Mobile yard-ramp
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To overcome the problem of access for fork-lift trucks and other vehicles into containers the Copperloy Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio, has introduced a mobile yard-ramp to the UK market.
The robust lightweight ramps have pneumatic wheels placed at the centre of gravity, enabling the ramps to be manhandled into position by only two men. There is a built-in hydraulic levelling pump, which is handoperated and capable of adjusting the ramp height to between 37in. and 63in.
The pump is mounted in a protected position under the ramp and operated through a slot in the deck. The ramps are built to American military specifications. They have a 5in.-high safety kerb to prevent accidental run-off: a 12in.-long lip provides secure overlap. Two 10ft anchor chains with grab hooks secure the ramp to the vehicles.
Standard ramps are available in lengths of 30ft (on 18in. wheels) and 36ft (on 21in. wheels): they are 70in. wide with 621in. usable. Load capacities are 11.000, 16,000 and 20,000lb. Bantam models of 20ft and 26ft are also available.
The maximum gradient for the smallest Bantam ramp is 9.5deg, with the larger ramps being proportionately less. All ramps are suitable for use with all types of fork-lift trucks.
Heavy-gauge aluminium alloy is used for all structural members, which are unit welded for maximum strength. The floor is serrated steel open grating for all-weather traction and selfcleaning. Such extras as a spring assembly to convert the 36ft ramp for road trailing and four-point sling fixtures are available.
Marketed by: Keyzal Farnworth Packaging Ltd., 68 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AQ.
Number plates
The entire surface of number plates introduced by Hills is reflective, the plates being of the DB bevelled-rim type. White and yellow versions are available.
A plastics moulding is supplied for yellow rear plates which protects the rear panels of the vehicle from damage in addition to enhancing its appearance. The moulding is fitted round the edge of the plate and prevents water seeping between the plate and the body. It also ensures that there is no scratching of the body when the plate is screwed on. Distance tubes included in the fittings prevent denting of the plates by the screws.
Made by: Hills (Patents) Ltd., Staines, Middx.
Price: Same as price of company's standard reflective plates.
Load transfer
A simple load-transfer system for single-drive four-spring tandem bogies with underslung springs has been introduced by the Primrose Third Axle Co. Ltd. It enables extra weight to be imposed temporarily on the driving axle if wheel-slip should be encountered.
Above the rear end of each leading spring, close to the loadcompensating balance beam which links the inner ends of each tandem, is a compact triple-convolution air bellows. This bellows is carried from a bracket outrigged from the chassis frame. It is energized by flicking a switch in the cab which operates an electro-pneumatic solenoid valve, allowing compressed air from an independent reservoir to flow into both air bellows which act on the rear ends of the leading pair of springs.
The bellows generate enough power to lift the trailing axle clear of the ground when the vehicle is empty. Nearly 2 tons can be added to the load imposed on the driving axle.
Made by: Primrose Group Sales, Lever Works, Ewood, Blackburn, La ncs.
Brake brochure
A new brochure has been published by Centrax Gears Ltd., describing the operation and setting out the advantages of Stopmaster twin-wedge operated brakes. Copies of the brochure are obtainable free of charge on application to the company. Available from: Centrax Gears Ltd„ Sheldon Rd., Newton Abbot, Devon.
Self-locking nuts
The new Circloc self-locking nuts and setscrews are a departure from the usual run of specially made items in that Circloc uses ordinary standard plain nuts—or setscrews—and without slotting or otherwise affecting their strength converts them into efficient and inexpensive self-lockers. By a patented process a ribbon of blue nylon is permanently fused to the surface of the threads—leaving the lead threads clear to permit easy starting.
The nylon ribbon completely encircles the threads and it is claimed that a 100 per cent fused seal is obtained and that the nut—or setscrew—is held firmly in face of the most severe vibration or shock treatment.
Circloc nuts are manufactured by the Firth Cleveland Fastenings Co. in South Wales. In material costs, Circloc is claimed to be the most competitive self-locker of uninterrupted thread form design ever offered.
Initially Circloc nuts were difficult to differentiate from their standard plain cousins, but now they are all provided with a light blue surface finish which aids selection and makes for foolproof assembly inspection.
The nylon non-hygroscopic element has a built-in memory— similar to that of the betterknown Nyloc self-locking nuts— and therefore re-usability is no problem. Not only this, but the compression factor in the nylon band compensates for variations in thread accuracy and is said to ensure an adequate lock even in adverse circumstances. Reusability for the Circloc nut exceeds the requirements of the accepted International Standard.
