Scientific Design in Non-dazzle Lamp • F OR some weeks we have
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had on trial a new non-dazzle headlamp. It is named the Meteor and is made by Safety Services, Ltd., 8-10, North Audley Street, London, W.I. The arrangement of the reflectors is such that the main beam emitted has a flat top, which, when the lamp is correctly set and the vehicle on level ground, is in a horizontal plane at the same height above the road surface as the centre of the lamp. This end is achieved without any waste of candle power.
Some of the light projected is cast slightly downwards and to the sides, so that the whole of the road, for its full width and for a long distance ahead, is well illuminated. Vehicles in front, cyclists, pedestrians, low road signs, etc., can all be seen, but as the eyes of approaching car drivers, riders of cycles and persons standing or walking, are above the top of the beam, to dazzle is caused.
Accordingly, one can drive with the lamp continuously in use, and it is, at first, a remarkable experience to have illumination comparable with that given by two normal headlamps, while enjoying the convenience afforded by dipping on the part of approaching drivers. Just the one lamp alone is entirely adequate.
For greatest efficiency, the Meteor lamp needs to be mounted as high as possible (its height must not, of course, exceed 3 ft. 6 ins.) and to be set with great care. So mach depends upon this, that we would suggest that,
in addition to the ball mounting provided, some simple form of screw adjustment should be included in the equipment.
Whilst we can candidly say that this lamp definitely constitutes an advance upon those of orthodox type, there are certain limitations inherent to the principle of its functioning. Objects ahead are picked out by a 2-3-ft. belt of light, which is not much when they are, perhaps, a quarter of a mile away. This, however, is of not the slightest consequencd, except when travelling at spends far above those of commercial vehicles. Variations in road level must inevitably diminish either its nondaizle or its illuminating powers.. For example, where flat road' changes to downward sirme, ait ascending vehicle is at a lower level mid its driver's eyes in the direct beard; on the other hand, an upward gradient is not fully illuminated.
We have, however, satisfied ourselves in practice -tha.t these criticisms are of little momentand hardly Of enough importance to merit the use of supplenientary lighting equipment.
Referring to the accompanying diagram, which shows how the main beam is' projected, it will be seen that there is, behind the bulb, a small concave reflector. Half of this throws direct rays, the other half indirect raYs, as indicated. • All rays leave .the,larap at predetermined angles, the _light being directed and diffused .according tc plan. The tinted uranium glass front plays a part in spreading the heath laterally. The penetrant propertie: imparted by this glass and the loa level of the beam render the lamp ar asset to fqg driving.
Complete with tie-bar fitting, svvitcI and 36-watt bulb, the lamp cosb • 72s. 6d.; without the first two items the price is. £3 3s. B37