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).
Letter from Harold B. Mead regarding a self-energising brake invention with pending Letters Patent.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 85\1\ scan0370 | |
| Date | 12th November 1937 | |
| File - Bentley Brakes 206. HAROLD B. MEAD. 71, ALBERT ROAD, ILFORD, ESSEX. B-7 12th. November, 1937. REC'D NOV 13 The General Manager, Messrs. Rolls-Royce, Limited, D E R B Y. Dear Sir, I should be glad to hear if you are interested in the following invention, Letters Patent for which are pending. The invention is in respect of a Self-energising Brake which is completely independent of the engine, transmission and extraneous vacuum or air-pressure chambers, being self-contained in the brake assembly and entirely mechanical in its operation. The principle involved employs a rocking-plate in addition to the orthodox fixed anchor-plate. A powerful additional expanding action is imparted by harnessing the movement of the rocking-plate when it is partially rotated by being connected frictionally to the brake-drum by the shoes. There is no binding wedge effect created by "floating" shoes. The invention allows of various methods being employed to obtain this effect. The enclosed details describe a demonstration model in my possession wherein cams are utilised although wedge expansion lends itself to the purpose with equal facility. Being the inventor and sole Patentee, I should be pleased of you would kindly give this matter consideration and afford me an opportunity of showing you the model which clearly demonstrates the principle. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, Sir, yours faithfully, Harold B. Mead. Encl: HBM: | ||