Improvements in the Construction of Steam Capstans.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Dec., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 1st Sept., 1894-Accepted, 20th Oct., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Steam Capstans.
I, JOHN WALTER BROOKE, of Adrian Iron Works, Lowestoft, in the County
of Suffolk, Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as
follows:-
The object of my invention is to effect improvements in the construction of steam
capstans, suitable for steam trawlers drifters and other vessels.
My invention consists of horizontal engines fitted inside a stationary deck box,
preferably of a circular form, secured to the deck of the vessel. Above this the
capstan is fitted in such a manner that it may, when necessary, be turned over upon
its side, and laid upon the deck.
The deck box is made sufficiently deep to enclose the horizontal engines, with
the crank axles and other gear. The pawl pan of the capstan is fitted upon the
deck box so as to be practically water tight. The pawl pan is secured to the deck
box by means of hinge bolts, in such a manner that by removing certain bolts on
one side of the capstan, the bolts on the other side operate as hinges, and the
capstan with its base plate is capable of being turned upon its side upon the deck.
The central pillar upon which the capstan revolves consists of a tube formed in
one with or bolted to the pawl pan. The upper part of the capstan is fitted with
hand gear, for working the capstan by hand, if required. 1 utilise the head of the
capstan by fitting therein an oil container, to which pipes are fitted which pass
down through the central pillar to the various working parts of the engines. 1
also pass a rod through the hollow spindle to the top of the capstan head, for the
purpose of starting and stopping the engine, the top end having a hand wheel
affixed, the lower part of the rod being constructed to connect on to the steam
valve.
The capstan is fitted with ball bearings, and is driven by the usual bevel and
other pinions and wheels, the whole being so constructed as to be capable of
withstanding all ordinary weather and deep sea operations.
Dated 1st December 1893.
GEO.
DOWNING,
8, Quality Court, London, W.C., Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Steam Capstans.
I, JOHN WALTER BROOKE, of the Adrian Iron Works, Lowestoft, in the
County of Suffolk Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention relates more especially, but not exclusively, to steam capstans for
fishing smacks, herring and mackrel boats, and other vessels of a like character;
and its object is to effect improvements in the construction of such capstans. The
capstan engines of the aforesaid class of vessels have heretofore been sometimes
fitted in the cabin, with a lay shaft and vertical gearing attached thereto; and
sometimes the engines and gear are placed upon the top of the capstan; the most
serious objection to the latter arrangement being the liability to damage from the
boom and spars, and also from blocks which occasionally fall from the mast.
I Prinsd

page_text: In my improved construction I reduce the risk of damage to the engine gear to
a minimum, and also protect it from dust and dirt, by enclosing the gear; thus
also preventing the fouling of ropes and nets, by the absence of any projecting
parts.
My invention consists of horizontal engines fitted inside a stationary deck box,
preferably of a circular form, which is bolted to the deck of the vessel. Above
this the capstan is fitted in such a manner that it may, when necessary, be turned
over upon it side and laid upon the deck; this being a great advantage in small
vessels, it being desirable that the capstan should be as close to the deck as possible,
both before and after hauling the nets.
The deck box is made sufficiently deep to enclose the horizontal engines with the
crank axle and other gear. The pawl pan of the capstan is fitted upon the deck
box, and is accurately turned so as to be practically water-tight. The pawl pan is
secured to the deck box by means of hinge bolts.
The central pillar is tubular, and formed of cast steel. This tubular pillar is
utilised for enclosing the starting rod of the engine, and the oil pipes for lubricating
the working parts.
The arrangements for throwing the engine out of gear, for the purpose of working
the capstan by hand, consists in the withdrawal of a spindle carrying the spur
gearing.
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and
ascertained, reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawing, being an
elevation of my invention, partly in section.
A is one of the horizontal steam cylinders (shown by dotted lines). A' is the
crank disc. B is the deck box. C is the pawl pan fitted with hinges C. Dis
the tubular steel pillar or spindle. E is the steel bevel wheel for revolving the
barrel of the capstan. F F is the steel intermediate gear. G is the crown wheel
on the top of the capstan, which is only used when the capstan is worked by hand.
His the hand spur gear. I is the capstan top. Steel anti-friction balls J, and
steel anti-friction rollers are fitted to reduce friction. L are the pawls and
bolts and M is the starting lever.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a steam capstan, the combination of a stationary deck box; enclosing the
engine and other gear for operating the capstan, the bed plate of the capstan being
hinged to the deck box, substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by
the drawing.
2. In a steam capstan, the combination therewith of a tubular steel spindle, and
the application and use of such tube for the passage therethrough of the lubricating
pipes and starting gear connections, substantially as hereinbefore described and
illustrated by the drawing.
3. In a steam capstan, the arrangement of the several parts, whereby the gear is
self-contained and boxed in, in such a manner as to be effectually protected,
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated by the drawing.
4. In a steam capstan, the arrangements for lowering the barrel to the deck by
means of hinges attached respectively to the deck box and to the bed plate of the
capstan substantially as herein before described and illustrated by the drawing.
5. The improvements in the construction of steam capstans, substantially as aud
for the purposes described.
GEO.
DOWNING,
8, Quality Court, London, W.C., Agent.