Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with India Rubber.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Apr., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 13th Feb., 1897-Accepted, 13th Mar., 1837
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with
India Rubber.
1, ALFRED 'GEORGE SPENCER, of '77 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
Engineer, do'hereby declare the nature of this invention to 'be as 'follows:-
My invention has reference to buffer and other springs of the kind comprising
an annular india rubber body whether externally cylindrical, conical or of other
shape, and is designed to obviate the disadvantages which have been found to
result with known constructions owing to the severe stress upon the india rubber
body when subjected to considerable pressure, especially .in.cases where the radial
width or size of the body, in the plane of the axis of the spring, is large in
proportion to the thickness thereof in the direction in which compression takes
place. For this purpose I construct the india rubber body of two or more rings
concentrically arranged one within the other a short distance apart, but with an
annulus interposed between each :two which annulus is of india rubber integral
with the said india rubber rings, the arrangement being such as to afford space
between the two or each two india rubber rings sufficient to prevent (when the
spring is under compression) their outer or lateral portions exerting undue
pressure against one another, ior:against the confining or cup ring or rings, when
such is or are used, or against the rod (if any) passing through the spring.
Springs according to my invention can be constructed in various forms.
In one construction the india rubber body is of elliptical shape in cross section
and fin longitudinal section.resembles two rings connected by an annular web of
india rubber.integral with the said rings, which present at the respective ends of
the ring annular ridges projecting beyond the interposed annular.connecting part.
These annular projections may be of various forms to suit circumstances. Thus
in some cases the contour of each end of the india rubber body is of corrugated
or curved form as seen in longitudinal section and in other cases of crenellated
form.
Such improved india rubber bodies whether of cylindrical, conical or other
suitable form, can be constructed with simple or compound confining rings,
hoops or plates and nozzles:arranged in various ways in the central portion of the
bodies.
In ane arrangement, the improved india rubber body is provided externally.with
a cup ring af T, Yor Visection forced into place around the body after the same
has been vulcanized.
In another modification, the india rubber body is provided with a cupped (or
plain surrounding ring and two or more mozzles or inner rings, or with two outer
cup rings and one nozzle or inner ring, the outer and inner rings being arranged
in different planes.
In another construction the central cup ring or plain plate is dispensed with,
end cup plates being provided between which the improved india rubber body.is
simply held, or into holes in which portions of the outer ends of the rings forming
the said body may be moulded.
According to a further modification, the india rubber body has no plate moulded

page_text: therein but is used with end cupped plates between which and other plates outside.
them washers of india rubber are placed. In lieu of perforated cup plates, rings
concentrically arranged to one another a short distance apart may be moulded in
the india rubber body.
According to another construction, the improved india rubber body is provided
with a compound ring consisting of two cup rings made without nozzles and
arranged back to back with an india rubber ring forming a supplementary spring
moulded in between them such compound ring, after being vulcanized, being
forced into a groove formed in the periphery the india rubber body which is
vulcanized before the compound ring is forced thereon, as in constructions of
springs described in Specification of Patent No. 11921 of 1889. A groove or
projecting bead is or may be moulded in the hole. A metal nozzle of less width
than the compound ring may be forced into place within the hole extending
through the vulcanized india rubber body. This nozzle may in some cases be a
compound nozzle formed of two metal rings with an india rubber ring, to serve as
à supplementary spring, moulded in between them. In some cases such a compound.
nozzle may be used with an outer ring not cupped, forced into a groove in the
periphery of the india rubber body.
:
According to another construction the improved india rubber body has moulded
therein a couple of cup rings or plates or nozzle plates or cup rings or plates and
nozzle plates between which are layers or cushions of india rubber divided or
separated by one or more plates or rings adapted to support such intervening
layers cr cushions which extend beyond the outer periphery of the body; and,
when nozzle plates are provided extends into the central hole through the body as
in the several constructions of springs described in the Specification of Patent
No. 19011 of 1894.
According to another construction, the improved india rubber body is provided
with a compound ring consisting of two metal cup rings made without nozzles and
arranged back to back, one or more intermediate metal. rings or annular plates
located between the two cup rings, and india rubber rings moulded in between
each two of the said metal parts, the compound ring thus formed being made and
vulcanized separate from and being forced into place upon the previously
vulcanized compound india rubber body which is formed with a peripheral groove
adapted to receive and retain the said compound ring in place, as in constructions
of springs described in the Specification of an Application for Patent No. 13165
of 1895. The spring may be provided with a simple. ori compound nozzle forced
into place after the vulcanization of the body, the compound nozzle being formed
similarly to the compound ring.
