IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES, PART OF WHICH ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF GATE POSTS, AND TO POLES AND POSTS USED FOR TELEGRAPH AND SIGNAL PURPOSES, AND FOR STRETCHING TELEGRAPH WIRES
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Rowell, of the City and County of Aberdeen,
North Britain, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES, PART OF WHICH ARE ALSO
APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF GATE POSTS, AND TO
POLES AND POSTS USED FOR TELEGRAPH AND SIGNAL PURPOSES, AND FOR
STRETCHING TELEGRAPH WIRES."
Sealed the 12th February 1864, and dated the 5th September 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Rowell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 5th
September 1863.
I, JOSEPH ROWELL, of the City and County of Aberdeen, North Britain,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES, PART OF WHICH
ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE AND. CONSTRUCTION OF GATE POSTS,
AND TO POLES AND POSTS USED FOR TELEGRAPH AND SIGNAL PURPOSES, AND FOR
STRETCHING TELEGRAPH WIRES," to be as follows, that is to say :---
This Invention relates particularly to new and improved constructions of
strained wire fences, as regards the disposition and straining of the wires, and
in new and improved forms of the straining posts and intermediate standards
A

page_text: of the same, which improvements are also applicable to the straining of
telegraph wires and their poles or posts.
These improvements are partially based upon an Invention of "Improve-
ments in Pillars and Apparatus for Straining Wire," for which Letters Patent
were granted to Joseph Rowell, on or about the 12th day of September 1862,
and numbered 2516.
Part of the improvements comprehended in the present Invention are also
applicable to other constructions of fences, such as those formed of flat and
round bars, or rods of iron and wood, of hoop iron, hemp ropes, or any other
material in place of the strained wires, and also to hurdle and wooden fences
generally.
"This Invention also includes improvements in the form and construction of
poles and posts used for supporting and stretching telegraph wires, and for
signal purposes, either as distinct, or forming a combined fence or gate, pole
or standard, and signal or telegraph pole; also in the arrangement and con-
struction of rollers and apparatus for making such fence or telegraph standards
or poles of malleable iron.
Under one modification of the first part of this Invention in relation to
strained wire fences, two or more of the wires or wire cords which stretch
between the posts and standards forming the body of this class of fences are
disposed and strained diagonally in a series of undulating straight lines, or in
an oblique or angular direction in relation to the others, which are placed
nearly parallel to the ground, so as to cross each other and the parallel wires
in opposite directions where they interlace each other, that is, in the direction
of their length and height, but all in a nearly vertical plane, instead of being
stretched at right angles to the posts and standards, as is the case with the
wires of strained fences as at present constructed. These angular wires being
made to reverse their angles and strains towards the upper and lower ends of
the same standards where they pass through eyes or holes, or round studs or
rollers for the purpose, thus securing the posts firmly in their position, and
forming as it were two diagonal stays from the top part of each alternate or
other standard to the lower part of a corresponding standard, according to the
sequence of the crossing of the wires.adopted. This system, even when only
the top and bottom wires of a fence are so crossed, gives great increased
stability and elegance to this class of fences at very little if any extra.expence.
As far fewer uprights are required for supporting. this construction of fence,
great saving is effected in their cost and labour. of erection. When two series
of parallel wires are thus strained to cross each other, either with or without
the wires parallel to the ground, they form a fence of very strong interlaced

page_text: .
wirework of a pleasing net-like figure, with large lozenge or diamond-shaped
meshes. In some cases the angular wires which reverse their angles at the
lowest point in this arrangement of strained wire fences might be made to
pass through eyes, either fixed into blocks of stone, or plates, or pieces of iron
or wood embedded in the ground for the purpose, instead of to the bottom of
the standard. This would afford a good means of staying all or any number
of the standards of a fence by simply straining the top strand or wire cord
down through the eyes of one of these blocks placed in the centre, between
the standards desired to be stayed. This cord would form a sort of running
diagonal stay to the standards throughout the fence without tending to pull
any of them out of the ground, as it would do if the single wire cord were
passed through eyes at the foot of them.
Another arrangement of these improvements in reference to the disposition
of the wires in strained fences, is to allow all the wires to run as usual nearly
parallel to the ground for one or more of the spaces between the standards,
and then divide them into two or three sets of wires, the wires of each set still
running parallel to each other, but those of the different sets being carried in
reverse angular directions, so as to cross and interlace each other, as before
described for one or more of the spaces next in succession, and so on in any
desired sequence throughout the fence.
This improved angular system of straining wire fences by itself, and in com-
bination with the parallel method at present in use, affords a great many
modifications and varieties of simple designs for fences of this class by varying
the number of the wires and angular direction of the various sets crossing each
other, all yielding more or less of the advantages claimed for the best arrange-
ments under this system.
These improved arrangements for straining one, two, or more long undulating
single wires or wire cords so as to form a series of diagonal stays from the tops
of one set of posts or standards to the lower part of another set throughout a
length of wire fence at one operation of straining on each wire are also
applicable to that of nearly all kinds of fences at present in use, whether con-
structed of iron or wood, as a substantial, light, and cheap system of diagonal
staying for all or any number of the posts or standards in a length of such
fences. For the purpose of straining or tightening such wires or wire cords
after they have been stretched and threaded diagonally through the holes or eye
pieces alterniately at the top and bottom of a range of posts or standards of such
fences by hand, a small winding barrel and screw for each wire is attached to
the last post where such wire is made to end, such as that secured to Joseph
Rowell, by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent; or they may be
0

