The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-22
THE KELLY MOTOR OUTDONE.
Coiled Springs Motive Power-Street-
Car Mules To Be Abolished.

Car Mules To Be Abolished.
Louisville Courier-Jo urnal
Mr.. P. A. Tarbox, of Ashbyburg, this
State, has discovered a form of motor power
which he thinks is destined to cast steam
and electricity into the shade. The form of
power which he proposes to utilize is simple
enough being simply an extension OF the
spring system of clocks and watches. He
has observed that spring unNinding slowly
gives the same power as at any increased
rate, and on this characteristic his invention
is based 1t is capable of almost indefinite
extension, and can be applied to any system
or machinery requiring greater or less
power. For ordinary purposes, however,
ten springs, each from one and half TO two
horse power, are used. These are placed on
spook, which in turn are mounted on a cyl
indrical shaft. When wound up they are
kept from unwinding by 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 small key, and
requires no great exertion OF strength.
This is all there is about the system. To
utilize the power obtained by the uncoilinS
OF the springs all that is necessary is for
gearing to be attached to the shaft, when
any machinery needed may be at once start
ed into action by raising the dogs
II can apply any amount of power want"
explained the inventor. ITO do this il is
not necessary to enlarge the springs as when
they become too clumsy. The ones l expect
to most employ are those of from one to two
horse power as these are most convenient
for winding. One of Ye-horse power would
be too unwieldy, but two of half the power
would amount to exactly the same. Conse-
quently when l need more force l simply
add more springs and do this to any ex-
tent in reason. A small spring can be util-
lied to the full extent of its power when
placed by large one, and this property is
also made use of. Another feature is the
fact that spring, if wound up, exerts as
much power before it starts uncoiing as
when remaining down.
I'm my system the springs require about
| three hours to run down. Their power be-
gins weakening as soon as half run down
consequently l find it necessary to begin
winding up when about third uncoiled. To
do this the spring is unshipped, the key APP
| piled, and in from two to five minutes 1t is
wound and ready for running As soon as it
is started another one is taken ap, and so on
till all have been attended to. By this means
the power is always uniform.
Il can apply my invention to anything
where electricity or steam can be employed,
and it has the advantage of perfect safety as
we'll as great economy, it requiring nothing
! but the simplest of running gear while any
child can run it after being once instructed.
One of the first things to which | mean to
| apply it is steam threshers and harvesters. 1t
will be without danger, more effective and
less liable to get out Of order than a steam
engine. 1t can also be used on boats and in
any other place The first thing, however.
on which my invention is meant to be used
will be street cars. AS soon as my patent is
obtained / will have car fitted up which 1
mean to operate over the different roads Of
this city at once