The article describes the pantograph, considered to be the ancestor of today's photocopier. This instrument draws the copies, enlarges or reduces any figure. The author presents its genesis, the scope of application in the past, explains the structure and geometrical transformations used during its action. Based on a specific example, the work illustrates practical application of geometry in the past inventions for designing.

W artykule przedstawiono dwa modele matematyczne kolejowych odbieraków prądu. Model podstawowy opracowano na podstawie analizy konstrukcji odbieraka ze stopniami swobody w ruchu obrotowym i postępowym. Drugi tzw. model zastępczy ma obydwa stopnie swobody w ruchu postępowym. Przedstawiono prosty sposób wyznaczenia wartości parametrów modelu zastępczego na podstawie wyników symulacji modelu odbieraka podstawowego. Model zastępczy,...

Transmission of electrical energy from a catenary system to traction units must be safe and reliable especially for high speed trains. Modern pantographs have to meet these requirements. Pantographs are subjected to several forces acting on their structural elements. These forces come from pantograph drive, inertia forces, aerodynamic effects, vibration of traction units etc. Modern approach to static and dynamic analysis should...

Development of digital technology has resulted in significant transformations of designer workshops. Computer applications replaced the previously existing tools and methods for drawing up of projects. Professional, sophisticated drawing instruments and tools for manual plotting, as well as basic drawing aids, have gradually fallen into oblivion and become relicts of a bygone era - the objects of collectors' interest. Gdansk University...