NEW EQUIPMENT
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and Publications
Theft-prevention Lock OPERATORS subscribing to the principle " better safe than sorry " will, be interested to learn that the vehicle theftprevention lock marketed by the Autosafe Co. has been completely redesigned.
The operating principle of the Autosafe remains the same— a non-return valve in the hydraulic brake system interrupting the return of fluid from brakes to master cylinder. thereby locking all wheels—but the mechanics are completely different.
The barrel is now machined from the Solid, where previously a casting was used, and the new lock is a six-tumbler type made by Yale and provided with special keys. Other features include a piston with a lip seal and IncorpOrating a springloaded relief ball valve, which avoids excessive pressures being maintained.
When the lock is opened the seal is held off the valve seat, enabling the brake fluid to flow in each direction. maintaining normal operating conditions. The valve cannot close until the key is removed.. The action of turning and withdrawing the key switches off the ignition and simultaneously operates the Autosafe—pressing the brake pedal then automatically locking all road wheels: When the key is replaced and turned the lock on the wheels is released and the ignition turned on.
If the vehicle is entered in the absence of the authorized driver, shorting the ignition switch wilt not release the brakes. On vehicles where the handbrake operates on the transmission the Autosafe gives a positive lock to all wheels.
Made by: Autosafe Co., 4 Tiddington Road, Stratford-onAvon, Warks.
Price: Less than £7, plus fitting.
Rust-proofing Flu id THE rust-proofing fluid made by Plow Products Ltd., Dinitrol 33B, is now being supplied in a new aerosol pack and with a removable flexible extension tube designed to make " difficult " areas easy to get at.
Dinitrol 33B, developed after extensive research in Sweden, was developed to protect hidden cavities in vehicles; the properties required were that it should give good protection on dirty, rusty and damp surfaces and that it should be extremely penetrative. This rust-proofing fluid has many applications. Made by: Plow Products Ltd., 43a Portlock Road; Maidenhead, Berks.
Stationary Batteries—Design and Use
'THE design, performance and use of stationary batteries are discussed in a booklet recently published by the Lead Development Association. It contains the full text of two papers presented at a meeting of battery technologists in the Association's London office; the first describes the Plante cell and the second explains the application of stationary batteries as emergency power supplies.
In the discussion on the papers (full accounts of which are given) the use of lead-acid and nickel-alkaline batteries is compared and problems associated with the operation of battery rooms are covered. The booklet is available, free of charge, on application to the LDA. Published by: Lead Development Associations 34 Berkeley Square, London, Wl.
Oil-fired Air Heater PA.A HORIZONTAL-TYPE, oil-fired air heater has now been added to the range of Domino vertical ducted and freestanding. oil-fired air heatersmade by Heat-Plant Ltd. The new heater is intended mainly for use in ducted types of system. Made by: Heat-Plant Ltd., Haigh Park Road, Stourton. Leeds, It).
Clamp Device for Roof Rack ASPRING clamp device for use with the Filrack detachable roof rack has recently. been introduced by Fox Inventions Ltd. This fitment, called the Fildamp, is designed to ensure the safe carriage of ladders and other similar long loads on small Commercial vehicles. It bolts on -to the end support of the Filrack and is readily adjustable to accommodate viiring thicknesses of ladders, steps and so on. The clamp is quickly secured or released by a ,single movement of the lever arm, no other fastening being necessary. Made by: Fox Inventions Ltd., I I, Alexandra Road, Leicester. Price: £3 2s. 6d. Prevents Cooling Trouble MARNING of failure in engine cooling systems is given by W the Level-Stat which is now being marketed in the UK by Aeon Products (London) Ltd. This unit is of American origin and it is said that the prime reason for its development was to prevent engine failure due to cavitation in engine water pumps. Three models are available. the 200, 300 and 400, and whilst all three are basically flow-sensing devices the 300 and 400 include oil-pressure sensing also. The models 200 and 300 are electrically controlled whilst the 400 is operated hydraulically. All three can be used for stopping the engine. The Level-Stat unit is piped into the engine cooling system on the suction side of the water pump and when the coolant flow through the unit stops, or oil pressure fails (when this feature is incorporated) the driver is warned by an alarm or the engine is stopped. Obviously, the unit warns of water-pump belt failure as well as a faulty pump and it also can give indication of head gasket failure or cracks in the walls of water passages which allow air into the system and cause cavitation. The unit has a sensor assembly and a 15 amp. switch, the contacts of which are held open by the flow of coolant through the sensing unit. Loss of circulation causes the magnetically held contact of the switch to break bringing in the alarm or engine-stop devices. Should the unit itself fail it fails safe.