Barry Job writes:
> Dear List,
> I know that colliery winding engines were fitted with Black's controllers to prevent excessive speed or overwinds, but does anyone know who made them or where?
> Barry Job.
>
The original "Black's" overwinder was developed and patented in 1912 by
G.J.F.Black and Robert Thornewill of Thornewill & Warham. Manufacture was
subsequently taken up by Walker Bros. of Wigan, the well known mining
equipment firm. This resulted in the "Walker Black" controller which was
patented in 1934 (No.415112). There was a further development of this
"Black's Contrivance" which lasted to the end of steam and beyond.
Details can be found in "Safe Control of Winding Engines" G.J.Black,
Colliery Guardian, March 29, 1940; and in "Winder Control and Safety
Systems", G.A.Black, COlliery Guardian, February 24 & March 5, 1966.
If you wanted to know more about the overwinders, or Black's other
invention, the "Spring Brake" drop me an email off-list. I have drawings
etc.
Graham Isherwood
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