Abstract:
In one arrangement there is provided a method (100) of stabilising an oscillating motion of a structure (102), by opposing a disturbance torque (104) producing the oscillating motion. The method (100) uses a gyro-stabiliser (106) mounted on the structure. At block (108), the method (100) includes sensing the induced precession of the gyro-stabiliser 106 about its precession axis as the structure (102) oscillates. At block (110), the method (100) includes actively controlling the precession of the gyro-stabiliser (106) by applying a braking torque. Actively controlling the precession comprises uses solely the sensed precession as a variable. Other arrangements are provided.
Abstract:
A map distance calculator (40) comprises a linear scale (42) that can be used to measure a specified distance on a map such as, for example, a scaled map of a golf course. The map distance calculator (40) includes a double logarithmic scale (44) that can be moved relative to the linear scale (42) to easily calibrate the calculator (40) to a scaled map. The linear scale (42) is printed on a substantially planar base member in the form of a rectangular sleeve (member 46). A first part (48) of the double logarithmic scale (44) is printed on a sliding member (50) that is slidably coupled to the sleeve member (46). The sleeve member (46) is formed with an elongate window (52) in its upper face extending adjacent to and parallel with the linear scale (42). A second part (54) of the double logarithmic scale (44) is printed along an edge of the window (52). The map distance calculator (40) can be used on a map with a unique scale and subsequently used to directly read off the actual distance.
Abstract:
A fastening system (60) for fastening a flexible web material, such as shade cloth, to a structure comprises an elongate fastening member (62) having a substantially cylindrical portion (64). The substantially cylindrical portion (64) is mounted spaced apart from a surface of the structure to facilitate securing of the flexible web material to the fastening member. The space between the substantially cylindrical portion (64) and the surface of the structure is filled with a skirt (72). A retaining member (74) is positioned over the substantially cylindrical portion (64) for securing the flexible web material on the fastening member (62). The fastening system allows for easy replacement of damaged or worn shade cloth, and allows for re-use of the existing fastening system for positioning of new shade cloth.
Abstract:
A device for leveling and/or stabilizing tables and the like using a downward force and the force of gravity to adjust the position of a first and second member that can be engaged or released by a pivot means which engages with teeth on the first member into a lock position.
Abstract:
A floating containment boom (10) for containing oil and other pollutants on the surface of a body of water. The boom (10) comprises a plurality of floats (12) arranged serially in connection with an elongate, flexible, tension member (14). Each float (12) is spaced apart from an adjacent float (12). The boom (10) further comprises an elongate containment skirt (16) made from a flexible, polymer plastics material. The skirt (16) is mechanically coupled to, and supported in a vertical orientation on the water surface by, the floats (12). The skirt (16) has a plurality of flexing sections (18) folded in concertina fashion, the flexing sections (18) being located in the spaces between the floats (12). The tension members (14) and the containment skirt (16) are terminated at each end by a respective buoy (30). The boom (10) is able to flex in both horizontal and vertical directions so as to more effectively provide containment in varying wave conditions.
Abstract:
A process (10) for producing food-grade lupin bran is described. The process (10) comprises the steps of separating (14) the lupin hulls (18) from the seed kernels (16) and milling (20) the lupin hulls to from lupin bran (22) with a particle size of between 10-4000 micrometers. A high-fibre food product (42) made from a dry ingredient mix (24) comprising 1-50% by weight of food-grade lupin bran (22) is also described.
Abstract:
A golf ball collecting device (10) comprises a cup (12) adapted to successfully hold a golf ball (22) therein. The cup (12) incorporates a metal disc (14) of magnetic material to enable the device to be attached by magnetic force to the end of a golf club (16). In this manner the golf club (16) with the device (10) attached thereto can be used to retrieve a golf ball (22) from ground level without having to bend down. The golf ball (22) can be gripped by the device (10) by aiming the cup (12) at the golf ball and pressing on it slightly, thus allowing the golfer to easily retrieve the ball (22) without having to bend over or kneel and risk straining their knees or back. The device (10) can be quickly and easily attached to the golf club (16) by means of a second metal disc (20) attached to the handle grip (18), and just as quickly and easily removed after the golf ball has been retrieved.
Abstract:
A core tray (10) for carrying a plurality of core samples, the core tray comprising a plurality of hollow elongate channels (12) arranged side by side in a rectangular array (14), each channel (12) in the array being adapted to receive a core sample therein. The plurality of channels (12) are joined side by side to form a substantially rigid tray structure. The core tray (10) also comprises an upper perimeter lip (20) provided about an upper perimeter of the tray structure wherein, in use, when a second similar core tray is stacked on top of the core tray (10) a portion of a base of the second core tray rests on and is supported by the upper perimeter lip (20) of the core tray.
Abstract:
A stemming plug (10) for stemming a blast hole in a mine comprises an elongate sleeve (12) of porous material having a first inner join line (14) and a second outer join line (16). The inner join line (14) is made of water-soluble material and defining a first diameter of the sleeve (12) which is smaller than. a second diameter defined by the second join line (16) and which is adapted to be received in a blast hole. The porous sleeve (12) contains a volume of dry grout material (18) in particulate form. When the plug (10) is immersed in water it dissolves the first inner join line and mixes with the grout material (18) to form a paste which can squeeze through the porous sleeve when the plug is tamped into the drill hole. The porous sleeve (12) is now free to expand towards the second diameter as the plug is tamped and in this way the stemming plug (10) can be used to block the blast hole once the grout material (18) cures.
Abstract:
A mobile plastics extrusion plant (10) for manufacturing an extruded plastics product in a remote location. The mobile plant (10) comprises the following components: a transportable container (16) for storing raw plastics material prior to extrusion, and a transportable extruded product forming assembly in the form of a die and former assembly (12) for forming an extruded plastics product from the raw plastics material. The mobile extrusion plant (10) further comprises a transportable delivery system (18) for delivering the raw plastics material from the transportable container (16) to the die and former assembly (12) whereby, in use, the entire plant can be transported to a remote location and operated to manufacture an extruded plastics product.