page_text: strained and fixed by any of the fixed or portable simple mechanical arrange-
ments at present in use for the purpose, or in any other convenient manner.
This diagonal system of straining wires is also to some extent applicable to
the straining or stretching of telegraph wires, yielding many of the advantages
to a telegraph line or set of wires claimed for it in regard to wire fences.
The parts of this Invention which are more particularly based upon the
.Invention secured to Joseph Rowell by the berein-before in part recited
Leters Patent are, improvements in the form and construction of the straining
post or pillar therein specified, modified by the addition and placing of extra
winding or straining barrels, or rollers, and their actuating screws, and
strengthened by light thicknessing, feathers, stripes, and rings at the lower part
to suit the exigencies of the diagonal or angular system of straining the wires.
Another improvement in the straining pillar consists in forming or casting
the cruciform wings and sole or base for holding it firm when embedded in
the ground in separate and detached pieces, with hollow bosses or eyes of a
round or other shape to suit the body of the particular shaped pillar at the
lower part where it is thicknessed to receive them, and where they are firmly
fixed by round pins or cutters passed through the eyes and pillar. This
improvement facilitates transport and shipment, the parts being put together
on the spot where they are to be erected. This pillar when so strengthened
is also fitted with a pivot hinge or catches, and with sockets for stays, so as to
form a combined fence and gate post, and when made and formed with
laterally projecting arms or holes, or flanges for affixing these to it for the
purpose of carrying telegraph wires or signals, arms, or lights, forms an
improved combined fence and telegraph or signal post or pole, or a combined
railway or other gate, and telegraph and signal pole or post. It will also
make a good pole or post for telegraph and signal purposes distinct or
detached from .fences or gates, by forming them without the enclosed winding
mechanism and openings for their connection with the straining of wire fences.
Another part of these improvements consists in the construction and use of
an improved portable winding or straining apparatus or key for turning the
screws and barrels or rollers of the straining pillars, so as to work at right
angles to the wires of the fence while straining them. It consists in the
addition of a short secondary winch handle shaft connected by a small pair of
bevel wheels.to the spindle which passes through the boss of the screws, so as
to work at right angles to it, enabling the winch handle to turn without
interfering with the wires of the fence, all the parts being secured in or to a.
bracket, which can be temporarily attached to the pillar when in use for
straining the wires.

page_text: Part of this Invention relates to an improved form and construction of
intermediate standard for carrying and stiffening strained wire fences, &
number of which are placed at short intervals between the straining posts or
pillars, the latter being stationed at great distances apart. But this standard
is also equally applicable to all kinds of fences which require posts or
standards inserted into the ground to support them, and also for the poles an<l
posts used for telegraph and signal purposes; or for a combination of these
with fence standards, and for other generally similar purposes.
One of the best modifications of this standard preferred when constructed of
cast or inalleable iron, or of a combination of both is of a simple T-shape in
horizontal or cross section, with three flanges, webs, or feathers narrow at the
top, and widening out towards the lower part at the surface of the ground.
but below this they are made either still expanding, parallel, or diminishing
for some distance, and formed with or without horizontal flanges at the base,
according to the nature of the soil or ground into which this lower part is
to be sunk. In some instances, as in those formed of malleable iron, it is
advantageous to twist or make this lower part in the form of a screw. When
the standards are required for exportation, to facilitate packing and shipment;
the horizontal flanges or sole may be formed detached, and afterwards fixed on
before being erected. It will also be seen that the double T (I) and angle
iron (L) in cross section, as well as other simple flange-shaped iron when
tapered in this expanding way in the thickness and width of their flanges or
feathers, with the sharp angles rounded or not, as desired, would make other
good modifications of the same principle of construction, that is, expanding
like the lower part of the trunk, or the bracket-shaped roots which grow above
the earth in large trees. In forming or rolling these standards of malleable
iron, it might not be advantageous to keep to the exact technical type of iron
for their cross section above named, as various slight alterations might be.
made in this respect and still retain the distinguishing features of this
improved tapering standard for the purposes herein-before mentioned, and
with all the advantages of giving the greatest strength with the least amount,
of iron. These standards when used for wire or other fences to have holes
cast or otherwise formed in any of the feathers, to pass the wires or eyes for
the wires through, or to attach whatever bars, plates, or boards the sides or
body of the fence may be formed of, or otherwise staples, studs, rollers, or
other projections may be cast or riveted into the flange of such standards for a
like purpose. These standards have eyes, sockets, or projections at their
upper part to receive angular stays of a self-locking plan, with or without
bolts or other fastenings, so that when the lower end of a stay is secured in

