AN IMPROVED SAFETY APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO CAGES USED IN THE SHAFTS OF MINES AND HOISTS
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edward Thomas Hughes, of the Firm of
"
Huglies and Son, Patent Agents, 123, Chancery Lane, London, for
the Invention of "AN IMPROVED SAFETY APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO CAGES
USED IN THE SHAFTS OF MINES AND HOISTS."-A communication. from
abroad by Nicolas Libotte, of Gilley, Belgium, Mechanical
Tincineer
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edward Thomas Hughes
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 11th July 1874.
I, EDWARD THOMAS HUGHES, of the Firm of Hughes and Son, Patent
Agents, 123, Chancery Lane, London, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention for "AN IMPROVED SAFETY APPARATUS APPLICABLE
TO CAGES USED IN THE SHAFTS OF MINES AND HOISTS," a communication to me
from abroad by Nicolas Libotte, of Gilley, Belgium, Mechanical
Engineer, to be as follows:-:

page_text: its simplicity and facility of construction, for it is not operated as
hitherto by springs which are susceptible of being relaxed or mot acting,
but by the motion and weight of the cage, that is, by all its acting.
force.
The safety apparatus consists of a framework divided in its length
into two frames or parts, each jointed to strong bolts or pins firmly
fixed to the cross frame at the top of the cage so that the outer end of
each frame can fall down when allowed to be acted upon by its own
weight. At each corner of the framework there is a strong bolt or rod
placed obliquely, and terminated at the top by an eye or ring, to which
is linked one of the four chains linked or connected to the block or
bracket attached to the end of the rope or cable of the winding
engine.
On the sides of the frames near the joints which unite both parts
together there are two pairs of.claws or grips projecting on the outside
of the cage, each pair when the safety apparatus is not in action
having between them a space a little larger than the guides at the
sides of the shaft or hole of the pit or hoist so that the claws slide
up and down the length of the guides when there is no accident, but
when the rope or cable is broken the claws immediately claw or bite
into the guides and hold the cage. To give more effect or power to the
claws the ends of the frames which act as levers are mounted with
weights so that the claws can penetrate deeply into the guides and
effectually stop or hold the cage if the rope or cable should break. To
compel the claws when they have clawed into the guides to continue
their seizure without relaxing, there is at each side a spring similar in
shape to the catch or dog of a capstan, one end of the springs being
fixed or geared to the bosses of the claws, and their other ends fixed to
the frames to which the claws are jointed, and thus, any slipping or
jerking of the frames and cage are prevented. The two frames or halves
of the framework when the rope or cable breaks or falls pass between
the cross bars at the sides of the cage, which bars in this case act as
.guides.

page_text: Secondly. The suppression of the high space required for the safety
apparatus of the old systems.
Thirdly. The capability of applying without difficulty this system of
stopping to all existing cages, it being only necessary to have in addition
à cross frame fixed above the top frame of the cage, the cross frame
forming the support to which the apparatus is jointed...
Fourthly. A great economy in repairs as all the parts are simply
bolted together so that they can be removed and replaced with facility.
I can also modify the aforesaid system and apparatus,—
First. By arranging the claws in such a manner that they have at the
top flat surfaces or slides, and at the bottom the sharp points forming
the claws or grips, so that when there is no accident the flat surfaces
run up and down the guides, but when the rope or cable breaks the
claws can claw or grip the guides, or the claws may be made as claws
only and the running slides fixed to the wooden bars or beams at the top
of the cage.
Secondly. By placing spiral springs round the four ringed bolts to
which the apparatus is connected, the springs being compressed when
the two parts or halves of the apparatus are horizontal, that is, in their
normal positions, but if from any cause the chains are relaxed the
springs extend and assist the claws to penetrate more and more into the
guides of the cage and prevent any relaxation of their seizure; and:
these springs also prevent the too sudden shocks which might take,
place if the cage went beyond the play allowed by the dog-shaped
springs connected to the bosses of the claws; and instead of the spiral.
springs round the ringed rods or bolts springs made of plates of steel
may be employed for the same purpose.
Thirdly. I can also as required make the simple claws or the claws
and slides of steel and iron combined according to the resistance of the.
parts or material against which the claws act.
Fourthly. By fixing near, each end of the two parts or frames of the.
apparatus an iron bar to be pulled by the workmen in the cage to cause.
the claws in case of need to act more quickly.
And, Fifthly. By making the two parts or frames of the apparatus.
slide or move between two guides, one inside and the other out, in order -
to prevent them from deviating from their proper course.
2.

