GB755058A - Improvements in or relating to the preservation of vehicles in storage or transit - Google Patents

Abstract

755,058. Engine testing and preservation; barring-gear. FORT PITT PACKAGING CO., Inc. June 21, 1954 [July 7, 1953; Feb. 23, 1954], No. 18124/54. Classes 7(2) and 7(5) [Also in Groups XXXI, XXXV and XXXVII] Motor cars, military vehicles or aircraft in store or in transit are preserved in condition ready for immediate use by raising the vehicles off the ground or other supporting surface, emptying the fuel tanks, removing the batteries and periodically turning the engines over while in gear by energizing the self-starters from an external source of electric power, the speed of rotation being such that the lubricant in the engine and other moving parts is agitated so that all moving parts are lubricated. In Fig. 4, power is supplied to the self-starters from a maintenance vehicle moved up to each of a number of groups of vehicles in turn; alternatively, control may be from' a central station. A harness is provided for each group comprising a negative conductor LH with leads 31 connected to the negative terminals 53 of the batteries, a positive conductor LG with leads 61 connected to the positive terminals 83, and a cable LA consisting of a number of leads 1, one connected to a starter-switch solenoid on each vehicle. The maintenance vehicle MV carries a battery B and a charging-unit comprising an engine GE, alternator AC, transformer T and rectifier RX; alternatively, a D.C. generator may be used. VR is a voltage regulator. The conductors LH, LG are plugged in at 169, 163 to sockets connected to the battery, and the cable LA ends in a multi-pin plug PG connected through individual switches P1, P6 &c. to the battery. The operator closes each switch in turn for a predetermined time interval. An ammeter A registers the current taken by the self-starter whereby defects are indicated. Where a solenoid is not fitted, a solenoid actuated switch unit (Fig. 5, not shown), is provided. The battery B comprises two 6- volt units 121, 131 connected in series to supply a voltage double that of the vehicle battery with the object of preventing overheating of the self-starter. The units may also be switched over to parallel. In Fig. 12 (not shown) a number of battery units are connected in series, and a selective switch is provided so that the required power may be supplied to the starter. To relieve the cylinder compression, each sparking plug is replaced by a plug. U, Fig. 6, containing a. ball valve 263 pressed by a spring 267 the'.compres--, sion of which is adjustable, on to a conical seat 265, radial air outlets 259 being provided. Preservative oil or activated silica gel may be placed in the carburetter or air cleaner, the vapours being sucked into' the cylinder. Where the leads 31, 61 are connected to the battery terminals, auxiliary apparatus such as lights, brakes, steering, bomb bays or radar may be tested. In the case of a tank, leads are provided whereby turrets and reroil &c. mechanisms may be tested. In Fig. 8, the starter motors 405 of trucks 401...404 are energized by power supplied through conductors 407, 408 connected to the motors by leads 410...414 and switches 418...421 operated by electromagnets 422 connected respectively to sockets 426...429 on a control panel.