Abstract: A computer-implemented method driving an actuator component that drives movement of a movable part relative to a support structure, an image sensor fixed relative to the movable part or the support structure. The image sensor carries out CDS so as to read, offset in time by a sampling period, a reference signal and a light-sensing signal, and outputs a sync signal prior to CDS. The method comprises receiving the sync signal; generating PWM control signals at a PWM frequency substantially equal to an integer multiple of the reciprocal of the sampling period; during a sensing interval, suspending generating PWM control signals to drive the actuator component; and scheduling the sensing interval to start a time delay after receiving the sync signal, such that the sensing interval overlaps with both or neither of a duration of reading the reference signal and a substantially equal duration of reading the light-sensing signal by the image sensor.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, at least one restraint includes a hand-releasable connection to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the hand releasable connection is formed by a set of mounting details, where the mounting details include a headed stud received in a slot. In yet other embodiments, the hand releasable connection can be formed by a spring loaded locking pin that engages with a bore. In even further embodiments, the headed stud and spring loaded locking pin are coupled to the restraint, while the slot and bore are coupled to the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, at least one restraint includes a hand-releasable connection to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the hand releasable connection is formed by a set of mounting details, where the mounting details include a headed stud received in a slot. In yet other embodiments, the hand releasable connection can be formed by a spring loaded locking pin that engages with a bore. In even further embodiments, the headed stud and spring loaded locking pin are coupled to the restraint, while the slot and bore are coupled to the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of generating drive signals for driving an SMA apparatus, wherein the SMA apparatus comprises two SMA actuator assemblies each comprising a respective set of one or more SMA wires, the method comprising the steps of: outputting drive signals for applying to the SMA wires of the sets of SMA wires so as to independently drive the SMA actuator assemblies; and outputting a measurement pulse for measuring an electrical characteristic of an SMA wire, and suppressing or delaying the drive signals for applying to both sets of SMA wires for the duration of the measurement pulse, such that the measurement pulse is applied in the absence of any drive signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of synchronising an image sensor with a PWM driver operable to drive an arrangement associated with the image sensor, wherein at least one synchronisation signal produced by the image sensor is used to reset the PWM driver and the at least one synchronisation signal is delayed before being used to reset the PWM driver such that the switching on or off of the at least one synchronisation signal occurs at a defined time in relation to a sensitive period of the image sensor's operation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method driving an actuator component that drives movement of a movable part relative to a support structure, an image sensor fixed relative to the movable part or the support structure. The image sensor carries out CDS so as to read, offset in time by a sampling period, a reference signal and a light-sensing signal, and outputs a sync signal prior to CDS. The method comprises receiving the sync signal; generating PWM control signals at a PWM frequency substantially equal to an integer multiple of the reciprocal of the sampling period; during a sensing interval, suspending generating PWM control signals to drive the actuator component; and scheduling the sensing interval to start a time delay after receiving the sync signal, such that the sensing interval overlaps with both or neither of a duration of reading the reference signal and a substantially equal duration of reading the light-sensing signal by the image sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a method of driving a shape memory alloy haptic assembly comprising an actuator comprising shape memory alloy that is arranged on actuation to provide a haptic effect, the method comprising supplying drive current to the actuator successively during a pre-heating period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised without causing the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect and during an actuation period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised so as to cause the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect. A shape memory alloy haptic assembly is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of driving a shape memory alloy haptic assembly comprising an actuator comprising shape memory alloy that is arranged on actuation to provide a haptic effect, the method comprising supplying drive current to the actuator successively during a pre-heating period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised without causing the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect and during an actuation period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised so as to cause the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect. A shape memory alloy haptic assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device in a vehicle. In one embodiment, at least one restraint includes a hand-releasable connection to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the hand releasable connection is formed