US2146705A - Overhead intersection for conductors of trackless trolleys - Google Patents

Description

G. F. ATKINSON ET AL ;705

OVERHEAD INTERSECTION FOR CONDUCTORS 0F TRACKLESS TROLLEYS Feb. 14, 1939.

3 heets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 29, 1957 TORS T/f/NSON 61 5M A. NOR/SE77! MW ATTORNEY Feb. 14, 1939. G. F. ATKINSON ET AL OVERHEAD IfITERSECTION FOR CONDUGTORS OF TRACKLESS TROLLEYS Filed Nov. 29, 1937 .3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS GEORGE Fflr/mvso/v 61.51% 5 Ofi/SETTE 6 5w NE Feb. 14, 1939. G, F. ATKINSON ET'AL 2,146,705

OVERHEAD INTERSECTION FOR CONDUCTORS OF TRACKLESS TROLIJEYS Filed'Nov. 29, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS GEORGE F ATK\N ON QLEMBL, MOR\SETTE Patented Feb. 14, 1939 UNITED STAT FICE George F. Atkinson, Benton, and Clem L.

sette, Seattle, Wash.

Mori- Application November 29, 1937, Serial No. 177,110

7 Claims.

This invention relates to an overhead intersection for the wires of a trackless trolley and the general object of this invention is to simplify overhead intersections of this type and reduce to a minimum the number of cross overs of positive and negative electrical conductors.

In the usual trackless trolley system each overhead trolley line comprises two parallel spaced apart electrical conductors, one positive and the other negative. For double track operation on any street two of these double conductor overhead lines are required. Where the overhead lines on two streets cross each other, as at street intersections, it is common practice to extend the four conductors on one street across the four conductors on the other street and to also provide turn-out conductors connecting the several intersecting trolley lines in such a manner as to make it possible for a trolley coach or bus to proceed from any street to any other street at the intersection. In accordance with standard practice this requires that conductors of different polarity be crossed in at least thirty two different places at a single intersection where four conductors extending in one direction cross four other conductors extending in another direction. In accordance with standard practice it is necessary to provide insulator means at each of these cross overs of conductors of difierent polarity. Also in cross overs of the usual type the insulators are subjected to considerable strain and for this reason are subject to a substantial amount of deterioration and are liable to break down.

In accordance with this invention we provide intersection means for the overhead electrical conductors of trackless trolleys in which the number of cross overs of negative and positive conductors is reduced to about one fourth that of standard practice and in which the suspended weight is reduced to about one half as compared to .the weight heretofore commonly employed in standard practice. Thus for an intersection formerly necessitating .thirty two cross overs of conductors of opposite polarity and involving a relatively heavy weight we provide an intersection requiring only eight cross overs and requiring only about one half of the weight formerly required. We accomplish this saving by employing a totally difierent type of cross over construction.

It is an object of this invention to provide efficient intersection means for the overhead electrical conductors of trackless trolleys which requires only approximately one fourth of the number of cross overs of conductors of opposite polarity now required in a given installation in accordance with standard practice.

It is another object of this invention to provide an intersection means for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley which, as compared to the usual installation of similar type, will require less insulators and will admit of the use of insulators which are less expensive and more durable, and which will require less parts and will save a great deal of expense over and above the cost of the usual installation of the same type.

Other and more specific objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of an overhead intersection means for trackless trolley electrical conductors constructed in accordance with this invention only the conductors and insulators and frogs being shown and the supporting structure being omitted.

Fig. 2 is a similar plan view showing the supporting structure, partly diagrammatically, and showing parts of the conductors.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary elevation on broken line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and on a larger scale than Fig. 2, showing parts of the supporting means and showing the hanger and insulator means for the conductors.

Fig. 4 is a cross section substantially on broken line 4-4 of Fig. 2, the scale of Fig. 4, being larger than the scale of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view similar to Fig. 1, showing intersection means which may be employed to take care of overhead. trolley conductor means extending outwardly in three directions from the intersection. 7

Like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, 5 designates an inner conductor member and 6 designates an outer conductor member which is spaced outwardly from the inner conductor member. The two conductor members 5 and 6 are each of loop shape and said two conductor members are positioned in substantially the same plane, usually above a street intersection, and the loop formed by the conductor member 6 is larger than the loop formed by the conductor member 5 and extends around the loop formed by the conductor member 5 in spaced relation thereirom. Both conductor members 5 and 6 extend substantially throughout three hundred sixty degrees and may be substantially circular, as shown in Fig. l. The outer conductor member 6 is preferably constructed in sections which are preferably spaced apart by blocks of insulating material, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The blocks I I serve toinsulate other conductors which cross the outer circular conductor 6, as hereinafter described, and also provide means over which the shoe or wheel on the upper end of a trolley pole, not shown, may coast in traveling from one section to another of the outer conductor member 6.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, trackless trolley lines approach the conductors 5 and 6 from four directions. These trackless trolley lines consist of pairs of electrical conductors and these conductors are numbered 8 to 23 inclusive. The outermost conductors of each trolley line, namely the conductors. 8, l I, l2, l5, l6, I9, and 23 are suitably curved outwardly and are connected by suitable overhead frogs 24- with the outer conductor 6. The innermost conductors 9, I6, l3, l4, l1, l8, 2|, 22 are similarly curved outwardly and extend across the outer conductor 6 on the insulating blocks 1 and are connected by overhead frogs 24 with the inner conductor 5. The overhead frogs preferably are of the well known conventional type commonly used in connection with overhead trolley conductors.

