Nail moulding machine
This Machine offers, I think, a valuable application of a well known Instrument: or rather of the principle on which it is founded. I allude tothatparallel ruler which, by means of an additional joint, keeps it’s members not only parallel, but directly opposite each other. In my Machine for moulding Nails, I wanted to give motions to the two plates different, yet dependent on each other. Supposing then, (Plate 24fig. 1, 2, 3, 4,) the upper platea b, to be moved up and down by a lever, a screw-press, or any otherfirst mover, I connect the under platec d, with it by two (or four)strongparallel rulerse f, in such a manner, that when the platea bis drawn upward it shall extend the arms of the ruleralmostto a straight line, as represented infig. 4; and then carry the under plate with it: and when it comes down again (seefig. 3) it shallnotcarry down the said under plate, until the same arms are bent into the positionf g; that is, till the two plates touch each other: the use of which arrangement I will now explain.
The under side of the upper platea b, isgroundperfectly flat, and bored at proper distances with holes to receive andhold the punches which represent the shanks of the nails that are to be moulded. The lower platec dis groundtrueboth on it’s upper and under surfaces; the first to fit the under surface of the upper plate, and the under surface to impress a perfect plane on the sand below it. This under surface, shewn in an inverted position atfig. 2, is moreover covered with properprints1, 2, 3, &c. to form the heads of the nails in question, and with propergets(jets?) 3, 5, 6, &c. for conducting the metal to every part of the surface. I mean models in relief of those gets; and the under plate is further pierced with holes, placed exactly like those in the upper plate, bored indeed from that (and through the aforesaidprintsof the nail-heads)afterthe parallel jointse fhave been affixed. Now on another level plate with proper ledges, the sand boxes or flasks,fig. 5 and 6, have been prepared; and have received an obtuse pyramidical form at one stroke from a competent press, the construction of which is easily conceived: or this might be done by hand, if preferred. These boxes, in-fine, are successively brought under the before described mechanism while in the state represented infig. 3, in which all the nail models are protruded through the under plate as at 1, 2, 3. The moulder now gives a stroke under the following circumstances:—Both the plates drop together and the nail models pierce the sand while the under plate makes it’s surface perfectly level: but whenthatmotion is reversed, it isnotthe under plate which first rises, but the upper—by which the nail models are drawn out of their holeswithout disturbingthe sand, for this is kept to it’s place by the under plate: and when, by the continued motion upward of the upper plate, the parallel joints are duly extended, and the nail models quite extracted; then, and not till then, the under plate leaves the compressed sand, in which are moulded as manyscoresof nails as the mould has been made for—and that, in a space of time almost imperceptible.
I shall conclude the subject by observing, that the counter flask or box for closing this mould is made in the same way, by a smooth plate prepared in the same manner; and whichmustfit the former, because they are both perfectly level surfaces.
This Machine, though conceived many years ago, can hardly yet be called an invention—if material existence is necessary to justify that appellation:for I have never seen it in action. Itmaypossibly be one of those fascinating conceptions of which my noble friend the late Earl Stanhope used to say—“’tis abeautifulinvention—but ’twill not do;” yet I give it with some confidence, because of the great utility itwouldpresent, if it’s chief properties should fulfil my expectations.
The principal idea on which it is founded, is this:to use, as power, the expansion of that air which feeds the fire; andagainto employ it’s heat heating liquids or rooms, or any similar purpose. The form I have given to the Machine is by no means the only one it admits; nor perhaps the best: but it was indispensable to give the idea (which I hope is not an “airy nothing”) “a local habitation and a name.”
