Abstract: A fluid heater employs a vapor compression cycle system. The vapor compression cycle system includes an evaporator, at least one condenser and a working fluid. The fluid heater includes a fluid conduit which forms a tube-in-tube heat exchanger with the condenser to effect heating of the fluid. A sensor is positioned at the condensing zone of the working fluid, to determine the temperature of the working fluid at the condensing phase of the vapor compression cycle. The output of the sensor is used to control the flow rate of fluid through the fluid conduit in order to achieve a desired target temperature of the fluid leaving the conduit.

Abstract: A brake device comprises a stack of friction plates (6,7) compressible to have a braking effect between an armature (9) and a magnet structure (10,) the structure including a permanent magnet (11) urging the armature towards the magnet structure to effect braking, and an electromagnet (12) energizable to augment the effect of the permanent magnet, or to oppose it either partially or completely so as to release the braking effect.

Abstract: In fluid pressure or electromagnetically operated clutches, the transmitted torque is measured by strain gauges incorporated in rotating clutch members. The strain gauges are energized and the signal from them conveyed to stationary control equipment by way of co-operating rotating and fixed coils of which one, in the case of the electromagnetically actuated clutch, can be energized to operate the clutch.

Abstract: Forming apparatus such as a press which includes a support or base having a bed which carries a crosshead mechanism. The crosshead mechanism is movable for reciprocation with respect to the bed in order to bring together co-operating parts of the form or press tooling respectively carried by the bed and crosshead mechanism. The crosshead mechanism is guided for such reciprocation relative to the support structure by a linear hydrostatic bearing mechanism and is driven by a pair of connecting rods coupled to corresponding spaced apart and axially aligned crankpins of a single crankshaft. Rotary hydrostatic bearing mechanisms are provided at both ends of the connecting rod for coupling it to the crankshaft and to the crosshead mechanism. The coupling of each connecting rod to its crankpin of the crankshaft is preferably accomplished through a bush mounted about a crankpin which in turn is mounted on the crankshaft.