November 9, 1907
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmAn Automobile Used as a Hoisting Engine
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
The novel use of an automobile shown in the' accompanying illustration is but one more of the utilitarian purposes which such a machine can be made to carry out. The picture shows a standard double-opposed-cylinder, shaft-drive Maxwell runabout, one of the rear wheels of which has been removed and replaced by a windlass. The machine is being used as a hoisting engine for the purpose of raising men and materials to the upper story of the factory. This expeditious way of getting material directly into the building at the proper floor served to give the little car a very strenuous test, as the power had to be transmitted through the spur-gear differential, which was constantly in action while the windlass was turning, since the other wheel remained stationary upon the ground. Needless to state, the hoisting was done upon the low-speed gear, which also received a thorough testing.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
