Nikola Tesla - Free-Energy Devices

436 INVENTIONS OF NIKOLA TESLA.the insulating segments of both commutator and collector looselyand to provide some means as, for example, light springs, e e,secured to the bands A' B', respectively, and bearing against thesegments to exert a light pressure upon them and keep them inclose contact and to compensate for wear. The metal segmentsof the commutator may be moved forward by loosening thescrew a'.The line wires are fed from the metal segments of the collector,being secured thereto in any convenient manner, the plan of connectionsbeing shown as applied to a modified form of the commutatorin Fig. 251. The commutator and the collector in thuspresenting two flat and smooth bearing surfaces prevent most effectuallyby mechanical action the occurrence of sparks.The insulating segments are made of some hard material capableof being polished and formed with sharp edges. Such materialsas glass, marble, or soapstone may be advantageously used.The metal segments are preferably of copper or brass but; theymay have a facing or edge of durable material such as platinumor the like where the sparks are liable to occur.In Fig. 248 a somewhat modified form of the invention isshown, a form designed to facilitate the construction and replac-FIG. 251. FIG. 252.ing of the parts. In this modification the commutator and collectorare made in substantially the same manner as previouslydescribed, except that the bands B o are omitted. The four segmentsof each part, however, are secured to their respective sleevesby screws g' g' and one,edge of each segmentis cut away, so thatsmall plates a b may be slipped into the spaces thus formed. Of