Abstract: Information analysing apparatus is described for clustering information elements in items of information into groups of related information elements. The apparatus has an expected probability calculator (11a), a model parameter updater (11b) and an end point determiner (19) for iteratively calculating expected probabilities using first, second and third model parameters representing probability distributions for the groups, for the elements and for the items, updating the model parameters in accordance with the calculated expected probabilities and count data representing the number of occurrences of elements in each item of information until a likelihood calculated by the end point determiner meets a given criterion.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring the applications of the brakes, e.g. of an aircraft to determine brake condition and operate a brake maintenance programme or charge a brake system user. It is desirable to have accurate information for determining the condition and predicting the life of carbon-carbon brake discs. This is important for safety as well as commercial reasons. The number of landings of an aircraft is often used as a determinant for such as lifetime warranties for brake discs and recommended maintenance periods. However, at least for carbon disc brakes, this may not be entirely accurate. For example such brake discs also wear during taxiing. The system and method herein includes monitoring each actuation of the brakes and making a separate record of each actuation of the brakes in which there is relative movement of the facing friction surfaces that cause wear, and from that separate record determining brake usage.

Abstract: An electrically powered drive mechanism for providing powered assistance to a vehicle steering mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a clutch responsive to drivingly isolate the motor from an output shaft coupling when torque in excess of a selected level is transmitted through the clutch.