The manner of constructing and operating my invention is as
follows: The entire apparatus is made of steel or iron, and
the shaft, bearings, arms, springs and connecting-rods are of
ordinary form. The main or driving pulley is cast with four
hollow arms, in which round weights are inclosed, which move
back and forth within the arms when the wheel is set in motion.
The solid arms, as well as the hollow arms, which are used
in addition to those forming a part of the driving-pulley,
are arranged by means of set-screws a suitable distance apart
upon the axis and in different perpendicular planes, so as to
give steadiness in motion. A thread is cut upon each end of
these arms, and the fixed weights are then screwed on. When
the shaft or axis revolves, the weights which move toward the
ends of the arms above the center accelerate the motion, and
the momentum of the machine aids in overcoming the resistance
caused by the weights, which are below the center. At the same
time the revolution of the eccentric and crank-pin upon the
axis depresses the connecting-rods, which in turn depress the
springs, which, being released as soon as the eccentric and
crank-pin have reached their lowest point, contribute a lifting
power to overcome the resistance above mentioned. As shown in the
drawings, these springs joined to the connecting-rods may be
supported and assisted by other springs.
The power is applied by hand, operating upon a crank at the end
of the axis, or may be imparted by steam, hot air, electricity,
or in any other known method, and is conducted to any desired
point by means of the belt _b_.
Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and
desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:
1. The combination, in apparatus for increasing mechanical
power, of an axis, as A, supported upon bearings N, with a
driving-pulley, as B, having hollow arms, as C, with movable
weights, as _a_, and radial arms, both solid and hollow, the
latter having movable weights, together with fixed weights
attached to the end of each arm, all substantially as and for the
purpose described.
Ferguson's Device
James Ferguson was an eminent Scotch mechanician and astronomer. He
was born in 1710, and died in 1776. He was reared in very humble
circumstances, and is known as the Peasant Boy Philosopher. A most
interesting story of his life was written by Henry Mayhew, and
published in England in 1857, entitled "The Story of the Peasant Boy
Philosopher."
He prepared astronomical tables of great value and lectured on
astronomical and mechanical subjects. His lectures were edited by a no
less eminent man than Sir David Brewster.
[Illustration]
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