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).
The design features of an adjustable pump and damper system, including controls, oil type, and valve construction.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\3\ img128 | |
| Date | 28th April 1934 | |
| (2) The great feature I have given without more complication is the capacity of the pump to give any pressure from zero to a maximum by turning - by say 2 fingers - the small control shaft, probably by a knurled knob and indicator finger on the instrument board. (Later we may make a simple scheme of automatic control with car speeds by a governor controlling the relief valve.) It would probably be very nice to have a tiny pressure gauge on the dash to shew the damper setting. It may be necessary to instruct the driver after setting the control to work his accelerator pedal to make the pump work a few times to alter the pressure, but one thinks that the ordinary use will be enough. It is assumed that arctic thin oil is used in this, and that the natural leak of the leather piston will replenish the dampers as fast as they usually lose oil, but the consumption of oil will be so small that the 2 pints that the tank will hold should last 10,000, or at least 2,000 miles. It is intended that the pumping and release (control) valves shall be self contained in their seating screws, and come out with a small box key, as in carburettors. The 4 plugs under the 3 valves, and the air chamber, are screwed in by the outside of the same box key. All these plugs are subject to the maximum oil pressure and should have imprisoned washers. I detest those made from big hexagon brass, needing a big box key, and often having the joint surfaces damaged, and non-imprisoned washers. Perhaps Mr. Haldenby could go into the question of getting the plugs which do the work so well made cheaply, because actually there is much less metal needed, and the weight of the finished article is less. R.{Sir Henry Royce} ATTACHED: 1 sketch. | ||