According to another construction, the improved: india rubber body is constructed
with a central outwardly extending anuular flange or projection having at each
side thereof an annular groove adapted to receive and retain a confining plate or
ring which can be forced into position after vulcanization of the india rubber body,
the arrangement being such that when the two cup or confining plates or rings are
in place, the india rubber flange or projection, with or without interposed hoops,
rings or plates, will be sandwiched between the two confining rings or plates as in
constructions of springs described in tlie Specification of an Application for
Patent No., 13178 of 1895. Such springs may be provided with nozzles of any
known or suitable kind simple or compound. In some cases the confining plates
or rings are of cup shape; in other cases. flat plates or rings are used. In the
latter case the end or dividing plates used with the spring are cupped. In a
modification of this construction, the central portion of the body with central
annular flange or projection, with or without confining plates, has moulded therein
one or more metal hoops, one or more similar metal hoops being held in a groove
or grooves formed in the exterior of the said body as described in my said Inst
mentioned specification.
•J
:
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with .interposed annulus or annuli of
india rubber integral therewith as set forth may be employed. in various ways

page_text: other than in conjunction with the other parts comprised in the several
combinations hereinabove respectively indicated.
Dated this 13th day of April 1896.
W. LLOYD WISE,
ncoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.
Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with
India Rubber.
I, ALFRED GEORGE SPENCER, of 77 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
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 :-
My invention has reference to springs of the kind comprising an annular
india rubber body whether externally cylindrical, conical or of other shape; and is
designed to obviate the disadvantages which have been found to result with
known constructions owing to the severe stress upon the india rubber body when
subjected to considerable pressure, especially in cases where the radial width or
size of the body, in the plane of the axis of the spring, is large in proportion to
the thickness thereof in the direction in which compression takes place. For this
purpose construct the india rubber body of two or more rings concentrically.
arranged one within the other a short distance apart, but with an annulus interposed
between each two which annulus is of india rubber integral with the said india
rubber rings, the arrangement being such as to afford space between the two or
each two india rubber rings sufficient to prevent (when the spring is under
compression) their outer or lateral portions exerting undue pressure against one
another, or against the confining or cup ring or rings, when such is or are used, or
against the rod (if any) passing through the spring.
Springs according to my invention can be constructed in various forms.
In one construction the india rubber body is of elliptical shape in cross section
and in longitudinal section resembles two rings connected by an annular web of
india rubber integral with the said rings, which present at the respective ends of
the ring annular ridges projecting beyond the interposed annular connecting part.
These annular projections may be of various forms to suit circumstances. Thus
in some cases the contour of each end of the india rubber body is of corrugated
or curved form as seen in longitudinal section and in other cases of crenellated form.
Such improved india rubber bodies whether of cylindrical, conical or other
suitable form, can be constructed with simple or compound confining rings, hoops
or plates and nozzles arranged in various ways in the central portion of the
bodies.
In one arrangement, the improved india rubber body is provided externally with
a cup ring of T, Y or V section forced into place around the body after the same
has been vulcanized.
In another modification, the india rubber body is provided with a cupped or
plain surrounding ring and two or more nozzles or inner rings, or with two outer
cup rings and one nozzle or inner ring, the outer and inner rings being arranged in
different planes.
In another construction the central cup ring or plain plate is dispensed with,
end cup plates being provided between which the improved india rubber body is

page_text: simply held, or into holes in which portions of the outer ends of the rings forming
the said body may be moulded.
According to a further modification, the india rubber body has no plate moulded
therein but is used with end cupped plates between which and other plates outside
them washers of india rubber are placed. In lieu of perforated cup plates, rings
concentrically arranged to one another a short distance apart may be moulded in
the india rubber body.
}
According to another construction, the improved india rubber body is provided
with a compound ring consisting of two cup rings made without nozzles and
arranged back to back with an india rubber ring forming a supplementary spring
moulded in between them, such compound ring, after being vulcanized, being
forced into a groove formed in the periphery of the india rubber body which is
vulcanized before the compound ring is forced thereon, as in constructions of
springs described in Specification of Patent No. 11921 of 1889. A groove or
projecting bead is or may be moulded in. the hole: A metal nozzle of less width
than the compound ring may be forced into place within the hole extending through
the vulcanized india rubber body. This nozzle may in some cases be a compound
nozzle formed of two metal rings with an india rubber ring, to serve as a
supplementary spring, moulded in between them. In some cases such a compound.
nozzle may be used with an outer ring not cupped, forced into a groove in the
periphery of the india rubber body.
