Abstract: A robot comprising an arm extending between a base and an attachment for an end effector, the arm comprising: a first arm part; a second arm part distal of the first arm part; and a joint whereby the first and second arm parts are coupled together, the joint permitting the first and second arm parts to rotate relative to each other about at least two mutually offset axes; a control rod attached to the second part of the arm at a location spaced from the first and second axes, the control rod extending distally of that location along the first arm part; and a drive mechanism for driving the control rod to move relative to the first arm part and thereby alter the attitude of the second arm part relative to the first arm part.

Abstract: A surgical robot comprising an articulated arm, the arm having a terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment for a surgical instrument; an intermediate segment; and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the arm; a first articulation between the distal segment and the intermediate segment, the first articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the intermediate segment about a first axis; and a second articulation between the intermediate segment and the basal segment, the second articulation permitting relative rotation of the intermediate segment and the basal segment about a second axis; wherein: the intermediate segment comprises a third articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the basal segment about third and fourth axes; and the first, second and third articulations are arranged such that in at least one configuration of the third articulation the first and second axes are parallel and the thir

Abstract: A robotic instrument comprising an arm extending between a robot arm connection and an attachment for an end effector, the arm comprising: a first arm part; a second arm part distal of the first arm part; and a joint whereby the first and second arm parts are coupled together, the joint permitting the first and second arm parts to rotate relative to each other about at least two mutually offset axes; a control rod attached to the second part of the arm at a location spaced from the first and second axes, the control rod extending distally of that location along the first arm part; and a drive mechanism for driving the control rod to move relative to the first arm part and thereby alter the attitude of the second arm part relative to the first arm part.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongate shaft terminating in an end effector, the end effector including two pairs of opposable jaws, the pairs being spaced apart and independently operable to cause the jaws of that pair to grip or release an object located therebetween, wherein the jaws of each pair are movable to an open configuration in which the most distal point on each of those jaws is less distal than the mid-point of that pair of jaws when that pair of jaws is closed with its jaws in their most distally extended configuration.

Abstract: A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage

Abstract: An automotive engine oil and/or fuel comprising a base stock and an organic polymeric friction reducing additive is claimed. A method of reducing friction in an automotive engine oil and/or fuel by the addition of the organic polymeric friction reducing additive to the base stock is also claimed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a hub carrier coupled to a body of the vehicle by a camber mechanism, the vehicle having first and second mounting points by means of which the camber mechanism is coupled to the body of the vehicle, wherein: (i) the camber mechanism comprises: a first wing attached to the first mounting point by a first rotationally free joint; a second wing attached to the second mounting point by a second rotationally free joint and attached to the first wing by an inter-wing joint that permits relative motion of the first and second wings; and a tie link attached by a third rotationally free joint to the first wing and running to the vehicle body; (ii) the hub carrier is attached to the first wing by a first hub carrier joint permitting relative rotation of the first wing and the hub carrier about only a single axis, which axis substantially intersects a camber axis; (iii) the hub carrier is attached to the second wing by a second hub carrier joint permitting relative rotation of the second wing and the h

Abstract: An automotive engine oil and/or fuel comprising a base stock and an organic polymeric friction reducing additive is claimed. A method of reducing friction in an automotive engine oil and/or fuel by the addition of the organic polymeric friction reducing additive to the base stock is also claimed.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first part for connecting to the body of a vehicle and a second part for connecting to part of a steering mechanism, the first and second parts being interconnected to permit relative movement therebetween as the assembly collapses, wherein: one of the first or second parts comprises a slot, the slot comprising a pocket and a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall being the outer edge of a deformable structure; the other of the first or second parts comprises a lug, the lug extending into the pocket when the assembly is in a non-collapsed state and being configured to be driven through the channel to cause plastic deformation of the deformable structure as the assembly collapses; and the assembly comprises a re-enforcement that limits the plastic deformation of the deformable structure during the collapsing stroke to regions of the deformable structure adjacent to regions of the channe