page_text: position the stay is firm and cannot be tampered with. In making these
improved forms of tapered standards of malleable iron, whether short for
fences, or long for telegraph poles, or as a combination of both, it is preferred
to roll them through grooved rollers, but instead of the grooves being con-
centric, annular, and parallel to the circumference of the rollers, as for
making parallel bar iron, they are made tapered and eccentric to the roller,
so that the iron rolled through them will come out in the form of long bars
undulating in their thickness and width, which will have to be cross cut at the
centre of the broadest and narrowest parts where the repeat of the form of
the standard takes place. The tapered groove round the circumference of the
rollers for making these standards or rough approximate tapered blocks for
producing them ought to be just the converse of the tapered block or standard
required, and repeated one, two, or more times in the round. When the taper
is great, and the standard long, as for telegraph poles, it is preferred to have
a series of scroll-shaped grooves gradually increasing in taper in the same set,
or in adjacent rollers, the circumference of which shall be equal to or rather
more than the length of the finished pole or standard required. Rough
tapered blocks, or short cut lengths of parallel bar of an approximate section to
the large end of the standard, and containing the proper weight of iron being
passed in succession through this series of increasing tapered grooves will come
out at the last one a finished pole or standard. When the rollers required to
give a circumference equivalent to the length of pole becomes inconveniently
large, it is preferred to use small rollers for the different angles or surfaces of
the standard, and to give those acting on the edge of the feathers or parts
which decrease in size a differential motion towards each other, as the bar of
hot iron forming the pole is passing through them, thus giving it the necessary
decreasing shape or taper.
.
Another system of forming the short and simpler kinds of standards of
the T-shape is to roll them in long parallel bars of double the width, with two
lateral feathers, and after cutting these into lengths equal to the standards, to
split them diagonally in the direction of their length and breadth through the
broad web between the projecting feather in a cutting machine, this would
make two standards out of each length of bar. These standards or poles may
also be made by the compression of approximately shaped blocks of hot iron,
formed by rolling or otherwise into suitably shaped iron or steel moulds or
matrixes by means of one blow or pressure of any of the powerful hydrostatic
rams or forging machines, at present in use.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Joseph Rowell in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
4th March 1864.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPII:.
ROWELL, of the City and County of Aberdeen, North Britain, Manufacturer,:
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-seventh year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Joseph Rowell, Her special license that I, the said Joseph
Rowell, my executors, adininistrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Joseph Rowell, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF FENCES, PART OF WHICH ARE.
ALSO APPLICABLE TO THE MANUFACTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF GATE POSTS, AND TO
POLES AND POSTS USED FOR TELEGRAPH AND SIGNAL PURPOSES, AND FOR STRETCHING:
TELEGRAPH WIRES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
Joseph Rowell, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, or under the hand and seal of one of them, should'
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed
in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and:
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Rowell, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the:
letters and. figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
"My said Invention relates particularly to new and improved constructions-
of strained wire fences as regards the disposition and straining of the wires,
and in new and improved forms of the straining posts and intermediate
standards of the same, which improvements are also applicable to the straining.
of telegraphic wires and their poles or posts.
These improvements are partially based upon an Invention of "Improve-

page_text: ments in Pillars and Apparatus for Straining Wire," for which Letters Patent
were granted unto me on or about the Twelfth day of September 1862, and
numbered 2516.
Part of the improvements comprehended in the present Invention are
also applicable to other constructions of fences, such as those formed of flat
and round bars or rods of iron and wood, of hoop iron, hemp ropes, or any
other material, in place of the strained wires, and also to hurdle and wooden
fences generally.
This Invention also includes improvements in the form and construction of
poles and posts for supporting and stretching telegraph wires and for signal
purposes, either as distinct or forming a combined fence, or gate, pole, or
standard, and signal or telegraphic pole; also in the arrangement and con-
struction of rollers and apparatus for making such fence or telegraph standards
or poles of malleable iron.
Under one modification of the first part of this Invention in relation to
strained and wire fences, one or more or all of the wires or wire cords which
stretch between the posts and standards forming the body of this class of
fences, are disposed and strained diagonally in a series of undulating straight
lines, or in an oblique or angular direction in relation to the others, which are
placed nearly parallel to the ground, so as to cross each other, and the parallel
wires in opposite directions when they interlace each other, that is, in the
direction of their length and height, but all in a nearly vertical plane, instead
of being stretched at right angles to the posts and standards, as is the case with.
the wires of strained fences as at present constructed. These angular wires
being made to reverse their angles and strains towards the upper and lower
ends of the same standards, where they pass through eyes or holes, or round
studs or rollers for the purpose, thus securing the posts firmly in their position,
and forming as it were two diagonal stays from the top part of each alternate
or other standard to the lower part of a corresponding standard, according to
the sequence of the crossing of the wires adopted.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I shall
now proceed to describe the several Figures upon the explanatory Sheet of
Drawings which I have hereunto annexed for the purpose of showing certain
modifications under which my improvements may be judiciously carried out in
practice, that is to say:-
Figure 1 represents a longitudinal elevation of one modification of my
diagonal system of fencing, in which five wires A are strained in a direction
parallel to the ground, whilst two, the upper and lower strands A', are strained
diagonally from the upper and lower portions of the straining or tightening

