Apparatus and method for the detection and analysis of particles in fluids

The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Methods and apparatus for amplifying nucleic acids

A method of amplifying nucleic acid includes providing a microfluidic device having a space therein. The space is filled with a gel medium. Reagents for carrying out a PCR reaction are supported within the matrix of the gel medium within the space. A nucleic acid containing sample is brought into contact with the gel medium. The sample having whole cells or cell lysate without any prior separation of the nucleic acid from other components of the cells. PCR amplification of nucleic acid from the sample is performed in the space using the PCR reagents.

Heterojunction semiconductor device and manufacturing method

Disclosed is a semiconductor device comprising a group 13 nitride heterojunction comprising a first layer having a first bandgap and a second layer having a second bandgap, wherein the first layer is located between a substrate and the second layer; and a Schottky electrode and a first further electrode each conductively coupled to a different area of the heterojunction, said Schottky electrode comprising a central region and an edge region, wherein the element comprises a conductive barrier portion located underneath said edge region only of the Schottky electrode for locally increasing the Schottky barrier of the Schottky electrode. A method of manufacturing such a semiconductor device is also disclosed.

System for generating power from a syngas fermentation process

A system and process is provided for generating power from a syngas fermentation process. The process includes contacting hot syngas having a temperature above about 1400° F. with cooled syngas to produce a pre-cooled syngas having a temperature of 1400° F. or less at an inlet of a waste heat boiler. A waste heat boiler receives the pre-cooled syngas and is effective for producing waste heat boiler high pressure steam and a cooled syngas.

System for radiopharmaceutical production

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and a method for producing a radiopharmaceutical, wherein the system is formed from and/or provides a microfluidic flow system. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a radioisotope isolation module, a radiopharmaceutical production module, a purification module and a quality control module.

Smoke Detector Availability Test

The present invention relates to a system for testing the availability of a detector for detecting smoke. More specifically, the present invention relates to a detector with a testing unit arranged to detect whether the detector has been covered, such that it is unable to perform its function as a smoke detector.

A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure

A system for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure. The system comprises a first rotary valve having an inlet which is in fluid communication with the first environment, a second rotary valve having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the second environment, and an intermediate housing bounding an intermediate channel, of which an inlet is fluidly connected to an outlet of the first rotary valve and of which an outlet is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second rotary valve. The intermediate channel is fluidly connected to a third environment maintained at a third gas pressure. The third gas pressure is higher than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure or lower than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure.

Level measurement method and apparatus

A method and apparatus for determining the location of a phase boundary such as a fill level, in a vessel. The method includes: providing at least one source of radiation capable of emitting radiation through a portion of the interior of the vessel; providing a plurality of radiation detectors, each detector being capable of detecting, within a part of the measurement range, radiation emitted by the source; and providing a data processing unit for calculation of the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors, wherein the data processing unit calculates the position of the phase boundary from the amount of radiation detected by the detectors by: (i) in a first step, determining within which detector stage the phase boundary is located; and then (ii) in a second step, determining the position of the phase boundary within the detector stage determined in (i).

Photoswitchable HDAC Inhibitors

This invention relates to photoswitchable inhibitors of histone deacetylases and methods of using the same.

Automatic provisioning of services to network-connected devices

The disclosed embodiments include computerized methods and systems that automatically provision one or more services available to an Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices upon connection to and registration onto communications network. In one aspect, a device may receive, from a computing system, data specifying one or more first services provisioned to the device. The device may identify a subset of the first services that are consistent with a device type of an additional device, and may transmit a portion of the stored first data that specifies the subset of the first services to that additional device. The additional device may process the transmitted portion to provision the subset of the first services to the additional device prior to a successful authentication.

Intraocular lens having an asymmetric hinged closed-loop haptic structure

An ophthalmic device includes an optic having an optic axis and a closed-loop haptic structure coupled with the optic. The closed loop haptic structure includes a first hinge having a first section, a second section, and a connecting section extending between the first section and the second section. The first section has a first component extending in a first angular direction and a second component extending in a second angular direction that is opposite to the first angular direction. The closed loop haptic structure further includes a second hinge including a radial section and an axial section extending from the axial section in the first angular direction, the radial section having a cross-sectional area greater than a maximum cross-sectional area of the first hinge.

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO TOILET MODULE

Disclosed is a toilet module having a toilet bowl and which also has a toilet bowl support mechanism. The toilet bowel support mechanism allows the toilet bowl to be moved to a position in which the person using the toilet to adopt more of a squatting posture when cleansing their bowels. The toilet bowl support mechanism can move the toilet bowl to and between a first position and a second position, the first position is characterised in that the front end of the toilet bowl is lower than the aft end of the toilet bowl, and the second position is characterised in that the front end of the toilet bowl is above the aft end of the toilet bowl. The first position makes it easier for folk with limited mobility to sit on the toilet, and the second position allows the seated person to adopt a squatting posture. 1. A toilet module having a toilet bowl and a toilet bowl support mechanism , the toilet bowel being supported by the toilet bowl support mechanism; and the toilet bowl has a front end and an aft end , the front end and the aft end corresponding to the front and the back respectively of a person seated on the toilet module when the toilet module is in use , and the front end and the aft end each being situated at or adjacent an upper surface of the toilet bowl; and the toilet bowl support mechanism is configured to move the toilet bowl to and between a first position and a second position ,wherein in the first position the front end of the toilet bowl is lower than the aft end of the toilet bowl, andwherein in the second position the front end of the toilet bowl is above the aft end of the toilet bowl.2. The toilet module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the toilet bowl support mechanism is configured to rotate the toilet bowl about an axis of rotation that passes through a point that is situated at or adjacent the front end of the bowl.3. The toilet module as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the axis of rotation of the toilet bowl is parallel to a transverse axis of the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING ELASTICITY WITH IMAGING OF ULTRASOUND MULTI-FOCUS SHEARWAVES IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted to alter placement and position of multiple (e.g., two or more) cosmetic treatment zones in tissue from ultrasound beams from a transducer, simultaneous multi-focus therapy at multiple depths, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures. 1. A system for measuring material elasticity , the system comprising:an ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasound transducer configured to deliver a plurality of ultrasound beams to a material,the material comprising an elasticity,the plurality of ultrasound beams being focused at a plurality of individually spaced focal zones in the material,each ultrasound beam having sufficient acoustic power to generate a shear wave originating from the individually spaced focal zones and travelling through the material;an ultrasound imaging system configured to image shear waves originating from at least two of the plurality of individually spaced focal zones and converging towards a region between the at least two of the plurality of individually spaced focal zones; and obtain a characteristic of the imaged shear waves; and', 'determine the elasticity of the region of the material based on the obtained characteristic., 'an electronic processing system configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic of the imaged shear waves includes at least one of an arrival time of the shear waves claim 1 , a peak displacement of the shear waves claim 1 , rise time of the shear waves claim 1 , and fall time of the shear waves.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to deliver the ultrasound beam to the material using amplitude modulation to focus ...

