Abstract: A pole extractor having a base and a hydraulically operable cylinder and ram assembly. The base is coupled to an attachment means to define a slot for accepting a mobile positioning device. The cylinder and ram assembly have a proximal end coupling said assembly to the base. The ram has a distal end remote from the base, which has a connecting means to accept a holding means. In use, the holding means releasably holds a pole. The cylinder and ram assembly has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to communicate with an actuating means that controls extension of the ram within the cylinder, which in turn extracts the pole. In use, a pole is choked to the ram and the ram is actuated in order to extract the pole from a substrate.

Abstract: The Roll Defect Management Process (RDMP) is a system which is designed to manage, track and evaluate all mill rolls found in use in the hot and cold production of flat rolled metal strip. The RDMP is capable of detection, distinction and differentiation of various defects found in the mill roll using a nondestructive inspection system for generating variable amplitude output voltage signals corresponding to changes in physical properties found in a mill roll and defines corrective action for each roll type, mill, stand and position. The disposition and corrective actions of the RDMP are automated and dependent on the determination of various thresholds identified by roll, mill and stand.

Abstract: A compact, closure panel prop assembly incorporating a spring activated locking pin which automatically engages a closure panel prop when the closure panel is elevated to a predetermined height. The prop assembly is designed to work in unison with a closure panel hinge, which is fixed to the closure panel and associated body in such a manner that it allows for the opening of the closure panel covering an opening in the body.

Abstract: A method and computer program for determining the amounts of desulphurizing reagents required to reduce the sulphur content in hot metal to meet a specified aim concentration. The determination of the amounts of reagents is based on a multivariate statistical model of the process. This model is initially based on a set of representative data from the process including all process parameters for which data are available. These parameters include chemistry-type variables and variables representing the state of operation of the desulphurization process. The use of a plurality of process and chemistry variables provides a more advantageous determination of the reagent quantities. Also, the method includes an adaptation scheme whereby new data are used to automatically update the predictive model so that the optimality of the model is maintained. Other features of the system include optimal handling of missing data, and data and model validation schemes.

Abstract: A precast concrete slab for forming a deck in a bridge superstructure has a chamfer on forward and trailing edges so that adjacent slabs can mate. The slab is reinforced with bars which protrude laterally from the slab on opposite sides and which, in use, extend over support beams. Selected bars are formed in a castellated shape of which inverted U-shaped portions extend above the surface of the precast concrete slab. Conveniently, the U-shaped portions anchor a concrete topping which is poured over the slabs at a bridge site and also provide locations for hooking a crane used to transport the slab at a site.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a continuous caster in which a multivariate statistical model is developed using off-line measurements of process parameters representing normal operation of the continuous caster. On-line process parameters are measured in real time to determine if the caster operation is normal by calculating test statistics on vectors calculated using the multivariate statistical model with input from the on-line process parameters. The method may advantageously be used to predict breakouts in a continuous caster and allows an operator to take corrective action to avoid such breakouts. Corrective action may also be taken automatically.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an intubation set is provided having an improved connector between the tube and a probe. In a preferred embodiment, the connector includes a deformable sleeve which at one end receives an end of the tube and at the other end is tapered to converge on the probe where it is permanently attached. The tube contains a solid insert which can be set in a compound such as silicone rubber and the sleeve is deformed radially inwardly to trap part of the tube containing the insert thereby locking the tube to the sleeve and hence to the probe. A method of making the intubation set is also provided. The invention also provides an improved intubation set for use in intubating the canaliculi without probing a healthy nasolacrimal duct.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for transverse connection of a drainpipe to a concrete sewer pipe of larger relative diameter. The coupling has a hollow, longitudinally extending cylindrical body with first and second ends and interior and exterior surfaces. The body has an external locating shoulder, on the exterior surface, integral with the body and extending outwardly therefrom. The external locating shoulder limits penetration of the coupling in an opening in a sidewall of the concrete pipe. The body also has an internal groove on the interior surface, located at a same longitudinal spacing as the external locating shoulder. The internal groove receives an internal sealing ring for creating a seal between the drainpipe and the body when the drainpipe is inserted.

Abstract: A slipper having a sole and a foot covering that transforms into a toy play character by coupling the sole to the foot covering. The toy character may take the form of an animal, a human figure, or an imaginary, or abstract character, or other object. The transforming slipper toy may be made of plush material. Conveniently, the sole is coupled to the foot covering using Velcro®, button or snap fasteners, hooks, a zipper® or string. The sole may also have a pocket for receiving a heel portion of the sole whereby the sole and the foot covering are united.

Abstract: A fruit removal assembly forming part of a mobile fruit harvester has a single motor for orbiting two pairs of oppositely disposed panels to which are mounted a plurality of longitudinally extending fingers which penetrate a fruit tree canopy and dislodge fruit. The motor is coupled to the panels by a mechanical drive and thereby provides for synchronized simultaneous movement of the panels. The panels are coupled to a structural frame for supporting the panels and tethers fixed to an anchor positioned to space the tethers from the structural frame at an intermediate portion between the panels and the structural frame are provided to align the panels and mitigate the occurrence of collisions between orbiting panels.

Abstract: A tree stand having an inner well to contain water and an outer peripheral skirt for buttressing the well has pins which slide to engage a tree in the well. Access openings are provided in the peripheral skirt through which the pins of nested tree stands may penetrate so that a plurality of stands may be vertically stacked.

Abstract: A direct coal fired burner system for a rotary kiln in which the burner has a multi-barrel construction through which primary air for conveying coal is heated with tertiary air sourced from the rotary kiln, and the shape of the emerging flame is controlled by a first annulus of swirling tertiary air adjacent the primary airstream and by a second annulus of laminar tertiary air defining an outer envelope for the flame. The volume and relative velocities of air in the tertiary air supplies are all controllable through the use of respective dampers provided in tertiary air supply conduits.