PHASES OF PASSENGER TRAVEL
Page 62
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Notes on Every Aspect of Coach and Bus Development.
TWO SUGGESTIONS FOR BUS OPERATORS.
A Special Form of Ash-tray and an Adapted Vacuum Cleaner, Both in Use in America.
A LTHOUGH there is a large number _Li of commendably efficient ash trays on the market, ash tends to be blown out when a coach is travelling rapidly with the windows lowered: Some people say that the effect of ash on upholstery and carpets is beneficial ; this may or may not be the case, but it undoubtedly soils the clothing, especially if this be of a light colour. In addition there is the risk of sparks from lighted cigar or cigarette ends damaging clothing or, perhaps, causing a serious fire. It is probable that the most suitable method of disposing of ash from cigar or cigarette ends is to deposit it on the roadway—but not by way of the windows.
Apparently the Capital Traction Co.. of Washington, U.S.A., isiof the same opinion, for our well-informed American contemporary, flu, Transportation, brings to our notice the fact that this concern has equipped its buses with a special device which enables ash, etc., to be conveniently dropped on to the highway, without causing danger to other road users.
A sheet-metal funnel, the cone portion of which is flattened, has a spout attached to a pipe which projects below the floorboards. This fitting may be situated at any appropriate point, such as on the back of a seat, or may be fastened to the side panel of the body. The lower end of the ejector pipe of the appliance is bent slightly rearward, in order to Provide a draught so that ashes or similar refuse may be drawn through the tube by the suction created by the moving vehicle.
In the same manner smoke may be expelled without creating unpleasant draughts in the compartment itself. The funnel is about 6 ins. long and n in. wide, and the ejector tube is 1 in. in diameter, the last-named dimension being sufficient to permit the free passage of the largest of cigar ends.
In connection with the cleaningof passenger 'vehicles, This Transportation informs us of the method of .extracting dirt from upholstery and carpets, which
n36 is employed by the Virginia Electric and Power Co., of Richmond, U.S.A.
The seats are first beaten several times with a length of broom handle, this operation loosening the dirt that may be embedded in the fabric. Next, a special vacuum cleaner is brought into service, this incorporating a blower mechanism mounted upon a disc which fits like a lid on to an ordinary 2i-gallon bucket. The side of the pail is adapted so as to embody four windows constructed of fine wire gauze, thus permitting exhaust air from the blower to escape, whilst the dirt is trapped in the container. This cleaning apparatus incorporates the ideas of Mr. J. W. Cole, the superintendent of the bus shop.