Flatrod system

[2] Flatrod systems were widely used in the Harz and Ore Mountains of Germany as well as in Cornwall, England and Bergslagen in Sweden.

Using flatrods it was possible to operate man engines and pumping systems, even though the water wheel in question had a rotary, not a reciprocal, motion.

So that the rods could be made to move in a reciprocal fashion, a change of direction had to be achieved by means of specially shaped components.

[4] Iron collars (Kunstringe) were fitted onto the wheel axles, connecting pipes (Ansetzröhren) and metal sleeves (Ansteckkielen) as well as certain parts of the wooden flatrods.

[4] The purpose of the flatrods was to transfer the power of the motive engine over greater distances to the pump rods in the shaft.

The rollers consisted of round timbers about eight to ten inches thick, that were firmly set into the ground on their underside and fixed in place with braces.

In order to minimise friction, the rod was fitted with a drag rail (Schleppschiene) in the area of the individual rollers that was made of beechwood and long enough to for the entire stroke length.