A SUGAR CANE MILL OF A NEW CONSTRUCTION. AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO SUGAR CANE MILLS GENERALLY, AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MAKING SUGAR
Year: 1840

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
ROBINSON, of the Old Jewry, Manufacturer of Machinery, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain. bearing date at West-
minster, the Second day of December. in the fourth year of Her reign, did.
for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
James Robinson, her especial licence, full power. sole privilege and authority.
that I. the said James Robinson, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such
others as I. the said James Robinson, my exors, admiors, or assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make.
use, exercise, and vend, within England. Wales, and the Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, and in all British Possessions, and also in all Her said Majesty's
Colonies and Plantations abroad, the Invention of "A SUGAR CANE MILL OF A
NEW CONSTRUCTION. AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO SUGAR CANE
MILLS GENERALLY, AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MAKING SUGAR."
communicated to me by persons resident at the Mauritius and Bourbon; in
which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said James
Robinson. shall cause a particular description of the nature of the said
Invention. and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled
in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months

page_text: next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully
and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso. I, the said
James Robinson, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention. and
in what manner the same is to be performed. are fully described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon.
that is to say:-
The Invention relates, first, to a new construction of sugar cane mill.
whereby the sugar canes are more repeatedly pressed, and the saccharine juice
(matter) is more completely expressed therefrom.
Secondly, the Invention relates to the application of jets of hot water
or of steam to sugar canes, as the same are passing through a sugar cane
mill.
Thirdly, the Invention relates to certain modes of feeding sugar canes into
sugar cane mills, and which is applicable to sugar cane mills generally.
Fourthly, the Invention relates to an improved construction of driving wheel
for sugar cane mills, whereby, should the mill be overfed with canes and
stopped thereby, it will not be liable to be injured as heretofore.
Fifthly, the Invention relates to a mode of forming the rollers of sugar cane
mills, whereby the same is produced in one casting.
Sixthly, the Invention relates to a mode of forming the top or rim of a
series of sugar pans, by casting an additional part of the rim on each sugar
pan.
Seventhly, the Invention relates to a mode of constructing and setting sugar
pans or juice-evaporating pans. by means of which the scum flows to one end.
and thus allow of its being skimmed or removed with facility.
Eighthly, the Invention relates to the application of iron pans tinned or
coated with tin, or alloys thereof.
Having thus generally stated the objects of the Invention. I will proceed to
explain the manner of performing the same by describing the Drawings here-
unto annexed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
According to the construction of sugar cane mills now in use, the sugar
canes, in passing through them, only receive pressure twice, and it is well known
that after the canes have passed through the mills they still contain much
juice. Now the object of the first part of the Invention is so to arrange the

page_text: parts of a sugar mill that the sugar canes passing through the same may be
pressed three times, and, if desired, even more times; but I believe that the
quantity of saccharine matter or cane juice will be found after the canes have
been three times pressed will scarcely repay the cost of applying the additional
roller or rollers necessary to obtain a further number of pressings to the sugar
canes as they are passing through a mill.
a
Figure 1 represents a left-hand
end view of a sugar mill constructed according to the first part of the Invention;
Figure 2 shews a right-hand end view thereof; Figure 3 shews a longitudinal
section, and Figure 4 shows a back view of the same. a is the main or
driving axis, which receives motion from a steam engine or other power, as is
well understood by engineers and millwrights. b is the main or top roller,
and c, d, e, are the other pressing rollers. f is a cog wheel affixed on the axis
and 1 g, h, i, are smaller cog wheels affixed on the axes of the three rollers
c, d, e, and it is by means of the cog wheelf taking into and driving the cog
wheels 9, h, i, that motion is communicated to the rollers c, d, e, at the same
time that the roller 6 is revolving. Hence, the sugar canes being introduced
between the rollers b and c, will receive the first pressure, then in passing
between the rollers 6 and d, they will receive their second pressure, and in
passing between the rollers 6 and e they will receive their third pressure, and
will be delivered down the inclined board or plane ; while the juice is received
on the trough or hopper, as in the mills at present constructed. k is the trough
below the rollers to receive the juice as it is expressed from the canes. I
would remark. that the object of the new sugar cane mill. according to the
first part of my Invention, being to obtain three or more pressings of the canes
in passing once through a mill, the details may be varied without departing
from the Invention; and I have shown a variation in the construction of a sugar
cane mill, wherein three pairs of rollers are employed in place of four rollers,
but in which the sugar canes in passing through the mill will be pressed at
least three times, and the juice at each pressing thrown backwards from the
canes, as shewn by the blue arrows. instead of being thrown forward at the
first pressing, as occurs in the common mill, and in my variation first described,
which constitutes the novel character of a sugar cane mill made according to
this part of the Invention; and it will readily be seen that no more rollers can
be added to the No. 1 construction to be effective, but may in the other
construction No. 2. Figure 5 shows a right-hand end view; Figure 6, a
longitudinal section through the right-hand end framing; Figure 7 shews a
left-hand end view; Figure 8, a longitudinal section taken through the rollers;
Figure 9 is a front view, and Figure 10 is a plan of a sugar cane mill
according to the Invention. 1, l, m, m, and n. n, are three pairs of rollers.

