British retarder from Pye Electric
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• Another electro-magnetic retarder has been introduced to the market. It is made by Pye Electric Ltd, of Lowestoft, Suffolk, and the first model in the range of units to become available will be the type R5 which has a maximum initial retardation of 525 lb ft torque. stabilizing at 410 lb ft on a continuous rating. This figure is obtainable over a range of shaft speeds between 800 and 2200 rpm, a slightly reduced torque being available at up to 4800 rpm.
As with other types of retarder, the Pye is mounted in place of the centre-bearing in the propeller shaft assembly. The unit weighs 2901b and has a flartge-to-flange length of 9.44in. Its overall diameter is 19in. A drum surrounds the stator. placing the whole of the surface affected by the magnetic fields at the most advantageous distance from the carrier bearings. Vanes built into the drum cause a cooling air-flow to pass through the unit whenever it is revolving.
A steering-column mounted operating
switch is arranged to permit 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and full retardation to be switched in. To avoid shock loading of the vehicle's differential gear, the switch operates in a gate preventing full retardation from being selected at once.