Improvements in or connected with Speed Indicators.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Mar., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 1st Jan., 1894-Accepted, 30th Apr., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Speed Indicators.
1, WILLIAM CHADBURN, of 11, Waterloo Road, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates more particularly to that type of speed indicators or
indicating mechanism which shew or indicate at, and for each instant of time, the
rate of speed at which an engine (or other machine) is working.
In describing the nature of my invention, I will set forth its application in
connection with steam engines for ascertaining and indicating the rate of speed
thereof, or in other words, the number of revolutions the engine is making in a
given time, that is, per unit of time.
According to the present invention, a speed indicating device having a part or
parts which are revolved mechanically, is adapted to be actuated-that is, a part or
parts thereof rotated-at a regular or even rate, giving a steady movement and
action of the pointing or indicating device, by a reciprocating part of, on, or from
To effect this
the engine, having an irregular or uneven rate of movement.
regular rate of motion from the irregular one, and to render the operation of parts
of the indicator regular and steady, the movement of the reciprocating part is
transmitted to the revolving part of the indicating device through a rectifying,
regulating, or governing mechanism, which receives irregular motion from the
reciprocating part, and in some cases stores energy irregularly imparted,—and
gives out motion-or energy-at a constant rate, or practically constant rate.
This mechanism or device may consist of an elastic medium such as a spring, or
flyer, or fly-wheel, or equivalent mechanism. In one form wherein a spring is
employed, it is acted upon from the reciprocating part through a device, such as a
double pawl or clutch and lever device, by which movement is imparted to the
spring, in both the in and out, or backward and forward, strokes or movements of
the reciprocating part, and the motion or energy so imparted is given out, say by
toothed gear, to the revolving part of the indicator; and to further assist in
rendering the motion of the indicator thoroughly or practically regular, a flyer
device may be used in connection with the part or mechanism by which the stored
energy is transmitted to the indicator part, by which a governing or regulating
effect is obtained. A suitable form of spring is of the helical or clock type; but
others of different kinds may be used if desired.
In another form, a regular motion may be obtained by imparting motion to
a fly-wheel actuated from the reciprocating part, which may drive the said
fly-wheel in moving in one direction only, or in both directions. The fly-wheel will
only be acted upon when the speed of the reciprocating part is greater than that of
the fly-wheel, or part connected therewith, and driven or actuated thereby, that
portion or those portions of the stroke which are relatively slow being adapted to
have no action upon the fly-wheel, or the fly wheel upon it; that is the fly-wheel
may run freely at such times as the velocity of the reciprocating part is less than
that of the wheel. In some cases a spring or springs and flyer device, or either of
them, may be used in connection with the fly wheel and mechanism, to assist
in obtaining the regular rate of speed required.
This means or inechanism by which an irregular rate of speed or motion is
transmitted to an indicator at a regular rate, may form part of the indicating
apparatus itself; or, it may constitute a separate mechanism introduced between
the reciprocating part and the indicating mechanism itself.

page_text: The invention may be used in connection with different types of revolving or
oscillating speed indicating mechanisms. My invention is not confined to the
particular mechanisms specified, as mechanisms of an equivalent nature by which
motion or energy is received at an irregular rate, and transmitted at a regular or
even and steady rate, by which a steady indication of the rating of speed of
the engine or machine is afforded, may be employed.
Dated this 28th day of March 1893.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
Improvements in or connected with Speed Indicators.
I, WILLIAM CHADBURN, of 11, Waterloo Road, Liverpool, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates more particularly to that type of speed indicators or
indicating mechanism which shew or indicate at, and for each instant of time, the
rate of speed at which an engine (or other machine) is working.
In describing the nature of my invention, I will set forth its application in
connection with steam engines, for ascertaining and indicating the rate of speed
thereof, or in other words, the number of revolutions the engine is making in
a given time, that is, per unit of time.
According to the present invention, a speed indicating device having a part or
parts which are revolved mechanically, is adapted to be actuated—that is, a part or
parts thereof rotated-regularly or evenly, giving a steady movement and action of
the pointing or indicating device, by a reciprocating part or part having irregular
or uneven motion, of, on, or from the engine. To effect this regular motion from
the irregular one, and to render the operation of parts of the indicator regular and
steady, the movement of the reciprocating or irregularly acting part is transmitted
to the revolving part of the indicating device through rectifying or regulating
mechanism, which receives irregular motion, (and in some cases stores energy
irregularly imparted) and gives out motion-or energy-regularly or practically
regularly. This mechanism or device may consist of an elastic medium such as a
spring, or spring and fly-wheel, or spring and flyer, or equivalent mechanism.