page_text: 9
which are respectively geared together in pairs by the cog wheels o, o, and the
three pairs of rollers all receive motion from the main shaft o', which is driven
by a steam engine or other power, as is well understood, there being a cog
wheel p affixed on the main axis o¹, which, taking into the cog wheels 7 and r,
drive the other two pairs of rollers, all which will readily be understood on
examining the Drawing; and it will be seen that this arrangement offers
considerable advantage, owing to its allowing of the brasses of the axes of each
pair of rollers being strapped with malleable iron straps, and keyed by the straps
and keys s, t, as is shewn, thus relieving the framing of much of the strain
to which it would otherwise be put. I is the trough into which the juice runs
as it is expressed. I would remark, in respect to the first part of my
Invention, that I do not coufine myself to the details of either arrangements
shown for carrying out the first part of the Invention, so long as the arrange-
ment of rollers be such as to obtain at least three pressings of the sugar canes
as they pass through a mill.
I will now proceed to explain the second part of the Invention. v, Figure 8,
shews a pipe perforated with numerous small holes, by which jets of hot water
or of steam may be applied to the crushed canes before they pass through the
remainder of the rollers of a sugar cane mill (and this part of the Invention
is equally applicable to sugar cane mills of the ordinary construction). The
object of applying jets of steam or of hot water is to facilitate the expression
of the juice from the canes as they are subsequently pressed.
I will now proceed to describe the third part of the Invention, which relates
to means of feeding sugar canes into sugar cane mills, whereby the same may
be fed in more evenly and regularly then as it is now done by hand. Figure
11 shews a side view, and Figure 12 an end view, of machinery for feeding
sugar canes into sugar mills. A, A, is the framing, the nature of which is
clearly shewn in the Drawing. B, B, are two rollers, and their axes moving in
suitable bearings as is shown. On these rollers B is an endless band, the
upper part of which is further supported by means of the smaller rollers C, C,
and it is by means of this endless band that the sugar canes are carried on to
the pressing rollers of the sugar cane mill. and by the canes being carried on
such endless band, time is allowed for spreading the same evenly. D is an
inclined plane or table, on to which the sugar canes are first put, and from
which they are raked down on the endless band, which is kept constantly
moving towards the sugar cane mill at a proper rate or speed, by means of the
pulleys of different sizes. E is a small roller, the brasses or bearings of
the axes of which are capable of rising and falling in slits or slots formed in
the framing. Hence the roller E will rise if there be too much cane pass
*

