NEW EQUIPMENT
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and Publications
Trailer Lighting Relay Unit A TRAILER signalling and lighting relay unit designed to 1-3. meet the Ministry of Transport's new lighting regulations (due to be put into effect on September 1) has been introduced by Joseph Lucas Ltd. Called the model 2TU, it conforms with the regulations by enabling the single flasher unit on the towing vehicle to provide simultaneous operation of signalling lamps on both vehicle and trailer. The unit also provides for the fitting of a second warning lamp in the towing vehicle, which stops flashing in the event of bulb failure in the trailer indicator lamps.
This relay unit provides a simple method of connecting signalling equipment to the trailer; it can be fitted easily to the towing vehicle or trailer, depending upon individual requirements. Electrical connection between the towing vehicle and trailer is made when required by a waterproof plug and socket assembly—this assembly also carries connections for the trailer's side marker lamps, number plate and stop tail lamps.
The model 2TU consists of a number of separate relays mounted on a printed circuit board, which is contained in a black plastics-moulded cover roughly '5 in. long and 3 in. high.
When the direction indicator is used, the flasher unit causes the direction indicator lamps on the towing vehicle to flash on and off in the usual manner. This action is also used to control the appropriate relay in the 2TU. alternately connecting and disconnecting the corresponding trailer direction indicator lamp directly to or from the battery stipply simultaneously with the lamps on the towing vehicle—without placing extra loading on the flasher unit.
Three versions of the unit are available. Two are for use with 12 V systems (choice of these depends on whether a hydraulic or a mechanical switch is employed on the towing vehicle for stop light operation) and one for use with 24V systems. For 12 V systems with hydraulic stop lamp switches, an additional relay in the model 2TU is energized when the towing vehicle stop lamps are illuminated, connecting the trailer stop lamps direct to the battery supply—no extra current being carried by the stop lamp switch contacts.
Made by: Joseph Lucas Ltd., Great King Street, Birmingham, Warks.
Prices: (recommended) Model 33275 (I2V), £3 10s.; Model 33276 (12V), £3; Model 33278 (24V), £3 5s, W. African Hardwoods ACONCISE guide to 19 of the more generally available .West African hardwoods has been published by United Africa Co. (Timber) Ltd. The physical properties of the different timbers and their uses are listed in clear, easy-to-read fashion.
Published by: United Africa Company (Timber) Ltd., Shelley House. Noble Street. London, EC2. c 10 For Night Owls and Early Birds FOR those regularly on the road late at night or early in the morning a booklet recently published by Shell-Mex and BP Ltd. is likely to be very useful. As many as 55,000 copies of the booklet, called " Shell for Night Owls and Early Birds ", have been distributed to Shell filling stations, hotels (of threestar or higher rating), police stations, town information centres, car-hire firms—and to every AA and RAC main office. It can be consulted at any of these places—but for reference only.
The stations listed are primarily those on or near main trunk roads and have all qualified for inclusion by being open At 6 a.m. and/or 11 p.m. The actual hours of opening are shown against each station.
Published by: Shell-Mex and BP Ltd., Shell-Mex House, Strand,' London, WC2.
Spray Cleaner for Tanks • MOW marketed by Reddish Detergents Ltd. is a bulk-storage
tank cleansing spray that rotates hydraulically to give maximum coverage. Known as the Roto Tee S' spray, if can be used in all sizes and shapes of tank up to 28 ft. in length. The jet streams deliver 80 gal. a minute at 35 p.s.i. Made in stainless steel, it is self-draining, self-cleansing and installation can be either temporary or permanent. In the case of road tankers it is suggested that a spray is fitted to a dummy manhole cover.
Marketed by: Reddish Detergents Ltd., Stanley Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire.
Price: £20.
Electronic Clock HAVING time troubles? If so you might well be interested in the Digicron electronic clock being marketed by Darang Manufacturing Ltd.—the first of its type available for general sale.
This shows the time by using four illuminated digits (each 15 mm. high by 9 mm. wide)—brightness being sufficient for reading in high lighting conditions. It is electronically operated and has no moving parts. Total absence of wear is claimed and the clock functions silently.
Power and timing are from the 50-cycle mains, operating voltage of which can vary from 190 to 260 V without affecting timing accuracy. A one-second interruption of the supply does not affect accuracy. Maximum electricity consumption is 25 W and the Digicron has self-contained, accessible fuse protection.
This portable clock, which is housed in a strong plastics case, is supplied with a two-year guarantee"
Made by: Darang Manufacturing Ltd., Restmor Way, Hackbridge Road, 14ack bridge, Surrey. Price: £90 (approx.).