There is provided a method for estimating forensic details of vehicle-pedestrian collisions. The method comprises determining a set of parameters of the collision, the parameters including the position where the pedestrians head impacted the vehicle, inputting said parameters into a collision model, estimating forensic details of the collision using the collision model in a first spatial dimension using the position where the pedestrians head impacted the vehicle with respect to the first spatial dimension, estimating forensic details of the collision using the collision model in a second spatial dimension using the position where the pedestrians head impacted the vehicle with respect to the second spatial dimension, and averaging the results of the estimated forensic details from the first spatial dimension and the second spatial dimension to arrive at a final estimation of the forensic details of the collision.
G09B 23/10 - Models for scientific, medical, or mathematical purposes, e.g. full-sized device for demonstration purposes for physics for statics or dynamics of solid bodies
2.
FILTER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DESIGNING A CONVOLUTIONAL FILTER
Oxford University Innovation Limited (United Kingdom)
Coventry University (United Kingdom)
Inventor
Henry, Manus Patrick
Abstract
A filter system for filtering an input signal comprises a network of Prism filters including at least one cosine Prism filter and at least one sine Prism filter. The network comprises a first branch (210) in parallel with a second branch, (220) each branch arranged to receive the input signal as an input, the first branch comprising the cosine Prism filter/s (211), the second branch comprising the sine Prism filter/s (221). The network of Prism filters is arranged to generate an output signal based on a combination of an output of the first branch with an output of the second branch. A method of designing a convolutional filter is also provided, comprising inputting a test signal into a filter system to generate an impulse response of the filter system and generating a convolutional filter based on the impulse response.
Oxford University Innovation Limited (United Kingdom)
Coventry University (United Kingdom)
Inventor
Henry, Manus Patrick
Abstract
A method of estimating characteristics of an input signal comprises inputting the input signal into a first tracker to determine a first estimate of characteristics of the input signal, and determining a normalised signal from the input signal. The normalised signal is input into a second tracker to determine a second estimate of characteristics of the input signal. At least one of the first tracker and the second tracker comprises or is derived from at least one Prism filter. Further, a method of filtering an input signal is provided. The method comprises applying a sequence of one or more filter stages to the input signal to generate respective downsampled signals. A tracker stage is applied to the output of the final filter stage to determine one or more characteristics of the input signal.
AUTOCRAFT SOLUTIONS GROUP LIMITED (United Kingdom)
COVENTRY UNIVERSITY (United Kingdom)
Inventor
Elliott, Zachary
Curnick, Oliver
Warburton, Simon
Abstract
A method of determining reusability of a battery includes conducting one or more safety diagnostic tests on the battery. The method includes measuring an open circuit voltage for each of a plurality of cells in the battery to determine a state of charge of the battery and performing an electrochemical dynamic response test on the battery to derive impedance and lithium transport parameters for each of the cells. The derived impedance and lithium transport parameters are analysed to identify one or more outlier cells in the battery and conducting one or more AC tests on the identified outlier cells to predict a degradation pathway for the cells over the lifetime of the battery. The method includes designating the outlier cells for reuse in a second application or for recycling based on the predicted degradation pathway. The disclosed method is efficient, accurate, and flexible for determining reusability of battery.
C22B 7/00 - Working-up raw materials other than ores, e.g. scrap, to produce non-ferrous metals or compounds thereof
H01M 10/54 - Reclaiming serviceable parts of waste accumulators
G01R 31/385 - Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables
G01R 31/389 - Measuring internal impedance, internal conductance or related variables
G01R 31/392 - Determining battery ageing or deterioration, e.g. state of health
G01R 31/396 - Acquisition or processing of data for testing or for monitoring individual cells or groups of cells within a battery
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
A semiconductor device which comprises a substrate and a plurality of layers of semiconductor material. A primary region is provided which has a primary contact associated therewith. The device includes a secondary region which has first and second secondary contacts associated therewith. A conductive region is provided between the primary and secondary regions. An auxiliary contact is operably coupled to a current source and controls the flow of current through the semiconductor device dependent on temperature.
