon the spindle. The twelve holes, c, c, c, in the
plate, radiating from the centre, are constructed to receive a square studd or
stop in each, long enough to pass through the plate about two inches. Fig. 5
shews a plan of the under side of the upper whelp plate. Upon this side six
radiating fillets d, d, d, are cast, to enter corresponding grooves in each whelp.
The three circular holes c, e, e, are made to receive three screws, by which
the plate may be elevated or depressed when necessary. Fig. 6 is a section
of the same plate, taken through the dotted line G, H, at Fig. 5. Fig. 7.
I shews a plan of the upper side of the lower whelp plate. The six radiating
fillets f, ff, are similar to those described in the upper plate Fig. 5; but
the holes g, g, g, for receiving the studds or stop bolts are not cast or pierced
completely through the plate, being only recesses sufficiently deep to hold
the studds or stops. This contrivance is intended to prevent any water
from getting through the plate I. Fig. 8. I is a plan of the under side of
the same plate. The bosse K, in the centre, has a hexagonal hole to receive the
spindle L, to which it is firmly keyed or wedged. The rim N is cast of
ufficient depth and length to have the pauls O fitted to it in the usual

page_text: manner. Fig. 9 shew's a section of the lower whelp plate, in which Figure
the depth of the recesses g, g, g, for the stop bolts are seen. Fig. 10 represents
a plan of the lower whelp plate, with six whelps i, i, i, placed close in contact, and
butting against the spindle L. This position of the whelps produces the smallest
diameter that can be produced by the shifting of the whelps. The advantage
of this position will be better seen by referring to Fig. 15, which shews a front
elevation of the whelps i, i, i, combined in the same manner. I shall here
observe, that this position is intended to bear the greatest strain that whelps
will be subject to, and it may be seen that they are so united as to form one
entire and solid mass, each part thereby mutually supporting the other,
and all of them pressing against their common abutment, namely, the
spindle L. Fig. 11 represents a plan of the lower whelp plate, with the
six whelps i, i, i,,i, i, i, placed at the outer extremity, and butting or bearing
against the studds h, h, h, h, h, h, which for- this purpose are placed at equal
distances from the centre. It is perhaps needless to state that in this position
of the whelps the power of the capstan will be the least, as the one before
described was the greatest, with the exception of the spindle, which will be
of great utility in cases of emergency, for by removing the whelps (which can
easily be effected) the spindle will present a power of great magnitude; but
an intermediate power may be gained by placing the stopping bolts h, h, in
the circle of holes marked g, g, g, and placing the whelps in contact, or
in other words, letting them bear or butt against them. From what has been
stated, it. will appear evident that whatever arrangement of the bolts is
adopted in the upper plate, the same must obtain the lower one, by which
means the whelps will in all cases be sufficiently supported. Fig. 12 repre-
sents a side view of one of the whelps. The position and shape of the support-
ing or edge bar is shewn at K, the plan below corresponding. Fig. 13 shews
à front elevation of a whelp, with a plan, as before. Fig. 14 shews an inside
elevation, with a plan corresponding. Fig. 15 represents a front elevation
of the capstan, with all the parts combined, the six whelps i, i, i, i, i, i,
standing upon their bases, between the upper and lower whelp plates E and N.
In this Figure four out of six screws, 1, 1, and m, m, are seen, the other
two being hid behind; three of these screws 1, 1, 1, are alternately made, as is
shewn at 1, in the section below, and the other three are made as shewn at m,
in the same section. It will be seen that the screw 7 is tapped into the arm
or fillet of the drum head at the upper end, consequently when turned in
a proper direction it will press down the upper whelp plate E upon the top
of the whelps i, i, i, and tend thereby to keep them firmly in their position.
