Abstract: An electrical power-assisted steering system is disclosed comprising a brushless electric motor (1) which has a plurality of phase windings connected at a start point and in which a switching means (13) such as a relay is provided in at least one phase of the motor, the switching means being movable between a closed position in which current is able to flow in the phase winding and an open position which prevents current flowing in the respective phase in the event of a fault. Also disclosed is a substantially rigid connector assembly (19) onto which is mounted the switching means (13), conductors (20) for connecting the motor phase windings and a motor position sensor (21) to an associated motor control means (6), the connector acting as a support for the motor stator, which simplifies the steps involved in assembly.

Abstract: An electrical power-assisted steering system comprising a brushless electric motor which has a plurality of phase windings connected at a star point and in which a switching device such as a relay is provided in at least one phase of the motor, the switching device being movable between a closed position in which current is able to flow in the phase winding and an open position which prevents current flowing in the respective phase in the event of a fault.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of laying a minefield in open water uses a high speed air-cushion vehicle that transports substantial quantities of mines to a target area. It then deploys the mines while it is rapidly moving, d marks and records the location of each deployed mine with GPS equipment. Mines can be emplaced at speeds and rates much greater than conventional surface ships. The speed of high speed aircushion vehicle makes it less vulnerable to attack during operations, and it is less vulnerable to other mines it may encounter during a mission. The GPS on high speed air-cushion vehicle ensures an accurate and detailed record of location of the minefield. The high speed air-cushion vehicle has much greater lift capability than aircraft used in mining missions, and, therefore, can deliver a much larger payload per sortie (under all weather conditions) while creating the minefield.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve suitable for fitting to the fuel line (16, 18) of an internal combustion engine has a valve member (12) and a spring (14) urging the valve member (12) to a closed position where the valve member seals against a valve seat (13). A key-actuated setting mechanism (20, 21) allows the valve member (12) to be moved away from its closed position to an open position and a latch (31, 32) then holds the valve member in that open position. An electrically operated release (33) moves the latch (31) to free the valve member and permits the valve to close under the action of the spring (14). When fitted to a vehicle, energy may be provided to the release (33) automatically whenever the vehicle is left unattended so as to immobilise the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is used to measure the rotary displacement between two shafts which rotate together. By connecting the shafts together by means of a torsion bar, the sensor may be used to measure transmitted torque. The sensor comprises first and second coaxial discs mounted on the shafts and having slots formed therein. A light source directs light through the slots onto an array of photodetectors and a data processor determines the displacement or torque from the positions on the array of images of the slot edges.

Abstract: A method for ocean surface delivery of ordnance and clearing of explosive mines and obstacles from a navigable sea channel includes the step of providing quantities of ordnance adapted to survive impact and prolonged immersion in sea water and to arm in response to release from a mobile ocean surface vehicle and to pressure actuation upon submersion to a desired depth in sea water and then to detonate in response to receiving a preselected signal transmitted to the ordnance from a standoff location. The method also includes the step of delivering the quantities of ordnance from a mobile ocean surface vehicle toward multiple sites in a navigable sea channel containing obstacles and explosive mines therein so as to cause arming of the ordnance followed by impact thereof with the navigable sea channel and submersion and emplacement thereof at the multiple sites in the navigable sea channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing exhaust gas comprising: first and second tubular passages; a solid plug through which the first and second tubular passages pass and to which the tubular passages are sealingly engaged; a sampling chamber mounted to and in flow contact with the first and second tubular passages, wherein the first tubular passage provides gas flow into the sampling chamber and the second tubular passage takes gas flow out of the sampling chamber; and a flow passage having a tubular wall with an opening therein to which the solid plug is sealingly engaged, wherein the first and second tubular passages extend from inside the flow passage, through the plug, to the sampling chamber mounted outside of the flow passage.