From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Various design suggestions including a fuel suction mechanism, an anti-theft lock, valve gear covers, and foot warmers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 181\M11\ img118 | |
| Date | 30th January 1919 guessed | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} -4- E1/G30119 Contd. mechanism. He further suggests using only one air valve, which would shut off a little intermediate chamber from which the engine driven pump was sucking, as shewn in the sketch below, to create the vacuum which draws the fuel from the main tank on the car. [Sketch of a fuel tank system with a float mechanism] When the float is in the up position, the pump would suck normally from the atmosphere without drawing vapour from the suction tank by this arrangement. (8) LOCK TO PREVENT CAR STEALING. X.3504 The ignition lock is considered useless to prevent theft of cars, on account of the magneto. The most desirable form of lock was thought to be one which fixes the change speed lever in the neutral position, this being most easily accomplished by a finger which pushed down and clipped the change speed lever. It would be unlocked by a Yale key. It was expected that a device of this description would be incorporated in the new models. The change speed is sufficiently high from the floor to allow of convenience in unlocking, even though the key be attached to the end of a watch chain. (9) VALVE GEAR COVERS - 40/50 H.P. CHASSIS. X 3505 Mr. Royce approved of the suggestion to add aluminium covers to cover in the valve gear on the 40/50 H.P. chassis. These covers would not be oil retaining, and there would be one to each set of three cylinders, secured by some suitable screw handle attachment. (10) FOOT WARMERS. X.3506 For American practice, it was considered necessary to make some provision for foot warmers in the rear part of the body. (Contd.) | ||