Intraocular lens having closed-loop haptic structures

An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a closed-loop haptic structure coupled to the optic via a frame surrounding the optic, the closed-loop haptic structure including a closed loop extending from first and second attachment points to the frame. The closed loop includes a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge has a first section having a first component extending in a first angular direction, a second section having a second component extending in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction, and a first connecting section between the first section and the second section. The second hinge has a third section having a third component extending in the second angular direction, a fourth section having a fourth component extending in the first angular direction, the fourth section being connected to the second section to form the closed loop.

Antibodies

The present invention relates to antibodies specific for one or more antigens, bispecific antibodies containing one or more domains with specificity to the target(s), and to immunocytokines. The present invention also provides methods of treatment, uses and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COSMETIC ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF SKIN

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted for dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, simultaneous multi-focus therapy using multi-channel signal mixing, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, configured for using imaging for improved ultrasound therapy efficacy, and/or adapted for imaging with multiple focal zone sequencing and triggering for mechanically translated and/or steered ultrasound transducers are provided herein. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures. 1. An ultrasound treatment and imaging system configured for reducing imaging misalignment , comprising:an ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasound therapy transducer adapted to apply ultrasonic therapy to tissue, an ultrasound imaging transducer adapted for imaging the tissue, and a motion mechanism for moving the ultrasound imaging transducer in a first direction and a second direction,wherein the ultrasound imaging transducer is mechanically attached to the motion mechanism,wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction,{'sub': 1', 'N, 'wherein the ultrasound imaging transducer images with a focal zone sequence order (f, . . . , f), where N>1 when travelling in the first direction,'}{'sub': N', '1, 'wherein the ultrasound imaging transducer images with a second focal zone sequence order (f, . . . , f) when travelling in the second direction,'}wherein a spatial registration between the first direction imaging and the second direction imaging is improved by staggering a triggering location,{'sub': 1', 'N', 'N', '1, 'wherein the ultrasound treatment and imaging system employs a directionally dependent focal zone ...

Methods for producing sporting goods

Described are methods for producing at least a part of a sporting good, in particular a sports shoe. According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of: (a) depositing a first material into a mold and (b) vibrating the mold to modify the distribution of the first material in the mold.

Automated tamper detection of meter configuration parameters

A method includes storing, at a head-end system, an indication of initial configuration parameters of a configurable resource meter. The method also includes requesting, by the head-end system, a report indicating updated configuration parameters from the configurable resource meter and receiving, at the head-end system, the report indicating the updated configuration parameters of the configurable resource meter. Additionally, the method includes comparing an indication of the updated configuration parameters to the indication of the initial configuration parameters. Further, the method includes determining a potential compromise of the configurable resource meter when the indication of the updated configuration parameters is different from the indication of the initial configuration parameters.

Plastic substrate adhesion promoter with random copolymer

Disclosed is a resinous adhesion promoter comprising (a) a random copolymer having first and second constitutional monomeric units, the first units comprising halogen and/or a pendant organic group having six or more carbon atoms and the second monomeric units comprising an active hydrogen-containing functional group; and (b) one of either (i) a non-reactive adhesion promoter or (ii) a reaction mixture comprising a first component and a second component, at least one of the first and second components having functional groups being reactive with the active hydrogen-containing functional groups of the random copolymer.

Multi-Specific IgG-(Fab)2 Constructs Containing T-Cell Receptor Constant Domains

The present invention provides IgG-(Fab)2 multispecific compounds containing T-Cell Receptor (TCR) constant do mains. In addition, the present invention provides methods of making such IgG-(Fab)2 multispecific compounds.

Reconstructing a personal area network or system after a failure in the network or system

Systems and methods are disclosed for reconstructing a personal area network (“PAN”) after a failure in a system or network. A method can include detecting, by a node, a power failure in a system. The method can further include storing, by the node, data about a parent node in the system at a time of the power failure. The method can further include detecting, by the node, power restoration in the system and entering a restoration state in response to detecting the power restoration. The method can further include transmitting, by the node and to the parent node, an enhanced beacon request via a particular frequency channel associated with the parent node. The method can also include receiving, by the node, an acknowledgement response from the parent node via the frequency channel and receiving, by the node, an enhanced beacon request from the parent node via the frequency channel.

System and Method for Controlling an Electrical Load

A system and method for controlling a number of load controllers (10), each of which is operatively connected to one or more electrical loads (6) that are connected to a grid, results in a reduction in tracking errors, which arise when aggregated local devices fail to deliver the expected amount of responsive load service. Each load controller (10) monitors the operating frequency of the grid network (8) and is adapted to adjust power consumption of one or more of its electrical loads (6) in response to excursions of the operating network frequency from its nominal value. The load controllers (10) are in communication with a remote controller (14) and aggregated together to provide a responsive load service. The remote controller (14) is adapted to monitor the deviation of grid frequency from its nominal value and to determine adjustments to the responsive load service delivered by the electrical loads of each load controller. The remote controller (14) thereafter sends a correction signal to each load controller (10), which causes the respective load controller (10) to apply a correction to its responsive load service by way of an offset to its power consumption adjustments.

Multispecific antibody with combination therapy for immuno-oncology

Multispecific antibody having a binding site for ICOS and a binding site for a second antigen, e.g., an immune checkpoint molecule such as PD-L1. Use of the multispecific antibody in immuno-oncology, including for treatment of solid tumours.

