Abstract: An offshore reservoir monitoring system (100) comprises a vertical array (110) with multiple seismic receivers (120) less than 10 m apart. During operation, the vertical array is deployed in a shallow borehole (111) in a seabed (10) away from noise at a seafloor (11). The dense spacing of receivers (120) ensures an adequate number of sensors (120) in the shallow borehole (111) and a spatial sampling rate appropriate for suppressing coherent noise in the shallow layers under the seafloor (11). Vertical arrays (110) can be added to the system (100) at any time.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: A vehicle suspension comprises an assembly of a hub carrier and a support arm, the support arm being attached to the hub carrier at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel and extending inwardly therefrom to a support arm attachment point for fixing to a chassis, and a trailing link extending from the assembly in a direction transverse to that of the support arm, toward a trailing link attachment point for fixing to the chassis. The trailing link preferably extends from the assembly in a forward direction, and is preferably connected directly to the hub carrier. A strut can extend upwardly toward an attachment point for fixing to a chassis, to provide a spring and damper. The support arm can comprise a pair of arms extending divergently from the attachment point to each of the two points. The hub carrier can include a pivot pin extending in a fore/aft alignment, passing through two pivot points on the support arm thereby to define the two points.

Abstract: The power appliance (10) for cleaning teeth includes a drive system (16) and a substrate (10) for supporting a field of bristles (14) which contact teeth for cleaning. The drive system is connected to the substrate, moving the substrate in operation to produce an action of the bristle field against the teeth. The assembly, which includes internal stiffeners (60, 62, 64) in one embodiment, has two physical states, including a first state in which the substrate is softened so as to be formable to conform to the geometry of the teeth, and a second hardened state following its conformance to the teeth in which the substrate is sufficiently rigid to effectively transmit a driving motion to the bristles.

Abstract: Electric vehicles usually inherit a chassis of a pressed steel construction from a conventional vehicle design. This imposes a substantial weight penalty on the vehicle. We disclose a chassis element for a vehicle, formed of an outer skin material, an inner core material enveloped by the outer skin material, and at least one array of aligned fibres, and comprising a restraint for an electrical battery adapted to locate the battery over the at least one array. There can be multiple arrays of aligned fibres, preferably disposed at a transverse angle relative to each other of less than 90°. We particularly prefer three arrays of aligned fibres, which can be disposed relative to each other at an angle of 60°. The fibres can be disposed within the skin material.

Abstract: A chassis for a vehicle has a locally narrower portion within which is mounted a wheel, and a rigid member extending from the chassis toward the quiescent position of the wheel and ending at a point which is spaced radially from the outer profile and located axially within the thickness of the wheel. Under an impact, the wheel itself will be crushed against the rigid member, absorbing some of the impact energy. The impact energy can also be transmitted via the rigid member to the remainder of the chassis, providing a load path to major mass concentrations elsewhere in the vehicle and allowing energy to be dissipated by the deformation of other structures elsewhere. This can then limit frontal damage to the vehicle and hence reduce the risk of intrusions into the passenger cell. The rigid member can be a column extending towards the wheel, and can end with a flat plate that is positioned tangentially to a local portion of the outer profile.

Abstract: A chassis (10) for a vehicle is disclosed which combines rigidity, speed of manufacture, and a small environmental footprint. Such a chassis comprises a framework of interconnected tubular sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 28) and at least one sheet (50) bonded to the framework. Laser cutting, CNC bending, and computer-controlled welding mean that the required production time can be kept to 120 seconds and the rigidity of the structure as a whole is sufficient. Such a chassis also has an exceptionally low carbon footprint. The sheet can be metallic, such as Aluminium or Aluminium honeycomb, or it can be a composite material such as one comprising a paper-based core and a fibre-reinforced plastics coating. The sheet can be non-flat, and is preferably a concave geometry such as a tub. It can be composed of a plurality of sections, ideally joined by a method allowing a positional tolerance so that any tolerance in the construction of the framework can be accommodated.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprises an assembly of a hub carrier and a support arm, the support arm being attached to the hub carrier at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel and extending inwardly therefrom to a support arm attachment point for fixing to a chassis, and a trailing link extending from the assembly in a direction transverse to that of the support arm, toward a trailing link attachment point for fixing to the chassis. The trailing link preferably extends from the assembly in a forward direction, and is preferably connected directly to the hub carrier. A strut can extend upwardly toward an attachment point for fixing to a chassis, to provide a spring and damper. The support arm can comprise a pair of arms extending divergently from the attachment point to each of the two points. The hub carrier can include a pivot pin extending in a fore/aft alignment, passing through two pivot points on the support arm thereby to define the two points.

