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 proposing a new design for a spring gaiter and outlining its features and advantages.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154a\4\ scan0264 | |
| Date | 18th May 1923 | |
| 28 Westholm, Addison Way, London, N.W.11. May 18th. 1923. E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives, Esq., The Experimental Dep't, Messrs: Rolls-Royce, Ld., Derby. Dear Sir: Some considerable time ago, I had the pleasure of submitting to Mr: Day, a specimen of a special Spring Gaiter which I evolved, and he was most favorably impressed by its features. A complete set of the gaiter was ordered, through your London House, for trial purposes, and it was understood that same would be sent on to Mr: Day at Derby; but, so far as I gather, the gaiters were not transferred. Writing Mr: Day ( at West WitteringHenry Royce's home town) to remind him of this small matter, he replies that such a proposition would now be dealt with by your good self, and he suggests my writing to you accordingly. I therefore, desire to interest you in my gaiter and to ask your kind consideration of its advantages. For this purpose, I have sent to you a sample of the arrangement arranged on a dummy spring former. The features are as follows:- (a) Very easy and quick fitting and removal: In practise, the method I adopt for fastening together has been found entirely satisfactory - in much the same way as the similarly arranged fastening for a leg gaiter has always been found effective. I fitted a complete set to one of your Trials cars in less than half-an-hour, and you will readily appreciate this. (b) The arrangement of oil-wicking provides for complete "circulation" of the lubricant (oil): this design enables a very tight-fitting and neat appearance of the Gaiter, as there are no bulges. The principle of lubrication is, that the flexing of spring tightens up the sides of gaiter and squeezes the oil in between the partially separated leaves, thus securing a really effective supply of lubricant such as cannot be obtained through grease, or - so far as I know - any other form of gaiter provided for the use of oil. (c) The provision of an "oil-safe" or separate retainer to prevent lubricant soaking through the outside leather and thus avoiding the accumulation of oily-mud on outside, will appeal to you as a good feature when it comes to application to such a Car as the Rolls-Royce. This feature, however, is not essential to the working of the gaiter as such, but I feel sure you will agree its advantages, and that it would justify any extra cost. I have submitted this to your firm only. The reason for holding up further correspondence on the matter was simply that I understood the new model car would be fully occupying the attention of those who would be dealing with such an item as a special Spring Gaiter. May I ask the favor of a word from you at your convenience? Yours faithfully, A. {Mr Adams} W. Bowron | ||