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BY ASHLEY TAYLOR, A.M.I.R.T.E., Assoc. Inst. T.

31st May 1963, Page 58
31st May 1963
Page 58
Page 58, 31st May 1963 — BY ASHLEY TAYLOR, A.M.I.R.T.E., Assoc. Inst. T.
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Keywords : Ambulance, Concrete, Chassis

Gentle Tipper

SMOOTHING the path of the seriously sick has now been carried a stage further by the Bristol; Coventry and Surrey ambulance authorities through the medium of a modification that has been made available for the Dunlop Pneuride suspension system. On opening the back door the rear of the ambulance is automatically lowered several inches. A spring-loaded plunger to the left of the step actuates a valve that exhausts air from the bellows and, at the same time, neutralizes the levelling valve so that continuous exhausting from the main reservoir is prevented.

In this way the stretcher trays are lowered to a position where appreciably less effort is required on the part of the attendant; similarly, the bottom step is far easier for a walking patient to use in comfort. When the rear door is closed the suspension and floor level obligingly return to normal. Actually, on shutting the doors air is admitted to the bellows from the reservoir, thus reinflating the suspension to the correct static height within a matter of seconds. Where the Morris LD chassis is used the modification for the Pneuride ambulance application is effected by B.M.C. However, for the Morris FO, and for all other makes of ambulance chassis for which air suspension has been designed by Dunlop. the work is performed by Dunlop themselves.

Bulk Transfer

IN recent years more and more local authorities have been forced by circumstances into operating bulk transport. Built-up areas which have found them selves without satisfactory means of refuse disposal within their own boundaries have been compelled to arrange that heavy loads shall be made up for transport to some location where suitable facilities are available. In a volume entitled "Transfer Loading Stations ", shortly to be published by Temple Press Books Limited, Mr. F. L. Stirrup, director of public cleansing for Salford, deals authoritatively with the methods and equipment used by municipal authorities, five different systems for refuse sorting and disposal that are in current use being discussed. These range from conversions of existing plant to new purpose-built transfer depots. Mr. Stirrup demonstrates the overall economy and efficiency of new depots. Full information is given of operational costs, depot expenses and loan charges applicable in connection with the author's own undertaking.

Undercover Operatives

THE large prefabricated building is effecting a minor revolution in vehicle accommodation in quite a number of towns up and down the country. The harder working units of the smallish municipal fleets have frequently been the ones to lead an open-air life, often being parked overnight in a departmental yard. Extreme cold during the past winter brought a host of difficulties for all kinds of operators who had never got away from working under these Spartan conditions and the thoughts of many have since been turned to the factory-built variety of structure which is now available in forms giving wide, unobstructed floor space. An example of this trend is the garage recently erected by the Battle R.D.C. This employs a pre-cast concrete frame by E. W. Tyler and Co. Ltd., of Tonbridge (Kent), and is based on a concrete raft, the lower walls being of brick with upper sections of corrugated asbestos sheeting. The building is 80 ft. in length, 70 ft. wide and 12 ft. 6 in. high at the eaves; two skylights run the full length of the building. This garage provides as much covered space as it was possible to accommodate on the site and replaces an open yard with small buildings on three sides. The original structures have been retained in the form of stores, workshops and messrooms.

The Tyler pre-cast concrete system has also been used by Leigh (Lancs.) for the provision of a seven-bay salt and grit store. During the coming months reserves of rock salt are to be built up to a total of 500 tons, which will be distributed in five bays. Snow clearance equipment and mechanical loaders are to be accommodated in the remaining two bays. The store, which was built by the Tyler organization on a concrete raft, is 105 ft. long, 40ft. wide and 16 ft. high, these dimensions providing ample room for manceuvre and for bodies being fully tipped.

Holidays for Handicapped

DURING May and September, Manchester Corporation Welfare Services Committee will be taking a number of handicapped persons to a specially adapted hotel in North Wales to enjoy a holiday which, but for the advent of new coaches designed for their use, might not have been practicable. In the course of the holiday the vehicles will be available to take those participating on visits to various places of interest in the neighbourhood. The two units, which were put into operation a few weeks ago, were constructed by the Able Bodywork Co. Ltd., of Bolton. The chassis employed is the Bedford 300D/VAS with oversize tyres (8-25 by 16 in., 12-ply). Briefly, the accommodation comprises 12 tubularsteel armchair seats, four wheelchair spaces with locking devices and two single stretcher racks, each of which can alternatively seat four passengers. To facilitate the entry of wheelchairs, an electro-hydraulic lift produced by the Edbro-Pilot group is employed. The lift can, of course, also be used to raise walking passengers who are unable to climb steps.

When laying down the specification for the two coaches the Welfare Services Committee made a close study of experiences with an adapted vehicle and of information regarding similar units already employed by other authorities. In operation each coach has a driverattendant, and an attendant-relief driver, and carries a supply of drinking water, first-aid equipment and blankets.


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