Power generator
It consists, then, of two cylinders, lying horizontally, of nearly equal length, but of unequal capacity:—one of whichA B, (Plate 24,fig. 7) is an air pump with a valve in it’s enda, and another in it’s piston, both openingto the left.The second cylinderC D, is the working cylinder, as much larger than the former, as may belong to the principle of motion already announced. This cylinder receives the pistonE, which fits it nicely, but is not stuffed in the present case. (It may perhaps be made tight by some of the methods, used toclosemetallic pistons.) At all events, this piston is connected with thatc, by a frameF G H I, which embraces the whole Machine, in a horizontal position, though here shewn in a vertical. These two cylinders are cast in one piece, together with an upright cylinder, not boredK; the use of which is to receive theearthenchafing dishL M, with it’s fire, made (according to my present views) withcoak or charcoal, and lighted before it is introduced. It is needless to say, that this vessel is let down into the cylinderK, by a kind of bucket handle entering anypairof holes in the dish. The top of this latter cylinder isgroundto fit the flanchA N: It swings open on one of the bolts and falls to again in a moment, to prevent loss of time infiring. Themeansof doing this I do not much insist on, from their extreme facility. Nor do I make it aconditionto use this method at all. The coak, (or perhaps the coal, or the wood)mightbe introduced through an upright tube furnished with two slides, one placed close above the topA N, and the other at a proper distance above; so as foroneto be always shut. This is nothing more than the System used for feeding high pressure Steam Engines—onlythisapplication is to dry substances, which forms no insuperable obstacle.
When now the Machine isfired, the pistonsE, andc, are pushed towardsbandBrespectively; the valvedhaving been previously opened, and the valvecopening by this very motion—which thus clears the large cylinder of it’s included air, while the air in the pumpA B, is brought into contact with the fire; whence aconsiderable expansionensues, and apressureis created tending at the same time to drive the pistoncto theright hand, and thatEto theleft: but acting in the latter case on a larger area, the whole system moves that way, andallthe air in the pumpA Bis driven through the fire: where, being much heated, it acquires great elasticity and developes considerablepower—which, by any of the known methods, may be applied to any of the known purposes.
I hope my readers will conclude here, that I allow for the disappearance of the oxigen in this conflagration: but I expect the expansion of the residue (together with whatnewvapour may be developed) will more than compensate for that loss of volume. By this motion then, the pumpA Bis again filled with cold air through the valvea; and the pistonEflyingoutof the cylinderC D, the hot air it containedrushesinto the pipeo, and thence goes to performany heating operationthat may be desired. But further, this same recession of the pistonEstrikes the stem of the valvedagainst the covere, and opens that valve; by which means the large piston is at liberty to reach again it’sinnerpositionb: where the barbcloses it’s valvedand prepares the Machine for a new stroke. For, as before, the pumpor cylinderA B, is full of cold air, and by the backward motion of it’s piston exposes that air to the fire inK: whence arises the renewal of all the former phenomena.
Many ideas, and doubtless some objections, will present themselves to the readers of these pages; of which I shall probably anticipatesome, by noticing a few less important particulars.
And first, is it not to be feared that the vertical cylinderK, and the whole systemK C D Ewill become too hot—nay acquire a red heat, and thus introduce danger? The answer, I think, is that the fire must belessened, or the Machine enlarged, until this danger disappears: for by heatingairto any thing like aredheat (without attaining it) the expansion will beimmense: and probably beyond our wants or wishes. The chaffing dish then (if that is used) must be lessened, that the air fromA Bmay partly circulateroundit, instead of going wholly through the fire: thus cooling the vertical cylinderK, and diminishing the intensity of the heat in the working cylinder. Further, the two cylindersC DandK, might be inserted in the bottom of a boiler, and surrounded with water; through which also, may be conducted the pipeO, so as to concur in the same effect of heatingthatwater, while the steam thus accruing from thedouble useof this heat, may be made to drive an engine, heat a room, or fulfil any common purpose.
In a word, all our difficulties on this branch of the subject, seem to lie inexcess of action: and we need only mitigate the general effect, to render this Machine useful, safe, and commodious.
There is another objection that must be met, on pain of direct censure, which is this: what will become of the ashes? (forsmokeis as yet out of the question) my answer is—a recess, or several, must be found for them beyondo; to do which will not be more difficult than to lodge any other residue. But if this Machine fulfils my views in respect ofpower,thisresidue will be no burden. For example, if ever a farmer should hereafter drive hisploughby such an engine as this, he will manure his land furrow by furrow with the ashes—an idea which I must not yet indulge, lest I should be thought fanciful beyond the due proportion.