page_text: pillar B to the lower and upper portions respectively of an intermediate post
or pole C, thence passing on to the next post in succession, when they again.
reverse their angles, and so on throughout the whole space between the
straining pillars, when the other end of the strands of wire are fastened to
"retaining bolts" fixed into the straining pillar, as shown at D in accordance
to Letters Patent granted to me on the 12th day of September 1862,
numbered 2516. The diagonal wires A' in this arrangement interlacing at
the crossings with the parallel wires A, and themselves at the centro crossing,
as shown in the first space between the straining pillar Band the intermediate
post C; in addition to this interlacing they may be further bound by the
ornamental centres or rings, as shown at E and E' at the second and third
spaces respectively, these being as at the main crossing points, which thus give
the fence a symmetrical appearance. Figure 2 exhibits side views of three
modifications of such ornamental centre pieces, Figure 3 being sections corre-
sponding to those of the same, Figure 4 being an end view and transverse
section of Figure 3, these showing the form and direction of the holes through
which the wires pass, and retain them in position; Figure 5 represents an end
view of a solid and split ring respectively for the same purpose. These orna-
mental centres and solid rings are slipped on the wires by the workmen as the
wires are being interlaced before straining, whilst the split rings are put over
the crossings, and closed by pincers after the fence is strained. In this arrange-
ment the straining pillar B is furnished with the tangential screw and winding
barrel, one set of these being provided for each wire to be strained. Additional
support is imparted to the straining pillar B by the inclined stay F of round
iron, one end of this being inserted in the socket G cast on the outside or
inside of the pillar, being, if desired, more firmly secured by a bolt or cutter,
whilst the other or lower end is fixed into a block or foot F', imbedded in the
ground at any convenient depth, so that when the stay is thus fixed, and the
soil rammed about the foot, it cannot be easily displaced or tampered with as
described in the Letters Patent granted to me numbered 2516, A.D. 1862.
The general arrangement of this socket and stay fastening G being similar to
that secured to me by Letters Patent, numbered 2516, A.D. 1862. The
cruciform wings, soles, or bases II and. H' on the lower portion of the straining
pillar B and its improvements will herein-after be more fully referred to.
Figure 6 shows a side elevation of another modification of my diagonal
system of fencing, in which two sets of wires A', running parallel to each
other, consisting of three each, are shown as strained in the diagonal direction
interlacing and crossing each other, wires A being placed at the top and
bottom of the fence running parallel or nearly so with the ground.

page_text: Figure 7 shows a side view of the standard C at right angles to the position
shown at Figure 6, formed of cast iron, and having a detached foot C¹.
At Figure 8 is seen an edge view of two forms of binders I and I', made of
hoop or thin "jobbing" iron, each end of which is bent into the form of an
eye for the upper and lower wires, the intermediate space having partially
formed eyes made in it for the reception of the other wires. When this system
of binder is used either in conjunction with the herein-before mentioned rings
or ornaments E and E', as shown at Figure 6, or separately, one or more of:
such binders are placed symmetrically at convenient distances between the.
intermediate posts C, and after any number of binders are put in position on
the fencing the eyes are closed over the strands by the workmen by a pair of
pincers. This system of binder may also be applied to "parallel" as well as
the "diagonal" system of fencing, and by its use or application the inter-
mediate standards are permitted of being placed at a greater distance apart,
thus serving to cheapen and strengthen the entire fence. Various modes of
securing the wires to the intermediate standards are adopted, which will be
berein-after more fully alluded to, but in the views 1 to 11 they are shown as
passing through holes formed in the transverse feathers, more particularly.seen
at Figure 7.
At Figure 9 is seen another modification of "diagonal" fencing, in which
six wires A are shown running parallel through the first space, then divided
into sets of three each, which cross each other diagonally for two spaces; they
then run parallel for one space, and again are divided into sets of three each,
which cross each other diagonally, the direction of the diagonal running
through two spaces, and so on throughout the fence. Besides the six wires
last alluded to there are two wires A¹ near the upper and lower portions of the
fence, which when the afore-mentioned six wires A run in a parallel direction
these two A¹ run in a diagonal direction, but when the six wires are taken in
the diagonal direction, these are taken in the parallel, so as to keep up the full
width of the fence, and fill up the angular openings left by the crossing of the
six wires A.
At Figure 10 is seen another modification of diagonal wire fencing in which
each wire A runs diagonally through two lengths or spaces, then it runs
parallel through one space, and is then taken diagonally through two spaces in
the reverse direction, when it again runs parallel, and so on throughout the
fence.
At Figure 11 six wires are shown crossing each other diagonally, but at a
more obtuse angle than in any of the afore-mentioned modifications, each wire
reversing its angular-position at every third post, which renders wires running.

