This Machine presents a simple method of increasing the power of the inclined plane, as used by carters or draymen for loading their carts; and called by them (in some counties) Canters. It admits of a gentle declivity in those planes: and thus considerably increases their power. The means consist in the transfer of the declivity from one end of the Machine to the other. Thus ([plate 11], [fig. 4]) when the cask is rolled up from A to B, it is wedged in that position by the wedge F; when so much of its weight is supported by the feet C, (for all the feet are in pairs) that the end D of the Canter can be raised with ease to E, so as to re-form the plane, in the direction of C E; at which time the feet D G drop into an upright position, and secure this new state of the plane. The cask is now rolled back from B to E, where it is found twice as high as it was at B; and this manœuvre may be repeated several times according to the number of feet provided, and their length respectively. The power of an inclined plane, is as its length to its height: and that power is doubled when the force is applied at the circumference of a cask or other rolling body. So that, here, the power being as 16 to 1, if a man can exert an energy of 200lb. the cask may weigh 3200lb. and still be raised with ease on this Canter, which therefore is three times as powerful as though the weight was raised directly from A to F in the usual method.
Should it be suggested, or thought, that this Machine applies only to rolling bodies, I would just say that it might apply, cæteris paribus, as well to bodies sliding up the plane; or (using a small truck on the Machine) it might serve in a cotton warehouse, for piling the bags, &c. This System is doubtless susceptible of discussion, and may require to be modified for different purposes: but it is by no means devoid of practical capabilities.
OF
A PERPETUAL WEDGE MACHINE,
Being a simple Method of gaining Power.
In [Plate 12], [fig. 5], let A B represent a wheel and axle, of which the wheel A is divided into 100 teeth; (more or less) and let C represent a second wheel with one tooth (or several) less than those of the first wheel A. These two wheels are concentric, for the axis of the wheel A, turns in the hollow centre of the wheel C; which latter wheel is fixed to the frame of the Machine, not here represented. D is a pinion that circulates round the wheel A and C in and along with the frame E as impelled by the hand acting on the handle F. Thus the circulating pinion is constantly occupied by means of its wedge formed teeth (of which one is shewn at D), in bringing the unequal teeth a b of the wheels A and C abreast of each other: whence arises a slow revolution of the wheel A, and of the axis B round the common centre. For if the number of the teeth on these wheels (A and C) differ only by unity or one, then must the handle D revolve one turn about that common centre to occasion 1⁄100 part of a revolution of the wheel A, and of course 100 turns to move the axis B once round that centre. And if further the wheel A be three times the diameter of the axis B, the power gained there would be as 300 to 1, that is a power of 1lb. at a distance from the centre, only equal to the radius of the wheel A, would countervail a weight of 300lb. suspended on the axis B: and supposing a man’s strength to be 100lb. he would raise (exclusive of friction) 30000lb. by this simple machine.
To shew more fully the essential properties of this Machine, I have represented only three teeth in all: one b in the fixed wheel C; one a little smaller a, in the wheel A, (since this wheel has more teeth than the former) and one D in the circulating pinion, whose form and manner of acting justifies in my apprehension, the name I have given to the Machine—a perpetual wedge Machine. I shall only add that there would equally be motion if the teeth of the wheel A instead of being more numerous than those of the wheel C were less numerous: but the manner of action would be different and I think less perfect.
This Machine is among the first inventions I carried into real practice on coming to manhood. It must be about 40 years ago, and was first constructed as a Crane at the request of the late Doctor Bliss, of Paddington. It may offer some difficulty as a Power Engine from the small diameters and the friction thence resulting: but for any Machine where great slowness is desirable, whether to express slow motion, or to count high numbers, &c., it still appears to me a very good Machine.