Abstract: A method of making a wheel from a rim selected from a plurality of rims of different nominal diameters, a plurality of flanges of different configurations, and a disc, the method including selecting from the plurality of rims a rim of a desired diameter, selecting from the plurality of flanges a flange of an appropriate configuration so that when the flange is secured to the rim, the flange provides a mounting for the disc, and mounting the disc in the rim by attaching the disc to the flange.

Abstract: A wheel includes a rim, and a disc by which the wheel is attached to a hub. The disc is attached to the rim by generally axially extending fasteners each of which passes through a respective opening of the disc and is received in a respective generally axially extending passage of a connection member. Tolerances in the openings of the disc and/or the passages of the connection member or members and/or the fasteners permit variation in the position of the disc relative to the rim. At least two indicators are provided, the positions of which are fixed with respect to the rim. Each indicator may be aligned with a corresponding additional opening in the disc.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder block comprising one or more cylinders, the or each cylinder being adapted to receive a piston therein, the method comprising making a cylinder liner by squeeze casting, in an aluminium-silicon alloy produced from a melt consisting essentially of the following composition by weight: Silicon 14% to 16%; Copper 1.9% to 2.2%; Nickel 1.0% to 1.4%; Magnesium 0.4% to 0.55%; Iron 0.6% to 1.0%; Manganese 0.3% to 0.6%; Silicon Modifier 0.02% to 0.1%, with the balance being aluminium and any avoidable impurities, the cylinder liner having an essentially eutectic microstructure containing not more than 10% primary alpha-aluminium dendrites and being substantially free from intermetallic particles exceeding 10 .mu. in diameter, placing the cylinder block in a mold and casting therearound an aluminium alloy to provide a main cylinder block body with the cylinder liner entrapped therein.

Abstract: A method of producing a welded assembly comprising two members and wherein the assembly is adapted subsequently to have an element connected thereto in a manner that imparts a connection force to the welded connection between the two members and the method comprising the steps of, prior to welding the two members together, temporarily applying a force to at least one of the two members to simulate the force which is to be imparted to the welded connection between the two members as a result of the connection of the further element to the assembly, welding the two members together to form the assembly while maintaining the predetermined force on the at least one member and subsequently removing the predetermined force from the at least one member.

Abstract: A manually adjustable wheel for a vehicle e.g.

Abstract: A brake disc, for a disc brake assembly comprising at least one portion affording a wear surface, said portion comprising a rigid porous ceramic body infiltrated with a light metal alloy.

Abstract: The spacer (2) is for use in spacing a disc from attachment portions of the rim of the wheel. The spacer comprises two spacing portions (4,6) and a rigid joining portion (22) retaining the spacing portions at a constant distance and orientation with respect to each other. The spacing portions (4,6) each have a bolt-receiving passage (24) and bearing surfaces (8,10) extending around the mouths of the passage. The bearing surfaces (8,10) of each spacing portion are in parallel planes which are the same planes for both spacing portions.

Abstract: A disc wheel or demountable rim assembly for a vehicle comprising an asymmetrical drop-center rim with one bead seat spaced from the well by a ledge in which the disc or an adaptor band is welded to the rim with a T-butt weld adjacent the transition between said one bead seat and the ledge.

Abstract: A machine for filling beer kegs via a movable head which carries a change-over valve in series with a beer inlet valve, the change-over valve being arranged so that during the beer save operation at the end of each filling cycle the beer between the inlet valve and the change-over valve is isolated so that it remains sterile and can be used in the next filling cycle.

Abstract: A mechanical drive assembly includes driving and driven gear members with an internally splined coupling sleeve for engagement with said members. The sleeve includes a locking cam carried internally and being selectively actuable to move the sleeve between coupling-engaged and coupling-disengaged positions. The axis of rotation of the cam is offset from the central axis thereof whereby, when the cam is rotated through 180.degree. from the coupling-engaged position, the sleeve is moved forceably away from the driving member. Such movement of the sleeve is effected either by direct engagement of the cam face upon the driving gear member or by engagement of a cam follower on the driven gear member with a cam track.

