IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAulic lifts AND ACCUMULATORS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Sanders Stevens of Janus Works Queens Road
Battersea and Charles George Major of Freke Road Battersea both in the
County of Surrey for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAulic lifts
AND ACCUMULATORS”
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Sanders Stevens and
Charles George Major at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
31st October 1883.
JOHN SANDERS STEVENS of Janus Works Queens Road Battersea and CHARLES
GEORGE MAJOR of Freke Road Battersea both in the County of Surrey
IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC LIFTS AND ACCUMULATORS
46
"
This invention relates to improvements upon the hydraulic lift patented by
J. A. Berly in the year 1880 N° 1487. The object in Berly's arrangement is to
dispenso with overhead balance chains and weights in connection with direct
acting ram lifts substituting for them an intermediate pair of driving cylinders
and rams and compensating weights in connection therewith to obtain compensation
for the varying immersion of the lift ram.
In Berly's lift upper and lower driving rams of equal diameters are employed
and the movement of these, with water pressure above and below them, have no
influence upon the driving power in different positions, as what is lost by increased
immersion of the lower ram is gained precisely by the additional bead above the
upper one.
This combination of parts governs arbitrarily the diameter of the lift ram,
which must always be proportioned with reference to the load to be carried, and to
the pressure of water behind the upper driving ram; without considering the
element of strength of the ram.
If the driving pressure be low the lift ram must be large and therefore needlessly
strong and heavy, entailing corresponding increase of the balancing weights.
If the driving pressure were high (say from 180lbs to 700lbs per square inch)
the lift rams must be often much too slender for their duty or water must be
wasted.

page_text: We make the lift ram of a diameter and weight suitable to the load to be carried
from the point of view of strength only and then arrango the driving rams with
different areas to suit the driving pressure. The upper driving ram is sometimes
smaller and sometimes larger than the lower driving ram.
The first condition adds to the loss of effect caused by loss of immersion of the
ascending lift ram and we increase the amount of compensation to meet this. The
second condition may in part correct the loss of effect on the lift ram and we then
decrease the amount of compensation. Again in very low pressures the second
condition may be so aggravated that it more than cancels the loss of immersion
of the ascending lift ram.
'
In this case we carry a heavy compensating chain downwards from the ram
under a guide wheel up the opposite side and there attach it to a light chain
passing over a guide wheel and kept tight by a suspended weight at the other end.
This arrangement decreases the effective driving pressure as the driving ram
descends. It has also the advantage of causing the small weight on the chain to
cooperate with the weights on tho ram instead of partially counteracting tbeir
effect.
Recurring to the cases wherein the loss of immersion of the lift ram is not over-
compensated by the driving ram, wo introduce a further improvement by making
the weight upon the end of the chain cooperate with the large weight on the rain.
For this purpose the wheels are arranged as before described, but the chains are
reversed, the light chain being secured to the ram and the heavy chain to the
small weight.
Counterbalanco weights may be replaced by one or more hydraulic cylinders
working under any suitable pressure for the purpose of balancing or one ram may
be constructed as a piston and trunk, or the rams or one of them may be fixed
and the cylinders be made to slide upon them. In all these cases or their mechanical
equivalents wo compensate for the varying immersion of all the rams by one or
other of the before described arrangements as may best suit the case.
The driving rams may be fixed horizontally in which case the loss of immersion
of the lift ram only remains to be compensated. Here the balancing may be
effected by weights attached to a chain secured to the ram head and 'passing round
two guide wheels.
Or the balance weights may be attached to the ram by the interposition of a
bell crank. In this caso we apply the compensation arrangement to the weights-
or directly to the ram bend as in the last case, securing a small weight to the fros
end of the chain. We also apply this arrangement to a set of horizontal driving
rams, in which one or more of them serves the purpose of balancing the vertical
'ram and cage and in which case there are no balance weights.
In suspended lifts worked 'by a multiplying-chain 'hydraulic 'cylinder 'placed
vertically the ram being forced downwards by the water-the "lifting effort
increases as 'the cage ascends. this is duo 'to the chain being paid over to 'the
descending side of head wheel and to the increasing head of water above tlie ram.
This difference we correct by applying to the rain the arrangement before described
for obtaining decreasing effort.
