Abstract: A hydraulic charging and driving system (4), aircraft employing the same, and corresponding methods, for extending and retracting a hydraulic actuator (2), comprising: a motor assembly (22); and an accumulator assembly (20), the motor assembly (22) and the accumulator assembly (20) being hydraulically coupled to each other; wherein the motor assembly (22) is arranged to recharge the accumulator assembly (20) with hydraulic fluid at a relatively slow rate that is slower than the rate at which the accumulator assembly (20) is arranged to discharge when actuating the hydraulic actuator (2). The system may further comprise a selector valve (24). The accumulator assembly (20) may comprise an accumulator chamber (30), and a compression means (32) provided within the accumulator chamber (30). The motor assembly (22) may comprise a motor (42) arranged to vary a volume of a hydraulic charging chamber (38) of the motor assembly (22).

Abstract: A hydraulic charging and driving system (4), aircraft employing the same, and corresponding methods, for extending and retracting a hydraulic actuator (2), comprising: a motor assembly (22); and an accumulator assembly (20), the motor assembly (22) and the accumulator assembly (20) being hydraulically coupled to each other; wherein the motor assembly (22) is arranged to recharge the accumulator assembly (20) with hydraulic fluid at a relatively slow rate that is slower than the rate at which the accumulator assembly (20) is arranged to discharge when actuating the hydraulic actuator (2). The system may further comprise a selector valve (24). The accumulator assembly (20) may comprise an accumulator chamber (30), and a compression means (32) provided within the accumulator chamber (30). The motor assembly (22) may comprise a motor (42) arranged to vary a volume of a hydraulic charging chamber (38) of the motor assembly (22).

Abstract: A cleaning appliance vacuum cleaner includes a main body having a rear portion and a roller structure such as side wheels arranged to allow the main body to travel across a floor surface. In normal use, the rear portion is spaced from the floor surface. The rear portion carries a wheel arranged so that, if the main body is tilted so that the rear portion is brought towards the floor, the wheel contacts the floor surface. Thus, the cleaner may be used in a tipped-back position without causing damage to the floor surface as the cleaner is dragged along by the user by a hose attached to the main body. The size and position of the wheel is determined so that, when the cleaner is tipped back, the center of gravity of the main body acts to return the main body to an upright position.