CURING SKIDDING BY EXTREME FLEXIBILITY OF SPRINGS
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CLAIMS almost of the calibre of those advanced for the patent medicine that cures all ills were made in respect of a new device, known as the Rectaskid, demonstrated in our presence the other day. But, whereas faith will often be of material help to a patent, medicine, it was certainly not faith that assisted the Rectaskid to accomplish the purpose claimed for it. The device consists of a metal interleaving for the road springs of a vehicle. Four are employed for each spring, placed between the top and second leaves and between .thesecond and third leaves, on each side of the central bolt and the full length of the leaf. These interleaves are made of two thin sheets of rustless metal riveted together and bolding between them in countersunk holies about two dozen small rustless steel balls, which just protrude above the surface level of the metal. It. is claimed that these act as bail races between the leaves, that their action in " lubricating " the leaves is better than grease or oil, and that their presence gives extreme flexibility to a. spring. That they should improve the riding of a vehicle over a rough road would not be disputed, but that they should be an almost complete preventive of skidding, should "make the steering as light as a feather," should reduce petrol consumption, increase the life of tfie transmission, and give a better tyre mileage and a greater speed seem hard to believe. The only one of these claims that could .conveniently he supported Cy demonstration wasthe anti-skidding properties said to exist. On a filthily greasy surface in a garage yard with a. sharp leading turn banked the wrong way, a car was tested in every way and under all the conditions that an
extremely sceptical and critical audience could demand, but, in no case did the wheel track exceed the normal width by one inch. On the wet and slippery wood pavement of a public road, cars fitted with the device were thoroughly badly handled by anyone of the large party present who eared to take the wheel. The inventor claims that the flexibility of the springs enables the body of the vehicle quickly to • recover its normal position on a -swerve and thug to exert a righting influence." Cab drivers (for, so far, 200 London cabs have been fitted) assured us that the device possessed all the merits claimed for it,. The makers are the Weston Anti Vibrator and Nonskid Manufacturing Co., Ltd..,ef 3, Pembroke Mews, Halkiu Street, London,
.S.-4V.1. We feel sure that they .will willingly, demonstrate the device to anyone interested.