G01R 15/20 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices
A workpiece (1) is subjected to laser shock peening by the application of a series of high power pulses of a laser beam (2). When incident upon a target area (3) of the surface of the workpiece (1), a plasma (4) is generated. The rapid expansion of the plasma (4) applies a pressure (5) to the workpiece (1). According to the present invention, gas is applied to the target area in order to produce a region of gas (7) having a higher pressure than the ambient environment, thereby confining the plasma (4). Advantageously, this may remove the need for a liquid confinement medium (6). In this embodiment, there is an optional ablative layer (15) disposed on the surface of the workpiece (1).
B23K 26/356 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring for surface treatment by shock processing
B23K 26/14 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor
A wheeled luggage article comprising a pair of complementary shell portions. The shell portions in a closed position cooperate to define an enclosed storage volume. The shell portions further being mutually rotatable about a common link to an open position where ends of the shell portions distal from the common link are spaced apart. The luggage further comprises a flexible bag releasably connectable between the shell portions when in the open position. The bag thereby defines an alternative storage volume between the shell portions. At least one of the shell portions comprises a wheel guard element, comprising a curved wall provided between the interior of the storage volume and part of the rolling surface of the wheel and a lateral wall provided substantially parallel to and between the interior of the storage volume and the frame of the wheel.
A vibration dose measurement apparatus 10 for an operator's hand 1 comprises a sensing assembly 20 connected to a control unit 25. The sensing assembly 20 comprises an accelerometer 21, gyroscope 22, and gripping force sensor 23 and may be packaged within a protective housing (not shown). By monitoring output of the sensor assembly 20, the vibration dose experienced by the hand 1 can be estimated. In the present invention, the provision of gripping force sensor 23 allows for vibration dose measurement to be adjusted based on the output of gripping force sensor 23. This can therefore take into account the force applied by an operator in gripping machinery, which can impact significantly on the effective vibration dose.
A semiconductor device (110) which comprises a substrate (112) and a plurality of layers (113a, 113b) of semiconductor material. A primary region (1114) is provided which has a primary contact (C) associated therewith. The device includes a secondary region (116) which has first (Cl) and second (C2) secondary contacts associated therewith. A conductive region (118) is provided between the primary and secondary regions. An auxiliary contact (A) is operably coupled to a current source and controls the flow of current through the semiconductor device dependent on temperature.
A blood pressure, BP, measurement device. The device comprising: a sensor configured to obtain a pulse measurement from a patient to which the BP measurement device is attached; and a processor. The processor being configured to perform the steps of: (a) receiving the pulse measurement; (b) classifying the pulse measurement as being indicative of one of: a hypotensive BP; a normotensive BP; and a hypertensive BP; (c) selecting an algorithm from a plurality of algorithms, each of the plurality of algorithms being associated with one of: a hypotensive BP; a normotensive BP; and a hypertensive BP, for use in an estimation of a systolic BP, SBP, and a diastolic BP, DBP, of the patient, the selection being based on the result of the classification in step (b); and (d) estimating the SBP and the DBP of the patient using the pulse measurement and the algorithm selected in step (c).
A method for producing a semiconductor device, which includes epitaxially forming a first layer of n-type conductivity on a substrate or on a previously epitaxially formed layer; epitaxially forming a body layer of p-type conductivity on the first layer; and doping a portion of the body layer with a dopant to form a JFET region comprising a region of n-type conductivity within the body layer.
A control system (1) for controlling a plant (2) comprises a feedback loop including an integrator (7); a signal generator (32); and a scaling unit (10). The feedback loop comprises an input suitable for connection to an output (18) of the plant. The integrator integrates a signal received from the input to generate a state signal x. The signal generator generates a periodic base perturbation signal (34) with an initial amplitude. The scaling unit generates a scaling factor (30) having a first value if the variance of the state signal var(x) is zero, or a second value if the variance of the state signal is non-zero, wherein the second value is proportional to (formulae 1) The scaling unit is arranged to multiply (16) the initial amplitude of the periodic base perturbation signal by the scaling factor to produce a state dependent perturbation signal (35, 36), which is applied to an input of the plant.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data
13.
IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ANGLE OF ATTACK SENSING
Cp p p for each sensor (21). Subsequently the processing unit (30) carries out an integration over signals indicative of local pressure along the chord line to enable the determination of a local pressure coefficient and hence the local AOA. In further embodiments, multiple sets (22) of sensors (21) are provided, each set (22) on a different chord line (21). In such embodiments, a global pressure co-efficient can also be calculated with both chordwise and spanwise integration.
