Improved System of Electric Traction and Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Mar., 1898-Accepted, 7th May, 1898
Improved System of Electric Traction and Apparatus therefor.
A communication from Joseph Paul ANNEY, of 47, Quai National, Puteaux (Seine)
in the Republic of France, Electrician.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, 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 relates to a system of electro-magnetic traction comprising several
new constructive devices illustrated by way of example in the accompanying draw-
ings, whereby an electric current generated in a fixed station may be transmitted
to vehicles moving on rails such for instance as tramways railways etc. The
principle underlying this system of transmission consists in arranging at regular
intervals at the surface of the line metallic parts or surfaces which are automatically
brought into electric circuit only at the moment of the passage of the vehicles
which collect the current by means of brushes or contacts.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Figs. 1 and 2 show the electric connection between the different parts of the
apparatus constituting the system according to the present invention,
Figs. 3 and 4 show diagrammatically the construction of the automatic apparatus
when at rest and working respectively.
Figs. 5 to 10 show constructional details of the automatic apparatus,
Figs. 11 to 14 show the construction of protective casings destined to enclose
the automatic apparatus
Figs. 15 to 17 indicate diagrammatically three contact devices for quickly placing
the electric portions of the automatic apparatus in communication with the dis-
tributing conductors
Figs. 18 to 20 indicate diagrammatically three forms of contact being modifica-
tions of those shown in Figs. 15 to 17.
Figs. 21 to 25 show constructional details of different parts of the contacts shown
in Fig 15.
Figs. 26 to 31 show the constructive details of different portions of the contact
shown diagrammatically in Fig. 16.
Figs. 32 to 37 show constructive details of the contacts shown diagrammatically
in Fig. 17.
Fig. 38 shows the fitting of the automatic apparatus in its casing.
Figs. 39 to 41 show diagrammatically the construction of three patterns of bases
or sockets used in the system according to the present invention. These figures
show at the same time the operations to be effected for the purpose of introducing
and securing the automatic apparatus.
Figs. 42 to 44 show constructive details of the pattern of the socket shown
diagrammatically in Fig. 40. In these figures the automatic apparatus as well

page_text: cable into the sockets which receive the automatic apparatus.
Figs. 50 to 53 show constructive details of three kinds of contacts, each pair being
mounted in single or separate insulated sockets.
Figs. 54 to 56 show a general view and constructive details of contacts used in the
system according to the present invention.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
Fig. 1 shows diagrammatically the general arrangement of electric connections
between the different parts constituting the system according to the present
invention.
The two poles of the generator G of the generating station are connected,
the pole to a wire arranged parallel to the tramway or other line f, the-
to the rails of the line, which are utilised as return.
-
- pole
In the centre of the line, at regular intervals (varying for tramways from say
4 to 8 yards according to the length of the vehicles) there are arranged in pairs,
metallic blocks p p¹ projecting slightly above the surface of the line.
One of the blocks 2 of each pair serves to transmit the main current, the other
block 21 serving to control the automatic apparatus.
The block transmitting the main current, is connected to one of the mercury
cups C of the automatic apparatus A as well as to one end of the winding of the
solenoid of the latter. The controlling block p¹ is connected to the other end of
the winding of the solenoid, the second mercury cup c¹ of the automatic apparatus
being connected to the main positive conductor parallel to the line.
The vehicles carry beside their motors M, a small battery B of accumulators as
well as two independent contacts F F which, when the car is moving, close
contact with the two series of metallic blocks. The motors M are connected at
their positive pole to the contact F which collects the current from the transmitting
block and at their negative pole to the metallic mass of the vehicles.
The battery B of accumulators is interposed in the main positive conductor and
connected on the other hand with the second contact F1 which makes contact with
controlling blocks p¹.
The battery of accumulators may also be inserted in the circuit as indicated
diagrammatically in Fig. 2, and without altering the whole arrangement, conse-
quently the reference letters of Fig. 1 apply also to Fig. 2.
AUTOMATIC APPARATUS.
The automatic apparatus that is used, is in reality simply an electro-magnetic
switch comprising a solenoid and mercury contacts, but it differs considerably from
the usual magnetic switches by new arrangements made for the purpose of rendering
the switch adapted for use for the transmission of current to electric cars moving
on railed track.
Among the principal features of automatic apparatus the following are more
particularly pointed out:-
1. The use of a solenoid provided with two magnetic cores secured together―
one inside and the other outside the winding so as to obtain a powerful apparatus
in a small compass.
