The Supply Department.
Page 23
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Selected Information which is likely to be of Interest to Makers, Owners, and their
Buyers.
A Second-hand Tire-press Wanted.
We have several inquiries from correspondents, who wish, if possible, to purchase second-hand hydraulic tirepresses. We are not at all convinced that such plant is to be had, as most of those equipments which have been purchased during the last year or two must still be veryfully employed. Information which we can usefully transmit to our friends should be sent to the Editor, in envelopes marked " Tire-press."
An Ingenious Filler-cap.
We reproduce on this page a photograph of an ingeniously-contrived filler-cap for tanks which are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure—such tanks, for
instance, as those used on pressure-feed petrol systems. The idea of the inventor of this little accessory, Mr. H. C. Wilson, has been to evolve a quickly-operated fitting, which shall yet. be as effective as the ordinary form of screwed cap. Examination of the illustration on this page will reveal the nature of the design that has been adopted, and which has been found quite satisfactory in practice. It will be seen that a combination of the bayonet type of joint and of the screwed-cap arrangement has been secured. The method of operation is to insert the three-arm bridge through the slots in the base and to turn the cap, together with its bridge-piece, until one of the arms of the latter engages a stop. Further rotary movement of the cap brings into operation a small, central, spring-loaded, screwed pin, and this final rotation effectively locks the whole device. It is obvious that a cap of this design can be securely screwed into position very quickly. This component is one of a large number of ingenious fittings which are suitable for all classes of chassis and which are produced by Messrs. Benton and Stone, of Bracebridge Street, Birmingham.
About Pressings.
We have recently been making inquiries for a correspondent who wishes to ascertain where he can obtain a number of small steel pressings. We have now advised him that certain of the parts will be best produced as drop forgings, and that Smith's o' Saltley, Birmingham, are as likely as anyone to produce them effectively. For the smaller parts we have recommended Saukeys of Bitatoll, who, we believe, have suitable small machinery ; these smaller parts will, however, have to be pressed in two sections and subsequently brazed together. For deep large pressings, such as hand basins and lavatory fittings, James Beresford and Son, Cato Street Works, Vauxhall, Birmingham, are hard to beat. Catalogues Received.
A descriptive illustrated pamphlet from United Motor Industries, Ltd., of the new Mea Arc-Light Magneto.
A statement from Charles Jarrott and Letts, Ltd., of a Faraday-house test of the " C.J.L." Mira Magnetolile. A very-useful catalogue of the many small spring and wire-work specialities produced by Terry's, of Redditch.
A Promising Aluminium Alloy.
We have received some samples of a new patented aluminium alloy from Messrs. Gabriel and Co., brassfounders, of Birmingham. A distinctive name, " Clarua," has been registered for this speciality. The specimens which have readied us show that this material possesses a very-considerable degree of ductility, and that, in addition, it is capable of assuming a high degree of polish. It, of course, possesses the non-tarnishing properties of pure aluminium. We are informed that " Clams " tube has a tensile strength of 16 tons per sq. in., as compared with the 10 tons of ordinary aluminium tube ; " Claims " wire has a tensile strength of 30 tons, as compared with the 23 tons of ordinary aluminium wire. This interesting alloy can now be obtained in tube, sheet, wire and rod.
Instead of a Bulb for the Horn.
We have had our attention drawn by Brown Bros., Ltd., of Great Eastern Street, London, E.G., to an ingenious attachment known as the " Aspeero " fitting. We are interested in this arrangement, particularly from the point of view that it offers a possible alternative to the ordinary bulb-actuated hooter for commercial-vehicle work. The upkeep of rubber bulbs and the frequent renewal of reeds necessitate considerable expenditure which many owners would be glad to avoid. The " Aspeero '• arrangement, which ire illustrate herewith, employs the suction effect in the induction pipe in order to draw air through the horn, past the special design of reed. The arrangement of the various small fittings is shown quite clearly in our illustration. It will be seen therein that the horn, when thus fitted, is operated by means of a Bowden wire and a small lever fixed to the steering wheel. It is claimed for this speciality that it can be brought into operation as quickly as an electric horn, and that a hooter so fitted can be heard at all reasonable distances. Brown Bros. supply complete sets of " Aspeero " fittings which can he adapted to all standard makes of horns; or they stock the complete instrument as an alternative.