The other three screws are made as shewn at m, that is to say:The upper

page_text: part has a broad head, which prevents it from passing through the hole
made for it in the alternate arms of the drum head. Below the arm a collar is
placed upon the cylindrical part of the screw, and a key is driven into a square.
hole prepared for it, which keeps the collar in its place. The lower ends of
these three screws are tapped into the upper whelp plate, and by turning
these by their levers in a proper direction each will enter the upper whelp
plate, and thereby lift it sufficiently off the whelps so as to permit them to
be moved from one position to another. Of course the three pressing screws 1, 1, 1,
must be slackened as much as it is desired; the whelp plate should be lifted,
and when it is returned the three pressing screws must then be forced down,
by which means the upper whelp plate will be pressed down at six equidistant
points. To alter the power of the capstan, first slacken the pressing screws
1, 1, 1, and then turn the lifting screws m, m, m, until the weight of the upper
whelp plate is taken off the whelps. Each whelp may then be drawn outwards
or pushed inwards to any of the stations, as shewn by the holes c, c, and g, g,
in the whelp plates. The whelps should always be drawn out a little further
than the station to which they are to be fixed, and the stop bolts p and h, being
placed properly in their holes, the whelps must be forced close up to them,
and then the upper plate may be let down, and finally fixed by the pressing
screws. To prevent the whelps from slipping outwards, each is confined by two
iron pins, drop'd through the holes in the base r, r, of each whelp, correspond-
ing holes being made in the lower whelp plate to receive them, but the holes
should not be made completely through the whelp plate, on account
of the water getting through. Fig 21. s, represents the plan of a ring formed
in two halves, which may be united firmly by the screws t, t. This is used to
support the weight of the drumhead, and thereby prevent it from slipping
down the spindle should the keys or wedges at any time get loose. The
position of it, when placed upon the spindle, will be seen at s, in Fig. 15,
there being a cylindrical recess formed on the spindle to receive it. One of
these rings is applied in the same manner to the spindle, to support the
lower whelp plate, as shewn at s, in that part of Fig. 15 which is in section,
and a similar one is placed on the spindle at 10, under the deck, to prevent
the capstan from being lifted out of the cups or sockets. It has been before
stated that when the whelps are placed so as to take a bearing against the
spindle they will be capable of sustaining the greatest strain, because in that
position they form as it were one solid mass, giving a mutual support to each
other, therefore that is the position that should always be chosen when great
strength and resistance is required; but in order to prevent any accident that
might take place by a great strain being applied improperly, when the whelps

page_text: are placed at a distance from the spindle, I make use of a method to support
them in the centre, as follows:-Fig. 16. v, represents an iron ring, formed
in two halves, which may be united by the pins and nutts shewn at w, w.
The six projecting arms are each formed into a portion of a joint or hinge,
that they may have a small short arm attached to each by a short pin being
placed in the hole of the joint. The screw pins seen at w, w, serve the
same purpose, as well as to unite the two halves of the ring together. Fig. 17
represents a plan of the same ring, with the short arms a, a, x, x, x, x,
united by a joint pin passing through each. The extremity of each arm is
exactly the same distance from the centre, and each arm has a small projection
formed upon its under part, which meets a similar projection from the ring,
by which contrivance the arms can never fall below the horizontal position,
but may be raised rather more than a quarter of the circle in the other
direction. P represents a section of another arm, which may be applied upon.
the end of each short arm, by which means the length of each may be
encreased equally, as occasion may require. Fig. 18 represents a section of
Fig. 17, taken through the line Q, R. This Figure is given to shew the
small projection on the under side of the short arm a, a, which, meeting the
similar part on the ring, forms what is called a rule joint. The method of
applying this is shewn in the lower part of Fig. 15. represents the ring in
section, which is made to fit into a recess formed on the spindle for that
purpose. The two halves are united by the nutts and screws w, w, as before
described. The left-hand short arm a is let down to the horizontal position,
the extremity touching the dotted line c, g, which is exactly the line the
edge bar of the whelp i would be in when placed in at the holes in the
whelp plates c, g; therefore it will be easily conceived that these arms will
form a very powerful support to the centre of each whelp (which are of
sufficient strength of themselves for the ordinary purpose of weighing the
anchor) when placed in that particular situation. The right-hand short
arm & has another arm P, placed or fixed (either by screw or friction) on its'
end, which is so adjusted as to meet the whelp placed at the furthest position
from the spindle. The whelps, therefore, in this situation will be equally
supported as in the position before described. The short arms x, x, x, x, x, x,
would prevent the whelps from coming in contact with the spindle, on account
of their position and projection; but to prevent any inconvenience that might
arise from that circumstance, each arm, being jointed, may be turned up.
until it leans against the spindle, and as the ring is fitted upon the spindle
so as to turn freely round in an horizontal direction, each arm may be so
placed as to stand intermediately between the edge bars of the whelps, and.