page_text: To avoid the shocks which may take place in the cages suspended
from four bolts or rods, which shocks might bend the framework of the
apparatus and cage, I employ a double frame at the bottom of the cage,
one external and the other internal. The external frame is connected
to the vertical bars of the cage, and the internal one which is movable
is connected by rods with the double frame or apparatus to which the
claws are jointed. The lower movable frame carries at the sides the
iron slides which run up and down the guides, so that though the
vertical movement of the cage shall be perfectly free horizontal shakings
will be entirely prevented, thus assuring the proper working of the
apparatus in case the rope or cable breaks. By these means.
movable frames may be very light as there can be no shock in con-
sequence of the play of springs connected to the bosses of the claws
having no bad effect, and it is evident that these modifications can be
applied to all existing cages.
the
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Edward Thomas Hughes in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 11th January 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EDWARD
THOMAS HUGHES, of the Firm of Hughes and Son, Patent Agents, 123,
Chancery Lane, London, send greeting.
.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Eleventh day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the thirty-
eighth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Edward Thomas Hughes, Her special
licence that I; the said Edward Thomas Hughes, my executors, admini-
strators, and assigns, or sucli others as I, the said Edward Thomas
Hughes, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no. others, from time to time and at all times there-
after during the term 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
"AN IMPROVED SAFETY APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO CAGES USED IN THE SHAFTS OF.

page_text: MINES AND HOISTS," a communication to me from abroad by Nicolas
Libotte, of Gilley, Belgium, Mechanical Engineer, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Edward Thomas Hughes, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or
one of their hands and seals, 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 Edward Thomas Hughes, 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, reference being had to the accom-
panying Sheets of Drawings (that is to say): -
This improved safety apparatus is distinguished from all others by its
simplicity and facility. of construction, for it is not operated as hitherto
by springs which are susceptible of being relaxed or not acting, but by
the motion and weight of the cage, that is, by all its acting force.
The safety apparatus consists of a framework divided in its length
into two frames or parts, each jointed to strong bolts or pins firmly
fixed to the cross frame at the top of the cage so that the outer end of
each frame can fall down when allowed to be acted upon by its own
weight. At each corner of the framework there is a strong bolt or rod
placed obliquely and terminated at the top by an eye or ring to which
is linked one of the four chains linked or connected to the block or
bracket attached to the end of the rope or cable of the winding engine.
On the sides of the frames near the joints which unite both parts
together there are two pairs of claws or grips projecting on the outside
of the cage, each pair when the safety apparatus is not in action having
between them a space a little larger than the guides at the sides of the
shaft or hole of the pit or hoist so that the claws slide up and down the
length of the guides when there is no accident, but when the rope or
cable is broken the claws immediately claw or bite into the guides and
hold the cage. To give more effect or power to the claws the ends of
the frames which act as levers are mounted with weights so that the
claws can penetrate deeply into the guides and effectually stop or hold
the cage if the rope or cable should break. To compel the claws when
.

