Abstract:
The invention relates to a comparison system. The system includes a database (20) in which is saved registration information of suppliers. The system includes an information update arrangement (24, 26) which is configured to receive and save product information from a subset of the suppliers. The system further has an interface arrangement which includes at least one webserver (38) which hosts a mobile-enabled online user interface via which users can submit enquiries from mobile communication devices which relate to products which the suppliers offer.
Abstract:
A method and system for determining the attendance of an individual at a location includes storing, in a memory, the identification of an individual and a mobile device associated with the individual, and a plurality of geographic locations at which a health related activity is undertaken by the individual. Examples of these could be gyms. A message is received including an identity of a mobile device and location data identifying the location of the mobile device. These are used to comparing the received location data against a plurality of stored locations to determine if the mobile device has entered one of the plurality of geographic locations. The individual is then awarded with points for entering into the geographic location.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a wall support strap which is typically used to provide localised support to the hanging wall or roof, or other wall of a mine working. The strap (10) of the invention has several tendons (12) which are held together in spaced apart, generally parallel relationship by means of spaced apart, generally parallel strap members (14) which extend transversely to the tendons. At least some of the strap members each comprise a generally fiat, elongate strip (16) formed with longitudinally extending slits (18, 30) at longitudinally spaced apart slit positions. Strap material (20, 30) on one side of the slit is deformed, in a direction transverse to the length of the strip, relative to strip material (22, 32) on the other side of the slit so as to define openings (26) in the strip through which the tendons pass.
Abstract:
A system and method for calibrating a camera includes an energy source and a camera to be calibrated, with at least one of the energy source and the camera being mounted on a mechanical actuator so that it is movable relative to the other. A processor is connected to the energy source, the mechanical actuator and the camera and is programmed to control the mechanical actuator to move at least one of the energy source and the camera relative to the other through a plurality of discrete points on a calibration target pattern. The processor further, at each of the discrete points, controls the camera to take a digital image and perform a lens distortion characterisation on each image. A focal length of the camera is determined including any lens connected to the camera and an extrinsic camera position for each image is then determined.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for treating a fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical chamber of non-magnetic material for holding a volume of fluid to be treated. The fluid contains a quantity of magnetic particles, preferably nanoparticles, having desired properties for treating the fluid. The apparatus includes a magnetic field generator for creating a non-static magnetic field within the chamber, thereby to induce motion in the magnetic particles within the chamber in use. The chamber has an inlet through which fluid to be treated can be introduced, and an outlet through which treated fluid can be removed from the chamber. Sets of windings are disposed concentrically about the chamber and arranged to create a rotating magnetic field within the chamber. Preferably the rotating magnetic field rotates in the opposite sense to swirling rotation of the fluid in the chamber. This enhances contact between the nanoparticles and the fluid to be treated.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a heating apparatus and to a gas distributor for use in the heating apparatus. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a pre-heater for heating material prior to being conveyed to a smelting process, and to a heating gas distributor used in such heating apparatus. The heating gas distributor comprises an enclosure having a gas inlet arrangement and a gas outlet arrangement. The enclosure includes an operatively upper zone and an operatively lower zone, with the gas outlet arrangement provided in the operatively lower zone. The operatively lower zone is of a downwardly tapering configuration.
Abstract:
This invention relates to an anti-backlash arrangement for use with a gear drive assembly, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an anti- backlash arrangement for use with an internal combustion engine for a propeller-driven airplane. The anti-backlash arrangement includes a transmission gear comprising a disc with gear teeth projecting radially outwardly therefrom, and a backlash gear comprising a disc with gear teeth projecting radially outwardly therefrom; the transmission gear and the backlash gear being of substantially the same dimensions, and being co- axially located adjacent on another. The anti-backlash arrangement is characterized in that the backlash gear is angularly displaceable relative to the transmission gear between an offset position, in which the gears of the backlash gear is at least partially offset relative to the gears of the transmission gear, and an aligned position in which the gears of the backlash gear is at least partially aligned relative to the gears of the transmission gear, with the backlash gear being biased towards the offset position.
Abstract:
A method and system for obtaining identification information from a mobile communication device are disclosed. The system includes an electromagnetically shielded enclosure with a door through which a mobile communication device such as a mobile telephone can be inserted into the enclosure. An antenna is located within the enclosure. Conventional base station communication apparatus is provided, and communicates with the mobile communication device via the antenna within the enclosure to obtain identification information from the mobile communication device, without transmitting disruptive signals outside the enclosure. The system includes data storage for storing the identification information, which is used to identify a client in a transaction with a merchant.
Abstract:
A process for the tetramerisation of ethylene under solution phase conditions is carried out in the presence of an activated catalyst at a temperature above 80°C and up to a temperature of about 130°C. The activated catalyst is provided by combining a source of chromium, a ligating compound, which ligating compound includes at least one fluorine substituted hydrocarbyl group, organoheteryl group, or heterohydrocarbyl group, and optionally a catalyst activator or combination of catalyst activators.
Abstract:
According to this invention there is provided an aqueous oxidizer solution containing a mixture of dissolved oxidizing salts, for use in the preparation of explosives formulations, which a crystallization point as low as below 0°C. The solution has a water content of 25% by mass or less and contains ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate wherein the ratio of the the molar concentration of ammonium nitrate to calcium nitrate is preferably approximately 1. When the water content of the solution is 24% by mass or less, the solution further contains monomethylammonium nitrate. This solution can be used for manufacturing watergel explosives, or emulsion explosives or ANE's (ammonium nitrate emulsion suspension or gel explosives). It can be easily transported underground in deep level mines through relatively small diameter pipelines, using existing access ways and shafts, to the working places at which point it can then be converted into a watergel or emulsion explosive or an ANE.