Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Feb., 1889
Specification Accepted, 25th May, 1889
I GEORGE THOMAS LINK of Staplehurst Kent, Engine Proprietor do hereby declare
the nature of this inventior. and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention has for its object the construction of an improved spring wheel for
Locomotives and heavy waggons or carriages whereby the weight carried by the
wheels is more equally counterbalanced or distributed to the various parts of
the same.
And in order that my Invention may be the more readily understood and put in
practice I have annexed to this Specification the accompanying sheet of drawings
in which Figure 1 is a side elevational view partly in section of a wheel
constructed in accordance with my Invention, in which view 1 have-in order to
render the explanation more clear-removed part of the T piece, several of the
springs A and screw blocks E both of which are hereinafter referred to; Figure 2 shows
a view of the wheel in a vertical section on the line A B and also in vertical section
on the line C B.
Referring now to the drawings the chief distinguishing points in a wheel produced
in accordance with my Invention consist in attaching one extremity of parallel coil
or spiral springs A Figures 1 and 2 to the double spokes B Figures 1 and 2 at a point, a
midway between the periphery and the centre of the wheel the other extremity of said
springs being attached to blocks C Figures 1 and 2 rivetted to the inside of the
sole of the wheel.
I provide for the adjustment of the above springs so as to produce a greater or
lesser tension, in the following manner. At the point in the double spokes midway
botween the periphery and the centre of the wheel place an ordinary "fork" or
"hinge" joint D Figures 1 and 2 adapted to the spokes by the pin & Figures 1 and 2
and in the block rivetted to the sole of the wheel I also place a similar joint fixed
thereto by means similar to those above described formed in one piece with each part of the
"fork" or hinge" joint is a screw d Figure 1 and on this screw runs a nut, e, the
blocks E are also "tapped" to receive screw d and on their outer surface is cut
thread in which thread engages the coils of the spiral springs A the thread on the
ᎥᎠᎪᏗ 1

page_text: "
8 crew being "right handed" while that cut on the block and receiving the coils of
the springs is left handed;" The pins and which attach the joints both to the
double spokes B and to blocks Care easily removed. In order to adjust the springs
to any required position it is necessary to first withdraw the pin b say, first from one
double spoke and then to serew the screws d further into or out of the blocks as
necessity may ariso, care being taken that when the blocks have arrived at the required
position to secure them there by nute which acts as a lock not the same operation
being then continued with each spring throughout the wheel.
On the ends of the spokes near to the sole of the wheel I cast blocks F Figure 1
and shown at Figure 2 in section these blocks do not touch, the inside of the sole of
the wheel but enough space is allowed for their movement according to the tension or
compression of the various springs said tension or compression being caused by the
nature of the road over which the wheel passes. In order to prevent the sideways
shaking of blocks F' cast to end of spokes B 1 dovetail into them as shown in side
elevation at Figure 1 and in section at Figure 2 steel plates g thus filling up the
transverse space, these steel plates are so secured that they may easily be taken out
when worn and fresh one inserted.
arrange the exact positions of attaching the springs both to the double spokes B
and to the blocks ('so that the distances from a to a and from the centre of the wheel
to a and from a to and from a to the periphery of the wheel, are all equal; and
farthor each spring can be removal and replaced without interfering with other
parts and springs.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed declare that whit
]. claim is :-
First In wheels for locomotives and heavy waggons and carriages produced
according to my Invention the attainment of equal balance of pressure on all the
springs by their being fixed to the wheel equidistant from the points before
mentioned and thus forming a complete counterbalance substantially as set
forth.
Second: In a wheel such as forms the subject of the previous claim the arrange
ment by which the springs are regulated by the adjusting rods passing through the
screw block and fastened by the lock nut substantially as herein set forth.
Third: The encasing of the blocks F with the steel plates g substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.