2. The use of a casing of suitable shape for transport and for easy and quick
putting in place of the automatic apparatus in seekets destined to receive them
which are permanently secured in the ground parallel to the line to be supplied.

page_text: 3. The use of several special contacts enabling the electric parts of the apparatus
to be quickly placed in communication with the distributing conductors.
Figures 3 and 4 show diagrammatically in working position (Fig. 4) and in the
position of rest (Fig. 3) the arrangement of the automatic apparatus according to
the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a section through the line AB (Fig. 7) of the automatic apparatus.
Fig. 6 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section, of the socket support.
Fig. 7 is a plan
Fig. 8 is a section through B C of Fig. 6
Fig. 9 is a plan of the socket support only, and
Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the socket-support.
The winding of the solenoid S is effected round a cylindrical core or reel D
resting by means of a shoulder on the upper flange on a copper tube T joining the
upper end of the support I of moulded insulating material (ebonite etc.)
Through the interior of the solenoid passes a cylindrical core N, and said solenoid
is surrounded outside by a ring H. These two parts are made of soft iron and
participate in each other's movements by means of three cords ff passing over
pulleys p p arranged so as to be symmetrical in plan-on uprights m projecting
from the reel about which the coil is wound.
"
This arrangement of solenoid with double "
core 'an inner and an outer one-
which has for its object to utilise the whole attractive power of the current enables
an apparatus to be obtained giving a large power in a small compass by means
of which parts of considerable weight can be moved. This heaviness ensures in
a reliable manner the return of the parts at the moment of the interruption of the
current, to their position of rest. It must be mentioned that for this purpose the
outer ring is heavier than the central core.
To the lower end of the central core is secured a metallic fork U having a large
surface of contact which engages with or enters at the moment of working of the
apparatus two metallic cups CC containing mercury. These cups are arranged in
recesses or cavities made in the interior of the circular recess forming the cup on
the socket support. The shape and depth of the cups and the manner in which
they are closed in an air-tight manner are such that the mercury cannot escape in
whatever position the whole may accidentally come and always returns into its
normal place as soon as the apparatus resumes its vertical position.
Casings for the automatic apparatus. To protect the automatic apparatus against
any possible shocks during transport and to facilitate their being quickly put in
place in the sockets they are arranged within casings of suitable shape selected with
à view to be used for connecting by means of a bayonet or similar joint. These
casings are shown in Figs. 11 to 14, Fig. 11 being an outside view Fig. 12 being
a partial section on line A-B of Fig. 14 Fig. 13 a plan and Fig. 14 an underside
view.
These casings consist of cylindrical elongated tubes closed at the top, the diameter
of the upper portion being greater than that of the body so as to form a shoulder.
This shoulder serves to rest in a circular opening of the same diameter made in
the upper part or in the cover of the socket destined to receive the automatic
apparatus.
To effect the connection of the two the head of the casing is provided at its
periphery with two grooves R R arranged diametrically opposite and inclined
with which engage two pins or projections g, g, on the interior of the cylindrical.
surface of the cover of the socket (see Fig. 39bis).
At its upper surface first with a central passage V through which passes an iron
wire or the like serving as a ring and destined to facilitate the transport of the
apparatus by means of a hook (Fig. 40) then with two other openings X X arranged
diametrically opposite and serving to receive a key with pins (Fig. 41) by means
of which the apparatus may be turned through 1/4 of a revolution so as to fix it in
its socket.

page_text: Contacts. In order to bring the electric portions of the automatic apparatus
quickly in communication with the distributing wires entering the sockets several
special contact-devices according to the present invention have been designed to
suit different requirements. These devices are diagrammatically shown in Figs. 15
to 20 of the accompanying drawings.
As may be seen from these figures the contact-devices comprise two distinct parts
supplementing each other and arranged one at the lower portion of the automatic
apparatus and the other at the end of the conductors entering the sockets.
The insertion of the automatic apparatus in their sockets effects, at the same time,
the electrical connection of the distributing conductors, in the same manner as the
insertion of an electric incandescence lamp in its socket or holder effects a similar
connection. The arrangement of contact devices in which connection is made
by means of plugs (Fig. 15) does not possess this advantage, as a supplementary
manipulation is required.
Contact-devices with plugs. In the contact device diagrammatically shown in
Fig. 15 and in constructive detail half size in Figs. 21 to 25 the supports I of the
automatic apparatus have at their lower end 3 chambers formed by partition walls,
said chambers containing three cylindrical split rods or plugs Z called contact plugs
connected on one hand to the two ends of the solenoid winding and on the other
hand to the two mercury cups.
