Abstract: An automatically adjusting clutch (10) in which a pressure plate (13) is biased axially towards a flywheel (11) by a main clutch engaging spring (12) to clamp a driven plate between the pressure plate and flywheel to engage the clutch. A first part (30) of the pressure plate is moveable by an adjuster relative to a second part in the form of a pivot ring (40) of the pressure plate to increase the effective axial thickness of the pressure plate to compensate for the wear of the driven plate. The adjuster having an array of adjuster teeth (44) which are disposed circumferentially around the pivot ring (40) and one or more pawls (60) which move relative to and in contact with the array as the pressure plate moves relative to the flywheel.

Abstract: A syringe for giving medical injections which has an internal mechanism for retracting the needle into the syringe after the injection has been given and locking the needle and plunger inside the barrel of the syringe to reduce the risk of accidental needle pricks. In one embodiment the needle is retracted by a tension spring into a compartment inside a hollow plunger and in the other embodiment the needle is propelled by a compressed spring into a compartment within the plunger. In both embodiments, the interior of the hollow plunger is hydraulically sealed off by a barrier from the fluid chamber of the syringe to prevent fluid from entering the interior of the hollow plunger.

Abstract: A mechanical arm mechanism for moving a table or similar board type work surface in an arcuate path from a stored position to one or more user positions at various selected elevations and angles of inclination. The mechanism uses at least one set of spaced apart arms each of which has one end pivotally attached to a respective fixed pivot point on a support member and the opposite end pivotally attached to a respective movable pivot point on the bottom or back side of a board member with the lengths between the fixed pivot points, the moveable pivot points and the arms forming the sides of a trapezoid which sides change their relative angular orientation as the table or board is moved in its arcuate path of travel.

Abstract: A twin mass flywheel comprising two co-axially arranged flywheel masses which are mounted for limited angular rotation in a drive and over-run direction relative to each other, and a plurality of pivotal linkages. Each pivotal linkage comprises a first link pivotally connected to one of the flywheel masses, a second link pivotally connected to the other of the flywheel masses and a pivot pivotally connecting the first and second links. The action of the links controls relative rotation of the flywheel masses, and the controlling action of the links is supplemented by one or more assister springs which operate over a significant proportion of the full drive direction range of relative rotation. The twin mass flywheel may further include end stops to positively limit relative rotation of the flywheel masses in the drive and over-run directions and may additionally include end stop resilient means which cushion the relative rotation of the flywheel masses just prior to contact of the end stops.

Abstract: A ratio selector mechanism for the selection of the operative ratio in an associated synchromesh vehicle transmission in which a fluid pressure operated actuator operates synchromesh units. The operating pressure of the actuator is varied either mechanically or electronically during selection of a given ratio in the associated transmission or dependent on the ratio being selected. A first actuator selects a shift rail, and a second actuator engages a gear. A valve member acts against a bias force which is varied based on the position of the first actuator to control the pressure in the second actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle fluid pressure supply system in which a fluid pressure supply pump (10) is connected via solenoid-operated flow control valve (15) with a plurality of separate fluid pressure operated circuits(A, B, C) each operating separate functions of the vehicle. Detectors (25, 26, 27, 30 to 35) are provided for detecting the current operative state and the fluid pressure supply status of each circuit, and an electrical control unit (28) means which receives signals from the detectors operates the control valve to direct available pump flow to the appropriate circuit to maintain each circuit at least at a minimum pressure level required to operate the associated function.

Abstract: A twin mass flywheel for a vehicle comprising two co-axially arranged relatively rotatable masses interconnected by a plurality of pivotal linkages. Each linkage comprises a first link pivotally connected to one flywheel mass, a second link pivotally connected to the other flywheel mass and a pivot joining the links to move radially outwardly. A resilient torque member in each common pivot operable after a predetermined rotation between the flywheel masses to resist said relative rotation. A variable hysteresis friction damping assembly, whose resistance to relative rotation changes as the relative angle of rotation is altered, acts between the flywheel masses. The damping assembly can be provided by two friction damping plates which operate at different stages of rotation. The relative rotation may be limited by a stop member on at least one of the flywheel masses which abuts an abutment surface on the other flywheel mass. The abutment surface can be resilient for cushioning abutment by the stop member.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission having a main drive clutch (14), a multi-ratio gearbox (12), a gear engaging mechanism (25) for engaging the operative ratio of the gearbox, and a manually operable gear selector (24) allowing the operator to manually select the operative ratio of the gearbox when the transmission is acting in a manual mode. An electronic control unit (36) is also included which controls the disengagement and engagement of the drive clutch at start-up and halting of the associated vehicle and during gear changes and which controls the operation of the gear engaging mechanism (25) in response to movements of the gear selector (24). The electronic control unit (36) is also arranged to override the gear ratio currently selected by the operator to select a more appropriate gear ratio for the current conditions if a predetermined operating condition occurs when in its manual mode.

Abstract: A method of coating a component part (10) with a protective coating having a rough surface appearance in which the surface is covered with a first layer (L1) of powder coating, a particulate material (26) is spread over the first layer (L1) whilst the layer is tacky, and a second layer (L2) of powder coating is applied over the particulate material (26) and first layer and caused to coalesce. The method is particularly suitable for coating roofing materials to give the appearance of slate, stone, terra-cotta.

