Abstract: A road vehicle battery charging system includes an alternator, and a rectifier connecting the alternator across a battery. A further rectifier provides an additional d.c. output for energising the field winding of the alternator and this additional output is connected to the appropriate battery terminal via an ignition switch. A voltage sensing circuit operates to illuminate a warning lamp should the voltage on the line exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: A solenoid switch, particularly but not exclusively for use in a starter motor supply circuit includes a solenoid coil and at least one fixed contact. An armature is movable relative to the coil in response to energisation of the coil and carries a movable contact. The movable contact is urged by resilient means to a rest position relative to the armature and a member is coupled to the armature through said resilient means for movement with the armature in a direction to engage the movable contact with the fixed contact. The switch further includes a delay unit for slowing movement of the member in the contact engaging direction, the arrangement being such that in use when the movable contact engages the fixed contact the armature moves relative to the member and the movable contact compressing said resilient means and thereby increasing the pressure between the contacts.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive switching circuit has a light emitting diode which supplies light to a photo-transistor, the light being interrupted from time to time. When the photo-transistor is illuminated, current builds up and when this current reaches a predetermined value, a trigger circuit changes state. The peak output of the photo-transistor is measured and the trigger circuit is arranged to change state when the output of the device is a set proportion of the peak output, so as to allow for aging of the components.

Abstract: A wheel slide protection system removes the brakes from a wheel when the deceleration of the wheel exceeds a predetermined value and re-application of the brakes to the wheel then takes place at a time which is related to the rate of acceleration of the wheel.

Abstract: A battery charging system for a road vehicle has a permanent magnet alternator with at least three separate single phase windings, as distinct from the usual three-phase winding. Each of the separate windings is connected to a pair of supply lines through a pair of diodes and a pair of thyristors, each winding having its own pair of diodes and pair of thyristors. The thyristors are controlled in accordance with the battery voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the angular movement of a body comprises a tranducer for providing a signal the frequency f.sub.i of which is dependent on the angular velocity of the body and a reference frequency source providing a reference frequency f.sub.r. An (n + m) stage binary counter is provided for counting the number of reference pulses in time period 1/f.sub.i and an (n + m) stage binary store receives a count from said counter when the latter receives a signal from the transducer. The apparatus also includes an n-stage binary rate multiplier having a first input for receiving the n least significant figures of the store, and a second input for receiving an output signal from the apparatus, the rate multiplier being arranged to generate, during the period in which the rate multiplier receives 2.sup.n binary pulses at said second input, a number of output pulses which is equal to the number of pulses applied to said first input,.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly, particularly a headlamp assembly has a body including a reflector, a bulbholder and a lens. The body is mounted on the vehicle by means of a first bracket portion which is attached to the body by means of a vertical pivot and a second bracket portion which is intended to be secured to the vehicle and which is pivotally attached to the first bracket portion by means of two pivots lying on a horizontal axis. A first adjusting screw acting between the body and the first bracket portion serves to effect movement of the body relative to the first bracket portion about the vertical pivot and a second adjusting screw acting between the vehicle and the body serves to effect relative pivotal movement between the bracket portions about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A liquid level detection system has a monitoring device which contacts the liquid when the liquid level is above the predetermined level, and a positive temperature co-efficient resistor mounted in the system at the position where the temperature is to be sensed. The components are connected up in such a way that a warning is given if the liquid level falls or the temperature at a given point rises beyond a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control circuit for a double acting electromagnet has two capacitors connecting opposite ends of the electromagnet to one supply line. The ends of the electromagnet can also be connected to the other supply line by way of a two position contact and a normally open switch. The capacitors control energisation of the electromagnet.