Abstract: A vehicle has external bodywork including an upper surface and an under surface, the under surface having at least one aperture, and the vehicle comprising lower ducting located within the external bodywork and communicating with that aperture, the upper surface having at least one aperture, and the vehicle comprising upper ducting located within the external bodywork and communicating with that aperture, the upper ducting and the lower ducting leading to a fan adapted to selectively draw air through the respective ductings, the vehicle further comprising a control unit adapted to receive information as to the vehicle dynamic state and, in the light of that state, draw air through the lower ducting or through the upper ducting. Thus, a choice can be made between enhanced levels of downforce on the one hand, and low drag on the other.

Abstract: We disclose a chassis for a vehicle, comprising an interconnected framework comprising a plurality of tubular sections, and at least one sheet bonded to the framework, wherein the tubular sections are of a non-ferrous metallic composition. The non-ferrous tubular sections have a very thin wall; generally, these sections are made by extrusion, which currently allows for wall thicknesses no thinner than about 2.5 mm. We prefer the wall thickness to be about this level, and ideally no greater than 3 mm. Such a thin-walled tube would usually imply a lower resistance to buckling, but as part of the structural element defined above, we have found that the tube does not buckle and in fact has an impact response that is superior to other alternatives. We therefore prefer that the tubular sections have a profile for which the ratio of the minimum area moment of inertia of its cross section to the square of the unsupported length of the section is less than 2 mm2.

Abstract: A chassis and a method of forming the chassis comprising assembling a framework of interconnected tubular-section metallic members and a plurality of composite panels, each panel being adhesively bonded to a plurality of the metallic members, wherein at least one bond between a composite panel and a metallic member is formed by an arcuate formation integral with and extending from an edge of a planar section of the composite panel and fitting around an exterior of the metallic member, and providing a layer of adhesive along the gap there between extending substantially from the edge of the planar section across a part of but less than the complete angular extent of the arcuate section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood preservative composition comprising creosote and/or pentachlorophenol (PCP) and one or more unsaturated fatty esters. The composition is useful for reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. Further disclosed are methods of making and using such a composition and wood treated with such a composition.

Abstract: A vehicle with a load space to provide a chassis comprising a framework (10) comprising a pair of spaced-apart elongate longitudinal members (12, 14) connected by a pair of spaced-apart elongate lateral members (20, 22) and bracing for the thus-defined framework, a rear suspension attached to the rearmost lateral member (20) and comprising a trailing-arm arrangement (52), and a front suspension attached to the front most lateral member (22) and comprising a leading-arm arrangement (58). This creates a rigid core for the chassis, which also provides all four suspension mounting points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. The method comprises the steps of: a) immersing the wood in a treatment solution comprising i) a C1-C6monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (e.g., monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and ii) creosote; and b) exposing the immersed wood from step a) to conditions which cause the release of boron from the C1-C6 monoalkanolamine ester of boric acid (monoethanolamine ester of boric acid) and which cause the boron to migrate into the interior of the wood.

Abstract: We improve still further the crashworthiness of a tubular-frame chassis by providing a means for absorbing lower-energy impacts without deforming the tubular steel frame, The vehicle comprises a chassis structure including a load-bearing tubular chassis member extending longitudinally within the vehicle, at least one crush structure located laterally outside of the chassis member, the crush structure having an upper and a lower extent that overlap with an upper and lower extent of the chassis member. In this way, the crush structure is able to interact with the chassis member, transferring impact forces to the chassis member and thereby reducing the necessary size (and weight) of the crush structure. The crush structure is preferably removable, to allow replacement after an impact. Alternatively, the crush structure part of a door of the vehicle, positioned as necessary when the door is closed.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a first recess portion extending in a vehicle widthwise direction is located in a boundary portion between a hood portion and a front bumper portion. A second recess portion is located in each of headlight portions. A third recess portion extending in the front-rear direction is located in each of front fender portions. The upper edges of the first, second, and third recess portions define a ridge line which projects toward the outside of the vehicle body and extends from the center in the vehicle widthwise direction to the vehicle body rear side beyond the lower end of a pillar portion through position lamp portions. The ridge line is defined by a first overhang portion of the hood portion, a lamp cover of each of the position lamp portions, and a bulge portion of each of the front fender portions.

Abstract: Provided is a wood treatment composition comprising a reaction product produced by reacting a mixture, which includes creosote and a fatty ester component, in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. The reaction mixture may optionally include bunker oil and/or a borate ester. The mixture may comprise i) at least about 85 wt % creosote; and ii) at least about 1 wt % of an ester component containing one or more C8-C50 fatty esters. Also provided are wood treated with the composition and methods for using the composition to treat wood.

Abstract: A vehicle with a load space to provide a chassis comprising a framework (10) comprising a pair of spaced-apart elongate longitudinal members (12, 14) connected by a pair of spaced-apart elongate lateral members (20, 22) and bracing for the thus-defined framework, a rear suspension attached to the rearmost lateral member (20) and comprising a trailing-arm arrangement (52), and a front suspension attached to the front most lateral member (22) and comprising a leading-arm arrangement (58). This creates a rigid core for the chassis, which also provides all four suspension mounting points.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wood preservative composition comprising: an ester of boric acid; pentachlorophenol (PCP); and American Wood Preservative Association's (AWPA) P9 Type A solvent. The composition is useful for reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. Further disclosed are methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: In a structure such as that described in WO2009/122178, it is necessary to provide an adhesive bond between composite panels and the tubular framework. We describe a chassis comprising a framework of interconnected tubular-section metallic members and a plurality of composite panels, each panel being adhesively bonded to a plurality of the metallic members, wherein at least one bond between a composite panel and a metallic member is formed by an arcuate formation integral with and extending from an edge of a planar section of the composite panel and fitting around an exterior of the metallic member, and a layer of adhesive along the gap there between extending substantially from the edge of the planar section across a part of but less than the complete angular extent of the arcuate section.

Abstract: A circuit board mounting arrangement is provided including a circuit board and a press fit mounting bushing including a cylindrical inner piece and an outer piece secured to the inner piece. The outer piece has a plurality of radially projecting, deformable elements and the circuit board has a cylindrical opening having a diameter less than an outer diameter of the radially projecting deformable elements. The deformable elements deform when the mounting bushing is pushed into the cylindrical opening of the circuit board so as to hold the mounting bushing to the circuit board. The circuit board and press fit bushing are then overmolded.

Abstract: A kit for constructing a commercial vehicle supplied ex-works as a flat-pack package using the vehicle chassis as a pallet. The kit includes components comprising: a chassis, an engine attachable to the chassis, located within and supported by the chassis, and a plurality of upright chassis members attachable to the chassis thereby to define at least a cabin, placed flat over the chassis. The component making up the kit can be restrained in place, such as by wrapping or tying with suitable film, bands or cords. Body panels attachable to the chassis uprights can be supplied, placed flat over the chassis. Brake line, a wiring loom and major drivetrain items such as the engine, differential and propshaft may be pre-attached to the chassis in their final locations before shipping the kit. With suitable spacers, several such kits could be packed for transport in a single vehicle or container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are preservative compositions and methods of using the same for reducing insect and microbial decay in wood. Also disclosed are wooden articles that have been treated with the compositions described herein.