According to another construction the improved india rubber body has moulded
therein a couple of cup rings or plates or nozzle plates or cup rings or plates and nozzle
plates between which are layers or cushions of india rubber divided or separated by
one or more plates or rings adapted to support such intervening layers or cushions
which extend beyond the outer periphery of the body; and, when nozzle plates are
provided extends into the central hole through the body as in the several
constructions of springs described in the Specification of Patent No. 19011.
of 1894.
According to another construction, the improved india rubber body is provided
with a.compound ring consisting of two metal cup rings made without nozzles and
arranged back to back, one or more intermediate metal rings or annular plates
located between the two cup rings, and india rubber rings moulded in between
each two of the said metal parts, the compound ring thus formed being made and
vulcanized separate from and being forced into place upon the previously
vulcanized compound india rubber body which is formed with a peripheral groove
adapted to receive and. retain the said compound ring in place, as in con-
structions of springs described in the Specification of an Application for Patent
No. 13165 of 1895. The spring may be provided with a simple or compound
nozzle forced into place after the vulcanization of the body, the compound nozzle
being formed similarly to the compound ring.
According to another construction, the improved india rubber body is constructed
with a central outwardly extending annular flange or projection. having: at each
side thereof an annular groove adapted to receive and retain a confining plate or
ring which can be forced into position after vulcanization of the india rubber body,
the arrangement being such that when the two cup or confining plates or rings are
in place, the india rubber flange or projection, with or without interposed hoops,
rings or plates, will be sandwiched between the two confining rings or plates as. in
constructions of springs described in the Specification of an Application for
Patent No. 13178 of 1895. Such springs may be provided with nozzles of any
known or suitable kind simple or compound. In some cases the confining plates or
rings are of cup shape; in other cases flat plates or rings are used. In the latter
case the end or dividing plates used with the spring are cupped.. In a modification
of this construction, the central portion of the body with central annular flange or
projection, with or without confining plates, has moulded therein one or more
metal hoops, one or more similar metal hoops being held in a groove or grooves

page_text: formed in the exterior of the said body as described in my said last mentioned
specification.
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or annuli
of india rubber integral therewith as set forth may be employed in various ways
other than in conjunction with the other parts comprised in the several combinations
bereinabove respectively indicated.
In the drawings each arrangement shown is a spring such as may be used either
singly or as one element in a compound spring comprising two or any other
required number of such elements according to the stroke to be provided for.
Each arrangement is illustrated by two views, namely, a view partly in longitudinal
section in a plane containing the axis of the spring and partly in side elevation, and
another view showing a half'end elevation.
Figs. 1 and 2 are two such views illustrating a construction in which the india
rubber body is of elliptical shape in cross section (see end elevation Fig. 2) and in
longitudinal section (see Fig. 1) resembles two rings a and a connected by au
annular web a of.india rubber integral with the said rings, which present, at the
respective ends of the ring, annular ridges projecting beyond the interposed
annular connecting part. These annular projections may be of various forms to
suit circumstances. Thus in some cases the contour of each end of the india
rubber body is of corrugated or curved form as seen in longitudinal section and
in other cases of crenellated form. The body has annular grooves formed in its
outer and inner circumferences. Into these, respectively, there are forced, after
the body has been vulcanized, a cup ring 6 of T section and a nozzle c of
T section.
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber body a, a², a² a
has formed around its outer circumference an annular groove into which after the
said india rubber has been vulcanized there is forced a cupped surrounding or
confining ring of T'section but, for this ring one of other section, for example
plain or of round or V or Y section might be substituted. a is an annular india
rubber fillet integral with the remainder of the india rubber body but projecting
beyond the inner circumference of the remainder of that body, and, at the two
sides of this fillet there are formed in the body two annular grooves into which
after the body has been vulcanized there are forced a couple of metal nozzles or
inner rings c.
:
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber body a, a', a²;
has formed in its outer circumference two annular grooves into which after the said
body has been vulcanized there are forced two metal confining rings and the inner
circumference of the india rubber body is formed with an annular groove into which
(also after vulcanization of the body) a nozzle or inner ring e is forced. As will
be seen, the outer and inner rings are arranged in different planes.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber body a a¹ a²
is formed with an annular groove in its outer circumference into which (after
vulcanization of the body) there is forced a metal confining ring b and the india
rubber is located between end cup plates d d having holes therein into which
portions of the outer ends of the india rubber rings a a' extend; or the holes in
the plates d d may be dispensed with and the india rubber body be simply held
between the said plates.
Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber body a a' a?
has formed in its outer circumference an annular groove into which (after vulcani-
zation of the said body) there is forced a. metal confining ring b. d d are end
cupped plates between each of which and another plate outside of it a washer
of india rubber is placed.
Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate a construction in which the improved india rubber.
body a, a, a is provided with a compound ring consisting of two cup rings b b
arranged back to back with an india rubber ring a torming a supplementary spring
moulded in between them such compound ring, after being vulcanized, being forced,

page_text: into a groove formed in the periphery of the india rubber body which is vulcanized
before the compound ring is forced thereon, as in constructions of springs described
in the Specification of Patent No. 11921 of 1889. A groove is moulded in the
bole at that extends through the india rubber body, and a metal nozzle c of less
width than the compound ring is shewn forced into place in the said groove.
Instead of a groove in the hole there might be a projecting band forming part of
the india rubber body and entering a groove formed around the nozzle. The nozzle
may in some cases be a compound nozzle formed of two metal rings with an india
rubber ring, to serve as a supplementary spring, moulded in between them.
Figs. 13 and 14. illustrate a construction in which a compound nozzle comprising
two metal rings c, c, with an india rubber ring a moulded in between them, is
forced into a groove in the hole at of the previously vulcanized india rubber body,
and an outer or confining ring b not cupped is forced into a groove in the periphery
of the vulcanized india rubber body.
Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate a construction in which the improved india rubber
body a a¹ a² is provided with a compound ring consisting of two metal cup rings bb
arranged back to back, two (there might be only one) intermediate metal rings or
annular plates bxbx located between the two cup rings b and india rubber rings a a
moulded in between each two of the said metal parts, the compound ring thus
formed being made and vulcanized separately from and being forced into place
upon the previously vulcanized compound india rubber body, which is formed with
a peripheral groove adapted to receive and retain the said compound ring in place,
as in constructions of springs described in the Specification of an Application for
Patent No. 13165 of 1895. The spring is shewn provided with a compound nozzle
(but it might have a simple one) forced into place after the vulcanization of the
body, the compound nozzle being formed similarly to the compound ring.
Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate a construction in which the improved india rubber
body
a a a² is constructed with a central outwardly extending annular flange or
projection a having at each side thereof an annular groove adapted to receive and
retain a cup or confining plate or ring b which can be forced into position after
vulcanization of the india rubber body, the arrangement being such that the india
rubber flange or projection a (in which there might be embedded interposed hoops,
rings or plates) are sandwiched between the two cup or confining rings or plates bb
as in constructions of springs described in the Specification of an Application for
Patent No. 13178 of 1895. Such a spring may be provided with a nozzle of any
known or suitable kind simple or compound. In the example a nozzle ring C
of T section is moulded in.
Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate a construction in which the improved india rubber
body is made with a central outwardly extending annular flange or projection a
having at each side thereof an annular groove into each of which (after vulcanization
of the body) there is forced a flat confining plate or ring b. d d are cupped end
or dividing plates.
Figs. 21 and 22 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber hody a, a¹, a²
is made with a central annular flange or projection as and is provided with (though
it might be without) confining plates and the body has moulded in it metal
hoops similar metal hoops being held in grooves formed in the exterior of
the said body as described in the said last mentioned specification.
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or annuli of
india rubber integral therewith as set forth may be employed in various ways other
than in conjunction with the other parts comprised in the several combinations
hereinabove respectively indicated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a buffer or other spring an india rubber body such as hereinabove described
comprising two or more india rubber rings concentrically arranged, one within the

page_text: other, a short distance apart and integral therewith an annulus of india rubber
between the two or each two india rubber rings the arrangement being such
as to afford space between the said two, or each two rings sufficient to prevent
(when the spring is in compression) their outer or lateral portions exerting undue
pressure against one another or against the confining or cup ring or rings, when
such is or are used, or against the rod (if any) passing through the spring, as.
set forth.
2. The several constructions of springs hereinabove respectively described with
reference to and respectively shown in Figs. 1 and 2; in Figs. 3 and 4; in
Figs. 5 and ; in Figs. 7 and 8; in Figs. 9 and 10; in Figs. 11 and 12; in Figs. 13.
and 14; in Figs. 15 and 16; in Figs. 17 and 18; in Figs. 19 and 20 and in Figs. 21
and 22 of the accompanying drawings, or with the modifications specified.
