Treadle: Difference between revisions
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A '''treadle''' [from OE ''tredan'' = to tread] is a part of a machine which is operated by the foot to produce reciprocating or rotary motion in a machine such as a weaving loom (reciprocating) or grinder (rotary). Treadles can also be used to power water [[pump]]s (as in the [[treadle pump]]), or to turn wood lathes (as in the [[pole lathe]]). In the past, treadles have been used to power a range of machines including [[loom|looms]], wood saws, cylinder phonographs and metal lathes. |
A '''treadle''' [from OE ''tredan'' = to tread] is a part of a machine which is operated by the foot to produce reciprocating or rotary motion in a machine such as a weaving loom (reciprocating) or grinder (rotary). Treadles can also be used to power water [[pump]]s (as in the [[treadle pump]]), or to turn wood lathes (as in the [[pole lathe]]). In the past, treadles have been used to power a range of machines including [[loom|looms]], wood saws, cylinder phonographs and metal lathes. |
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[[File:Dictation using cylinder phonograph.png|thumb|Dictation using a treadle-powered cylinder phonograph, circa 1897]] |
[[File:Dictation using cylinder phonograph.png|thumb|Dictation using a treadle-powered cylinder phonograph, circa 1897]] |
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⚫ | Many of the early [[sewing machine]]s were powered by a treadle mechanism. The treadle was operated by pressing down on it with a foot, or both feet, to cause a rocking movement. This movement spins a large wheel on the treadle frame, connected by a thin leather belt to a smaller driving wheel on the sewing machine. |
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==Railways== |
==Railways== |
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{{expand-section|date=July 2012}} |
{{expand-section|date=July 2012}} |
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On a railway, a treadle or treatle is a device that detects the passing of a train, a bit like a [[track circuit]] and might be used to put a [[Railway signal|signal]] to 'stop'. Treadles are also used to start the sequence of automatic level crossings. |
On a railway, a treadle or treatle is a device that detects the passing of a train, a bit like a [[track circuit]] and might be used to put a [[Railway signal|signal]] to 'stop'. Treadles are also used to start the sequence of automatic level crossings. |
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⚫ | Many of the early [[sewing machine]]s were powered by a treadle mechanism. The treadle was operated by pressing down on it with a foot, or both feet, to cause a rocking movement. This movement spins a large wheel on the treadle frame, connected by a thin leather belt to a smaller driving wheel on the sewing machine. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 01:48, 28 November 2012
A treadle [from OE tredan = to tread] is a part of a machine which is operated by the foot to produce reciprocating or rotary motion in a machine such as a weaving loom (reciprocating) or grinder (rotary). Treadles can also be used to power water pumps (as in the treadle pump), or to turn wood lathes (as in the pole lathe). In the past, treadles have been used to power a range of machines including looms, wood saws, cylinder phonographs and metal lathes.
Sewing machines
Many of the early sewing machines were powered by a treadle mechanism. The treadle was operated by pressing down on it with a foot, or both feet, to cause a rocking movement. This movement spins a large wheel on the treadle frame, connected by a thin leather belt to a smaller driving wheel on the sewing machine.
Railways
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2012) |
On a railway, a treadle or treatle is a device that detects the passing of a train, a bit like a track circuit and might be used to put a signal to 'stop'. Treadles are also used to start the sequence of automatic level crossings.