A Neat Cover for Oil Barrels.
Page 18
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IP MUCH road grit or dust be allowed to find its way into the oil used in internal-combustion engines it will have deleterious effects on the working parts and, moreover, its properties as a lubricating agent will be considerably impaired. Some users and drivers are careless in their handling of oil, and make no attempt to prevent foreign matter from mixing with the contents of tins and barrels. Whilst proper precautions are taken at the majority
of garages and fuel stations against the contamination of supplies of oil by dirt and water, cases occasionally occur where there is certainly a need for the exercise of a greater degree of care.
Most of these difficulties, so far as barrels of oil are concerned at any rate, can be overcome by the use of a cover such as that patented and marketed by Mr. G. Reed, of 45, Bromley Common, Bromley, Kent, which is designed to fit over the standard type of barrel in use by all the prominent oil-supplying companies. The cover, which is made of 20gauge steel, is 5 ft. 6 ins, high and has a girth of 7 ft. and a diamethr of 2 ft. 4 ins.
The cover is fastened to the barrel by means of two stout damps, which grip the upper rim and are suspended by chains from the sides. In the front of the cover, immediately below the cowl at the top, is a wide opening, 15 ins. by 19 ins. This is covered by a door, which slides on the turned-back sections forming the sides of the opening. The door can be locked, when closed, by a padlock, thus preventing the pump from being operated without authority. The various sizes of measure, funnels and a drip pan can be accommodated on top of the barrel and can quickly be brought into use when required.
Mr. Reed tells us that most of the big oil companies are now having their barrels made with the bung-hole in the top instead of at the side, as was at one time the usual practice, so that no difficulty is presented in drawing off supplies.
The Reed cover sells at £3 15s., and should prove a labour-saving device for general garage use. It effectively turns an ordinary oil barrel into an attractive.. looking cabinet in the space of a minute and gives to its contents absolute protection in more senses of the word than one. Moreover, the user who obtains his supplies from a garage in which suct equipment is in use can see the make and grade of lubricant he secures for the door can carry a plate supplied by the manufacturers.