A new leaflet describing Circloc products in some detail is available from the Technical Publications Department of Firth Cleveland at the address below. Made by: Firth Cleveland Fastenings Co.. Stornoway House, Cleveland Row. St. James's. London, SW. 1.
Radiotelephones
Pye Telecommunications Ltd. has introduced a new dual-channel search facility for its Westminster range of remote-mounted radiotelephones, claimed to be an important development for all multi-channel radiotelephone users. It prc vides automatic simultaneous monitoring of two radiotelephone channels. The Westminster radiotelephones are used extensively by police, fire, ambulance, public bodies and many industries.
The new facility allows a radiotelephone user to monitor a channel which may be allocated to priority or emergency calls in addition to operating any other channel selected by the channel switch. Dual-channel search equipment, designed for use with the Westminster FM mobile radiotelephone, is housed in a compact unit which also includes the normal radiotelephone controls. One of the two channels monitored is that allocated to position "1" on the channel selector switch; the other channel monitored is that selected on the channel selector switch by the operator.
With the "search– button pressed the equipment provides continuous sampling of the two channels alternately, each for a period of approximately one second, the receiver locking on to whichever channel first becomes operational. For example, with the channel selector on position "8" monitoring will take place on channels "1" and "8". When a signal is received on either channel, the equipment locks on to that channel for the duration of the signal received and for a period of 10 sec afterwards. At any time during this delay period the operator may commence transmission of his answer on the same channel. Normal radiotelephone conversation can then continue from
either end without the channel-changing sequence operating, provided both operators answer within 10 sec of the end of the message.
A lock button allows the operator to lock the equipment indefinitely on the channel in use, regardless of the channel switch position. To reset the equipment for dual channel monitoring, a button marked "search" is pressed. A manual override facility is also provided.
A special version of the dual-channel search unit can be provided for use with receivers covering widely spaced blocks of channels.
Made by: Pye of Cambridge, St. Andrew's Road, Cambridge, CB4 I D P.
Wiper and arms
S. Norrish Ltd are introducing two new products which should prove of interest to p.s.v. and haulage fleet operators throughout the country.
One is a powerful air-pressureoperated windscreen wiper motor capable of powering two 24in.-long arms and blades in tandem. The unit is of the reciprocating piston type and is self parking. A remote-control valve controls its speed and operation. The unit can also be fitted to existing tandem linkages.
The other is a new commercial vehicle wiper arm of 18in. and above. This arm is designed so that, by means of a slipping clutch action, it can quite easily be pushed to one side for cleaning purposes, and will automatically revert to the drive position when the wiper is switched on.
The arm is made of stainless steel with a chrome or nickelplated brass head, but is only suitable for lower road speed operations at this stage. Developments are under way to produce a similar model for highspeed motorway use.
Made by: S. Norrish Ltd., 220/ 222 Great Portland St., London, Wi Finishing sander
Stenor Ltd. have introduced the D.A. sander especially for the automotive finishing and refinishing trades.
This unit eliminates the need for wet sanding and works on an entirely different principle from other machines. The sanding pad is off-centre and revolves free and independent of the driving head. This enables the D.A. dual-action sander to pro
duce a scratch-free finish, because the abrasives used are travelling in a non-directional pattern. The entire pad is applied flat to the work, or tipped to get into a radius.
With dry sanding, the Stenor D.A. can use grits ranging from 80 to as fine as 400, and the abrasive grains travelling in a non-repeating path do not generate heat on the surface and soften the paint, thus. it is claimed, eliminating any problem of kernels of paint forming on the abrasives and causing scoring of the surface and shortening the abrasive life.
For the new sander selfadhesive discs have been introduced. These have been specially developed to give up to three times the life of normal abrasive pads. They are available in cartons of 50 and supplied with grits of 80, 160, 240 and 320.
The sander and self-adhesive discs are said to be ideal for sanding primer surfaces and sealers and removing gloss and road film. The coarser abrasives will undertake heavy featheredging, blend solder and plastics patches including composite materials and are also ideal for other jobs which call for fast sanding.
Made by: Stenor Ltd., 37 Kew Foot Road. Richmond, Surrey.
Mobile lube
Kismet Ltd. has recently introduced a new unit to the range of mobile lubrication equipment. This is a skid-mounted version of the Trailaluber and is being called the Rovaluber. Its model number is KMS 1234 and it has been designed to fit into the back of a Land-Rover.