page_text: parallel at the top and bottom of the fence in this case unnecessary. These
systems, even when only the top and bottom wires of a fence are so crossed
and interlaced, or when several or all of them are thus strained, impart to it
greatly increased strength and stability, at the same time affording a great
many modifications and varieties of simple designs for fences of this class by.
the adoption of the afore-mentioned or any combination of the afore-mentioned
modifications, either with or without the use of parallel wires. These arrange-
ments also permit of the posts C being placed at a much greater distance
apart than could well be done under the existing system of wire fencing, thus
enabling a much stronger and more efficient fence to be produced and at a
less cost.
Figure 12 is a longitudinal elevation of a portion of a strong wooden fence,
in which the bars of wood run horizontally, their ends being tapered off to
form spliced joints as usual in this class of fencing; but in lieu of employing
the ordinary wooden posts in which the ends of the bars are supported, I
have here shown my improved T-shaped intermediate standard C. For the
purpose of staying such standards, I employ either one or two "diagonal"
wires A, which reverse their angles at the upper and lower portion of the
standards, but when one wire A' only is used, it reverses its angles at the top
portion of the standards through which it passes through eyes either fixed
into blocks of stone, or those blocks may be made of wood or iron, as seen
made of iron at J, where it again reverses its angles at the lowest point.
Figure 18 shows another modification of wooden fencing, to which the last-
mentioned system of staying the standards is applied, the wires A reversing
at the upper and lower portions of the wooden standards, and when one
wire A¹ is used, it reverses its angles at the lower point through eyes in the
blocks J', which blocks when placed at a distance from the fence impart to
the entire fence increased lateral as well as longitudinal stability. For the
purpose of tightening these straining wires for strengthening ordinary fences,
after such wires have been stretched or threaded through the holes alternately
at the top and bottom of a range of posts, or intermediately through the eyes
in the blocks and holes in the top of the posts, a small winding barrel O
and screw L for each wire is attached to the last post where such wire is
made to end, as seen at Figure 19, or the wires may be strained and fixed by
any of the screw or straining mechanism as at present in use for similar
purposes, this last-mentioned system of staying the posts with one or two wires
besides being applicable to wire fencing is equally applicable to several other
kinds of fencing, such as hurdles, wicker, bar, or any other kind of ordinary
fence. This diagonal system of straining and strengthening sets of wires or

page_text: wire cords is also applicable to the straining and strengthening of telegraph
wires, the insulating of these being effected by passing over their crossings
eyes constructed of such form and material as will prevent their contact, and
inore completely bind them together.
The parts of this Invention which are more particularly based upon the
Invention secured to me by Letters Patent, No. 2516, A.D. 1862, are
improvements in the form and construction of the straining pillar therein
specified, modified by the addition and placing of extra winding or straining
barrels or rollers and their actuating screws, and strengthened by light
"thicknessing" feathers, strips, and rings at the lower part to suit the
exigencies of the diagonal or angular system of straining the wires.
. At Figure 14 is seen an elevation of a combined straining pillar, gate post,
and telegraph pole, the intermediate portion between the sockets G and the
head being shown as broken away, and formed with the various improve-
ments; Figure 15 being an elevation at right angles to Figure 14, the upper
portion of it being shown in section; Figure 16 is a horizontal section taken
on the line 1, 1, Figure 15. The cruciform feet or bases H and H' on the
pillar B are in this case cast in one piece separately from the pillar B, and
secured thereto when in use by-round pins or cotters, as there shown. The
parts or portions of the pillar B, to which the cruciform bases H and H' are
fitted, are enlarged by the "thicknessing" or strengthening rings K and strips
or feathers K', the upper foot or base I being firmnly keyed up against the
shoulders or brackets at the top of the strips K. The straining pillar at
Figures 14 and 15 is shown with two additional straining or winding barrels O
and tangential screws L for straining the diagonal wires A¹; this pillar is also
shown fitted with a pivot and hinge M and M', and when the pillar is arranged
for the opening and closing of the gate, it is fitted with a catch, as shown in
red lining at N. The pillar in these views is also shown as stayed both
longitudinally and laterally by stays F fitted into my improved sockets G;
these stays may be made of iron of various sections, such as round, square, or
flat, the socket being made to correspond thereto, and the stays may be
further secured in the sockets by the pins or cotters, as shown at G¹, when
desired, although it is not in some cases necessary on account of its angular
position.
The upper portion of the pillar, Figures 14 and 15, is shown as fitted
with arms or brackets for receiving insulators to support or carry telegraph
wires, and when these pillars are made of great length, the head P may be
cast separately, and attached to it by a pin or rivet, as shown at Figure 15.
This pillar may also be used as a combined gate or fence and signal post by