In one form wherein a spring is employed, it is acted upon from a reciprocating
part through a device, such as a double pawl or clutch and lever device, by which
movement is imparted to the spring, in both the in and out, or backward and
forward, strokes or movements of the reciprocating part, and the motion or energy
so imparted is given out, say by toothed gear, to the revolving part of the indicator;
and to further assist in rendering the motion of the indicator thoroughly or
practically regular, a fly or fan device may be used in connection with the part or
mechanism by which the stored energy is transmitted to the indicator part, by
which a governing or regulating effect is obtained. A suitable form of spring is of
the helical or clock type; but others of different kinds may be used if desired.
In another form, a regular motion may be obtained by imparting motion to a
flywheel actuated from the reciprocating part, which may drive the said fly-wheel
in moving in one direction only, or in both directions. The fly-wheel will only be
acted upon when the speed of the reciprocating part is greater than that of the
fly-wheel, or part connected therewith, and driven or actuated thereby, that
portion or those portions of the stroke which are relatively slow being adapted to
have no action upon the fly-wheel, or the fly-wheel upon it; that is the flywheel
may run freely at such times as the velocity of the reciprocating part is less than
that of the wheel. In such cases a spring or springs and fly device, should be used

page_text: in connection with the fly-wheel and mechanism, to assist in obtaining the
regular motion required.
This means or mechanism by which an irregular motion is resolved into a
regular one, may form part of the indicating apparatus itself; or, it may
constitute a separate mechanism introduced between the reciprocating or
irregularly moving part and the indicating mechanism itself.
The invention may be used in connection with different types of revolving or
oscillating speed indicating mechanisms.
In the drawings hereto annexed is shewn an indicator comprising in combination
a mechanism for resolving non-uniform or irregular motion-which it receives―
into a rotary and uniform or regular motion, and mechanism according to the
invention covered under Letters Patent No. 807 of 1886 granted to myself and
George Smith, for effecting the required movement of the indicating pointer or
other indicating means; that is to say a speed indicating mechanism wherein a fly
or fan or like device is mounted and works in a frame free to be oscillated or
vibrated about an axis, and a resisting device, such as a spring or weight is
employed. It is however to be understood that the improvements hereunder for
resolving non-uniform or irregular motion into a rotary regular or uniform motion
may be applied in connection with other kinds of speed indicators mechanisms
with advantage; such for instance as those known kinds which are mechanically
operated-i.e. driven by gear of a positive nature-and wherein governor balls or
weights operating by centrifugal force are employed.
Referring now to these drawings, Figure 1 is a front elevation of the indicator,
and Figures 2 and 3 are respectively side elevation and plan of same. Figures 4
and 5 are respectively elevation and end view of a modification of the invention.
In the drawings, Figs. 1 to 3, a is a frame to which the different parts of the
mechanism are mounted and connected. b is an actuating lever adapted to be
actuated from a reciprocating or vibrating part of an engine, machine, or
mechanism, the rate of speed of which it is desired to indicate and use the
apparatus in connection with. c is a ratchet wheel mounted on and fixed to the
shaft d supported in the frames a, and ee are levers, one end of each of which is
mounted loosely on the shaft d, their opposite ends being connected with the
actuating lever 6 by the connecting rods ff; and el el are pawls on the levers ee
and engaging with the teeth of the ratchet wheel c, said pawls being pressed
thereon by springs. 9 is a pawl mounted on the frame a, and normally pressed
onto the wheel c by a spring, for preventing such wheel from moving in the wrong
direction. This mechanism so far described will produce, by the reciprocation, or
vibration of the lever b, a rotary but irregular movement of the wheel c and
shaft d.
h is an arm fixed on the shaft d and having a pin h¹ in the end thereof; i is a
spring, the outer end of which is connected to the pin h¹; and j is a toothed wheel
mounted loosely on the shaft d, and to the boss of which the other-inner-end of
the spring i is attached. The action of this part of the apparatus is, that as the
rotative motion of the shaft d is irregular, as just described, this motion is
transmitted to the spring i irregularly through the arm h, and stored therein as
energy, which is given out therefrom, at a regulated rate, to the main driving
toothed wheel j, the motion of which may be made to approach absolute regularity
by the movement of a governing device, such as a fan device hereinafter described,
or a fly wheel or other governing device, driven by the toothed wheel j.
