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Air-Line system

The Air-Line Company, based in the United States, manufactured a system designed by Gipe. Rather than elastic (like the Rapid Wire system) it used a cord passing over multiple pulleys to propel the car. This allowed it to operate over greater distances up to 200 feet. Lamsons took over the Air-Line company and the cars typically have "Air-Line" on one side and "Lamson" on the other.

The Yellowstone Mercantile website refers to "an antique Lamson 'Air-Line' cash carrier system". It has photographs including the propulsions. This design is also featured in the videos from the Lemelson Center.

The Air-Line system had supplanted the Rapid Wire system in the US by the first World War. The Lamson Wire Line Carriers brochure of 1917 shows exclusively Air-Line equipment. Although the design was advertised in Britain (along with uplifts for reaching upper floors) I have seen no evidence it in use here or in Australia and the Rapid Wire system continued in popularity.

The simplest systems used no propulsions: the car was sent off by hand.

Basket carriers, meat carriers and "Kick Back" carriers were also available in the Air-Line design.

Air-Line carriage
Photograph © New Beginning Antiques, 2002

This fine photograph comes from New Beginning Antiques who had a car for sale in 2002. It is described as "a rare 1920s-1930s Cash Trolley made of brass and wood... This amazing machine came from the Wursburg's Department Store in Grand Rapids, MI." The propulsion was not included in the sale.

The design is similar to a Rapid Wire car, but it has straight sides next to the wheels rather than the V-shaped notch of the Rapid Wire. It has a short wheelbase so it is probably a 'curve car' for negotiating curves.The name is on the chassis of the trolley, rather than the round part that the cup screws into.
Air-Line propulsion and carriage
Photograph © Trey Gwaltney

Part of the propulsion at the Antiques Emporium in Smithfield, Virginia, which was formerly the George W. Delk department store. There are two wires and the car runs on the bottom one. The upper wire takes part of the strain, keeps the standards in alignment, and holds the propulsion in position (Lamson wire carriers). The propelling cord loops around the back of the car. Because there is no elastic, no diagonal strut is needed.
Air-Line propulsion and carrier
Photograph © Trey Gwaltney

Another view of the system at the Antiques Emporium. Note the two horizontal struts above the upper wire.
Air-Line propulsion

Diagram of an Air-Line propulsion from "Lamson wire line carriers"

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