Abstract: Disclosed is a thermo-mechanical actuator (100) comprising a piezo¬electric module (110), the piezo-electric module comprising at least one piezo-electric element (120), wherein the thermo-mechanical actuator is configured to: receive a thermal actuation signal (132) for controlling a thermal behaviour of the piezo-electric module, or provide a thermal sensing signal (132) representative of a thermal state of the piezo-electric module, and, wherein the thermo-mechanical actuator is configured to: receive a mechanical actuation (134) signal for controlling a mechanical behaviour of the piezo-electric module, or provide a mechanical sensing signal (134) representative of a mechanical state of the piezo-electric module.

Abstract: A coating composition resistant to heat, flame and molten metal when applied as coating to a substrate. The composition includes an elastomeric binder and a particulate filler dispersed in the binder. The filler comprises particles of high aspect ratio in two dimensions relative to a third that co-operate when in a coating to provide a barrier within the binder. Also disclosed are an assembly comprising a substrate with a coating thereon, a fabric assembly resistant to spills and splashes of molten metal and a flame resistant building product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing a contaminant from groundwater wherein it is not necessary for groundwater to be extracted from the soil. To that end, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) a biologically active layer (2) is applied on or in the soil b) the contaminated groundwater is contacted with the biologically active layer (2). The contaminant is converted in the biologically active layer. The biologically active layer (2) may be applied discontinuously. The contaminated groundwater may be contacted with the biologically active layer with the aid of for example a gas.

Abstract: Antenna systems, in particular but not exclusively, for use in base transceiver stations of wireless telecommunication networks. Specifically, the present invention combines two or more wide-beam antennas to generate relatively narrow beams and can be used in any sectorized wireless network such as, but not limited to, GSM, CDMA, TDMA and UMTS. Illustratively, two electrically separated beams, creating two electrically separated sectors, can be formed with both beams having characteristics of a combined antenna but advantageously generated using only half the number of separate antennas than conventionally taught to achieve the same beam width for each sector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telecommunications radio system for mobile communication services. More specifically, the invention relates to covering large sectorized areas for mobile communication services.

Abstract: A yarn is spun by dividing a traveling fiber assembly into a plurality of fiber sub-assemblies, causing the sub-assemblies to traverse different paths and then recombining them, wherein the paths are sufficiently proximate for fibers to continuously transfer from one or more of the sub-assemblies and be drawn onto or into another or other sub-assemblies. Also disclosed is a method for forming a yarn comprising twisting a plurality of fiber sub-assemblies together at a convergence point to form a fiber assembly being a yarn, and further including cyclically altering the relative twist propagation in and/or into the sub-assemblies upstream of the convergence point. Still further disclosed are alternative methods involving cyclic variation of paths traversed by the sub-assemblies, and cyclic alteration of the relative positions of the sub-assemblies. Apparatus is described for carrying out each method.

Abstract: A positive interlocking arrangement between two container parts connected pivotably by a joint essentially consists of circular edges in side walls of one part of the container and grooves which are provided in the circular edges and which are engaged by counter-pieces on the other container part which are in the form of sloping surfaces or steps. The container parts can be separated only in the region of a predetermined angle of rotation, in particular in the vicinity of the closed position of the container. Provisions for limiting rotation can advantageously be combined with the interlocking devices. The positive interlocking arrangement can be used for any container which consists of rectangular molded components essentially connected pivotably to one another.