The inner conductor 5: and the conductors 9, l6, l3, l4, l1, I8, 2| and 22 connected therewith are all of one polarity. The outer conductor 6. and conductors 8, ll, l2, l5, 16, I9 20 and 23 connected therewith, are all. of the other polarity.

The insulators I are preferably pieces of insulating material, such as hardwood or fiber, about two feet long. These insulators are suitably shaped to guide the trolley shoe or wheel smoothly across the insulator from one section of conductor 6 to another. All conductors of opposite polarity from the outer conductor memher 6, which cross said outer conductor member extend across the insulators 1. The two conductors 5 and 6 and the two conductors of each trolley line are preferably spaced about two feet apart. No tension strain is exerted on the insulators l.

The conductors 5 and 6 are preferably sup.-v

ported by hangers. 25 which are connected with inner and outer supporting members 2'6 and 21. The supportingmembers 2,6 and 21 may be supported in spaced apart relation bybrackets or spacers 28 of insulating material. I are preferably connected directly with the outer supporting member 21, see Figs. 1 and 4. The members 26 and 21 may be suspended in any suitable manner, such as by inclined cables 29 connected with a central ring 30 which is supported above the supports 26 and 2". by other cables 3| connected with poles 32 or other supports at the sidesof the street. This suspension means is omitted in Fig. 1, and is shown some.- what diagrammaticallyin Fig. 2. Strain insulators 34 are preferably provided at suitable locations in the cables 29 and suspension type strain insulators 35 are preferably used to connect the inner supporting member 26with, said cables 29.

The straight portions of the conductors 8 to 23 inclusive are connected. with the supporting members 26 and, 21. by suitable tension members 33 which maintain a straight pull on the straight portions of the conductors and. relieve strain in the curved portions by. which the conductors 8 The insulators.

to 23 inclusive are connected with the central conductors 5 and 6. Preferably the cables 29 are connected with the outer supporting member 21 substantially in line with the tension members 33.

In operation, this overhead intersection means, as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, permits a trackless trolley car to turn to the right on the first intersecting line, or to proceed substantially straight through the intersection, or to follow substantially three fourths of the way around the conductors 5 and 6 and then turn to the right, or to make a U turn and proceed back along the same street on which it approached the intersection.

This overhead intersection will also admit of reverse or backing movement in the same manner as an ordinary overhead intersection.

In accordance with common practice a trackless trolley coach using our intersection will ordinarily use the right hand overhead trolley line and will turn to the right in all turns, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 1. When a trolley coach. is proceeding through the intersection without turning, it will be understood that the coach may follow a substantially straight course through the intersection, while the trolley poles, which admit of a considerable amount of side deviation, will follow the curved and circular tracks until they reach the straight tracks at the other side of the intersection. The trolleys shoes or wheels will coast over the insulators I. In locations where the trolley coach will ordinarily follow a course which is offset to one side of the overhead conductors it is sometimes desirable to position the overhead conductor which is furtherest away from the trolley coach at a lower elevation than the closer conductor. This enables. the trolley shoes or wheels on the trolley poles to maintain a better engagement with the conductors. The size of the curved three hundred and sixty degree tracks provided by the central conductor members may be varied to suit conditions.

Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings illustrate a typical form of intersection where two overhead double trolley lines extend outwardly from the intersection at right angles to each other. It will be understood that our intersection means is equally well adapted for other types of intersections where the overhead. trolley lines are not at right angles to each other or are offset as respects each other or where a greater or less number of overhead trolley lines are involved.

In overhead intersections, as heretofore constructed, where two double trackless trolley lines radiate outwardly from the intersection it has been common practice to provide at least thirty two cross overs where conductors of oppositepolarity cross each other. The total weight of the suspended parts of such intersections has neces sarily been relatively great. In accordance with this invention we provide an overhead intersection of this type which has but eightcross overs of conductors of opposite polarity, which only requires a suspended, weight of about one half that formerly required, and which will accomplish all of the functionsof the previously, con.- structed overhead intersections and will accomplish some of those functions in a more satisfactory manner. For instance, with the usual overhead trackless trolley intersection it is necessary to back or reverse the trolley car to make a three quarter turn or a U turn, but with this intersection either the three quarter or U turn maybe quickly and easily made without reversmg.