Where the ram of a suspended lift is forced out 'in an 'upward direction the
movement of the ram causes a loss of head and therefore of effect, while the chain
paid over gives a gain as before. If the advantage is with the chain we correct it
as described above. If with the ram we correct by the application of 'the
'arrangeinent for producing increasing effect.
When the multiplying ram is placed horizontally the chain 'only causes 'change
of lifting effort and this we compensate by applying the arrangement for
decreasing effect slightly modified to suit the horizontal position.
To either of the before' described cases we can adapt in lieu of the heavy chain
a second means of obtaining compensation similar to that described in Berly's
specification in which a light chain is used passing over a pulley having a variable
radius, so that the weight attached to the end of the chain has a variable effect

page_text: upon the driving ram, in accordance with the lengths of the varying acting radii
on opposite sides of the wheel.
We sometimes form the wheel to give decreasing effort to suit certain before
described cases. We employ also two drums secured together, one of them of
equal diameter throughout, the other formed with a continuous spiral like a
fusee of a watch. A chain from the ram is attached to and wound upon either of
these drums, while the other drum pays out a second chain having a weight
attached to its free end. By suitably forming and disposing theso parts,
compensation of any amount and either of decreasing or increasing effort may be
obtained.
By the introduction of a guide wheel and the invertion of the apparatus, the
weight on chain is made to assist the main weights in balancing the rain instead
of opposing them.
We apply these methods of compensation to accumulators either simple grouped
compound or differential.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John Sanders Stevens and Charles George Major in the Patent
Office on the 29th April 1884.
JOHN SANDERS STEVENS of Janus Works Queens Road Battersea and CHARLES
GEORGE MAJOR of Freke Road Battersea both in the County of Surrey
"IMPROVEMENTS IN HYDRAULIC LIFTS AND ACCUMULATORS"
This Invention relates to improvements upon the hydraulic lift patented by
J. A. Berly in the year 1880 N° 1487. The object in Berly's arrangement is to
dispense with overhead balance chains and weights in connection with direct acting
ram lifts substituting for them an intermediate pair of driving cylinders and rams
and compensating weights in connection therewith to obtain compensation for the
varying immersion of the lift ram.
In Berly's lift upper and lower driving rams of equal diameters are employed
and the movement of these with water pressure above and below them have no
influence upon the driving power in different positions as what is lost by increased
immersion of the lower ram is gained precisely by the additional head above the
upper one.
This combination of parts governs arbitrarily the diameter of the lift ram which
must always be proportioned with reference to the load to be carried and to the
pressure of water behind the upper driving ram without considering the element
of strength of the ram.
If the driving pressure be low the lift ram must be large and therefore needlessly
strong and heavy entailing corresponding increase of the balancing weights. If
the driving pressure be high (say from 180 lbs to 700 lbs per square inch) the
lift rams must be often much too slender for their duty or water must be wasted.
We make the lift ram of a diameter and weight suitable to the load to be carried
from the point of view of strength only and then arrange the driving rams with
different areas to suit the driving pressure. The upper driving ram is sometimes
smaller and sometimes larger than the lower driving ram.
The first condition adds to the loss of effect caused by loss of immersion of
the ascending lift ram and we increase the amount of compensation to meet this.
Figure 1 shows this arrangement in elevation and Figure 2 shows the same
in plan.
a is the balancing cylinder, it is connected by a pipe b with the cylinder of the
lift ram.
c is the balancing ram and from it the heavy counterpoise d is suspen led.
The counterpoise will nearly balance the lift ram and enge when unloaded. e is
the driving cylinder, water is admitted to it from an elevated tank or other source
when it is desired that the cage shall rise and the water is allowed to escape from
this cylinder to allow the cage to come down. f is the driving ram, g is a heavy
chain passing around the pulley h, it is attached at one end to the head of the
ram c and at the other to the overhauling weight i. Two chains are used one on
either side. Here more compensation required than in Berly's arrangement and
the chains g are made heavy enough to meet the requirement.
The second condition, that is to say where the driving ram exceeds the balancing
ram in area, may in part correct the loss of effect on the lift ram and we then
decrease the amount of compensation. Again with very low pressures the second
condition may be so aggravated that is to say the driving ram may be so large
that it more than cancels the loss of immersion of the ascending lift ram.