The ends of the distributing conductors are secured inside copper tubes or
sockets Y which are introduced by hand on the plugs secured to the lower portion
of the support of the automatic apparatus.
Figs. 21 and 25 are sections through the line A B Fig. 23.
Fig 22 is a section through the line B C Fig. 23.
Fig. 23 is an underside view and
Fig. 24 is an elevation.
Contact devices with spring stud contacts. In the construction of contact devices
diagrammatically shown in Fig. 16 and in constructive detail half dize in Figs. 26
to 31 the support I of the automatic apparatus is recessed at its lower part so as
to form a protective bell or cup. Inside this recess are secured on five bosses three
contact pieces-two arc-shaped bands K K arranged symmetrically round a
washer and connected to the mercury cups and to the winding of the solenoid
as shown in the drawings.
The ends of the distributing conductors are secured to the end of studs L which a
have preferably semi-spherical heads and rest on a fixed support M of insulating
material elastic rubber rings J being arranged between L and M. The shape of
this support has the appearance of three ordinary bell-insulators arranged side by
side. This shape has been chosen with a view to obtaining good insulation between
the three studs and between the latter and the earth.
Figure 26 is a section on the line A B of Figure 29.
Figure 27 is a section on the line B C of Figure 29.
Figure 28 is a section on the line CD of Figure 29.
Figure 29 is an underside view.
Figure 30 an elevation.
Figure 31 is a plan of the insulating support.
4
4
Brush contact devices. In the contact devices shown diagrammatically in
Fig. 17 and constructively half size in Figs. 32 to 37 the support I of the automatic
apparatus having the appearance of an insulator with double bell is provided at its
periphery with two metallic parts QQ having the shape of elongated crescent 5
arranged diametrically opposite each other and at the lower part of the central
hell with a washer P. All these three parts are also connected as hereinbefore
described to the electric parts of the automatic apparatus.
The ends of the three distributing conductors are connected to flexible metallic
brushes W. having preferably an L shape and made of several superposed blades 5

page_text: Fig. 5.
Fig. 33 is a section on the line BC of Fig. 35.
Fig. 34 is a section on the line C D of Fig. 37.
Fig. 35 is an underside view.
Fig. 36 is an elevation.
Fig. 37 is a section on the line D E of Fig. 34.
Combined contact devices. The three types of contact devices hereinbefore
described may be combined in different ways thus for instance as indicated in
Figs. 18, 19, and 20 the inventor laying claim also to these combinations.
Sockets for receiving the automatic apparatus. The automatic apparatus pro-
vided with their casings as well as with their contact devices must be introduced
into sockets secured permanently in the ground and into which enter the ends
of the distributing wires that have to be connected to these apparatus.
Figs. 39, 39bi 40 and 41 show diagrammatically three patterns of sockets which
are designed for receiving the automatic apparatus. These Figs. show at the same
time the operations required to put the latter in place.
The socket as shown in Fig. 39 consists of a cast-iron receptacle the upper
portion of which is provided with openings necessary for the introduction of the
automatic apparatus.
The socket of the kind shown in Fig. 40 is constituted by two parts one fixed
part S constituting the socket proper and the other part C serving as a cover and
being movable only at the moment of its being put in place.
The third type is illustrated in Fig. 41 it also consists of two parts a fixed
part S¹ and a movable part C¹ forming a cover with a depending flange joint.
This latter type is convenient when it is desired to inspect the interior of the
apparatus frequently.
Figs. 42 to 47 show half-size and in constructive detail the two latter types
of socket the automatic apparatus provided with stud contact devices (Figs. 16,
26 to 31) and brush-contacts (Figs. 17, 32 to 37) being shown dotted. The supports
for these two kinds of contact devices as well as the manner of securing them to the
socket are also indicated in these figures.
The wires penetrate into the sockets through iron tubes inserted into them.
This method of introducing wires not being always satisfactory as to the tightness
of joint two ways have been designed of introducing the cables which present new
features and the exclusive use of which is claimed.
In the first method (Fig. 48) a tight joint at the point where the cable is intro-
duced is obtained by means of a so-called stuffing box joint as often used in
machinery. The movable flange B (Fig. 48) is bolted to a fixed branch T cast with
the socket and compresses cotton waste and jute or other filling material arranged
at F which forms a packing or tight joint. Sleeves M of insulating material
prevent the direct contact of the metallic armour of the cable with the material of
the socket. An insulator I is also arranged at the point where the cable enters
the socket and improves the insulation.