page_text: the substitution of flanches in lieu of the armis used for telegraph wires, the
signal boards being hinged thereto; or this pillar, when not used as a fence
or gate post, may be used singly as a telegraph or signal post, in which case
the winding mechanism O and P, as well as the apertures O¹, are unnecessary.
Figure 17 shows an end view of ten pillars B, as packed for shipment, with
the cruciform feet H and E' removed, and Figure 18 shows in perspective
one of the cruciform feet or bases H, which is formed for the reception over or
round it of a deep coil of wire or strand for forming the fence. By this
arrangement and construction of parts great saving of liability to breakage
and diminution of freight measurement for shipments is obtained.
Another part of these improvements consists in the construction and use of
an improved portable, winding, straining apparatus or key for turning the
tangential screws L and winding barrels or rollers O of the straining pillars B,
so as to work at right angles to the wires A of the fence whilst straining them.
Figure 19 shows this apparatus in plan as applied to a tangential screw L in
the pillar B, the last two being in horizontal section. It consists in the
addition of a short secondary winch handle shaft R connected by a small pair
of bevil wheels R' to the square or polygonal spindle Q, which passes through
the boss of the tangential screw L, and thus works at right angles to the
shaft R, the two spindles of this portable key being carried in bearings in a
small bracket R, which can be temporarily attached to the pillar when in use
for straining the wires. The winch handle fitting the square portion of the
spindle R is not shown in the Drawings.
Another part of this Invention relates to improved forms and constructions
of the standards G, as before referred to, for the purpose of carrying and
stiffening strained wire fences, a number of these being placed at intervals
between the straining pillars. Figure 20 shows a side and edge view of one
form of this class of standard or pillar C formed of cast iron with the foot C¹
as cast in one piece with it. Figure 21 shows similar views of a malleable
iron standard C, the foot C¹ of which is made separately from the standard,
the flanches or ribs of which are shown as narrow at the top portion, and
gradually widening or expanding towards the surface of the ground, from
which point to the bottom below the ground it may be made either con-
tinually widening, as shown by the dotted lines in this Figure, or parallel as
indicated by the sharp lines, or this portion below the ground may be made
to diminish in width when it is used in hard and stiff soils, as shown in the
side view, Figure 22.
Figure 23 shows the lower part of a radial three-feathered standard C as
twisted spirally. Figures 24 and 25 show a horizontal section and elevation

page_text: respectively of a similar standard as fitted into a cast-iron spiral or screw foot,
which form will be found particularly applicable to sandy and loose soils;
Figures 20 to 22 show these standards as formed by preference of T shaped
section, which form is shown in enlarged horizontal section at Figure 26, but
those standards may also be of the ordinary angle iron section, or of other
simple and convenient transverse sections, as shown in Figures 27, 28, and 29.
When cast-iron "standards" are used as at Figure 20, the ribs or feathers are
also tapered in thickness as well as in width, and if desired the ribs and
feathers of malleable iron standards may also be so tapered. This tapering of
the improved standards being their more important feature by which the
maximum strength is obtained with a minimum amount of metal. Various
other forms of section may also be used for these standards besides those
which I have specified, at the same time retaining the distinguishing tapering
feature. Figure 30 shows in plan one of the feet C' of these standards of a
flat cruciform shape, made either of malleable or cast iron, and having formed
in it a hole of the form required to fit tightly on to the lower end of the
standard to which it may if desired be bolted, keyed, riveted, or otherwise
fixed when required for use. Figure 31 shows a perspective view of twenty-
two of such feet as strung tightly upon a bolt ready for shipment, so as to
save liability to breakage and diminish freightage measurement. Various
ways of attaching the wires to the standards C are employed, the simplest
method being to form holes S in the transverse flanch or feather C³, shown in
the edge views, Figures 20 and 21; or otherwise, double holes S¹ may be
made in the longitudinal feathers C³ for the reception of the ring staples T,
shown in enlarged side view, Figure 32, which after being inserted are
clenched or riveted on the other side. But instead of the foregoing arrange-
ments for passing the wires through and carrying them, the retaining "eye
bolt"T", shown in side view, Figure 33, is inserted into elongated holes
formed in the longitudinal feather, as at S, Figures 20 and 22. Or the wires
may be carried in simple eyes, hooks, or studs riveted into the flanches or
snugs with holes in them may be formed in the posts for the wires to pass
through, or the upper wire may be carried round a grooved pulley U,
supported at the upper part of the standard, as shown at Figure 20, for the
purpose of imparting greater stiffness than would result if the wires were
simply passed through a hole. When transverse or longitudinal stays are
required for these forms of intermediate standards C, hollow sockets G (when
these standards are made of cast iron) are cast on them, as shown at Figure 34,
which is a side view of a portion of such standard, this socket being for
receiving the end of an angular stay F, which in this instance is shown