Abstract: A removable training aid for a human powered vehicle of the kind in which a pair of opposed cranks are provided which rotate relative to a common axis, the aid providing an audible or tactile indication in use that a rider is rotating the pedals by applying an incorrect pedalling technique, the removable training aid comprising an intermediary body, attachment means for attaching the body to at least one of the cranks and a pedal secured to the intermediary body, the removable training aid being arranged so that in use the pedal is free to rotate around an axis of rotation that is parallel to the common axis, the intermediary part permitting movement of the axis of rotation of the pedal relative to the crank through at least one degree of freedom in the event that a force is applied to the pedal along a path that is not perpendicular to an imaginary line that connects the axis of rotation of the crank with the threaded bore in the crank.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first part for connecting to the body of a vehicle and a second part for connecting to part of a steering mechanism, the first and second parts being interconnected to permit relative movement therebetween as the assembly collapses, wherein: one of the first or second parts comprises a slot, the slot comprising a pocket and a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall being the outer edge of a deformable structure; the other of the first or second parts comprises a lug, the lug extending into the pocket when the assembly is in a non-collapsed state and being configured to be driven through the channel to cause plastic deformation of the deformable structure as the assembly collapses; and the assembly comprises a re-enforcement that limits the plastic deformation of the deformable structure during the collapsing stroke to regions of the deformable structure adjacent to regions of the channe

Abstract: An engine lubricant, especially an SAE OW engine lubricant is described. The engine lubricant has at least 15 wt % of at least one monoester and not more than 15 wt % of additives, wherein said at least one monoester, or mixture of said monoesters if more than one is present, has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of not more than 3.3, a viscosity index of at least 130 and a Noack evaporation loss of not more than 15 wt %. The monoester is preferably the reaction product of a monohydric alcohol and a monocarboxylic acid wherein said monohydric alcohol is at least one saturated branched-chain aliphatic monohydric alcohol having between 16 and 36, carbon atoms and wherein said monocarboxylic acid is at least one saturated straight-chain aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having between 5 and 10, preferably 5 and 7, carbon atoms. In preferred lubricants, the monoester, or mixtures of monoesters, have a pour point of not more than ?30° C. and a non-polarity index of at least 80.

Abstract: An automotive engine oil and/or fuel comprising a base stock and an organic polymeric friction reducing additive is claimed. A method of reducing friction in an automotive engine oil and/or fuel by the addition of the organic polymeric friction reducing additive to the base stock is also claimed.

Abstract: An engine lubricant, especially an SAE OW engine lubricant is described. The engine lubricant has at least 15 wt % of at least one monoester and not more than 15 wt % of additives, wherein said at least one monoester, or mixture of said monoesters if more than one is present, has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of not more than 3.3, a viscosity index of at least 130 and a Noack evaporation loss of not more than 15 wt %. The monoester is preferably the reaction product of a monohydric alcohol and a monocarboxylic acid wherein said monohydric alcohol is at least one saturated branched-chain aliphatic monohydric alcohol having between 16 and 36, carbon atoms and wherein said monocarboxylic acid is at least one saturated straight-chain aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having between 5 and 10, preferably 5 and 7, carbon atoms. In preferred lubricants, the monoester, or mixtures of monoesters, have a pour point of not more than ?30° C. and a non-polarity index of at least 80.

Abstract: An engine lubricant, especially an SAE OW engine lubricant is described. The engine lubricant has at least 15 wt % of at least one diester and not more than 15 wt % of additives, wherein said at least one diester, or mixture of said diesters if more than one is present, has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of not more than 3.3, a viscosity index of at least 130, a pour point of not more than ?30° C. and a Noack evaporation loss of not more than 15 wt %.

Abstract: A lubricant composition containing an anti-deposition component having an anti-deposition effect which is especially useful for the lubrication of refrigeration compressors and in reducing or removal of unwanted deposits in constricted areas in a refrigeration system.

Abstract: This invention relates to lubricant compositions comprising a polyalkylene glycol and an ester wherein the polyalkylene glycol has the formula (I): RO—(CH2CH(CH3)O)n—CH3 where R is an alkyl group with 1 to 15 carbon atoms and n=1 to 35. The lubricant compositions of the invention do not readily form stable emulsions with water. This feature makes the lubricant compositions of the invention particularly suitable for use with air compressors where it is very difficult to exclude moisture.

Abstract: A lubricant composition containing an anti-deposition component having an anti-deposition effect which is especially useful for the lubrication of refrigeration compressors and in reducing or removal of unwanted deposits in constricted areas in a refrigeration system.

Abstract: A flushing composition containing a lubricant and a deposit removal component having a deposit removal effect which is especially useful for cleaning refrigeration systems by reducing or removing unwanted deposits in constricted areas in the refrigeration system.

Abstract: This invention relates to lubricant compositions comprising a polyalkylene glycol and an ester wherein the polyalkylene glycol has the formula: