IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU- FACTURE OF IRON WHEELS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Charles Pellenz, of Aix la Chapelle, in the
Kingdom of Prussia, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF IRON WHEELS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Charles Pellenz at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
1st June 1855.
I, JOHN CHARLES PELLENZ, of Aix la Chapelle, in the Kingdom of Prussia,
do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF IRON WHEELS" to be as follows:-
The object of this Invention is to obtain greater strength or stability of
structure in respect to the parts intermediate of the naves and tyres of wheels
than has resulted from the different manufactures of iron wheels heretofore
practised. For this purpose angle iron is first formed, the central projecting
fin or web of which is made of a width equal to that which would ordinarily
be occupied by spokes between the nave and the tyre of an iron wheel. This
projecting web or fin is bent into an undulated or corrugated form as the
flanch part of the iron is bent into a circular form, the undulations or corru-
gations being greatest at the part which is connected to the nave, and they
gradually diminish as they come to or join the flanch part of the iron, which

page_text: constitutes the inner ring of a wheel for receiving the tyre; or the flanch part
may, if desired, be formed suitable for acting as the tyre of the wheel. It
should be remarked that it is not essential that the flanched part should be
made solid with the corrugated or undulated part of a wheel, as these parts
may be made separate and joined together.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the -Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Charles Pellenz in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 24th November 1855.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
CHARLES PELLENZ, of Aix-la-Chapelle,-in the-Kingdom of Prussia, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty, Queen Victoria; by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the First day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the eighteenth year of Her-reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
John Charles Pellenz, Her special licence that I, the said John Charles
Pellenz, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
John Charles Pellenz, my executors, administrators, and 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 "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF IRON WHEELS," upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said John Charles Pellenz, by an instrument in writing under my.
hand and seal, 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 John Charles Pellenz,, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner, the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement thereof (that is to say) :-
Before I describe the nature of my said improvement, I must observe that
the tyre of a railway wheel if constructed with spokes is unequally and insuffi-
ciently supported at that part which is between the spokes; and in order to

page_text: obviate this, circular dises constructed either of blocks of wood or of plate iron
have been substituted instead.
This last improvement has, however, the following essential disadvantages:-
First, the disc being cut to its circular form out of a square plate causes a
waste of material secondly, the mass of material being considerably less
towards the centre than near t the circumference, it is distributed over the sur-
face of the disc in a disadvantageous manner, because the thickness of the
plate must be calculated for the resistance it has to bear by the smallest con-
centric section therein (which is close to the nave), and therefore, 'as-the-plate
of which the disc is formed could only be rolled of equal thickness all over,
there will be nearly three times as much material near the circumference.as
necessary, because the resistance need not be more here than towards the nave;
thirdly, such a disc, if made only of one plate, affords but very little lateral
Stability to the wheel; fourthly, the surface in the centre of the plate being
very small, there is great difficulty in getting the plate to unite with the cast-
iron nave in a substantial manner; and although this is partially obviated by
causing indentations to be made by means of hammering, yet as this can only
be effected to a very limited extent, and not without reducing too much the
thickness of that part of the plate where the most strength is required, it
answers the above object but very imperfectly; lastly, this method does not
admit of an inner flange or rim (for the purpose of fixing the outer tyre) to
be rolled upon the circumference of the disc, but requires in most cases a
separate rim, which is to be connected both to the disc as well as to the tyre.
1.
***
't e
Now, whereas the object of my improvement is to obviate the above dis-
advantages in the most effectual manner; I proceed to describe by what means
the same is to be attained.
.
Sheet I., Figure 1, represents, in elevation and-section, one of the forms of
my improved wheel; Figures 2 and 3 are plans, and Figure 4 a section, of an
iron plate about, three-eighths of an inch thick, of which the disc of my
improved wheel is to be constructed. Upon one edge of this plate, and at
right angles to its surface, a flange should either be bent or rolled, about seven-
eighths of an inch thick, on one or both sides of the plate, for the purpose of
fixing the tyre in the usual way by means of screws or bolts to the circular
disc; but although same object may be attained by other methods, I
prefer the one shewn in Figure 4, having in, section the form of a T, on
account of its superior strength, the rim being one piece with the disc.
It is also to be observed, that in order to insure sound workmanship the
iron packet of which the said plate is to be rolled should be piled up in the
the
L

page_text: cross way, as the plate will then be less liable to break when subjected to
the operation of bending in the machine hereafter described. The two edges a
and b, Figures 2 and 3, of the said plate, which are to form the outer and inner
circumference of the disc, may either be straight or curved; but in both cases
the transverse section taken at right angles to the edge a, or its tangent, should
be the same in every part of the plate. The outer edge should correspond to
the circumference of the disc, and if straight, both edges will be of equal length,
but if curved, as shewn in Figure 3, the inner edge will be less; and it is obvious,
that in both cases, in order to form the circular disc, if the outer edge begins
to be bent to the circular rim, the inner side of plate is obliged to change its
flat surface into a more or less undulating form. By this means the greater
part of the surface of the disc will diverge on both sides towards the axis of
the wheel, and therefore not only afford considerable lateral stability to the
wheel, but also great strength and surface to unite with the nave.
The plate
can be made very thin, as its substance is thus distributed that every con-
centric section offers the same surface, even if deemed desirable to be rolled
thicker towards the inner edge.
My improved wheel thus combines the advantage of both the disc and spoke
system, without those faults I have pointed out in both. The number of pro-
jecting parts of the disc which may be considered to represent the spokes is
quite arbitrary; but it is necessary to observe, that by increasing their number
the lateral divergence towards the nave will be lessened, and hereby also the
lateral stability of the wheel.
A description of the principal arrangement of the apparatus I use for forming
the aforesaid plate into a disc, will explain the principle upon which the said
apparatus is constructed.
Supposing the disc is to be formed with eight radiating projections on each
side, as represented in the Figure 1, Plate I., and which may be considered
as so many spokes of the wheel, I take three cast-iron blocks (see Diagram,
Sheet I. of the Drawings,) A, B, and C, having in plan the form of a circular
ring, of which each block is exactly the eighth part. The under side of these
blocks is a flat surface, and the upper corresponds to the intended shape of the
disc, the middle block being fixed upon an even surface of a frame; the other
two, A and C, which are placed one on each side of it, are provided at the
points p and q with pivots, by which they can be moved in an horizontal
direction upon the top surface of the frame, so as to form an exact seg-
ment of three-eighth parts of a circular ring when brought close together.
The position is marked by dotted lines. Into the symetrical hollows which

page_text: are thereby formed between the blocks A and B, and B and C, two other
blocks (upper blocks) are fitted in such a manner as to leave a space between
them equal to the thickness of the plate to be used for forming the disc, and
their outer circumference must also be provided with a recess corresponding
to the flange upon the plate, if such be rolled in one piece with the same.
Two strong segments and s, each of which forms one-eighth of a circle,
are applied at the back of the outer circular edge of the upper blocks,
both having their common pivot at o. Now, when a plate is to be brought
under the action of the apparatus, the two upper blocks being lifted-up,
and the lower blocks A and C placed in an open position; as shewn in the
above Figure, I lay the inner edge of the flange close against the three
points m, o, and n, which must be in a straight line when the flange is
straight; but when curved, these points must be brought into a position
corresponding to the curve, so as always to be in contact with the inner
edge of the flange. I then lower by hand the two upper blocks upon the
plate, and connect them with the apparatus, which being put in action, the
two lower blocks will be moved towards the fixed middle block, and at
the same time the upper blocks, while gradually descending into the hollows,
will also be subjected to a similar lateral movement, in order to keep con-
tinually the same midway position between the corresponding lower blocks.
It is evident that the object of this arrangement is to cause the blocks to
follow the movement of the surface of the plate under the operation of bending;
also at the same time and in precisely the same measure as the outer edge of
the plate approaches towards the circular form, the segments r and s, in taking
a similar movement, will continually be pressed close against the outer edge of
the flange, and thus bring it to an exact circular form.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATES II. AND III., REPRESENTING A SPOKE PRESS FOR
MAKING THE CORRUGATED DISC WHEELS.
Plate II Figure 1 represents a plan of the machine in one-eighth of the
full size. The two upper pattern blocks are removed for getting a better
view of the other parts; there are also shown in the same plan several sections
of small parts for the same purpose. Figure 2 shows the same pattern blocks,
also the pattern segments for shaping the rim of the wheel, but all parts in a
closed position; Figure 3 shows the raised double link for the movement of
the upper pattern blocks; Figure 4 is a Diagram showing the front view of
the pattern blocks in the opened position with a plate bar between them;
Figure 5 shows the same parts in a closed position.

