A DEVICE FOR PREVENTING BACK-FIRE.
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_Cl A LTHOUGH a number of touring cars
are in these days fitted with selfstarters, this form of equipment is not yet to be found in use on many commercial vehicles, particularly those of the heaviest type, and the engine, therefore, has to be cranked by hand in the usual way. There are still quite a number of drivers who do not effect this operation in the correct manner, and they certainly run the risk of broken or injured wrists consequent on backfiring. To obviate this danger, the Low Generator and Engineering Co., Ltd., of Alperton, Middlesex, have patented and put on the market a device known as the Semi-dis Safestart. It consists of a semicircular steel disc attached to the shaft of the starting handle, so that when on the downward stroke it comas into contact with a small spring-loaded rod attached to the handle housing and wired up to the magneto. In this manner a direct path through the framework of the vehicle is provided for the current, thus cutting out the spark. So soon as the segment passes the rod, however, the path is broken and the spark occurs at the plug points. The device can be attached to any make of vehicle, and is suitable for use with any type of ignition. It sells at 7s. 6d. Stock models are held for the 2-ton Karrier chassis and the K.3 passenger type of the same make, but others can be supplied quickly.