The saving in number of cross overs and in suspended weight results in a great saving in the expense of initial installation and a further saving in the cost of maintenance. In Fig. 5, we show a modification of the invention adapted to an intersection in which overhead trackless trolley conductors extend outwardly in three directions from the intersection. In this disclosure we provide an inner central conductor 36 and an outer central conductor 31 both of which extend in curved paths throughout three'hundred and sixty degrees although these conductors are not circular. Three sets of double overhead trackless trolley conductors 38 to 49 inclusive extend toward and are connected with the conductors 36 and 31 in a manner similar to that disclosed in Fi 1. It will be noted that the conductors 36 and 31 are not circular and that the intersecting conductors 38 to 49 are not in alignment with each other. The invention may be modified to suit Various other types of intersections. The operation of the overhead intersection shown in Fig. 5, is substantially the same as the operation of the devices shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings clearly disclose a preferred embodiment of our invention but it will be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative and that changes may be made within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

We claim:

1. An intersection structure for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley system, comprising two electrical conductor members positioned above a street intersection and extending throughout substantially three hundred sixty degrees in spaced apart curved paths of smaller and larger size which are in substantially the same plane, the path of one conductor member being inside of the path of the other conductor member; and a plurality of pairs of other overhead electrical conductor members forming trackless trolley lines intersecting and connected with said two first named conductor members.

2. An intersection structure for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley system, comprising two electrical conductor members positioned above a street intersection and extending throughout substantially three hundred sixty degrees in spaced apart curved paths of smaller and larger size which are in substantially the same plane, the path of one conductor member being inside of the path of the other conductor member; and a plurality of pairs of other overhead electrical conductor members forming trackless trolley lines intersecting and connected with said two first named conductor members, said two first named conductor members providing transition track means between the several pairs of overhead conductor members which v intersect said two first named con-ductor members.

3. An intersection structure for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley system, comprising two electrical conductor members positioned above a street intersection and extending throughout substantially three hundred sixty degrees in spaced apart curved paths of smaller and larger size which are in substantially the same plane, the path of one conductor member being inside of the path of the other conductor member; and a plurality of pairs of other overhead electrical conductor members radiating from said two first named conductor members and connected therewith, one conductor member of each pair being connected with the outermost first named conductor member and the other conductor member of each pair crossing the outermost first named conductor member and being connected with the innermost first named conductor member.

4. An intersection structure for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley system, comprising two electrical conductor members positioned above a street intersection and extending throughout substantially three hundred sixty degrees in spaced apart curved paths of smaller and larger size which are in substantially the same plane, the path of one conductor member being inside of the path of the other conductor member; a plurality of pairs of other overhead electrical conductor members forming trackless trolley lines leading to said two first named conductor members, one conductor member of each pair being connected with the outermost first named conductor member and the .other conductor member of each pair crossing the outermost first named conductor member and being connected with the innermost first named H conductor member; and insulator sections interposed in said outermost first named conductor member at the locations where said outermost first named conductor member is crossed by said other conductor members.

5. An intersection structure for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley system, comprising two electrical conductor members positioned above a street intersection and extending throughout substantially three hunred sixty degrees in spaced apart curved paths of smaller and larger size which are in substantially the same plane, the path of one conductor member being inside of the path of the other conductor member; a plurality of pairs of other overhead electrical conductor members forming trackless trolley lines leading to said two first named conductor members; overhead trolley switch means connecting one conductor member of each pair with the outermost first named conductor member; other trolley switch means. connecting the other conductor member of each pair with the innermost first named conductor member, the conductor members which are connected with the innermost first named conductor member being of opposite polarity from the outermost first named conductor member and extending across the outermost first named conductor member; and insulator sections insulating said two conductor members at the locations where they are crossed.

6. An intersection structure for the overhead electrical conductors of a trackless trolley system, comprising twoelectrical conductor members positioned above a street intersection and extending throughout substantially three hundred sixty degrees in spaced apart curved paths of smaller and larger size which are in substantially the same plane, the path of one conductor member being inside of the path of the other conductor member; a plurality of pairs of other spaced apart overhead electrical conductor members forming relatively straight trackless trolley lines extending from different directions toward said first named conductor members; and curved conductor sections connecting one of the relatively straight conductor members of each pair with the outermost first named conductor member and the other relatively straight conductor member of each pair with the innermost first named conof other overhead electrical conductor members forming relatively straight trackless trolley lines extending from different directions toward said first named V conductor members; relatively straight tension members connecting said relatively straight conductor members with said overhead supporting means; and curved conductor sections connecting the relatively straight conductor members with the first named conductor 7 members.

GEORGE F. ATKINSON. CLEM L. MORISE'I'I'E.

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