page_text: Plate III. Figure 1 shews the vertical section through one of the lower
moveable pattern blocks; and Figure 2, the vertical section through their
fulcrum; Figure 3 shows the plan of frame which supports the lower pattern
blocks; and Figure 4 is the elevation of the frame.
"..
The following parts are marked uniformly by letters ;.a, a', a, the three lower
pattern blocks, of which the middle one al is fastened to the frame, the two
exterior ones a, a, turn in horizontal direction about the fulcrums b, b; c, c, the
two upper pattern blocks; d, the cast-iron frame, upon which turn, the lower
pattern blocks. a, a; e, e, levers to move the pattern blocks a, a; f, a right and
left hand screw, which turns in the bearings 9, 9, and causes the two nuts h, h,
to approach to or withdraw. These two nuts are at one side jointed to the
connecting rods i, i, at the other side to the double links k, k. j, connecting
rod between the double link k, k, and the beam. The beam m, whose fulcrum
is at m', receives its movement by the double link, and has to transfer the
motion as well to the two upper pattern blocks, by means of the two connecting
rods n, n, as to the angle lever q and the pattern segments p, p, by means of
the wedge-shaped projection o. From the pattern segments p, p; proceed three
vertical levers s, r, s, which have their fulcrums beneath their corresponding
pattern blocks a, a, a, and which are connected at the top part by two small
axles t, t, which serve as bearings for the two pattern blocks c, c. The two
vertical end levers s, s, follow by their fulcrums.s', which is beneath the lower
pattern blocks a, a, to the motion of the latter, whilst the vertical lever r of the
middle part rests on its place, and only turns about its fulcrum ¹. The vertical
levers s, s, are made in one piece with their pattern segments p, p. The latter
turn at about the middle lever r. By this arrangement the stroke of the
upper pattern blocks in horizontal direction amounts only to half of this one of
the lower pattern blocks. u, plate bar, which is to be seen in Plate III.,
Figure 1,. in the sectional view, in Plate II., Figures 4 and 5, in the front
view, marked with dotted lines. v,v, stays for supporting the plate bar, or the
parts of the disc which have been already bent; w, fly wheel to move the spoke
press, which is in reality fastened at a greater,distance to the screw, but can be
replaced by another moving apparatus; a, timber frame upon which the whole
machinery is fastened. For putting the press in action, the three lower pattern
blocks have to be turned in the position which is shewn by Figure 1, or
Figure 4, Plate II., and the heated plate bar laid upon the blocks a, a', a..
Now, the two upper pattern blocks are lowered until they touch the plate bar,
and then connected with the mechanical parts by the rods n, n.
As soon as
the machine is set in motion, the two lower end blocks a, a, begin to approach

page_text: the
the middle block a¹, and exactly in the same measure; the two upper pattern
blocks are pressed down in'such a manner that the latter begin the corrugation
of the plate bar, for two spokes without any slipping between the plate bar and
the pattern blocks, the former.cringing itself directly in the proper place of the
pattern blocks; at the same time the two pattern segments p, p, are pressed
against the flange of the plate bar, and bends it in a circular and correct shape.
The proper proportion in the motion of the two lower pattern blocks, and of
upper ones is regulated by the levers e, e, connected in suitable manner
with the motion of the links k, k. The motion of the pattern segments p, p, is
effected partly by the angle lever q, partly by the blocks a, a, being connected on
its lower part with the vertical lever s, s. As soon as the two projecting and the
two receding spokes have been bent, the press and the rod j have to be.loosened
as far as to disengage the connecting rod n, n, and to turn the upper pattern
blocks out of its place. For this latter purpose, the wedges and the nut by
which the axles t, t, are fastened, have to be loosened, and the pattern blocks
c, c, have to be lifted on their hind part before they can be turned one along
the other one. The partly corrugated plate bar has now to be taken out of
its place, and after the press is completely opened the plate bar has to be put
in a proper position for undergoing another operation of bending, but if cooled
down too much it has previously to be heated again.. The two axles t, t, must
be replaced in juxtaposition and fastened by the wedges and by the nut for
putting the press ready for the next operation. In order to fix. the two ends
of the plate bar which project beyond the pattern blocks, two supports v, v, are
connected with the lower blocks a, a, and the plate bar has to be fastened upon
those supports by means of wedges. For regulating the lift of the upper pattern
blocks c, c, there are three notches in the end of each, in which the connecting
rod n is put by means of a handle according to the lift required. The lift of
the upper block can also be altered by changing the length of the beam lever
m, by means of sliding the bearing on the left-hand end, shewn in Figure 1,
Plate III., or in changing the length of the connecting rod j. For making a
corrugated disc with eight projecting spokes on-every side, the plate bar has to
undergo four such operations as described. In the first one are made the first
and second spokes, after this the third and fourth, then the seventh and eighth,
and at last the fifth and sixth spokes. The two ends of the plate bar should
be cut so as to fit exactly to the corresponding disc, and to join exactly when
the four operations of bending are completed. The two ends of the disc may
either be welded, or joined in any other suitable manner.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, I would have it

page_text: understood that I do not claim any of the separate parts herein described; but
what I claim is, the manufacture of wheels as herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Charles Pellenz, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twelfth day of November, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Witness,
FEDOR LEONHARDI,
of Aix la Chapelle.
JOHN CHARLES PELLENZ. (L.S.)