Trolley-bus Brakes
Page 68
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TN Patent No. 391,890, by J. G, 1.8mitlison, Oakdale, Alnechurch, Worcestershire, it is shown that in trolley. buses, where both air brakes and rheostatic or regenerative (electric) brakes are used on all four wheels, and electric brakes are used on the rear wheels, it is possible in an emergency, should both sets of brakes be applied, to cause a risk of skidding. To prevent the full application of both sets of brakes at the same time would appear to be the main object of the present invention.
In the plan view, the ibrake pedal (A) is coupled to a valve (B) which controls the compressed-air system, G being the container, and CC and FF being air-operated brakes. The electric motor (II) is controlled by a rheostat (1), D being a solenoid which controls the air valve (E).
The sectional view shows details of the solenoid (0), which, when sufficiently energized, overcomes the spring (P), closing the valve (L) so as to cut off the supply of compressed air, and opening the valve (M) to the atmosphere, thus throwing the air-operated brakes on the rear wheels out of action. They are brought automatically into action again only when the current generated by the electric brakes has fallen to a predetermined value.
Fuel Pump for CI. Engines.
A FUEL pump described in specifica tion No. 391,223, by The Pilgrims Way Motor Co., Ltd., J. Gravenor and E. L. Armitage, is of the kind where a constant stroke of the plunger is main
tat led, but a relief valve can regulate the amount of fuel delivered to the engine by allowing a certain quantity of the charge to return to the tank.
The cam and tappet impart a constant movement to the plunger (B), but a partial rotation of the cylinder in which it works by means of the rack and pinion (G) can operate the helical slot (F), so that a complete cut off of return fuel to the chamber is effected when the engine is developing full power, but any modi
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fication of the delivery can 13e produced by the movement of the helical slot. The rack may he coupled to a governor.
Combining Hydraulic Clutch and Free Wheel.
A COMBINATION of the now well known hydraulic clutch (commonly called a fluid flywheel) with a free wheel situated between the engine and the gearbox, so that nothing but engine torque is transmitted through the free wheel, is described in Patent No. 391,837, by Harold Sinclair, 6, The Crest, Surbiton Hill, Surrey.
A means for locking the free wheel is
A Van that Can Run Anywhere. A CURIOUS design of truck or van
is shown in the Patent No. 392,485, of Gothaer Waggonfabrik A.G., a German corporation. The van can run in the manner not only of an ordinary trailer, but can, when required, move sideways, which, it is claimed, is convenient when being moved from a platform on to a railway truck.
Other uses might be found for such a truck, such as the collection of street
refuse, where, when full, it has to be transferred to another vehicle for transport to a distance. It might also be used in manoeuvring about in factories, etc.
When the vehicle is running normally as a trailer the draw bar can effect the steering in the ordinary manner, but when it is required to 'move the van sideways the hand gear shown can tarn all the wheels to an angle of 90 degrees. All the wheels can be sprung in the usual manner.
A Wobble-Shaft Drive for Fuel Pumps.
LATENT No. 389,980, by A. F. Evans, 2, Castleton Mansions, Castlenau, Barnes, describes a method of arranging a number of fuel pumps within a small space so that they can be driven by a single shaft. The pumps are arranged around a vert'cal shaft of the wobble kind fitted with ball-bearing rings from where arms or trunnions extend, thus forming sweat plates to move both the plungers and their cylinders. A chamber (3) contains fuel oil which finds its way into the cylinders through the ports which are uncovered by the action of the plungers and cylinders.