Abstract: An actuation system particularly for a vehicle clutch, in which a source of pressurized fluid is interconnected with a slave cylinder (11) via a displacement means (12). The displacement means (12) includes a component which is displaced by the pressurized fluid from the source to provide a displacement proportional to the actuating movement of the slave cylinder (11) caused by the pressurized fluid, and a sensing means is provided which is operable to measure the displacement to indicate the actuating movement of the slave cylinder. Various displacement means in the form of valves are disclosed together with a mechanism for interconnecting the operation of a vehicle clutch and throttle.

Abstract: An actuator, particularly for the operation of a vehicle clutch in which an annular piston (10) slides between cylinder walls (11, 12) to define an annular working chamber (20). A sealing means (15) seals the piston to the cylinder walls and an overflow chamber (26, 27) retains any fluid which leaks past the sealing means from the working chamber. A return means (28) is also provided for returning fluid from the overflow chamber when the piston is not undertaking a working stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tunnelling microscopy utilising a tunnelling microscope head (11) having a tip (15) which is moveable by a driver (25) towards a sample (28) and is stopped in its advance as an electron flow between the tip and the sample is detected . The tip (15) is advanced towards the sample via a piezoelectric member (24) at a one voltage level, and on detection of the electron flow the voltage level of the piezoelectric member (24) is changed causing the piezoelectric member (24) to retract, stopping the advance of the tip (15) and stopping the driver (25) within the retraction distance.

Abstract: A clutch control system for the automatic control of a motor vehicle clutch (14) which connects an engine (10) with a gearbox (12) under the control of a driver-operated gear ratio selector member (24). The control system includes an electric control unit (36) which controls the level of clutch engagement in response to an engine speed error signal (E) derived from a comparison of current engine speed (Ve) and a reference speed signal (Vr) generated by the control unit. A sensing means (19a) is provided to detect a "foot-off" condition of an engine controlling accelerator pedal (19) and to provide and indication of the full range of movement of the accelerator pedal from the "foot-off" condition to the fully depressed position. The electronic control unit (36) responds to an accelerator pedal "foot-off" signal to ensure that the reference speed signal is above the engine idle signal by a predetermined amount to prevent creeping of the associated vehicle due to partial clutch engagement at engine idle.

Abstract: A jaw type trap constructed from elongated bendable stock such as wires or rods. The entire body frame of the trap and the spring can be made from a single elongated piece of stock material solely formed by appropriate bending and a minimum of welded or brazed attachments. This is particularly useful as a miniature novelty trap such as a toy, Christmas ornament or item of jewelry.

Abstract: An actuation system for a vehicle in which a pump (10b) draws fluid from a reservoir (10a) to supply one or more first consumers, such as steering valve (50). One of more second consumers, such as a clutch actuator (12), are actuated via a solenoid valve (12a) from an accumulator (10c) charged by the pump. The solenoid valve connects each second actuator (12) to the accumulator or to the reservoir. When the pressure in the accumulator is below a predetermined charge pressure, flow to the first consumer is restricted to a level sufficient to ensure effective operation of the first consumer, while generating a back pressure sufficient to ensure charging of the accumulator. The flow restriction to the first consumer may be achieved by the solenoid valve (12a) or by a separate charging valve (20).

Abstract: A method and device for attaching a covering sheet material on top of a row of crop bales positioned in end to end relationship on a raised earthen mound. An elongated needle is used to insert strands of tie material under the bales and then the tie material is pulled up over the top surface of a cover sheet on the top of the bales. The strands of tie material are then tied in position to encircle the bales and the cover sheet to hold it is position on at least the top half of the bale with the lower portion of the bale being left uncovered for air circulation. The cover sheet is also tied to extend over the top portion of the ends of the bale row.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an arcuate brake shoe from a first strip of material which is to provide a web of the shoe and has a plurality of projections extending from one edge and a second strip which has a plurality of corresponding openings to receive the projections and which is to provide the platform of the shoe. The two strips are secured together with projections and openings engaged and formed into an arcuate shape by passage through a roller arrangement.

Abstract: A twin mass flywheel sub-assembly comprising a pair of axially spaced side plates for connection with an associated first flywheel mass, a force transmitting member for connection with an associated second flywheel mass and being disposed at least partially between the side plates. A plurality of linkages connect the side plates and the force transmitting member, each linkage comprising a first link pivotally connected to the side plates, a second link pivotally connected to the force transmitting member, and a pivot for pivotally connecting the first and second links. The linkages being arranged to move in a generally radially outward direction as the sub-assembly rotates thereby controlling relative rotation of the side plates and force transmitting member. One of the flywheel masses may have cushioning springs to engage the other flywheel mass at the limits of relative rotation of the flywheel masses.

Abstract: An automatic float-activated drain valve for a liquid reservoir used in the accumulation of condensable materials and other contaminants from pneumatic systems and the like. The float is connected by a flexible tether to a lever arm which opens a pilot valve when the reservoir fills with water and the float moves to the top of the reservoir. The pilot valve permits air pressure to flow to an actuator which opens the drain valve. The pilot valve is in communication with a check valve which releases air pressure into the interior of the reservoir to rapidly expel water through the drain valve when the pilot valve is opened.