BROWN'S ELECTRIC SPEED REGULATOR.
Mr. Brown's system is based upon a new idea. The apparatus (see figure) consists of two contacts connected by an electric circuit. One of them, b, is fixed to the ship in such a way as to be constantly in the water, while the other, a, corresponds to the position above which the screw cannot rise without taking on a dangerous velocity. In the normal situation of the ship, the electric circuit, c (in which circulates a current produced by a dynamo, d), is closed through the intermedium of the water, which establishes a connection between the two contacts. When the contact, a, rises out of the water, the current is interrupted. The electro, d, then frees its armature, f, and the latter is pulled back by a spring—a motion that sets in action a small steam engine that closes the moderator valve. When the contact, a, is again immersed, the electro, e, attracts its armature, and thus brings the moderator valve back to its normal position. It is clear that the contact, a, must be insulated from the ship's side.
Several contacts, a, might be advantageously arranged one above another, in order to close the moderator valve more or less, according to the extent of the screw's rise or fall.
MAGNETO-ELECTRIC CROSSING SIGNAL.
We illustrate to-day a new application of electricity to railroad crossing signaling which the Pennsylvania Steel Company, of Steelton, Pa., has just perfected. By its operation an isolated highway crossing in the woods or any lonely place can be made perfectly safe, and that, too, without the expense of gates and a man to work them or of a flagman. It is surely a great improvement over the old methods, and it is likely to have a large sale. In addition to considerations of safety, possible saving in salaries to railroad companies by its use will be great. This device is more reliable than a human being, and can make any crossing safe to which it is applied. Its operation is described as follows:
FIG. 2.—MAGNETO-ELECTRIC CROSSING SIGNAL