page_text: should the ring v project a little beyond the surface of the spindle,, a small por-
tion of the edge bar may be removed. so as to let it take a fair bearing against
the spindle. The arms P must, of course, in this case, be taken off, and
may be placed at all times ready for use in the recesses of the drumhead;
should the spindle at any time be required as a power, this ring may be
easily removed. If a single capstan is constructed upon this principle, the
spindle will, of course, be in one entire length, and the whelp plate N, Fig.. 15,
have pauls fixed on in the usual manner. When a double capstan is required,
it may be constructed upon this principle, with a spindle of one entire length;
also, where the upper one is not wanted to act independant of the lower one,
in which case, pauls to the upper one will of course not be necessary; but
should it be desirable to have the upper one act independant of the other,
then the spindle must be constructed as follows:-S, represents the lower
spindle, with a hollow cup in the upper part, to receive a foot or toe of the
upper spindle L. T,.T, represents a strong iron frame, formed at. V into a
plumber block, for the upper part of the lower spindle S to run in, a portion
of the spindle being turned properly for that purpose. Upon the upper part
of the cup or broad flanch or rim. is found, and upon.the spindle immediately
above it is placed the collar W, with a strong bosse formed in its centre,
having a hexagonal hole to fit the spindle. The four bolts. shewn at y, y, Y,,Y,
pass through holes in the broad flanch of the collar, and, dropping through,
similar holes in the rim of the cup, serve to unite the two spindles together.
When the bolts are removed, each spindle may turn independantly of the
other, and, consequently, the capstans may be used separately. It may be also
necessary to state, that the toe or lower end of the spindle S works in in a
metal cup, supported in the usual manner. Fig. 19 represents a front and
side view of the bolts used in the upper whelp plate, and Fig. 20 similar
views of the stop bolts used in the lower whelp plate.
By the Drawings and description herein given,. it will be seen that
(excepting the small parts which, have to be worked into particular forms)
nearly the whole capstan is formed of cast iron, which I greatly prefer, on
account of its cheapness, durability, and the ease with which it may be made
to any given form or shape. But the same principal may be carried into
effect with any suitable metal or material, of which the most obvious is oak,
or any hard and firm timber, in which case the end of the whelps may have
iron grooves, and iron fillets may be fixed upon wooden whelp frames (or by
whatever other name the substitute for the whelp plates may be called),.
with such other parts as may be most conveniently formed of that or any
other suitable wood, metal, or material. But I shall here observe, that

page_text: in all cases a cast or wrought iron spindle is indispensable; and if wood of any
kind is to form the principal part of the combination, then it will be better to
have two setts of whelps, which may be constructed that the outer ones shall
take a solid bearing against the inner ones. Finally, it may be observed; that
as the change in the diameter of these capstans is easily and quickly effected,
it would be desirable to construct them with the capability of having larger
diameters at pleasure than capstans usually have, by which means a great
deal of time may be saved in heaving in a long scope of cable. Of course,
the whelp plates being made of larger diameter, with holes for the studds or
stops suitably placed, will effect that purpose when it may be thought desirable.
And in order to prevent any infringement on this Patent, I hereby further
declare that my Invention in this part or section consists in making the
whelps of my capstans (or any portion or division of the barrel thereof that
may be made to answer the purpose of a whelp) moveable, by the use of
which the diameter of the capstan may be increased or diminished, within
certain limits, at pleasure; and although I have shewn in the Drawings the
way in which I conceive it may be best effected, yet the same principle cau
or may be effected and performed by a variety of combinations without
departing from what I consider the essential feature of my Invention, namely,
that of making the whelps moveable, in order to encrease or diminish the
diameter of capstan at pleasure.
Section the Second-This section contains my improvement on the
windlass, the principle feature of which consists in making the body or barrel
in such a way, either fixed or in such a manner that it can at pleasure be
divided or separated so as to form distinct parts, each of which, for the sake
of their similarity, I shall call a whelp. By this contrivance I am enabled to
shift or move each portion of the barrel or whelp into such a position, that,
acting collectively, they encrease or diminish the diameter of the windlass in
the manner hereafter to be described.