In the second method (Fig. 49) the socket is provided at the point where the
cable is to enter with a passage closed by means of an insulator I' containing in its
centre a cylindrical rod T¹ projecting at both ends beyond the insulator. The
portion outside the socket is connected to the table either by soldering or by means
of set screws or otherwise. The joint is protected by means of a casing C previously
placed on the cable and screwed to the outer surface of the socket. The space V
in this casing is filled with insulating composition through an opening closed by
means of a screw-plug B. A sleeve M₁ of insulating material placed at the
entrance to the casing prevents any contact of the latter with the metallic armour
of the cable.

page_text: CONTACT-BLOCKS.
These parts form the intermediate link between the fixed parts of the material,
comprising the generating station, the conduits and the automatic apparatus, and
the movable part, comprising the cars with their motors, switch devices, accumu-
lators and contact pieces.
The contact blocks used in the present invention are constituted by a movable
cylindrical block B, of, say, chilled cast iron, the upper part of which is preferably
spheroidal and projects above the roadway to enable contact with the contact
pieces carried by the car to be effected.
These contact blocks may be mounted in pairs either on simple insulating
blocks, (Fig. 50), comprising an insulating block made in one piece, and provided
with two vertical passages connected by a groove or passage in the lower portion
of the block, a cover, also of insulating material, and connected to the lower portion
of the block, and a tube for receiving the wires passing through said plate, or on
separate insulating blocks (Fig. 51), comprising three insulating blocks, each of
the outer two of which supports a contact block, said three blocks being arranged
in a single cast iron frame divided into three compartments connected with one
another by a horizontal passage, a tube being provided through which the wires
are introduced to be connected to the contact blocks and secured by a cast iron
frame enclosing them and connected to an iron tube terminating at the socket of
the corresponding automatic apparatus; or they may be mounted on insulating
blocks (Fig. 53) arranged in a cast iron frame, serving as a support, as herein before
explained.
There are thus according to the present invention, three methods of mounting the
contact blocks on the insulating blocks the two last methods being illustrated
full size in Figs. 52 and 53.
The contact block Fig. 52 is secured in a cylindrical socket D in the insulating
block. This socket is provided at its centre with a screw threaded nipple or pro-
jection O cast on and connected to the wire F connected to the corresponding
automatic apparatus.
The contact block shown in Fig. 53 is similarly mounted in a cylindrical socket
in the insulating block but the nipple of this socket is tubular and provided with
a screw thread on its inner surface which is closed by a plug U through the centre
of which passes a cylindrical rod N secured by means of a nut E. This rod is
firmy connected to the end of the wire connected to the automatic apparatus.
The contact blocks may be screwed into their sockets by means of a key with
pins introduced into two holes & made in their upper surface.
TRAVELLING CONTACT.
The trolley for making contact in tramways with the aerial conductor is replaced
according to the present invention by metallic contacts arranged under the body
of the car (Figs. 54, 55 and 56).
d of mil hour or alamants & arranged
{
The trolley for making contact in tramways with the aerial conductor is replaced
according to the present invention by metallic contacts arranged under the body
of the car (Figs. 54, 55 and 56).
A very elastic contact has been devised formed of rigid hows or claments 1 arranged
end to end and connected with one another by. a very flexible metallic blade M
(Fig. 56) which forms both a mechanical and electrical connection.
This contact is then arranged in a rigid support R of suitable shape and attached
to the body of the car by means of two rods L or pivotted levers. The whole forms
thus a parallelogram one of the long sides of which is fixed viz., that formed by
the body of the carriage. The other long side the movable one consists of the
carrier R for the contact bars.
The contact carrier R is constituted by a split tube containing an elastic or
resilient chamber O filled with compressed air exercising pressure on the flanged
bar 6 of the contact-pieces previously introduced into the tube. This air chamber
is similar to that used in cycle tyres and may consist of a canvas tube coated with
rubber, inflated by means of a hand pump.

page_text: During the time that the car travels the contact bars pass over the contact
blocks P with an energetic friction and are slightly pushed up during such passage.
each element of the contact is nearly completely independent of its neighbour and
can easily be inclined in all directions so that contact should be formed with each
contact block passed during the travel of the car.
The contact carrier owing to its flexible attachment can move in the direction
opposite to that of the travel of the car at the same time as it rises above the
ground so that it can pass, without being injured over obstacles or uneven places
which may be accidentally met with on the surface of the linc.