But my mechanical impetus is not to be thus instantly checked. If what Ihope, can be realized, there are properties in this invention, for locomotive engines, superior to any the steam engine itself can boast. A light Machine: a light combustible: no water to carry; no steam to condense, &c. &c. As however I have nevertriedthis felicitous creation, I assert nothing.
But again, this seems to be a really good method of distributing heat in any useful direction: for there is animpulsiveforcewhich not only requires nodraughtto make the fire burn, but will drive heat toanydistance through pipes ofanyform, and placed inanyposition. There is therefore, a certain utility attached to this Machine, whatever may be it’s merits as apower engine. Our present methods—of destroying coals—are excellent! but our methods of making them useful are defective in the extreme. If you have no draught in your chimneys you are stifled with smoke. If you have much draught, you havelittleheat—for the chimney swallows it, and half your room isin Norway. Use then an impulsive system, (of some kind) and you maysendyour caloric down into the cellar to bedrawnfrom thence as wanted, for the upper apartments.
But my subject pullulates as I proceed. This idea is by no means exhausted. It isnotan indispensable feature of it, to heat rooms withthe same airthat fed the fire. For instance, if a fire were madeunderthe vertical cylinderK, and led into and through it by a proper pipe,almostfilling it—then the cold air of the pumpA Bwouldpass round that pipeto the working cylinderC D, and there impel it’s pistonEas before. Not perhaps so strongly; but with an air uncontaminated by burning, or by ashes—and therefore more congenial with some uses of the Machine. In fact, air thus introduced might beperfectly fit for breathing, and still get elasticity enough from this passage, toforceheat to the bottom of any room we wished to have warmed; whereas, by using only the levity of heated air to give it motion, we scorch the tops of rooms and factories,and unmercifully freeze the bottoms. I must beg leave to be alittlesevere on this point:—since for a thinking people, as strangers call us, we have been extremely thoughtless in this respect: so that as much seems now to do by way of introducingcomfortinto our saloons, as was done about the year 1200, when those chimneys were introduced that are now become a kind of nuisance. In a word, and I am serious when I say it, the present arrangement of our chimneys, is in my humble opinion, essentially unphilosophical; and as such ought to be speedily discontinued or greatly modified.
In the above pages I have laid myself open to much animadversion, by a kind ofcastfor much honest fame. I have let the public into my secret—I have thought aloud: And if the greater part of these cogitations should prove to be imaginary, I shall only plead, that they are drawn from the same source as the many useful Machines I am known to have devoted to public utility.
This title I confess, seems very ambitious, as applied to an utensil for the dairy: but I had to express the combination of it’s own axis, and those of the leaves or wings about their respective axes, while gyrating round the common centre.
Improved churn
The principal shaftA B,fig. 8 and 9ofPlate 24, is the general centre of rotation; anda bare two lighter shafts carried round that centre, and turning at the same time on their own centres by means of the wheelse fgeering in the fixed wheelc d, (of which one half only is drawn) and which forms part of the top of the churn. Each of the shaftsa b, carries four leaves or wings (better seen infig. 9) reaching from the top, nearly to the bottom of the vessel; and they run in proper steps in the cross piecem, and also in proper collars in the upper cross pieceg h. In fine their wheelse f, and the fixed wheelc d, which turns them, are furnished with teeth on my patent principle; and therefore work without noise or commotion. Now, the principal shaftA B, rests on the stepBat the bottom of the vessel; and runs, at top, in a collar formed in the metallic bridgei k, which, fixed to the outside rim of the cover, passes directly over thecentre of the Machine. When therefore, the cream is put into the churn, (to do which the above mechanism is taken out) the mechanism is re-placed as now represented; and the main shaft set in motion byany convenient power: when the side shaftsa b, turned by the fixed wheelc d, give a backward motion to the wingsa b, and create a great agitation of the cream—for, it should be remarked, that this is not a circular motion: but each fly produces a kind of vortex round it’s own centre, while progressing round the common centre. The consequence of which, as above intimated, is, an unceasing agitation of the liquid, and, I believe, the best of churning. This however, I state as a mechanician, not having been initiated into the secrets of the dairy properly so called.
