Hoist, Electric

—A hoist operated bya steam engine with cranks at right angles can only be depended upon for one-half of its rated capacity in starting, as one of the engines may be on a dead center. An electric motor, on the other hand, has no dead centers, and a heavy current in exce of the normal, can be turned into the armature for a few moments without danger. Z The power is transmitted to the hoist through an intermediate gear and pinion, which is covered with an iron guard, protecting it from dust, dirt, and liability of accidents. They are particularly convenient where an electric current is easily supplied, and are also useful for contractors and railroad work when it is inconvenient to move boilers about the line ‘The electric wires can easily be run by ordinary workmen, and are always ready to tap at any point.