Drawing 2, Figure 1.-A represents a plan of the right-hand whelp plate
and ratchett (for it is to be observed that this plate serves both purposes):
a, a, a, shew the position of four holes made to receive a cylindrical gudgeon
formed on each end of the whelps. b, b, b, b, represent four bolt holes made
to receive the ends of four bolts fixed on the ends of the whelps. C, C, C, C,
shew the position of four similar holes made for the ends of the bolts before
named. d represents a square hole made to receive the spindle or axis, and
to which it is firmly fixed by wedges or keys in a proper situation. Fig. 2.
A represents a plan of the reverse side of the same plate, shewing the rim n,,
upon which, are formed the ratchet teeth; the size of the bosse B in the

page_text: centre is also shewn. Fig. 3 shews an edge view, and Fig. 4 a section of the
same plate taken through the line C, D, of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 represents a plan
of the left-hand whelp plate, which is exactly similar in every respect to the
one before described, excepting the shape of the rectangular bolt holes, and
likewise the ratchett teeth, which in this will be formed in the reverse position.
Fig. 6 represents a plan of one of the whelps with two holes f, f, to place the
handspikes in. 9, 9, shew two gudgeons formed on the end plate h, h, upon
which, when placed in the whelp plates, the whelps can turn or revolve.
i, i, represents the position of two flush bolts placed under the surface at each
end. These, when forced out at each end, enter the holes prepared for them
in the whelp plate, and thereby confine the whelps firmly to the position
desired. Fig. 7 represents an end view of the left-hand end of the whelps
before described. Fig. 8 shews an end view of the right-hand end of the
same. Fig. 9 represents a side view or elevation of a whelp; Fig. 10, a
section. In this Figure the position of the bolts i, i, may be more plainly seen,
as also the nutts o, o, which are fixed to the bolts by the pins o, o, in their
centre, passing through both nutts, and being then rivetted at each end
by having a slit or grove on each side of the whelp at each end. The bolts
may be moved on either side of the whelp at pleasure. Fig. 11 represents a
plan of the right-hand whelp plate, with its four whelps placed in contact
with the axis, and bolted to that position. This situation of the whelps gives
the smallest diameter and greatest power of the windlass; therefore they are
so arranged round the axis as mutually to support each other. And in order
to shew the position of the bolts i, i, i, i, more distinctly, each whelp is sup-
posed to be cut off by a plane passing through the line F, G, of Fig. 6. By
this contrivance the exact internal shape and construction of the whelps at the
right-hand end will be ascertained. Fig. 12 represents a plan of the same
whelp plate, each whelp (after the bolts are withdrawn from the whelp plate)
having made half a revolution upon their gudgeons 9, 9, 9, g, by which means
their bolts i, i, i, i, will be placed exactly opposite the outer holes, into which
they are to be forced tight, which will effectually retain the whole in that
position, forming thereby the largest diameter, and consequently the smallest
power, by this arrangement of its parts. H, H, H, H, represents an edge
view of four oak boards, which in this position of the whelps are placed
between each two, forming a surface for the feet of the seamen to stand
upon when they are working the windlass. Each board has two bars of iron
fixed to the under side, which are so fitted that they may take a bearing
against the under part of the whelps, and thereby mutually assist in sup-
porting each other. At each end of these boards two strong flush bolts are

page_text: placed on the under side, which enter the whelp plates, and retain them fast
in their position. Fig. 13 represents a plan of the left-hand whelp plate,
with four whelps placed at the ends in contact with the spindle. Each whelp
is at this end two inches smaller than at the right-hand end. There is,
therefore, a small projection cast upon each that they may take a bearing
upon the axis; and in order to support the remainder, a strip or bar of iron
is fixed to each side of the axis exactly under the whelp, so fitted as to permit
it to take an equal bearing all the way along. This will be best seen at
1, 1, 1, Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a plan of the same plate with the whelps placed
at the outer holes and bolted. Fig. 15 represents a front elevation of a
windlass formed upon my improved principle. e, e, e, shews the position of
the whelps in the left-hand or larboard portion when placed close in contact
with the spindle or axis. In this state the windlass presents the smallest
diameter; and consequently the greatest power; the four whelps being in
contact with each other, the barrel thus formed being as strong as if it were
solid. In this Figure it will be seen that the right and left hand whelp plates,
A, A, are each formed into a ratchett on their rims n, n, n, n, by which means
each barrel is supported by the pauls 2, 2, 2, 2, on each side. Z represents
another portion of the windlass, with the whelps (or portions of a barrel) e, e,
turned upon their centres until they are placed at the outermost position,
in which place each is firmly fixed by the flush bolts at each end, is shewn
before in the various parts in detail. The front whelp is in this Figure
removed that the method of bracing the whelps when placed at the greatest
distance from the spindle may be seen more distinctly. This will be best
understood by Fig. 16 and 17, which represent a side and front view of an
upright and supporting bar or stay, having a base equally as broad as the side
of the axis. The base serves as a stand; and it is prevented from slipping
away from its station by the strip or bar of iron fixed to each side of the
spindle or axis entering the cavity in the centre of the base seen at Fig. 17.
