baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent GB-2322354-A (GB)
Title: Robot for operating motor vehicle controls
Inventor: GREENHILL ROBERT JOHN
IPC: G01M13/02
Filed: 1997-02-25
Abstract: A robot which operates vehicle controls in order to test the performance and durability of a motor vehicle comprises a base 10, which may be mounted on a seat 11 by virtue of straps 17, 18, a series of linear actuators 21-23 to move the peddles and an actuator 45 to move the gear stick. Each of the linear actuators 21-23 may be of the ball-screw type operated by an electric motor 32 and supported by a support member 27 with an adjustable foot 28. The gear stick actuator 45 is supported by a support tube (42, figure 2) which in turn is clamped in bracket 40 by clamping handle 43 which itself is supported on post 38. The actuator 45 is of the ball-screw type comprising a lead screw (54, figure 3) supported in a housing (50, figure 3) and rotated by an electric motor (55, figure 3) via a transmission belt (56, figure 4) thereby moving output member (58, figure 3). The actuator has an associated position monitoring device, such as a potentiometer, to indicate the relative positions of output member (58, figure 3) to the housing (50, figure 3). The output member (58, figure 3) is coupled to a shift member (61, figure 3) via a plate (60, figure 3) which has associated force measuring means, eg a load cell or strain gauge, to measure the force exerted between the shift member and the gear stick of the vehicle. The force measuring means is coupled with the position monitoring device to a microprocessor to provide their respective data. In operation the robot first learns the positions of the gears by moving the gear stick transversely of the vehicle until the force exerted increases. By fore and aft motions the positions of the gears can be determined and stored in the microprocessor control means. The microprocessor can then be programmed with the requisite instructions so as to complete a test of the vehicle.
Patent GB-2324913-A (GB)
Title: Magnetic shielding in high speed turbo alternator/motor
Inventor: ATKINSON MICHAEL JOHN
IPC: H02K11/00
Filed: 1997-04-02
Abstract: The invention uses a magnetic flux barrier means 29,36 to prevent magnetic flux leakage from the magnets 32 to the stationary electrically conductive material of the bearing housing. The flux barrier means may comprise a diverter disk 29 made from a magnetically permeable material which is located on the shaft 18 next to the rotor 26 and rotates integrally with the rotor or it may comprise a barrier ring 36 made from an electrically conductive material which is stationary on the end of the stator 27 and extends across the air gap 38 between the rotor 26 and the stator 27. A compressor may be associated with the turbo-alternator.
Patent GB-2324804-A (GB)
Title: Reduction of uranium hexafluoride
Inventor: GILCHRIST PAUL
IPC: C25B1/24
Filed: 1997-04-30
Abstract: A method for the electrolytic reduction of UF 6 , comprises the steps of dissolving the UF 6  in a strong fluoride ion acceptor to produce an electrically conducting solution, introducing the solution into an electrolytic cell and electrolysing the solution thereby producing fluorine gas and UF 4 . Preferably, the electrolytic cell has at least one anode/cathode pair and, in use, a voltage is applied across the at least one anode/cathode pair so as to electrolyse the solution thereby producing fluorine gas at the anode and depositing UF 4  at the cathode.
Patent GB-2312721-A (GB)
Title: Cable conduit hose end assembly
Inventor: NICHOLSON JOSEPH ALLAN
IPC: B25B27/10
Filed: 1997-04-30
Abstract: The assembly comprises an adaptor (30), connected to one end of a cable conduit hose (10) for containing liquid medium and comprising a body (32) having a barbed male extension (44) and a retaining means, e.g a sleeve (34). The hose is pushed over  the barbed extension(44)and then the sleeve (34)is forced axially over the hose by means of a jack having two plates with cut-outs relatively axially movable to compress the hose between the sleeve and the extension. The sleeve is releasable by reverse action. The body and the sleeve have axially facing bearing surfaces ,e.g. recesses (42, 50) for engaging with projections on the jack. The sleeve has internal projections (46, 48) to further compress the hose, and the sleeve and the hose can be in electrical contact with each other. A bend restrictor sleeve can extend from the sleeve (34) to limit the bending of the hose. The assembly can form a termination of a cable conduit hose containing liquid medium.
