The Efficient Maintenance of Brakes
Page 66
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AFEW days ago a demonstration of the Bendix-Cowdrey rake-tester was given at one of Birmingham Corporation's bus garages, when engineers representing several bus companies and municipalities were present. The device is marketed by Bendix-Perrot Brakes, Ltd., of Westwood Road, Witton, Birmingham, and many important and convincing claims are made for it
The company has constructed 19 different models of braketester, and in all the same fundamental principle is employed. One of the wheels of a vehicle is brought to rest on two rollers, the surfaces of which are intended to produce the same co-efficient of friction as would a first-class concrete road.
The rear roll is driven by an electric motor (the power of the vehicle engine is not employed), whilst the front roll is rotated by the rear one. The "pull of the road" is indicated on a scale, the reading being obtained by means of the planetary action of a train of gears. The degree of this action is directly proportionate to the braking effort.
It is claimed by the maker that the Bendix-Cowdrey brake-tester allows adjustment to be effected by one man, whilst it also enables the operative to distribute the -retarding force in any desired ratio, front and rear, in the case of four-wheel brakes.
By the use of this device it is possible to foretell with a reasonable degree of accuracy the distance in which a vehicle will stop from any selected speed, and the mechanic is able to regulate the brakes so that all four wheels have even braking power.
After having made an adjustment it is, the I3endix-Perrot concern claims, unnecessary to road-test a vehicle in order to ascertain whether or not the brakes be in an. efficient state.
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