Abstract: A full-power hydraulic braking system comprises two independently powered service circuits serving separate sets of brakes, a common pedal-actuated dual brake valve controlling operation of said circuits, a spring brake actuator incorporating two hold-off pistons and having a common output to the brakes or brake linkage, and a dual hand control valve for effecting controlled operation of the two sections of the actuator respectively from the two service circuits.

Abstract: A full-power hydraulic braking system comprises two independently-powered service circuits serving separate sets of brakes, a common pedal-actuated dual brake valve controlling operation of said circuits, a spring brake actuator fed from both service circuits through separate lines and, in each of said lines, a pressure responsive protection valve operable in the event of a failure in either service circuit to cut off the spring brake actuator from that service and ensure continued operation of said actuator from the other service circuit.

Abstract: A spring brake unit for use in a vehicle braking system comprises a housing, a piston movable therein and connected to a brake or brake linkage, a spring interposed between the piston and a detachable end wall on the housing and urging the piston in a direction to apply the brakes fluid under pressure being introduced to the housing in a controlled manner to hold the piston in brake-off position, and the housing and/or detachable end wall being formed to define one or more drainage channels opening into a gaiter which bridges the joint between them and which includes a drain outlet.

Abstract: A machine for washing and laundering garments on hangers comprises a substantially vertical conveyor for lifting a garment on a hanger, transferring the hanger to a stationary conveyor along which it travels at two speeds through spraying chambers and dripping chambers, a transfer pulley to transfer the hanger from the stationary conveyor to an endless conveyor, further spraying chambers, and dripping chambers through which the hanger passes to a drying chamber to dry the garment on the hanger or set a coating thereon.

Abstract: A hopper or storage bin having an apparatus for promoting the discharge of material from the hopper including a generally conical material support member with a central discharge opening located beneath the hopper and a generally conical baffle on the support member above the discharge opening. Both the baffle and the support member are vibrated in the region of a resonant frequency of each to promote predominantly natural flexural vibration of each.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the discharge of material from a hopper of the kind whose cross-sectional area in a horizontal plane reduces gradually over at least the lower part of the hopper towards the outlet thereof comprising a helical blade rigidly secured within the hopper, the blade being so dimensioned and arranged as to impart a circular component of motion to the material as it runs through the lower regions of the hopper towards the outlet thereof.

Abstract: A tidal flap valve adapted to be located in sea walls, storage tank walls or banks of tidal rivers or other water courses in which the liquid level varies, the valve comprising a flap or closure member supported on a frame by a flexible hinge, the frame defining an opening and adapted for attachment to a substantially vertical wall about an opening therein, the hinge being protected against damage by being disposed in a substantially enclosed space defined by a portion of the frame and a portion of the closure member.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor has individually operable near-side and off-side brakes with respective brake levers. Said levers are disposed one at each side of a master lever, the three levers being pivotable about a common axis and each provided with a foot pedal. The master lever carries a pivotally mounted cross-bar arranged to operate both of the brake levers with an equalising action when the master lever is operated. One of the two brake levers is fixed to a transversely extending horizontal shaft journalled in a sleeve which is mounted on the tractor and rotatably supports a clutch-operating lever.

Abstract: A platform weighing scale in which a reinforced load cell-supported platform structure has a framelike reinforcement cooperating with a load-receiving deck or platform to define a torsion box frame which resists load-induced deflection of the platform between spaced apart load cell support points.FIELD OF INVENTIONThis invention relates to platform weighing scales and is particularly concerned with platform structures which are especially suitably for low profile type platform scales.BACKGROUNDLow profile platform scales for weighing relatively heavy loads are characterized by having a relatively small overall height as measured from the floor or other scale-support surface to the top of the load-receiving platform or deck. Scales of this type are especially suitable for weighing loads which are carted by such vehicles as tote bins, push carts, dollies, fork lift trucks and other usually relatively small motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method for joining the ends of an endless belt or for joining two belts side by side by stripping the weft from the ends of the belt or by stripping the warp from the adjoining sides of the belt; interdigiting the protruding weft or warp ends and applying a film of a thermo-plastic material therebetween and above and below the joint and bonding the joint by heat and pressure.

Abstract: To prevent the pull cord for a roller blind or the like from jumping off its reel or pulley and becoming entangled, the reel is enclosed within a loosely mounted tubular member which closely peripherally surrounds the end flanges on the reel and maintains a substantial coaxial relation therewith with a clearance less than the thickness of the pull cord and is provided with an aperture through which the free end of the pull cord can pass. To prevent the cord from chafing against the edges of the aperture an external guide for the cord is preferably provided which prevents the cord, when taut, from touching the edges of the aperture.

Abstract: In a brake for the pull-cord of a blind in which the cord is fed between, and in engagement with, a braking surface and a freely movable clamping body which, in one direction of movement of the cord, serves to clamp the cord against the braking surface, the braking surface forms part of the tapered interior of a housing through which the cord is passed and the clamping body is a circular disc or sphere of a diameter which is smaller than the widest part and greater than the narrowest part of the tapered interior, less the thickness of the cord, and is prevented from falling out of the widest part by a stop member secured therein.

Abstract: The load bearing capacities of carriageways or pavements of both flexible and rigid design are increased and failure thereof is, to a large degree, obviated by incorporating therein a sub-surface or surface layer of alkali-resistant glass fibre-reinforced cement.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder 2-stroke fuel injection engine of the crankcase compression type has a separate crank chamber associated with each cylinder and inlet, transfer and exhaust ports in each cylinder. The exhaust ports of the engine communicate with an exhaust manifold which communicates with the turbine of an exhaust gas driven scavenge compressor, and the impeller of the compressor communicates with an inlet manifold which communicates with the inlet ports of the engine so as to pressure charge each crank chamber and thus increase the mass of air subsequently pumped to the associated cylinder by way of its transfer port.