It may finally be observed, that the leaves or partitionsl n,fixedto the sides of the churn, (beyond the reach of the moveable wingsa b) are destined to prevent still further anygeneralmotion of the butyraceous matter; and thus to accelerate the churning process: and further these leaves, both fixed and moveable may be pierced with holes, like the analogous parts of other utensils of this nature.
The screw of Archimedes, is well known. When used to raise water it is placed obliquely, in such a position as that it’shollow threadsbecomemoreoblique to the horizon than the axis of the screw itself: observing which practice, some have said of this Machine, that it raises water by letting it run down: But this cannot be true. The threads of the screw merelywedgethemselves under the water, and make itrisein a direction parallel to the axis of the screw; at the highest end of which it falls into the upper reservoir.
I once placed a screw of this kindupright, and said (in thought) is it then impossible to raise water by means of this screw thus placed? The answer in a few minutes was—“not at all; there is a force would make it easy: namely, the centrifugal force:” and this mental soliloquy was the origin of this Invention, which, some thirty years ago, I shewed to a public man, whom the lovers of the mechanical arts will long remember.
Helico-centrifugal machine (elevation)
InPlate 25fig. 1,A Bare two screws, perfectly like those used in exhausting watery foundations; and named of Archimedes.They are placed perpendicularly in the frameC D, so as to turn in the cross barsa b,c d, fixed horizontally on the main shaftE Fof the Machine. At the bottom of this shaft,E F, (which turns in a step on thesillG D) is a low cylindrical vessel, shewn by a section only ate f, which dips into the under water nearly to the brim. It is used to carry, in propersteps, the centres of the screwsA B, and, being pierced with many holes, to feed them amply, without exposing their motion to any resistance from the stagnant water. These cylindersA Bare merely indicated as screws by thethreads, dotted betweenhanddandeandg, and their upper mouths are seen neara b, just under the cross piece marked with these letters. These screws then, are turned by the wheelsi k, as actuated by the fixed wheelm n, in the same manner as those of thechurnbefore described; which in fact, is a corollary fromthisMachine, but of much later date. To return to the Helico-centrifugal Machine—the screwsA Bare terminated above by circular plateso p(marked with the same letters infig. 2 and 3) intended to receive the water from the mouths of the screw-threadsa b, and carry itonto the plateq q, which insures it’s further progress into thering canalr s, also shewn by a section only, to prevent confusion in the figure. Now what raises the water in these upright screws, is, it’s owncentrifugal force, combined with the revolution of the screws: for while this central force is urging the water outward, the screws are bringing their sloping threads likewedges,againstthat tendency; and the consequence is, that the water actuallyrises perpendicularly till it flows over the ledges or ringso p,onthe plateq q, and thence into the ring canalr s, from which it is conveyed to any place desired.
Top views of machine
If this Machine is well made and proportioned, I think it is one of the best that can be used, to do much work by a givenpower: It gives noshockto the water; which, when once in motion, continues to rise, and escapes when arrived at it’s proper height: and, being spread over a large surface, no part of it is raised higher than enough. The perfection of the Machine depends on a due relation between the centrifugal force, and the sine of the angle, which the threads of the screw make with the horizon; and this may be modified by the diameter of the wheelsi k, as compared with that of the screwsA B.
Thefigures 2 and 3, are two views of the upper part of the Machine. They shew, and mark with the same letters, the cross bara b, the inside of the screws, and the circular plateso p, together with the circular conducting plate of whichq q,fig. 1, is the section.Fig. 3shews the fixed wheelm n, the two screw-wheelsi k, the cross piecea b, and under them the plateso pof the 1st. and 2d. figure.
One other object claims our attention: The threads of the screws (whether more or less numerous) should each be furnished with a valve at bottom: that the water maynotrun out when the Machine ceases working.
This Machine acts by pressure instead of percussion. But this pressure is so instantaneous as to resemble a blow, and so often repeated as to produce a considerable effect in a short time. The means are represented infig. 4ofPlate 25.
