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Component Makers Raise Tempo of Design Progress

MA.NUFACTURERS of accessories are often faced with the vexed problem of producing standard components in quantity at a keen price, to meet the established needs of leading vehicle and engine makers, and at the same time to develop new units that will cater for the latest research trends. To provide an adequate range of particular types of standard component is frequently an overriding consideration, whilst flexibility in production with regard to detail may also be an allimportant element in marketing.

The number of variables in the complex pattern of the British component industry increases from Show to Show, and this year's exhibits at Earls Court will give further proof that makers combine a realistic appreciation of run-ofthe-mill factors with a forward-looking appraisal of future requirements,

New Engine

Interest in proprietary power units will centre on the new Perkins six-cylindered oil engine (Stand 419 P-Q), full details of which will be released on opening day, and on the new Gardner 6LX 150-b.h.p. horizontal engine (Stand 416 Q-R). Operators of smaller vehicles will, however, take particular note of the automotive version of the Perkins 3.33-litre oil engine developed from the industrial unit of the same capacity, which is known as the Four 203 and has an output of 63 b.h.p. at 2,600 r.p.m. Its maximum torque of 148 lb.-ft. is produced at 1,350 r.p.m.

Features of the Gardner unit include three-point mounting (With flexible mountings at the rear) to permit oscillation about its own axis. The delivery line of the lubrication_ system incor cdri porates a paper-element filter which by-passes the oil in the event of blockage, and detailed engine modifications have been introduced giving improved lubricant and coolant flow.

A notably large increase in power-toweight ratio will be exemplified by a number of vehicle makers' oil engines at the Show, and accessories have been developed to provide, or cater for, higher outputs.

In addition to its possibilities in raising the output of an engine at sea level, turbocharging has the advantage that it can be employed automatically to compensate for power loss caused by

increases in altitude. According to C.A.V., Ltd. (Stand 231), derating of turbocharged engines may not be necessary up to altitudes of nearly 10,000 ft., whilst the naturally aspirated rating at sea level may be improved some 60 per cent. by turbocharging. In its latest production form, the C.A.V. turbocharger is available in three basic sizes covering nornially aspirated outputs of 50 b.h.p. to 400 b.h.p.

Officially approved by Perkins for some applications, a reticular tin-aluminium bearing will be displayed by the Glacier Metal Co., Ltd. (Stand 206 0). It has a high fatigue strength combined with a resistance to corrosion, but can be satis factorily employed in conjunction with unhardened crankshafts.

Raising the output of an engine often necessitates the use of an advanced type of piston, as well as bearing material, and the new drilled-insert piston, to be displayed by Specialloid, Ltd., on Stand 280 C-M, demonstrates that the makers have fully investigated the mechanical and thermal aspects of associated problems. This applies also to the new ringcarrier piston which will be exhibited by Hepworth and Grandage, Ltd., on Stand 272 C-M.

The ring-carrier of the Specialloid piston has closely spaced axially drilled holes into which the aluminium flows during casting; this facilitates heat floiar through the insert, which has sufficient flexibility to accommodate much distortion in the ring-belt zone. In .the case of the Hepworth and Grandage piston, the carrier is designed to house the top ring and is molecularly bonded to the body of the piston to ensure high thermal conductivity.

Liner Highlight Although Cromard thin-wall liners have been available for some years, their application to the Leyland Power Pins engine and a number of Perkins units this year represents a highlight. These liners will be shown by the Laystall Engineering Co., Ltd., on Stand 212 0.

Higher bearing loads increase the importance of good filtration of the lubricant, and the development of new filtering media accords with the trend towards increased output. A new filter element will be shown this year by Vokes. Ltd., on Stand 316 E, and a new filter Material by Sheepbridge Engineering, Ltd., on Stand287 D-L. • The Vokes filter is based on the company's new VAF 66 element, which is of the impregnated felled-fabric type and " has plastics-sealed end caps. A feature of the element is the large proportion of the material that actively filtrates the lubricant.