Dated this 13th day of February 1897.

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with
India Rubber.
I, ALFRED GEORGE SPENCER, of 77 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention has reference to buffer and other springs of the kind comprising
an annular india rubber body whether externally cylindrical, conical or of other
shape, and is designed to obviate the disadvantages which have been found to result
with known constructions owing to the severe stress upon the india rubber body
when subjected to considerable pressure, especially in cases where the radial width
or size of the body, in the plane of the axis of the spring, is large in proportion to
the thickness thereof in the direction in which compression takes place. For this
purpose construct the india rubber body of two or more rings concentrically
arranged one within the other a short distance apart, but with an annulus interposed
between each two which annulus is of metal or of both metal and india rubber, the
arrangement being such as to afford space between the two or each two india rubber
rings sufficient to prevent (when the spring is under compression) their outer or
lateral portions exerting undue pressure against one another, or against the confining
or cup ring or rings, when such is or are used, or against the rod (if any) passing
through the spring.
Springs according to my invention can be constructed in various forms.
In one construction two concentric rings of india rubber are connected by an
annular web composed of one or more metal rings moulded in the central portion of
the india rubber with or without a layer or layers of india rubber between the rings
when two or more are used.
Such improved india rubber bodies whether of cylindrical, conical or other
suitable form, can be constructed with simple or compound confining rings, hoops
or plates and nozzles arranged in various ways in the central portion of the
bodies.
In one arrangement, the improved india rubber body is provided externally with
a cup ring of T, Y or V section forced into place around the body after the same
has been vulcanized.
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or annuli
of metal as set forth may be employed in various ways other than in conjunction
with the other parts comprised in the several combinations hereinabove respectively
indicated.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with
India Rubber.
I, ALFRED GEORGE SPENCER, of 77 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
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 :-
My invention has reference to springs of the kind comprising an annular india
rubber body whether externally cylindrical, conical or of other shape, and is
designed to obviate the disadvantages which have been found to result with known
constructions owing to the severe stress upon the india rubber boly when subjected
to considerable pressure, especially in cases where the radial width or size of the
body, in plane of the axis of the spring, is large in proportion to the thickness
thereof in the direction in which compression takes place. For this purpose I
construct the india rubber body of two or more rings concentrically arranged one
within the other a short distance apart, but with an annulus such as hereinafter
described interposed between each two which annulus is of metal or of both metal
and india rubber, the arrangement being such as to afford space between the two
or each two india rubber rings sufficient to prevent (when the spring is under
compression) their outer or lateral portious exerting undue pressure against one
another, or against the confining or cup ring or rings, when such is or are used, or
against the rod (if any) passing through the spring.
Springs according to my invention can be constructed in various forms.
In one construction two concentric rings of india rubber are connected by an
annular web composed of one or more metal rings moulded in the central portion
of the outer part of one india rubber ring and the central portion of the inner part
of the next or surrounding india rubber ring with or without a layer or layers of
india rubber between the metal rings when two or more are used. Such improved
india rubber bodies whether of cylindrical, conical or other suitable form, can be
constructed with simple or compound confining rings, hoops or plates and nozzles
arranged in various ways in the central portions of the bodies.
In one arrangement, the improved india rubber body is provided externally with
a cup ring of T, Y or V section forced into place around the outer india rubber
ring of the compound body after the same has been vulcanized.
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or annuli
of metal as set forth may be employed in various ways other than in conjunction
with the other parts comprised in the several combinations hereinabove respectively
indicated.
In the drawings each arrangement shown is a spring such as may be used either
singly or as one element in a compound spring comprising two or any other
required number of such elements according to the stroke to be provided for.
Each arrangement is illustrated by two views namely, a view partly in longitudinal
section in a plane containing the axis of the spring and partly in side elevation,
and another view shewing a half end elevation. Figs. 1 and 2 are two such views
illustrating a construction in which two concentric rings a aud a' of india rubber
are connected by an annular web consisting of a ring a of metal such as mild steel
moulded in the central portions of the india rubber rings, so that the outer
circumference of the metal ring is embedded in the inner portion of the outer
india rubber ring a and the inner circumference of the said metal ring is embedded
in the outer portion of the inner india rubber ring at. In the outer circumference
of the outer india rubber ring a there is formed an annular groove, into which

page_text: after, the said ring has been vulcanized, there is forced a cup ring b shewn of
T section; but the cup or confining ring might be of other section.