Pressure forging machine
There,Ais a mass of metal answering the purpose of an anvil, but having two surfaces, situated at or nearly at right angles to each other, on which the metal is alternately struck or compressed. The two sides of this massA, are perforated by two holes, properlybushed, in which turn the crank shaftsB,C: the latter furnished with the bevil wheelsD,E, which geer into and receive motion from twoequalbevil wheelsF,G, fixed on the main shaftH I, and to which the power is applied. It is thus evident that the two crank shaftsB,C, will make the same number of revolutions; and that if one of the rollersK,L, is placed on the excentric arm of one shaft, and the other roller on the other (their position being as in thefigure) that then the rollersK Lwill impinge alternately on any bar, held in the angleM, and forge or extend it, and finally leave it reduced to the same dimensions, in it’s whole length, if, by hand or proper machinery, the bar has beendrawn or pushed along the angleM, in a manner analogous to this motion at the tilt hammer. It is also clear, that the size of the bar will be determined on a given Machine, by the diameters of the rollersK L, compared with the distance of the shafts from the angleMof the anvil.
It may be of use to observe, that the effect of this Machine is not confined to square bars: since with unequal rollersK L, it will produce flat bars; and with rollers properly grooved, (the pieceMbeing formed accordingly) it will produce round iron or steel of better texture (I presume) than when taken from the slitting-mill, and merely passed through grooved rollers. I expect, at all events, arapideffect, from four or five hundred turns of the cranks per minute.
It will occur to every mechanical reader, that the massM, which is tempered and adjusted to the principal anvilA, may be still more varied in form, so as to give other results besides those above anticipated. Nor need it be said, that the shaftsB Cmight run in steps capable of beingscrewed up to their work, even during the process, should any such motion be expedient. These are details I do not wish to dwell on in these descriptions—where I endeavour to make known general and essential properties, leaving particular views and cases to my reflecting readers.
Thread mill
I believe there is no better floor for a working horse to tread on, than a plane of wood—on condition, of the horse being rough shod: I speak however, on recollection of many years’ standing. I then felt persuaded that a horse wastes less effort by travelling onthisfloor than on any other; which is one of my reasons for the adoption of the present Machine. It consists (Plate 26,fig. 1,) of a wheelA B, on which the horse walks, as indicated by the sketch of him given in the figure. Besides this, he is placed between two shaftsC D, affixed to the leverE F, the latter carrying round with it, at intervals, the drumG, whose office it is to raise the weightI, whatever kind of resistance that weight represents. This lever runs by means of it’scannonL, on a round part of the shaft common to it and to the drumG. Moreover, there is a second drumH, destined to raise the weightK, whatever kind of resistancethatrepresents. Both the drums,GandH, turn on round parts of the main shaftM, but are alternately connected with it—first, the drumG, by the rising of the boltainto it; and secondly, the drumH, by the falling of the cross pieceb c, between the studse daffixed to it. Now, this cross pieceb c, is part of a T-formed bar, that penetrates the centreof the shaft as low asf, where it rests on a transverse leverf g, connectedto the rightwith the boltaabove mentioned, and forming a branch of the bent leverf g h, which works the bolth iunder the wheel. In the present state of things, if the horse steps forward, he draws the shaftsC D, round the common centre; for the wheel is immoveable by means of the bolti, whichtakesagainst some fixed object atk: and thus will the weightIbe raised. And when this motion is achieved, the handleois raised a few inches, which brings it into contact with the obstaclep, and puts a stop to that motion of the leverE F. At the same time the bolta, is drawn out of the drumG, and the cross pieceb cis let down between the studs of the drumH, while, by the bent leverf g h, the bolth i, which held the wheel, is drawn back, andthenthe horse, instead of progressing round the centre of the wheel, is himself brought locally, to a stand; and without even knowing it, (for he is blinded) he now treads round the wheel in a backward direction, and raises the weightK, while the drumGpermits the weightIto descend by the uncoiling of the rope, tillthisoperation has likewise produced the desired effect—when things are again placed in the state first observed. One thing remains to be noticed: It is, that both these motionsmighthave been produced by acting from a fixed point on the central barb c f, through the upper gudgeon of the shaft,insteadof using the handleo, as before directed. It is even easy to conceive how the Machine may itself be made to perform these changes, and thus to produce the whole effect without any personal care or attendance.
