Abstract: Fluid working reciprocating devices are described, including internal combustion engines, compressors and pumps, and how such devices may transfer power to electric generators or turbines. Devices can be within casings which may be “snapped into” larger machinery, such as vehicles, aircraft or marine craft. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, mostly intended for use in IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, a single piston reciprocating between a pair of working chambers, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston—crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components which reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons may rotate while reciprocating.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to reciprocating fluid working devices including internal combustion engines, compressors and pumps. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, mostly intended for use in IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, a single piston reciprocating between a pair of working chambers, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston-crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components which reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons mare rotate while reciprocating. High temperature exhaust emissions systems are described, including those containing filamentary material, as are procedures for reducing emissions during cold start by means of valves at reaction volume exit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to marine craft which are capable of operating in the hydrofoil mode, many with extensible and retractable hydrofoil posts. Specific embodiments of large commercial hydrofoil craft are described, including those with structure which is the water during hydrofoil travel mode and which can be retracted to partly fit within recesses in the hull during other operating modes. Other craft, including those with hybrid electric drive, are disclosed having un-cooled reciprocating internal combustion engines. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described. These included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, pistons reciprocating between pairs of working chambers, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston-crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings. In some embodiments pistons mare rotate while reciprocating.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to fluid working devices including reciprocating internal combustion engines, compressors and pumps. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, mostly intended for use in reciprocating internal combustion IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, pistons reciprocating between pairs of working chambers, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston-crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons mare rotate while reciprocating. High temperature exhaust emissions systems are described, including those containing filamentary material, as are procedures for reducing emissions during cold start by means of valves at reaction volume exit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved type of band brake, suitable for fitment to vehicle wheels, wherein the ends or fixings of the band intermesh and project past each other to be attached to anchorage points, movable or otherwise. Alternative systems and linkages of band brake application are disclosed, as well as improved configurations of band assembly, intermeshing band ends, and tensile load carriers or cores. Ways are disclosed for more accurately controlling and distributing the loads set up within a band brake on application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member which is capable of progressive collapse through and to at least party predetermined forms, and which may optionally incorporate function(s) other than structural member/load absorber. In preferred embodiments the alternative functions are related to safety and protection. Two of the significant features of the invention relate to constructing the member of forms of broadly conical configuration, and that the alternative function shall be that of fire extinguisher.

Abstract: This invention relates to pneumatic tires and more particularly to a so-called safety tire comprising a carcass having a tube accommodated therein and spaced from the carcass to form inner and outer air chambers. A loose, circumferentially extending, puncture-resistant band is positioned substantially in the mid-circumferential plane of the tire between the underside of the tire tread and the tube. A further feature of the invention is the provision of means which produces an audible signal should the outer chamber become deflated. Another feature of the invention is the provision of means which, in use, limit radial and/or axial expansion of the tube should the outer chamber become deflated. A final feature is the provision of means which inhibit or prevent removal of the bead portions of the tire. from their respective seats upon deflation of the tire.

Abstract: A band brake in accordance with the present invention comprises a resiliently flexible band the ends of which are pulled apart to operate the brake. In the overlapping region at least the band comprises a plurality of meshing elements.

Abstract: This invention relates in the main to the extraction of gases from moving vehicles, by means of a chamber having long narrow discharge aperture, and being mounted in the air-flow past the vehicle. Features of the invention include the provision of aerofoils to direct or control air-flow past the discharge aperture, and the provision of holes in the chamber which may admit some air-flow to the interior of the chamber additional to gases already passing through it. A further feature is the positioning of chamber and/or aerofoils so as to cause a downward thrust to be imposed on the vehicle. The chamber may process or extract gases coming from a passenger/driver compartment, from a high pressure area beneath the vehicle to improve road-holding, and from the exhaust ports of an engine. An apparatus is provided within the chamber for the acoustic treatment of gases and such apparatus may be adapted to configurations suited to the invention.