Abstract:
A two stage method (10) for the recovery of nickel and other metals from nickel bearing laterite ore, sulphide ore, oxide ore or concentrate (14), and nickel sulphide ore or tailings (24) is described. The method (10) in a first stage leach (20) comprises the steps of: adding nitric acid (16) to the nickel bearing laterite ore, sulphide ore, oxide ore or concentrate (14) to form a 1st stage leach slurry (18); and, treating the slurry to allow at least partial oxidation of the ore or concentrate to form a 1st stage treated slurry (22). A second stage leach (28) in the method (10) comprises the steps of: adding nickel sulphide ore or sulphide tailings 24 to the 1st stage treated slurry (22); treating the slurry to form a 2nd stage treated slurry (26); and recovering nickel and other metals from the 2nd stage treated slurry (26).
Abstract:
A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide structure (10) for nano-lasers or optical amplifiers is described. The structure (20) comprises a substrate (12) on which are supported first and second metal layers (14) and (16) which form electrical contacts for the waveguide. A narrow ridge of low-band gap semiconductor core (18), which forms the optical gain material, is sandwiched between the two metal layers (14) and (16). The semiconductor core (18) is surrounded on both sides by a low refractive index material (19) which is also sandwiched between the two metal layers (14) and (16). First and second layers of thin higher-band gap doped semiconductor material (15) and (17) are provided between the respective first and second metal layers (14) and (16) and the low-band gap semiconductor core (18) and the low refractive index material (19). The optical mode that propagates down this waveguide is localised in the centre of the waveguide structure where the narrow ridge of low-band gap semiconductor core (18) is.
Abstract:
A method (10) for the recovery of solid magnesium sulphate from a process solution (12) containing dissolved magnesium sulphate. The method comprises concentrating the process solution (12) using membrane filtration (16) to form a concentrated process solution, and treating the concentrated process solution to precipitate solid magnesium sulphate.
Abstract:
An emergency anchor release system (70) comprises a release (mechanism 12) for releasing an emergency anchor (74) when it is activated so that the anchor (74) falls into the water under the force of gravity. The system (70) includes an electronically operated activating means (76) mechanically coupled to the release mechanism (72) for activating the release (mechanism 72) upon receipt of an activation signal. A remotely operated control (means 18) is also provided, for sending an activation signal to the activating (means 76) in the event of an emergency so that the emergency anchor (74) can be remotely released.
Abstract:
A device (10) for making kebabs comprises an elongate, hollow mould (12) for forming a food substance (54) into a kebab. The mould (12) has a mouth (14) at one end for receiving the food substance (54) and an aperture (16) at the other end for receiving a stick or skewer (18) on which the food substance (54) can be supported. The device (10) further comprises a plunger (40) adapted to be received in the mouth (14) of the mould (12) for pressing the food substance into the hollow interior of the mould. Advantageously the hollow mould (12) comprises two halves (12a) and (12b) which can be opened to remove the formed kebab (60) supported on the stick (18).
Abstract:
A mirror adjusting device (10) comprises an electric motor (12) for moving a truck mirror (14). The electric motor is one of a pair of motors provided in a biaxial motor unit (12). A gearbox (18) is mechanically coupled to the motor (12) and adapted to be mechanically coupled to the truck mirror (14) so as to adjust the plane in which the mirror (14) lies. The device (10) is adapted to adjust the plane in which the mirror (14) lies in first and second substantially orthogonal directions. An electronic controller (26) is operatively connected to the motor unit (12) for controlling the motor speed. A remote control means (28) permits the controller (26) to be operated remotely from within a driver's cabin of the truck on which the mirror (14) is mounted.
Abstract:
A campfire (70) comprising a receptacle (72) for receiving combustible material having an open upper end (74). There are a plurality of openings (82) in the receptacle (72) at different distances from the upper end (74). The campfire comprises a support member (84) having an end portion (88) on which a cooking vessel (86) can be supported. The end portion (88) of the support member (84) can be received in any one of the openings (82) such that the end portion (88) extends across the interior of the receptacle (72).
Abstract:
A specimen container (50) comprises a receptacle or body (52) having an opening (54) to receive a liquid sample. The container (50) comprises a handle (56) which extends from an outer surface (58) of the body (52), the handle 56 being pivotable through a pivotal connection (66) relative to the body (52) to an extended position as shown.
Abstract:
A wine rack module (10) comprises a first end member (12) having a first aperture for receiving a wine bottle, a second end member (14), and an elongate base (16) on which the wine bottle rests in use. The first and second end members (12 and 14) are generally square in shape and are connected to respective first and second ends of the base (16). The first and second end members are pivotable relative to the base (16) between a first position in which the first and second end members (12 and 14) extend generally parallel to the base (16), and a second position in which the first and second end members (12 and 14) extend generally perpendicular to the base (16). The wine rack module (10) is designed to be connected to one or more adjacent wine rack modules in order to form a wine rack.
Abstract:
A wave energy system (10) having a primary buoy (14) coupled to a tether (16), the tether (16) being anchored in such a manner as to provide resistance to upward movement of the buoy. In one form of the invention the buoy (14) is anchored to a support platform (12) via the tether (16). A portion of the tether (16) is wound onto a first drive wheel (18) mounted on the support platform (12). In use, the first drive wheel (18) is driven in a first direction during upwards movement of the buoy (14) as the tether (16) unwinds, and in a second opposite direction during downwards movement of the buoy (14). A drive shaft (26) is connected to the first drive wheel (18). The rotational movement of the drive shaft (26) drives a hydraulic pump (28) to deliver pressurised fluid to an accumulator module (30). Hydraulic lines (37) provide pressurised hydraulic fluid from the accumulator (30) to drive a hydraulic motor (39). The hydraulic motor (39) in turn drives an electric generator (40) which creates electrical energy for delivery to an onshore location by power lines (44).