A STAFF ROSTERING SYSTEM

A staff roster allocation system relies on apps both to allow the client to register the need for a shift at a certain location and on a staff member to accept a shift at a specified location. The client may tentatively allocate available staff members to a certain shift for acceptance or rejection by the staff member, or the staff members may be advised when shift are available or may query for possible shifts. Where the app is running on a staff member phone the allocation of a staff member to a shift may be rapid. 1. A staff rostering system having multiple disseminated instances of a client interface and multiple disseminated instances of a staff interface , a booking engine interacting with the client and the staff interfaces , a reporting engine interacting with the client and the staff interfaces and a data storage wherein:the booking engine receiving from a client interface a declaration of at least one shift at one location for at least one shift allotment requiring at least one staff member, the shift details being stored in the data storage;the staff interface allowing a potential staff member to provide details including qualifications relevant to a shift for storage in the data storage;the reporting engine providing from the data storage a report via the staff interface of available shifts to those staff members who are suitably qualified for the available shifts and who are potentially available for allocation to a shift allotment;the staff interface providing a staff member remotely viewing the report the ability to allocate themselves to an available shift allotment or to confirm an allocation to an available shift allotment.2. A staff rostering system as claimed in wherein a client may tentatively select at least one staff member who is suitably qualified for a client shift and who is potentially available but who is not yet allocated to a shift at that shift allotment.3. A staff rostering system as claimed in wherein staff members who are suitably ...

Trajectory estimation for a mems reflector

A controller for a tiltable MEMS reflector is configured to oscillate the reflector about X axis or about X and Y axes, and to obtain information about current and past tilt angles. The controller is configured to evaluate tilt angles of the tiltable MEMS reflector at a later moment of time based on the previously obtained information about the tilt angles of the tiltable MEMS reflector at the different earlier moments of time. The controller may be further configured to energize the light source providing a light beam to the tiltable MEMS reflector at the later moment of time with brightness and color corresponding to the brightness and color of a pixel that will be painted by the tiltable MEMS reflector at the later moment of time. A statistical model may be combined with machine learning to accurately predict future tilt angles of the tiltable MEMS reflector.

Translating color selector layer for display resolution enhancement

A display device may include (1) a light-emitting layer having a plurality of light-emitting regions, with at least some of the light-emitting regions operable to emit a varying, controlled intensity of light at a fixed location, (2) a color selector layer disposed over the plurality of light-emitting regions, the color selector layer having at least one group of color selectors, and (3) an actuator operable to move the color selector layer relative to the light-emitting layer. The movement of the color selector layer may result in each color selector of the at least one group of color selectors passing each fixed location. Various other apparatus, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Anti-pd-l1 and il-2 cytokines

The present invention relates to anti-PD-L1 antibodies, bispecific antibodies containing one domain with specificity to PD-L1, and to immunocytokines comprising an anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to a cytokine, such as IL-2. The present invention also provides methods of treatment, uses and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines.

DYNAMICALLY STABLE STAIR CLIMBING HOME ROBOT

The present disclosure is directed to robotics, and more particularly to mobile robots capable of climbing stairs in a dynamically stable manner and operate in home environments with one or more of the following features or combinations thereof disclosed herein or in the Detailed Description below. 1. A method of climbing a stair , the method comprising: a rigid lower chassis having forward and rearward portions and right and left sides and a top and bottom;', 'front left and front right legs, each leg having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each leg being pivotally coupled to the rigid lower chassis about the transverse axis generally perpendicular to the sides of the rigid lower chassis in a front half of the rigid lower chassis and the distal end being pivotable at least 180 degrees about the transverse axis without interference from other parts of the articulated vehicle;', 'rear left and rear right legs, each leg having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each leg being pivotally coupled to the rigid lower chassis about the transverse axis generally perpendicular to the sides of the rigid lower chassis in a rear half of the rigid lower chassis and the distal end being pivotable 360 degrees about the transverse axis without interference from other parts of the articulated vehicle;', 'at least four articulator motors disposed on the lower chassis and at least one coupled to each leg for pivoting each leg about the transverse axis;', 'an upper chassis having forward and rearward portions and right and left sides and a top and bottom;', 'a middle body neck portion with two ends with one end connected to the bottom of the upper chassis and one end connected to the top of the lower chassis;', 'an articulator motor disposed on the lower or upper chassis and coupled to the middle body neck portion for pivoting the upper body forward or backward of the lower body;, 'driving an articulated vehicle along a drive-direction on each stair ...

Dissolvable polymeric eye inserts and method of using same

Polymeric eye inserts are provided that may be dissolvable when placed in the cul-de-sac of the eye. These inserts may contain one or more polymers as well as a softener/plasticizer so that, when inserted into the eye, they may absorb tears, and dissolve and slowly release lubricant into the tear film to lubricate and protect the ocular surface for an extended duration of time. Increased retention time on the ocular surface for longer lasting relief may reduce dosing frequency and patient burden typically associated with topical drop usage. These polymeric eye inserts also may include one or more pharmaceutically active agents.

Extending network security to locally connected edge devices

In some embodiments, a secure local connection between a network node of a network and an edge device attached to the network node is provided by extending the security of the network to this local connection. The edge device attached to the network node communicates with a network manager of the network to obtain security keys and security credentials for the edge device. Using the security keys and the security credentials, the edge device can establish a secure channel between the network node and the edge device over the local connection. The edge device further communicates with the network manager to exchange routing information and to obtain a network address for the edge device. The edge device can then communicate, through the network node, with other network nodes in the network using the security keys, the security credentials, and the network address.

Maintenance management system and method

A maintenance management system is disclosed. The system includes a processing device, a plurality of components in communication with the processing device, each component having a location associated with the component and one or more sensors for capturing usage data associated with the component, and user devices in communication with the processing device. Usage data of components is communicated to the processing device. The processing device determines from the usage data whether any of the components requires maintenance. The location of each respective component requiring maintenance is communicated to at least one of the one or more user devices from the processing device.

Bispecific antibody for icos and pd-l1

Multispecific antibody in mAb2 format, comprising an ICOS-binding Fab region and a PD-L1-binding Fcab region. Use of the multispecific antibody in immuno-oncology, including for treatment of solid tumours. Combination therapy including antibody to another immune checkpoint molecule such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, in addition to anti-ICOS and anti-PD-L1.

