Abstract:
A self-aligning coupling device for installation in a channel having an open end and a pair of substantially parallel side walls. The device includes an elongate connecting portion having a longitudinal axis, a channel abutment portion, and at least one laterally projecting lug. In use, the coupling device is installed in the channel with the channel abutment portion located at least partially within the channel and the laterally projecting lug located outside the open end of the channel. The channel abutment portion is formed such that when aligned in a first angular position within the channel it abuts the side walls of the channel to prevent rotation of the device in a first rotational direction about said longitudinal axis, while allowing rotation in a second, opposed rotational direction. The lug is formed such that in said first angular position it extends beyond at least one of the side walls of the channel. When the coupling device is retracted into the channel while simultaneously applying a torque to rotate the device in said first rotational direction towards said first angular position, the channel abutment portion abuts the side walls of the channel thereby aligning the lug to extend beyond at least one of the side walls of the channel and preventing the coupling device from being fully retracted into the channel. Various methods and apparatus for applying suitable translational and rotational forces to the self-aligning coupling device, and to form adjustable clamp assemblies, are also provided.
Abstract:
An adjustable clamp assembly (600) includes an elongated connection member (640) and a gear assembly (650). The gear assembly includes a rotatable first gear member having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connection member (640). The gear assembly also includes a second gear member cooperatively engaged with the first gear member. The clamp assembly further includes a first clamp member (630). The elongated connection member (640), the gear assembly (650) and the first clamp member (630) are arranged such that rotation of the first gear member results in a linear motion of the first clamp member (630) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connection member (640).
Abstract:
An expander for a heat engine, the expander being capable of converting a high pressure gaseous working fluid to useful work, the expander including: •high pressure working fluid supply means; •at least one reciprocating piston reciprocating in a cylinder between top-dead-centre (TDC) and bottom-dead-centre (BDC) with a long dwell time at TDC; •a working fluid inlet valve that opens and closes to introduce, while open, high pressure working fluid from the working fluid supply means into an expansion chamber in the cylinder at or near TDC; •power transfer means that transfers work done on a piston by the working fluid to a form of useful work output; and •an exhaust valve to release expanded working fluid from the expansion chamber to a volume of low pressure working fluid; wherein piston travel is small during transition of the inlet valve from open to closed and from closed to open.
Abstract:
A heat engine includes a boiler, an injector for injecting working fluid into the boiler, a retainer for releasing the hydraulic fluid for movement away from a start position once working fluid vapour pressure in the boiler reaches a predetermined level, a returner for returning the hydraulic fluid to its start position following expansion of working fluid vapour in the boiler, resulting in reciprocating hydraulic fluid motion, and an exhaust valve to release expanded working fluid vapour from the boiler. The vapour pressure increase in the boiler causes a change of state from liquid to gas of a least a portion of the injected working fluid, followed by a substantially constant pressure heating of the working fluid, giving rise to a change of state from liquid to gas of substantially all of the remaining injected working fluid.
Abstract:
The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.
Abstract:
An adjustable clamp assembly (600) includes an elongated connection member (640) and a gear assembly (650). The gear assembly includes a rotatable first gear member having an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connection member (640). The gear assembly also includes a second gear member cooperatively engaged with the first gear member. The clamp assembly further includes a first clamp member (630). The elongated connection member (640), the gear assembly (650) and the first clamp member (630) are arranged such that rotation of the first gear member results in a linear motion of the first clamp member (630) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connection member (640).
Abstract:
The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a retraction and extension mechanism for extending or retracting a set of telescopic supports that connect a mirror head (10) to a mirror mounting bracket (11). It comprises a mirror mounting bracket (11) with a first tube (18) projecting from the mounting bracket (11). The mirror head (10) has a support (19) projecting from it that locates into and slides back and forth within the first tube (18). A roller (34) is mounting with respect to the support (19) and cable (29) is attached at one end with respect to the first tube (18) and a point between the roller (34) and the mirror head (10). It extends to and around the roller (34) and into the mirror head (10). The other end of the cable (29) extends into and is attached with respect to the first tube (18). A capstan (31) is located within the mirror head (10) and engages the cable (29). A motor (47) drives the capstan (31) in either direction to cause the mirror head (10) to extend or retract with respect to the mirror mounting bracket (11).
Abstract:
This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each including a cylinder having a closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within the inner bore having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore and a distal end which extends from the inner bore. Between the inner bore and the piston rod there is mounted an oil seal which seals a strut volume. A hydrostatic bearing is mounted within and vents into the strut volume. A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume and a reservoir, thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.
Abstract:
A control system for a cogeneration unit, the cogeneration unit including a heat engine and an alternator, driven by the heat engine, which generates AC electricity for an electrical load. The control system includes a parameter sensing means for sensing one or more parameters, and providing a sensed parameter value for each sensed parameter. For each sensed parameter, a comparator means compares the sensed parameter value with a respective desired value and provides an error signal according to the difference between the sensed parameter value and the desired value. One or more controlling means use the one or more of the error signals to provide a plurality of control signals, such that each control signal is able to regulate one or more of the controlling characteristics of the alternator and a temperature of a body heated using energy from the cogeneration unit.