Converting Clutches to Centrifugal Control
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THE advantages of centri fugally operated clutches can now be applied to existing clutches by means of the apparatus shown in patent No. 518,283, by N. Newton. Newton and Bennett Works, Valetta Road, London, W.3.
The device consists of a small auxiliary servo-motor operated by centrifugal force in accordance with engine speed. In the drawing, a pulley (6) is driven by the engine, the fan belt being probably the most convenient method. The rotor carries a number of pivoted bob-weights (5) which, when revolved, move to the position 4 and in doing so push the spring-opposed flange (3) to the right. The sliding motion is transmitted to the eye (2) and this, via a flexible cable, allows the clutch to engage. It is to he understood, of courSe, that the spring (1) is powerful enough to depress the clutch. pedal at idling speed.
It is proposed to provide a catch for suspending the operation of the centrifugal device in cases in which it would be an embarrassment—during a towstart, for example.
READILY RELEASABLE TRANSMISSION SPRING
PIA ONE-WAY device for the transmission, intended to function as a sprag, is disclosed in patent No.
518,168, by A. Hackett and J. Edwards, 76, Warwards Lane, Selly Park, Birmingham. One of the features of the design is that the detents can be disengaged under load, a useful virtue in an emergency.
The drawing shows the essence of the device, comprising a stationary ring (1) in which are a number of partcircular recesses, each housing a semirotary detent (2). These detents can he set in the neutral position, or rocked in either direction to impose a one-way control upon a toothed wheel (3) in the transmission system. The teeth on the wheel are. shaped to the radius of the detents, thus permitting their movement under load.
The patent shows also the complete assembly, both for hand and automatic control. It is suggested that the scheme is specially suitable for trailers, to prevent a run-away in the event of a broken coupling.
SCHEME FOR USE OF ALUMINIUM CYLINDERS CYLINDERS made of aluminium k-/alloy would be ideal from the point of view of lightness, if only the problem of wear could be overcome. A suggestion in this respect comes in patent No. 517,713 from A. Nicolle and the Automotive Engineering Co., Ltd., 104, The Green, Twickenham.. The patent discloses two special designs of piston, both claimed to be
capable of working in a cylinder of aluminium alloy without undue wear. One of the pistons, shown in the drawing, consists of a normal alloy body with the usual rings, but with the addition of steel wearing faces (I) made of tightly coiled steel wire.
HYDRAULIC TRANSMISSION WITH VARIABLE RATIO
AN hydraulic power transmitter in which the ratio is adjustable forms the subject of patent No. 518,082, by R. de Lavaud, 24, rue de la Faisanderie, Paris. The degree of coupling, it is claimed, can be varied not only
for ratio, but also for direction, thus giving a reverse.
In this design, the stationary parts comprise the casing (1.), a series of vanes (10 and 13) and an inner boss (8) surrounding the primary shaft. An annular ring (14) also is a fixed part, acting as a support for the vanes (10 and 13).
The rotor consists of a series of vanes (12) carried by a disc (11) attached to the input shaft (9). The output member is made in two parts, an inner ring (4) and an outer ring (3). These two pieces are fixed to sliding sleeves (7 and 6) which are interconnected by a pin-and-helicalgroove coupling actuated by a hand , lever (5), Movement of this lever alters the angular relationship between the discs (3 and 4) and so rocks the output vanes (2), which are only loosely held in the discs by projecting lugs. Alteration of the . vane angle controls the transmission ratio, and, if taken past the radial position, results in a reversed drive.
EASILY OPERATED DRIVER'S SEAT
COMFORT and safety go hand-inhand in the matter of drivers' seats, and patent No. 518,062 shows an improved seat which can be easily adjusted by its occupant for angle of tilt. The patentee, a specialist in such matters, is A. W. Chapman, 115, Howards Lane, London, S.W.15.
Several schemes are described, one of which is shown in the drawing. In this case, a handle (1) attached to* a screwed shaft can adjust the effective length thereof, and in doing so vary the angle, of a pair of arms (3). The ends of these slide upon inclined surfaces (2) and thus control the height
of the rear of the seat. The last named is, of course, pivoted at its front end, the pivot pins being given a choice of holes for a frontal adjustment.
In another design a cranked crossshaft, rotated through the medium of a worm, raises and lowers the rear of the seat.