page_text: under, and will be the means of stopping off the steam from Howing into the
steam engine, by which, in place of the rollers being strained, and perhaps some
parts of the machinery broken, the mill will be stopped on the axis of the
roller. E is a projection or little crank F affixed, which constantly revolves
with the roller, and so long as the feeding is correct the roller will continue to
move without acting on the throttle valve, but in case there be too much cane
come under the roller E. that roller will rise, and the projection or little crank
F will strike against the projection G of the lever G', and force it back, and
there being a connecting rod H attached to the lever, and in connection with
the throttle valve of the steam engine, will close that valve and shut off the
steam from the engine, and thus stop the sugar cane mill, thus preventing
injury thereto; and it will be seen that there is a like arrangement for acting
on the throttle valve when the attendant neglects to supply the canes.
Figure 13 shows the plan of another arrangement of machinery for feeding
sugar canes into sugar cane mills. I is an inclined hopper or trough, on to
which the canes are first laid, there being slits at I, I', through which project-
ing teeth or spikes of a revolving roller pass and move the canes forward
towards the rollers of a sugar cane mill. J is the toothed or spiked roller.
which receives a rotary motion by means of the strap K from one of the
roller shafts or axes. L. L. are two pairs of rollers which receive motion
from a steam engine or other power, by means of the strap M acting on a
pulley affixed on the axis of one of the upper rollers L; and by means of
pulleys N. affixed on the axes of the upper rollers L. motion is communicated
from one to the other. is a table having diverging grooves or corrugations
P, P, the table being separated at the pinch of the right-hand pair of rollers
L, and the pinch of the left hand pair of rollers comes just before the coni-
mencement of the table O; hence the canes as they are pushed forwards will
be taken by the first pair of rollers L. and forced onwards; but in place of the
canes passing onwards in bunches, they will be caused to spread out or diverge
in the manner of a fan, aud come to the next or right-hand pair of rollers L.
which take hold of them and force them forward towards the pressing roilers
of a sugar cane mill, the canes continuing to spread out till they enter the
mill, and thus will the canes be presented equally to the sugar cane mill.
Figure 1 shows the plan of another arrangement of machinery for a similar
purpose, varying in some respects to that just described, and Figure 15 shows
a side view of Figure 14; and it will be seen that the only difference in the
two arrangements shewn at Figure 13 and Figure 14 is, that in place of having
the diverging grooves in the table, as in Figure 13, the table of Figure 14 is a
plane, and the divergence of the sugar canes as they proceed on the table O is.

page_text: caused by the screw thread or inclined grooves on the rollers L. which are
intended to produce a similar result to that above described, and it will be
seen that there is an apparatus applied in connection with the throttle valve.
in order to shut off the steam in case of too much or too little feed of canes
taking place, as was before described.
I will now describe the fourth part of the Invention, which is shewn at
Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 shewing a side view, and Figure 17 a section of
a driving cog wheel, to be used in communicating motion to sugar cane mills.
And I may first remark, that it is well known that in the use of sugar cane
mills they often become injured by too much cane being fed into the inill at
one time. and it is of importance that the driving machinery should be capable
of giving way on an extra strain being brought on the mill. which might
otherwise destroy some part of the machinery. () is a wheel having a groove
in the periphery, and also several set screws R. passing through the outer
ring S. On the periphery of the wheel is applied a toothed ring, which has
also a groove corresponding with the groove in the periphery of the wheel Q.
Within these grooves friction brasses are placed. and the set screws cause thein
to be pressed into the groove in the toothed ring, and at once prevents the
toothed ring coming off the wheel; and in proportion as the set screws force
the friction brasses against the inner surface of the ring S. so will be the
friction holding of that ring with the wheel Q. and the wheel so composed will
go on driving the mill so long as the strain is not greater than the friction:
but if from any excess of feeding in of sugar cane a greater strain is brought
on the machinery than it is intended to bear. the toothed ring will slide round
on the friction brasses T, and thus prevent any damage being done.
I will now describe the fifth part of the Invention. which is shewn at
Figure 18. which represents the section of a roller or a sugar mill; and in
place of forming the roller and the necks or axes of separate parts, as is now
the practice in making rollers for sugar cane mills, I cast the necks of axes
V, V, with the roller itself, thus obtaining the roller in one casting, which will
be found a better and a cheaper mode of forming rollers for sugar cane mills.
The roller shewn in this Figure is also made capable of being heated by
steam, which I consider desirable for facilitating the expressing of the juice
from the sugar canes.
I will now proceed to explain the sixth part of the Invention, which relates
to the application of an addition to the tops or rims to cast-iron sugar pans.
Figure 19 is a plan. and Figure 20 a longitudinal section of a set of cast-iron
pans combined, Figures 21 and 22 shewing two of the pans separately.
is well known that in fixing pans of the ordinary construction, it is necessary
It

