“PREST-AIR”

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 1 August 1925, Page 16

“PREST-AIR”

BOON TO MOTORISTS.

A powerful tyre pump —without the labour of pumping; cay jack that needs no lever action, hut simply rises easily and smoothly; and an efficient fire extinguisher—these are the properties of a new invention called the “PrestAir” Autoniobilei Outfit. "What would not ally motorist give for any of these labour saving devices The trouble of pumping a tyre, or lifting a wheel with a jack is now an obsolete method of dealing with tyre troubles. The pouring of injurious chemicals into a blazing engine is also out-of-date. This is the result of the invention of the “Prest-Air” bottle—a tstieel iqyllinder about fourteen inches long, which contains pure liquid carbon-dioxide that vapourizes on the opening of the valve and rushes out at a pressure of up to 1000 lbs to the square inch. A demonstration was given yesterday to a Star reporter by Mr. F. G-. Carson, of Union St., Hawera, and tlie advantage of the patent wer© readily appreciated. A special air-jack (which is part of the equipment) was placed under a large motor truck. A “prest-air” bottle was attached, and with a slight turn a small amount of gas was allowed into the jack. The result was that the axle was lifted easily in a very few seconds. The jack could remain in that position for any length of time, ther© being no leakage whatever. It was simnlv released bly opening a. valve. The bottle was attached to”n deflated tyre, and with the same magic turn it rose and Was as firm as ever it had been. Carbon-dioxide has been proved to be a preservative of rubber, so a motorist is rather lengthening than shortening the life of his tube when he fills them from the “prest-air” bottle. A mass of ben. zine—saturated cotton-waste was blazing until the carbon-dioxide hissed from tlie cylinder when _ flames immediately disappeared. This is due to the fact* that carbon-dioxide does not support combustion and a considerable amount of it soon' smothers a . fire much better than water or chemicals ever could. It can be understood that chemicals poured on to such a delicate piece of machinery as.a niotor-car engine are almost certain to hav e an injurious effect on the engine befoie it could be thoroughly overhauled. The cylinder contains enough gjas to inflate ten ordinary tubes. The equipment consist of two ‘ prestair” cylinders, a “prest-air’.’ jack, and an automobile grease pistol which shoots home the grease when it receives a little “persuasion” from the gas cylinder. It is understood that when the agencies are opened throughout New Zealand, refills for the cylinders will be obtainable. ‘ A demonstration was also given to the members of the Hawera. Rotary Club after tlieir luncheon yesterday, and they all expressed their surpiise and pleasure at'the work of the new invention.