A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure

Title: A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure Abstract A system for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure. The system comprises a first rotary valve having an inlet which is in fluid communication with the first environment, a second rotary valve having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the second environment, and an intermediate housing bounding an intermediate channel, of which an inlet is fluidly connected to an outlet of the first rotary valve and of which an outlet is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second rotary valve. The intermediate channel is fluidly connected to a third environment maintained at a third gas pressure. The third gas pressure is higher than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure or lower than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure.

Near-eye display assembly with enhanced display resolution

A near-eye display assembly presented herein includes an electronic display, an optical assembly, and scanning assembly. The electronic display has a first resolution. The optical assembly controls a field of view at an eye box and directs a plurality of light rays emitting from the electronic display toward the eye box. The scanning assembly shifts a direction of at least one of the light rays in accordance with emission instructions such that a virtual display is presented to the eye box, the virtual display having a second resolution greater than the first resolution. The display assembly can be implemented as a component of a head-mounted display of an artificial reality system.

Fluid dispenser

A fluid dispenser comprises a compartment 27 which is adapted for holding a fluid 31 to be dispensed. The compartment 27 has a flexible wall 16. An expeller 12, such as a roller, is provided for compressing the compartment 27, by moving along the flexible wall 16 so as to dispense fluid 31 from the compartment 27 using peristalsis. A drive mechanism 13 is also provided for driving the expeller 12 at a pre-determined rate so that fluid is dispensed at a pre-determined rate. The compartment 27 is completely sealed. The compartment may include a wall which may be pierced to allow fluid to be dispensed from the compartment.

A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure

Title: A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure Abstract A system for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure. The system comprises a first rotary valve having an inlet which is in fluid communication with the first environment, a second rotary valve having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the second environment, and an intermediate housing bounding an intermediate channel, of which an inlet is fluidly connected to an outlet of the first rotary valve and of which an outlet is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second rotary valve. The intermediate channel is fluidly connected to a third environment maintained at a third gas pressure. The third gas pressure is higher than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure or lower than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure.

A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure

Title: A system and a method for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure Abstract A system for transferring solid particles from a first environment at a first gas pressure to a second environment at a second gas pressure. The system comprises a first rotary valve having an inlet which is in fluid communication with the first environment, a second rotary valve having an outlet which is in fluid communication with the second environment, and an intermediate housing bounding an intermediate channel, of which an inlet is fluidly connected to an outlet of the first rotary valve and of which an outlet is fluidly connected to an inlet of the second rotary valve. The intermediate channel is fluidly connected to a third environment maintained at a third gas pressure. The third gas pressure is higher than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure or lower than both the first gas pressure and the second gas pressure.

Sistema y método para transferir partículas sólidas desde un primer entorno a una primera presión de gas a un segundo entorno a una segunda presión de gas

Un sistema para transferir partículas sólidas desde un primer entorno a una primera presión de gas a un segundo entorno a una segunda presión de gas. El sistema comprende una primera válvula rotativa que tiene una entrada que está en comunicación fluida con el primer entorno, una segunda válvula rotativa que tiene una salida que está en comunicación fluida con el segundo entorno, y una carcasa intermedia que limita con un canal intermedio, del cual una entrada está conectada de manera fluida a una salida de la primera válvula rotativa y de la cual una salida está conectada de manera fluida a una entrada de la segunda válvula rotativa. El canal intermedio está conectado de manera fluida a un tercer entorno mantenido a una tercera presión de gas. La tercera presión de gas es más alta que ambas la primera presión de gas y la segunda presión de gas o más baja que la primera presión de gas y la segunda presión de gas.

Apparatus and method for performing an assay

A micro-reactor (10) is formed from a first glass block (11) having first and second grooves (14,17) formed in an upper surface (13) and a second glass block (12) having a lower surface (26) that closes the first groove (14) and parts of the second groove (17) to form corresponding channels. An aperture (31) extends through the second block (12) to a part of the upper surface (13) of the first block (11). The grooves overlying the aperture can be closed by an end surface of a cylindrical insert (37) to form corresponding channel parts. A first chemical species can be bound to the end surface of the cylindrical insert (37) so that the first chemical species lies within the channel parts corresponding to the inner surface grooves. A second chemical species can now be passed through the channels of the micro-reactor for binding between the first and second chemical species. By using suitable labels the amount of binding in the channels can be determined.

Material for use in producing medical equipment

A composition for use in forming medical equipment intended to come into contact with a patient, comprising or including a vulcanisable silicone rubber admixed with a medicament such that, in use of a dressing incorporating the material in contact with part of a patient, at least the said medicament is subject to migration towards the surface of the dressing. A wound dressing (14) incorporating the composition of the invention in association with support means (12, 13; 20; 26) for retaining a surface of an element (23; 27) made from or including the composition in contact with the skin or other exposed tissue surface of a patient. A method of producing a wound dressing comprises the steps of: preparing a substantially rigid mould (12, 13) shaped to surround a part of the patient; fitting the mould thereto so as to form a mould cavity; introducing into the mould cavity the composition of the invention in a fluid state, including selected medicament; and causing or allowing the composition to cure or vulcanise.

Material for use in producing medical equipment

A composition for use in forming medical equipment intended to come into contact with a patient, comprising or including a vulcanisable silicone rubber admixed with a medicament such that, in use of a dressing incorporating the material in contact with part of a patient, at least the said medicament is subject to migration towards the surface of the dressing. A wound dressing (14) incorporating the composition of the invention in association with support means (12, 13; 20; 26) for retaining a surface of an element (23; 27) made from or including the composition in contact with the skin or other exposed tissue surface of a patient. A method of producing a wound dressing comprises the steps of: preparing a substantially rigid mould (12, 13) shaped to surround a part of the patient; fitting the mould thereto so as to form a mould cavity; introducing into the mould cavity the composition of the invention in a fluid state, including selected medicament; and causing or allowing the composition to cure or vulcanise.