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a construction in which the two concentric rings a and a¹
of india rubber are connected by an annular web composed of two metal rings as a³.
moulded in the central portions of the india rubber rings a and a¹ with a layer a³
of india rubber between the said two metal rings. In the outer circumference of
the india rubber ring a there is formed an annular groove into which after the
india rubber has been vulcanized there is forced a cup ring & of Y section. But
the cup or confining ring might be of other section.
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate a construction in which the two concentric rings a and a¹
of india rubber are connected by an annular web composed of three metal
rings as as a moulded in the central portions of the india rubber rings a and a
with a layer a² of india rubber between each two of the said metal rings. bis a
confining ring of V section forced (after the india rubber has been vulcanized)
into an annular groove formed in the outer circumference of the india rubber
ring a. A confining ring of other section or a cup ring might be substituted.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber body comprises
two concentric rings a, a', and supplementary layers or rings a² a a. bb b,.
and as a a³ a and c, c, c, c, are rings concentrically arranged in relation to one
another and to the india rubber a short distance apart the said metal rings being.
(as so arranged) moulded in the india rubber the parts a² a and a of which serve.
as supplementary springs.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what mannor the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:-
1. A buffer or other spring comprising two or more india rubber rings con-
centrically arranged, one within the other, and, between the two or each two
such rings an interposed ring or rings of metal extending a short distance into
and moulded into each of such two rings in such a manner as to form between
them a connecting annulus or annuli whereby the india rubber rings are maintained
a short distance apart in such a manner as to afford space between the two, or
each two of them sufficient to prevent (when the spring is in compression) the
outer or lateral portions of the india rubber rings exerting undue pressure against
one another or against the confining or cup ring or rings, when such is or are
used, or against the rod (if any) passing through the spring, as set forth.
2. The several constructions of springs comprising two or more concentrically
arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or annuli of metal or metal
and india rubber hereinabove respectively described with reference to and
respectively illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2; in Figs. 3 and 4; in Figs. 5 and 6; and.
in Figs. 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings."
Dated this 19th dau of Lahm 1907

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Apr., 1896
Complete Soecification Left, 13th Feb., 1897-Accepted, 20th Mar., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with
India Rubber.
I, ALFRED GEORGE SPENCER, of 77 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention has reference to buffer and other springs of the kind comprising
an annular india rubber body whether externally cylindrical, conical or of other
shape, and is designed to obviate the disadvantages which have been found to result
with known constructions owing to the severe stress upon the india rubber body
when subjected to considerable pressure, especially in cases where the radial width
or size of the body, in the plane of the axis of the spring, is large in proportion to
the thickness thereof in the direction in which compression takes place. For this
purpose I construct the india rubber body of two or more rings concentrically
arranged one within the other a short distance apart, but with an annulus interposed
between each two which annulus is of metal or of both metal and india rubber, the
arrangement being such as to afford space between the two or each two india rubber
rings sufficient to prevent (when the spring is under compression) their outer or
lateral portions exerting undue pressure against one another, or against the confining
or cup ring or rings, when such is or are used, or against the rod (if any) passing
through the spring.
Springs according to my invention can be constructed in various forms.
In one construction the india rubber body has moulded in it a cup ring of
approximately T or Y section formed with perforations through which the india
rubber extends, and which in some cases passes only partly through the body and
in other cases extends entirely through the body to the hole extending centrally
therethrough, where it serves as a nozzle which may be of a simple annular section
or of T section as desired. In some cases separate nozzles moulded or forced into
place may be used. In a modification of this construction, a plain flat perforated
plate, with or without a nozzle, is moulded in the india rubber body in lieu
of a cup ring. In this case the spring is used with cupped end or dividing
plates.
In another construction the improved india rubber body has moulded therein two
perforated plates which in some cases are cupped and in others plain and sometimes
with and sometimes without nozzles, these plates being so arranged as to be separated
by a portion of india rubber that serves as a supplementary spring or elastic part
to relieve shock as in constructions of springs described in the Specification of
Patent No. 3906 of 1886. In a modification of this construction there is a single
cup plate of T-section moulded in the india rubber body which is used with plain
end or dividing plates between which and other plates outside them washers of india
rubber are interposed for the purpose mentioned.
According to another construction the improved india rubber body has moulded
therein a couple of cup plates or nozzle plates between which are layers or cushions
of india rubber divided or separated by one or more plates adapted to support such

page_text: intervening layers or cushions which extend beyond the outer periphery of the body;
and, when nozzle plates are provided, extends into the central hole through the
body as in the several constructions of springs described in the Specification of
Patent No. 19011 of 1894.
