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with a central square hole 38, which receives the correspondingly squared and tapered ex- tremity 39 of the windlass-shaft, thus adapt- ing the crank to be detached from the shaft 5 when required for separate use. By extract- ing the keys or pins 23 the ratchet-wheels, &c., are free to slide on the windlass-shaft and admit of the removal of the windlass- shaft when it is necessary to straighten or io otherwise repair the same. It will be apparent that the form and con- struction of the machine may be varied in many particulars without departing from the principle of the present invention. 15 Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is- A wire - stretcher comprising a windlass- frame, a windlass-shaft journaled therein, a1
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stretching-cable connected to said shaft, en- 20 larged disk-shaped bearings for said shaft formed integrally with the frame, ratchet- wheels mounted on the shaft and lying con- tiguous to the inner faces of said bearings, said ratchet - wheels being provided with 25 guard - flanges of larger diameter than the ratchet-wheels themselves, diametrical ribs on said flanges, detachable pins or keys pass- ing longitudinally through said ribs and through openings provided therefor in the 30 shaft and pawls or detents engaging said ratchet-wheels, substantially as described. In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. CHARLES EWELL PEARSON. Witnesses: GEO. H. ROBY, R. K. CAPELL.