A cyclorotor comprising a plurality of rotor blades arranged around a central rotation axis. Each rotor blade has a spanwise axis which is parallel to the rotation axis. At least one blade is provided with pitch adjustment means operable to adjust the pitch of the blade in response to rotation about the rotation axis between: a positive pitch angle with respect to the direction of local fluid flow or desired thrust; a negative pitch angle with respect to the direction of local fluid flow or desired thrust and a transverse pitch angle with respect to the direction of local fluid flow or desired thrust so as to generate positive lift, negative lift or drag as required throughout the rotation cycle.
A vibration dose measurement apparatus (10) for an operator's hand (1) comprises a sensing assembly (20) connected to a control unit (25). The sensing assembly (20) comprises an accelerometer (21), gyroscope (22), and gripping force sensor (23) and may be packaged within a protective housing (not shown). By monitoring output of the sensor assembly (20), the vibration dose experienced by the hand (1) can be estimated. In the present invention, the provision of gripping force sensor (23) allows for vibration dose measurement to be adjusted based on the output of gripping force sensor (23). This can therefore take into account the force applied by an operator in gripping machinery, which can impact significantly on the effective vibration dose.
a, b) and an apparatus on a wheeled vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle, or apparatus, comprises a control system arranged to issue a signal in the event of determining that one or more wheels of the vehicle has lost, or is at risk of losing, frictional contact with a road surface (104). The vehicle, or apparatus, further comprises a gas source arranged to supply a burst of gas upon said signal being issued. At least one gas outlet (112) is connected to said gas source and is arranged to direct said burst of gas so as to clear water and/or debris from the road surface in front of at least one of the wheels.
A Coriolis flow meter (1) is provided that comprises a pair of pipe sections (10), (20) for receiving a fluid flow to be monitored. At least one strain gauge ε comprising an optical fibre grating is coupled to each pipe section (10), (20) for sensing tension or compression of each pipe section independently during vibration. A processing unit (7) receives information from at least one strain gauge ε coupled to each pipe section and compares the signals from the strain gauges ε to provide a measure of the mass flow rate. The processing unit (7) may compare information from the strain gauges ε to provide a measure of the phase angle, and thereby provide a measure of the mass flow rate.
In a method of manufacturing a hollow shelled component for an exhaust system, opposed longitudinal edge regions of a blank (50) of thin-gauge sheet metal are folded out of the plane of the blank in the same direction to produce flanges. The blank is then bent to bring the longitudinal side edge regions together and define a hollow section with the flanges located proximal one another projecting inside the hollow section. Opposed longitudinal side edge regions of the blank are then joined together by welding or brazing to form a longitudinal seam, with the heat source (86) applied to the outside of the hollow section. The method is particularly suitable for forming an exhaust muffler for a vehicle from thin-gauge stainless steel.
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the measurement of a pressure differential across a differential pressure flow meter ΔΡ1 and the line pressure drop due to friction ΔΡf along a length L of pipe. Subsequently, the quantity (formula) is calculated, enabling the inline calculation of multiple properties of the flow. Calculated flow properties include friction factor, Reynolds number, discharge coefficient, density, viscosity, and corrected flowrate. The present invention further relates to a method of calibration of a differential flow meter and a calibration apparatus for a differential flow meter utilising the same principles.
G01F 25/00 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
G01F 1/34 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure
G01F 15/02 - Compensating or correcting for variations in pressure, density, or temperature
User devices (1-4) are each provided with a data connection (20) to a remote server (30) and a beacon transceiver. Device (2) is operable to actively transmit beacon signals including its unique beacon identification code for a limited period. During active transmissions by device (2), devices (1 & 3) are within range of the transmissions and are operable to extract the beacon identification code of the transmitting device (2) and thus directly infer that they are in proximity to the transmitting device (2). The receiving devices (1, 3) communicate with server (30) their own unique beacon identification code and the received beacon identification code of the transmitting device (2). In response, the server (30) communicates details of the transmitting device (2) to the receiving devices (1, 3) and the beacon identification codes of the receiving devices (1, 3) to the transmitting device (2). The transmitting device (2) is thus able to infer the proximity of the receiving devices (1, 3) without the receiving devices (1, 3) having to transmit any beacon signals.