page_text: formed of flat iron; but when malleable iron standards are used it is preferred
to form an oblique hole in any of the flanches or ribs, as shown in side
elevation at Figure 35, in which case the angular stay F is formed to fit the
hole, with a shoulder to keep it in position, and it may have an additional bolt
or cotter G, as shown in dotted lining, if desired. These malleable iron
tapered posts are also made long for telegraph and signal purposes; and when
so constructed are fitted with angular stays and sockets, or oblique holes F
and G, Figures 34 and 35. Cross bars for carrying the wires are either
bolted to the flanches or passed over at the top of the pole with eyes, the
taper of the pole keeping the cross bars in any required position when so
slipped over. When these poles are used for carrying signals they are modified
with flanches and brackets for signal boards or lamps respectively, and also
with swivel or pivot joints for swivelling signals. These tapered standards are
also manufactured of various proportions and section to suit various kinds of
fencing in which intermediate posts or standards are required, one application
of such standards is shown at Figure 12, where they are used for supporting
the horizontal rails or bars of an ordinary railway or cattle fence.
tapered posts are also applicable for gate posts, in which case it is necessary
to fix to them pins or brackets for hinges, and a catch for holding the gate
closed or shut; these gate posts may also be supported by the herein-before
mentioned angular or inclined stay and socket F and G. In making these
improved forms of tapered standards of malleable iron, whether short for
fences, or long for telegraph or signal poles, or as a combination of both, it is
preferred to roll them through grooved rollers constructed for this purpose.
The
Figure 36 is a transverse section of one modification of a pair of rollers
constructed for making or forming such tapered standards; Figure 37 being
a side elevation of a portion of the same rollers. In this arrangement the top
roller V. is made with a plain and cylindrical surface, whilst the lower roller W
has grooves cut in it to the contour of the feathers of the standard required,
which in this case is of the (T) form shown in enlarged section, Figure 26.
The groove for forming the longitudinal feathers C³ is made concentric to the
axis in depth, but tapering in width, as shown at Figure 37, whilst the groove
for forming the transverse feather C is made eccentric to the axis of the
roller, the deepest of it corresponding with the widest part of the concentric
groove, both widths corresponding with the larger portion of the feathers of
the malleable iron standards, shown at Figure 21, whilst the narrowest parts
of these grooves correspond to the narrowest portion of the same standards,
which portion is in these Figures 36 and 37 shown in position at the top of
the roller W, where the action of the rollers is indicated by the bar X in
.

page_text: dotted lines passing between them. The periphery of the grooved roller W
in this instance being equal in length to that of two standards, but the
periphery of the groove may be also made to correspond to one, two, three, or
more lengths of standard. At Figure 38 is shown an undulating or alternately
tapering bar. X drawn to a smaller scale, such as would be produced by the
action of these rollers, and would require to be cross cut at the centre of the
thicker and narrower portions as indicated by the cross lines x, each portion
after being cut forming the body of a standard. It is preferred to roll these
standards in the tapered form from. ordinary parallel bars corresponding in
section to the largest portion of the standard to be rolled; and when the taper
is too great to be produced by passing the bar or bars once through a pair of
rollers, other grooves with less taper may be formed in the same, or additional
rollers through which the bar will be successively passed to bring it to the
required form. Or the grooves may also be made to form bars of a rough
shape approximating that to which they will be subsequently rolled, as shown
in length at Figure 39, and of various sectional forms at Figure 40. These
approximately formed bars may afterwards be passed through grooves similar
to those herein-before mentioned in reference to Figures 36 and 37; or these
approximately formed bars may be cut into short lengths, as indicated at a,
Figure 39, and treated individually, as berein-after to be described.. When it
is intended to make these standards of considerable length, such as would be
required for telegraph or signal posts, it is preferred to treat them individually;
the periphery of the roller is made slightly greater in length then that of the
longest post or standard usually required.
Figure 41 shows a transverse section of an arrangement of rollers for pro-
ducing the standards in this particular way, in which the centre roller W¹ is
made with one or a series of "snail-shaped" grooves corresponding to the
transverse section of the rail to be rolled, above and below which are placed
the plain cylindrical rollers V¹, which are used when T-formed standards are
to be produced, but when it is desired to make the standards of other sections
the top and lower rollers V and V' must be made of the same diameter as the
central roller, the grooves or projections thereon corresponding to the form.or
shape of the standard desired to be produced. Figure 42 shows a section of
two such rollers, having graduated grooves for forming a "radially" three-
feathered standard. The larger end of the roughly formed blocks as cut from
the bar X are placed by the workmen into the wider end a of the snail-shaped
groove in the roller W, and when a series of such grooves are employed the
alternate grooves may be made in reverse directions, and the bar or standard
may then be passe 1 directly back through the roller W' and the lower roller V,

