This Week's Prize Winner
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THE prize-winning idea this week was submitted by Mr. N. G. Webster. of Shevington, nr. Wigan. -Mr. Webster receives the usual award of three guineas for the following contribution.
Semi-trailers with automatic couplings used contact plates for tail and stop lamp connections. These are often a source of trouble, and to obtain a greater degree of reliability I used the following method.
First I dismantled the contact 'plate from the semi-trailer, then reassembled it with an extra contact of thin brass sheet of similar width, shaped as in the sketch. This is made a good fit on the original contact to preserve the correct alignment. In the event of the tractive unit making a poor connection when coupled it is an easy matter to shape the new contact into a bow and thus increase the pressure. on the contact area, whereas previously drivers had used such things as elastic bands and pieces of tape, to try to maintain the circuit.
The material used was a brass cable clip as fitted on various vehicles arid, being ready drilled, enabled the job to be done in a few minutes.
Comments Handyman: I agree that it is not uncommon to note artic tail lamps going off and on due to poor or weak contacts, and Mr. Webster seems to have found an answer. However, some of latest outfits with automatic coupling ; fitted with Rubbolite rubber cont carriers that include flasher connectio These are very good, being really strc and so far have proved faultless in weathers. They are made by Flexi Lamps Ltd. who supplies them Scammell and Taskers, and similar pa are also generally available, these be made in single and double contact v sions. I think these are the answer past problems with spring contacts,
N automatic chassis lubricator suitable for trailers and -1 semi-trailers with air pressure braking systems has been tided to the Telelube range of equipment, made by Telchoist td. The system is fully automatic, being actuated each time ie brakes are fully applied.
The operating pump is connected to the trailer brake control alve and on brake application oil is directed to four meter ijector manifolds. These are located at convenient positions n the chassis and each one can provide lubrication for up five points. It is said that the system can be installed in tree working hours.
Makers: Telehoist Ltd., Manor Road, Cheltenham.
Price: £23 (for B.T.C. Four-in-Line semi-trailers).
k N improved track gauge has been introduced by V. L. -1 Churchill and Co. Ltd. The tool is adjusted so that probes each end locate against the inside of the tyres of the vehicle sing tested with a pointer at the mid position of a scale. he tool is then moved to the opposite side of the tyre and the
3inter's movement shows the setting. '
Correction can be made with the gauge in position and the sol can be used' on a lift orPit."
Makers: V. L. Chnrchill and Co: Ltd., Great South West oad. Feltham, Middx. Price: fn.
.ocating Noises
N instrument which amplifies noise and can be used to
locate faults .in an engine has been put on the market by micaid Ltd. It is called the Sonicaid Tunable Stethoscope id has car pieces Similar to a doctor's Stethoscope with tubes )nnecting them to a handpiece and amplifying unit incor3rating an insulated probe.
A tuning control in the amplifying unit is used to damp out ther low or high frequencies or both together and it is claimed at an operator can interpret the sounds heard after short ,perience.
Makers: Sonicaid Ltd., 82 Lampton Road, Hounslow, Middx. ice: Et° 19s.