I've been asked this question many times - did Bessler use springs in his machine? My answer has always been the same, in my opinion ...no. He responds angrily and at length to Wagner's frequent suggestions,that springs were used. Bessler maintains in no uncertain terms that springs were not used in his machine. He states in Das Tri.... that "its motion depends neither on an external force or assistance, nor, especially, on any internal clockwork device of wheels and springs."
Consider Bessler's point of view; that particular suggestion coming from Wagner implies that some parts were wound up or clockwork. There is no other use for them that would fit in with what was, after all, a discreet accusation that Bessler was guilty of some fault, offence, or crime. In my opinion any research involving springs to wind up something in Bessler's wheel is a waste of time, in which case Bessler didn't use springs and he wasn't lying.
Having said that, the use of springs for other purposes is most definitely not ruled out. I have used them myself to dampen lateral sway in some very long levers I designed for use at one time. They may also be used to lessen the effect of impact in a falling weight or reduce the sound of its fall. Some have suggested using springs to delay a reaction caused by a falling weight and this may be true although I have not used it in that way. There are several different designs of springs that Bessler could have made use of.
Springs have been used in locks and padlocks since Roman and Viking times and probably earlier....it is no exaggeration to say that iron or steel springs are vital features of the lock’s technological development. Parts of the mechanisms just don’t work without springs.
So, a lock spring creates tension – which is usually what the key must displace in order to turn the bolt. Thus, springs store power to perform a task either now or later: pushing forward, holding back or softening a force. Springs have done this kind of work for nearly 2,000 years.
1. Simple plate spring. About 200 AD until the 17th century.
2. Ward springs. About 100 BC until the 19th century.
3. V-shaped plate springs. About 15th to 17th century.
4. Tumbler with plate spring. About 15th century.
5. Torque springs. About 17th century.
6. Compression springs. About 18th century.
7. Tension springs. About 19th century.
[Thanks again to wikipedia for the above information]
Bessler shows padlocks very clearly in some of his drawings. They required the presence of certain types of springs which were also used in both organs and guns too! So Bessler would have been very familiar with their various forms and uses. I thought these shapes might provide inspiration?
JC