Patent GB-2502941-A (GB)
Title: Communication system for underwater bodies
Inventor: HARDY CLIFFORD VERNON
IPC: B63G8/00
Filed: 1997-06-16
Abstract: A high data rate communication system for communication with a submerged body comprises a communication device 6 in a pressure resistant housing 6, a tether 1 connecting the housing to an underwater body 3 and a control system for controlling extension of the tether. The tether comprises a communication link and reinforcement. Communication between the body and a remote receiver is initiated when the communication device reaches a predetermined depth and ceases when the tether reaches full extension. The communication device may be a transceiver or an aerial connected to a transceiver in the submerged body. The tether and housing are retrievable after use. The communication link may be an optical fibre embedded in gel and/or electrical cables inside a reinforcing layer covered in a waterproofing jacket (figure 6, not shown).
Patent GB-2327344-A (GB)
Title: Pharmaceutical compositions containing phenytoin and either an azole anti-fungal/anti-bacterial agent and/or a silver salt for topical application
Inventor: ON NINH THUY
IPC: A61K33/38
Filed: 1997-07-18
Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a phenytoin type compound and either an azole anti-fungal/anti-bacterial agent and/or a silver salt compound. The composition may also comprise hydrogel, hydrophilic or hydrophobic ointments containing phenytoin. These compositions are applied topically and are useful in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, burns, pressure sores or skin lesions that are at risk of infection.
Patent GB-2321375-A (GB)
Title: Data encoding and decoding
Inventor: MURASHITA KIMITAKA
IPC: H03M7/42
Filed: 1997-09-01
Abstract: Input data including a plurality of elementary data having a predetermined length is encoded by assigning a code to each elementary data. The code has a code length corresponding to a frequency of appearance of the corresponding elementary data so that the assigned code is packed into a data unit having a fixed data length. The code length of the code assigned to each elementary data is fixed to a predetermined length e.g. - 2 bits or 4 bits so that the data unit having the fixed data length e.g. - 8 bits is formable by a plurality of the predetermined lengths. Each elementary data is encoded into the code having the fixed code length. The code is packed so that the code is output when a total length of the packed codes becomes the fixed data length of the data unit. Improvements involve a frequency counting unit (101) and encoding table producing unit, (106), Fig.6, (not shown) and decoding table producing unit (151).
Patent GB-2329526-A (GB)
Title: Helical antenna
Inventor: JESMAN ANDREW
IPC: H01Q1/36
Filed: 1997-09-19
Abstract: A radio antenna comprising a helical wire spring 2 encapsulated in a sheath 1 of synthetic plastics material, is provided with means at its base for electrically engaging a spigot 4 which forms part either of an antenna terminal of a radio set or an adaptor for making a connection to a conventional antenna terminal. The antenna fits over a smooth upper portion 4a of the spigot and is screwed onto a lower portion 4b having a complementarity screwed surface to make physical and electrical contact.
Patent GB-2321026-A (GB)
Title: Control of machine tools
Inventor: PICKLES JOHN DAVID
IPC: B24B5/42
Filed: 1997-11-19
Abstract: In a machine tool, a component such as a grinding wheel (4) acts on a workpiece (2) to form the latter into a circularly asymmetric shape, for example, a crankpin. Movement of the grinding wheel is controlled by a control signal which is derived from theoretical relative positions and positional velocities of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece. In a correction cycle, the respective positions of the grinding wheel relative to the workpiece are measured for each of a succession of angular positions of the workpiece. The measured positions are compared with corresponding theoretical positions and data indicative of any differences are stored, and then used to modify the control signal during a subsequent revolution of the workpiece, so as to compensate for any of said differences and thereby reduce the magnitude of any error which would have resulted from the measured positional differences. While the correction cycle occurs, the grinding wheel does not make contact with the workpiece either by being backed off by a set amount or by carrying out the correction cycle before the workpiece is mounted.
Patent GB-2331547-A (GB)
Title: Lock systems
Inventor: RIDGWAY PETER
IPC: G07C9/00
Filed: 1997-11-20
Abstract: A locking system comprises a control unit, a transfer unit and a plurality of locks. Each lock is openable using a coded key which is read electronically and generates a signal to unlock a locking unit. The key codes that will permit the unlocking of a lock are held in the control unit and are allocated to particular locks. This information is downloaded to a transfer unit which is then taken to the locks and the codes are passed to the locks. The locks can return information confirming receipt of the updated information and other information regarding the operation of the lock. This can then be passed back to the control unit so that the central record is updated.
