Abstract: A variable pitch punch apparatus (1) for punching holes in material. The apparatus comprises a rotary punch head (2) comprising at least one punch member (4a-c) to punch at least one hole in a material at least one desired location. The apparatus (1) further comprises a die head (6) comprising at least one die (7) corresponding to said punch member (4a-c). The apparatus (1) further comprises an actuator for providing a selective relative speed difference between the material and the rotary punch head (2).

Abstract: A variable pitch punch apparatus (1) for punching holes in material. The apparatus comprises a rotary punch head (2) comprising at least one punch member (4a-c) to punch at least one hole in a material at least one desired location. The apparatus (1) further comprises a die head (6) comprising at least one die (7) corresponding to said punch member (4a-c). The apparatus (1) further comprises an actuator for providing a selective relative speed difference between the material and the rotary punch head (2).

Abstract: A drivetrain for a hybrid-electric vehicle (200), including an engine (210), a first electrical machine (220), a second electrical machine (230), and at least one driveshaft (260). The first (220) and second (230) electrical machines are axial-flux electrical machines. The first electrical machine (220) is arranged to be driven by the engine (210) so as to operate as a generator and to supply electrical power for the second electrical machine (230). The second electrical machine (230) is arranged to receive electrical power so as to operate as a motor and to drive the at least one driveshaft (260). The drivetrain includes a clutch (225) selectively operable to provide inter-engagement between the rotor of the first electrical machine (220) and the rotor of the second electrical machine (230) to transmit rotary power therebetween.

Abstract: A rotor (300) for an axial-flux electrical machine is disclosed. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnets (350) fixed thereto, with each of the plurality of magnets extending at least partly through an aperture in the rotor. The arrangement is such that material of the rotor (200) abuts each magnet (350) so as to locate the magnet substantially circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor and substantially axially in at least one axial direction. The magnets (350) may slide radially onto the rotor (300) and be constrained axially and circumferentially by a tongue-and-groove arrangement (325, 355), with reinforced tape (340) being wound around the radially outer edge thereof to provide radial constraint.

Abstract: An axial flux electrical machine is provided. The machine includes a plurality of rotors, each sandwiched between a respective pair of stator parts. The plurality of rotors, together with their respective stators, are axially-stacked to form a multistage machine. Heat exchangers are provided adjacent each stator to provide cooling. Each rotor disc is a composite rotor disc in which permanent magnets are embedded. The magnets are embedded in apertures through each disc so that surfaces of the magnets are flush with surfaces of the respective rotor disc.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle is provided having a respective electrical machine in each wheel thereof. Each electrical machine is of the axial-flux type, having a rotor sandwiched axially between two parts of a stator. Each electrical machine is fitted to the respective wheel such that the rotor takes the place of a disc of a disc brake system, and the stator is mounted in place of a calliper of the disc brake system.

Abstract: A rotor (300) for an axial-flux electrical machine is disclosed. The rotor has a plurality of permanent magnets (350) fixed thereto, with each of the plurality of magnets extending at least partly through an aperture in the rotor. The arrangement is such that material of the rotor (200) abuts each magnet (350) so as to locate the magnet substantially circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor and substantially axially in at least one axial direction. The magnets (350) may slide radially onto the rotor (300) and be constrained axially and circumferentially by a tongue-and-groove arrangement (325, 355), with reinforced tape (340) being wound around the radially outer edge thereof to provide radial constraint.

Abstract: A drivetrain for a hybrid-electric vehicle (200), including an engine (210), a first electrical machine (220), a second electrical machine (230), and at least one driveshaft (260). The first (220) and second (230) electrical machines are axial-flux electrical machines. The first electrical machine (220) is arranged to be driven by the engine (210) so as to operate as a generator and to supply electrical power for the second electrical machine (230). The second electrical machine (230) is arranged to receive electrical power so as to operate as a motor and to drive the at least one driveshaft (260). The drivetrain includes a clutch (225) selectively operable to provide inter- engagement between the rotor of the first electrical machine (220) and the rotor of the second electrical machine (230) to transmit rotary power therebetween.

Abstract: An actuator comprises an input shaft (42), a turbine system (38) coupled to the input shaft, air inlet means (32, 34) arranged to direct air flowing through it towards the turbine system to rotate the input shaft, an output shaft (50), and a gearing system (48) connecting the input shaft (42) to the output shaft (50) so that the turbine system (38) can drive the output shaft (50) via the gearing system (48). The air inlet means defines two different flow paths for air whereby the output shaft (50) can be driven in both directions.

Abstract: An axial flux electrical machine is provided. The machine includes a plurality of rotors, each sandwiched between a respective pair of stator parts. The plurality of rotors, together with their respective stators, are axially-stacked to form a multistage machine. Heat exchangers are provided adjacent each stator to provide cooling. Each rotor disc is a composite rotor disc in which permanent magnets are embedded. The magnets are embedded in apertures through each disc so that surfaces of the magnets are flush with surfaces of the respective rotor disc.

Abstract: A hybrid-electric vehicle is provided having a respective electrical machine in each wheel thereof. Each electrical machine is of the axial-flux type, having a rotor sandwiched axially between two parts of a stator. Each electrical machine is fitted to the respective wheel such that the rotor takes the place of a disc of a disc brake system, and the stator is mounted in place of a calliper of the disc brake system.

Abstract: A stent is provided for external application to an artery in which an aneurysm has occurred or is about to occur to provide support thereto, the stent being of bespoke character by virtue of its creation to conform morphologically to the actual contour of the artery captured using for example MRI, CAD and RP.