Abstract: A method is provided that can include activating at least two wireless communication channels in parallel, between a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver. Each of the at least two wireless communication channels can operate at a different radio carrier frequency, and the first wireless transceiver may be part of a first vehicle. The method can also include transmitting, by the first wireless transceiver, common information in parallel on the at least two wireless communication channels to the second wireless transceiver and deactivating the at least two wireless communication channels.

Abstract: Laser welding apparatus, in which a laser beam is impinged upon a component to be welded at a laser beam impingement point, wherein a plasma suppressor is arranged to impinge a jet of gas on the component at an angle to its surface, flowing towards the laser beam impingement point.

Abstract: A rotatable member for a brake of the liquid cooled type comprises a disc provided on opposite sides with annular braking faces. The disc incorporates a plurality of angularly spaced liquid supply slots which extend through the material of the disc and radially outwards from a position inwardly of the inner peripheral edges of the braking faces. A portion at the inner end of each slot is of a circumferential length greater than the remainder of the slot. The member may comprise a braking member for the brake, or it may be separate from the brake and act as a pump member in the form of a turbo disc.

Abstract: A braking member for a brake of the liquid cooled type is provided on at least one side with an annular reservoir for cooling liquid, and passages are arranged to control the release of liquid from the reservoir to braking surfaces in response to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A brake of the self-energising liquid cooled type incorporates a pump mechanism for pumping liquid from a sump to a braking member which is slidably keyed to a shaft to be braked. The pump mechanism incorporates one rotatable pump member which is driven from the shaft and may be housed within a pressure plate which forms a part of an actuating mechanism for the brake. Alternatively the pump may comprise a turbo-disc which is separate from the brake and is spaced from the stack of braking members.

Abstract: In a self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type the actuator mechanism incorporates a restrictor in the form of a circumferentially extending discontinuous oil-seal which co-operates with radial faces on the two pressure plates. A secondary, or elevated, reservoir for liquid is therefore defined between said pressure plates by said oil-seal. Liquid can escape from this reservoir in order to enhance the cooling of the braking surfaces, defined by engagement of rotatable friction discs with end faces of a housing, pressure plates and a planar non-rotatable disc. In the brake shown in FIG. 6 two annular members act as seals on the ends of the outermost friction discs.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes first and second components which are movable away from each other to initiate application of a brake, upon pressurization of a pressure space between the components.

Abstract: A self-energizing disc brake of the spreading type is adapted to be applied by a cable assembly. The cable assembly acts through a lever which is disposed in a plane lying between a pair of pressure plates in order to move the plates angularly in opposite directions.

Abstract: A disc brake of the spreading type is actuated by means of a "Bowden" cable (20) which acts between radial lugs (25, 29) on the pressure plates (6, 7). The cable (20) is angled with respect to the plane of the plates (6, 7), preferably substantially to complement the helix motion of the balls or rollers (13) co-operating with the ramps in the recesses (14).

Abstract: A spreading disc brake is actuated for parking or braking in an emergency by a brake-applying mechanism which comprises a pivotally mounted lever in the form of a bell-crank, and a pull-rod coupled to the lever. The inner end of the pull-rod is provided with an eye of which the inner side of the outermost end has a rocking and sliding engagement with a complementary arcuate face defining a notch in the innermost edge of the longer arm of the lever. The coupling between the pull-rod and the lever enables the pull-rod to adopt a substantially radial alignment with the brake center of rotation, even when brake lining wear progressively increases the brake forward to reverse articulation. The lever is pivotally mounted on one of the pressure plates by a pivot pin, and has a cranked nose which is received within the groove in the other pressure plate.