Patent GB-2332727-A (GB)
Title: Damper adjustment mechanism
Inventor: ANDERSON RICHARD FRANKLIN
IPC: F16F9/348
Filed: 1997-12-24
Abstract: A damper comprises a piston 1, including a port 5 for allowing fluid flow through the piston 1 from a first face 14 to a second face 7. A valve shim 6 mounted on the second face 7 of the piston covers the port 5 and is deformable to allow the flow of damping fluid through the port 5. Means 4 are provided for clamping an area of the valve shim 6 against the second face 7 of the piston, the clamping means 4 being adjustable to increase or decrease the area of the valve shim 6 that is clamped. Preferably, the valve shim 6 is generally disc-shaped; the clamping means 4 clamping an area of the valve shim 6 within an effective radius and being adjustable to change the effective radius. By changing the clamped area of the valve shim 6, deformation of the shim is aided or hindered, thus adjusting the damping characteristics of fluid flow through the port 5. Only a moderate and uniform force is needed to change the clamping area, thus avoiding damage to the mechanism and allowing a linear and repeatable response from the adjustment mechanism.
Patent GB-2318430-A (GB)
Title: Course generator of moving body
Inventor: OKAWA YUKIO
IPC: G05D1/02
Filed: 1996-08-01
Abstract: An apparatus for improving the reliability of a course generator of a moving body and the efficiency of the moving body. When the tangent (53) of a scheduled course (50) at its branch point (PS) is in parallel with a line segment (54) coincident with the travelling direction of the moving body (20) at the end point (PL) of a branch course (52), the branch course (52) is generated from a cubic curve having one extreme coincident with the branch point (PS), and the tangent of the cubic curve at this extreme coincides with the tangent (53) of the scheduled course (50) at the branch point (PS). The other extreme of the cubic curve coincides with the end point PL of the branch course (52), and the tangent of the curve at this extreme coincides with a line segment (54) which in turn coincides with an end point travelling direction of the moving body. A ground monitor station (40) guides and travels the moving body (20) along a modification of the branched course. When guided for travelling, the moving body (20) generates the modification of the branch travelling course. When any of the moving bodies generates the data of the modified course and transmits it to the ground monitor station (40) in this way, the ground monitor station (40) again generates the scheduled course and the branch course on the basis of the data of the modified course, and transmits the re-generated data of the course to each moving body.
Patent GB-2328393-A (GB)
Title: Securing components together and a structural member so formed
Inventor: MELLOR MICHAEL
IPC: B60R21/205
Filed: 1998-02-27
Abstract: Two or more components, one of which 9 is made from a thin wall tubular material, are secured together by a hydroforming technique to cause expansion of the tubular member 9 to secure one or more components 11, 12, 13, 14; through which it passes to it. The thus formed member may be a transverse component to carry a steering column and air bag housing.
Patent GB-2336057-A (GB)
Title: Coordinating light sources in combined image produced from real and virtual im ge data
Inventor: PARGHI AMIT GAUTAM
IPC: H04N5/222
Filed: 1998-04-02
Abstract: A virtual set combines real and synthesised images. The set includes a real light source 105 configured to generate a beam of light. In addition, a virtual light source is synthesised such that the real light source and the virtual light source are co-ordinated so as to appear as if originating from a common light source in the virtual set. In this way, a single light source appears to illuminate both a real and a synthesised image and the resulting shadows are co-ordinated.
Patent GB-2337864-A (GB)
Title: Power supply and signal transducer for a rotating member
Inventor: RAYNSFORD PHILIP
IPC: H04B10/00
Filed: 1998-05-22
Abstract: A rotatable unit (50) comprises an axial shaft (1) coaxially mounted within a ring (3). The ring carries electronic devices (4) to which power and/or data are to be supplied. A first gear (2) is mounted coaxially with the shaft (1) but held stationary relative to the shaft (1) by a stay (9). An alternator (6) is mounted upon the ring (3) and a second gear (7) upon the alternator shaft meshes with the stationary teeth of the first gear (2). The alternator (6) revolves epicyclically around the shaft (1) as the unit (50) rotates, and power is generated by the alternator for powering the electron devices. Electronic data may be transferred between the shaft (1) and the electronic devices (4) via complementary optical source/receiver pairs (420, 430) affixed to a mounting boss (400) on the shaft (1) and the ring (3) respectively. The mounting boss (400) has a transparent disc (410) thereupon to permit light from the boss-mounted optical source/receiver pair (420) to be distributed radially to and from the ring mounted source/receiver pair (430). The devices are particularly suitable for security printing presses.