The unit comprises a 6.5 cult. compressor—powered by a petrol engine—which supplies air for operation of two oil-reels, one grease reel and one air reel. The unit comes complete with three air-operated pumps designed for fitment to standard oil company kegs and drums, two oil guns and also a sparkingplug cleaner. It can be supplied either with or without canopy assembly.
Made by: Kismet Ltd., Fenlake Works, Bedford.
Replacement glass
Bradville, the manufacturer of Bradex motor accessories, is expanding its product range into units for the commercial vehicle field.
The first product to be offered is a range of replacement glasses for commercial vehicle mirrors. The glass is flat and supplied in two sizes-7in. x 51n. (in packets of 12), and 10in. x 6in. (in packets of 6).
Made by: Bradville Ltd., Bradex Works, Huddersfield Road, Wyke, Bradford, Yorks.
Price: from 2s 3d to 4s 6d according to size.
Adjusting brakes
Brake adjustment with an ordinary spanner is not easy once adjusters begin to corrode. A new universal brake adjuster, just introduced by T. Williams Ltd., is a handy addition to the tool kit of the service engineer.
The adjuster is designed to suit all light vehicles with square adjusters. It is machined to very close limits (4 0.002in.-Oin.) from ultra-tensile chrome steel and has been tested and approved be leading motor manufacturers. Adjustment can be carried out without removing wheels from a vehicle.
Made by T. Williams (Drop Forgings and Tools) Ltd., Tilton Road, Birmingham 9.
Price: 9s 3d.
Carbon remover
It is claimed byApplied Chemicals that Applied 5-73 represents a new chemical approach to the removal of heavy carbonized oil deposits from petrol and diesel engine components. In addition to breaking down carbonized oil residues, it also removes light rust and decomposition residues of leaded fuel. It is also suitable for applications to air compressors during overhaul.
Applied 5-73 is supplied in powder form and is used in the ratio of 1;lb per gallon of water at a temperature of 1801310deg F. It contains no acid and is safely applied to cast iron and mild steel. It can be used in a standard mild steel tank with gas, electric or steam heating. Made by: Applied Chemicals Ltd., Salisbury Road, Industrial Estate, Uxbridge, Middx.
Hook for meat loads
A new meat hook, made entirely of lightweight plastics, yet capable of supporting a deadweight carcass loading of 1,000 lb. (with a safety factor of twice this amount) is announced by J. N. Blair Ltd. The Blair meat hook has been designed and developed by the company's research and development team to provide a straightforward and inexpensive answer to the problems of hygiene, safety. payloading and handling of chilled carcasses. It is claimed to replace effectively all types of metal hooks to advantage, in refrigerated containers, commercial vehicles and cold storage depots.
The hook is injection-moulded in Contal, a material already successfully used by Blair in container door-gear bushings. It has an anchor shape. with a central shank, and two up-slanted hooks. The shank has a hemispherical head, seating in a cup formed by a three-piece mounting assembly which slides on an 'I' or 'top-hat' section load rail. The sliding head of the hook, being demountable. enables the operator to add or remove hooks at will, without having to disturb the other hooks on the rail.
Contal has an extremely low co-efficient of friction—a property which Blair have turned to advantage for the purposes of sliding the hook. When loaded, pressure applied to the hook near the loading rail will overcome its inertia and the assembly will run easily along the rail. But when pressure is applied low down— for example as a result of the vehicle braking and causing cargoes to swing forwards—the hook locks on to the loading rail, and all movement of the carcass is dispersed through the ball and socket joint in the hook. The whole assembly forms a lightweight, self-lubricating unit.
The finish of Contal is a smooth, hard and glossy surface which dirt does not readily adhere to and which can be cleaned with detergents including sodium hypochlorite. It can also be steam sterilized. Under refrigeration the material retains all its properties down to -40 deg C. and some are even said to be improved--the tensile strength of Contal actually increases as the temperature drops. It is chemically inert and does not react with animal fats and certain acids.
Potentially dangerous points and edges (associated with steel units) have been rounded out of the profiles, reducing the risk of hand and head injuries.
The assembly is available in three shank-lengths, 5in., 6.5in. and Sin. and with a head assembly suitable for use on three rail widths-2in.. 2.5in. and 3in. The weight of a Blair meat hook in Contel is approximately 1/5th of a comparable, conventional steel hook.
Results and findings of tests, together with full technical specifications, are published as a bulletin by the Blair Technical Consultancy Service, and are available free on request. Quote Bulletin No. BT8/1/69.
Made by: J. N. Blair Ltd.. Howard House, Arundel St., London, W.C.2.