page_text: and so on till finished. When it is desired to produce standards of a length.
which would necessitate the use of rollers of a large and inconvenient size, it is
preferred to roll them from ordinary parallel bars, whose section is equivalent
to the largest transverse section of the standard required by employing small
rollers for forming the different angles and surfaces of the standard.;
Figure 43 shows an elevation of an arrangement of rollers for this purpose,,in
which a parallel (T) shaped bar C in cross section is shown in the position of
being rolled. The two rollers Y in this arrangement act on the surfaces
forming the two angles of the (T) bar, whilst the roller Y' acts upon the
outer surface of the flanch of the same, and at the same time the three
disc rollers Z, situated in a plane slightly in front of the rollers Y and Y', act
upon the edges of the webs or feathers. When it is desired that the thickness
of the webs or feathers of the standards to be formed out of the parallel bars G,
the rollers Y and Y are caused gradually to approach each other as the bar
passes b tween them, by an automatic screw or cam arrangement acting upon
the bearings of the shafts nearest to the rollers, the bearings of the other ends
being stationary, or nearly so, to keep the driving gearing wheels or couplings
in proper working position, and when the feathers are to be reduced in width
the rollers Zare brought together in a similar manner. The standards may
be finished either at one operation of passing through such a set if rollers or
when the reduction would be too great for one operation, the bar may
be passed through successive sets," or it may be passed several times
through the same set of rollers. Figure 44 shows a similar view of a
set of four rollers d and Y', which are to be used when the feathers only
have to be tapered or reduced in width. The three rollers d in this arrange-
ment being formed with grooves in them for this purpose, which are gradually
brought together as the bar passes through, in the manner described in
reference to Figure 43; or instead of employing any of the afore-mentioned:
modifications of machinery for making the standards, double (T) bars of the
two forms, in side elevation and transverse section, shown at Figures 45 and 46
may be cut through the web in the direction of the dotted lines after the bar
has been cut into required lengths, so that when a length of such formed or
shaped bar is thus divided two standards are produced. These standards may
also be made by taking rough approximately formed bars, of such longitudinal
form as that indicated by one division or length of the bar X, Figure 49, and
of various cross sections, such as those shown at Figure 40, and compressing.
them into dies by bydrostatic power or otherwise. Figure 47 shows the
approximately formed block c placed with its narrow edge. in the portion of
the die for forming the rib or transverse feathers. In this Figure f is the

page_text: die or matrix of a (T) formed shape, into which the rough bar is to be
compressed; and g is the block for forming the flanch of the same. Figure 48
shows the block g having acted upon the rough bar c, thereby causing the
bar to be squeezed or forced into and completely filling the die or matrix f.
Instead of forming the rough bars or blocks by rollers, as herein-before described,
they may be made into various approximate forms under the steam hammer,
or otherwise.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into practical effect, I may observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine
myself to the precise details or arrangements I have had occasion to describe
or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without deviating from
the principles or main features of my Invention; but what I consider to be
novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First, the general arrangement and construction of apparatus used in
conjunction with wire fencing, as herein-before described.
Second, the application and use of straining a wire or wires diagonally or
angularly in wire fencing, either separately or in combination with parallel
wires, substantially as herein-before described, or any mere modification
thereof.
Third, the application and use of one or more diagonally or angularly strained
wires, for the purpose of staying and strengthening ordinary post fencing,
substantially as herein-before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Fourth, the improvements in relation to straining pillars having loose or
detached bases or feet, and the application of such pillars for telegraph or
signal purposes, or for a gate and fence post combined, in conjunction with
angular or inclined stays and sockets, substantially as herein-before described,
or any mere modification thereof.
Fifth, the application of the diagonal system of straining fence wires to the
wires used for telegraph purposes, as herein-before described.
Sixth, the construction, application, and use of the portable key for actuating
the winding or straining barrels, as herein-before described.
Seventh, the construction of tapered rails or bars for intermediate. standards
of wire fencing, and standards of ordinary fencing of various sections, as herein-
before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Eighth, the use of intermediate standards, having loose or detached feet or
bases, and the several modes of manufacturing wrought-iron tapered standards,
as herein-before described.

page_text: Ninth, the application and use of angular or inclined stays and sockets in
conjunction with intermediate standards, as herein-before described.
Tentb, the application and use of tapered bars of variously formed sections
for telegraph or signal poles, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Rowell, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Second day of March, One thousand eight hundred
and sixty-four.