Abstract: A glazing element (12) for an opening defined by opaque boundaries (13) has an edge region (E) shaped to divert light passing through it in a sense such as to enlarge the field of view through the opening. For this purpose the bounding surfaces (33, 34) of the element (12) diverge towards the edge thereof in the edge region (E). The same effect can be achieved by an element (25) adhered to or otherwise held in position to the surface of the element (12) in the edge region (E).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device of the type having planetary members in rolling contact with radially inner and outer races each comprising axially spaced relatively axially movable parts, and control means for determining the axial separation of the parts of one of the two races, in which the planets are connected for planetary motion to a planet carrier by connection means which allows the radial position of the planets to vary in response to variation in the axial separation of the parts of the said one of the two races while maintaining the circumferential connection.

Abstract: An optical component (11) comprises two transparent flat bodies (12, 13) each having grooves (16) or other surface features on one of its faces (15) which interpenetrate when the two bodies (12, 13) are placed face-to face. The shapes of the grooves (16) or other surfaces features are such that they touch in some places (20, 22, 23) and are spaced from one another in others (18, 19) to form voids (24) within the composite body (11) so formed. These cavities (24) assist in determining total internal reflection of incident light at certain angles. Composites bodies formed from two face-to face optical components may be used as daylighting screens both to direct light towards an object such as the interior of a building (through an opening) or to screen light from it by diverting it away therefrom.

Abstract: An optical component (11) comprises two transparent flat bodies (12, 13) each having grooves (16) or other surface features on one of its faces (15) which interpenetrate when the two bodies (12, 13) are placed face-to face. The shapes of the grooves (16) or other surfaces features are such that they touch in some places (20, 22, 23) and are spaced from one another in others (18, 19) to form voids (24) within the composite body (11) so formed. These cavities (24) assist in determining total internal reflection of incident light at certain angles. Composites bodies formed from two face-to face optical components may be used as daylighting screens both to direct light towards an object such as the interior of a building (through an opening) or to screen light from it by diverting it away therefrom.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device of the type having planetary members (25) in rolling contact with radially inner (23) and outer (26) races each comprising two axially spaced parts, with control means (30) for selectively varying the axial separation of the two parts of one race and thus the radial position of the planetary members (25) in rolling contact therewith, in which there are provided means sensitive to the torque applied to a drive-transmitting member of the transmission operable both to determine the compensating variation in the separation of the two parts of the other race and thus the transmission ratio of the device and to vary the forces exchanged between the planets (25) and the races (23, 26) normal to the interface between them.

Abstract: A low profile rearview mirror for a motor vehicle having a first refractor with a first refractive index and a first chromatic dispersive power. The first refractor is disposed in a housing on the exterior of the vehicle. A reflector mounted partially within the motor vehicle extends into the housing for the first refractor and the refractor is positioned to receive and reflect light from objects behind the vehicle passing through the first refractor. A second refractor having a second refractive index and a second chromatic dispersive power is mounted between the first refractor and the reflector and the first and second refractors have complementary properties of chromatic dispersion.

Abstract: A low profile rearview mirror for a motor vehicle having a first refractor with a first refractive index and a first chromatic dispersive poser. The first refractor is disposed in a housing on the exterior of the vehicle A reflector mounted partially within the motor vehicle extends into the housing for the first refractor and the retractor is positioned to receive and reflect light from objects behind the vehicle passing through the first refractor. A second refractor having a second refractive index and a second chromatic dispersive power is mounted between the first refractor and the reflector and the first and second refractors have complementary properties of chromatic dispersion.

Abstract: An optical component comprises at least one substantially planar element having a plurality of elementary surfaces capable of acting to reflect by total internal reflection light incident thereon through the corresponding said element within a first range of incident angles associated with each surface, and to refract light incident thereon through the corresponding said element within a second range of incident angles associated with each surface. Refracted light at low angles of incidence passes straight through to provide a view through the component.

Abstract: An optical reflector is formed by an array of reflecting surfaces arranged one behind another in spaced, generally parallel, relation along a main axis of the array. The reflector has entry and exit faces (11, 12) disposed on opposite sides of, and extending along, the array main axis. The spaces between the reflecting surfaces is preferably occupied by a refractive material. In this case, light entering through the entry face (11) is first refracted and then reflected before being refracted again on leaving through the exit face (12). The main extent of the reflector is unlike a conventional mirror, normal to the plane of reflection. The reflector is thus well suited for use as a vehicle external rearview mirror as it has minimal lateral protection. A reflector array may be produced from a stack of elongate elements having optically worked faces.

Abstract: A suspension for a steerable wheel of a motor vehicle includes articulating components for movably attaching the wheel to the vehicle chassis. The articulating components comprise a resilient support arrangement significantly yielding to lateral forces for effecting a low rigidity of the camber angle.