The curve on the upper part of Fig. 17 exactly fits the under surface of the
whelp; and as the distance of the under surface of the whelp from the axis is
greater at the right-hand side than at the left, the stay 3 is introduced under
the whelp at the right-hand side, and being slid along till it comes in contact
with the whelp in the centre, will sufficiently support it under any strain that
is applied. Each whelp is supported in the centre by the same means. The
spindle 4 is supported and revolves in a frame 5, bolted to the centre bitts.
The frame 5 contains a plumber block which receives the spindle, a portion
of which has a turned bearing for that purpose. Two other bearings are

page_text: :obtained in the usual manner by passing the spindle through the side bitts; and
the right-hand end, being formed into a gudgeon, revolves on the plumber block
upon the upper end of the frame 6; the frame 6 is capable of moving parallel to
itself and outwards, so that when it is drawn towards the side of the ship a
warp or rope may be brought to for any purpose required. The frame 6 is
then to be returned to its place,. and bolted, before a great strain is brought on
the end. 8 represents the two strong bolts that hold the frame 6 when it is
placed home. The left-hand end 9 is driven fast upon the spindle in the
usual manner. Fig: 18 represents a plan of the frame 6, shewing the side
plates. 7, within which it moves parallel to itself. Another very simple and
efficacious method of combining the parts upon the same principle is shewn in
the following Figures. Fig. 19, A, represents a plan of a whelp plate for the
left-hand side, with ratchett teeth on the rim, as before described. This has
a square hole in the centre for the spindle or axis to pass through. a, a, a, a,
represents four grooves, in which a.fillet cast on the edge of each whelp may
slide in. The recesses b, b, b, b, receive the fillets on the ends. of the whelps,
by which means they may be retained and supported at proper distances from
the centre or spindle. Fig. 20, A, represents a plan of four whelps e, e, 'e, e,
placed in their grooves a, a, a, a, their edge bars f.f.ff, butting or bearing
against the spindle. Each whelp is cut by a plane parallel to the whelp plate,
that the position of the flush bolts i, i, i, i, may be more easily seen. In this
position of the whelps the flush bolts enter the recesses or bolt holes h, h, h, h,
as seen in Figure 19, each fillet being placed in its groove; but when the
whelps are to be removed to the outer position the 'bolts are withdrawn, from
the whelp plate A, and each whelp being slid along the grooves a, a, a, a,
will drop into the recesses b, b, b, b, and the flush bolts i, i, i, i, being pushed
forward will enter the grooves a, a, a, a, and effectually retain them in their
recesses. The construction and shape of these whelps have a strong resem-
blance to those described in Section the First. Fig. 21 represents an end view
of the left-hand part of a whelp. The end of the bolt appears at i. Fig. 22, e,
is a. similar figure of the right-hand end, and Fig. 23 represents a side
elevation, shewing the edge bar f, which supports and strengthens the whelp.
Fig. 24 is a section taken through that part of the whelp that contains the
box for receiving the end of a handspike. Fig, 25 represents a plan of a
whelp, in which Figure the projecting fillets k may be more plainly seen. The
grooves in each whelp plate must of course be deep enough to receive them;
indeed the whole thickness of the whelp plate will be taken away, but it will
be supported on the outside of the rim n, and in the centre by the thickness

page_text: of the bosse B. There will be a great advantage arise from this combination
and arrangement, because the whelps may be. entirely removed, and the
spindle may then be.used, as was, described in the First Section. And I hereby
further declare, that although I have represented the windlasses upon my
improved principle as made principally of cast iron, yet the sanie may be
made of any suitable metal or material. But if wood of any suitable kind is
used, it will be better to have a small barrel fitted on the spindle, either solid
or. divided.. into separate portions, and likewise to have a separate set of
whelps which may be so constructed as to take a solid bearing upon the.