page_text: to form an upper part or rim around the set of pans of lead or copper;
now the object of this part of the Invention is, to cast a portion of such rim
to each of the pans, so that when a series are attached by screws, as is shewn,
they should together produce the requisite rim and allow of the pans boiling
over from one to the other, by the rim at the junction of two pans at U being
so low in respect to the part of the rim W that the juice or syrup may pass
from one pan to another without passing over the rim W; and it is the casting
of the portion of the rim W, with each of the pans which go to make up a
set, which constitutes this part of the Invention.
pan.
I will now proceed to explain the seventh part of the Invention, which
relates to a mode of setting sugar pans or juice-evaporating pans of a flat
form. Figure 23 shews a plan of three pans constructed and set according to
this part of the Invention. Figure 24 shews a section taken across the boiling
Figure 25 shews a longitudinal section of the three pans. I would
remark that sugar pans of a flat form have been before used; and the only
novelty claimed under this part of the Invention is, the mode of arranging
them with respect to each other, and of causing their communication with
each other, and of setting them, which consists in obtaining a place less subject
to the action of the heat than the other parts. by which the boiling liquor
above will be comparatively quiet. and the scum will collect over such quiet
part of the liquor. X.X.X, are shields of brickwork or masonry under the
pans, by which the action of the fire above the brickwork will be materially
less than at the other parts of the pans, by which the liquor over those places
will be more quict than elsewhere, and the scum will collect over such shielded
parts of the pans, and allow of its being readily removed.
I will now describe the eighth part of the Invention, which relates to using
iron sugar pans and vacuo pans. the inner surfaces of which are coated with
tin, or an alloy of tin, in order to prevent the prejudicial effects which take
place in evaporating sugar juice in iron pans; and in making such pans I either
form them of plates of iron tinned before being made into a pan, or when of
cast iron I apply the tin, alloy of tin. to the inner surfaces of the pans after
the pans have been cast.
per-
Having thus described the nature of the Invention, and the manner of
forming the same, I would have it understood that what I claim as the
Invention secured by the above recited Letters Patent is,-
First. the mode of constructing sugar cane mills, whereby the sugar canes in
passing shall be pressed at least three times, and the roller tied with malleable
ron straps, as above described.

page_text: Secondly, I claim the application of hot water or steam to sugar canes as
they are passing through sugar cane mills, as above described.
Thirdly, I claim the means of feeding sugar canes into sugar mills of any
construction, as herein described.
Fourthly, I claim the mode of constructing driving wheels of sugar cane
mills, as above described.
Fifthly, I claim the mode of casting rollers of sugar cane mills with necks
or axes, as described.
Sixthly, I claim the mode of forming a rim around a set or series of sugar
pans by casting part of such rim on each pan, as herein described.
Seventhly. I claim the mode of setting sugar pans with flat bottoms, as
herein described.
And, eighthly, I claim the application of iron pans tinned, or coated with tin
or alloys thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Robinson, have hereunto set my 1
hand and seal, this First day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-one
Secondly, I claim the application of hot water or steam to sugar canes as
they are passing through sugar cane mills, as above described.
Thirdly, I claim the means of feeding sugar canes into sugar mills of any
construction, as herein described.
Fourthly, I claim the mode of constructing driving wheels of sugar cane
mills, as above described.
Fifthly, I claim the mode of casting rollers of sugar cane mills with necks
or axes, as described.
Sixthly, I claim the mode of forming a rim around a set or series of sugar
pans by casting part of such rim on each pan, as herein described.
Seventhly. I claim the mode of setting sugar pans with flat bottoms, as
herein described.
And, eighthly. I claim the application of iron pans tinned, or coated with tin
or alloys thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Robinson, have hereunto set my 1
hand and seal, this First day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-one
JAMES (L.s.) ROBINSON.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the First day of June, in the year
of our Lord 1841, the aforesaid James Robinson came before our said Lady 2
he Queen in Iler Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid,
nd all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above written.
And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of
he Statute made for that purpose.