Evolved by Sintered Products, Ltd., a Sheepbridge subsidiary, Porosint Rigimesh is a ffitering medium of stainlesssteel woven wire mesh. • The mesh is furnace-welded to give strict uniformity of the wire weave. Standard filters comprise models with micron capacities of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100, and the processing cycle can be modified to give a rating of 2 microns. The fluid passage through the membrane of the filter is of labyrinth form.

A new bowl-less oil filter, the FS type, will be included in the C.A.V. range of paper-element filters (Stand 231 0). It comprises a cast-aluminium head and base and a disposable canister containing the paper element.

An entirely new highefficiency petrol filter will be displayed by G. -E. Jones and Sons (Machine Parts), Ltd., on Stand 306 L, details of which will be available on the stand, Other exhibits of this concern will include the special paper oil filter element supplied to the Leyland company.

Partially clogged air filters are a common cause of reduced engine efficiency, whilst in some cases servicing may be performed at unnecessarily short intervals. The visual warning device for air cleaners to be demonstrated by CooperitherOnookra Joints, Ltd., on Stand 313 E-M will, therefore, be of interest to users of both petrol .and oil engines, particularly as it is a reasonably simple 'device.

Warning of Clogging Essentially -comprising a spring-loaded piston operating in a transparent tube, the device is connected to the intake manifold, or appropriate part of the cleaner, on its lower side and is sealed at the top by a rubber diaphragm. If foreign matter causes undue air restriction, the piston (which is coloured green) moves downwards and is locked by a permanent magnet in its lqwer position. This exposes a red band on the cylinder, and evidence of restriction remains until the device is reset.

An improved split oil seal for crankshafts will be demonstrated by Charles Weston and Co., Ltd., on Stand 238 A, and the Frankmann Lubrimatie automatic sump-oil dispenser will be a feature exhibit of the Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd., on Stand 412 R.

Designed to facilitate assembly, the Weston oil seal is given a resilient property by a special form of moulding, applied to the rubber, so that no metal spring is required. The Frankmann oil dispenser maintains the lubricant at the correct level at all times and obviates oil shortage or overfilling. Consisting of an oil reservoir and float chamber, it is connected to the sump by flexible pipes and can be fitted to almost any power unit.

The combined coach-heating, ventilating and engine-cooling system, introduced a few weeks ago, will be a feature display by the Clayton Dewandre Co., Ltd. (Stand 417 P-Q), who will show also a new valve and double-acting cylinder for the control of two-speed axles.

Other types of power-driven auxiliary on the accessory stands will include a number of recently introduced products. For example, both C.A.V. and Simms Motor Units, Ltd. (Stand 225 0) will be showing AC. generators with transistorized regulators. The Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co., Ltd. (Stand 387 0), will have a small single-cylindered compressor, and a new belt-driven exhauster will be a feature display of Feeny and Johnson, Ltd. (Stand 375 K-L).

Transistorized regulation is applied to the smaller 7-in.-diameter alternatorof the two C.A.V. models, the larger one having a diameter of 8 in. Advantages claimed for the alternator, compared with the D.C. type, include lightness and a wide speed range (an idling engine can produce a useful charging current), whilst it gives a higher standard of control than can be obtained from a vibrating-contact type.

Germanium Diodes Output of the Simms AC. generator is 40 amps. at 850 r.p.m., whilst the cuttingin speed is 550 r.p.m. Overall diameter of the alternator is 8 in., and its weight is 45 lb. Containing eight germanium diodes, mounted on cooling fins, the rectifier weighs 17 lb. and the weight of the control board is 24 lb. Voltage regulation is provided by an adjustable potentiometer.

No external current-limiting device is needed to control the output of the 2AC alternator, which will be shown by Joseph Lucas, Ltd. (Stand 232 0). The reactance of the alternator is such that the current is limited to 60-65 amps. when cold, and 52-57 amps. when hot, at rotor speeds up to 11,000 r.p.m. Weight of the alternator is 171 lb.

Storage batteries of improved capacityto-weight ratio will be exhibited by many of the makers. Operators will appreciate the easy filling characteristic of the Aulofil battery (Chloride Batteries, Ltd., Stand 345 H-M). This has a single trough

from, which all the cells are fed, and filling can be completed in 30 seconds.

The Westinghouse compressor is specially designed for the air-servo systems of medium-weight vehicles, and the Feeny and Johnson exhauster caters for small oil-engined vehicles on which vacuum assistance is required for brakes or disability controls. The exhauster has a capacity of 240 Cu. ft. per hour.

• Applicable to all external auxiliary drives, Poly-V belts will he a feature display of Ferodo, Ltd.,. on Stand 274 C. Introduced last April, these belts are of the single-piece fiat type having a series of V-shaped grooves, and their favourable torque capacity can be used to replace a number of drives by one belt. For a given torque requirement, a pulley of lesser width can be employed and the centre distance between the two pulleys can be reduced.

Transmission news at the Show will in many cases relate to vehicles designed for high operating speeds, to which established . types of gearbox are fitted, having a larger number of ratios than are normally employed. New multi-speed gearboxes will, however, be shown by David Brown Industries, Ltd., on Stand 224 0 and by the Moss Gear CO., Ltd.. on Stand 2150. Details of the Moss gearbox will not be released before the Show opens, but it is a six-speed overdrive unit.

Higher Speed

The David Brown box (DB 657) is also a six-speed unit and is suitable for vehicle weights up to 22 tons gross. It is available as an overdrive-top gearbox with normal bottom gear and in this form it yields a higher maximum road speed without loss of economy and without sacrificing the closer spacing of the lower ratios. As a direct-drive-top unit it provides a crawler bottom gear. Both types can be mounted separately from, or in unit with, the engine, Intended for heavy vehicles and earthmoving machines, the RV 51 epicyclic four-speed gearbox is a newcomer to the range produced by Self-Changing Gears, Ltd. (Stand 402 M). Having the highest torque capacity of any gearbox manufactured by the concern, it is used in conjunction with a Schneider torque converter and is capable of continuously transmitting 400 b.h.p. at 2,100 r.p.m. The gearbox is available with the concern's V.S. fully automatic electric control, or with pneumatic or electro• pneumatic semi-automatic control.

Originally developed for cars and taxis, the automatic transmission produced by Borg-Warner, Ltd, has been applied 'to more than 1,000 taxis and more recently to other vehicles, including ambulances, vans and an experimental bread-delivery vehicle. The transmission will be exhibited on Stand 354 H-L, as well as ..a ".spin-resistant " or controlled-slip • differential, suitable for lighter vehicles. Evolved to prevent wheelspin on slippery road surfaces and during wheel-bounce, the differential also reduces shock loads on the entire transmission system.

Available Next Year Early in the field with fully automatic transmission .systerns, Hobbs Transmission, Ltd., will be 'showing the recent additions to their' range of mechanically operatedautomatic gearboxes on Stand 406 M. The latest Hobbs unit has a maximuni torque capacity of 300 lb-ft. and will be available as a production gearbox in 196L Other transmissions to be displayed have ranges of 70-130 lb.-ft. and 60-80 lb.-ft., whilst a prototype gearbox capable of accommodating a maximum input torque of 1,100 lb.-ft.-has been built.

A variety of overdrive and underdrive gearboxes suitable for vehicles in the 3-7-ton class will be exhibited by M. 0. Harper, Ltd., on Stand 420 P-Q, and recently introduced products will include a high-ratio power-take-off box and a high4orque type. Of special advantage to operators of oil-engined vehicles, the former enables a relatively high pump output to be provided at low engine r.p.m., whilst the latter is suitable for maximum torques up to 550 lb.-ft.

