Studying Springing by Electronics
Page 54
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AN analogue computer, known as the Emiac II, has been developed by E.M.I. Electronics, Ltd., Hayes, Middx. so that suspension systems can be studied under laboratory, rather than test
track, conditions. '
It can be set up to work out effects of a given suspension layout on a vehicle by matching suspension details to a prescribed road contour. The results are produced as traces on a cathode-ray tube. and a permanent record is provided by a multiple-pen recorder. With suitable attachments, the computer will include other variables such as pitch and roll in its calculations.
The basic Emiac II computer, which has been developed from apparatus used for guided-missile research, costs about £3,000. Another introduction by E.M.I. is a low-priced closed-circuit television channel suitable for observation work on a vehicle while in motion.
The basic equipment, consisting of a television camera, a control box and a viewing unit, costs £680.
SCOTTISH VEHICLE INDUSTRY?
THE Scottish Council (Development and Industry) were hopeful that a vehicle-manufacturing industry could be located in Scotland when the new sheetsteel mill at Motherwell went into production, said Lord Polwarth, chairman. at Edinburgh last week.
Congestion in the Midlands and competition for labour there gave reasonable hope that when sheet-steel was available manufacturers would be prepared to look at the area as a producing centre.
He also indicated that the Council had contacted, some 500 American concerns interested in the use of sheet-steel and suggested that they locate works in Scotland or organize manufacture there under licence. Similar moves had been made in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and there was a possibility that the manufacture of foreign vehicles might result.
DISCHARGING SACKED LOADS
ADEVICE by means of which feeding stuffs or pellets carried in sacks on a lorry can be unloaded up to heights of 60 ft. has been produced by F. E. Callow (Engineers), Ltd., Liverpool. It takes the form of a hopper into which the sacks may be emptied so that the material may be blown through a discharge pipe, a compressor and blower unit being slung under the frame at the rear.
The hopper can be removed when not required, and the orifice covered by a plate. The unit is driven from a power take-off. It is equally suitable for normal and tipping vehicles.
MANAGERS' CONFERENCE
ACONFERENCE of traffic managers will be held by Associated Road Transport Contractors at White's Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London, W.2, on November 2 at 11 a.m. Hauliers interested in co-operation between longdistance operators are invited to attend.