Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for continuously adjusting the speed of a stairlift in response to a number of operating parameters such as battery voltage and motor current draw. The method preferably further includes monitoring the speed of a reference point on a stairlift chair and comparing this with a maximum permissible speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a stairlift (10). The speed of rotation of the carriage (12), whilst traversing bends in the rail (11), is monitored and the speed of the carriage drive motor (13) then controlled in reaction to the speed of rotation. A 3-axis gyroscope (31) is preferably used to monitor the speeds of rotation of the carriage (12) and the outputs from this gyroscope (31) may be processed to provide different degrees of speed control.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for continuously adjusting the speed of a stairlift in response to a number of operating parameters such as battery voltage and motor current draw.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the speed of a stairlift (10). The speed of rotation of the carriage (12), whilst traversing bends in the rail (11), is monitored and the speed of the carriage drive motor (13) then controlled in reaction to the speed of rotation. A 3-axis gyroscope (31) is preferably used to monitor the speeds of rotation of the carriage (12) and the outputs from this gyroscope (31) may be processed to provide different degrees of speed control.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically annotating a web-based document are disclosed. An example method includes receiving from a user an indication of a selected portion of a web-based document to be annotated, and receiving a user selection of an editing function to be applied to the document. An annotation window overlaying the selected portion of the document is generated and an annotation to the selected portion of the document using the selected editing function is captured in the overlaid annotation window. The annotation in the overlaid annotation window is mapped to the selected portion of the web-based document underneath the annotation window, and the annotated content and corresponding mapping information are stored in a computing device. Upon receiving a request for the web-based document which has been annotated, the web-based document is provided along with a new overlaid annotation window incorporating the stored annotated content based on the mapping information.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an electric vehicle is described, the control apparatus comprising input means operable to generate a first signal indicative of a component of a desired motion of the vehicle and a second signal independently indicative of said component; an electric motor arranged to drive a wheel of the vehicle; a controller arranged to control the motor according to said first signal; and means for generating a signal indicative of a voltage across windings of the motor, the controller further including: means for calculating a quantity indicative of a nominal expected voltage across said windings according to said second signal; means for comparing said voltage with said expected voltage; and means for generating an error signal in response to said voltage and expected voltage differing by more than a predetermined amount. A corresponding method of controlling an electric vehicle is also described.

Abstract: Brake control apparatus and includes an electric motor arranged to drive a wheel and a brake operable to apply a braking force to inhibit the rotation of the wheel. An input signal indicative of a desired angular velocity of the wheel is provided to the control. The current flowing through the electric motor is monitored and a monitoring signal is provided. The power to the electric motor is controlled in response to the input signal by generating a control voltage. After setting the control voltage to zero the brake applies the braking force at a braking time. The braking time may be determined according to the magnitude of the monitoring signal when the control voltage is set to zero, according to the rate of change of the monitoring signal, or according to the polarity of the monitoring signal. An electric vehicle using the brake control apparatus is also disclosed, as is a method of controlling a brake for applying a braking force to inhibit the rotation of a wheel driven by an electric motor.