GB191320307A - Improvements in and relating to Propelling or Power Generating Mechanism. - Google Patents

Abstract

20,307. Caldwell, J. C., Thompson, C. W., and Puryear, O. B. Sept. 8. Endless-chain motors.-Relates to means foi propelling ships &c. or for obtaining power from tides, streams, &c. which means consisting of an endless chain of feathering paddles. Fig. 2 shows a sectional elevation of the apparatus as applied to ships. Each paddle consists of a pair of blades 22 pivoted to a cross-bar 23 secured at its ends to two parallel chains running over sprocket wheels on shafts 19, 20, of which one is the engine shaft. The bars 23 are also fixed to carriers 26 provided with stops for the blades and with rollers 29, 30 running in grooves 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 with extensions 11, 12. In the position shown, the blades on the lower stretch of the chains are in working position and moving to the right, the roller 29 leading. By the systems of stops 13, 14, 12<a> and the hooks 31, 32, the roller 30 is made to travel along the groove 10 and take a leading position in the upper stretch to effect feathering. For reverse driving, the reversal of the carriers is prevented at the left-hand end of the apparatus bv gates 32<1>, 33 actuated by a slide 37 worked by bellcranks 44, 47 loose on their pivots. By turning the handle 49 to the right, the arm 47<1> is brought into position to be engaged by the hooks 31 as they pass, and when all have passed a projection 65 on the star-wheel 58 turned by the front carrier rollers lifts the lever 41 to withdraw the bolt 40 and allow the gates 32<1>, 33 to spring back into their former positions. For tide or current motors, the reversing grooves may be dispensed with and in some cases the reversing-mechanism also.