A stop m placed in front of the central carrier enables the distance between
the contact bars and the surface of the line to be regulated. Springs r tend to
hold the whole normally in the lowest position allowed by the stop. A chain or a
cord F, secured at the back enables the contact carrier to be raised so as to allow
the car to turn on turn tables or to pass from or change from the underground
electro-magnetic traction to say an aerial line.
This form of contact can be also easily applied to cars travelling in both directions
without turning at the ends of the line.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. An electric traction system comprising a generating dynamo the positive pole
of which is connected to a main cable arranged parallel to the rails the negative
pole being connected to the rails of the line automatic apparatus arranged along the
line at intervals slightly less than the length of the car each of the automatic
apparatus being connected on one hand to the main positive cable and on the
other hand to two contact-blocks arranged side by side in the centre of the line
said automatic apparatus consisting of two mercury cups one connected to the main
positive cable the other to one of the contact blocks and to one end of the winding
of a solenoid (constituting the operating device of the automatic apparatus) the
other end of the winding of the solenoid being connected to the second
contact block the solenoid operating (when the automatic apparatus
is operative) a movable magnetic device supporting a metallic fork dipping into
the mercury cups whereby a shunt current from the main current passes into one
of the contact blocks when a car passes over said block in combination with two
parallel contact bars on the car adapted to come in contact with the two lines of
contact blocks embedded in the roadway storage batteries being interposed in the
main positive conductor extending from one contact bar to the positive pole of an
electric motor on the car-the other contact bar being connected by a conductor
branching off from the line connecting the storage batteries with the positive pole
of the electric motor-the negative pole of the electric motor being connected to
the wheels of the car and thereby to the rails which serve as return for the current
to the negative pole of the dynamo, substantially as described.
2. In an electric traction system of the character described an automatic
apparatus for conveying current to the contact blocks comprising a solenoid the
winding of which is effected round a cylindrical core of non-magnetic material
provided with two flanges the upper flange carrying brackets supporting pulleys
as pa core of magnetic metal suspended in the centre of the winding of the
solenoid and ending in a rod or tube of non-magnetic material supporting a metallic
fork adapted to dip into mercury cups in the base a ring of magnetic metal sus-
pended outside the winding of the solenoid cords (passing over the pulleys)
connecting the core and the ring a base of insulating material forming a cup and
provided with two metallic mercury cups substantially as described.
3. In an electric traction system of the character described
a casing
for the automatic apparatus described comprising a cast iron cylinder
open at the bottom and closed at the top the outer diameter of the

page_text: upper part or head being greater than that of the body of the cylinder said head
being provided on its periphery with two grooves R and R inclined so as to form
a screw thread to enable it to be connected to its socket by a bayonet joint, and
at the upper surface with two diametrically opposite holes or recesses X X enabling
a key to be used for turning the part and with a central hole provided with an iron
wire serving as a suspension ring for transporting purposes substantially as
described.
4. In an electric traction system of the character described a contact device for
connecting the automatic apparatus to the distributing conductors comprising a
base of insulating material serving as a support for the automatic apparatus the
lower portion of this base forming a protective bell divided by three partitions into
three equal parts each containing a plug secured in the base said plugs being
electrically connected to the mercury cups and to the two ends of the winding
of the solenoid in combination with sockets provided with insulating sleeves and
secured to the ends of the distributing conductors and adapted to receive the plugs
substantially as described.
5. In an electric traction system of the character described, a contact device for
connecting the automatic apparatus to the distributing conductors, comprising a
base of insulating material serving as a support for the automatic apparatus the
lower portion of said base forming a protective bell and comprising five projections
to which are secured to the central projection a washer O provided with a tail, to
the other four projections arranged symmetrically round the central one, two
arc shaped bands K K arranged concentrically about the washer O, these three parts
being electrically connected to mercury cups and to two ends of the winding of the
solenoid cylindrical rods with semi-spherical heads secured to the ends of the
distributing conductors and adapted to come in contact with the parts K K 0, a
bar M of insulating material to support the three contact studs and washers of
rubber or other elastic material, pressing the studs against the parts KK O
substantially as described,
6. In an electric traction system of the character described, a contact device for
connecting the automatic apparatus to the distributing conductors, comprising
a base of insulating material forming the bottom of the automatic apparatus
described the lower portion of said base forming a protecting double bell and pro-
vided under the central bell with a central projection to which is secured a washer P
provided with a tail the outer periphery of the central bell having two metallic
plates as QQ, these three parts PQQ being electrically connected to the mercury cups
and to the two ends of the winding of the solenoid, metallic brushes as W, formed
of several elastic blades connected to the end of the distributing conductors and
adapted to come in contact with the parts P Q Q and a support T of insulating
material for the brushes substantially as described.
