Abstract: A vehicle suspension unit has two arms joined together at one end by a cr-member. Each arm is formed from two fiber reinforced plastic springs separated by the cross-member at the end, by a spacing member of resilient material, and secured together at another end. The ends which are secured together are attached to a vehicle structure. Wheel mountings are situated near the ends which are separated by the cross-member. Constraining members keep the arms away from vehicle structure in the region of the spacing member.

Abstract: Pyrogenic processes in which gas or fume is evolved are monitored by impinging a beam of X-rays (3) from an X-ray source (1) on the gas or fume whereby radiation is produced by the X-ray fluorescence which is detected by a radiation detector (7) and analyzed by an analyzer (8) for the various constituent elements. In this way the progress of the metallurgical process can be monitored and the information used for process control.

Abstract: A connecting rod has a rod member formed from fiber reinforced plastic material secured to a cap member to define the big end of the connecting rod. Securement is by a metal member rigidly attached to the rod member, to which the cap member is secured. Attachment of the rod member and the metal member is via a locally transversely expanded end portion of the rod member enclosed within a similarly shaped (e.g. wedge shaped) cavity in the metal member such that the expanded end portion cannot be withdrawn axially of the rod member from the cavity.

Abstract: A combined spring and damper comprises a plurality of spring elements (1), each of zig-zag form, disposed in radial planes with respect to a common axis. Also situated on the axis is a mass (7) of resilient material. When the spring is compressed along the axis the inward contraction of inner reflex portions (3) of the spring elements is resisted by the mass of resilient material, and the resulting axial movement of the radially inner reflex portions is resisted by contact with the mass of resilient material and axial compression thereof.

Abstract: A method of separating the constituent minerals of a mixture of minerals requires the introduction of fine particles of magnetic material such as finely ground particles of magnetite. The control of the zeta-potential of the minerals and particles of magnetic material provides heterocoagulation of the magnetized particles with one mineral but not the other to achieve separation. The method is ideally suitable for separating carbonates and phosphate ore and the separation process is enhanced by the addition of a surfactant such as oleate. The slurry is preferably subjected to low intensity magnetic separation to remove unattached particles of magnetic material which can be recycled to keep costs to a minimum.

Abstract: A process for casting molten metallic material having a solidification ra of temperatures, especially alloys containing more than 80% aluminium, involves simultaneously stirring and cooling the molten material to a temperature between 0.degree. C. and 75.degree. C. above the liquidus temperature of the metallic material using hollow heat transfer rods (9) extending across a duct (4), down which the material is caused to flow. The material is then caused to solidify with a substantially non-dendritic microstructure by rapidly cooling it in a continuous casting machine. The solidified bar so produced may then be reheated at a steady rate to a point between its liquidus and solidus temperature until it contains between 30% and 70% by volume solids content but can still be maneuvered without losing its shape. It may then, with a minimum of delay, be rapidly formed into a solid article of any desired shape by, for example, casting in a pressure casting machine.

Abstract: A fluid operated reciprocatable device has an outer, usually fixed, member nd an inner relatively movable member joined by a resilient member e.g., of rubber. The outer member is closed at one end so as to form an enclosure into which fluid under pressure can be admitted so as to displace the inner member in a given axial direction relative to the outer member. When a pulsating pressure is applied to the fluid the inner member vibrates axially in accordance with the pulses. The resilient member is proportioned so that its dimension in the axial direction is large in comparison with the thickness between the outer and inner members, e.g. 4 times larger. The properties of the resilient member are chosen so that it acts not only as a seal between the outer and inner members to contain fluid, but as a return spring whereby the inner member is returned, between fluid pulses, from an axially displaced position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for collecting solids from the bed of a iquid or for establishing an anchorage in the bed of a liquid. The apparatus comprises essentially a substantially hollow structure into which solids from the liquid bed are induced as solids in liquid suspension. In the case of the apparatus being used for the collection of solids the structure is raised to the surface of the liquid for the solids to be harvested. When the apparatus is being used as an anchoring device the design is modified such that as solids from the liquid bed are induced into the substantially hollow structure they fill or partially fill the structure when then proceeds to bury itself into the liquid bed thereby establishing an anchorage.

Abstract: A respirator which is in the form of a protective hood is arranged to fit er the head including the face of a wearer, leaving a space between the hood and the wearer's head. A sealing member is provided between the hood and the back and sides of the wearer's head with means normally fitted within the hood to supply filtered air which can pass over the wearer's head and down over the wearer's face.

Abstract: A method of protecting an article having at least a surface layer of an alloy of iron and/or nickel which contains at least 1 per cent of chromium, against high temperature oxidation, by contacting the article with a solution or a suspension of a borate and/or a phosphate in a volatile polar organic solvent so that, after removal of the solvent, a film weighing at least 3 .mu. g / cm.sup.2 of the borate and/or phosphate material is deposited on the surface of the article.