A Self-energizing Girling Brake
Page 40
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ABRAKE in which a slight circumferential movement of the shoes induces a powerful self-servo action is shown in patent No. 520,151 by A. Gitlin& Guildhall Buildings. Birmingham.
In this scheme, the actuating device (5) presses upon a pair of L-section curved members (1) which extend in the other direction as far as the abutments (2). The T-section shoes are loosely attached to these curved members, which have, riveted to their webs, a set of slotted blocks (4). Each block engages a loose rockable disc (3) on one of its two teeth. The outer tooth of the disc bears against the underside of the brake shoe, the complete rocker mechanism being trapped between the shoe web and the long face of the L-shaped member (1).
In operation, the outward pressure is transmitted to the shoes via the rocking members (3) and these tend to transform circumferential motion into an increased outward pressure. Other advantages lie in the method of assembly, it being a simple and quick operation to replace the shoes.
This patent is indicative of the manner in which the patentee is constantly improving brake design.
PNEUMATIC INDEPENDENTSUSPENSION SYSTEM ASUSPENSION system incorporating what the inventor calls " airsprings" is described in patent No. 520,002 by S. Coleman, Barker House, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. The illustration shows a front-wheel arrangement, although the scheme is intended for the rear also.
Swinging half-axles (3) are employed, their inner ends being held in ballsockets (1) in the middle of a frame cross-member. Radius arms (2), balljointed to the frame at the rear ends, are fixed to the half-axles and extend forwards to join a cross-frame equalizer bar (4). The mid-point of this bar is attached tp the air cylinder (5), which is pivotally held in an arched support (7). The air cylinder is of small capacity, so that a large change of pressure occurs with small movement.
A torsion rod across the frame is bent rearwardly on both sides to form arms (6); these are ball-jointed on to the front of the radius arms (2). Further to restrain sideways movement, crosslinks (not shown) couple the half-axles to the frame members TO FACILITATE THE FITTING OF PISTONS
THE modern practice of using springbacked piston rings has added difficulty to an already troublesome operation, that of entering the piston into the cylinder. An invention designed to simplify this operation is shown in patent No. 520,142 by W. °abridge. " Broadwater," Styvechale, Common, Coventry.
The device consists of a slightly tapered sheet-metal sleeve (1) which is first placed around the piston complete with rings. The piston can then easily be pushed into the cylinder, as shown in the drawing, the rings being contacted as they slide up the sleeve. A hook-joint along the sleeve allows it to be readily detached by springing open. This device seems to be better than employing separate " fingers."
COMPOSITE PISTON RING FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY ENGINES A PISTON RING claimed to fulfil all the requirements of a high-speed high-compression engine is shown in patent No. 520,192 by Ramsey Accessories Manufacturing Corp., 3693, Forest Park Boulevard, St. Louis, U.S.A.
This ring is a 'composite one, comprising a fiat double coil of steel (1) ' surmounted upon a conical cast-iron ring (3). The assembly is also fitted with a steel expander ring (2). This : bears upon only the cast-iron ring until considerable wear has occurred. The ring illustrated is for the purpose of holding compression; for oil retaining the steel coils are placed at the bottom, whilst the iron portion is widely slotted for collecting the oil.
IMPROVED DETACHABLEELECTRODE PLUG allow the removal of the ceramic insulator, and its subsequent replacement without risk of injury, is the object of a design of Sparking plug shown in patent No. 520,058 by Lodge Plugs, Ltd., and others, St. Peter's Road, Rugby.
The improvement lies in the use of two sealing surfaces in series, and in the value of the angles chosen. In the drawing, the angle of the lower seating (2) is of the order of 90 degrees., whilst the upper seal (1) is at approximately 30 degrees. Copper washers may be employed on both seatings if required, although the drawing shows only one, on the lower seat.
The design certainly possesses the merit of simplicity.