Increases in capacity of the Eaton standard range of two-speed axles, and an entirely new model for heavier vehicles, will be features of the exhibits on Stand 308 F-L. -Weight capacity of the-13802 axle has been increased by 22 per cent, whilst the capacities of the 16802 and 18802 models have been raised by 22 per cent. and 12 per cent. respectively. Torque rating has been increased by 12 per cent. in every case. Rated to carry 22,500 lb., the new axle is known as the 22500 model.

Representing a:notable contribution to ease of driving, the new Autoclutch system will be demonstrated by the Borg and Beck Co., Ltd.,. on Stand 340 G-L. Operated by vacuum or compressed air, this unit can be fitted to the standard clutch mechanism of any vehicle with a synchromesh gearbox and gives fully automatic engagement when starting from rest. For gear changing, the Anti:dutch is actuated by a control on the gear-lever knob.

A diaphragm spring is used in place of conventional coil springs in the Laycock-Haussermann clutch (Laycock Engineering, Ltd., Stand 367 L), which substantially reduces the pedal pressure required to disengage the clutch. A new Laycack transmission coupling incorporates a compressed rubber ring and is designed to eliminate high-frequency vibrations.

Secondary Springs

The double-drive bogie to be exhibited by Kirkstall Forge Engineering, Ltd., on Stand 415 Q-R, is indicative of a transmission trend; in that all the differentials, including, the third differential, are of a restricted-action type, which improves traction Under arduous road conditions. A triple-gear reduction ,system includes epicyclic hub gears, which may be increasingly applied to reduce stresses in the transmission line.

The use of two secondary springsto support the load, in conjunction with the two main bogie springs, is also of special interest. As the axles are connected to the main springs by spherical bearings, articulation is unobstructed and spring twisting is eliminated. The bogie is designed for maximum-load sixand eight-wheeled vehicles.

There has recently been a revival of interest in the possibilities of rubber suspension as a rival of air suspension, and the new Metalastik rear suspension for heavy vehicles can be studied on Stand 321 F-M. Details have yet to be released, but the system gives constant periodicity and its simple design affords freedom from lubrication and wear.

It is significant that the Metalastik concern is a subsidiary of Dunlop, and that the Dunlop Rim and Wheel Co.,

'Ltd., will be exhibiting the latest versions of the Pneuride.air-suspension system on Stand 317 E-0. One Of the more interesting aspects of the progress made in -the development of air springing in the past year is the application of Dunlop units to systems evolved by vehicle makers.

Because the performance and reliability of levelling valves are all-important to the correct functioning of air suspension, a working exhibit of the latest type of Westinghouse valve (Stand 387.0) will Command attention. The demonstration rig will incorporate a manual control for varying the load on the. bellows to show the self-levelling action of the valve.

Important Future

Although the hydraulic cylinders fitted to fhb new H4 suspension system, to. be shown by the Primrose Third Axle Co.,

Ltd., on Stand 361 do not act as springs, their use bears. out the contention • of many specialists that suspension load transference by hydraulic means has an important future. The Primrose arrangementgives improved load distribution between the driven rear axle and the trailing axle, and includes four

double-acting hydraulic cylinders. .

One set of rams is connected to the rear ends of the trailing-axle springs and the second' set to brackets attached to the rear ends of the driven-axle springs, so that deflection of either axle increases the spring resistance of the second axle.

Exhibiting for the first time at Earls Court, Henry Boys and Son, Ltd., will show their new twin-axle bogie • suspension for semi-trailers on Stand 255 A-B. This is assembled on a sub-frame and is based on a four-spring leaf system equipped with a rocker balancer.

Easing the load on the steering by employing power assistance and, in some (Continued on page 241) cases, eliminating the need for servo action by increasing the efficiency of the steering gear are two complementary trends. Examples at the Show will include a new Marks high-efficiency• manual steering gear by the Adamant Engineering Co., Ltd., on Stand 257 A-B, 'alongside a Mantes 661 Type 3 hydraulically assisted steering gear.