Expanding vessel
It is one of the simplest and most perfect operations of the mechanic art, to form aflat surface: witness the process of grinding looking glasses, and forming one plane from another. Nor is it, necessarily, more difficult to place two surfaces parallel to each other, by means of three or morepillarswith proper shoulders, or counternuts against which to screw the plates from behind. It is therefore easy to compose an expanding and contracting vessel, that shall becomea moverby the force of any fluid, elastic or not, or shall act as a water or air pump, when driven by a convenient power; or both together, when this combination may be desirable. Thus, inPlate 26,fig. 2 and 3,A B C Dis a box with four sides and fourjointed angles—which, if one of it’s sides,D A, be fixed to a given position in the cage or frameE F G H, will expand or contract according as the sidesA BandD Cshall rise toward the perpendicular, or fall toward the horizontal position. The dotted linesA2,A4,A6, &c. shew that the successive capacities included in the vessel, are respectively as the sines of the angles which those sidesA BandD Cmake with the horizon; so that, although this device furnishes anunequablepower, yet it is equable enough for many purposes in the first few divisionsD3,D5, &c. and might be altogetherequalizedin it’s effect if necessary. Let us suppose then, that the aperture 8, brings steam into this vessel: ThelidB Cwill rise to 6, 7, when, if the pipe 9, communicating with a condenser, be opened, the steam in the vessel will rush thither and be destroyed: when the atmosphere will press on the lidB C, and cause the vessel to collapse with a power proportionate to that area; for the sloping and parallel sidesA BandC Dcounterpoise each other; where note, on occasion of thepressurewhich I am now speaking of, that the ribs or barsL M, are used to strengthen the sides of the vessel, and thus prevent it’s fracture under this pressure.
From this manner of making these expanding vessels, it follows among other things, that if the frameE F G Hwere surrounded with wood or any non-conducting substance, and made to communicate with a warm close room, the atmosphere thus acting on the vessel wouldnotcool it, and that therefore, an atmospheric engine, would, in this respect, be as good as a steam-acting one. But steam might be introduced into this outer case, and act as a spring to reciprocate the internal effect of the same agent.
Thethird figureofPlate 26, offers an end view of this cage or frame, shewing the expanding vessel atB C A D, where the strengthening ribs offig. 2are seenendwiseat 1, 3, 5, 7,&c. and moreover,F GandHare the pillars or cross bars by which the parallelism of the two end plates is effected and secured.
Detail of corner joint
There remains an important subject to be considered: How to make the corner jointsD C, and the end joints steam or water-tight as required. The smallfigure 4answers the question as far aswateris concerned.Ais a strip of leather screwed more or less near to theedgesof two contiguous sides of the vessel, so as to cover the joint or hinge, and make it water tight whether the pressure come from within or without. This figure also shews the grooves which receive the stuffing to close theendsof the vessel, by sliding against the plates or cheeksE F, &c.fig. 2. The several members of the corner joints themselves should be well fitted into each other: so indeed as almost to close the vessel withoutanystuffing. Nor need we in all cases be anxious about this stuffing; for I think it very possible to make this joint close enough for pumping or blowing without any such provision. I observe, however, that the leatherA,fig. 4, might give place to a strip of thin metal, bent into the same form, (or nearly so) the elasticity of which would leave play enough for the joints, on the supposition of working only with a moderate degree of motion in the said joints.
Water pump
I should not have given this idea so much attention, had I merely wished to use it where the cylinder-motion now applies: But my present views go further. I foresee the use of thisMachine forvery lowpressures—and invery largedimensions; and I can conceive a proportion between it’s length and height, that shall as it were annul the effects of friction and leakage, compared with those of the cylinder-formed piston. But I do not undertake, or hardly wishnow, to exhaust this subject: being more anxious todeliverthe idea to my readers, than to announce all I intend to undertake by it’s means. I shall, therefore, merely finish the description of the otherfigures 5and6of thisPlate. The first, is a small hand pump on this principle, having a suction pipeA, and a rising pipeB, both having proper valves and opening into the expanding vessel, asworkedby the handleC, much in the manner of a common pump. It will therefore act by it’s expansive and contractile properties; and have one good quality we should seek in vain elsewhere—It willbeginthe motion of the water with asoftnessunknown in the use of pumps in general.