Abstract: A glass vacuum insulating panel comprises at least one sheet of glass including a first sheet portion with a first plurality of attachment locations and a second sheet portion with a second plurality of attachment locations. The first sheet portion and the second sheet portion each extend along a plane of the glass vacuum insulating panel. An insulating space is hermetically sealed between the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, wherein the insulating space includes an absolute pressure of less than about 10 kPa. Each of the first plurality of attachment locations is attached to a corresponding one of the second plurality of attachment locations to form a plurality of integral attachment areas that are spaced apart in a pattern along the plane of the glass vacuum insulating panel. Methods of making a glass vacuum insulating panel are also provided.

Abstract: A chassis for a vehicle is disclosed which combines rigidity, speed of manufacture, and a small environmental footprint. Such a chassis comprises a framework of Interconnected tubular sections (14, 18) and at least one composite sheet (50) bonded to the framework, at least part of the composite sheet being of unidirectional fibers. The sheet can be non-flat, and is preferably a concave geometry such as a tub. It can be composed of a plurality of sections (78, 80). The part of the composite sheet that Is of unidirectional fibers extends obliquely rearwardly from a tubular section on one side of the chassis toward a further tubular section on another side of the chassis, the fibers also being oriented obliquely rearwardly In the same sense. A further similar part extends in the opposite direction/symmetrically, overlapping as necessary.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises front and rear wheels, a passenger cell, and an engine, wherein the engine is located entirely aft of the foremost extent of the passenger cell, the engine having a cooling circuit, further comprising a radiator that is in fluid communication with the cooling circuit, the radiator being located aft of the front wheel centers and in front of the engine, and in an airflow path that extends from an underside of the vehicle to an exit on a rear face of the vehicle, wherein the airflow path is ducted at least in a portion around the radiator. This arrangement succeeds in placing the radiator close to the engine, thereby avoiding long conduit paths and their associated weight. The ducting causes a region of high pressure on the face of the radiator, and the exit on the rear face of the vehicle opens into the low pressure region behind the vehicle, so that air is drawn along the flow path, through the radiator.

Abstract: A seat belt arrangement for a vehicle seat having a seat part and a back part and which is positioned substantially centrally between the nearside and offside of a vehicle. First and second anchorage points are provided on the vehicle structure on opposite sides of the seat part, the first anchorage point providing an anchorage for one end of the seat belt and the second anchorage point comprising a latching mechanism for receiving a latch carried by the seat belt. A third anchorage point comprising a retractor system is located on the vehicle structure behind the seat. The first, second and third anchorage points are each located at a relatively low position; and an upper mounting provided on the back part (towards an upper end thereof) is at a higher level than the first, second and third anchorage points.

Abstract: A seating arrangement for a vehicle having at least three seats, comprising two rear passenger seats aligned substantially transversely, and a driver's seat arranged substantially centrally and in front of said two rear passenger seats. The driver's seat extending rearward beyond the front of the legs of the rear passengers when seated in the passenger seats. The seats being arrangeable in multiple configurations: a three-seat configuration with a storage space behind the passenger seats, a two-seat configuration with one of the passenger seats folded down to extend said storage space and a one-seat configuration in which both passenger seats are folded down to extend further said storage space. A vehicle engine is mounted in a space beneath said storage space behind the passenger seats and/or beneath the passenger seats and a fuel tank, batteries or other power source is mounted beneath the driver's seat.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprises an assembly of a hub carrier and a support arm, the support arm being attached to the hub carrier at two points spaced from each other in the direction of travel and extending inwardly therefrom to a support arm attachment point for fixing to a chassis, and a trailing link extending from the assembly in a direction transverse to that of the support arm, toward a trailing link attachment point for fixing to the chassis. The trailing link preferably extends from the assembly in a forward direction, and is preferably connected directly to the hub carrier. A strut can extend upwardly toward an attachment point for fixing to a chassis, to provide a spring and damper. The support arm can comprise a pair of arms extending divergently from the attachment point to each of the two points. The hub carrier can include a pivot pin extending in a fore/aft alignment, passing through two pivot points on the support arm thereby to define the two points.