Towing jaws Nith the introduction of their atest 35-ton heavy-duty trailer ;oupling. B. Dixon-Bate Ltd. are low producing a full range of owing jaws to British Standard Specifications. This covers coupings with towing capacities of 3. 5, 15 and 35 tons.
In common with the company's ither couplings, the new unit ncorporates the same wellKoved automatic lock, which iliminates the possibility of the owing pin accidentally jumping nit in service. It is designed for ise with the standard 3in. ID by tin. D-section towing eye.
All working parts are zinc ■ lated, and the design of spring nd MoSi-impregnated nylon ■ earings is such that the coupling squires no maintenance and is aid to be entirely foolproof in Iperation. The flat mounting face nd four-bolt fixing enable it to e fitted easily to heavy corn on the front of heavy vehicles, rendering them quickly recoverable in event of emergency and general use.
Made by: B. Dixon-Bate Ltd., Bridge Works, Chester.
Engine chart
A chart showing how engine power and torque characteristics need to be matched up to the needs of maximum-capacity goods vehicles in the 1970s is included in a leaflet introduced by the Cummins Engine Co. Ltd.
Both the chart and the text accompanying it are designed to show how Cummins can meet power requirements in any gross combination weight bracket from 28 tons to 42 tons (and more) if, and when, vehicle weights go up and a powerto-weight ratio is introduced.
Attention is drawn to engine torque characteristics, particularly in respect of maintaining speeds on gradients.
Available from: Cummins Engine Co. Ltd., Coombe House, Malden Road, New Malden, Surrey.
Drop-platform
A two-step Alaflor drop-platform designed to accommodate all sizes of tanker vehicle has been announced by Archibald Low and Sons. The purpose of the platform is to provide easy access between the platforms of oil loading gantries, and the catwalks of road or rail tankers.
Originally designed as a onestep cantilevered unit, the new 'swing-wing' platform has two steps, each 9ft long by 1ft 1-iin wide, having a linkage at each end which permits the steps to be varied for height and degree of horizontal extension. Rubber buffers are fitted to the edges of the platform that make contact with the tanker, and the weight of the platform is taken by a torsion bar.
Extension and retraction of the platform is effected by moving the handrail in the required direction. A foot-released storm latch locks the platform when in the stowed position. The dropplatform is decked with Alaflor extruded aluminium grid flooring and is manufactured in a range of sizes to meet customer's individual requirements.
Made by: Archibald Low and Sons Ltd., Crown Works. Sunderland.
Transformers
Two new mains isolating transformers of small size and weight are announced by Atkins, Robertson and Whiteford Ltd. for users of low voltage (110V) power tools, hand lamps and other portable electric apparatus. Continuous rated outputs of 630 VA or 1,000 VA, satisfying the requirements of BS 3535, are supplied from units measuring only 10in. by 8iin. by 114in.; under temperature ambient conditions and with a normal type of load, these ratins can be increased to 750 VA and 1,250 VA respectively. The lower capacity transformer weighs 25Ib and the other 361b.
Both models are fitted with thermal overload trips, which obviates the need to carry spare fuses and precludes the possibility of operators substituting fuses of higher rating. Both employ an earth connection at the centre point of the secondary transformer winding so that, in the event of insulation failure on the tool or lamp, the maximum voltage to earth is only 55V. These units are also suitable for foreign equipment requiring 110/115 v 50/60 Hz supply.
The use of high-temperature
insulating materials, grainorientated cold-rolled steel as core material, plus improved ventilation, makes these models smaller and lighter than earlier units. To give protection against humidity, the windings are
vacuum-impregnated with insulating varnish. The steel casing is in grey hammer-finished stove enamel, fitted with a carrying handle.
Made by: Atkins, Robertson and Whiteford Ltd., Thornliebank, Glasgow.
High-speed filler
Hadfields are now marketing a knifing or brushing filler which can also be sprayed. It .is to be known as High Speed filler.
When using as a knifing filler it has the property of not rolling under the spatula, which makes for very easy and quick application. It can also be thinned for spraying and this advantage has been introduced to enable its ready adaptation .for use on weldments as well as on castings, without the user having to stock separate fillers.
It is suitable for use under synthetic or cellulose syStems, and is air-drying but may be force dried if necessary. With easy rubbing properties, it may be dry or wet flatted. This new filler is especially designed for speedy application and drying and it is claimed that three knifed-coats can be readily applied in one day. Stoving is not required.
Full details are given on Information Sheet No 33G which is available free on request.
Made by: Hadfields (Merton) Ltd., Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 3Y0. Tel: 01-648 3422.