Abstract: In a resilient bush comprising elastomeric material sandwiched between inner and outer rigid members the elastomeric material is subject to radial compression without any need to deform either of the rigid members. The elastomeric material is part of a bearing assembly for insertion between the rigid members. The bearing assembly also comprises a pair of support members arranged respectively to bear against the inner and outer rigid members. The support members are movable one relative to the other in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the length of the bush thereby to result in radial compression of the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure device for example a bellows-type spring, in which a terminal portion of the spring is compressed between an end member (4) and an annular pressure piece (11) to provide a fluid-tight seal and an additional fluid-tight seal is provided by welding mutually opposed joint surfaces (16,13) of the end member and the annular pressure piece. The end member and the pressure piece may be of thermoplastic material and welded together by ultrasonic or friction welding.

Abstract: A resilient bearing able to accommodate relative torsional movement between two concentric inner and outer tubular rigid members comprises between those members a resilient bearing having a layer of elastomeric material secured relative to one of the rigid members and a support member for sliding relative to the other rigid member. The support member is axially movable and preferably inclined relative to the axis of the bearing at its interface with the elastomeric material whereby any such axial movement results in compression loading of that elastomeric material.

Abstract: A hose leak detector and a leak detector system for monitoring the leakage of fluid through at least a part of a flexible hose comprises signal generating means operable to generate a warning signal in response to leakage of fluid, test means for actuating the signal generating means, and timer means operable to cause the test means to actuate the signal generating means in a predetermined manner to enable a viability check of the operating capability of the signal generating means to be maintained.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and wheel rim assembly of the type in which the wheel rim has retention means engageable with at least one tire bead to retain the tire bead at its bead seat under the action of road generated forces tending to dislodge tire bead wherein bead retention is improved by providing said at least tire bead with a bead reinforcement which has substantial resistance to deformation in an axial direction yet retains sufficient flexibility to a radial direction normal thereto to allow tire fitting to a one-piece rim. Suitable bead reinforcements are those having an axial rigidity factor `K` greater than 8.5 N.m.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame for a games racket e.g. tennis, of the type made as a hollow injection moulding of reinforced thermoplastics material. The frame has attachments for stringing in the form of a series of discrete lugs moulded integrally with the walls of the hollow frame and so positioned that the racket strings in their desired positions do not pass to the outer periphery of the head. The discrete lugs may for example be around the inner periphery of the head of the frame and each contain an integrally-moulded circumferential bore for string passage. The frame may be made by injection moulding around a fusible core and the shape of the core required to give the desired lugs provides strong resistance to movement under the injecting pressures hence giving improved product uniformity.

Abstract: A flexible hose suitable for transporting crude oil has a fluid sealing layer of flexible polymeric material disposed between radially inner and radially outer support layers which resist any tendency for the polymeric material to expand.The inner support layer is formed by at least one helically wound element the successive turns of which are interlocked and define in the outer surface of the inner support layer a helically extending crevice, and the surrounding polymeric material is arranged to substantially wholly fill said crevice.

Abstract: A pressure-tight packaging, intended particularly for tennis balls, has an opening (3) which is adapted to be sealed by a closure member (4) upon pressurizing the container. Closure member (4) is of substantially planar configuration and is made of a plastics material, which is first warmed by the pressurizing gas on filling the container and is then forced into abutment with the container wall by the gas pressure so as to become welded or glued to the container wall and thus to seal the opening (3).

Abstract: Flexible polyurethane foams are used for a wide variety of applications including upholstery and bedding. Unfortunately polyurethane foams are inherently flammable. The invention overcomes this problem by using expandable graphite in the polyurethane foam-forming reaction mixture to improve the burning characteristics of the final foam. Expandable graphite is graphite containing one or more exfoliating agents so that considerable expansion will occur at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a games racket having a strung head and additional structure for adjusting the playing properties of the racket. Removable weights are attached to the circumference of the head by way of carrier members which are secured to the head in the region of the transverse axis through the center of percussion of the racket. The carrier members have recesses into which the weights can be inserted.