The Mechanical Handling and Storing of Material

ENDLESS ROPE AND CHAIN HAULAGE 255 The use of forked clips for engaging the trucks necessitates the rope running at all times at an equal distance above the line of rails. To ensure this, at those points where the inclination of the track alters, special guide pulleys are used. These consist of a series of rollers fitted round the circumference of a revolving disc. The spaces between the rollers will accommodate the clips on the trucks. Vertical sheaves have been used, and the ropes are also guided in a lateral direction by a similar contrivance. In order to meet sharp curves in the track, channel irons have been used in place of the ordinary rails. These have been bent to the correct curve, and the sections are of such dimensions as to allow of but little play for the wheels in the groove (see Figs. 370 and 371). Special sections of rail are used to join up the channel iron to the rails, so as to gently guide the wheels from one section to another. Otherwise the illustrations explain themselves. To prevent interference with the traffic by a runaway tub which might become Figs. 367 to 369. Automatic Trucks in connection with Rope Haulage Plant. disengaged, there are placed upon the inclined portions of the track stops, built for trucks travelling uphill, as well as for those moving in a downhill direction. Figs. 372 and 373 represent these appliances. The stop for tubs travelling in an upward direction consists of two levers which are fitted side by side in the track, and are coupled together by a horizontal axis round which they can rotate in the direction of the haulage. The axle is situated beneath the track, while the upright arms project above it (see illustration). In this position they are maintained by a weight. As the truck ascends the line, the axles of the wheels press the upright levers forward, and the truck passes over them without hindrance. Should the tub, however, by some accident, become detached, the levers catch and stop the descent because they do not admit of any backward movement. The shock to which the upright levers would be exposed under these circumstances is lessened by a powerful volute spring. The appliance for the descending truck is as follows : At certain distances from each other two pairs of levers, similar in construction to those just described, are fitted to