The pointer is designated k, and is driven or moved through the toothed wheel j,
through the pinion I mounted and fixed on spindle m, and a vibrating flyer frame
or device n, which is mounted loosely on the spindle m, and to which the pointer k
is attached. The flyer frame or device n comprises a fan or flyer n', and a train
of toothed wheels n², n³, n', all of which are mounted in the said frame n, and
which receives motion from a driving pinion o fixed on the shaft m, and by it the
fan n' receives a high rate of revolution. The tendency of motion of the device n
is to revolve about its point of support with, and in the same direction as, its

page_text: driving pinion o, such tendency being caused by the resistance of the air to the
rotation of the fan n¹; and (as this moves, so of course the pointer, which is
connected with it, moves. In order that this revolution or movement should be
according to the varying rate of speed at which the apparatus is driven, a varying
resistance is provided by the spring p, which is loosely connected by links 9 and
pin to a toothed wheel r, gearing with a toothed wheel 71 on or connected with
the frame n; and thus, as the frame n revolves or moves, it moves the wheel r
round and the links q with it, and so varies the leverage at which the spring acts
from the centre of said wheel, and correspondingly the resistance, which increase
as said spring is moved further round from the neutral and normal or resting
position. To obtain the required rate of increase of resistance there is provided
in this case a projecting piece 92 fixed on the wheel which is adapted to press the
links q outwards as it revolves, and so further increase the radius at which the
resistance acts. The tension of the spring p may be regulated by any suitable
adjusting device.
The mechanism by which absolute uniformity of rotary motion is approached,
and transmitted to the pointing or indicating mechanism, consists of a train of
toothed wheels, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and a flyer t driven thereby, the wheel 1 being
driven by and gearing with the wheel j.
"
"
In substitution for the swinging frame n and flyer, other devices of known kinds,
such as balls as used in "governors," whose action is due to centrifugal force
against the action of a spring or weight, may be employed; but, at the same time,
it is to be stated, that, in cases where the apparatus is used to indicate rates of
speed varying in considerable degree, I prefer the flyer type of device referred
to, as greater accuracy in such cases can thereby be obtained.
The general operation of the apparatus illustrated (it being assumed that the
actuating lever bis connected to a reciprocating or vibrating part of a machine
engine or mechanism, the rate of speed of which or part thereof it is desired to
indicate) is as follows:-The vibrating or reciprocating movement imparted to the
lever b is irregular, and this irregular motion is transmitted to the ratchet wheel c
and the shaft d, and so to the outer end of the spring through the arm h, which is
fixed on said shaft. This movement is imparted to the spring i and stored therein
as energy, which is given out therefrom and transmitted to the wheel j, to which
the other end of said spring is attached; and thus the vibrating or reciprocating
action is resolved into a regular or uniform rotary one, which is then transmitted
to the indicating pointer or other device, through the mechanism herein specified
with reference to the drawings; or, through other suitable mechanisms, as those
referred to, as the case may be.
The modification illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, shews an arrangement by which
regular motion obtained from a reciprocating part is by means of a flywheel, in
lieu of a spring as set forth with reference to Figures 1 to 3, transformed into a
regular or even one. In this arrangement, the same means of transmitting the
irregular reciprocating movement, and converting it to an irregular rotary one, is
employed as in the former machine, namely, a ratchet wheel c fixed on the shaft d,
and levers, pawls, and rods e e² and f; whilst the resistance flyer device n is also
used, and shewn in this modification, motion to the shaft m of which is transmitted
to it through the toothed wheel as in the former case.
The mechanism introduced between the irregularly rotating ratchet wheel C, and
the flyer device actuating wheel consists of:-A driving toothed wheel j of
relatively large diameter fixed on the shaft d; a toothed wheel u mounted loosely
on the shaft v, and having an arm u' with a pawl u² on the end thereof; a flywheel i
also mounted loosely on the shaft v; a ratchet wheel mounted loosely on the hub
of the wheel i, operated by the pawl u³, coupled up with the fly wheel i by the
spring, one end of which is fastened to the flywheel i and the other to the
ratchet wheel; a toothed wheel 3, fixed on the hub of the flywheel i; and a
tcothed wheel w meshing with the wheel 3, and the flyer frame spindle actuating
wheel l.

page_text: In action, the irregular and rotary motion received by the ratchet wheel c will be-
transmitted to pawl u² but at a relatively high rate of speed, and when the rate of
speed of the arm u¹ is higher than that of the flywheel i, the pawl u will engage-
with the ratchet wheel and will so carry with it the wheel and the flywheel i,.
suddenness of action being prevented by the spring connecting the wheels
and . When the pawl is revolved at a rate of speed less than that at which the
flywheel i is revolving, it will have no action on such wheel, nor will the wheel i
have any action on the said pawl or the gear which operates it, but is free to-
revolve independently on the shaft v, driving the spindle m of the flyer frame n
and the wheel o thereon, through the toothed wheels w and at a uniform rate,.
giving out power absorbed and accumulated therein by the high rate of motion,
imparted to it.
