Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a composite sandwich structure. The method comprises the steps of: providing a base lay-up on a surface, wherein the base lay-up comprises a first reinforcement material layer; providing a core layer on to the base lay-up, wherein the core layer comprises an open cellular structure and wherein the open cellular structure is at least partially filled with unbound particles; providing a top lay-up on top of the core layer, wherein the top lay-up comprises a second reinforcement material layer; sealing the arrangement within a hermetically sealed enclosure; introducing matrix material into the arrangement via the at least one conduit through a pressure differential; and curing the matrix material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite sandwich base panel for a Unit Load Device. The panel comprises an upper surface layer comprising fibre reinforcement material, a lower surface layer comprising fibre reinforcement material, and a central core section where at least the majority comprises a plurality of particles bound in a matrix material. The upper surface layer and lower surface layer are provided with a matrix material to bind them to the central core section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite sandwich base panel for a Unit Load Device. The panel comprises an upper surface layer comprising fibre reinforcement material, a lower surface layer comprising fibre reinforcement material, and a central core section where at least the majority comprises a plurality of particles bound in a matrix material. The upper surface layer and lower surface layer are provided with a matrix material to bind them to the central core section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a composite sandwich structure. The method comprises the steps of: providing a base lay-up on a surface, wherein the base lay-up comprises a first reinforcement material layer; providing a core layer on to the base lay-up, wherein the core layer comprises an open cellular structure and wherein the open cellular structure is at least partially filled with unbound particles; providing a top lay-up on top of the core layer, wherein the top lay-up comprises a second reinforcement material layer; sealing the arrangement within a hermetically sealed enclosure; introducing matrix material into the arrangement via the at least one conduit through a pressure differential; and curing the matrix material.

Abstract: An IM nail is positioned within a medullary canal and secured in position by bone screws. The nail includes bores which engage insert assemblies and engage the screws. Each insert assembly is in two parts. Part includes a head and a narrower neck; and similarly, part includes a head and a narrower neck. A bore extends through the assembly from one side to the other. Part of the assembly is engaged with a nail by insertion into the nail via mouth; and part is engaged with the nail by insertion into the nail via mouth. When in position the parts abut one another and define bore which can receive screws. The nail is made from a polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/carbon fibre composite. Parts of the insert assemblies are produced separately from the nail. They may be produced by injection moulding a polymeric composition comprising PEEK and barium sulphate.

Abstract: A system for managing bar or restaurant tabs includes a payment card storage apparatus, such as a carousel, to receive and store payment cards under computer control, and a payment card reader to read identifying information from the payment cards that are to be stored in the payment card storage apparatus. The system permits a server to conveniently receive and store a payment card to secure a patron's tab, and then return it to the patron at the time the tab is closed and paid out. An associated point-of-sale system displays tab information and a list of names of those patrons having open tabs. A particular patron's card can be returned from the payment card storage apparatus by selecting the patron's tab from the list. The system may further be applied in any situation in which a debt or obligation can be secured by the possession of a personally-identifiable token that has, holds or permits access to value.

Abstract: A system for managing bar or restaurant tabs includes a payment card storage apparatus, such as a carousel, to receive and store payment cards under computer control, and a payment card reader to read identifying information from the payment cards that are to be stored in the payment card storage apparatus. The system permits a server to conveniently receive and store a payment card to secure a patron's tab, and then return it to the patron at the time the tab is closed and paid out. An associated point-of-sale system displays tab information and a list of names of those patrons having open tabs. A particular patron's card can be returned from the payment card storage apparatus by selecting the patron's tab from the list. The system may further be applied in any situation in which a debt or obligation can be secured by the possession of a personally-identifiable token that has, holds or permits access to value.

Abstract: An insulated elastic cover that slips snuggly over interior or exterior door knob. It is constructed in a manner that allows locking and unlocking actions, as well as the ability to turn the door knob. Invention takes advantage of state-of-the-art materials to maximize insulating properties while minimizing bulk. Additionally, material is impregnated with anti-bacteriological medium that destroys hand-borne bacteria transferred from hand to door knob.

Abstract: A road gully or inspection cover assembly comprises an outer frame having an upstanding outer wall and integrally formed support structure extending inwardly of the lower regions of the outer wall over part at least of the peripheral extent of the outer wall, a first temporary inner frame for location within the outer frame, the outer frame and the first temporary inner frame co-operating to support a cover for the assembly in a first, lowermost position associated with the base course level of the road, and a second inner frame which, on removal of the first inner frame from within the outer frame, can be located within the outer frame to support the cover at a higher position associated with the wearing course level of the road.

Abstract: A road gully or inspection cover assembly comprises an outer frame having an upstanding outer wall and integrally formed support means extending inwardly of the lower regions of the outer wall over part at least of the peripheral extent of said outer wall, a first temporary inner frame for location within the outer frame, the outer frame and the first temporary inner frame co-operating to support a cover for the assembly in a first, lowermost position associated with the base course level of the road, and a second inner frame which, on removal of the first inner frame from within the outer frame, can be located within the outer frame to support the cover at a higher position associated with the wearing course level of the road.

Abstract: A parking brake system for use on a railway car includes an actuator which is adapted to be attached to a service brake actuating lever arm of the railway car and to receive a flow of non-compressible holding liquid from a reservoir through a first valve unit. The first valve unit permits the liquid to freely flow to and from the actuator in a first position and only permits flow of the liquid towards the actuator in a second position. With this arrangement, movement of the service brake actuating lever arm automatically causes the actuator to be supplied with holding liquid from the reservoir, which liquid can be selectively retained by shifting of the first valve unit to the second position. Furthermore in accordance with the invention, the actuator can be shifted by supplying pressurized holding liquid thereto through the use of a motor driven pump circuit including a pressurizable reservoir.