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).
Development, patent status, and riding improvements of hydraulic shock dampers.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan021 | |
| Date | 7th March 1931 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} ) DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/HDY{William Hardy} ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} ) (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. to PN.{Mr Northey} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} [STAMP: RECEIVED 1931 MAR] HYDRAULIC SHOCK DAMPERS. 18-EX. R2/M7.3.31. x235. x8992. In accordance with Derby instructions Dodd has increased the spring pressure on the relief valves of this car. The definite impression given by the change is that the springs have been slightly stiffened and the car is distinctly steadier, giving on these roads a decidedly improved riding. GENERAL. I have a copy of our 1908. patent for the above, and am surprised how complete it is. It has two pressures, high and low, forced charging, and one of the valves drilled for very slow return to normal. It is short of the replenishing valves which one hopes is the complete combination that we could have patented. (1) We have lately added a method of lubricating the shaft. (2) The single valve which Mr. Hardy points out may be naturally more silent (if it is a success otherwise) and permits of easier remote control (i.e. from driving seat.) (3) We have the idea of refilling from a convenient place by tubes to each, but fear this is not patentable. We have a patent for this distant control of some long standing. We are adopting a split piston which Mr. Hives reported Delco had forestalled us. Perhaps Mr. Bailey will watch that we do not infringe any Delco patents unless we can say they are infringing us. This should be settling down to a more satisfactory state in the future which we must work hard to make as near as possible. [Handwritten annotation above 'near': PERFECT] R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||