Robinson' s Rollers.
Page 15
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The2Ingenious Embodiment of Friction Gear and Independent Roller Drive.'
In September of 1913, one of our representatives was interested to examine an entirely novel type of motor roller, which had been designed and produced by Mr. Arthur
S. Robinson, A.M.I.C.E., This gentleman, at his charming residence at Barsham, near Beccles, Suffolk, has established for some while past an excellently-equipped series of workshops, which enables him to offer to suitable pupils a first year's practical and theoretical mechanical training of a very thorough nature in conjunction with a refined home life in the country.
. Since that time, certain interesting modifications have been made to the roller, and we recently welcomed the opportunity to test the latest edition of this neatly-designed machine. One or two of the photographs which we reproduce herewith will serve to remind our readers of the general lines upon which the design has been evolved. What has proved most attractive to us in this connection has been the clever adaptation of several mechanical devices to the needs in view, notably the use, in combination, of tooth-faced friction drums, and of flexible leather-belt drives. These, in combination with the independently-clutched chain drives to the twin rear rollers, afford a simple, cheap and efficient system, by which forward and reverse speeds are secured, as well as independent or combined drives to the rollers, as may be desired. The main gear reduction is effected by a simple worm and worm-wheel pair, but, in the event of its being desirable to provide two normal rates of progress' two worm drives of different pitches are embodied in similar manner..
The second outstanding example of Mr. Robinson's ingenuity in this roller production is, as we have already indicated in an earlier issue, the clever manner in which he arranges, by the suitable use of bellcrank levers, cams and clutches, that the operation of the steering roller, in its revolution about its steering pillar, operates automatically to bring in or to cut out the drives to the rollers on the respective sides. This device in operation is a, great deal simpler than it can in any way appear from this description, and it, of course, facilitates handling to a remarkable extent. The pivoting of the roller on the plane of its horizontal diameter is also a feature of roller construction which appeals to us as affording excellent articulation.
The improvements which have been embodied in the latest types include the addition of another belt drive, the embodiment of an extra groove on the friction drums, and detail modifications in other parts of the machine.
Mr. Robinson has now a complete range of both motor and pedal-propelled models available at Barsham for inspection and trial. He is still open for offers from interested parties who would discuss terms for the manufacture of this interesting little machine, which, we feel sure, owing to its cheapness and its efficiency, is certain of a big sale now that the advantages of these power-propelled units are being so widely recognized for estate and other work in this country and abroad. In the course of a practical test which we recently made, we were delighted with the ease of handling.
Mr. Robinson is a prodigal inventor, and yet he is always practical— an unusual though welcome trait. He is, of course, a mechanical engineer of experience and merit, and is not led away to develop ideas of which the ultimate utility is in doubt. For instance, he has thrashed the spring-wheel problem to pieces in no uncertain manner. He is engaged at the moment on that absorbing quest for an efficient lifeguard for the front wheels of commercial vehicles of all kinds. His home and workshops at Barsham are full of interesting schemes and designs, and, in particular, we ourselves were attracted by a twinworm final-drive model, which he is proposing for commercial-vehicle use, and in various clever schemes for simple clutches. At the time of writing, we are investigating with care his proposals for a front-wheel lifegua, to which we make reference above.
In conclusion' i we would recommend to the notce of anybody who desires to have designs produced or ideas developed„ tested and reported upon, the services of Mr. Arthur S. F. Robinson and his interesting experimental workshops.