Abstract:
A spinal traction device (50) comprises a collar (52) adapted to fit snugly around a user's neck, the collar (52) comprising a pair of elongate collar members (56) which respectively pass around both side of the user's neck and provide a grip against the user's neck and posterior jaw. A suspension means (58) is provided for suspending the collar (52) from a secure anchor point above the user's head. In use, when the user wears the collar (52) around their neck, and allows at least part of their body weight to be suspended by the collar (52) from the anchor point, the device (50) can apply traction to the user's spine.
Abstract:
A needle (10) for a surgical instrument for removal of diseased or unwanted tissue comprises a hollow elongate needle shaft (12) having a needle tip (14) for cutting tissue at a distal end of the needle shaft (12). The needle tip (14) is flared in at least one plane and has a flattened posterior lip (16) and a curved anterior lip (18) to produce a substantially D-shaped tip mouth (20) in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis C-O-C' (the needle axis) of the needle (10). A major axis A-A' of the tip mouth (20) is larger than an outer diameter of the needle shaft 12 and a minor axis B-B' is smaller than the major axis A-A'. The asymmetry of the tip mouth provides improved cutting action during phacoemulsification.
Abstract:
A vessel stabiliser control system (12) includes a sensor fault detection means (16) which senses the availability of sensing signals from a gyrostabiliser precession motion sensor (10) and a vessel roll motion sensor (14). The control system (12) controls the action of a gyro-actuator (8) which is mechanically coupled to a gyrostabiliser (4). The benefit of employing fault sensing of the sensors providing the process control variables is that the sensed number of available process control variables (or sensors) can be used to activate a tiered system of control modes. Each tiered control mode is designed to utilise the available process control variables to ensure safe and effective operation of the gyrostabiliser (4) that is tolerant of sensor faults and loss of power supply. A control mode selector (18) is provided for selecting the appropriate control mode based on the number of available process control variables.
Abstract:
A radio activated danger warning system in the form of a radio activated bush fire warning system (10) comprising transmitting means (12) for transmitting a coded signal to a plurality of geographical zones (14), each zone (14) having a unique code assigned to it. The radio activated bush fire warning system (10) further comprises a plurality of receiving means (22) in the geographical zones (14) for receiving the coded signal and generating an alarm to warn of the approach of a fire. Each of the receiving means (22) advantageously includes a GPS receiver and a comparing means whereby, in use, it can obtain its current GPS coordinates and compare them with the GPS coordinates of the danger zone. In use, only those receiving means (22) located in the danger zone and receiving coded signals with the unique code assigned to that zone will generate an alarm.
Abstract:
A tube closure device (50) is disclosed for screw-threaded engagement with the threaded end (14) of a tube (12) containing an adhesive or other chemical substance, the tube (12) being in the form of a relatively rigid cylinder of the kind employed in an adhesive gun or applicator. The tube closure device (50) is adapted to seal the threaded end (14) of the tube (12) after use to substantially prevent the ingress of air and hence preserve the contents of the tube (12) for later reuse. The tube closure device (50) is preferably in the form of a cap provided with a sealing means (56) having an internal surface (58) adapted to protrude into an open end of the tube so as to engage with the contents of the tube (12) and form an air-tight seal.
Abstract:
A buoyancy device (70) comprises a flotation body (72) designed to give the (5) buoyancy device (70) sufficient buoyancy to act as a life buoy for people to hold onto in the water during an emergency. The buoyancy device includes handles. The buoyancy device (70) includes a storage compartment (74) provided in connection with the flotation body (72) for housing rescue equipment or safety equipment. The storage compartment (74) of this embodiment takes the form of a tray (76). The tray (76, 10) is provided with a lid (78) which is used to cover the tray and maintain the contents securely inside. The lid (78) is preferably coupled to the tray (76) by a tether (79). The tray (76) is provided with a web of flexible material (104) which forms a satchel with several pockets of various sizes, for storing a variety of safety devices, including flares (106, EPIRB 108), etc. The satchel can be (15) rolled-up and stowed in the tray (76) ready for use in an emergency situation. An additional embodiment is provided whereby the flotation body comprises two parts that are slidably received by the handles such that the two parts can move between a contracted and an expanded condition allowing access to the storage compartment.
Abstract:
A fire sprinkler system (19) for a domestic dwelling (18), the system comprising a water supply line (12) connected to a water authority water meter (14) located remote from the dwelling. The system also comprises a connector (28) having an inlet (26) in connection with the water supply line (12) and a first outlet (30) and a second outlet (32). A conduit is arranged in a loop conduit (34) running from the first outlet (30) of the connector (28) to the second outlet (32), at least a portion of the loop running adjacent a ceiling of the dwelling (18). A plurality of sprinklers (36) is mounted in the ceiling in connection with the loop (34), wherein the connector (28) is located remote from the dwelling between the dwelling (18) and the water authority meter (14).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a product of integrated cellulose and fibrous materials. The method comprises the steps of blending cellulose particles and polymeric fibres into a cellulose and polymeric fibre blend. The blend is heated to a temperature at which the polymeric fibres begin to melt and to bond with the cellulose particles, so as to form a product of integrated cellulose and fibrous materials. An apparatus (10) for the method comprises a first conveying means (12), a second conveying means (34), a blending means (40) and a heating means (56). The apparatus further comprises a primary shredder (14) and a secondary shredder (20) for shredding the cellulose material, typically recycled newsprint, prior to mixing with the polymeric fibrous material. A shredder is also described.
Abstract:
A gardening tool (40) comprising an elongate handle (42) and a head portion (44). The head portion (44) comprises a receiving means (62) for receiving an end (43) of the handle (42). A curved blade member (46) extends outwardly from the receiving means (62). A pronged portion (52) also extends outwardly from the receiving means (62) and generally oppositely to the blade member (46). The pronged portion (52) has three prongs (54) spaced apart and generally in parallel. Each prong (54) has a bifurcated pointed tip (56) for assisting in engaging soil and vegetation.
Abstract:
An inflatable food carrier case (10) formed of flexible plastics material has an outer wall (11a) and inner wall (11b) to create an inflatable air chamber there between. Upon inflation of the air chamber the case (10) provides protection for the enclosed item(s) of food, such as fruit. There may be a semi-rigid rim (12) to provide structure to the body of the case. The case (10) is formed in two halves (13a) and (13b) joined together via a hinge (16). Air inlets/outlets are provided across the hinge (16) to allow air to flow into other air chambers. A valve (18) is provided in the outer wall (11a) for inflation. An attachment device (17) is provided for a clip or similar device (17a) to enable attachment to another article.