Patent GB-2327812-A (GB)
Title: Bi-stable bridge switch
Inventor: HALLIDAY WILLIAM MUIR
IPC: H01H1/20
Filed: 1998-07-22
Abstract: An electrical switch 10 comprises a first fixed terminal 12 having a first contact surface; a second fixed terminal 12 having a second contact surface angled with respect to the first contact surface; a pivotally mounted bridge 20 having spaced apart contact engaging surfaces and which is moveable between a first engaged position in which the contact engaging surfaces respectively engage the first and second contact surfaces simultaneously thereby providing a circuit between the first and second contacts, and a second non-engaged position; and a bridge actuator 26 for effecting movement of the bridge 20 between these positions. The switch 10 is bistable and provides a large air gap when in its non-engaged position.
Patent GB-2328611-A (GB)
Title: Toothbrush
Inventor: BUTCHER DEREK
IPC: A46B17/04
Filed: 1997-04-10
Abstract: A toothbrush (110) is disclosed having combined brush (120) and dentifrice (128). The dentifrice (128) is contained in the cap of the toothbrush (110) and may, for example, be in the form of a substantially solid block (150). To use the toothbrush (110), a user removes the brush (120) and scrapes off an amount of dentifrice (128) from inside the cap. The toothbrush (110) has the advantage that separate toothbrush and dentifrice need not be carried, for example when traveling, the toothbrush (110) need not be assembled before use, and the toothbrush (110) is not messy to use.
Patent GB-2346665-A (GB)
Title: Spring and damper unit
Inventor: WARD ADRIAN ROGER
IPC: F16F9/06
Filed: 1999-02-12
Abstract: A spring and damper unit (10) comprises two telescopically movable housings (11, 12) bounding an interior space formed by a cavity (16) in one of the housings and a cavity (23) in the other housing, and a floating piston (24) disposed in one of the cavities (23) and dividing the interior space into a spring chamber (27) containing a gaseous medium such as air and a damping chamber (26) containing a damping fluid such as hydraulic oil, the housings being movable together in a compression stroke thereof to compress the gaseous medium through reduction in the volume of the spring chamber (27) and the piston (24) being movable by the compressed gaseous medium to cause a reduction in the volume of the damping chamber (26) for displacement of fluid therefrom. The spring thus has a dual function in the unit. The piston (24) is preferably arranged to produce an increase in the volume of the spring chamber (27) concurrently with the reduction in the volume of the damping chamber (27), the increase in the spring chamber volume being less than the mentioned reduction in that volume. As a result, a more linear rising spring rate is achieved.
Patent GB-2335940-A (GB)
Title: Roller shutter with cushioning/restraining means
Inventor: DOOTSTON ANDREW
IPC: E06B9/171
Filed: 1999-03-30
Abstract: A roller shutter of the type comprising a plurality of elongate members/slats (3) which are hingedly connected to one another along opposite edges by mutually engageable formations formed integrally therewith to define a slatted door or curtain (1) has secured to at least one side cushioning or restraining elements. The restraining means may comprise a strip of flexible material (9) fixedly secured to the elongate members bridging the joints between adjacent slats, with the purpose of reducing longitudinal movement of the slats. The flexible material may also have cushioning or draft sealing properties so as to reduce noise and weather problems respectively. Also disclosed are methods of centralising the roller shutter by the use of additional spaced apart rollers with frusto-conical portions (51), and means for inhibiting the unauthorised manual raising of the shutter by the limited articulation of jointed connecting elements (30).
Patent GB-2337920-A (GB)
Title: Flexible support bracket
Inventor: HANCOCK PETER RICHARD
IPC: A47H1/144
Filed: 1999-05-11
Abstract: A bracket for supporting a rail in a horizontal position which rail has location means (23,24) along opposite sides thereof. The bracket is moulded from a resilient material and has lugs (13, 15) directed inwardly of a channel (11) for supporting the rail. The bracket includes a portion with a generally circular bore (18) which is yieldable transversely of the channel (11) to allow disengagement of the lugs from the location means (23, 24).
