Abstract:
An ultrasound waveguide that is attachable to an ultrasound probe so as to identify a target area on a target object. The ultrasound waveguide has an ultrasound transducer coupling means that allows an ultrasound signal to be transmitted through a guide means. The ultrasound waveguide also has a positioning means for positioning the guide means in relation to the target area on the target object. The guide means is provided with a channel that provides a discontinuity within the guide means that causes a discontinuity in the ultrasound signal emitted by the probe. The presence of this discontinuity allow for proper alignment of the ultrasound waveguide with the target object.
Abstract:
A light source (1, 23) that is ideal for use within a scanning microscope (10, 28) is described. The light source (1) comprises a laser source (2) coupled to a photonic crystal fibre (5) so as to generate a continuum spectrum from the fibre (5). Thereafter, selection apparatus, such as a bandpass filter (7) or a grating (24), is employed to select a wavelength range of the generated continuum spectrum. By matching the wavelength range to the peak absorption wavelengths of a particular fluorophore makes the light source ideal for use with the scanning microscope e.g. a confocal laser scanning microscope (10), a multiphoton laser scanning microscope or a fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope (28).
Abstract:
An improved method for reducing the viscosity of crude oil is described. In particular, an improved method of reducing the viscosity of different types of crude oil over a range of temperatures is demonstrated. This viscosity reduction effect is achieved by introducing additives containing polyvinyl alcohols (PVA) to the crude oil. The resulting dispersion mixture not only shows enhanced mobility, but also facilitates the recovery of the original crude oil.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the dispensing of flowable agents from a dispenser designed to be located on the wrist or arm of a user. The dispenser may be filled with a flowable agent such as an alcohol based cleaning gel, and is capable of ergonomically dispensing the flowable agent in multiple controlled amounts. Embodiments are described that allow a user to movably locate such a dispenser on the arm, as well as dispensing fluid in a continuous motion without the need for valves. The dispensers are flexible and intended to facilitate repeated hand disinfection in environments such as hospital wards.
Abstract:
A nozzle for use with a pressurised water source as typically used in the offshore environment. The nozzle attaches to a hose or fixed work pipe installation and provides a channel through a body, on which is arranged a frusto-conical fluid deflector. Fluid flowing along the channel may impinge upon the fluid deflector and may travel along a surface of the deflector and out of the nozzle in a jet. Various embodiments are described for varying the width of the channel at the deflector to adjusting, a characteristic of the jet and for providing self-cleaning of the nozzle. Further a central channel is described which allows an additional nozzle to be included as are sensors which determine pressure, temperature and the like in the nozzle.
Abstract:
A milking system and method for identifying problems in individual milking stations or teat cups within a milking parlour. Liners used within the cups are tagged and following use, the inner surface of liners are inspected. From an examination of the inner surface a score is determined, the score being indicative of one or more problems associated with the teat cup or milking station on which the liner was used. Corrective measures can then be implemented on the individual station and thus maintain the udder health of the animal and the quantity and quality of milk production.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for the dynamic deployment of functionality in software agents. The agent which represents a person's identity, is adapted to dock with a dockable module which includes a method means for performing a function. The agent allo has an intermodule communication means for mapping a request from a requesting module to the method means in the dockable module. The invention provides efficient dynamic changes of modules in an agent and the capability to decouple modules in such a way that both data exchange and method calls can be executed without prior knowledge of anticipated functionality.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for adapting an information carrying signal (25, 26) is described. The method involves the controllable introducing of sub-pulses (17, 18, 19 and 20) to the data pulses of an information carrying signal (25) which effectively allows the controllable removal of energy from the information carrying signal (25). The method and apparatus can be readily employed within a transmitter (2) of a communication system so as to overcome signal impairment effects within the system or to act as a frequency bandpass filter. The invention has particular application as an equalisation element in the field of fibre optic communications networks so as to counteract dispersion and other complex signal impairments
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device and method for controlling and optimising or otherwise manipulating the characteristics of interaction between short biological polymers on solid supports to applied ligands. In particular, it relates to devices and methods of producing said devices comprising specific oligonucleotides on a solid support. More specifically it relates to the use of spacer molecules.
Abstract:
A material which can be used as a substitute for ordinary glass comprises a blend of a rigid and normally brittle amorphous thermoplastic material with one or more compatible low molecular weight resins. The material when broken, breaks into fragments which are not sharp and do not injure. A container having improved safety characteristics can be manufactured from the material and has many characteristics similar to an ordinary glass bottle - i.e. clarity, rigidity and brittleness. However when broken, the bottle shatters into fragments which are harmless and cannot be used to cut or pierce human skin.