Monday, September 30, 2024

Centrifugal governor


 This was a nice object to find. I didn't buy it, how would you display it?

11 comments:

rats said...

It looks big. Is it? Just how big, roughly?

Anonymous said...

Allegedly the origin of the expression, "Balls to the wall".

Mr G said...

The balls are 3-4” diameter. The whole thing is 16-18 inches tall. I should provide something for scale. Apologies.

David said...

That's the start of a nice lamp

Anonymous said...

If only I had some wrenches to add to it:-)

MARSHALL OVERCLOTH said...

how fast does it turn for it to bottom, out forcing the spring tension and the what have you. need that to be answered.

Dave said...

It looks like this Otis Elevator governor; the arms may even be bronze as well.

https://www.facebook.com/NationalAssociationofElevatorContractors/posts/what-a-surprise-this-morning-this-beautiful-trophy-of-elevator-work-was-donated-/5988443554518713/

https://scontent-ord5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/300179656_5988426067853795_8720153210914080313_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=b5s4sb4IvG8Q7kNvgHiWLzg&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aky4F6N9W2MzjF2az2ZPg7r&oh=00_AYB28sgGZiNPd62XslAkO8TpGDQDbXavJamawojRwL8QGQ&oe=670258D5

Mister G said...

Following those links, now I want the whole machine! I never considered a governor for elevators before. The one I found has no spec-plate on it, and the cast-in text is probably just casting I.D. I agree with Marshall, I want to spin it up fast!

Dave said...

I didn't know about elevator governors either. Otis came up with number of elevator safety innovations and they have a test tower in Bristol, CT:

https://www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2017/07/27/AX3MQLIDPFCGFKNSPFCV2RZ6PI.jpg?w=1101

Mister G said...

I went back and looked at it, on the price tag it was described as an elevator governor. Things ya learn :-)

Marc B said...

Actually, this type of governor gave the expression "Balls out", because at full speed, the arms and balls would extend from the shaft.