Other steering-gear units of interest will include a new type of high-performance roller pump for hydraulic servo systems, which will be exhibited by the HobournEaton Manufacturing Co., Ltd., on Stand 311 E. This pump can operate with a fluid pressure up to 1,200 p.s.i. and is equipped with an internal flow-control unit and pressure-relief valve. Applicable to both steering and suspension systems, a new rubber-metal ball joint will be displayed by Silentbloc, Ltd., on Stand 355 J-M. It has a high load capacity and can accommodate torsional and conical movements.

Sustained Braking

When they investigate the claims made for the Thompson hydraulic retarder, to be shown by the Automotive Products Co., Ltd., an Stand 339 G, vehicle makers and operators will ask the cost. Giving a sustained braking efficiency of 15 per cent„ the retarder is a great asset to safety on hilly routes and an adjunct to conventional braking on normal runs. At the right price, it should have a ready market.

The Foden experimental maximum-load four-wheeled vehicle to which a Thompson retarder was tested in this country was also equipped with disc brakes (described on page 205) produced by another member of the group, the Lockheed Hydraulic 'Brake Co., Ltd. (Stand 343 H-L). On a test run, the wheel brakes gave an efficiency of well over 70. per cent, and their good faderesistant .properties have been" demontrated on mountainous routes in Wales.

Disc brakes for wheel and transmission applications will also be a feature of the Dunlop Rim and Wheel Company's exhibits (Stand 317 E-0). These will include the concern's latest transmission hand brake, a Bray-type brake and disc, and Dunlop Mk, 4 and Mk. 5 disc-brake equipment.

Models for both goods and public service vehicles will also be a feature of the disc-brake range to be displayed by Girling, Ltd., on Stand 2940, Other new braking equipment to be exhibited by Lockheed includes the Air Pak air-servo unit and divided-line airhydraulic system. The latter comprises two completely independent hydraulic units fed from a common air supply or from a duplex compressor.

With the increasing use of semi-trailers, new equipment that affords improved operation or promotes ease of handling is of special importance to many operators. Notable examples at the Show will include fifth-wheel couplings, displayed by Davies Magnet Works, Ltd., on Stand 332 F-G, and hydraulic front supports produced by the Adrolic Engineering Co., Ltd. (Stand 328 F-G).

• Adjustable Bracket;

Special features of the new Davies Model 520 fifth wheel include adjustable mounting brackets, which obviate the necessity to employ a separate mounting frame. The unit is suitable for outfits having a gross weight up to 40 tons and can be installed in any frame with a width between 2 ft. 9 in. and 3 ft. 2 in.

Deigned for semi-trailers having a payload up to 20 tons, the Adrolic support legs give light operation and are automatically retractable. An automatic mechanical device affords positive locking in the raised position and prevents retraction in the event of failure of the hydraulic system.

Accessories for bodybuilders cover such a wide range of individual requiree ments that to review them involves a study of multiple detail. In many categories, including paints and finishes, recent developments have, in the Main, represented an increase in the range of products manufactured combined with

standardization of " quick-moving" parts.

Of more specialized interest, Accles and Pollock, Ltd. (Stand 390 N), will be showing a new flexible stanchion fitting for roof sticks, designed for passengei vehicles. It is normal practice to attach. one end of a stanchion to the roof structure and the lower end to the seat back. and movement can cause severe racking. stresses on the roof section. The flexible stanchion is designed to eliminate stressing from this cause without reducing the support given to the seats.

Level-ride Seat No details have yet been released of a new level-ride driver's seat produced by A. W. Chapman, Ltd., who will be displaying it on Stand 283 C-D, in addition to the standard ranges . of . Leveroll, Leverex, Pedestal and Busella scat mechanisms. A new type of seat material, known as Sirocco, will be exhibited by Bernard Wardle (Everflex), Ltd.,. on Stand 350 H. This is of " breathable " vinyl coated fabric and has the characteristics of a woven material, combined with the hard-wearing properties of the coated type.