American Headlamp Design Revolutionised

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 9 (Supplement)

American Headlamp Design Revolutionised

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT

New in design and unique in the co-operative method of its development, a new sealed beam headlight system is scheduled for adoption on the 19*10 models ot almost every American car. I lie new system takes its name from the fact that, in the new lamp itself, the reflector, light source and lens are, lot the lirst time, made in a single permanently sealed unit. When the filament burns out, the whole lamp unit is replaced with a now one. . -V. 1 important advantage is that the inside of tlie lens and reflecting surface aie protected against dirt, moisture and corrosion. As a result, the new lights • will maintain their original eliieiency throughout almost their entire life, reductions in the amount of light projected during the life of the unit being held to a proportion of less than 10 per cent. Two beams are provided in the new system, Ijoth of which give more light and hotter vision at night than liavo similar beams of any previous systems. The amount of light has been increased b.v about 50 per font. The lower of the two beams in the new system is called a "traffic beam." it is Virtually a noglarc beam and is designed for use wherever there is movement of other vehicles. The second, or upper beam, is designated as n "country beam" and throws its light a considerably greater distance down the road than former types. Tn the development of the new system, everything possible has been done to make such selection casv for the driver. All cars equipped with the new system will have standardised switchcear. There will he one two-position switch on the dasli—one position to turn on the head lights and the other to light the parking lamps. Beam selection will be controlled by n conveniently located foot switch.' Another advantage of the new construction i« that .the light source, reflector, and lens are accurately and permanently positioned with respect to each other •it the factory.