Independent Suspension for Buses
Page 56
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FROM Norway comes, in patent No. 4643,595 (void), an interesting design of independent suspension as applied to a bus chassis, the patentee being A/S Striffimmens Vaerksted, Strbinmen. In this system, the wheel assembly is linked to a box-like structure surrounding the differential casing. Two links (1 and 3) are used, being pivoted at
each end and forming a parallelogram. The resilient member comprises a cylinder and piston (4) containing a number of helical springs. This unit is also pivoted, at one end on the axle structure and at the other on the wheel assembly, being disposed at an angle, as shown.
The drive from the axle casing is transmitted via a pair of universal joints, an extensible coupling being interposed in the short propeller shaft to allow for variation in length. The brakes are operated by an hydraulic cylinder (2), and the brake drum forms part of the wheel and rim assembly. This feature is claimed to give excellent aceeSsibility by simply removing the wheel.
Mobile Refrigerator Outfit for Hot . Climates.
ACOMPLETE electrically operated mobile refrigerating plant is described in patent No. 466,150 by Richardsons, Westgarth and Co., Ltd.. Hartlepool, the invention originating from the Swiss engineering company, A. G. Brown, Boveri et Cie. The plant is intended for use in the tropics, and can be used both as a mobile and as a stationary outfit. In the former case, a generator on the tractor supplies the working current, but when stationary the refrigerator can be connected to an external current supply, if available. The tractor is also intended to be used for other purposes, and is equipped with the usual towing attachments,
Transmission System for Light Vans.
ATRANSMISSION system for light vans forms the subject of patent No. 466,605 by J. P. Garner, 45, Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warwick, the chief feature of the design being the facility for the reception of alternative power units, either petrol engine or electric motor. In the drawing, shaft 3 carries the road wheels and is driven via a normal pair of bevels by shaft 4. This carries a chain sprocket driven from another located above it (1). The latter sprocket may he driven by a nor..
B46 mai engine-driven gearbox ; alternatively, an electric motor may be employed. In the latter case, the top half (2) of the lower casing is removed, and is replaced by a casting carrying a standard electric motor which would carry sprocket I, a lower gear-ratio being, of course, necessary.
Hydraulic Clutch and Gear Operation.
THE use of hydraulically expanded clutch members, coupled with semiautomatic gear selection, forms the subject of patent No. 466,543 by A. Kegresse, 36, Avenue Hoche, Paris. The principle is applicable to gears of the *cyclic type, and in the drawing is shown in its simplest form, that of a two-speed gear. The clutch is of dual construction,plate 2 driving the firstspeed element, whilst second speed is obtained by driving plate 4. The coupling pressure is provided by the hydraulic expansion of "flexible dia phragrits (1 and 5). The pressuresupply conduit is connected directly to the first-speed" diaphragm, hut the second-speed passages are interrupted by a spring-loaded ball-valve (3).
In operation, rising hydraulic pressure first expands the first-speed clutch, and drives the vehicle. A further increase of pressure overcome4" the ball-valve and engages second speed, the first Speed being over-run by a free wheel, By this means, speed changes are proportional to hydraulic pressure, which can be a function of the engine speed, with or without manual modification.
A New Self-lubricating searing Material.
W11-ST graphite mixtures have in the past been employed for lightly loaded bearings, their inherent weakness has limited their use for more heavily stressed duties. In patent No. 465,819 (void), is described a new mixture with a graphitic base, stated to be suitable even for such heavily loaded components as piston rings. The patentee is F. Battler, 9, Baeckerstrasse, Vienna, Austria.
The process comprises the mechanical mixture of finely powered metal with from 10 per cent, to 50 per Cent. of colloidal graphite, as obtained by the Acheson process. The mixture is then placed in a die and subjected to a temperature sufficient to melt the metal, combined with a pressure of from 1 to 100 atmospheres. This process is stated to produce a material which can be subsequently heat treated For hardness without destroying the self-lubricating properties, A body produced by this method is claimed to be strong enough. to .-withstand hammering on an anvil without suffering undue damage, whilst the hardness can be adjusted to any value up to 180 degrees Brinell.