ANTI-DAZZLE DEVICE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19798, 19 November 1927, Page 14

ANTI-DAZZLE DEVICE.

EFFORTLESS DIPPING

MAGNETIC LAMP CONTROL.

By applying electro-magnetic control to dipping headlights, a resident of Cambridge, Mr. F. E. Higgins, claims to have evolved a definite solution of the dazzle problem. His invention has been demonstrated to members o£ the council of the Auckland Automobile Association and representatives of the police and o the traffic department of the Auckland City Council. The idea of dipping headlamps is old, but there is novelty in effecting the swivelling by the pushing oi a button, instead of by operating a manual"control. The inventor's idea is that the chief objection 'to mechanical control is that it requires considerable movement of the driver's arm and an effort which usually results in neglect of the apparatus. The device employs parts which should be adaptable to any type of headlamp. Under the bonnet of the car a solenoid, or electric coil, is mounted on the dash. Its hollow core encases a slicing iron bar susceptible to any magnetic force set up in the coil. The bar is extended by a straight rod through the radiator or its shell. The end projecting from the radiator is attached by a hinge to the bar moving the pivoted headlamp's. Under normal con ditions a light coil spring keeps the headlamps in the ordinary position. The push button" may be located conveniently on the dash or steering wheel column. Immediately the current is switched on the iron rod is drawn into the solenoid and the lamps remain dipped until the switch is released. The' inventor claims that the current consumption of the electro-magnet is less than that of a single headlamp bulb, so that when the engine is running the surplus charging current from the generator prevents any draw on the battery. Two experimental sets have been tested. One is fitted' to an American car and v the other was attached this week to a light British .car owned by the City Council, who are impartial in permitting the demonstration. Driving testa were made in the Auckland Domain, it being pointed out by the inventor that the full power of the headlamps was available when the lights were depressed, although the beam was restricted well below the eye level of any approaching driver. The inventor states that certain lack of rigidity in the demonstration equipment can be eliminated in properly-constructed fittings with bushed bearings. He also considers that rough roads will not produce wobble with the Jampa ig anj? posifciog, „