Method of manufacturing bispecific antibodies, bispecific antibodies and therapeutic use of such antibodies

The invention relates to bivalent bispecific monoclonal antibodies (bbmAb) or variants thereof, and methods of manufacturing such antibodies by co-expressing modified Fc- 5 mutated derivatives of two different monoclonal antibodies in mammalian cell lines.

Customized biometric data capture for improved security

An apparatus, comprising a biometric fingerprint identification sensor, the biometric fingerprint identification sensor configured to receive an input from a user, the input corresponding to a-predetermined factor, the predetermined factor comprising a force applied by a finger of the user to the biometric fingerprint identification sensor. A connected computer processor determines a qualitative or quantitative threshold based on the predetermined factor, receive the input from the fingerprint identification sensor, calculate a value of a variable associated with the predetermined factor and the input, and trigger a feedback output when the value approaches the threshold within a margin. A connected haptic feedback is device configured to provide haptic feedback to the body of the user when the haptic feedback device receives the triggered feedback output from the computer processor indicating the value is within the margin of the predetermined threshold.

Interlayer and laminate with controlled debonding zone treatments for enhanced performance

The present invention relates to a laminate structure comprising an adhesive polymeric interlayer (API) that comprises discrete zones. Such discrete zones are located at the interface of the API and the glass substrate. Generally, the discrete zones comprise two sets of discrete zones, debonding and adhesive. These zones allow for a unique combination of modified API-glass debonding, laminate toughness, and laminate durability. Various spatial patterns and densities of debonding are described, as well as the resulting material properties.

Laminated structures with composite adhesive polymeric interlayer comprising cohesive debonding zones for enhanced performance

The present invention relates to a laminate structure comprising a composite adhesive polymeric interlayer (CAPI) comprising at least two layers: (i) a submicron-thick superbonding layer and/or a top adhesive polymeric interlayer (TAPI) and (ii) a bulk adhesive polymeric interlayer (BAPI). If the TAPI is present, it comprises cohesive substantially discrete and/or continuous debonding zones. Such debonding zones are located preferably within the 10% thickness of CAPI from the interface of said CAPI and the glass substrate. These zones allow for a unique combination of modified API-glass debonding, laminate toughness, and laminate durability. Various spatial patterns and densities of debonding are described, as well as the resulting material properties.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear can include a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Anti-pd-l1 and il-2 cytokines

The present invention relates to anti-PD-L1 antibodies, bispecific antibodies containing one domain with specificity to PD-L1, and to immunocytokines comprising an anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to a cytokine, such as IL-2. The present invention also provides methods of treatment, uses and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines.

Multispecific antibodies for immuno-oncology

Multispecific antibody having a binding site for ICOS and a binding site for a second antigen, e.g., an immune checkpoint molecule such as PD-L1. Use of the multispecific antibody in immuno-oncology, including for treatment of solid tumours.

Anti-pd-l1 antibodies

The present invention relates to anti-PD-L1 antibodies, bispecific antibodies containing one domain with specificity to PD-L1, and to immunocytokines comprising an anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to a cytokine, such as IL-2. The present invention also provides methods of treatment, uses and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines.

Line scanning circuit for a dual-mode display

A row-select circuit for an organic light emitting diode display propagates a gating pulse through a shift register. This gating pulse is synchronized with a system clock signal and is used to selectively apply a plurality of broadcast control signals to a selected row of pixels on the display. The line scanning circuitry is controlled to clear and autozero the pixels in the display either one line at a time or the entire image frame at a time. According to another aspect of the invention, the clearing of a row of pixels in the display is performed over several line intervals before the row is autozeroed and loaded with new values. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the broadcast control signals may be adapted to achieve the best performance for each display device.

Breathing assistance apparatus

IgG bispecific antibodies and processes for preparation

The present invention provides fully IgG bi-specific antibodies comprising designed residues in the interface of the heavy chain-heavy chain (C H 3/C H 3) domains, processes for preparing said fully IgG bi-specific antibodies, and nucleic acids, vectors and host cells encoding the same.

Methods for producing fabs and igg bispecific antibodies

Abstract The present invention provides methods for producing Fabs and IgG bi-specific antibodies comprising expressing nucleic acids encoding designed residues in C H 1/C L interface, Fabs and IgG bi-specific antibodies produced according to said processes as well as nucleic acids, vectors and host cells encoding the same.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Curable compositions and methods of catalyzing chemical reactions

Methods of catalyzing chemical reactions are provided. A tri-substituted phosphine having at least one substituent that is an alkyl group is added as a catalyst to reaction mixtures. Reaction mixtures contain uretdiones, anhydrides, or isocyanate functional materials including isocyanurates, in various combinations with hydroxyl, thiol, and/or amine functional materials. Curable compositions comprising these catalysts and reaction mixtures are also provided.

A connector

A CONNECTOR A connector (10) for connecting an S-trap type toilet flushing outlet to a sewer waste inlet. The connector includes a first part (12) and a second part (14). The first part (12) has an inlet end (16), adapted for connection to the toilet flushing outlet, and an s outlet end (18). The second part (14) has an inlet end (20), adapted for rotational connection to the outlet end (18) of the first part (12), and a second end (22), adapted for connection to the sewer waste inlet. The first part outlet end (18) is offset eccentrically relative to the first part inlet end (16) and the second part inlet end (20) is offset eccentrically relative to the second part outlet end (22). ,,14 Figure 3

Automated implementation of provisioned services based on captured sensor data

The disclosed embodiments include computer-implemented systems and processes that perform operations consistent with services provisioned to a device based on real-time sensor data indicative of and characterizing a user's operation of the device and additionally or alternatively, a system or apparatus that includes the device. For example, the device may obtain stored data identifying a provisioned service, and may obtain sensor data captured by an on-board or external sensor during an operation of the device. Based on the sensor data, the device may generate a usage parameter that characterizes the operation of the device during a temporal period, and perform an operation consistent with the provisioned service in accordance with the generated usage parameter.

