Abstract: An electric lamp (10) comprises: a plurality of electrically-powered light sources (such as LEDs 34); at least one electrical connector (35) electrically connected to the light sources; and a structure to which the light sources are mounted with different orientations and to which the connector(s) is/are mounted. The structure has the form of an open, three-dimensional arrangement of, preferably metallic, interconnected mounting portions (21) with gaps therebetween so that ambient air can pass through the gaps and circulate through the arrangement of mounting portions. The light sources are mounted in thermal contact with the mounting portions. The mounting portions are thermally conductive so that they can dissipate heat away from the light sources.

Abstract: A light guide panel assembly (10) comprises a translucent panel (12), and at least one light-emitting device (40) (such as an LED) which projects a divergent beam of light into the panel from a light-receiving edge (52) of the panel. A heatsink (22) may be provided, with a compressible, thermally-conductive element (20) disposed in compression against the heatsink and so as to urge the light-emitting device(s) against the light-receiving edge of the panel and to provide a thermal pathway between the light-emitting device(s) and the heatsink. The compressible element therefore serves the dual purposes of holding the light-emitting device in place and also assisting in conducting heat away from it.

Abstract: A robot head, for example for use in surgery, provides a back-drivable system allowing a surgeon to closely control the position of a cutter or other tool. The cutter is mounted at the end of a telescopic arm (20) which can be rotated about two independent perpendicular axes. Rotation about each axis is controlled by a separate motor (30?) which turns a lead screw (32). A bearing (34) travels along the lead screw and changes the angle of an offset crank (36) to cause the required rotation about the axis. The current rotational position about each axis is determined by a sensor at the output. A second sensor independently determines the position of the corresponding motor (30) and the two measured positions are compared. If they differ, the power to the cutter is immediately switched off.

Abstract: A robot head, for example for use in surgery, provides a back-drivable system allowing a surgeon to closely control the position of a cutter or other tool. The cutter is mounted at the end of a telescopic arm (20) which can be rotated about two independent perpendicular axes. Rotation about each axis is controlled by a separate motor (30?) which turns a lead screw (32). A bearing (34) travels along the lead screw and changes the angle of an offset crank (36) to cause the required rotation about the axis. The current rotational position about each axis is determined by a sensor at the output. A second sensor independently determines the position of the corresponding motor (30) and the two measured positions are compared. If they differ, the power to the cutter is immediately switched off.

Abstract: An apparatus is capable of determining inflation pressure of a pneumatic tire mounted on the wheel of a vehicle, the tire being in contact with a support over a contact area. The apparatus comprises: (i) sensing means comprising one or more sensors within said support, each sensor being adapted to measure the average contact pressure over the sensor between said tire and said support, and each having a surface area less than the said contact area; and (ii) processing means adapted to determine an average contact pressure between said tire and said support from an output of only a sensor or sensors which fall entirely within said contact area so as to provide a measure of the inflation pressure of the tire to a first order of accuracy. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tuning means for a stringed instrument having one or more strings comprising detection means to provide a signal in response to vibration of the or each string and actuating means to vary the tension of the or each string under the control of an analysis means in response to said signal.