NEW TYPE OF BRAKE

Evening Star, Issue 22271, 24 February 1936, Page 13

NEW TYPE OF BRAKE

REMARKABLE RESULTS Two engineers of the tramways and omnibus department of the Birmingham Corporation have patented an invention which may make them famous throughout the motoring world. Mr C. E. T. Rowland, chief engineer, and his assistant, Mr H. Parker, have had remarkable results on the city’s omnibus fleet with their deyice, which makes it unnecessary to adjust brakes manually throughout the life of the brake linings. This may mean anything from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. In these days it is not uncommon for brake linings to last as long as the car. It is claimed that 150 omnibuses have covered in the aggregate approximately 2.025.000 miles without any adjustments to the brakes, either hand or footoperated. One double-decker has had 45.000 miles continuous and heavy service. TESTED AFTER, 30,000 MILES. One omnibus came into the depot for brake tests after 30,000 miles, and Mr Rowland said it had at no time received any attention. The braking pressure, according to the testing instrument, was equal and efficient on all four wheels. . The adjusting mechanism is built into the nose of the brake shoe. It consists of a sliding wearing piece, which is extended by a worm reduction gear automatically operated by a rack and wheel. , It maintains a constant clearance ana will automatically adjust wear in the linings of so small a degree as .00003 m. It is claimed that the driver of any car using this type of brake would be able to drive without paying any attention to adjustments until the actual linings of the brakes wero worn away.