Abstract: A method of washing a keg and filling it with beer which comprises giving the keg first and second washes at first and second washing stations, filling the keg with steam and carbon dioxide at the second washing station after washing and then moving the keg to a filling station and filling the keg with beer at said filling station while allowing the carbon dioxide in the keg to escape through a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: In a machine for washing or filling a beer keg via a head having a movable probe to open the valve of the keg closure unit, a complementary magnetic carried by the probe and the head for indicating when the probe is in a fully extended position within the head to open the valve and to seal with the closure unit.

Abstract: A demountable wheel rim assembly for a road vehicle and comprising a rim and an adapter band extending outwardly well beyond the rim so that two assemblies can be placed on a hub for a dual-type wheel with the bands abutting to space the rims without a separate spacer band. The band may have notches or openings in its free end portion to receive clamps for use when it is mounted singly on a hub.

Abstract: A bush for a valved closure unit of the kind used in beer kegs comprising a two-part bush which engages an opening in the keg. One part of the bush which engages the opening, is in the form of a hot brasss stamping or stainless steel or aluminium casting. The other part of the bush is of stainless steel and is held in the first part by an interference fit and/or interfitting ribs and grooves and/or adhesive. The interstices between the parts are sealed by a sealant.

Abstract: A bush for a valved closure unit of the kind used in beer kegs comprises two-parts and when in a unit engages an opening in the keg. One part of the bush which engages the opening, is in the form of a hot brass stamping or stainless steel or aluminium casting. The other part of the bush is of stainless steel and is held in the first part by an interference fit and/or interfitting ribs and grooves and/or adhesive. The interstices between the parts are sealed by a sealant. A closure unit employing such a bush has a valve seat formed by an internal flange on the second member and a valve is guided as it moves towards and away from the seat.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disc wheel which is of generally Y-shape in cross sections radial of the rotary axis of the wheel, the stem of the Y providing the central disc of the wheel and having holes for the normal wheel bolts or studs, and the bifurcations of the Y providing the wheel rim. The wheel has an annular metal reinforcement having parts located in the stem and in one of the bifurcations of the Y, the reinforcement including holes corresponding to the holes in the finished wheel for the bolts or studs. A covering of plastics material is moulded over the reinforcement, the covering having an integral extension which provides the other bifurcation of the Y. The plastics covering is moulded onto the reinforcement in a mould cavity defined between first and second mould portions which are movable towards and away from one another in directions parallel to the rotary axis of the wheel between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The combination of an invalid's wheelchair and a vehicle for conveying the wheelchair from place to place in which the wheelchair is releasably held in position on the floor of the vehicle by cooperating hooks and cross bars and a releasable latch. Means being provided for holding the wheelchair against lateral movement and guides being provided for guiding into inter-engagement the hooks and cross bars on the one hand and the elements of the latch on the other hand as the wheel chair is moved into a predetermined position on the floor.

Abstract: A method of injection moulding a pallet comprising a reinforcement or reinforcing frame provided with an encapsulation of thermoplastic polymeric material, wherein the reinforcement is held in an open mould cavity by vertical projections before the mould cavity is closed and after closure of the cavity is supported in the cavity by horizontal projections whereupon said material is injected into the cavity to encapsulate the reinforcement, the projections subsequently being withdrawn the cavity opened and the pallet removed. The reinforcement or reinforcing frame of the pallet is in the form of two interconnected assemblies of crossed rods.

Abstract: The invention is a dispense head for use with a metal beer keg to supply beer under carbon dioxide gas pressure, the keg being of the type having a standard neck fitting including co-axial gas and beer valves operated by insertion of a probe into the neck. The dispense head can be attached to the keg with the probe raised and in this condition a gas shut-off valve closes the gas passageway. This is opened automatically on the lowering of the probe into the neck of the keg which also opens the keg valves. The gas shut-off valve prevents foaming of beer when the dispense head is attached and spraying out of beer dregs when the dispense head is removed from an empty keg.