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Sturtevant Pressure-blower

The vanes of this instrument are supported by spokes radiating from an axis having conical annular disks mounted on the same axis, and the fan is driven by two belts, to prevent wobbling. The air enters between the spokes around the axis, and is forcibly driven by the curved floats which span the space between the annular disks, being discharged into the circular chamber connecting with the blast-pipe. In addition to its use for cupola-furnaces and forge-fires this is a very efficient machine for producing the blast in sand-blast machines, for forcing air long distances in connection with the pneumatic-tube delivery system, or in any cases where a high pressure or strong blast is required. It is built heavier and stronger than formerly, particularly in the running parts, which are most subject to wear.

The high speed at which pressure-blower belts must run renders it necessary that especial attention should be given them. If, while a heat is on in the foundry, the belts begin to run loose or slip, a stoppage is usually necessary to take out the slack; but by means of an arrangement consisting of a blower, adjustable by a screw, on a wrought-iron frame-bed, any required tension may be brought upon the belts while running, thus preventing the inconvenience and loss incident to a stoppage of the blower while work is in progress. The use of this bed will be found to result in a decided saving in belts. Relacing for the purpose of taking out slack is, on account of the time required, ordinarily put off until the belt will run no longer; but a turn or two of the nut on the end of the adjusting-screw and retightening the holding-down bolts takes but a moment, and is more satisfactory than relacing. See BLOWER.