The Mechanical Handling and Storing of Material

ROPEWAYS 285 brake gear in the rear. Attached also to these carriers is a balance hauling rope which is led to the lower terminal, and, passing over two 4-ft. guide pulleys, is led round an 8-ft. return wheel, which, as has been stated above, is carried on the frame on which the tightening gear slides. The brake gear consists of two 8-ft. diameter wooden grooved wheels, each fitted with a brake sheave, the whole being carried on a vertical shaft. These brake straps are supported on one standard, and brought together at the other standard by means of levers working in opposite directions operated by screws. A suitable suspension arrangement was provided to keep the brake straps free from the flanges of the brake ring. Subsequently, owing to the necessity of applying steam power for bringing up- workmen, etc., a bevel rim was fitted to the lower brake wheel, which, working in conjunction with a bevel pinion carried on a shaft, in connection with a steam engine, is employed when it is necessary to work the line by steam. As it is necessary that the man who works the brakes shall have a full view of the movement of the carriers, chain wheels are fitted to the screws which operate the brakes ; these communicate by chains with two other chain wheels with hand wheels fitted to the trestle frame which stands at the edge of the cliff.