Abstract: The present invention relates to protecting a human from an infection using a disinfecting agent as described herein and a method for use thereof, more particularly to a rare earth-containing device for protecting a wound and a method for use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protecting a human from an infection using a disinfecting agent as described herein and a method for use thereof, more particularly to a rare earth-containing device for protecting a wound and a method for use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the removal of one or more selected target materials from various streams using a rare earth metal-containing fixing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a playmate and also a toy which includes a playmate and articles to be placed thereon in play. The playmat includes at least a portion, more typically a layer, of a magnetic or magnetically attractive material such as a metalised compound. The articles include magnetic or magnetically attractive material therein such that when the child brings the article into proximity with the playmate a magnetic field is created which acts to retain the article in position where placed by the child. The article is retained at that location until the child exerts a movement force on the article to overcome the magnetic force.

Abstract: A high-speed digital camera system and method for processing high-speed image data is claimed. The method comprises generating images with at least 3×105 pixels at greater than 200 frames-per-second with an image sensor, downloading an image from the image sensor; defining an area of interest in the downloaded image comprising a plurality of adjacent pixels in the image in which an event of interest is expected to occur, defining at least one threshold level for all pixels in the plurality; uploading the defined threshold level to a processor in the camera, retrieving pixel data in real time from the image sensor, and comparing within the camera the pixel data retrieved in real time from the image sensor to the defined threshold levels. A trigger is set when the threshold levels are exceeded and the camera records the event of interest and stores it in camera memory for outputting to a remote computer.

Abstract: A high-speed digital camera system and method for processing high-speed image data is claimed. The method comprises generating images with at least 3×105 pixels at greater than 60 frames-per-second with an image sensor, downloading an image; defining an area of interest in the downloaded image comprising a plurality of adjacent pixels in which an event of interest is expected to occur, defining at least one threshold level for all pixels in the plurality; uploading the defined threshold level to a processor, retrieving pixel data in real time from the image sensor, and comparing the pixel data to the defined threshold levels. A trigger is set when the threshold levels are exceeded and the camera records the event of interest and stores it in camera memory for outputting to a remote computer.

Abstract: A hydraulic shape memory material force converter is provided comprising a shape memory material. The force converter utilizes hydraulic units and a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic unit is changed from a first position to a second position when the shape memory material, connected at one end to one end of the hydraulic unit and its other to a fixed point or a second end of the hydraulic unit, changes from a martensitic to an austenitic state upon heating. The hydraulic fluid responds to the movement of the hydraulic unit by moving from the hydraulic unit to a receiving device, which receiving device performs work due to the motion of the hydraulic fluid. Upon cooling the shape memory material to change it from the austenitic state back to the martensitic state, the hydraulic unit returns to its original position, with a biasing means being provided to return the hydraulic unit to its rest position.

Abstract: A hydraulic shape memory alloy actuator is provided comprising a uniaxial shape memory alloy wire constructed of Nitinol. The actuator utilizes a pair of hydraulic cylinders in fluid communication with each other, each cylinder containing a hydraulic piston. The first hydraulic piston is moved from a first position to a second position when the wire, connected at one end to the piston and its other to a fixed point, changes from a martensitic to an austenitic state upon heating. The second hydraulic piston responds to the movement of the first hydraulic piston by moving from a rest position to an operating position. Upon cooling the wire to change it from the austenitic state back to the martensitic state, the first piston returns to its original position, with a biasing means being provided to return the second piston to its rest position.

Abstract: Process for the gas extraction of soluble constituents of coal which comprises heating the coal in the presence of an extractor to a terminal temperature of 400.degree.C. to 550.degree.C. where the extractant at the terminal temperature is in the gas phase to extract the soluble constituents from the coal and separating the extractant from the residue and recovering the extract from the extractant. The heating of the coal in the presence of an extractant is at an initial rate of 20.degree.C. per minute and preferably as fast as possible to an initial temperature of 370.degree.C. to 390.degree.C. preferably 380.degree.C. and thereafter heating the coal to a terminal temperature at a rate not more than 20.degree.C. per minute and preferably below 5.degree.C. per minute thereby minimizing secondary repolymerization reactions.