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).
Description of the mechanical operation of a combined electric starter and lighter, including its response to an engine backfire.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 48\3\ Scan311 | |
| Date | 6th December 1920 guessed | |
| Combined Electric Starter & Lighter, patents Nos. 19138/19 & 161/20. (2). If now the Armature is held and the shaft turned slowly it will be seen that the spider unscrews from the toothed nut; and engages with the flat surface of the Armature pinion; this locks the whole gear at 1 to 1; and continuing to turn the shaft the free wheel is released; the whole gear revolving solid with the Armature at 1 to 1; on the ball bearings shewn. There is nothing to get out of order; the pinions are only in use when the machine is actually starting up the Engine the change speed is silent and absolutely automatic and positive; should the Engine "backfire" the machine simply reverses and rotates at 3 to 1. | ||