The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-06-11
compreased Air for small Motors.

A correspondent revives the idea
of driving light machinery, requir-
ing less than one horse power, by
means of compressed air.
The first essential feature is the
means for COMPRISING the air, and
this he proposes to accomplish by a
windmill.
The air receiver he proposes to
construct capable of sustaining a
pressure of 5000 pounds to the
inch. Its size will depend upon the
use to which it is to be put For
storing air for driving a one horse
vehicle for several hours, cylinder
4x2 would be ample.
We thus have reservoir of force
on which we can draw at will, and
one which is applicable to multi
tude of domestic purposes.
In the case of light vehicles, they
may be constructed, let them be Oh
served, with no less beauty than if
intended to be dragged after a
horse. The rear axle is made to re
volve freely, and is provided with a
crank at it's center. Both wheels
are attached rIgidly to the axle, or,
in order to facilitate turning, one
may be left loose, according to the
practice of steam fire engines. The
forward axle is provided with suita-
BILE upright and handle, to direct
the course of the carriage. The
cylinder of compressed air, which
for q light load need not exceed
3x9, is placed upon the wagon body,
and will accomplish two and half
hours propulsion, having at the
end of this time a residual pressure
of 500 pounds. Where the absence
from the source of supply will be
longer than this, two cylinders, or
one of double capacity, may be US
ed. The weight of each cylinder
will be about IS pounds, and double
this weight, or if only one large one
be used, somewhat less than double,
Will be no more than the weight of
an extra person, the physician's
coachman for example.
The connection of the engine,
borne by the cylinder with the axle
crank is either direct or by inter
vening gearing. Where two cylin-
ders are used, they are both con-
nected with the receiver of the en-
CINE
The advantages presented by this
system over animate motors are so
undeniable that eventually it must
supplant them to large extent. 1t
is admirably adapted for daily ser
vice in a hundred different ways.
Its first great virtue is the saving
of the cost of maintenance. A horse
is q continual bill of expense.
Whether used or not, it must be
daily fed and cared for; whereas
our windmill reqnires only a little
light diet of lubricant and is dOcili-
ty itself. Nor is it apt to grow sick
and die. Blankets, hitching straps
and whips will not be called into
requisition.
In all previous traction engines it
has been necessary to provide for
the great weight of a boiler and its
appendages, and we have mad con-
sequently cumbrous mass of ma
chinery i'll suited for ordinary use.
With compressed air we add no more
than the weight of driver, and our
wagon runs as lightly as at pres
ent.
While we have considered only
the case of light vehicles, the sys-
tenn is none the less applicable to
heavy trucks and drays. The add
ed weight in the latter case need
not exceed 450 pounds, and this
would be more than compensated
for by the saving and expense and
the absence of horses from our
crowded streets.
There appears to be a wide field
for the exercise of inventive genius
in the production of compressed
air motors and vehicles thereby OPP
erated.-Scientiic American.