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES!
ROBINSON, of the Old Jewry, Manufacturer of Machinery, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen, Victoria, by. Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Second day of December, in the fourth year of Her reign, did,
for Herself, Her heirs and successors,, give and grant unto me, the said.
James Robinson, her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority,
that I, the said James Robinson, my exors, adiñors, and assigns," or such
others as I, the said James Robinson, my exors, adñiors, or assigns; should;
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and, at all times,
during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-)
upon-Tweed, and in all British Possessions, and also in all Her said Majesty's
Colonies and Plantations abroad, the Invention of ""A SUGAR CANE MILL OF A
NEW CONSTRUCTION, AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS APPLICABLE TO SUGAR CANE;
MILLS GENERALLY, AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MAKING SUGAR,"
communicated to me by persons resident at the Mauritius and Bourbon; in
which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said James
Robinson, shall cause a particular description of the nature of the said.
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled.
in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months,

page_text: next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference, being, thereunto had, will more fully
and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
James Robinson, do hereby declare. the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same sis to be performed, are fully described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,
that is to say:
**
The Invention relates, first, 'to' a' new construction of sugar cane mill,
whereby the sugar canes are more repeatedly pressed; and the saccharine juice
(matter) is more completely expressed therefrom.
Secondly, the Invention relates to the application of jets of hot water
or of steam to sugar canes, as the same are passing through a sugar cane
mill.
Thirdly, the Invention relates to certain modes of feeding sugar canes into
sugar cane mills, and which is applicable to sugar cane mills generally.
Fourthly, the Invention relates to an improved construction of driving wheel
for sugar cane mills, whereby; should the mill be overfed with canes and
stopped thereby, it will not be liable to be injured as heretofore...
Fifthly, the Invention relates to a mode-of forming the rollers of sugar cane
mills, whereby-the same is produced in one casting.
Sixthly, the Invention relates to a mode of forming the top or rim of a
series of sugar pans, by casting an additional part of the rim on each sugar
pän
Seventhly, the Invention relates to a mode of constructing and setting sugar
pan's or juice-evaporating pans, by means of which the scum flows to one end,
and thus allow of its being skimmed or removed with facility.
Eighthly, the Invention relates to the application of iron pans tinned or
coated. with tin, or alloys thereof.
Having thus generally stated the objects of the Invention, I will proceed to
explain the manner of performing the same by describing the Drawings here-
unto annexed.
..
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
According to the construction of sugar cane mills now in use, the sugar"
canes, in passing through them, only receive pressure twice, and it is well known
that after the canes have passed through the mills they still contain much
juice. Now the object of the first part of the Invention.is so to arrange the

