AUTOMATIC BRAKING

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 June 1933, Page 12

AUTOMATIC BRAKING

NOVEL EMERGENCY SYSTEM

An interesting automobile brake control system was recently tried out in England. Primarily, tho device is intended to act as an emergency brake which automatically comes into operation in the event of collapse of driver or a sudden emergency calling for immediate application of brakes. In the device tested hydraulic power is utilised, the method of application being simple, inexpensive, and easy to instal. A container is partially filled with oil, submerged in which is a double plunger pump. This is driven from t-lio rear of the gearbox by a chain running over sprockets. By a system of springs and valves the device is actuated by a light ring, which is fitted immediately beneath the steering wheel. The driver when at the wheel, grasps the ring all the time the vehicle is in motion. Should he release his grip on the wheel and allow the ring to' drop, a Bowden wire mechanism opens the hydraulic vari es and immediately, applies the brakes. When the ring is again grasped, the valves close and the brakes are released. It may be thought that it would prove a nuisance to grasp the ring and, at the same time, operate the steering wheel, but tests by motoring experts showed that after a short experience this act becomes quite natural. It was demonstrated that even with the foot hard down on , the accelerator and the engine on full throttle the device_ brings the vehicle to rest and the engine stops. Immediately a driver releases the ring he niav leave his vehicle altogether and the brakes will*remain on. The device will probably be marketed in Great Britain at an early date.