88 



TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



This article is made upon the same general principle as the Venetian moveable 

 slat wood blinds, although much superior by reason of its great durability — its not 

 being liable to warp, or get out of repair, and the protection it affords against both 

 fire and burglary. It also fastens itself, either ojien or shut, by means of an inge- 

 niously constructed hinge. Although costing at first a trifle more than the ordinary 

 blind, it is nevertheless claimed to be as cheap as wood, taking into account the 

 diflference in insurance and of repairs. [^ bronze medal awarded. 



The Excelsior Ckangeahle Horse Poiver Thresher and Separator. 



Charles E. Pease, Albany, N. Y. 



The cut represents The Excel- 

 sior Changeable Railway Horse 

 Power Thresher and Separator in 

 operation. The horse powder is 

 constructed on the endless chain 

 principle. The requisite speed is 

 communicated to the band wheel 

 by means of thirty iron rods, 

 stretching across the full width of 

 tlie power, connected by means 

 of links into which the lags or 

 tread pieces are firmly fixed, thus 

 forming a complete chain, which 

 is supported by small trucks or 

 Avhetls, at each end of the rods, 

 on which they freely revolve ; 

 tliuse rods drop into sockets on 

 the periphery of two wheels or 

 reels, which are secured to the 

 m;un shaft at front end of powers 

 this shaft projects through the 

 frame on both sides, and cast iron 

 couplings are firmly fastened to 

 each end; these couplings, "as well 

 as the coupling on the counter or 

 pulley shaft, are exactly alike, so 

 that the converge gear and pulley 

 or band wheel will fit on either of 

 the shafts equally well. The 



gearing and band wheel are held to their places by means of bolts running through ' 



their centres and fastening into the centre of the shafts. Some of the advantages 



secured by the above construction are : 



First. All the gearing is placed on the outside of the frame, away fi-om dust and 



dirtthatis constantly falling through the tread, and is easy of access for repairs, &c. 

 Second. The application of wheels of larger diameter to generate the speed and 



power, thus ensuring greater strength and durability. 



Third. The facility with which it can be converted from a right to a left-handed 



machine, and vice-versa, which is accomplished by removing the bolts from the 



gear and band wheels and changing them to other side of power and reversing the 



counter shaft. 

 Fourth. Several dijQferent velocities may be given to the band wheel, without 



