Abstract: A filament wound composite fibre reinforced polymer shaft comprising helical wound fibres, the shaft having at least one hole perpendicular to an axis of the shaft; wherein fibre paths of the helical wound fibres divert around the hole. The hole can be used as an attachment point to connect the shaft to other parts, e.g. by means of a pin passed directly through the hole. The amount of metal used in this type of connection can be significantly reduced compared to using metal end fittings, thus greatly reducing cost and weight of the whole system. Fibres are diverted around the hole rather than the hole being cut through the fibres which would reduce the strength of the shaft as a whole. By diverting the fibres around the hole, the fibres retain their load bearing properties and the strength of the shaft is maintained even in the presence of the hole.

Abstract: A filament wound composite fibre reinforced polymer shaft comprising helical wound fibres, the shaft having at least one hole perpendicular to an axis of the shaft; wherein fibre paths of the helical wound fibres divert around the hole. The hole can be used as an attachment point to connect the shaft to other parts, e.g. by means of a pin passed directly through the hole. The amount of metal used in this type of connection can be significantly reduced compared to using metal end fittings, thus greatly reducing cost and weight of the whole system. Fibres are diverted around the hole rather than the hole being cut through the fibres which would reduce the strength of the shaft as a whole. By diverting the fibres around the hole, the fibres retain their load bearing properties and the strength of the shaft is maintained even in the presence of the hole.

Abstract: A composite fibre-reinforced polymer shaft having a hollow cylindrical portion and a shaped end portion, the shaped end portion being moulded from a hollow cylindrical shape prior to curing. By moulding the end portion from a hollow cylindrical shape, the shaped end portion can be formed into a desired shape easily and quickly from a shape that is easy and efficient to produce by normal winding techniques. The cylindrical shape is preferably an extension of the hollow cylindrical portion that forms the rest of the shaft such that the fibres that form the main cylindrical shaft extend across from the main cylindrical shaft into the end portion, thus providing excellent load transmission properties along the shaft.

Abstract: A filament wound composite fibre reinforced polymer shaft comprising helical wound fibres, the shaft having at least one hole perpendicular to an axis of the shaft; wherein fibre paths of the helical wound fibres divert around the hole. The hole can be used as an attachment point to connect the shaft to other parts, e.g. by means of a pin passed directly through the hole. The amount of metal used in this type of connection can be significantly reduced compared to using metal end fittings, thus greatly reducing cost and weight of the whole system. Fibres are diverted around the hole rather than the hole being cut through the fibres which would reduce the strength of the shaft as a whole. By diverting the fibres around the hole, the fibres retain their load bearing properties and the strength of the shaft is maintained even in the presence of the hole.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle to follow at least one person includes a detection device for detecting a location of at least one person. The system further includes a storage device for recording locations of at least one person at a plurality of points in time, and a path determination device for determining a driveable path for a vehicle based on the recorded locations. The system further includes a control device for operating vehicle to follow one or more persons over the driveable path.

Abstract: A safety system is disclosed in, for example, an autonomous ground vehicle. A safety mechanism as disclosed can avoid an autonomous ground vehicle operating at too high a speed in the proximity of human operators. Vehicle position data and personnel position data can be provided to the safety system; and if the vehicle position data and personnel position data are determined by the safety system to indicate that the vehicle is in close proximity to personnel, the safety system applies a speed profile to the vehicle control system causing the vehicle to reduce speed or stop.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle to follow at least one person includes a detection device for detecting a location of at least one person. The system further includes a storage device for recording locations of at least one person at a plurality of points in time, and a path determination device for determining a driveable path for a vehicle based on the recorded locations. The system further includes a control device for operating vehicle to follow one or more persons over the driveable path.

Abstract: The invention includes a target construction having a sputtering region and a flange region laterally outward relative to the sputtering region. The flange region has a front surface disposed on a front face of the construction and a back surface opposing the front surface. An o-ring groove is disposed within the flange region. The o-ring groove has a planar base surface which has a first width and has an orifice disposed along the front surface of the flange. The orifice has a second width as measured parallel relative to the base surface. The second width is greater than the first width. The flange surfaces can additionally be protected from rubbing by a layer of protective material.

Abstract: The invention includes backing plates having coolant deflectors with at least a portion of each of the deflectors being nonlinear. Projections projecting from the backing plate are configured to insert into openings within a sputtering target. The invention includes targets having at least one opening to receive a fastener extending into the target through a back surface. The invention includes a target assembly having projections projecting from the backing plate and insertable within openings within the target. The invention includes a target assembly having a plurality of coolant deflectors disposed between the target and the backing plate. A segment of each of the deflectors is nonlinear. The invention includes methods of cooling a target. Coolant deflectors are disposed within a gap between the target and a backing plate with coolant deflectors being nonlinear along at least a portion of their length.

Abstract: The invention includes a target construction having a sputtering region and a flange region laterally outward relative to the sputtering region. The flange region has a front surface disposed on a front face of the construction and a back surface opposing the front surface. An o-ring groove is disposed within the flange region. The o-ring groove has a planar base surface which has a first width and has an orifice disposed along the front surface of the flange. The orifice has a second width as measured parallel relative to the base surface. The second width is greater than the first width. The flange surfaces can additionally be protected from rubbing by a layer of protective material.