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 from Overdrive Gears Ltd. outlining suggestions for improved production and cost reduction of a gearing system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 136\2\ scan0091 | |
| Date | 19th May 1939 | |
| 1153. PLEASE REPLY DIRECT TO "ORMIDALE" THE AVENUE, HATCH END, MIDDX. 'PHONE: HATCH END 1221 Overdrive Gears Ltd., 76, VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S. W. 1. DIRECTORS A.C.WICKMAN. WALTER JENKS. C. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} GAY. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} de NORMANVILLE. TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAMS VICTORIA 6291 [Handwritten in blue and red pencil: H/by Plan return] 19th May, 1939 Dear Mr.Robotham, Except for the fact that I am waiting a message to go to the Continent next week, I would come up to see you in regard to the matter upon which I write - rather than write. We are in touch with one of the biggest concerns in the U.S.A. and the Chief Engineer has made certain suggestions in regard to improved production ideas for quantity work, and also for reducing cost. [Handwritten initials in pencil: hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}] I enclose you a print of a preliminary scheme. It does not purport to be, in any way, a finished design, but only raises points for consideration. The main points are :- (1) Elimination of one ball bearing in the rear housing. (2) Reduction in size of ball bearing operating clutch. (3) A Multiplate clutch is thought preferable for quantity production (the release pressure comes from a powerful spring). (4) The needle bearings for supporting the sun wheel are eliminated; the sun wheel is centred by the five planets at one end, and carried at the other end by a steel plate running in bronze bushes. (5) A cheaper form of free wheel. (6) An annulus if erected as shown (or spigotted and bolted) can be broached instead of being a Fellowes Shaper job. (7) A thread on the shaft carries oil through to the gearing/ W.A.Robotham,Esq., Messrs Rolls-Royce,Ltd. Derby. | ||