Abstract: A microfluidic connector (1) comprises an enclosure (6, 7), a fluidic inlet port (2) and a fluidic outlet port (3), in the enclosure, in which the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) are movable with respect to each other, for example, mutual spacing between the inlet and outlet ports (2, 3) is variable. A port (2) is in a fixed part (6) of the enclosure, and another port (3) is in a part (7) of the enclosure which slides with respect to the fixed part. There may be multiple inlet ports (22, 23) and/or multiple outlet ports (24, 25). Also, there may be an auxiliary port (45) for introduction of fluid into the enclosure (47, 48) or removal of fluid from the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a polymer, employing the steps of: (1) contacting a free radical initiator; a chain transfer agent containing a thiocarbonyl thio group and a free radical leaving group; and a radically polymerisable monomer, to form a polymer chain; and (2) contacting the polymer chain of step (1) with at least one of a polyvalent coupling agent, a polymerization inhibitor, a grafting acylating agent, an amine and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further provides compositions and uses for the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of constructing liquid bridges and methods of forming predetermined combinations of samples using liquid bridges.

Abstract: A method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a representation of the geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising generating a first model of said surveyed region by fitting data predicted by said first model to said measured data for a specified frequency range; predicting full range potential field data for all measured frequencies using said generated first model; comparing said full range predicted data to said measured potential field data to provide full range residual data representing a difference between the full range predicted data and the full range measured data, and interpreting said full range residual data to provide a representation of said geology of said surveyed region.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved techniques for processing potential field measurement data from airborne surveys such as gravity surveys, and to improved techniques for data acquisition which are enabled by the improved data processing techniques.

Abstract: An additive composition comprises a Mannich reaction product of a) a polyisobutylene (PIB) alkylated hydroxyaromatic compound, b) an aldehyde, and c) an amine containing at least one reactive amino group where the PIB is derived from a conventional PIB and a high vinylidene PIB. A fuel additive concentrate composition, a fuel composition, and a method to reduce deposit formation in a fuel system of an internal combustion engine employ the additive composition that comprises the Mannich reaction product which is unexpectedly effective in reducing deposits. A PIB alkylated hydroxyaromatic compound, that is prepared from a mixture of high vinylidene and conventional PIBs, is both a functional additive and an intermediate to a functional additive and the process to prepare it involves running the alkylation reaction at 5 to 40° C.

Abstract: A slide fastener is provided. A pair of coupling elements provided along adjacent edges of a pair of fastener tapes. A slider is configured to engage or separate the pair of coupling elements with or from each other. An end stop is secured to the pair of fastener tapes at an end portion of the pair of coupling elements. The pair of coupling elements are secured to each other at one region of the end portion of the pair of coupling elements. The one region extends between a rear end portion of a diamond of the slider and a base portion of the slider in a state where the base portion of the slider comes in contact with the end stop.

Abstract: We describe a method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a three-dimensional representation of the underlying geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising: inputting terrain-corrected potential field data for said surveyed region, said potential field data comprising data for a range of spatial wavelengths, geological features at different depths in said surveyed region being associated with different wavelengths in said range of wavelengths; filtering said potential field data by spatial wavelength to generate a first plurality of filtered sets of potential field data, each relating to a respective wavelength or range of wavelengths, each targeting geological features at a different respective said depth; processing each said filtered set of potential field data, to identify a set of spatial features comprising one or both of line spatial features and point spatial features in each

Abstract: A real time detector system for monitoring ram alignment in a can bodymaker measures ram (10) position immediately before and during impact with the dome forming station (1). Displacement measurements of the ram enable the user to adjust dome (1) position or otherwise correct ram (10) alignment and avoid multiple can failures.

Abstract: The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an oil of lubricating viscosity and a hydrogenated copolymer of an olefin block and vinyl aromatic block, wherein the copolymer is optionally functionalized. The invention further provides a method for preparing a hydrogenated copolymer; and the use of the lubricating composition.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program code for terrain correction for geophysical surveys, in particular potential field surveys. A method of terrain correction for a geophysical survey involves capturing a multi- or hyperspectral image of a region to be surveyed; determining a surface geological composition of the surveyed region using the captured image multi- or hyperspectral image; determining terrain correction data for the geophysical survey using the determined surface geological composition; and using the terrain correction data for performing the terrain correction for the geophysical survey.