page_text: they have clawed into the guides to continue their seizure without
relaxing there is at each side a spring similar in shape to the catch or
dog of a capstan, one end of the springs being fixed or geared to the
bosses of the claws, and their other ends fixed to the frames to which
the claws are jointed, and thus any slipping or jerking of the frames and
cage are prevented. The two frames or halves of the framework when
the rope or cable breaks or falls pass between the cross bars at the sides
of the cage, which bars in this case act as guides.
Hugnes improved mine Cages.
they have clawed into the guides to continue their seizure without
relaxing there is at each side a spring similar in shape to the catch or
dog of a capstan, one end of the springs being fixed or geared to the
bosses of the claws, and their other ends fixed to the frames to which
the claws are jointed, and thus any slipping or jerking of the frames and
cage are prevented. The two frames or halves of the framework when
the rope or cable breaks or falls pass between the cross bars at the sides
of the cage, which bars in this case act as guides.
The results of this improved system and arrangement are,—
First. A complete security for the lives of the workmen and pre-
servation of the materials of the mine..
Secondly. The suppression of the high space required for the safety
apparatus of the old systems.
Thirdly. The capability of applying without difficulty this system of
stopping to all existing cages, it being only necessary to have in addition
a cross frame fixed above the top frame of the cage, the cross frame
forming the support to which the apparatus is jointed.
Fourthly. A great economy in repairs, as all the parts are simply
bolted together so that they can be removed and replaced with facility.
I can also modify the aforesaid system and apparatus.
First. By arranging the claws in such a manner that they have at
the top flat surfaces or slides, and at the bottom the sharp points forming
the claws or grips, so that when there is no accident the flat surfaces'
run up and down the guides, but when the rope or cable breaks the
claws can claw or grip the guides; or the claws may be made as claws
only and the running slides fixed to the wooden bars or beams at the top
of the cage.
1.
2
Secondly. By placing spiral springs round the four ringed bolts to
which the apparatus is connected, the springs being compressed when
the two parts or halves of the apparatus are horizontal, that is, in their 3
normal positions, but if from any cause the chains are relaxed the
springs extend and assist the claws to penetrate more and more into the
guides of the cage and prevent any relaxation of their seizure, and these
springs also prevent the too sudden shocks which might take place if
the cage went beyond the play allowed by the dog-shaped springs con- 3

page_text: nected to the bosses of the claws, and instead of the spiral springs round
the ringed rods or bolts springs made of plates of steel may be employed
for the same purpose.
Thirdly. I can also as required make the simple claws or the claws
and slides of steel and iron combined, according to the resistance of the
parts or material against which the claws act.
Fourthly. By fixing near each end of the two parts or frames of the
apparatus an iron bar to be pulled by the workman in the cage to cause
the claws in case of need to act more quickly.
And, Fifthly. By making the two parts or frames of the apparatus slido
or move between two guides, one inside and the other out, in order to
prevent them from deviating from their proper course.
.
I
To avoid the shocks which may take place in the cages suspended
from four bolts or rods, which shocks might bend the framework of the
apparatus I employ a double frame at the bottom of the cage, one
external and the other internal. The external frame is connected to the
vertical bars of the cage, and the internal one which is movable is con-
nécted by rods with the double frame or apparatus to which the claws
are jointed. The lower movable frame carries at the sides the iron slides
which run up and down the guides, so that though the vertical move-
ment of the cage shall be perfectly free horizontal shakings will be
entirely prevented, thus assuring the proper working of the apparatus in
case the rope or cable breaks. By these means the movable frames may
be very light, as there can be no shock in consequence of the play of
springs connected to the bosses of the claws having no bad effect, and it
is evident that these modifications can be applied to all existing cages.
On the accompanying Drawings, in Figs. 1 to 6 on Sheets A, A1, A2,
A represents a spiral spring similar to those used in the buffers of
railway wagons employed for deadening the blow and giving greater
safety to the operatives; B, a bolt uniting the two hinged levers or top
framing of the cage; C, a square piece to which the top of the ordinary
cage is rivetted and actually forms the top framing; D, a cross piece or
beam of a T shaped form supporting the hinged levers so that they can
swing; E, an attaching bolt for taking up or connecting the two halves
of the swing levers or frame; F, the upper hinged framework of the
cage; G, claws; H, the upright or vertical framework of the cage;
I, iron braces; K, a lug or ear for receiving the bolt E; L, the sus-

