Scientific American Supplement, No. 460, October 25, 1884 by Various
page 86 of 132 (65%)
page 86 of 132 (65%)
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copper tubes together and to make electric contact. Two half-tubes instead
of one slotted tube have been employed, in order to leave a free passage for dirt or wet to fall through the slot in the center rail to the drain space, G. Between chair and chair hewn granite or artificial stone is employed, formed, as shown in the drawing, to complete the surface of the road and to form a continuous channel or drain. In order that this drain may not become choked, at suitable intervals, in the length of the track, sump holes are formed as illustrated in diagram, Fig. 4 These sump holes have a well for the accumulation of mud, and are also connected with the main street drain, so that water can freely pass away. The hand holes afford facility for easily removing the dirt. In a complete track these hand holes would occasionally be wider than shown here, for the purpose of removing or fixing the collector, Fig. 5, which consists of two sets of spirally fluted rollers free to revolve upon spindles, which are held by knuckle-joints drawn together by spiral springs; by this means the pressure of the rollers against the inside of the tube is constantly maintained, and should any obstruction occur in the tube the spiral flute causes it to revolve, thus automatically cleansing the tubes. [Illustration: FIG. 4] The collector is provided with two steel plates, which pass through the slit in the center rail; the lower ends of these plates are clamped by the upper frame of the collector, insulating material being interposed, and the upper ends are held in two iron cheeks. Between these steel plates insulated copper strips are held, electrically connected with the collector and with the adjustable clip mounted upon the iron cheeks; this clip holds the terminal on the end of the wire (leading to the motor) firmly enough |
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