Abstract: A position measurement encoder apparatus including: a scale including a series of position features which are readable by a readhead; and a readhead including: a polarised light source for emitting polarised light toward the scale; a first sensor configured to sense light filtered along a first polarisation axis, the first sensor being arranged to sense light from the polarised light source that has interacted with the scale; and a polarisation manipulator, located in the optical path between the polarised light source and the first sensor, configured such that regardless of the polarisation state of the light emitted from the polarised light source, light that leaves the polarisation manipulator toward the first sensor will have a polarisation state which is at least partially resolvable along the first polarisation axis.

Abstract: A position measurement encoder apparatus, including: a scale including a series of features which are readable by a readhead so as to determine a relative position of the scale and the readhead, and which diffract light into multiple diffraction orders; a readhead including a light source for illuminating the scale, a first sensor, and a second sensor; wherein at least one diffraction order has an optical state different to that of at least one other diffraction order, and configured such that, by way of the optical state of the diffraction orders, a signal sensed by the first sensor is formed from a diffraction order composition that is different to that of a signal sensed by the second sensor.

Abstract: A position measurement encoder apparatus, including: a scale comprising a series of features which are readable by a readhead so as to determine a relative position of the scale and the readhead, and which diffract light into multiple diffraction orders; a readhead including a light source for illuminating the scale, and at least a first sensor configured to detect a signal produced thereat by one or more diffraction orders produced by the scale; wherein the readhead further comprises a diffraction order encoder which encodes at least one diffraction order with a different optical state to that of at least one other diffraction order.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a process for forming a reinforced rocker panel assembly, and which includes positioning a reinforcement patch having first and second patch sections in surface-to-surface contact with a blank panel sheet, and welding the first patch section to the blank panel sheet. The process further includes bending both the blank panel sheet and the reinforcement patch along a bend line interposed between the first and second patch sections to form the blank panel sheet into a rocker panel portion having an elongated base section and a longitudinal flange, where the first and second patch sections are in at least partial abutting contact with the base section and the flange. The process also includes welding the second patch section to the flange.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a process for forming a reinforced rocker panel assembly, and which includes positioning a reinforcement patch having first and second patch sections in surface-to-surface contact with a blank panel sheet, and welding the first patch section to the blank panel sheet. The process further includes bending both the blank panel sheet and the reinforcement patch along a bend line interposed between the first and second patch sections to form the blank panel sheet into a rocker panel portion having an elongated base section and a longitudinal flange, where the first and second patch sections are in at least partial abutting contact with the base section and the flange. The process also includes welding the second patch section to the flange.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment a mounting brace assembly for securing a steering column member to a vehicle cross-support member in a position braced against a vehicle cowl top. The assembly includes a cowl top bracket for engaging the vehicle cowl top, and a mounting base arm extending longitudinally along a base axis from a first axial end portion to a second axial end portion. The base arm includes an anchor flange sized for generally upward mated insertion in at least part of a flange receiving slot. The cowl top bracket is coupled to the base arm proximal to a vehicle forward end, and includes a load transfer portion shaped for juxtaposed abutment with a load bearing portion of the vehicle cowl top. Contact between the cowl top bracket and the vehicle cowl top transfers rotational bearing forces from the assembly towards the vehicle cowl top.