Breathing assistance apparatus

A breathing assistance apparatus for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a user. The apparatus comprises a mask having a mask base and mask body with two flexible nasal pillows. The nasal pillows being substantially elliptical and having gases outlets that are offset from a centre of said elliptical pillows. A substantially curved elongate member extends in use below a user's nose, the elongate member comprising a central portion and two side arms extending therefrom. Side straps being substantially flexible and soft are provided that extend down a user's cheekbones in use and terminate at each of said strap's ends in said user's upper lip area and said a substantial portion of said elongate member is attached to each of said straps. The length of said side straps that extends in use along said user's cheekbones is attached to said elongate member to provide rigidity to said length of said side straps.

FERMENTATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS

Wood acetylation process

Disclosed is the integration of the production of acetic anhydride from ketene, and the acetylation of wood using acetylation fluid comprising acetic acid and acetic anhydride. The invention involves directly using raw acetic anhydride as obtained in the production thereof from ketene, as a wood acetylation fluid.

COATING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING A CATALYST PARTICULARLY FOR THE REFECTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

COMPOSITIONS DE REVETEMENT CONTENANT UN CATALYSEUR, EN PARTICULIER POUR LA REFECTION DES AUTOMOBILES. ELLES SONT ESSENTIELLEMENT CONSTITUEES PAR A)DES COMPOSANTS FILMOGENES DE RESINE DE POLYEPOXYDE ET D'INTERPOLYMERES D'ADDITION VINYLIQUE CONTENANT UNE AMINE, B)UN SEL SOLUBLE D'UN METAL DU GROUPEIIA EN TANT QUE CATALYSEUR ET C)UN SOLVANT ORGANIQUE. COATING COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING A CATALYST, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE REFECTION OF AUTOMOBILES. THEY ARE ESSENTIALLY CONSTITUTED BY A) FILM-GENERATED COMPONENTS OF POLYEPOXIDE RESIN AND VINYL ADDITIONAL INTERPOLYMERS CONTAINING AN AMINE, B) A SOLUBLE SALT OF A METAL FROM GROUPIIA AS A CATALYST AND C) AN ORGANIC SOLVENT.

Inertial actuator

An inertial actuator assembly comprises an actuator chassis adapted to be secured in use to a structure subject in use to external vibration forces, a proof mass (ma) supported with respect to the chassis by a proof mass resilient means, and a force generating transducer means acting between the chassis and the proof mass for subjecting in use the proof mass to a force (fa) applied relative to the chassis, a controller arranged to control in use the excitation of the transducer means, wherein the assembly comprises a feedback means H(jω) responsive to a measurement of the displacement (x) of the proof mass relative to the chassis, the controller being arranged to modify the excitation of the force generating transducer means in response to a feedback signal from the feedback means. The feedback signal may be proportional to the displacement, the integral of the displacement, the derivative of the displacement, or to any combination of these.

A showerhead

A showerhead (10) with an outlet defined by an inwardly facing first sharp edge (44) surrounded by an outwardly extending first surface (46). The first surface (46) is angled in the opposite direction to that of water (Sr, Se) leaving the outlet.

Glass laminates for threat resistant window systems

This invention comprises a transparent laminate having at least one layer of glass and having self-adhered directly to the layer of glass a thermoplastic polymer layer having low haze and the laminate is capable of sustaining repeated or prolonged stress after breakage of the glass layer while maintaining the structural integrity of the laminate. Preferably, this invention is directed to a transparent laminate of two layers of glass laminated together with a thermoplastic polymer interlayer adhered directly to the glass; wherein the interlayer preferably is an ionomer resin and has Storage Young's Modulus of 50-1,000 MPa (mega Pascals) at 0.3 Hz and 25 DEG C determined according to ASTM D 5026-95a, a Minimum Tear Energy of at least 15 MJ/m<3> (mega joules per cubic meter) determined from tensile tests carried out according to ASTM 638-89 at 25 DEG C and adhesion to glass of 5-42 MPa determined according to compressive Shear Strength Test determined at 25 DEG C and preferably, the interlayer of the laminate is a sheet of an ionomer resin; wherein the ionomer resin of a water insoluble salt of a polymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid or acrylic acid containing about 14-24 % by weight of the acid and about 76-86 % by weight of ethylene and having about 10-80 % of the acid neutralized with a metallic ion, and has a melt index of about 0.5-50. The invention also includes other laminate structures such as multiple layers of glass with thermoplastic polymer interlayers, glass/thermoplastic resin laminate incorporating a transparent durable layer and/or a coating and a process for making the laminate structure.

Hybrid position locating system in a manufacturing environment

A tool within a manufacturing environment is located using a macro position locator to form an approximate location. A refined location is identified using the approximate location, a retro reflective target attached to the tool, and a laser tracking system.

Lining pipes

Aminoacylase and its use in the production of d-aminoacids

An isolated enzyme capable of hydrolysing N-acetyl-D-tryptophan at a substra te concentration of 10 g/l and which exhibits faster conversion of (R)-N-acetyl -2- thienylalanine than of (R)-N-acetyl-4-chlorophenylalanine. This enzyme is useful for preparing D-aminoacids.

Two bar stays

Microfluidic apparatus and method for dna extraction, amplification and analysis

An integrated gel based microfluidic sample processing device An integrated gel based microfluidic sample processing device, suitable for forensic investigations at the scene of a crime,comprising a substrate having a plurality of micro-channels to form at least a DNA extraction chamber in fluidic cooperation with an amplification chamber which in turn is in fluidic cooperation with a separation and detection channel; said micro-channels containing a DNA extraction material and gel based reaction reagents necessary for processing said sample; the device further comprising electrical contacts for coupling to an external power source and capable of inducing electro-kinetic manipulation of said gel based reagents and DNA extracted from said sample throughout the device.

