Abstract: A hydraulic variable-displacement axial piston pump comprising a swash means which tends to move to a de-swashed condition when the pump is working, and a torque limiting device, the torque limiting device comprising a piston and cylinder arrangement having a movable member which when extended acts via the swash means to increase the displacement of the pump, a spool, and a spring which has one end acting on the spool and its other end acting on the movable member thereby placing the spool under a spring load which varies with the extension of the movable member, the spool being coupled to pump delivery pressure at its end remote from the spring and the spool being arranged to control the flow of fluid to the movable member, whereby a limitation on the on-swash condition of the swash means is obtained which is inversely proportional to the pressure at which the hydraulic fluid is discharged from the pump.

Abstract: A method of growing a diamond crystal which comprises bombarding the diamond with a flux of carbon ions of sufficient energy to penetrate the diamond crystal and cause crystal growth which is at least predominantly internal, the temperature of the crystal being at least 400.degree. C. and less than the graphitisation temperature, such that the diamond crystal structure is maintained during growth.

Abstract: A diamond is toughened by bombarding it at elevated temperature with ions such as protons which form a dislocation network in it, inhibiting microcleavage.

Abstract: A hydraulic pumping arrangement for pumping a liquid to a hydraulic system, which comprises pumping means for pumping the liquid, swash means including a variable swash member which enables the liquid output of the pumping means to be infinitely varied between minimum and maximum, a first piston-and-cylinder arrangement for increasing the position of the swash member to increase the liquid output of the pumping means, a second piston-and-cylinder arrangement for decreasing the position of the swash member to decrease the liquid output of the pumping means, control means for controlling the flow of liquid for the second piston-and-cylinder arrangement, switching means operative to pass liquid from the system to the control means at a first condition in the system and operative to stop liquid from the system passing to the control means at a second condition in the system, and valve means for isolating the pumping arrangement from the system and from a main pump normally supplying liquid to the system, the cont

Abstract: A portable pulsed signal generator which generates a low-frequency, high-ered signal from a constant direct current, low power source is disclosed as including an inverter for driving a plurality of motors which, in turn, actuate control switches by means of cams and cam followers associated therewith. A potentiometer driven by one of said motors, in turn, effectively controls the output of a direct current amplifier, with the varying direct current output signal therefrom having the alternate half-waves thereof polarity reversed by switch controlled relays, the switch of which is timely actuated by one of the aforesaid cams, cam followers, and other switches, respectively, so as to produce a low-frequency, high-power, substantially alternating current signal. After appropriate transduction said low-frequency, high-power, substantially alternating current signal may be employed for sweeping mines.

Abstract: An electrode structure is disclosed which is particularly adapted for high ensity electrical current transfer to sea water. The electrode of the invention is adapted to be towed within sea water by an aircraft at high rates of speed. The electrode comprises a non-metallic, high tensil strength central strain member, a concentric buoyant encasing layer, and an outer current carrying layer. Specific end construction is disclosed to compensate for differential electrolytic erosion of the electrode. Improved connector construction is described which provides for transmission of towing force to the electrode, as well as the transfer of electrical energy thereto. Further, specific terminating construction, which provides for the towing of both powered as well as nonpowered loads, is described.