Abstract: A nozzle check valve comprises a valve body (10) and a nozzle (20) centrally arranged within the upstream end of valve body (10), a fluid channel (90) is defined by the outer face of the nozzle (20) and the inner face of the valve body (10). A guide bush (60) is mounted on a nozzle axial extension (26) and an annular disc (30) comprising a disc sealing ring (31) connected to a central barrel (32,33) by a plurality of webs (34) is mounted on the guide bush (60) for axial movement of the annular disc (30) relative to the valve body to open and close the fluid channel (90). A spacer (80) is arranged on the nozzle axial extension (26) downstream of the guide bush (60) and a diffuser (40) is arranged on the downstream side of the spacer (80). A spring (50) between the annular disc (30) and the diffuser (40) urges the disc towards the valve closed position.

Abstract: Fire extinguisher apparatus comprising at least one vessel containing a fire extinguishing medium and adapted to release said fire extinguishing medium when a fire or potential fire is identified characterised in that said fire extinguishing medium comprises an aqueous suspension of expanded vermiculite.

Abstract: An actuatable axial piston valve comprising a gear system to transform linear movement from an actuator to linear movement of the valve piston wherein said gear system comprises racks (2,3) and at least one idler pinion (1).

Abstract: A spray paint with fire resistant and/or fire retardant properties comprises an aqueous suspension of fine expanded vermiculite particles wherein the vermiculite particles are from a mixture of chemically exfoliated vermiculite preferably about 75 to 99% by weight and thermally exfoliated vermiculite preferably about 1% to 25% by weight. The spray paint preferably has a viscosity as measured on a Brookfield test machine, number 6 bob at 20 rpm of 5,500 to 10,000 cps.

Abstract: An actuatable axial piston valve comprising a gear system to transform linear movement from an actuator to linear movement of the valve piston wherein said gear system comprises racks (2,3) and at least one idler pinion (1).

Abstract: A nozzle check valve comprises a valve body (10) and a nozzle (20) centrally arranged within the upstream end of valve body (10), a fluid channel (90) is defined by the outer face of the nozzle (20) and the inner face of the valve body (10). A guide bush (60) is mounted on a nozzle axial extension (26) and an annular disc (30) comprising a disc sealing ring (31) connected to a central barrel (32,33) by a plurality of webs (34) is mounted on the guide bush (60) for axial movement of the annular disc (30) relative to the valve body to open and close the fluid channel (90). A spacer (80) is arranged on the nozzle axial extension (26) downstream of the guide bush (60) and a diffuser (40) is arranged on the downstream side of the spacer (80). A spring (50) between the annular disc (30) and the diffuser (40) urges the disc towards the valve closed position.

Abstract: A method of mitigating against thermal contraction induced cracking during casting of a super Ni alloy, the method comprising: pouring liquid alloy into a mould such that liquid alloy is present in a feeder of said mould; and inducing an electrical current in alloy in said feeder to reduce a rate of cooling of alloy in said feeder.

Abstract: A method of mitigating against thermal contraction induced cracking during casting of a super Ni alloy, the method comprising: pouring liquid alloy into a mould such that liquid alloy is present in a feeder of said mould; and inducing an electrical current in alloy in said feeder to reduce a rate of cooling of alloy in said feeder.