Whangarei Man Patents Aerial Insulator Protector

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1939, Page 3

Whangarei Man Patents Aerial Insulator Protector

Designed'to improve radio reception in wet or sleety weather, a wireless aerial insulator protector has been invented and patented by Mr D. Tilly, of 15 Bernard Street, Whangarei. The instrument is intended to prevent creeping of current or escape ot current from aerial radio reception wires when atmospheric conditions are bad. 1 In a form similar to that of a church with a steeple, the instrument is made of sheet metal.

It provides a roof over the porcelain insulator at the end of the aerial wire, and also protects the top of the mast and the mechanism inside from moisture of any kind, extending 18 inches down. This protection, Mr Tilly claims, will allow radio sets to receive the full value of the electric waves from broadcast stations. Metal Loops. At the base of the steeple, the instrument carried three metal loops, which are made of metal, on which can be fastened the guy wires for the mast. In case of lightning striking the finial of the spire, it would find an easy way to earth down the guy wires, which are all-metal, connected and earthed at the bottom. Thus the liability of lightning interfering with reception would be minimised, the inventor claims. Entirely free from leakage, the instrument is so designed that no bird could rest upon it, A clause in the patent allows the Government a full monopoly when the device is required.