page_text: pending block of the cage; M, a line shewing the difference in position
of the apparatus closed and open, and shewing with what force the
hinged frame Facts on the claws G; N, are guides.
The principal part of the apparatus consists of an iron frame placed at
the top of the cage and formed of two pieces which can move to and fro
on two trunnions like a pannier, and these moveable pieces carry lugs
for receiving the attaching bolts of the small chairs, extending from the
cap of the cage, to be afterwards united to the rope or cable, and laterally
near the trunnions and the external faces of the guides are bolted to the
claws which claw into the guides if the rope should break, but when
the rope is stretched with its load the movable parts of the internal
frame butt against the upper framing fixed to the cage and the claws.
are some distance from the guides. If the rope or chains should break
the two movable pieces of the acting framework immediately fall, and
moving round their trunnions cause the claws to approach and penetrate
with force into the guides for the purpose of augmenting the rapidity of
this action; the parts forming the acting frame are so placed as to
bring the position of the centre of gravity of the system below the axis
of rotation, as shewn in Figs. 3 and 4, and by this means a slight
inclination is given to the two acting frames in such a manner as to
cause the claws to be moved as quick as possible.
From this description it will be seen that the action of the apparatus
is based upon the application of the elementary principles of levers, and
also that the heavier the moveable parts of the acting frame are the
greater will be the action of the claws on the guides. To strengthen
this action a metal counterweight may be bolted to the fronts of the
parts constituting the framework, and more marked results can be
obtained by springs analogous to those used in the buffers of railway
wagons. These springs which are relatively light but have considerable
effect are placed at the four corners of the cage between the fixed frame
and the movable parts of the acting frames, as shewn in Figs. 1, 2, 3,
& 4. These springs not only prevent shaking when the cage is being
raised but also act as auxillary forces when the rope breaks by their
expansion acting on the ends of levers, which added to the action of
the weights of the movable parts of the framework give to the cage a
security hitherto unattained. If it should happen that the rope or one
or more of the chains should break, the claws whether isolately or
simultaneously will act with such power as will ensure the stoppage of
.

page_text: the cage in the shafts of pits or hoists both when descending and
ascending.
The following are some of the advantages of these improved stopping
cages:The additional parts required are so small in proportion to the
cage itself that they can be applied to every description of cage in use.
They are absolutely without parts for transmitting movements, such as
connecting rods and parts attached to them, which in the old system
required constant examination and frequent repairs, and as it can be
placed in a small space it allows the height of the cage to be reduced
in proportion to the height gained, or to utilize this height for extraction.
In the old system a single spring was used here; to the natural force of
gravity is added the power of four springs, which by their action at the
ends of levers give to the claws such penetrating energy that nothing
can oppose them; and lastly, when it is stated that from the construction
of this apparatus all chance of breaking is prevented, it is clear it is one
of its most practical advantages.
The construction of this cage may be modified in the following
manner, and shewn in Figs. 1 to 6 on Sheets B, B1, B2, in which
A represents a lever terminating in the form of a fork and giving the to-
and-fro movement to the corner slidés B, as shewn in the views of the
front and side, open and shut; B, slides; C, piece of iron fixed to the
upper framing of the cage guiding the corner B; D, hinged pendant or
pivot serving as a fulcrum for the lever A; E, hinged suspending rod
with chains linked to the hook K, giving the to-and-fro movement to
the lever A; K, a hook; F, F, hinges; G, top frame of the cage;
H, uprights of the cage; I, capstan dogs, making spring; L, stirrup or
bolt receiving the dogs; M, suspending bolts of the dogs; and N, bolts
receiving the lever A.