Patent GB-2334445-A (GB)
Title: Remedy for axillary osmidrosis containing adrenocorticosteriodal preparation
Inventor: YAMAMOTO KEIKO
IPC: A61K35/74
Filed: 1996-12-10
Abstract: A remedy for axillary osmidrosis which contains, per gram of the base, an effective amount of an adrenocorticosteroid and from 1 to 10 % by weight of an extract of lactic acid fermentation. This extract comprises metabolites of lactic acid bacteria and components consisting the cells thereof. Since the secretion of bad-smelling steroids per se causing axillary osmidrosis is inhibited thereby, the rematabolism and formation of these steroidal compounds by axillary osmidrosis bacteria are cleared away. In addition, there is little fear of the side effects of the adrenocorticosteroid employed therefor.
Patent GB-2337529-A (GB)
Title: Method of low temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of tin film over titanium for use in via level applications
Inventor: AMEEN MICHAEL S
IPC: H01L21/768
Filed: 1998-01-14
Abstract: A titanium/titanium nitride film stack can be formed with reduced amounts of impurity by depositing onto a substrate a film of titanium using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of titanium tetrachloride and hydrogen. This film is then subjected to a hydrogen/argon plasma which significantly reduces the chlorine content of the titanium film. The titanium film can then be subjected to an ammonia plasma which will form a thin layer of titanium nitride which is then coated with a thick layer of titanium nitride using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of titanium tetrachloride and ammonia. The hydrogen/argon anneal significantly reduces the chlorine content of the titanium film and thus the chlorine content at the titanium substrate interface, particularly when the substrate contains aluminum. This enhances the overall reliability of the formed product.
Patent GB-2343255-A (GB)
Title: Method of testing a capacitive level sensor
Inventor: BUECKER HERMAN JOSEF
IPC: G01F23/26
Filed: 1999-08-13
Abstract: A capacitive level sensor comprises an electrode 3 located in a tube 2. In order to test the apparatus, the sensor is placed in a cylindrical tank 1 whose volume and internal diameter may be similar to the volume and external diameter of the tube 2. The tank 1 is then filled with liquid and the sensor response is checked. The tank 1 may consist of transparent material.
Patent GB-2344112-A (GB)
Title: Draw arrangement for use in a draw frame
Inventor: CORRALES PEDRO
IPC: D01H5/52
Filed: 1999-09-01
Abstract: In an apparatus on a draw frame for textile fibre slivers 5, a load is applied to the upper rollers 1, 2, 3, 4 of the drawing mechanism, which is composed of roller pairs arranged one after the other and comprising an upper and a lower roller. The upper rollers 1, 2, 3, 4, in operation, are pressed against the lower rollers I, II, III by load means 19 and the upper rollers, when not in use, can be freed from loading by the load mean 19. In order to avoid or reduce, by simple means, undesired wrapping-round of fibre slivers when continuous operation is interrupted for a relatively long time, the load means 19 is so arranged that a first delivery upper roller 1 and/or a second delivery upper roller 2 can be wholly or partly relieved of the load on detection of an interruption.
Patent GB-2342514-A (GB)
Title: Portable electrical equipment
Inventor: TURNER PAUL
IPC: H02J7/00
Filed: 1999-09-24
Abstract: A portable electrical device 1 such as a CD player, mini-disc player or the like has two batteries 2, 4 which can each power the device individually and a manually operable switch 16 to switch between the two. When one of the batteries has run flat, the switch is operated to switch over to the second battery.
Patent GB-2356050-A (GB)
Title: Temperature compensated inductive measurement of thickness
Inventor: BALDWIN PETER IAN
IPC: G12B7/00
Filed: 1999-11-05
Abstract: Apparatus for measuring coating thickness including first 16 and second 18 inductors, which may be coils, means 14,15 for causing an alternating current to flow in the conductors and means 9 for measuring the impedance of the conductors. The conductors are arranged so that the first inductor 16 may be positioned sufficiently close to a conductive surface so that its impedance changes and, when so positioned, any change in the impedance of the second inductor 18 brought about by the surface is negligible compared to that in the impedance of the first. A processing means 9 is provided and arranged to calculate a temperature compensated thickness measurement from the measured impedances of both inductors.