Method for continuous acetylation of wood elements

The present invention relates to a method for continuous acetylation of wood elements. The acetylation is conducted with an acetylation medium at a pressure of at least 1.5 barg in a substantially oxygen free environment. Alternatively, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of: (a) feeding wood elements in a substantially oxygen free environment to a continuous acetylation reactor, and (b) treating the wood elements with an acetylation medium in the continuous acetylation reactor under wood acetylation reaction conditions, at a pressure of at least 1.5 barg. The process according to the present invention allows to acetylate wood elements to a high acetyl content in a very efficient way, without compromising on the quality of the material. The acetylated wood elements can be used in the production of medium density fibreboards with superior qualities such as dimensional stability and durability.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

respiratory assistance device

Un aparato de asistencia respiratoria para utilizar con el suministro de gases respiratorios a un usuario, que comprende: una máscara (140, 150) que comprende un cuerpo (142, 154) y un elemento amortiguador (144, 156), donde el cuerpo se fabrica a partir de un material plástico sustancialmente rígido y el elemento amortiguador se fabrica a partir de un material plástico sustancialmente blando, creando sustancialmente dicho elemento amortiguador un ajuste hermético con las vías aéreas de dicho usuario, y un arnés de cabeza (21) que comprende unas tiras blandas sustancialmente flexibles (35, 36, 37, 38), donde las tiras se fabrican con un material en capas de espuma compuesta, donde el arnés de cabeza (21) comprende además un elemento curvo (141), comprendiendo el elemento curvo una sección central (145) a la cual se fija dicha máscara, y un par de brazos laterales contorneados (41) que se extienden sobre las mejillas de dicho usuario, estando fijadas las tiras a los brazos laterales, donde dicho elemento curvo es sustancialmente rígido comparado con dichas tiras, dicho elemento curvo está moldeado de una manera tridimensional para ajustarse a los contornos de las mejillas de dicho usuario, y cada uno del par de brazos laterales contorneados (41) incluye unas áreas debilitadas o estrechas (39) para permitir un doblado, moldeo o torsión adicional, y donde dicha máscara tiene una abertura de entrada (143, 151) y dicho elemento curvo se fija a dicha abertura de entrada, lo que ancla dicha máscara a la cara de dicho usuario durante la utilización, donde la sección central del elemento curvo se curva por debajo de la abertura de entrada, y lo ancla de manera eficaz en la abertura de entrada. A respiratory support apparatus for use in supplying respiratory gases to a user, comprising: a mask (140, 150) comprising a body (142, 154) and a cushioning element (144, 156), where the body is manufactured from a substantially rigid plastic material and the cushioning element is ...

Tobacco smoke filter

A tobacco smoke filter or filter element including a nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises: a sheet of staple fibres; and a water soluble binder; wherein the water soluble binder is uniformly coated on at least one face of the sheet of staple fibres. The filter has superior biodegradability.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user~s nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user~s nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Anti-icos antibodies

Antibodies that bind ICOS (Inducible T cell Co-Stimulator). Therapeutic use of anti-ICOS antibodies for modulating the ratio between regulatory T cells and effector T cells, to stimulate the immune system of patients, including use in treating cancers. Methods of producing anti- ICOS antibodies, including species cross-reactive antibodies, using transgenic knock-out mice.

Breathing assistance apparatus

- 20 A breathing assistance apparatus for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a user. The apparatus comprises a mask having a mask base and mask body with two flexible nasal pillows. The nasal pillows being substantially elliptical and having gases outlets that are offset 5 from a centre of said elliptical pillows. A substantially curved elongate member extends in use below a user's nose, the elongate member comprising a central portion and two side arms extending therefrom. Side straps being substantially flexible and soft are provided that extend down a user's cheekbones in use and terminate at each of said strap's ends in said user's upper lip area and said a substantial portion of said elongate member is attached to each of said 10 straps. The length of said side straps that extends in use along said user's cheekbones is attached to said elongate member to provide rigidity to said length of said side straps. 24 - 25 ,-41

A waste removal system

A waste removal system that includes a toilet pan (28) for a ultra-low flushing volume toilet (20). The pan (28) includes a rearward end (28a) adapted for positioning substantially adjacent a cistern (22) and a frontward end (28b) adapted for positioning substantially remote the cistern (22). The pan (28) also includes a flushing water outlet having a primary outlet nozzle arrangement (42) disposed substantially adjacent the pan frontward end (28b) and adapted to direct flushing water (62) downwards and towards the pan rearward end (28a). The system also includes a related flushing method and drainline (90).

Cooling acetylated wood elements

A process for the production of acetylated wood elements, a cooling system and a wood acetylation plant are described. A process for the production of acetylated wood elements comprises acetylating wood elements and cooling the acetylated wood elements wherein the cooling comprises supplying liquid water to the acetylated wood elements to provide wetted wood elements and exposing the wetted wood elements to a gas flow.

Method of manufacturing bispecific antibodies, bispecific antibodies and therapeutic use of such antibodies

The invention relates to bivalent bispecific monoclonal antibodies (bbmAb) or variants thereof, and methods of manufacturing such antibodies by co-expressing modified Fc- 5 mutated derivatives of two different monoclonal antibodies in mammalian cell lines.

A waste removal system

Bispecific antibody for ICOS and PD-L1

Multispecific antibody in mAb2 format, comprising an ICOS-binding Fab region and a PD-L1-binding Fcab region. Use of the multispecific antibody in immuno-oncology, including for treatment of solid tumours. Combination therapy including antibody to another immune checkpoint molecule such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, in addition to anti-ICOS and anti-PD-L1.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Apparatus and method for the detection and analysis of particles in fluids

The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Breathing assistance apparatus

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user’s nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user’s nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Automated implementation of provisioned services based on captured sensor data

The disclosed embodiments include computer-implemented systems and processes that perform operations consistent with services provisioned to a device based on real-time sensor data indicative of and characterizing a user's operation of the device and additionally or alternatively, a system or apparatus that includes the device. For example, the device may obtain stored data identifying a provisioned service, and may obtain sensor data captured by an on-board or external sensor during an operation of the device. Based on the sensor data, the device may generate a usage parameter that characterizes the operation of the device during a temporal period, and perform an operation consistent with the provisioned service in accordance with the generated usage parameter.

Overvoltage protection circuit

Apparatus for the detection and analysis of particles in fluids

The invention relates to apparatus for the detection of particles and for particle analysis. The apparatus comprises a sample holder comprising a base and a projection extending from the base. The base includes a contact region where, in use, the surface of a fluid sample may contact the projection. The surface of at least the contact region of the projection exhibits properties that allow the surface of the contact region to be substantially wetted by a fluid sample when the apparatus is in use so that the fluid sample forms a meniscus having its apex in contact with the contact region of the projection. The invention also relates to methods for using the apparatus.

