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Aviation History
1920
1920 - 0276.PDF
V usage, severe vibration and shocks, where robustness counts for most—even at the expense of area of the active part of the electrodes—while having due regard to weight considera- tions ; and the Clifton type for small lighting and ignition plants, where robustness is not a sine qud non and initial expense has to be considered. One of the features of the Exide battery is the form of grid employed for both positive and negative plates. It is such that a series of absolutely unbroken vertical columns of active material lead to the " strap " to which the terminal lugs are attached, such material being red lead paste, subse- quently converted to peroxide of lead when the cells are " formed," in the case of the positive plate, and litharge paste, similarly converted to spongy lead, for the negative plate. Other particular features are the use of separators of wood between the plates, and of a special lead alloy for the grids. For use in connection with aeroplane engines, too, these batteries are made in an unspillable sub-type, the design of which permits them to assume a directly inverted position, or be subjected to any conceivable shaking, without the least fear of the electrolyte leaking, while at the same time allowing egress to the gases generated. For aviation purposes these are, generally speaking, supplied in celluloid cases, whereas for car work the cases are, as a rule, of ebonite. For every purpose, however, they can (at least in the larger sizes) be had with either celluloid or ebonite cases, as preferred. It is impossible for us, however, in the space at our disposal, to deal fully with all the improvements which have been em- bodied in accumulators made by this firm ; suffice it to say that an active life of five years for the Exide type for car use, MARCH 4, 1920 terminals, etc. But even in the latter respect the need for attention is reduced to a minimum, since solid, undetachable lead connections unite the opposite poles of adjacent cells, though the detachable kind are provided if desired. A word or two must be said regarding the factory and personnel. In the first place, unlike the majority of such establishments, a high sense of orderly arrangement prevails throughout, and the system by which each process in the making of each part, from the raw material onwards, is pro- gressively carried out; while the part itself gradually moves forward after inspection to meet its coadjutants, thence the various parts being assembled—still in the same " chain " fashion, from hand to hand and shed to shed—to form the whole ; finally passing to the " forming " and testing of the finished article, is the very essence of modern industrial evolution in mass production. In the second place it is obvious that beyond the highly developed organisation the more human aspects have not been overlooked by the management. This is in particular noticeable in regard to all that promotes the health, comfort and well-being generally of the workers, for not only are the usual auxiliaries of canteens and such-like provided, but the cleanliness, ventilation and lighting of the various sheds seem all that could be desired. Further, a weekly medical examination is given to all those workers who, by reason of the nature of their employment, are subjected to danger from lead contamination, and on the first sign of this appearing in the case of any worker, he or she is transferred to other work until recovery is complete. It is doubtless for reasons such as these that a minimum of labour-troubles as well as a "V - s* •% Where Exide bat- teries are made : A general view of the works at Clifton Junction, near Manchester •even when used in conjunction with electric starters, is not an unreasonable estimate, while at least three years' service under such conditions can be, and is, guaranteed, with no other attention than refilling with distilled water .as evapora- tion takes place, and the proper cleaning attention to the remarkably clean bill of health is enjoyed by the firm. The former is also guaranteed by the thorough understanding that appears to exist between the labour and the executive staffs, and to the personal interest each seems to take in the success of the whole. .;'•• 7 T SIDE-WINDS It is proposed that the Handley Page Air Mail Services in India will be flown almost entirely by night, in order to economise, and when it is proved that there is a sufficient demand for through passenger accommodation on the mail services, it will be a perfectly simple matter to fit up machines •with through sleepmg beiths, in which the passenger can retire to rest early in the evening to wake up to find himself several hundred miles from his starting point. The business man flying in these machines during the day need not waste his time, for they are equipped with wireless telephones and telegraph, and, if there is a demand for one, a stenographer will be carried on board. It is claimed that ,.he Handley Page machines are especially suitable for flying in India, owing to the fact that the windows in the cabin are made to open, so that the cabin temperature can be regulated. This will prove to be a tremendous comfort in India, where the variation in temperature, due to change in elevation, is so great and rapid. 7... i-% r .•.-*..-." WE understand from Messrs. S. Smith and Sons CM.A). Ltd., that a large number of K.L.G. aero type sparking-plugs have been sold by the Disposal Board, and they wish to make it clear that these plugs are, of course, suitable only for usein aviation engines, and are not satisfactory in the average pleasure-car engine. There is a K.L.G. plug manufactured,and offered by them, for every purpose, and they would be pleased to advise intending users of these plugs if they haveany doubt as to the particular plug suitable for their own requirements. THE result of the Paris-Nice trials revealed a remarkablescore for Wakefield Castrol, every class, as well as the 12 special awards, being won by riders who were using thisfamous lubricant. ERITH'S ENGINEERING CO., LTD., have now removed tor ?3, Kingsway, W.C. 2, and their new telephone number is Gerrard 1106. MRS. ALICE WATERS, of 44, Portsdown Road, Maida Vale, London, has been awarded the ^1,000 prize offered by Messrs. J. P. Holland, Ltd., Walton House, Newman Street, W. 1, for the best condensed wording of a paragraph relating to the successes of the Rolls-Royce aero engines. 276
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