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).
Inquiry from Walker M. Levett Company regarding the history of slotted pistons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 77\3\ scan0070 | |
| Date | 26th July 1922 | |
| 43732 THE PIONEER ALUMINUM ALLOY PISTON MANUFACTURER Walker M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Levett Company ALUMINUM, BRASS & BRONZE FOUNDERS CABLE ADDRESS: LEVETTAL, NEW YORK 415-421 EAST 23RD ST.{Capt. P. R. Strong} NEW YORK ESTABLISHED 1904 CODES-A.B.C.-5TH EDITION LIEBER'S AND WESTERN UNION July 26, 1922. IN REPLY REFER TO E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives, c/o Rolls Royce Co., London, England. Dear Sir: The subject of slots and grooves in the skirt of pistons for use in internal combustion engines using any kind of fuel has lately attracted considerable attention in the trade and the question as to when they were first used has become a topic of interest. By slotted skirt I refer either to a Vertical or diagonal slot or groove cut in the skirt of a piston, or a transverse (or circumferential) slot or groove therein, or to a combination of both. The object primarily is to obtain a piston with a skirt that will yield under compression or expansion. I am particularly interested in those instances where the up and down slot intersects the circumferential slot. This design was first used before aluminum pistons became popular, in pistons made of iron. If you can recall the use of such slots in the skirt of either one-piece or built-up pistons, particularly one-piece pistons, I shall consider it a favor to have you advise me when it first came to your attention or any information in connection therewith which you may have of value. This will be of interest and value to the trade and will be without any obligation on your part. We thank you for whatever attention you can give to this request, and remain Yours very truly, WALKER M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} LEVETT COMPANY WM. Levett L/L | ||