By this means, reciprocating motion is first converted to a rotary irregular
motion, and such motion is transformed into a regular or even rotary motion by the
wheel i, which regular motion is transmitted to the flyer frame device, as set forth,
with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and so to the pointer k.
This invention may be applied in whole or in part to various kinds of
machinery, engines, apparatus, and mechanism; and in the different applications,
it will be arranged and adapted to suit the different conditions under which it is to.
be used. It may also be modified to suit special cases, in different ways, without
departing from its general characteristics. Also the dials or indicating parts of the
apparatus in such cases, as will be understood, will be designed and marked to suit
the particular purpose of its application.
Having now described and ascertained the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, it is to be stated, that the mode of and means.
herein described for effecting the transformation or resolving of an irregular motion.
into a rotary one having a uniform rate of speed, may be applied to or used with
advantage to cases wherein the motion transmitted to the apparatus from the
machine, engine, or mechanism the rate of speed to which it is desired to indicate,_
is other than a true vibrating or reciprocating one; namely it may be used in.
connection with indicating apparatus where the motion transmitted to and by which:
it is actuated, is irregular in any way, and where it is required to resolve it into a
regular or uniform rotary one; and what is claimed in respect of the herein.
described invention is:-
1. In apparatus for or used in indicating the rate of speed of machines, engines,
or mechanisms, effecting the resolving or transformation of an irregular motion
transmitted to the apparatus by a part of such machine, engine, or mechanism.
which actuates such apparatus, into a regular or uniform rotary motion in such.
apparatus, substantially as herein set forth, that is to say, by a spring, spring and
flywheel, or the like, interposed between the part receiving the said irregular-
motion on the one hand, and the pointing or indicating means of the apparatus on
the other, and adapted to receive said irregular movement and to drive or actuate.
a mechanism by which the said rate of speed is indicated.
2. In apparatus for indicating the rate of speed of machines, engines, or
mechanisms, effecting the resolving of a reciprocating motion transmitted to the
apparatus from a part of the machine, engine, or mechanism, which it is desired to-
indicate the rate of speed of, into a regular rotary motion, substantially as herein
set forth, that is to say, by the interposition and use of a spring to which is
imparted said reciprocating or vibrating movement, and which gives out energy so
imparted to it, to a part of the apparatus which is rotated thereby, and suitable
mechanism introduced between said spring and the pointer or indicating means such
as referred to, for operating the same in the desired manner.
3. In apparatus for indicating the rate of speed of machines, engines, or-
mechanisms, the combination of a part adapted to be vibrated or reciprocated by
the engine, machine, or mechanism of which it is desired to indicate the rate of
speed; a wheel or part-such as a ratchet wheel and pawls or friction wheel or

page_text: other equivalent-adapted to be rotated thereby and receive irregular rotary
movement; a coil spring driven by said wheel and acted upon in the same irregular
manner; and suitable gearing and mechanism driven by said spring and connected
with a pointer or other means of indication; substantially as and for the purposes
herein set forth.
4. In apparatus for indicating the rate of speed of machines, engines, or
mechanisms, the mechanism herein set forth with reference to the drawings by
which the vibrating or reciprocating movement transmitted or imparted to the
mechanism is resolved into a rotary and regular motion, which regular rotary
motion is adapted to be transmitted to and actuate the mechanism for indicating
said rate of speed.
5. In apparatus for indicating the rate of speed of machines, engines, or
mechanisms, the combination, substantially as described, of mechanism operating in
the manner described by which reciprocating or vibrating motion is converted or
resolved into a rotary and regular motion; a governor device (such as t, a fly-wheel
or other equivalent) in connection with the part of said mechanism receiving such
regular motion; and mechanism such as above referred to or set forth, driven or
actuated by such part having rotary movement, and by which the rate of speed is
indicated through a pointer or like means.
6. In apparatus for indicating the rate of speed of machines, engines, or
mechanisms, the combination of mechanism as herein set forth by which recipro-
cating or vibrating motion transmitted to the apparatus is resolved into regular
rotary motion; and an oscillating or vibrating flyer or fan device operating after
the manner herein set forth, interposed between a part of said mechanism receiving
the resolved regular rotary motion, and the indicating pointer or other indicating
means; substantially as described and also as set forth particularly with reference
to the drawings.
|30th day of December 1895.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON, Fels. Chart. Inst. P.A.,
15, Water Street, Liverpool, Applicant's Patent Agents.