page_text: parts of a sugar mill that the sugar canes passing through the same may be
pressed three times, and, if desired, even more times; but I believe that the
quantity of saccharine matter or cane juice will be found after the canes have :
been three times pressed will scarcely repay the cost of applying the additional
roller or rollers necessary to obtain a further number of pressings to the sugar
canes as they are passing through 'a mill. Figure 1 represents ia left-hand
end view of a sugar mill constructed according to the first part of the Invention';
Figure 2 shews a right-hand end view thereof; Figure-8'shews. à longitudinal
section, and Figure 4-shews a back view of the same: a is the main or
driving axis, which receives motion from a steam engine or other power, as is
well understood by engineers and millwrights. bis the main or top roller; .
and c, d, e, are the other pressing rollers. is a cog wheel affixed on the axis
a;'and. .9, h; i, are smaller cog wheels affixed on the axes of the three rollers®
c, d, e, and it is by means of the cog wheelf taking into and driving the cog™
wheels g, h, i, that motion is communicated to the rollers c, d, e, at the same":
time that the roller 6 is revolving. Hence; the sugar canes being introduced
between the rollers 6 and c, will receive the first pressure, then in' passing
between the rollers 6 and d, they will receive their second' pressure, and in
passing between the rollers 6 and they will receive their third pressure, and
will be delivered down, the inclined board or planej while the juice is received
on the trough or hopper, as'in the mills at present constructed: kis the trough
below the rollers to receive the juice 'as it is expressed from the canes. I
would remark, that the object of the new sugar cane mill, according to the
first part of my Invention, being to obtain three or more pressings of the canes
in passing once through a mill, the details may be varied without departing
from the Invention'; and I have shown a variation in the construction of a sugar
cane mill, wherein three pairs of rollers are employed-in place of four rollers,
but in which the sugar canes-in-passing through the mill will be pressed at
least three times, and the juice at each pressing thrown backwards from the
canes, as shewn by the blue arrows, instead of being thrown forward at the**
first-pressing, as occurs in the common mill, and in my variation first described, 1.
which constitutes the novel character of a sugar cane mill made according to
this part of the Invention; and it will readily be seen that no more rollers can
be added to the No. 1 construction to be effective, but may in the other
construction No. 2. Figure 5 shows-a right-hand end view; Figure 6, *a
longitudinal section through the right-hand end framing; Figure 7 shews a
left-hand end view; Figure 8, a longitudinal section taken through the rollers;
Figure 9 is a front view, and Figure 10 is a plan of a sugar cane mill-
according to the Invention: 1, l, m, m, and n, n-are three pairs of-rollers:
י
"

page_text: which are respectively geared together in pairs by the cog wheels o, o, and the
three pairs of rollers all receive motion from the main shaft o', which is driven
by a steam engine or other power, as is well understood, there being a cog
wheel p affixed on the main axis o¹, which, taking into the cog wheels 7 and r,
drive the other two pairs of rollers, all which will readily be understood on
examining the Drawing; and it will be seen that this arrangement offers
considerable advantage, owing to its allowing of the brasses of the axes of each
pair of rollers being strapped with malleable iron straps, and keyed by the straps
and keys s, t, as is shewn, thus relieving the framing of much of the strain
to which it would otherwise be put. k is the trough into which the juice runs
as it is expressed. I would remark, in respect to the first part of my
Invention, that I do not confine myself to the details of either arrangements.
shown for carrying out the first part of the Invention, so long as the arrange-
ment of rollers be such as to obtain at least three pressings of the sugar canes
as they pass through a mill.
I will now proceed to explain the second part of the Invention. v, Figure 8,
shews a pipe perforated with numerous small holes, by which jets of hot water
or of steam may be applied to the crushed canes before they pass through the
remainder of the rollers of a sugar cane mill (and this part of the Invention
is equally applicable to sugar cano mills of the ordinary construction). The
object of applying jets of steam or of hot water is to facilitate the expression
of the juice from the canes as they are subsequently pressed.
I will now proceed to describe the third part of the Invention, which relates
to means of feeding sugar canes into sugar cane mills, whereby the same may
be fed in more evenly and regularly then as it is now done by hand. Figure
11 shews a side view, and Figure 12 an end view, of machinery for feeding
sugar canes into sugar mills. A, A, is the framing, the nature of which is
clearly shewn in the Drawing. B, B, are two rollers, and their axes moving in
suitable bearings as is shown. On these rollers B is an endless band, the
upper part of which is further supported by means of the smaller rollers C, C,
and it is by means of this endless band that the sugar canes are carried on to
the pressing rollers of the sugar cane mill, and by the canes being carried on
such endless band, time is allowed for spreading the same evenly. D is an
inclined plane or table, on to which the sugar canes are first put, and from:
which they are,raked down on the endless band, which is kept constantly
moving towards the sugar cane mill at a proper rate or speed, by means of the
, pulleys of different sizes. E is a small roller, the brasses or bearings of
the axes of which are capable of rising and falling in slits or slots formed in
the framing. Hence the roller E will rise if there be too much cane pass

