Abstract: A method of determining a requirements characterization profile for an entity is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving classification parameters defining a requirement for an entity and selecting, in dependence on the classification parameters, a set of entities from a database of previously assessed entities. The method further comprises retrieving from the database characterization parameters of the selected set of entities, and constructing, in dependence on the characterization parameters, a requirements characterization profile for the entity. An apparatus is provided that comprised means for performing such a method.

Abstract: A method of determining a requirements characterisation profile for an entity is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving classification parameters defining a requirement for an entity and selecting, in dependence on the classification parameters, a set of entities from a database of previously assessed entities. The method further includes retrieving from the database characterisation parameters of the selected set of entities, and constructing, in dependence on the characterisation parameters, a requirements characterisation profile for the entity. An apparatus is provided that includes means for performing such a method.

Abstract: A method for designing an air intake apparatus. The method includes receiving an indication of a requirement. A number of structural members to be used in the air intake and, optionally, one or more dimensions corresponding to the structural members are determined based at least in part on the requirement. A three-dimensional model of an air intake is generated based at least in part on the plurality of structural members and presented. One or more two-dimensional models may be generated based on the three-dimensional model and may further be output as manufacturing diagrams.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a spool, a single spring adapted to impart a rotational force to the spool to wind the seat belt onto the spool, and a mechanism to cause the spring to apply to the spool a first force, which is a relatively high force, only during the initial stages of extraction of the seat belt from the spool and during the final stages of retraction of seat belt onto the spool, and to apply a second lower force to the spool during the remaining part of the cycle of operation of the spool.