Improvements in the Mode and Means for Operating the Poles or Masts of Electrical Cars or Vehieles for Tramways.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Feb., 1899-Accepted, 29th Apr., 1899
Improvements in the Mode and Means for Operating the Poles or
Masts of Electrical Cars or Vehieles for Tramways.
I, WALTER RUTHERFORD, of 110, Cannon Street, London, Electrical Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
My invention has for its object improvements in the mode and means for
operating the poles or masts of electrical cars or vehicles for tramways which
allows the poles to be moved from one wire or cable to another in a more
convenient and expeditious manner.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and more easily carried
into practical effect I have appended hereunto a sheet of drawings upon which
an example of my invention is given.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a mast or pole A attached to the car E and
capable of radiating upon its pivot a² so as to make a complete circle around its
centre or pivot.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the gravitating carriage cord holder which is
the important part of my present invention.
Figure 3 is an end elevation of the gravitating carriage cord holder.
Now
At the present time it is usual to carry a long stick or cane having a hook at
its end for the purpose of moving the pole or mast A from one wire to another
or for its readjustment in case it runs from under the wire or cable.
according to my present invention I make a gravitating carriage B which is
fitted with rollers 6' 6' and also with a cord sheave 62. This carriage is free to
move between points 1 and 2 upon the mast A there being a stop or collar a at
the lower position 1 to prevent the carriage B from gravitating too far or too
near the car or vehicle. The cord C is attached near the outer end of the mast
at c and then continues down the mast at c³, then passing over the sheave 68
and then it hangs loosely by the side of the car or vehicle at c and the end of the
cord may be attached loosely to the car by a ring hook or other fastening ready
to the hand of the conductor or driver of the car. To use the cord for the purpose
of operating the trolley end a¹ of the mast it is only necessary to draw the cord
at tightly when the gravitating carriage B will at once run up the mast A
until it reaches point 2 where it is shewn in dotted lines when the cord will
effectively operate the end of the mast at the most advantageous part thereof
which is of course the trolley end. Immediately this is done and the pressure
upon the cord O is released the gravitating carriage B runs down the mast A to
the collar a³ by which means the cord is drawn up under the mast again entirely
out of the way. I do not confine myself to the particular design of the carriage B
shewn as this may be greatly varied so long as there is provision for holding the
cord so as to keep it up to the mast but I have shewn a practical mode though
in some cases a simple device or ring would answer the purpose so long as its
weight is sufficient to raise the cord quickly.
D
:

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
CLAIMS.
First: The improvements in the mode and means for operating the poles or 5
masts of electrical cars or vehicles for tramways and the like consisting essentially
of a such like gravitating carriage as B or its equivalent, attached to the mast A
and holding the cord C in suspension substantially as herein set forth and as shewn
upon the drawings by Figures 1 to 3 inclusive.
Second-In electrical vehicles the combination with the mast A of the carriage B
or its equivalent as and for the purpose herein set forth and shown.
Dated this cord day of rebruary 1000.
WALTER RUTHERFORD.
By George Barker,
Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents,
Agent for Applicant, 77, Colmore Row, Birmingham.