Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a flowmeter (10) includes a body (12) defining a passageway (14) for allowing fluid to flow therethrough and a sensing arrangement (16) which extends substantially inwardly from opposing end regions (18) of the passageway (14) for sensing a flow of fluid through the passageway (14) along an axis (20) which is substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a flowmeter (10) includes a body (12) defining a passageway (14) for allowing fluid to flow therethrough and a sensing arrangement (16) which extends substantially inwardly from opposing end regions (18) of the passageway (14) for sensing a flow of fluid through the passageway (14) along an axis (20) which is substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to the dispensing of liquids by means of a fluid dispensing apparatus (10) having one or more of a leakage detection means (94), a latching solenoid (84), and a fluid flow meter (20). The invention also provides each of the leakage detection means, the latching solenoid, then fluid flow meter, a fluid dispensing installation, and a method of dispensing fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid dispensing apparatus is a pre-payment water dispensing meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing metallic support beams for windscreen wiper blade assemblies, which includes a supply of metallic strip feedstock in a cold condition, the feedstock being passed in a cold condition through a pair of opposed, spaced apart, cold forming rollers. A spacing between the cold forming rollers is cyclically varied during to cyclically vary a thickness reduction of the feedstock and provide a rolled strip with a cyclically varying thickness. The thickness of the rolled strip is varied in a single pass between the cold forming rollers and the feedstock is worked so that the thickness of the rolled strip varies cyclically along its length in a ratio of least 2:1. Support beams are produced from the rolled strip, each support beam having a thickness which varies along its length.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a metallic strip having a varying thickness which includes a supply means for providing a supply of elongate metallic feedstock, a pair of opposed forming rollers for working the feedstock in a cold condition, and a separation varying means for varying the separation of the forming rollers during operation thereby to vary the thickness of the feedstock and provide formed strip with a varying thickness.

Abstract: A hydraulic power unit for a hydropneumatic brake actuator having a power piston comprising a force piston formed with a bore therein and a take-up piston operative in the force piston bore for movement relative thereto during a brake application. This relative movement is controlled by a check valve device carried with the force piston to establish or interrupt fluid pressure communication between the respective pistons and establishes a positive clearance between a brake shoe and wheel tread, for example, during a subsequent brake release.

Abstract: A deceleration control system in which an operator's brake valve device provides corresponding pneumatic and electric brake demand signals in accordance with a selected handle position, the pneumatic brake demand signal controlling a blending valve device to establish the maximum level of friction braking, while the electric brake demand signal is compared to an actual rate of retardation signal to provide a rate error signal that acts via a transducer of the blending valve to reduce the effective friction braking to the extent that the rate of retardation exceeds the brake demand. The electric brake demand signal is limited in accordance with a speed/adhesion characteristic, while a further circuit slip modulates the brake demand signal.