The cupped or other plates moulded in the india rubber body, are arranged to
connect the two concentric india rubber rings of which the body is wholly or partly
composed.
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or aunuli of
metal as set forth may be employed in various ways other than in conjunction with
the other parts comprised in the several combinations herein above respectively
indicated.
Improvements in Buffer and other Springs Constructed with
India Rubber.
I, ALFRED GEORGE SPENCER, of 77 Cannon Street, in the City of London,
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 :-
My invention has reference to springs of the kind comprising an annular india
rubber body whether externally cylindrical, conical or of other shape, and is
designed to obviate the disadvantages which have been found to result with known
constructions owing to the severe stress upon the india rubber body when subjected
to considerable pressure, especially in cases where the radial width or size of the
body, in a plane containing the axis of the spring, is large in proportion to the
thickness thereof in the direction in which compression takes place. For this
purpose construct the india rubber body of two or more rings concentrically
arranged one within the other a short distance apart, but with an annulus interposed
between each two which annulus is of metal or of both metal and india rubber, the
arrangement being such as to afford space between the two or each two india rubber
rings sufficient to prevent (when the spring is under compression) their outer or.
lateral portions exerting undue pressure against one another, or against the confining
or cup ring or rings, when such is or are used, or against the rod (if any) passing
through the spring.
Springs according to my invention can be constructed in various forms.
In one construction the india rubber body has moulded in it a cup ring of
approximately T or Y section formed with perforations through which the india
rubber extends, and which in some cases passes only partly through the body and
in other cases extends entirely through the body to the hole extending centrally
therethrough, where it serves as a nozzle which may be of a simple annular section
or of section as desired. In some cases separate nozzles moulded or forced into
place may be used. In a modification of this construction, a plain flat perforated
plate, with or without a nozzle, is moulded in the india rubber body in lieu
of a cup ring. In this case the spring is used with cupped end or dividing
plates.
In another construction the improved india rubber body has moulded therein two

page_text: perforated plates which in some cases are cupped and in others plain and sometimes
with and sometimes without nozzles, these plates being so arranged as to be separated
by a portion of india rubber that serves as a supplementary spring or elastic part
to relieve shock as in constructions of springs described in the Specification of
Patent No. 3906 of 1886. In a modification of this construction there is a single
cup plate of T-section moulded in the india rubber body which is used with plain
end or dividing plates between which and other plates outside them washers of india
rubber are interposed for the purpose mentioned.
According to another construction the improved india rubber body has moulled
therein a couple of cup plates or nozzle plates between which are layers or cushions
of india rubber divided or separated by one or more plates adapted to support such
intervening layers or cushions which extend beyond the outer periphery of the body;
and, when nozzle plates are provided, extends into the central hole through the
body as in the several constructions of springs described in the Specification of
Patent No. 19011 of 1894.
The cupped or other plates moulded in the india rubber body, are arranged to
connect the two concentric india rubber rings of which the body is wholly or partly
composed.
Concentrically arranged india rubber rings with interposed annulus or annuli of
metal as set forth may be employed in various ways other than in conjunction with
the other parts comprised in the several combinations hereinabove respectively
indicated.
In the accompanying illustrative drawings each arrangement shown is a spring
such as may be used either singly or as one element in a compound spring
comprising two or any other required number of such elements according to the
stroke to be provided for. Each arrangement is illustrated by two views, namely,
a view partly in longitudinal section in a plane containing the axis of the spring
and partly in side elevation, and another view showing a half end elevation. In
each arrangement I have shown only two of my concentrically arranged india rubber
rings, one being marked a, the other a¹ in each example; and it is to be understood
that each ring comprises the annular portion that projects beyond each of the two
opposite sides of the perforated plate or beyond the exposed faces of two perforated
plates as the case may be, as well as the portions of india rubber which connect
such projecting annular parts. But although they are thus treated as two rings
only, yet it will be evident that that annular portion of each ring which projects
outwardly beyond the face of the juxtaposed perforated metal plate will act
practically as a more or less independent ring, the perforated plate serving as a
backing to it, and the portions of india rubber which pass through the holes of the
plate serving to keep the exposed india rubber annulus in its proper place against
its said backing. Figs. 1 and 2 are two such views illustrating a construction in
which there is moulded into the concentrically arranged india rubber rings a, a'
a metal cup ring of T section (although it might be of other section, for
example Y section) formed with perforations through which the india rubber
extends (see Fig. 1). As already explained, the two annular portions marked a
and the portions which pass through the holes b₁ of the perforated plate b, and
which are integral with and connect and hold in place the portions which project
beyond the respective sides of the plate are all herein treated as constituting
together one ring; and the same explanation applies to the ring marked a' and it
applies equally to the rings a and a¹ in other constructions hereinafter described.