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 4/06 - Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]Services to user groupsOne-way selective calling services
A vehicle (100) comprising a plurality of wheels (106a, b) and an apparatus on a wheeled vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle, or apparatus, comprises a control system arranged to issue a signal in the event of determining that one or more wheels of the vehicle has lost, or is at risk of losing, frictional contact with a road surface (104). The vehicle, or apparatus, further comprises a gas source arranged to supply a burst of gas upon said signal being issued. At least one gas outlet (112) is connected to said gas source and is arranged to direct said burst of gas so as to clear water and/or debris from the road surface in front of at least one of the wheels.
A control system (1) for controlling a plant (2) comprises a feedback loop including an integrator (7); a signal generator (32); and a scaling unit (10). The feedback loop comprises an input suitable for connection to an output (18) of the plant. The integrator integrates a signal received from the input to generate a state signal x. The signal generator generates a periodic base perturbation signal (34) with an initial amplitude. The scaling unit generates a scaling factor (30) having a first value if the variance of the state signal var(x) is zero, or a second value if the variance of the state signal is non-zero, wherein the second value is proportional to (formulae 1) The scaling unit is arranged to multiply (16) the initial amplitude of the periodic base perturbation signal by the scaling factor to produce a state dependent perturbation signal (35, 36), which is applied to an input of the plant.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
The present invention provides for depositing a desired pattern (31) of magnetic material (30) on a non-magnetic substrate (20). Control of the deposition pattern (31) is achieved by use of a magnetised template (10) shaped to correspond to the desired deposition pattern. In use, the template (10) is placed behind the substrate (20). Subsequently, the front surface of the substrate (20) is exposed to a solution containing the magnetic material (30) to be deposited. The magnetic material (30) is attracted to the magnetised template (10) and consequently is deposited in a pattern (31) covering areas corresponding to the shape of the template (10).
C23C 18/16 - Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coatingContact plating by reduction or substitution, i.e. electroless plating
C23C 18/18 - Pretreatment of the material to be coated
C23C 18/20 - Pretreatment of the material to be coated of organic surfaces, e.g. resins
The invention relates to a method for producing an antimicrobial fabric or yarn, said method comprising the steps of immersing a fabric or yarn in an aqueous solution of a metal salt whilst simultaneously subjecting said solution to ultrasonic radiation; and removing the fabric or yarn from said solution and subsequently converting the metal salt in situ in the fabric or yarn into metal oxide nanoparticles, preferably via chemical and heat treatment. Fabrics and yarns obtained or obtainable by such method are also provided. In a further aspect the invention provides an apparatus for performing such method.
D06M 10/00 - Physical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. ultrasonic, corona discharge, irradiation, electric currents or magnetic fieldsPhysical treatment combined with treatment with chemical compounds or elements
D06M 10/02 - Physical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. ultrasonic, corona discharge, irradiation, electric currents or magnetic fieldsPhysical treatment combined with treatment with chemical compounds or elements ultrasonic or sonicCorona discharge
D06M 11/42 - Oxides or hydroxides of copper, silver or gold
D06M 11/44 - Oxides or hydroxides of elements of Groups 2 or 12 of the Periodic TableZincatesCadmates
D06M 16/00 - Biochemical treatment of fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials, e.g. enzymatic
D06B 3/04 - Passing of textile materials through liquids, gases, or vapours to effect treatment, e.g. washing, dyeing, bleaching, sizing, impregnating of yarns, threads, or filaments
D06B 3/10 - Passing of textile materials through liquids, gases, or vapours to effect treatment, e.g. washing, dyeing, bleaching, sizing, impregnating of fabrics
D06B 13/00 - Treatment of textile materials with liquids, gases, or vapours with aid of vibration
D06B 19/00 - Treatment of textile materials by liquids, gases, or vapours, not provided for in groups
D06B 21/00 - Successive treatments of textile materials by liquids, gases or vapours
Exercise apparatus (1) in which a person exercising exerts a force against a movable actuator (6) to which is applied an adjustable force by a load system which resists or assists the movement of the actuator and is connected to the actuator by cables (9). The load system comprises a fixed, longitudinally arranged coaxial series of coil units (15), each coil unit being independently connectible to a source of electric current. The series of coils provides an elongate passage (18), and a shuttle (19) of ferromagnetic material is mounted for relative longitudinal movement within the passage, in response to movement of the actuator. Passage of a current through a coil unit exerts a force on the shuttle when in that coil unit, and is controlled by a microprocessor (22).
