Abstract: A rest portion is used to support a load at an adjustable height relative to a base which is connected to the rest portion by a pivotal linkage. A hydraulic ram coupled to a gas spring cylinder applies a spring force between the linkage and the base, the geometry of the linkage and ram being such that the upward component of spring force is invariant with respect to height adjustment. A control valve allows the ram to be locked at a selected height and the spring force provided by the gas spring is adjustable by movement of a second piston within the gas spring cylinder to vary the available volume of gas. A hydraulic pump is used to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder for adjusting movement of the second cylinder. The apparatus is suited for use in a chair-bed enabling a patient to be supported at an adjustable height during medical treatment.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a drilling fluid comprising subjecting a sample of the fluid to an XRF analysis technique and comparing the results obtained with a calibration model to determine the amount of one or more components of the fluid present in the sample. The method is particularly useful for determining solids in the fluid such as barite and can be combined with an FTIR technique which is sensitive to other components of the fluid. A PLS algorithm is used to construct the model from the spectra.

Abstract: A detachable wheel mounting assembly for golf trolleys and the like comprises a plastics bearing sleeve (5) carrying the wheel (6) rotatably mounted thereon and held by a captive washer (9). Extending rearwardly of the sleeve (5) and integral therewith is a resilient finger tab (17) carrying a detent notch which engages a fixed detent (19) when the sleeve with the wheel attached is axially mounted on the stub axle or shaft (2) to lock the wheel on the shaft. When it is desired to detach the wheel, the detent is disengaged by finger pressure on the finger tab (17) permitting the wheel (6) and hearing sleeve (8) to be removed as a unitary assembly.

Abstract: The basic product is a chopping board 1 which can be reshaped to form a chute, by grasping a handle part 2 of it, so that chopped food 3 (for example) can be guided into a pan 4 or other receptacle. The flat board has a pair of hinges 5 in it so that it can be reshaped to form a duct or chute. The handle 2 enables the board to be grasped and also effects reshaping of the board from the flat to form a chute. A hinge 6 can also be formed across the board to enable the handle to be lifted about the hinge 6 so as to lock the main hinges 5. However, when the board is in the `chute mode` the angled sides 7 make the board rigid in the direction of the chute.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible golf trolley is disclosed comprising an extruded elongate chassis member 1 of lightweight metal or alloy, e.g. aluminium. The chassis member 1 is of an inverted channel section with two downwardly and outwardly flared side wall sections 2, 3 against which are pivoted the wheel struts 4, 5 which are likewise lightweight alloy extrusions. Preferably the struts are in two halves forming a parallel linkage with the chassis and the wheel brackets 13. Hinged to the forward end of the chassis is a handle 27 which can be folded to a position alongside the chassis thus collapsing the wheel struts via the tie 37.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible golf trolley is disclosed comprising an extruded elongate chassis member 1 of lightweight metal or alloy, e.g. aluminum. The chassis member 1 is of an inverted channel section with two downwardly and outwardly flared side wall sections 2, 3 against which are pivoted the wheel struts 4, 5 which are likewise lightweight alloy extrusions. Preferably the struts are in two halves forming a parallel linkage with the chassis and the wheel brackets 13. Hinged to the forward end of the chassis is a handle 27 which can be folded to a position alongside the chassis thus collapsing the wheel struts via the tie 37.

Abstract: A collapsible bicycle comprises a triangular frame formed from three struts A, B and C. The bottom strut C can be disconnected from the forward strut B by operating a releasable pivot joint J so that the strut C can be folded up against the rear strut A. A universal joint between struts A and B then allows these two struts to be folded to lie alongside one another with the pair of wheels W1 and W2 lying side by side. Cranked portions 7 and 8 of the struts A and B provide offset supports for the wheels to one side only so that they can readily be positioned side by side and ideally locked together. The folded framework can then be transported, if required, by grasping a support 6 or handlebars H and running the unit along the ground on the pair of wheels W1 and W2. A saddle S is adjustably mounted on the rear strut A by a sliding support 39 having fixing clamps 40.