In this case we carry a heavy compensating chain downwards from the ram
under a guide wheel, up the opposite side, and there attach it to a light chain
passing over a guide wheel and kept tight by a suspended weight at the other end.

page_text: This arrangement decreases the effective driving pressure as the driving ram
descends. It has also the advantage of causing the small weight on the chain to
cooperate with the weights on the ram instead of partially counteracting their
effect.
This arrangement is illustrated by Figure 3 and the several parts are marked
with reference letters to correspond with the description already given of Figure 1.
kis the light chain and the guide wheel over which it passes.
Recurring to the cases wherein the loss of immersion of the lift ram is not over-
compensated by the driving ram we introduce a further improvement by making
the weight upon the end of the chain cooperate with the large weight on the ram.
For this purpose the wheels are arranged as before described but the chains are
reversed the light chain being secured to the ram and the heavy chain to the small
weight.
The arrangement is shown at Figure 4. As in Figure 1 the balancing ram c as
it rises becomes progressively moro and more relieved from the weight of the
heavy chain g-but here the overhauling weight i acts in aid of the main
counterpoised in place of in the contrary sense, indeed the overhauling weight
remains side by side with the main counterpoise and might be attached to it.
Thus the overhauling weight as a separate weight may be dispensed with its mass
being added to that of the main weight and this by a suitable connection being
made to overhaul the compensating chain.
Figure 5 shews this method by which the use of an antagonistic weight may be
avoided. The arrangement is the same as in Figure 1 only in lieu of the weight i
the heavy chain is overhauled by a light chain attached to its end led down and
around a pulley mounted in a fixed frame and afterwards to the head of the ram c
to which it is attached.
Counterbalance weights may be replaced by one or more hydraulic cylinders
working under any suitable pressure for the purpose of balancing. Figure 6
illustrates this the arrangement is the same as in Figure 5 except that the
rams d* d* take the place of the counterweight d. The cylinders d** into
which these rams are received are in constant connection with the elevated
tank or source from which water under pressure is drawn. The arrangement
admits of modifications one ram may be constructed as a piston and trunk
as is represented in Figure 7 or the rams or one of them may be fixed and
the cylinders be made to lide upon them. In all these cases or their mechanical
equivalents we compensate for the varying immersion of all the rams by one or
other of the before described arrangements as may best suit the case.
The driving rams may be fixed horizontally in which case the loss of immersion
of the lift ram only remains to he compensated. Here the balancing may be
effected by weights attached to a chain secured to the ram head and passing round
two guide wheels. Fi.ure 8 represents this arrangement. c is the balancing ram
now in an horizontal position-d is the main counterpoise and g is the heavy
compensating chain, it is connected with the ram c by a light chain j very much as
in Figure 4 except that the balancing ram is horizontal. For mechanical
convenience there are two weights d and chains one set on either side of the
driving cylinder.
Or the balance weights may be attached to the ram by the interposition of a
bell crank. In this case we apply the compensation arrangement to the weights
or directly to the ram head as in the last case, securing a small weight to the
free end of the chain.
In Figure 9 the main counterpoise d is hung from one arm of a bell crank d
which rocks on a fixed fulcrum and the other arm is connected by a link d¹ with
the head of the balancing ram c. The arrangements in respect to the compensating
chain are as in the preceding figure except that an overhauling weight i here is
attached to the compensating chain in place of the main counterpoise.
We also apply this arrangement to a set of horizontal driving rams in which as
in the vertical arrangement illustrated by Figure 6 one or more of them serves

page_text: the purpose of balancing the vertical ram and cage and in which case there are
no balance weights.
In susponded lifts worked by a multiplying chain hydraulic cylinder placed
vertically, the ram being forced downwards by the water-the lifting effort
increases as the cage ascends-this is due to the chain being paid over to the 5
descending side of head wheel, and to the increasing head of water above the ram.
This difference we correct by applying to the ram the arrangement before
described for obtaining decreasing effort.
This we do in the manner illustrated in Figure 10. The heavy compensating
chain g is attached by one end to the head of the driving ram, it passes down as in 1
Figure 3 beneath the guide wheel hand has a light chain k attached at its other
end. The chain k passes over. the guide wheel and the overhauling weight ? is
attached at its end.