page_text: under, and will be the means of stopping off the steam from flowing into the
steam engine, by which, in place of the rollers being strained, and perhaps some
parts of the machinery broken, the mill will be stopped on the axis of the
roller. E is a projection or little crank F affixed, which constantly revolves
with the roller, and so long as the feeding is correct the roller will continue to
move without acting on the throttle valve, but in case there be too much cane
come under the roller E, that roller will rise, and the projection or little crank
I will strike against the projection G of the lever G¹, and force it back, and
there being a connecting rod H attached to the lever, and in connection with
the throttle valve of the steam engine, will close that valve and shut off the
steam from the engine, and thus stop the sugar cane mill, thus preventing
injury thereto; and it will be seen that there is a like arrangement for acting
on the throttle valve when the attendant neglects to supply the canes.
Figure 13 shows the plan of another arrangement of machinery for feeding
sugar canes into sugar cane mills. I is an inclined hopper or trough, on to
which the canes are first laid, there being slits at I, I', through which project--
ing teeth or spikes of a revolving roller pass and move the canes forward
towards the rollers of a sugar cane mill. J is the toothed or spiked roller,
which receives a rotary motion by means of the strap K from one of the
'roller shafts or axes. L, L, are two pairs of rollers which receive motion
from a steam engine or other power, by means of the strap M acting on a
pulley affixed on the axis of one of the upper rollers L; and by means of
pulleys N, affixed on the axes of the upper rollers L, motion is communicated
from one to the other. O is a table having diverging grooves or corrugations
P, P, the table being separated at the pinch of the right-hand pair of. rollers
L, and the pinch of the left hand pair of rollers comes just before the com-
mencement of the table O; hence the canes as they are pushed forwards will
be taken by the first pair of rollers L, and forced onwards; but in place of the
canes passing onwards in bunches, they will be caused to spread out or diverge
in the manner of a fan, and come to the next or right-hand pair of rollers L,
which take hold of them and force them forward towards the pressing.rollers
of a sugar cane mill, the canes continuing to spread out till they enter the
mill, and thus will the canes be presented equally to the sugar cane mill..
Figure 14 shows the plan of another arrangement of machinery for a similar
purpose, varying in some respects to that just described, and Figure..15 shows
a.side view of Figure 14; and it will be seen that the only difference in the.
two arrangements shewn at Figure 13 and Figure 14 is, that in place of having
the diverging grooves in the table, as in Figure 18, the table of Figure 14 is a
plane, and the divergence of the sugar canes as they proceed on the table.O..is.

page_text: caused by the screw thread or inclined grooves on the rollers L; which are
' intended to produce a similar result to that above described, and it will be
seen that there is an apparatus applied in connection with the throttle-valve,
in order to shut off the steam in case of too-much or too little feed of canes
taking place, as was before described. ...
.
..
I will now describe the fourth part of the Invention, which is shewn at
Figures 16 and 17; Figure 16 shewing a side view, and Figure 17 a section of
a driving cog wheel, to be used in communicating motion to sugar cane mills.
And I'may first remark, that it is well known that in the use of sugar cane.
mills they often become injured by too much cane being fed into the mill at
one 'time, and it is of importance that the driving machinery should be capable
of giving way on an-extra strain being brought on the mill, which might
otherwise destroy some part of the machinery Q is a wheel having a groove
in the periphery, and also several, set screws R, passing through the outer
ring S., On the periphery of the wheel is applied a toothed ring, which, has
also a groove corresponding with the groove in the periphery of the wheel'-Q.
Within these grooves friction brasses are placed; and the set screws cause them
to-be pressed into the groove in the toothed ring, and at once prevents the.
toothed ring coming off the wheel; and in proportion as the set screws force
the 'friction brasses against the inner surface of the ring S', so will be the
friction holding of that ring with the wheel Q, and the wheel so composed will
go on driving the mill so long as the strain is not greater than the friction;
büt if. from any excess of feeding in of sugar cane a greater strain is brought
on the machinery than it is intended to bear, the toothed ring will slide round
on the friction brasses T, and thus prevent any damage being done.
I will now describe the fifth. part of the Invention, which is shewn at
Figure 18, which represents the section of a roller of a sugar mill; and in
place of forming the roller and the necks or axes of separate parts, as is now
the practice in making rollers for sugar cane mills, I cast the necks of axes
V, V, with the roller itself, thus obtaining the roller in one casting, which will
be found a better and a cheaper mode of forming rollers for sugar cane mills.
The roller shewn in this Figure is also made capable of being heated by
steam, which I consider desirable for facilitating the expressing of the juice
from the sugar canės:
.
.I will now proceed to explain the sixth part of the Invention, which relates &
to the application of an addition to the tops or: rims to cast-iron sugar pans. -
Figure 19 is a plan, and Figure 20 a longitudinal section of a set of cast-iron
pans combined, Figures 21 and 22 shewing two of the pans separately. It..
is well known that in fixing pans of the ordinary construction, it is necessary.