barrel, each being bolted to its place, either in the way already described or
in any other that will effect the same purpose. It will be evident to every
skilful mechanic, engineer, or seaman, that this improved principle may be.
used in combining the parts in a variety of ways without departing from. the
principle features thereof, namely, that of using moveable whelps, or any
portion of a barrel divided. so as to form whelps which may be so moved and
placed as, to encrease or diminish the diameter of a windlass at pleasure..
And in order to prevent any infringement on this part of my Patent, I hereby
further declare, that my improvement in this part or section consists entirely in.
the principle of, making my whelps (or any portion of a. barrel which may be
made to answer the purpose of whelps) moveable, by the use of which, when:
combined and arranged in the way that I have described, or in any other
suitable manner, the diameter of a windlass may be varied at pleasure, and
consequently the power may at all times be proportioned to the resistance:
Section the Third. contains my improvement on the haw'se roller. Drawing 2.)
Fig. 26, A, A, represents a front view of two standards bolted to the. upper
and lower deck, on the inside of which a groove is formed to receive a fillet,.
which slides up and down as occasion may require. B shews a front slevation
of a roller, frame. On each side a fillet, a, is cast, with slides in the grooves.
of the standards before described. Crepresents a roller made of iron, oak, or
any other hard wood. .6 shews the place of the wrought iron axis which:
passes through the centre of the roller; each end or gudgeon revolving in the
sides of the frame B. c represents a portion of the frame united to the other
part by a pin passing through the centre. of the joint seen at B. . D shews
a front view of a strong iron screw, which works or turns in a box or screw d,
fixed in the the upper deck, or where, there is no deck above, the hawse hole
'to a plate or frame fixed upon the standards A, A. The lower end of the
screw is formed into a cylinder at e, which passes through the upper part of
the frame B, and the collar f being placed upon it, the two are united by the

page_text: key pin, seen above, e. E shews the situation of the hawse hole, and F the
cable coming through it. Fig. 27 represents a side elevation of Fig. 26,
the same letters of reference being placed upon the same parts where they
appear in sight. The roller C can at any time be disengaged from its frame
B by taking away the bolts g, g, by which means the bar h may be removed,
and the frame will open upon the joint, and permit the roller to be with-
drawn. Of course the standards A, A, must first be removed. The appli-
cation of this part of my Invention is as follows:-The standards A, A,
containing the frame B, are to be placed within the hawse hole, and previous
to the cable being passed through the hawse hole it must be rove through the
roller frame above the roller, in which case it will be in the position shewn in
Figure 26. When the anchor is to be weighed, and the ship hove stay or
short-a-peak, the roller is then to be elevated by means of the screw, so as to
bring the cable nearly in contact with the upper part of the hawse hole at the
inside, which being done the right angle which the cable always forms at the
hawse hole when the anchor is a-weigh will be now rendered obtuse, and
thereby greatly facilitate its heaving up. This combination of the roller and
screw will also be found extremely useful in starting the anchor when it is
deeply bedded and cannot be weighed by the capstan or windlass without
altering the power. This is to be effected by lashing the cable down to a
strong ring, bolt, or clamp, a convenient distance abaft the roller; it being
understood that the roller is previously lowered below the hawse hole, and as
great a strain as possible hove upon the cable by means of the capstan
or windlass. The lashing of the cable being completed, the screw is then to
be turned round in a proper direction, and form its great power it will readily
effect the starting of the anchor from its hold. And in order to prevent any
infringement on this part or section of my Patent, I hereby further declare
my Invention in this section or part consists entirely in combining a screw
with a hawse roller, by the use of which, when applied in the way and
manner I have described, a superior power may be gained for the purpose
of weighing or starting a ship's anchor than was ever before known or made
use of.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Nichol, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, the Twenty-second day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and twenty-one.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the same Twenty-second day of
October, in the year above mentioned, the aforesaid John Nichol came before
our Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification afore-
said, and all and every thing therein contained, in form above written. And
also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the
Statute in that case made and provided.
Inrolled the same Twenty-second day of October, in the year above
written.