Breathing assistance apparatus

- 22 A mask assembly for supplying breathing gases to a user comprises a base portion and a body portion. The body portion comprises first and second nasal pillows, which are adapted to rest in a substantially sealed manner against a user's nares in use, and a lip extending from a distal 5 side of the body portion. The lip defines an area of reduced circumference around the distal side of the body portion. The body portion also comprises a stepped transition transitioning the distal side of the body portion to the area of reduced circumference. The base portion comprises a channel configured to receive a portion of the lip when the base portion is connected to the body portion. 24 - 25 '-41

A rimless toilet pan and a method of flushing same

A rimless toilet pan (20) includes a forward end (F), a rearward end (R) and a pan bowl (28). A flushing outlet (32) is in fluid communication with the pan bowl (28). A flushing water inlet (30) is in fluid communication with the pan bowl (28). An inwardly facing first sidewall (34) extends substantially around the top of the pan bowl (28). A substantially horizontal ledge extends (36) substantially around the bottom of the first sidewall (34). An inwardly facing second sidewall (37) extends substantially around the pan bowl (28) under the horizontal ledge (36). A flushing water flow splitter (38) is substantially adjacent a rearward end of the first sidewall (34), the flow splitter (38) is in fluid communication with the flushing water inlet (30) and has a leftwards outlet (38a) and a rightwards outlet (38b). A flushing water flow balancer (40) is on a frontwards part of the first sidewall (34), the flow balancer (40) including an inwardly facing projection (40a, 40b, 40c) extending vertically through at least part of the height of the first sidewall (34) and being positioned substantially symmetrically in relation to a forward to rearward centreline of the toilet pan (20). The flow balancer (40) includes leftward (40a) and rightward (40b) angled surfaces which meet at an innermost edge (40c) that is substantially aligned with the forward to rearward centreline of the toilet pan (20). The leftward (40a) and rightward (40b) angled surfaces are substantially triangular in shape and taper from a relatively wide lower part to a narrowed or pointed upper part.

Refractory systems

A continuous casting machine includes two casting rollers (2) which define a gap communicating with a reservoir of molten metal. Urged into sliding contact with a proportion of the area of the end surfaces of the casting rollers are respective side dams (3). Particulate solid refractory lubricant material which is in flowable form but has no added liquid is applied to the end surfaces of the casting rollers at positions shortly before they come into sliding contact with the side dams. The lubricant material occupies the interface between the casting rollers and side dams and seals it from the ingress of molten metal and protects the sliding surfaces from abrasion.

Arrangement adapted to be used with conventional billiard tables for greater utilisation, versatility and/or application of said tables

An arrangement adapted to be used with conventional billiard tables for greater utilisation, versatility and/or application of said tables, said arrangement including, a multiplicity of billiard tables located at a variety of separate locations, a means to register and allow for communication between a plurality of players, such that said players need not necessarily play upon the same table nor be located at the one location, said players intended to compete against other registered players, or approve upon personal individual skill level, a timer such that competition between players or improvement of personal standings of an individual is based upon timing of pocketing a set of balls or part thereof upon the respective billiard table by said, timer, a means for having time results of the or each player transferred to a central database wherein individual player's times and standings may then be acknowledged.

Glass laminates for threat resistant window systems

Portable gauge and method for measuring tape gaps

Gaps between strips of composite tape forming a surface are measured by a gauge. The position of the edges of adjacent strips of the tape is sensed as the gauge is moved along the surface, and a gap between the adjacent strips is calculated based on the sensed position of the edges.

Aminoacylase and its use in the production of d-aminoacids

An isolated enzyme capable of hydrolysing N-acetyl-D-tryptophan at a substrate concentration of 10 g/l and which exhibits faster conversion of (R)-N-acetyl-2-thienylalanine than of (R)-N-acetyl-4-chlorophenylalanine. This enzyme is useful for preparing D-aminoacids.

Keeping sewer drainlines clear with low flush toilets or cisterns

A device (20) for improving drainline clearance for use with an ultra low flushing volume toilet (24). The device (20) includes a centrifuge separator means (30), for separating liquids (L) and solids (S), and a reservoir (42). The separator means (30) has a substantially horizontal inlet (32), adapted for connection to the outlet (26) of a toilet pan (24), an outlet (36) primarily for solids (S) and an outlet (38) primarily for liquids (L). The reservoir (42) is beneath the separator means (30) and has an inlet (38) in fluid communication with the liquids outlet (38) of the separator means (30). The reservoir (42) is adapted to syphonically empty substantially all of its contents into a sewerage drainline (22) after at least 2 flushes of the toilet (24). Further, the separator means (30) and the reservoir (42) have a combined vertical dimension less than the maximum height of the toilet pan outlet for installation adjacent the toilet (24) and substantially above the floor level (F) of the toilet (24).

Line scanning circuit for a dual-mode display

A row-select circuit (118) for an organic light emitting diode display (116) propagates a gating pulse through a shift register. This gating pulse is synchronized with a system clock signal and is used to selectively apply a plurality of broadcast control signals to a selected row of pixels on the display (116). The line scanning circuitry (118) is controlled to clear and autozero the pixels in the display (116) either on line at a time or the entire image frame at a time. According to another aspect of the invention, the clearing of a row of pixels in the display (116) is performed over several line intervals before the row is autozeroed and loaded with new values. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the broadcast control signals may be adapted to achieve the best performance for each display device.

Jackpot display system for an electronic gaming machine

Jackpot interface (10) connects to electronic gaming machines (12) (i.e. poker, slot, video machines) which include hard meters (6) and video displays (23, 27). The gaming machines (12) are capable of playing independent games and participating in a multiple gaming machine jackpot game. The gaming machines (12) are connected to a LAN (14). Included is a video display generator which on a jackpot award replaces or superimposes on a first video signal a second video signal that it generates. A jackpot controller (15) increments on the basis of the hard meter (6) signals and/or awards a jackpot sum from a jackpot pool to a selected gaming machine (12). The interface (10) stops independent play of the gaming machine (12) upon a jackpot award. The jackpot interface (10) is a separate circuit board capable of being fitted to a standard gaming machine (12).

Belt termination and tensioning in a pulley arrangement for a robotic arm