Abstract: A system for the calcination of powder materials comprising a plurality of vertical reactor tubes in which a falling powder is heated about a heating zone by radiation from the externally heated walls of the reactor tubes, in which the calcination process of the powder may be a reaction which liberates a gas, or induces a phase change; wherein the average velocity of the particles of falling powder during its transit through the reactor tubes is 1.0 m/s or less; the powder material flux for each tube is preferably in the range of 0.5-1 kg m-2 s-1, and wherein the length of the heating zone is in the range of 10 to 35 m.

Abstract: A process for producing a cathode or anode material adapted for use in the manufacture of fast rechargeable ion batteries. The process may include the steps of Selecting an precursor material that, upon heating in a gas stream, releases volatile compounds to create porous materials to generate a material compound suitable for an electrode in an ion battery. Grinding the precursor material to produce a powder of particles with a first predetermined particle size distribution to form a precursor powder. Calcining the precursor powder in a flash calciner reactor segment with a first process gas at a first temperature to produce a porous particle material suitable for an electrode in an ion battery, and having the pore properties, surface area and nanoscale structures for applications in such batteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seamless gearbox, particularly for motorcycles, which is mechanically operated e.g. by the rider's foot. The input shaft of the seamless gearbox of the present invention is split into two elements, each of them is connected to the “next” or “previous” gear, that are linked via the system to the torque input (e.g. clutch). The system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows, via mechanical functionality only, to select only the appropriate of the two elements to transmit torque, based on relative speed between the two elements, and avoiding (for safety reasons) to have simultaneous torque transmission to both elements at the same time.

Abstract: A formulation for a coating for applications on maritime infrastructure or vessels to inhibit fouling and corrosion that comprises: (a) a nano-active material; and (b) a polymer binder; and (c) additives which include pigments, booster antifoulants, booster anticorrosion materials, solvents, polymerisation activators, viscosity modifiers and fillers, where the nano-active material, the binder and additives provide the coating with the desired most desirable properties of antifoul, anticorrosion, adhesion, and strength, required for the coating application.

Abstract: A method and system for producing nano-active powder materials. The method can be used with a reactor system comprising stages in which input particles flow under gravity progressively through stages of the reactor. A powder injector first stage in which ground input precursor powder is injected into the reactor. An externally heated preheater stage may be in the reactor, in which the precursor powder is heated to a temperature of calcination reaction. An externally heated calciner stage in the reactor, in which primary precursor volatile constituents can be rapidly removed calcination reactions as a high purity gas stream to produce the desired nano-active product. A post-processing reactor stage in which there is a change of the gas stream composition to produce the desired hot powder product by virtue of the nano-activity of the first powder material. A powder ejector stage in which the hot powder product is ejected from the reactor.

Abstract: A process for producing a cathode or anode material adapted for use in the manufacture of fast rechargeable ion batteries. The process may include the steps of Selecting an precursor material that, upon heating in a gas stream, releases volatile compounds to create porous materials to generate a material compound suitable for an electrode in an ion battery. Grinding the precursor material to produce a powder of particles with a first predetermined particle size distribution to form a precursor powder. Calcining the precursor powder in a flash calciner reactor segment with a first process gas at a first temperature to produce a porous particle material suitable for an electrode in an ion battery, and having the pore properties, surface area and nanoscale structures for applications in such batteries.

Abstract: A method and system for producing nano-active powder materials. The method can be used with a reactor system comprising stages in which input particles flow under gravity progressively through stages of the reactor. A powder injector first stage in which ground input precursor powder is injected into the reactor. An externally heated preheater stage may be in the reactor, in which the precursor powder is heated to a temperature of calcination reaction. An externally heated calciner stage in the reactor, in which primary precursor volatile constituents can be rapidly removed calcination reactions as a high purity gas stream to produce the desired nano-active product. A post-processing reactor stage in which there is a change of the gas stream composition to produce the desired hot powder product by virtue of the nano-activity of the first powder material. A powder ejector stage in which the hot powder product is ejected from the reactor.