by a set of mounting details, where the mounting details include a headed stud received in a slot. In yet other embodiments, the hand releasable connection can be formed by a spring loaded locking pin that engages with a bore. In even further embodiments, the headed stud and spring loaded locking pin are coupled to the restraint, while the slot and bore are coupled to the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a wheeled mobility device and its occupant in a vehicle. In one embodiment, occupant restraints and an anchor point are provided. The occupant restraints are connected directly to the anchor point, while the anchor point is on a frame of the wheeled mobility device and is adapted for connection to the vehicle for securing the wheeled mobility device and its occupant to the vehicle. With this configuration, occupant loads during an accident will bypass the gurney and occupant head excursions can be reduced.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of synchronising an image sensor with a PWM driver operable to drive an arrangement associated with the image sensor, wherein at least one synchronisation signal produced by the image sensor is used to reset the PWM driver and the at least one synchronisation signal is delayed before being used to reset the PWM driver such that the switching on or off of the at least one synchronisation signal occurs at a defined time in relation to a sensitive period of the image sensor's operation.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide techniques for delivering, when required, higher powers to SMA actuator wires by using a single controller/control circuit that implements pulse width modulation (PWM). Typically, when PWM is used to deliver power, the PWM frequency may be fixed, and power may be applied to each SMA actuator wire during each PWM cycle/period. The present techniques provide a method for delivering higher powers to SMA actuator wires (i.e. increasing the length of individual PWM pulses) without changing the duration of the PWM cycle/period. The present techniques also provide techniques for making accurate resistance measurements to determine position of a moveable component that is moved by the SMA actuator wires.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a gurney in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a conventional antler and rail-type gurney restraint system is improved by the addition of a center latch restraint that engages with a latch member secured by a support bracket to the underside of the gurney. In one configuration, the latch member enters into engagement with the center latch restraint through lateral movement of the control end of the gurney. In that respect, the EMT may use the same autonomic movements used with the conventional antler and rail-type system to secure the gurney in the vehicle. Optionally, one or more of the gurney occupant restraint belts are directly connected to the support bracket, whereby occupant loads during an accident will bypass the gurney and occupant head excursions can be reduced.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a gurney in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a conventional antler and rail-type gurney restraint system is improved by the addition of a center latch restraint that engages with a latch member secured by a support bracket to the underside of the gurney. In one configuration, the latch member enters into engagement with the center latch restraint through lateral movement of the control end of the gurney. In that respect, the EMT may use the same autonomic movements used with the conventional antler and rail-type system to secure the gurney in the vehicle. Optionally, one or more of the gurney occupant restraint belts are directly connected to the support bracket, whereby occupant loads during an accident will bypass the gurney and occupant head excursions can be reduced.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are a restraint system for securing a gurney in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a conventional antler and rail-type gurney restraint system is improved by the addition of a center latch restraint that engages with a latch member secured by a support bracket to the underside of the gurney. In one configuration, the latch member enters into engagement with the center latch restraint through lateral movement of the control end of the gurney. In that respect, the EMT may use the same autonomic movements used with the conventional antler and rail-type system to secure the gurney in the vehicle. Optionally, one or more of the gurney occupant restraint belts are directly connected to the support bracket, whereby occupant loads during an accident will bypass the gurney and occupant head excursions can be reduced.

Abstract: A magnesium based alloy consisting of, by weight: 2-5% rare earth elements, wherein the alloy contains lanthanum and cerium as rare earth elements and the lanthanum content is greater than the cerium content; 0.2-0.8% zinc; 0-0.15% aluminium; 0-0.5% yttrium or gadolinium; 0-0.2% zirconium, 0-0.3% manganese; 0-0.1% calcium; 0-25 ppm beryllium; and the remainder being magnesium except for incidental impurities.

Abstract: A loudspeaker comprises a region devoid of electroacoustic transducers and at least two groups of electroacoustic transducers at the periphery of the region. Each of the groups is configured to produce a different sound field representative of an audio signal and each of the groups comprise a different set of transducers. This allows a more compact loudspeaker to be provided because the transducers can be located around the periphery of a visual display screen. Sound quality is not compromised because groups of transducers forming a subset of the totality of transducers are used for each sound signal, thereby avoiding alias beams.