Abstract: A system for measuring the depth of tread of a tyre (5) on a wheel (2) of a vehicle (1) whilst the wheel is rotating and moving along the ground. A camera (3) captures images whilst the tyre rotates for at least the major part of its circumference. Light sources (L1 to L4) are spaced longitudinally and are directed at an acute angle to the path of the tyre, to illuminate the tyre whilst images are captured. The images are analysed by data processing apparatus (8) and the tread depth is determined from the length of shadows (12, 13) in the gaps (11) between tread blocks (10). The light sources are activated and de-activated sequentially in accordance with signals from longitudinally spaced sensors (S1 to S4) which detect the presence of the tyre, so that when an image is captured of a portion of the tyre tread, only one light source is activated to illuminate that portion of the tyre tread.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a filter component is provided. The dispenser comprises a housing (2) defining an exit orifice (5) and a rod (3) at least partially disposed within the housing. The rod has a first end face (301), and the rod is movable between a retracted position in which the first end face of the rod is fully disposed within the housing, and an extended position in which the first end face of the rod is disposed outside the housing. When the rod is moved between the retracted position and the extended position, the first end face (301) of the rod passes through the exit orifice (5).

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a filter component is provided. The dispenser comprises a housing (2) defining an exit orifice (5) and a rod (3) at least partially disposed within the housing. The rod has a first end face (301), and the rod is movable between a retracted position in which the first end face of the rod is fully disposed within the housing, and an extended position in which the first end face of the rod is disposed outside the housing. When the rod is moved between the retracted position and the extended position, the first end face (301) of the rod passes through the exit orifice (5).

Abstract: A cartridge for preparation of a beverage is provided which is sealed prior to use and contains one or more beverage ingredients. The cartridge comprises: a body defining a beverage ingredient chamber containing the one or more beverage ingredients; a first filter defining an exit from the beverage ingredient chamber; a second filter downstream of, and spaced apart from, the first filter; and a flow constriction downstream of the second filter, such that in use beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients passes, in order, through the first filter, the second filter and the flow constriction.

Abstract: A system for measuring the depth of tread of a tyre (5) on a wheel (2) of a vehicle (1) whilst the wheel is rotating and moving along the ground. A camera (3) captures images whilst the tyre rotates for at least the major part of its circumference. Light sources (L1 to L4) are spaced longitudinally and are directed at an acute angle to the path of the tyre, to illuminate the tyre whilst images are captured. The images are analysed by data processing apparatus (8) and the tread depth is determined from the length of shadows (12, 13) in the gaps (11) between tread blocks (10). The light sources are activated and de-activated sequentially in accordance with signals from longitudinally spaced sensors (S1 to S4) which detect the presence of the tyre, so that when an image is captured of a portion of the tyre tread, only one light source is activated to illuminate that portion of the tyre tread.

Abstract: A phased-array antenna that includes a photonic beamformer is disclosed. In some embodiments, a front stage of electrical-domain processing applies a 16-to-1 signal-combination ratio, a single stage of photonic beamforming applies a 4-to-1 signal-combination ratio, and a passive, electrical-domain, signal combiner applies a 32-to-1 signal-combination ratio.