A Novel Safety Starting Handle
Page 75
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irANY accidents have occurred to IlLpersons engaged in the motor industry, due to the back-firing of engines. A patented invention designed to frustrate the harmful effects of a back-fire has been brought forward by Mr. Norman J. Hepworth, 66, Wormald Street, Heckmondwike, who is desirous of getting into touch with manufacturers interested in this product.
In the accompanying illustration, A is the end of the engine shaft, fitted with a toothed member' (B). This, in turn, engages with a corresponding member (C) on the inner end of the starting-handle shaft (D). On this shaft is a quick-pitch thread (K), which engages with, and is encircled by, the, intermediate sleeve (G). On the outer face of this sleeve is a
ratchet (j) engaging with a plunger (H) housed in a boss forming part of the housing for the starting-handle shaft. This housing is, of course, attached to the chassis. The ratchet allows rotation only in a clockwise direction.
When starting an engine, the shaft (D) is pushed inwards in the ordinary -way and the toothed members engage. Should 'therk be a back-fire in an anticlockwise direction, the plunger (H) locks the sleeve (G) which immediately acts upon the shaft (D) by reason of the screw thread (K) and pulls the shaftof engagement with the toothe member on the crankshaft.
We are informed that if a back-fire should occur the handle only turns through about five degrees before it is disconnected ' from the engine ; this would not, of course, be sufficient to harm the operator.