A63B 71/00 - Games or sports accessories not covered in groups
A63B 24/00 - Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups
A63B 21/002 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices isometric or isokinetic, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
A63B 21/005 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
A63B 21/062 - User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical array of weights
A63B 21/00 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
A61B 5/11 - Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
A61B 5/22 - ErgometryMeasuring muscular strength or the force of a muscular blow
A63B 22/00 - Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
26.
METHOD OF MANAGING COLLISIONS BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF VEHICLES AND VEHICLE APPLYING SUCH A METHOD
A method of managing collisions, the method comprising: identifying a first crash structure (22) and determining an initial stiffness of the crash structure; determining a level of aggressivity of the collision based on the predicted energy absorption for each vehicle; identifying a first crash structure whose stiffness can be adjusted, and determining a subsequent stiffness value for the crash structure based on the determined amount of energy to be absorbed by each of the vehicles such that the energy absorbed by the crash structure is changed and the level of aggressivity is reduced; and stiffening the first crash structure to the determined stiffness value.
A method of assessing the stability of a wheeled mobility assistance vehicle 1, by determining the position of the centre of gravity of the vehicle. There are arrays load sensors (8, 9, 10, 11) on which the wheels (3, 5) of the vehicle are placed, the sensor arrays providing data sufficient to permit determination of the position of a wheel. The sensor arrays supplying data to data processing means (13) which calculates from that data the load imposed by individual wheels of the vehicle, the positions of those individual wheels and thus distances between the wheels of the vehicle. The distances between wheels and the loads imposed by the wheels of the vehicle are used to determine the position of the centre of gravity of the vehicle.
The invention provides a binder composition comprising: (a) ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), (b) basic oxygen slag (BOS), and (c) an alkaline inorganic waste material selected from by-pass dust (BPD), cement kiln dust (CKD), and mixtures thereof. The use of such a composition as a binder in a concrete mix, concrete mixes comprising such a composition, methods of manufacturing concrete articles, and concrete articles such as paving blocks are also provided.
Exercise apparatus (1) in which a person exercising exerts a force against a movable actuator (6) to which is applied an adjustable force by a load system which resists or assists the movement of the actuator and is connected to the actuator by cables (9). The load system comprises a fixed, longitudinally arranged coaxial series of coil units (15), each coil unit being independently connectible to a source of electric current. The series of coils provides an elongate passage (18), and a shuttle (19) of ferromagnetic material is mounted for relative longitudinal movement within the passage, in response to movement of the actuator. Passage of a current through a coil unit exerts a force on the shuttle when in that coil unit, and is controlled by a microprocessor (22).
A63B 21/002 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices isometric or isokinetic, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
A63B 21/005 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
A63B 21/062 - User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical array of weights
A railway carriage (1) has an interconnection system for coupling the carriage to another carriage and forming a passage between the two carriages, whether the carriages are moving or stationary. An opening (8) at the end of the carriage is provided with an outer door (6), behind which a passage module (7) is mounted. A driving system (22) can extend the passage module through the opening when the outer door is opened, and can retract the passage module. A coupling portion (11) engages with a coupling portion on another railway carriage, there being a driving system (22) for extending the coupling portion away from the end of the carriage and for retracting the coupling portion. An inner door (9) can be moved to as to permit or prevent passage through the passage module. When two carriages are coupled together, the respective passage modules form a passage for a person to pass between the carriages.
An orthotis (1) for the lower leg and foot, comprises a foot portion (3), a calf portion (2) secured around the calf of the patient, and an elongate member (4) connecting the calf portion and the foot portion. Part (A) of the elongate member is deformable resiliently to permit dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. An adjustment mechanism (11, 15) adjusts the resistance to dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and comprises a first adjustment element such as a plate (11) on the front of the elongate member and a second adjustment element such as a plate (15) on the rear of the elongate member. One of the adjustment elements (11) is adjustable to control primarily the resistance to dorsiflexion, and the other of the adjustment elements (15) is adjustable to control primarily the resistance to plantarflexion. Adjustment may be effected by altering the longitudinal position of the plate (11, 15) on the elongate member and/or by changing the plate, using threaded fasteners (14, 18) to secure the plate to the elongate member.