Where the ram of a suspended lift is forced out in an upward direction the
movement of the ram causes a loss of head, and therefore of effect, while the chain 1
paid over gives a gain as before. If the advantage is with the chain we correct it
as described above. If with the ram we correct by the application of the
arrangement for producing increasing effect as in Figure 4.
When the multiplying ram is placed horizontally the chain only causes change of
lifting effort and this we compensate by applying the arrangement for decreasing
effect slightly modified to suit the horizontal position.
Figure 11 is a horizontal multiplying cylinder with "negative" compensation
for the cage chain only. In this case the bottom wheel for carrying the
compensating chain is secured to a second chain wheel by the side of it and they
revolve together. Both are provided with snugs to prevent the chain from
slipping. Round the second wheel passes an endless driving chain which is
secured to the ram head by one of its links. The motion of the ram head is thus
communicated to the vertical compensating chain. A rack and pinion or
Archimedian screw could also be used.
To either of the before described cases we can adapt in lieu of the beavy chain a
second means of obtaining compensation similar to that described in Barly's
specification in which a light chain used passing over a pulley having a variable
radius, so that the weight attached to the end of the chain has a variable effect
upon the driving ram, in accordance with the lengths of the varying acting radii
on opposite sides of the wheel.
We sometimes form the wheel to give decreasing effort to suit certain before
described cases.
Figure 12 shews the use of a wheel with varying radius. The figure shows
"negative" compensation by increasing resistance of the tail weight. If the wheel
be considered reversed " positive" compensation is given by decreasing the
resistance of the tail weight.
Figure 13 shows by the same means negative compensation by decreasing
assistance of the tail weight.
Figure 14 shows "positive" compensation by increased assistance of the tail
weight.
We employ also two drums secured together,--one of them of equal diameter
throughout, the other formed with a continuous spiral like a fusee of a watch. A
cbain from the ram is attached to and wound upon either of these drums, while
the other drum pays out a second chain having a weight attached to its free end.
By suitably forming and disposing these parts, compensation of any amount and
either of decreasing or increasing effort may be obtained.
Figure 15 shows the drum and fusee arrangement for giving negative
compensation by increased resistance of the tail weight.
By reversing the fusee positive compensation is obtained.
Figure 16 shows barrel and fusee for negative compensation by decreased
assistance of the tail weight.

page_text: Figure 17 shows positive compensation by increased assistance of the tail
weight.
In all the barrel and fusee arrangements the chain is wound upon them more
than one complete revolution.
By the introduction of a guide wheel and the invertion of the apparatus, the
weight on chain is made to assist the main weights in balancing the ram instead of
opposing them.
We apply these methods of compensation to accumulators either simple-
grouped compound or differential.
The arrangement of compensating chain shown by Figure 6 is applicable to an
accumulator ram.
In order that the pressure in the accumulator cylinder may remain constant the
ram in going down should transfer to the descending side a weight of chain
equivalent to the loss of efficiency of the ram by becoming water borne.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is:—
First. The combination in a hydraulic lift of a lifting ram, balancing ram and
driving ram differing in sectional area from the balancing rain (each ram with its
cylinder) and a heavy compensating chain or a weight and pulley with variable
radius substantially as herein described.
Second. The combination in a hydraulic lift of a lifting ram, balancing ram and
driving rain (each ram with its cylinder) and the driving ram larger in sectional
area than the balancing ram and a heavy compensating chain operating as a load
upon the balancing ram from which the said ram becomes progressively relieved as
it enters its cylinder substantially as herein described.
Third. In an hydraulic lift or accumulator the combination therewith of a
heavy compensating chain overhauled by a weight acting in aid of a main counter-
poise or by a connection replacing such overhauling weight substantially as
described.
Fourth. In a suspended lift worked by a multiplying chain hydraulic cylinder,
the combination therewith of a heavy compensating chain or weight and pulley
with variable radius substantially as herein described.
Fifth. In an accumulator the combination therewith of a heavy compensating
chain or weight and pulley with variable radius substantially as herein described.
In witness whereof I the said Charles George Major have hereunto set my hand
and seal this Twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and eighty four.
ARADAR