page_text: to form an upper part or rim around the set of pans of lead or copper;
now the object of this part of the Invention is, to cast a portion of such rim
to each of the pans, so that when a series are attached by screws, as is shewn,
they should together produce the requisite rim and allow of the pans boiling
over from one to the other, by the rim at the junction of two pans at U being
so low in respect to the part of the rim W that the juice or. syrup.may: pass
from one pan to another without passing over. the rim W; and it is the casting
of the portion of the rim W, with each of the pans which go to make up a
set, which constitutes this part of the Invention.
...
I will now..proceed, to; explain the seventh part of the Invention, which
relates to a mode. of setting sugar pans or juice-evaporating pans of a flat
form. Figure 23 shews a plan of three pans constructed and. set according to
this part of the Invention... Figure 24 shews a section. taken across the boiling
pan. Figure 25 shews a longitudinal section of the three pans. I would'
remark that sugar pans of a. flat form have been before used; and the only
novelty, claimed under this part of the Invention; is, the mode of arranging
them with respect to each other, and of causing their communication with
each other, and of setting them, which consists in obtaining a place less subject
to the action of the heat than the other parts, by which the boiling liquor
above will be comparatively, quiet, and the scum will collect over such quiet
part of the liquor. "X,X,X, are. shields of brickwork or masonry under the
pans, by which the action of the fire above the brickwork will be materially.
less than at the other parts of the pans, by which the liquor over those places
will be more quiet than elsewhere, and the scum will collect over such shielded
parts of the pans, and allow of its being readily removed.
•
I will now describe the eighth part of the Invention, which relates to using
iron sugar pans and vacuo pans, the inner surfaces of which are coated with
tin, or an alloy of tin, in order to prevent the prejudicial effects which take
place in evaporating sugar juice in iron pans; and in making such pans.I either.
form them of plates of iron tinned before being made into a pan, or when of
cast iron-I-apply the tin, alloy of tin, to the inner surfaces of the pans after
the pans have been cast.
Having thus described the nature of the Invention, and the manner of per-
forming the same, I would have it understood that what I claim as the
Invention secured by the above recited Letters Patent is,―
First, the mode of constructing sugar cane mills, whereby the sugar canes in
passing shall be pressed at least three times, and the roller tied with malleable
iron straps, as above described.

page_text: Secondly, I claim the application of hot water or steam to sugar canes as
they are passing through sugar cane mills, as above described.
Thirdly, I claim the means of feeding sugar canes into sugar mills of any
construction, as herein described.
Fourthly, I claim the mode of constructing driving wheels of sugar cane
mills, as above described.
Fifthly, I claim the mode of casting rollers of sugar cane mills with necks
or axes, as described.
Sixthly, I claim the mode of forming a rim around a set or series of sugar
pans by casting part of such rim on each pan, as herein described.
Seventhly, I claim the mode of setting sugar pans with flat bottoms, as
herein described.
And, eighthly, I claim the application of iron pans tinned, or coated with tin
or alloys thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Robinson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this First day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thonsand eight hundred and forty-one.