Abstract: An ignition exciter for an engine, comprising a pulse generator for generating output pulses for an igniter plug, and an oscillator for repeatedly triggering the pulse generator at a repetition rate such that each output pulse is produced before ionization caused by a preceding output pulse has substantially disappeared.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying fuel to the cylinders of an associated engine is disclosed. The system comprises a fuel pump for supplying high pressure fuel to a delivery line, a plurality of injectors connected to the delivery line and means operable to deliver fuel through the injectors to respective cylinders of an associated engine, and a control valve connected to the delivery line and operable to control the pressure of fuel within the delivery line.

Abstract: A shaft (34) is supported in the bottom (22) of a casing (20) and is rotatable for mechanical brake application. A ramp assembly (40) which is fixed to the casing and designed as an annular plate is supported on the bottom (22) around the shaft (34) and prevented from rotating by an off-center twist stop (42), and it is centered in the casing (20) in a way bypassing the shaft (34). Moreover, a rotatable ramp assembly (50) is arranged inside the casing (20) so as to be axially displaceable and is connected to the shaft (34) for torque transmission. The rotatable ramp assembly (50) is supported in such manner on the ramp assembly (40) which is fixed to the casing that it converts torque applied to it by the shaft (34) into an axial actuating force (B).

Abstract: A position sensor for monitoring the position of the valve element of a valve is described. The sensor comprises reflector means associated with the valve element and arranged to reflect energy, for example visible light, from a suitable source such that when the valve element is in a first position the reflected energy is incident upon a detector. Movement of the valve element away from the first position results in the reflected light no longer being incident upon the detector. The invention further relates to a valve including such a position sensor.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle of the two stage lift type has a nozzle body containing the valve member of the nozzle and a holder which are spaced apart by a distance piece. A first spring acts on the valve member and a second spring is operative on the valve member after the latter has moved a predetermined distance away from the valve seating. The second spring is engaged by a spring abutment which in the closed position of the valve member engages the adjacent face of the distance piece and the end of the valve member lies flush with the valve body. A push piece is interposed between the valve member and the spring abutment and the extent of movement of the valve member before the second spring is brought into operation is determined by maching the push piece and/or the distance piece.

Abstract: A load measuring device is incorporated in a damper or suspension strut of a vehicle. The device comprises an annular plate which is interposed between axially spaced opposite faces of a thrust bearing and an abutment for the adjacent end of the spring, and the plate is supported from the opposite faces at at least three angularly spaced locations of which a location on one side of the plate is disposed substantially at the mid-point in the circumferential length between a pair of locations on the opposite side of the plate. Bending moments in the plate are monitored by thick film technology to give a direct reading of load.

Abstract: A geared rotary actuator comprises at least two axially aligned compound epicyclic gear trains driven by an input shaft so that output ring gears in each train rotate relatively. Sun gears in adjacent gear trains are drivingly coupled to the input shaft through a differential device which permits limited rotational displacement between the sun gears. An element, for example an aircraft lift control surface, may be mounted on one set of the ring gears by means of spindles which extend normally of a plane which includes the axes of the ring gears, so that as a result of stresses therein the element may tilt locally about the spindles.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling a brake system in a heavy-duty vehicle provide for continuously measuring parameters which are characteristics of the state of the vehicle, such as the velocity of the vehicle, the inclination of the roadway, the axle load, and the transverse acceleration. Furthermore, the braking capability is being monitored continuously. To that end the temperature of the brakes, their condition of wear, the state of a compressed air reservoir, and the tire pressure are measured. For any given state of the vehicle and brakes it is determined whether or not the stopping distance to be expected will be longer than a predetermined rated stopping distance. If that is so, the driver is warned and/or a reduction of the travelling speed is initiated automatically.

Abstract: A flexible ammunition chuting (14) for a machine gun (10) includes a flexible spine (26) made up of spring steel strips (27, 29) which are anchored at two spaced and fixed positions, typically at the chuting ends, so as precisely to define the length of the chuting. The chuting includes relatively articulated links (20), which are able to follow convex and concave bends and to twist torsionally, but the spine (26) prevents the overall stretching or collapse of the links, which might result in ammunition belt misfeed or jamming.

Abstract: A caliper is mounted on an axle casing of a rail vehicle by a first bracket and by a second bracket positioned between the disc and the first bracket. One of the brackets is detachably mounted on the casing and is removable to permit the caliper to be removed by movement in a generally axial direction. To permit this to happen the caliper and the other detachable bracket both lie outside the projected peripheral edge of a flange on the axle on which a wheel is mounted.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type is disclosed. In the disc brake rotatable friction discs provided on opposite sides with linings are adapted to be brought into engagement with radial braking surfaces in a housing by an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly comprises pressure plates located between the discs and centered by pilot lugs, and balls located in oppositely inclined recesses in the adjacent faces of the pressure plates. At least the linings which engage with the pressure plates are separated into annular rings by an annular groove, and the groove is substantially coincident with a pitch circle of constant diameter upon which the recesses lie in an angularly spaced relationship. The groove increases the degree of cooling in the regions of the base of the recesses, thereby reducing the likelihood of hot spotting occurring in such regions.

Abstract: An automatic adjuster includes a two part strut interconnected by a non-reversible thread so that extension of the strut under the influence of an adjuster device is effected by relative rotation between the two parts. The adjuster device includes a spigot, rotation of which is controlled by a clutch member as a result of a cooperation between helical teeth respectively on the strut part and spigot and also uni-directionally couples the spigot to a fixed member so that in the event of temporary clutch disengagement due to vibration, rotation of the spigot in the de-adjusting direction is prevented by rotation thereof is the adjusting direction is permitted when required.

Abstract: A pressure plate for a self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type is provided with angularly spaced integrally cast ears which project inwardly from the inner peripheral edge of the plate, and a recess or dimple is also cast integrally in each ear in the face of the ear adjacent to the braking face. A region of each ear outwardly of the recess or dimple defines an abutment face forming an anchorage for one end of an anchorage portion of a tension return spring with the recess or dimple accommodating the free end of the anchorage portion. In a modification each abutment face may be machined in the respective ear by turning down the ear over an arcuate area passing through the center of the recess or dimple and using the braking face as a datum.

Abstract: A fabricated master cylinder includes a pressure cylinder and a separately made reservoir mounted thereon by way of a mounting device on the cylinder and a mounting formation on the reservoir. The mounting device and reservoir provide restraint surfaces for engagement by a locking device which, when engaged, maintains the cylinder and reservoir in co-operative relationship. In an alternative arrangement, the restraint surfaces are on respective parts of the mounting device and formation which, themselves act as locking means.