Abstract: A typical motor vehicle has an electrical storage battery (BT) to power its electrical facilities (L), including facilities which normally consume current when the vehicle is left unattended. A control system (CU) for the electrical supply system comprises means for generating a first relatively low reference voltage (VR1) and a second relatively high reference voltage (VR2), each selected to conform to a pre-selected battery condition; a first timing means (T1) operable for a relatively short period and a second timing means (T2) operable for a relatively long period. The timers operate from the time when the driver leaves the vehicle. A first voltage comparator (C1) is arranged to compare the actual battery voltage with the first reference voltage after said relatively short period and thereafter to provide a low battery signal if the actual voltage is below the first reference voltage.

Abstract: An electrical supply control system from a battery to the electrical facilities of a motor vehicle is arranged to isolate the battery from the electrical facilities in some circumstances to reduce the risk of inadvertent drain on the battery. The system comprises a main switch arranged to supply power from the battery, to the electrical facilities. A coil is arranged when energised to close the main switch and is connected to be energised when an engine function element such as an ignition switch is active. The coil can be disconnected from the engine function element by a connector. A manually operable mechanical actuator for the main switch is arranged in one position to close the main switch to provide a continuous supply to the electrical facilities and in another position to allow the state of energisation of the coil to control opening and closing of the main switch and thus isolate the loads when the engine function element is inactive.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper mechanism includes a wiper arm having a second member mounted on the first member so that it is movable axially with respect thereto. The first member is adapted to be mounted so that it may be driven in reciprocating manner about a pivot. Fluid operated means is mounted on the arm for movement therewith and is controlled by cam means mounted in fixed relationship to the pivot so as to extend and retract the arm in response to angular movement of the arm about the pivot.

Abstract: In a circular loom a weft failure indicator system includes means for issuing a signal that a weft failure has occurred on the shuttle, and a detector adapted to detect the weft failure signal, the detector being located on a stationary part of the loom and adapted to receive signals at all positions around the path of the shuttle. This provides a more rapid response to weft failure than systems in which the signal is only detected once in every revolution of the shuttle.The shuttle signal is a radio frequency signal and the detector a circular aerial.

Abstract: A travelling yarn dispenser for use in a textile machine, particularly a circular loom shuttle has an electric generator the rotor of which is adapted to be driven by yarn leaving the dispenser. In the preferred construction the driving member of the generator frictionally engages with the yarn carrier, which is mounted for rotation in the dispenser.Several arrangements for using the current generated by the generator to give weft failure signals and pick-up means adapted to co-operate with these arrangements are described.