A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
The invention provides an article for use with an animal, particularly a domesticated animal, comprising an antimicrobial agent and a polymer, wherein the antimicrobial agent is a quaternary ammonium compound. More specifically, the invention provides articles, such as grooming tools, for equestrian use which are capable of preventing the spread of diseases such as strangles, ringworm and diseases associated with Mycotoxins such as Fusarium.
A single use, disposable injection device (1, 12) comprises a tube (4) terminating at one end in an outlet, and a flexible bag (2) connected to the other end of the tube and containing a liquid (3) to be injected, such as a dose of a pharmaceutical substance. The tube may be in the form of a hypodermic needle (18) or be attached to such a needle (5). The flexible bag is sealed within an outer flexible container(6), with the space between the container and the bag being filled with a liquid (7) so that compression of the outer container causes hydraulic pressure to be exerted on the inner bag to compress the bag and inject the contents of the bag into a patient. A non-return valve (11) may be provided. The liquid between the bag and the outer container is sterile and non-toxic, such as saline solution. A device (20) may be provided to sever and retain the needle after use.
The present invention relates to methods of screening test substances in order to evaluate their toxic or protective effects on mammalian cells. In particular, the invention relates to the methods of obtaining an indication of the cardiotoxic or cardioprotective effect of a test substance by detecting or measuring the production of mi RNA by mammalian cells which have been contacted with the test substance.
Apparatus (1) for lifting, transporting and lowering a patient (41). A pair of rigid arms (19, 20) pass either side of the patient, terminating in rotatable sling supports (25, 29). A first sling part (30) is connected between one arm (19) and its sling support (25). A second sling part (33) is connected between the other arm (19) and its sling support (29). The sling supports can be moved between first positions in which the sling parts are to the side of the patient, and second positions in which they are behind the patient and form a sling to lift or lower the patient. Lifting or lowering is effected by raising and lowering the arms (19,20). When lifted, the patient can stand on a platform (9) and can be transported by the apparatus, which has wheels (3, 4).
A structural module (10) for use in water irrigation, water drainage, water retention and water filtering systems, comprises a load bearing base unit (10) and porous material (15), wherein the base unit has a top wall (11) and a bottom wall (12) spaced therefrom by one or more supporting elements (13, 20) so as to define a volume between the top and bottom walls. The base unit being provided with apertures (17, 18, 19) to permit the flow of liquid into and out of the volume. The porous material is a block (15) foamed polymeric material which occupies a substantial portion of the volume within the base unit and absorbs and retains water that passes through the apertures.
E04B 1/00 - Constructions in generalStructures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
E04B 1/16 - Structures made from masses, e.g. concrete, cast or similarly formed in situ with or without making use of additional elements, such as permanent forms, sub-structures to be coated with load-bearing material
E04C 1/00 - Building elements of block or other shape for the construction of parts of buildings
E02B 15/00 - Cleaning or keeping clear the surface of open waterApparatus therefor
E02B 11/00 - Drainage of soil, e.g. for agricultural purposes
A01G 9/02 - Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes Glasses for cultivating flowers
A01G 25/00 - Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like
A container (1) for the storage and transport of waste electrical and / or electronic equipment has at least one tray (17) provided with an array (24) of upwardly projecting resilient locating portions. The tray receives relatively small waste equipment such as electric lamps, mobile telephones or the like in a number of different orientations in which the items will occupy spaces between the locating portions and will be gripped by the locating portions.
A structural module (10) for use in water irrigation, water drainage, water retention and water filtering systems, comprises a load bearing base unit (10) and porous material (15), wherein the base unit has a top wall (11) and a bottom wall (12) spaced therefrom by one or more supporting elements (13, 20) so as to define a volume between the top and bottom walls. The base unit being provided with apertures (17, 18, 19) to permit the flow of liquid into and out of the volume. The porous material is a block (15) foamed polymeric material which occupies a substantial portion of the volume within the base unit and absorbs and retains water that passes through the apertures.
