Improvements in and in relation to the Trolly Head of Electric Tram-cars.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Oct., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 17th Mar., 1899-Accepted, 6th May, 1899
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and in relation to the Trolly Head of Electric
Tram-cars.
I, JOHN WILLIAM TOWLE, of 68, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin, Ireland,
Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows::-
This invention has for its object improvements in, and in relation to the trolly
head of electric tram-cars and has especial reference to that type known as the
"Globe" trolly head.
This contrivance consists of a deep flanged trolly wheel (to take the trolly
wire) which is mounted between two domes (constituting the "Globe' which
suggests the technical name referred to) the edges of which are flush with with
the circumference of the wheel flanges: -the object of this dome or globe"
shaped frame is to prevent the span wire catching between the wheel bearings
and the head of the tension trolly pole.
<<
This dome or "Globe" shaped frame is provided with an elongated shank
which rotates vertically in a suitable casting which latter is carried on the end
of the trolly pole.
Through an aperture in the head of the socket in which the trolly pole
enters the terminal end of the electric conductor is brought, and is secured on
the outside by brazing, or by a screw nut, or other means.
The defects of the trolly head thus described are (1) its inconvenient bulk,
(2) its weight, and (3) the danger of damp entering through the aperture through
which the electric communication is established between the trolly head and the
conductor in the trolly pole.
Now my invention is designed to obviate these defects and to this end I pro-
pose, firstly, to dispense with the deep flanged wheel and substitute one provided
on its periphery with simply a slight groove to guide the trolly wire. I next
provide the side domes with extensions or projections to extend beyond, and over-
lap the periphery of the wheel (at its topmost segment) in a lip like manner so
as to fulfil the place of the deep flanges, and maintain the trolly wire in position.
In the top edge of these extensions or projections may be inserted suitable
rollers to facilitate running over the "frogs" and "crossings."
Secondly, I reduce the length of the shank with which the "Globe" frame is
provided, and assist the rotatory movement of the frame by providing its base
with suitable cones to run on ball bearings carried in corresponding cones pro-
vided in the casting which takes the "Globe" frame.
By these improvements the diameter of the trolly wheel, and also the depth
of the "Globe frame are considerably reduced, and consequently a diminution
in weight is effected.
Thirdly, in establishing the electrical connection between the trolly head and
the conductor, I propose to place over the head of the trolly pole an insulated
copper cap or sleeve through the head of which the terminal end of the conductor
is passed and is secured by a nut or otherwise as may be found convenient.

page_text: The head of the trolly pole is then inserted in the socket of the trolly head
casting whereby the electrical connection is completely concealed and protected
from damp or the danger of accident.
Dated this 3rd day of October 1898.
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
Agents for Applicant, 9, Westland Row, Dublin.
Improvements in and in relation to the Trolly Head of Electric
Tram-cars.
I, JOHN WILLIAM TOWLE, of 68, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin, Ireland,
Electrical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:―
This invention has for its object improvements in, and in relation to the trolly
head of electric tram-cars and has especial reference to that type known as the
"Globe" trolly head.
This apparatus consists of a deep flanged collector wheel mounted between
two domes (constituting the Globe" which suggests the technical name of the
apparatus) the edges of which are flush with the periphery of the wheel flanges:-
the object of this dome or "Globe" shaped frame being to prevent the span wires
catching in the apparatus.
This dome or Globe" shaped frame is provided with an elongated shank
which rotates vertically in a suitable casting which latter is carried on the end
of the trolly pole.
Through an aperture in the head of the socket in which the trolly pole enters
the terminal end of the electric conductor is brought, and is secured on the out-
side of the casting by a screw nut, or other means.
The defects of the trolly head thus described are (1) its inconvenient bulk,
(2) its weight, (3) the danger of damp entering through the aperture provided
for securing the electric conductor, and (4) the liability to entanglement with
the span wires.
Now my invention is designed to obviate these defects and I will describe same
with the aid of the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my improved trolly head complete, mounted on
end of a tension trolly pole as usually employed in connection with the overhead
system of electrical traction.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of same, and,
Fig. 3 is an end view.
In the first instance I substitute for the deep flanged collector wheel above
described, a wheel b, of smaller diameter and provided with a slight circumferen-
tial groove merely to guide the trolly wire.
Secondly, I provide the domes 1, 6, between which the wheel rotates with
extensions 62, 62, rising above and overlapping the wheel by shoulders 63, 63,
which partly fulfil the function of the deep flanges referred to, and maintain the
trolly wire in position.
Thirdly, I reduce the length of the shank on which the "Globe" frame swivels
and substitute a trunnion c, provided with annular bearings, and c³, riding on
corresponding bearings formed in the casting c¹.

page_text: The swivelling frame is secured to its seat, by means of a transverse pin c*,
which engages an annular groove c, in the trunnion c, or it may be secured on
the end of the trunnion.
In my Provisional Specification I mention that in order to assist the swivelling
movement of the Globe frame, ball bearings may be introduced, but I find such
bearings are not necessary as the shoulder bearings 2, and 3, are sufficient for
all practicable purposes.
Fourthly, in establishing the electrical connection between my improved trolly
head and the electric conductor, I place over the head of the trolly pole d, a
copper cap d', which is insulated from the pole by a sleeve dª, and disc d³.
Through an aperture in the head of the copper cap is passed the terminal end
of the electric conductor e, and is secured by a nut e¹, or other convenient means.
By this arrangement the electrical connection between the conductor and the
trolly head is wholly concealed within the casting, and is protected from damp,
or the danger of accident.
Fifthly, I secure the trolly head to the trolly pole as follows, a wedge key f,
is dropped into a recess in the casting, against which impinge headless screws fa.
The head of the trolly pole being then pushed home as far as practicable, the
screws are tightened, whereby the trolly pole is gripped firmly and held
securely in the socket.
A lug g, is provided on the swivelling frame to take the cord used in bringing
the trolly head into contact with the trolly wire.
By the improvements herein described, the diameter of the collector wheel,
and also the depth of the Globe frame are considerably reduced, and a corres-
ponding diminution in the weight of the apparatus is effected.
"
My improved trolly head also possesses the advantage that being free from
slots, or shoulders of any kind, the liability of entanglement with the "frogs
and span wires, forming part of the overhead system of electrical traction, is
reduced to a minimum.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
First In trolly heads for electric tram cars, the use and application of a
slightly grooved collector wheel b, in combination with dome shaped swivelling
bearings 6, 61, provided with shoulders 6, 63, which partly fulfil the function of
the deep flanged collector wheel hitherto employed, substantially as herein
described.
Second: In trolly heads for electric tram cars, the method of seating the Globe
or swivelling frame b₁, b1, by means of a trunnion c, swivelling on annular
bearings, and, in the manner substantially as herein described.
Third: In trolly heads for electric tram cars, the method of establishing the
electric communication between the trolly head casting c¹, and the electric con-
ductor e, whereby the said connection is wholly concealed and protected from
damp and the danger of accident substantially as herein described and set forth.
Dated this 15th day of March 1899.
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
Agents for Applicant, 9, Westland Row, Dublin.