New Anti-dazzle Device
Page 40
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AN accessory to eliminate headlight dazzle and offering certain other advantages not associated with normal dipping systems has been developed by Messrs. H. J. Osborn, 48 Roydene Road., London, S.E.I8. In a few months' time it will be marketed by Motor Parts, Ltd., 14 Bellegrove Parade, Welling, Kent.
The device consists of what may be described as a Venetian blind of horizontal metal strips which fits inside the lamp between the reflector and the lens. The strips are opened and closed by means of a Bowden cable which may be attached to the dash panel.
When the operating knob of the cable is depressed, the strips, which are polished on their undersides and painted matt black above, offer negligible impedance to the emission of light. When the knob is pulled out an inch or two, the strips close and obscure a major segment of the lamp circle.
The effect is twofold. The intensity of the beam is diminished and the angle of the beam is depressed, but there is no change in lateral direction. A representative of The Commercial Motor tried the Osborn device in the off-side driving lamp of his car and found that in its closed position sufficient light was afforded to maintain 30 m.p.h. safely. As he was not " flashed " by oncoming drivers, he assumed that it effectively cut out glare.
s6 The metal strips reflect a pool of light in front of the vehicle. This is useful for cornering and it is further claimed that as upward deflection of light is eliminated, a lamp equipped with the device is suitable for driving in fog.
A particular advantage for heavyvehicle drivers is that they can lower the angle of the head-lamp beam by partial closure of the strips to compensate for the depression of the rear of the vehicle when laden.
The accessory may be supplied either as a separate unit -for installation in existing head lamps at a price of about 10s., or already fitted in the lamp.