Passing Comments
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Traffic Signal Problems MANY difficulties with Caused by Load I" traffic have occurred as a Shedding result of light signals being affected by electricity cuts or load shedding. In the case of signals constructed before 1938, the length of time changes is often increased. Recently, the Ministry of Transport, in conjunction with the manufacturers concerned, devised an apparatus which will help to counteract this difficulty when the voltage drop is not more than 15 per cent. It will also improve the accuracy of timing under the smaller variations which occur even under normal conditions. To counteract the dangers of complete failure, the Ministry has suggested the use of approach direction signs with reflectors, erected at least 400 ft. from a junction: a line of reflecting road studs at not less than 100 ft. from it, and a special warning sign "Traffic Signals Ahead" in reflecting letters.
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Tracing a " Mole" A T the Wakefield oil. instal Stuck in an Oil lation at Stanlow; in
Pipe Cheshire, oil pipe lines are cleaned for the reception of different oils by the use of a steel and rubber "mole." This device is driven through the pipes by compressed air, but, occasionally, it becomes stuck in a bend. As a pipe may be a mile or so long and the mole difficult to trace, serious delays may occur, and demurrage charges on ships kept waiting will pile up. Someone, however, thought of the bright idea that a radio-active tracer element might be fastened inside the " mole." Here the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell came into the picture, by providing a small piece of radio-active cobalt 60. Now, when there is trouble, a man armed with a Geiger Counter can trace the mole's location in a matter of minutes. This is but one example of the peaceful use of atomic knowledge.
Engine Reconditioners THE annual dinner of the Get Together at 1 National Association of Brighton , . Crankshaft a n d Cylinder
Grinders, held at Brighton on June 5, was a very pleasant function, with the president, Mr. H. G. Turner, M.I.Mech.E., M.S.A.E., in the chair. After the chairman's address of welcome, the toast of the Association was proposed by the Editor of "The Commercial Motor," who played upon the various technical terms employed in this section of the industry. He also referred to the select membership, which was restricted to concerns with satisfactory equipment and working to a high degree of accuracy. He mentioned that the members and those of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers spoke the same language. The former wanted the work, the latter to see it finished—accurately. A suitable response was made by Mr. R. J. Middleton, M.S.A.E., M.I.R.T.E. Replying to "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. C. R. M. Frost, A.M.I.B.F., A.M.I.P.E., Mrs. G. A. Turner spoke with an ability which many men might envy_ The Association, which was founded following a meeting held at the Commercial Motor Show of 1937, has a large number of members engaged in engine reconditioning, and it provides a comprehensive technical service for them. Its previous Iwo presidents were Mr. Harold Andrews and Mr. E. H. Jones, whilst Mr. Turner has held the office for five years.
Concealed Lamp to A MONGST the many Aid Route Reading " special fittings on the
While Travelling . Austin A40 car which is endeavouring to encircle the world in 30 days, is a concealedreading lamp. This enables the relief driver to study maps and route courses at night without distracting the man at the wheel. This is a feature which might well be included in other vehicles which have to travel frequently in the dark and along routes which may not be well known.