7. A modification of the contact devices described comprising a central washer
as and two crescent shaped parts Q1 Q¹ and electrically connected to the two
mercury cups and to the two ends of the winding of the solenoid, in combination
with three contacts W1 W L¹ (two brushes and a stud) secured to the ends of the
distributing conductors, substantially as described.
8. A modification of the contact devices described, comprising a central plug
and two segmental bands K¹ K¹ arranged concentrically around the plug, con-
nected electrically with two mercury cups and the two ends of the winding of the
solenoid in combination with a socket as Y' and two studs L L secured to the ends
of distributing conductors substantially as described.
9. A modification of the contact devices described, comprising a central plug
as Z¹, and two crescent shaped parts Q1 Q¹ electrically connected to two mercury
cups and to the two ends of the winding of the solenoid in combination with three
contacts two brushes W and a socket Y¹ secured to the ends of the distributing
conductors substantially as described.
10. In an electric traction system of the character described a receiver consisting

page_text: of a cylinder provided in its upper portion with a cylindrical opening, provided
with two pins arranged diametrically opposite each other and adapted to engage
with grooves in the head or cap of the protective casing of the automatic apparatus,
substantially as described.
11. In an electric traction system of the character described a receiver formed
in two parts one S serving as a base the other C as a cover provided with a
cylindrical opening and having two pins arranged diametrically opposite each
other and adapted to engage with the grooves in the head of the protective casing
of the automatic apparatus substantially as described.
12. In an electric traction system of the character described a receiver formed
of two parts one as S¹ with a grooved flange serving as a base the other as C¹ with
a depending flange serving as a cover and provided with a cylindrical opening
two pins being arranged diametrically opposite each other on the cover and being
adapted to engage with the grooves in the head of the protecting casing of the
automatic apparatus substantially as described.
13. In an electric traction system of the character described means for forming
a water tight joint between the cable and base comprising an extension T on the
body of the base containing the automatic apparatus a flanged collar B secured
to the branch an insulating sleeve M in the centre of the flanged collar through
which cable passes a second sleeve M¹ closing the opening of an insulator I screwed
on the sleeve M¹ packing material between the two sleeves and forming a hermetic
plug substantially as described.
14. In an electric traction system of the character described means for forming
a water tight joint between the cable and base comprising a casing as C secured
to the outer surface of the base containing the automatic apparatus an insulator I¹
closing the opening in the base a rod T connected to the cable and entering the base
passing through the centre of the insulator I¹ insulating packing material in the
space V a sleeve M¹ between the cable and the casing C and means for introducing
the insulating material substantially as described.
15. In an electric traction system of the character described track contact blocks
comprising a movable metallic block as B provided with recesses for use in securing
it in position said block being secured in a fixed cup D set in insulating material
and connected to the electric conductor of corresponding automatic apparatus
substantially as described.
16. In an electric traction system of the character described track contact blocks
comprising a movable metallic block B provided with recesses t and secured in a
fixed socket D in an insulating block said socket comprising a central tubular
projection closed by a tubular plug through which passes a rod N secured to the
plug by means of a nut said rod being secured to an electric conductor connected
to the corresponding automatic apparatus substantially as described.
17. In an electric traction system of the character described, track contact blocks
comprising an insulating block made in one piece and provided with two vertical
passages connected by a groove or passage in the lower portion of the block a cover,
also of insulating material and connected to the lower portion of the block and a
tube for receiving the wires passing through said plate substantially as described.
18. In electric traction system of the character described track contact blocks
comprising three insulating blocks each of the outer two of which supports a contact
block said three blocks being arranged in a single cast iron frame divided into
three compartments connected with one another by a horizontal passage and a tube
through which the wires are introduced to be connected to the contact blocks
substantially as described.
19. In an electric traction system of the character described contacts or collector
devices secured to the vehicle comprising a split tube as R connected by pivotted
rods to the car said split tube containing a series of abutting contact plates as
and connected together mechanically and electrically by means of a flexible
metallic strip M the upper part of the collectors being held in the split tube

page_text: supporting them and pressed towards the ground the by an elastic tube filled with
compressed air substantially as described.
1
1
1000
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.