In this example the cup ring extends through the india rubber of the inner ring a'
into the hole a', which extends centrally through a' wherein the inner portion of
the metal cup ring serves as a nozzle. It may be plain, as shewn in full lines
in Fig. 1, or it may be, at its inner part, of T section, as represented by dotted
lines. The annular portions of the india rubber rings a, a¹ which project beyond
the respective sides or faces of the metal cup ring b-will, when the spring is in
operation be more or less compressed and can be by compression when in use
caused to assume approximately the forms indicated by dotted lines in Fig.

page_text: without being subjected to injurious stress, and without the so compressed india
rubber rings exerting undue pressure against one another at their adjacent surfaces
or against the cup ring b, or the rod (if any) passing through the hole at. The
arrows in Fig. 1 indicate the direction of the pressure whereby the springs become
compressed.
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a construction in which there is moulded into the india
rubber rings a a¹ a metal cup ring of Y section (although it might be of other
section, for example T section) formed with perforations 6 through which the
india rubber rings extend (see Fig. 3). In this example the perforated cup ring
extends only partly through the body of the inner india rubber ring a'. There
may be formed in the inner circumference of the said inner india rubber ring a¹ an
annular groove into which there may be forced, after the said india rubber ring has
been vulcanized, a nozzle ring (simple or compound) of any suitable kind as will be
readily understood.
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate a construction in which there is moulded into the india
rubber rings a a' a plain flat plate b, formed with perforations or holes through
which the india rubber of said rings is moulded. The plate is shewn as formed
with a nozzle c, but it might be without. d d are cupped end or dividing plates,
shewn in dotted lines.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate a construction in which the two india rubber rings marked
respectively a and a have moulded therein two cupped plates bb formed with
holes therethrough, through which holes portions of the india rubber rings
extend; care nozzles formed on the plates. a² is an annulus of india rubber
between the rings a and al; and a and as are like annuli beyond the said rings
respectively, whereby (as well as by those portions of the rings a a¹ which are
located between the plates) the plates bb are separated the said intervening portions
of india rubber (which are integral with one another) constituting a supplementary
spring or elastic part to relieve shocks, as in constructions of springs described in
the Specification of Patent No. 3906 of 1886. The cup plates may in some cases
be plain or flat instead of shaped at their inner parts.
Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate a construction in which the india rubber rings a a¹ have
moulded into them a single cup plate b of T-section formed with holes through
which portions of the india rubber rings extend; d' d' are plain end or dividing
plates between each of which and another plate d outside of it a washer e of india
rubber is interposed to serve as a supplementary spring to relieve shocks.
Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate a modification of the construction represented in Figs. 7
and 8 a a¹ are the concentric india rubber rings, a² as a annuli of india rubber
integral with a and a¹; be be a couple of perforated cup and nozzle rings or
plates; 6x 6x interposed perforated plates adapted to support the portions of india
rubber located between them.
Except as to the formation of the spring with concentric india rubber rings a a
this construction somewhat resembles several constructions of springs described in
the Specification of l'atent No. 19011 of 1894.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A buffer or other spring comprising two or more india rubber rings
concentrically arranged one within the other a short distance apart and moulded
into them a cup ring or plate of approximately T or Y section or a plain flat plate
formed with perforations through which portious of the india rubber rings extend
the plate serving to connect the india rubber rings, and to retain them sufficiently
apart to prevent (when the spring is in compression) their outer or lateral portions
exerting undue pressure against one another or against the confining or cup ring or
rings, when such is or are used, or against the rod (if any) passing through the
spring, as set forth.
2. The several constructions of springs comprising concentrically arranged india

page_text: rubber rings and perforated metal plates hereinabove respectively described with
reference to and respectively shewn in Figs. 1 and 2; in Figs. 3 and 4; in Figs. 5
and 6; in Figs. 7 and 8; in Figs. 9 and 10; and in Figs. 11 and 12 of the
accompanying drawings, or with the modifications indicated."
Dated this 13th day of February 1897.
For the Applicant,
W. LLOYD WISE,
46 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Chartered Patent Agent.