It so happens that many of my Inventions are of a generic nature, and thus apply to cases which, appearing different, have nevertheless some common properties. The rule of contraries especially applies to many of them,—of which this is an example. It offers a good method of driving a boat through a tunnel, or other confined space, either by the force of steam or any convenient power. To this end a rope laid along the side of such canal, and fixed at each end, or at several intermediate points, might be led between a pair of wheels like those above described; which duly turned, would drive the boat the distance required with the least possible expence of power, and without the defect of agitating the water.—But I must not anticipate too much on my intended subjects.
OF
A MACHINE
To set on, and suspend, rapid Motions.
This Invention is under the protection of a Patent. It is applied to the spindles of my spinning machinery called Eagles, from their analogy to the machines named Throstles. It is in my opinion an excellent machine; as it secures a mathematical equality of twist to any number of spindles from permitting the use of geering to turn them, which could not have been done without some means of stopping a single spindle. This mechanism (see [Plate 19] [fig. 1 and 2]) consists of a toothed pinion A soldered to the box B C, (partly cut down in the figure to shew its contents) and with it running loose on the lower part of the spindle E D. In this box are placed two weights M N, like that M [fig. 2], which both together, fill the box loosely, and, rising above it, are pinned at O P through the spindle. They are moreover kept from quitting the latter by the ring shewn in section at q q, which holds them loosely, yet prevents their flying away or hurting any one. When now the spindle E D, turns swiftly, the centrifugal force of the two weights M N, projects them from the centre as far as possible; and they lay hold, by friction, of the cylindrical surface of the box B C, and thus keep the revolutions of the spindle to the same number of turns per minute, as the pinion A receives from the driving wheel. But when the spindle is stopped and held by the fly as usual, then the centrifugal force ceases to act, and the box B C does not wear out much, by its further revolutions. And when as before, the spindle is again let loose, that friction which takes place on the bottom of the box sets the spindle running again, when the centrifugal force comes to its aid, so as to unite again the box and the spindle, thus renewing that valuable property of all spinning machinery, the mathematical correctness of its movements.