In the North of England Report, the endless rope systems are classified as
No. 1 and No 2 systems. No. 1, which has the rope under the tubs, is said
to be in operation in the Midland counties. To give motion to the rope a
single wheel is used, and friction for driving the rope is supplied either
by clip pulleys or by taking the rope over several wheels. The diagram
shows an arrangement for a tightening arrangement. One driving wheel is
used, says _The Colliery Guardian_, and the rope is kept constantly tight
by passing it round a pulley fixed upon a tram to which a heavy weight is
attached. Either one or two lines of rails are used. When a single line is
adopted the rope works backward and forward, only one part being on the
wagon way and the other running by the side of the way. When two lines are
used the ropes move always in one direction, the full tubs coming out on
one line and the empties going in on the other. The rope passes under the
tubs, and the connection is made by means of a clamp or by sockets in the
rope, to which the set is attached by a short chain. The rope runs at a
moderately high speed.
[Illustration: TIGHTENING ARRANGEMENT--ENDLESS ROPE HAULAGE.]
No. 2 system was peculiar to Wigan. A double line of rails is always used.
The rope rests upon the tubs, which are attached to the rope either singly
or in sets varying in number from two to twelve. The other engraving shows
a mode of connection between the tubs and the rope by a rope loop as shown.
[Illustration: ATTACHMENT TO ENDLESS ROPE "OVER."]
The tubs are placed at a regular distance apart, and the rope works slowly.
Motion is given to the rope by large driving pulleys, and friction is
obtained by taking the rope several times round the driving pulley.
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