Abstract: A bridge (30) comprises a first inlet port (31) at the end of a capillary, a narrower second inlet port (32) which is an end of a capillary, an outlet port (33) which is an end of a capillary, and a chamber (34) for silicone oil. The oil is density-matched with the reactor droplets such that a neutrally buoyant environment is created within the chamber (34). The oil within the chamber is continuously replenished by the oil separating the reactor droplets. This causes the droplets to assume a stable capillary-suspended spherical form upon entering the chamber (34). The spherical shape grows until large enough to span the gap between the ports, forming an axisymmetric liquid bridge. The introduction of a second droplet from the second inlet port (32) causes the formation of an unstable funicular bridge that quickly ruptures from the, finer, second inlet port (32), and the droplets combine at the liquid bridge (30).

Abstract: A readily burstable slide fastener 1 for an inflatable device, such as a lifejacket 101?, comprises a first stringer 3, a second stringer 5 and a slider 19 slidably mounted on the second stringer 5. At a weakened region 23 along the slide fastener 1 coupling elements 15 are omitted from each of the stringers 3, 5 so that when a bursting force is applied to this region 23 the coupling elements 15 adjacent thereto are disengaged. Coupling elements 15 are omitted from the top of the first stringer 3 so that when the slider 19 is at the top of the coupling elements 15 of the second stringer 5, the first stringer 3 can disengage from the slider 19. When the slide fastener 1 is fitted to an inflatable lifejacket 101?, the stringers 3, 5 are separated completely when the lifejacket 101? is inflated.

Abstract: A zip fastener comprises a pair of tapes and coupling elements along adjacent edges of the tapes. The tapes are partly cut away to form a gap into which an end stop is moulded. The end stop is provided so as to extend along the tape edges away from the fastener coupling elements.

Abstract: A multi-port liquid bridge (1) adds aqueous phase droplets (10) in an enveloping oil phase carrier liquid (11) to a draft channel (4, 6). A chamber (3) links four ports, and it is permanently full of oil (11) when in use. Oil phase is fed in a draft flow from an inlet port (4) and exits through a draft exit port (6) and a compensating flow port (7). The oil carrier and the sample droplets (3) (“aqueous phase”) flow through the inlet port (5) with an equivalent fluid flow subtracted through the compensating port (7). The ports of the bridge (1) are formed by the ends of capillaries held in position in plastics housings. The phases are density matched to create an environment where gravitational forces are negligible. This results in droplets (10) adopting spherical forms when suspended from capillary tube tips. Furthermore, the equality of mass flow is equal to the equality of volume flow.

Abstract: The use of alkoxylates and nitrogen containing detergents in a fuel additive composition to prevent intake valve sticking and reduce intake valve deposits.

Abstract: A well servicing tool storage system for subsea well intervention is disclosed which provides a tool storage means as part of the intervention system and which has a plurality of tool storage arms deployed around the tool storage means. Each arm has a clamp capable of clamping a tool, and moving the clamped tool between a stored position near the perimeter of the tool storage means, and a deployed position in the centre of the tool storage means where the tool can be made up into a wireline connection.

Abstract: A multi-port liquid bridge (1) adds aqueous phase droplets (10) in an enveloping oil phase carrier liquid (11) to a draft channel (4, 6). A chamber (3) links four ports, and it is permanently full of oil (11) when in use. Oil phase is fed in a draft flow from an inlet port (4) and exits through a draft exit port (6) and a compensating flow port (7). The oil carrier and the sample droplets (3) (“aqueous phase”) flow through the inlet port (5) with an equivalent fluid flow subtracted through the compensating port (7). The ports of the bridge (1) are formed by the ends of capillaries held in position in plastics housings. The phases are density matched to create an environment where gravitational forces are negligible. This results in droplets (10) adopting spherical forms when suspended from capillary tube tips. Furthermore, the equality of mass flow is equal to the equality of volume flow.

Abstract: A connecting assembly (14) comprises a first connector (10) defining a profiled portion (16) and a second connector (12) comprising a coupling member (18) adapted to be translated to selectively engage with the profiled portion (16) of the first connector (10). The assembly (14) also comprises a supporting member (20) adapted to be translated to selectively secure said coupling member (18) in engagement with the profiled portion (16) of the first connector (10). Drive means (21) is contained within one of the first and second connectors (10, 12) and is adapted to translate the supporting member (20). One disclosed use of the connecting assembly (14) is in a wellbore tool deployment system.

Abstract: A device for the transmission of electrical energy includes at least one current converter. Each current converter has phase elements with respective arrangements of circuit elements that comprise at least two switchable power semiconductors each and at least two free-wheeling diodes, each connected in parallel thereto, and energy storing means. The transfer properties in or between power distribution networks are improved with the novel device. The device is provided with means for controlling the current converter in such a manner that the zero crossing, the amplitude and/or the instantaneous values of an alternating current of a transfer network that can be connected to the device and/or the direct current of a direct current line that connects at least one current converter to a direct current source, and/or the direct voltage and the direct current of at least three interconnected current converters can be controlled.