Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-26
A NEW MOTOR
That is Intended 20 Take the
Place of steam, Electricity
and Mules.



Mr.. p. A. Tarbox, Of Asbyburg,
this State, has discovered form Of
motor power which he thinks is des-
tined to cast steam and electricity into
the shade. He arrived in the city
yesterday, and is stopping at the Fifth
Avenue Hotel, where he was seen by
a reporter last evening To-day he
will start for Washington, where he
goes to secure patent for his inven-
ton.
The form Of power which he pro
poses to utilize is simple enough, be-
ing simply an extension Of the spring
system OF clocks and watches. He
has observed that spring unwinding
slowly gives the same power as at any
increased rate, and on this characters
istic his invention is based. 1t is ca
pable Of almost indefinite extention,
and can be applied to any system Of
machinery requiring greater or less
power. For ordinary purposes, how
ever, ten springs, each Of one and a
half to two horse power, are used.
These are placed on spools, which in
turn are mounted on O cylindrical
shaft. When wound up they are
kept from unwinding by a dog which
fits over each spring, and which can
be released or applied at the will Of
the person in charge. The winding is
done with a small key, and requires no
great exertion of strength.
This is all there is about the system.
To utilize the power obtained by the
uncoiling Of the springs, all that is
necessary is for gearing to be attached
to the shaft, when any machinery
needed may be at once started into
action by raising the dogs.
II can apply any amount of power
| want, explained the inventor. ITO
do this it is not necessary to enlarge
the springs, as when beyond certain
dimensions and strength they become
too clumsy. The ones | expect to
most employ are those Of from one to
two horse power, as these are most
convenient for winding, One OF FIVE
horse power would be too unwieldy,
but two Of half the power would
amount to exactly the same! Conse-
quently when | need more force l
simply add more springs, and | do this
to any extent in reason. A small
spring can be utilized to the full ex-
tent Of its power when placed by a
large one, and this property is also
made use Of. Another feature is the
fact that a spring, if wound up, exerts
as much power before it starts uncoil
ing as when remaining down.
I'm my system the springs require
about three hours to run down. Their
power begins weakening as soon as
half run down; consequently, find it
necessary to begin winding up when
about a third uncoiled. To do this
the spring is unshipped, the key ap.
piled, and in from two to FIVE minutes
it is wound and ready for running. As
soon as it is strrted another one is
taken up, and SO on till all have been
attended TO. By this means the pow
CT IL Always uullOfms
II can apply my invention to any.
thing where electricity or steam can
be employed, and it has the advantage
Of perfect safety as we'll as great econ
omy, it requiring nothing but the
simplest Of running gear, while any
child can operate it after being in.
struoted. One Of the first things to
which | mean to apply it is to steam
threshers and harvesters. II will be
without danger, more effective and
less liable to get cut Of order than O
steam engine, 1t can also be used on
boats and in any other place. The
first thing, however, on which my in
vention is meant to be used will b.
street cars. As soon as MY patent il
obtained, / will have a car htten up
which | mean TO operate over the
different roads Of this city at once"
Mr.. Tarbox, who is q middle aged
honest and intelligent gentleman
speaks very hopefully Of his invention
and appears entirely confident Of ii
practicability. He says thas he ha
been at work on it for about foul
years, but has only recently got thu
model in q shape to suit him. Severa
experiments have been made by hin
in 4 foundery at Evansville, where hil
springs we're used on a roller shaft will
the greatest success, He has already
filed a caveat and othor papers, SO thai
he is hopeful Of obtaining his patent
in about two weeks. AS soon as it il
secured he will return to this city
where he will at once test il on the
street>cars. He is a practical machin,
ist, aud claims TO have no doubt o! the
probability Of his idea.
Mr.. Tarbox has little means Of hi
own, so a company has been organized
in Ashbyburg 10 develop his invention
Its title Is the Tarbox Union Sprinl