Application of the machine
In fine, thesixth figureshews a System of this kind applied to the two objects, ofgivingpower, andusingit. The vesselA B, receives the power from steam or any other agent; and the vesselCblows a fire, raises water, or does any analogous work, without requiring any otherpartsthan those here displayed.
This Instrument was first intended to regulate the grinding of a wind-mill; and was used for that purpose in Kent, some time before my departure for France, in 1792. It is founded on the doctrine of opposite qualities—and is a practical combat between equal and unequal motions. In wind-mills, the mechanism is exposed to all the variations of a capricious element: and the common way of preventing these convulsive motions from injuring theflour, was for a man to attend a lever connected with thebridge tree, (which carries the upper stone) and by it to bring the stones nearer together when the wind was strong—and nearer still, when it was violent: and, contrariwise, to lift again the upper stone when the wind assumed a milder movement. A process this, whichnearlyequalizes the degree of grinding, but not so nearly the quality of the meal—for this is found to be more heated by great, than by moderate velocities. At all events I thought a Machine like the present, would regulate this process, as well as a man; and it was found to do so—except, perhaps, in very extreme cases.
Governor
This Governor, is represented infig. 1ofPlate 27—theground work of which is the same as that of thethird figureinPlate 3: for in reality the present Machine claims the precedence of the Dynamometer; and may therefore, well borrow a figure from it’s description.Ais the power-axis, receiving motion from any proper shaft of the mill. It is turnedbackwardby that shaft, and therefore tends to raise the ballB—an operation equivalent to bringing the mill-stones nearer together. At the same time, the axis of resistanceC, carries round a pallet-wheelD E, and by the palletD, sets the pendulumF Ga vibrating, which therefore, by every stroke,lets downthe ballB, and thusraisesthe upper mill-stone. Aproperposition of the latter depends on the similarity of the motion of the power-axisA, which winds up the ballB, and that of the axisC, whichlets it down. While these are equal, the weightBremains stationary, and the work goes on well. But if a gust of wind increases the speed of the moverA, (the pendulumF Gconfining the axisCto it’s usual speed) the ballBis immediately raised and the stones brought closer—which is what the grinding process requires: And should that gust increase in violence and become a hurricane, the intermediate cylinderM, while producingthateffect, carries also with it the cordH I, and thereby raises the bobGof the pendulum, and thus fits this movement to the increased speed of the mill: raising, sometimes, the bob to the very centreFof it’s vibration, where it’s oscillations become rapid enough tounwindall the excess of motion which the hurricane had occasioned; until, the wind subsiding, the pendulum acquires a medium length, and things go on moderately as before.
It may be observed, that thepresentform of this Machine is not quite so simple as it might have been made; nor is it so simple as it first was. The required motions being much shorter than those of a Dynamometer, the cylinderM, among other things, might be dispensed with; and one of the intermediate wheels be likewise suppressed. And if we advert to the retarding principle which resides in the pendulum, the well known conical pendulum might be substituted for the present one; since from it would arise a regular or equable resistance, opposed to an equable effort. Some however, mightthenconsider the conical pendulum as an ordinary centrifugal governor; and, as a mere retarding principle, it may be thought too complex for the occasion: but I think on the contrary, that it’s use in this connection, would make this Machine one of the best of regulators, as well for steam engines as for water and wind-mills of every description: especially if fitted up with my Patent Geering.
There is a strong analogy between this Instrument for forging Nails, and theMachineheretofore given for forging Bar Iron, Steel, &c. The process ofkneadingthe softened metal, by means of a pair of alternating cranks, is the very same: but the acting bars or stampersA,B, are an addition to the former method.Plate 27, atfigs. 2 and 3, gives a representation of the present Machine; which forms the nail almost instantaneously, bymanycontacts of the stampersa b, (fig. 3) on one of which the figure of the nail is engraven—or ratherfiledacross that stamper, for nohollowfigure is required by this System.