Skipping apparatus (1) comprises a rope (5) with handles (3) and (4). Each handle comprises a static part (7; 13) and a rotatable part (8; 14) which is connected to the rope. One of the handles (3) is provided with a sensor comprising a first sensor component (19) on the static part and a second sensor component (20) on the rotatable part, to indicate the angular orientation of the two parts. Lights (6) are arranged at intervals along the rope. The handle (3) includes a controller (17) which stores data for a pattern to be displayed by the lights (6) during skipping. The controller receives a signal from the sensor and controls illumination of the lights (6) at times during a cycle of rotation of the rope so as to display the stored pattern. The other handle (4) contains a battery (11).
In the application, the change in the magnetic state of the haemoglobin caused by the malarial infection is exploited by detecting suitable properties of haemozoin which are dependent on the application of a magnetic field. Figure 1 shows apparatus, shown generally at (10), for performing magneto-optical detection using photo-acoustic techniques. The apparatus (10) comprises a light source (12), producing a beam of optical radiation (14) which passes through a polariser (16), a variable LC retarder (0 or 180° retardance) (18), and a (chopper 20), before impinging on a sample (22) held in a sample holder (24). The sample is in direct contact with an acoustic detector (26). The apparatus (10) further comprises an electromagnet (28), and a Gauss meter (30) can be utilised to measure the applied magnetic field strength. Advantages associated with this approach are the- possibility of making in vivo measurements, and the avoidance of problems of optical scattering associated with conventional optical measurements on turbid liquids such as whole blood.
G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 5/1455 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
41.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR EARTH MOVING AND WORKING APPARATUS
A control system (1) for earth moving or working apparatus (14) such as an excavator comprises a first control arm (4), a second control arm (10) and an end member (12), pivotally connected to as to emulate the working arms (16, 17) and bucket (18) of the excavator. The first and second control arms (4, 10) are provided with handles (8, 11) projecting laterally outwards in opposite directions so that the positions of the first and second control arms can be altered by a user. The handle (11) on the second control arm (10) can also be twisted to control movement of the end member (12). These movements are translated into control of hydraulic actuators (18, 19, 20) for controlling the working arms (16, 17) and bucket (18) of the excavator. The control arms (4,10) can be moved to a position in which the handles (8, 11) are axially aligned, for steering of the excavator (14) during transit. The control system (1) maybe detachable from the excavator (14). Haptic feedback may be provided.
A dishwasher (1) has a compartment (13; 14) which can be divided into wet and dry sections by a movable separator (19; 19'). The position of the separator is detected, and when a wash cycle is commenced, water is supplied only to the wet section, which contains items to be washed. Water is supplied through multiple rotary water jets (17) distributed in the compartment, and in the wash cycle only those in the wet section are activated. In some arrangements an effective seal is provided between the sections so that items can be stored in the dry section.
A vibration dose measurement apparatus (10) for an operator's hand (1) comprises a sensing assembly (20) connected to a control unit (25). The sensing assembly (20) comprises an accelerometer (21), gyroscope (22), and gripping force sensor (23) and may be packaged within a protective housing (not shown). By monitoring output of the sensor assembly (20), the vibration dose experienced by the hand (1) can be estimated. In the present invention, the provision of gripping force sensor (23) allows for vibration dose measurement to be adjusted based on the output of gripping force sensor (23). This can therefore take into account the force applied by an operator in gripping machinery, which can impact significantly on the effective vibration dose.
Exercise apparatus (1) in which a person exercising exerts a force against a movable actuator (6) to which is applied an adjustable force by a load system which resists or assists the movement of the actuator and is connected to the actuator by cables (9). The load system comprises a fixed, longitudinally arranged coaxial series of coil units (15), each coil unit being independently connectible to a source of electric current. The series of coils provides an elongate passage (18), and a shuttle (19) of ferromagnetic material is mounted for relative longitudinal movement within the passage, in response to movement of the actuator. Passage of a current through a coil unit exerts a force on the shuttle when in that coil unit, and is controlled by a microprocessor (22).
A63B 21/002 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices isometric or isokinetic, i.e. substantial force variation without substantial muscle motion
A63B 21/005 - Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
A63B 23/00 - Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
A63B 24/00 - Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups
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