Abstract: A method and system for producing nano-active powder materials. The method can be used with a reactor system comprising stages in which input particles flow under gravity progressively through stages of the reactor. A powder injector first stage in which ground input precursor powder is injected into the reactor. An externally heated preheater stage may be in the reactor, in which the precursor powder is heated to a temperature of calcination reaction. An externally heated calciner stage in the reactor, in which primary precursor volatile constituents can be rapidly removed calcination reactions as a high purity gas stream to produce the desired nano-active product. A post-processing reactor stage in which there is a change of the gas stream composition to produce the desired hot powder product by virtue of the nano-activity of the first powder material. A powder ejector stage in which the hot powder product is ejected from the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seamless gearbox, particularly for motorcycles, which is mechanically operated e.g. by the rider's foot. The input shaft of the seamless gearbox of the present invention is split into two elements, each of them is connected to the “next” or “previous” gear, that are linked via the system to the torque input (e.g. clutch). The system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows, via mechanical functionality only, to select only the appropriate of the two elements to transmit torque, based on relative speed between the two elements, and avoiding (for safety reasons) to have simultaneous torque transmission to both elements at the same time.

Abstract: A formulation of a pathogen inhibitor or probiotic as a slurry concentrate of a hydrated metal oxide for applications in agriculture, aquaculture, and as an antibiotic in which the bioactivity, when applied by dilution, is controlled by a precursor of Reactive Oxygen Species, and the release rate is controlled by the particle size. The invention may include a means whereby the precursor concentration may be controlled to meet the requirements of the ecosystem, from the maintenance of an aerobic system, to killing pathogenic, anaerobic microbes, or producing sterile ecosystems. In addition, the metal oxide may be selected to provide essential nutrients for growth of the agricultural or aquacultural products.

Abstract: A method and system for producing nano-active powder materials. The method can be used with a reactor system comprising stages in which input particles flow under gravity progressively through stages of the reactor. A powder injector first stage in which ground input precursor powder is injected into the reactor. An externally heated preheater stage may be in the reactor, in which the precursor powder is heated to a temperature of calcination reaction. An externally heated calciner stage in the reactor, in which primary precursor volatile constituents can be rapidly removed calcination reactions as a high purity gas stream to produce the desired nano-active product. A post-processing reactor stage in which there is a change of the gas stream composition to produce the desired hot powder product by virtue of the nano-activity of the first powder material. A powder ejector stage in which the hot powder product is ejected from the reactor.

Abstract: A formulation of a pathogen inhibitor or probiotic as a slurry concentrate of a hydrated metal oxide for applications in agriculture, aquaculture, and as an anti antibiotic in which the bioactivity, when applied by dilution, is controlled by a precursor of Reactive Oxygen Species, and the release rate is controlled by the particle size. The invention may include a means whereby the precursor concentration may be controlled to meet the requirements of the ecosystem, from the maintenance of an aerobic system, to killing pathogenic, anaerobic microbes, or producing sterile ecosystems. In addition, the metal oxide may be selected to provide essential nutrients for growth of the agricultural or aquacultural products.

Abstract: Speech messages as user feedback audio signals in electrical/electronic apparatus are more informative to users and better at holding their attention. However, in telecommunications equipment involving transmission of data or signals over a link that has finite capacity, speech messages as user feedback audio signals are considered undesirable due to their deleterious effect on transmission link capacity. In such equipment, user feedback audio signals normally comprise generic beeps consisting of single tones or a short series of discreet tones. The invention provides a method of providing plural signals as user feedback audio signals in telecommunications equipment where the total structure of the feedback signals encapsulates the underlying speech rhythms ie prosodic patterns of corresponding speech messages. In a digital system, the bit size of user feedback signals in accordance with the invention are no greater than those for the generic beeps presently employed.

Abstract: An audio amplifier system is provided comprising a variable gain amplifier adapted to receive an input signal, means for detecting periods when the input signal falls below a predetermined level, and sound transducer means arranged to provide a signal proportional to the sound level in the area or part thereof covered by the system for controlling the gain of the amplifier. An inhibitor is provided which is arranged to be controlled by the detecting means so as to prevent any change of the gain of the variable gain amplifier except during periods when the input signal falls below the said predetermined level.

Abstract: An audio amplifier system is provided comprising a variable gain amplifier adapted to receive an input signal, means for detecting periods when the input signal falls below a predetermined level, and sound transducer means arranged to provide a signal proportional to the sound level in the area or part thereof covered by the system for controlling the gain of the amplifier. An inhibitor is provided which is arranged to be controlled by the detecting means so as to prevent any change of the gain of the variable gain amplifier except during periods when the input signal falls below the said predetermined level.