Abstract: A radiant electric heater (2) comprises a base (8) of insulation material having a surface supporting at least one electric heating ribbon element (10) supported on edge. A rod-like temperature-responsive device (16) extends lengthwise partly across the heater (2) from an edge and over the at least one electric heating element (10). The surface of the base (8) is provided with an elongate recess (22) with sloping sides (24, 26) extending beneath and along the length of the temperature-responsive device (16). The ribbon (10) is supported in and traversing the elongate recess (22) such that an upper edge (28) of the ribbon (10) substantially follows a contour of the surface of the recess. The upper edge (28) of the ribbon (10) at a region (30) underlying the temperature-responsive device (16) is provided at a predetermined distance from the temperature-responsive device (16) and is at a lower level relative to the upper edge (28) of the ribbon (10) at regions at either side of the elongate recess (22).

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The method and apparatus rapidly separate drugs and their metabolites from saliva and, in a continuous sequence of steps, rapidly detect, identify and quantify them through surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A temperature-limiting device (14) is provided for an electric heater (2), the heater (2) being located behind a heatable surface (4) and comprising a dish-like support (6) having therein at least one electric heating element (12) having first and second terminal regions (12A, 12B). The device comprises thermally responsive bimetallic means (22) provided in a housing (16). The housing (16) is supported at a peripheral region of the heater (2), at least partially externally of the support (6). The bimetallic means (22) is thermally coupled with the heater (2) to sense heat generated therein by the heating element (12) and to respond at a predetermined temperature to operate at least one switch means (18) located in the housing (16).

Abstract: A communication system for down hole use and comprising a drill collar (101) comprising a first portion (103) and a second portion (105) separated from each other by an electrically insulating material (67) and means (22, 63, 77, 81) for generating an electrical signal and for applying the electrical signal to the drill collar (101) such that the electrical signal is transmitted into a geological formation being drilled, characterized in that the means for generating the electrical signal comprises an alternator (22, 63, 77, 81) and means (2, 4, 10) responsive to an electrical output of the alternator for regulating rotation of the alternator.

Abstract: In apparatus and a method for providing electronic control of an electric heating assembly, a radiant electric heater (10, 110) is arranged at a lower surface (22, 124) of a glass-ceramic cooking plate (12, 112), the plate having an upper surface (40, 138) for receiving a cooking vessel (42, 136A, 136B). A temperature sensor (24, 140) monitors temperature at or adjacent to the cooking plate (12, 112) and provides an electrical output as a function of temperature. Control means (30, 142) connected to the temperature sensor (24, 140) and to the heater (10, 110) controls energising of the heater from a power supply (28, 134) for energising the heater at a plurality of user selectable power levels including a full power level.

Abstract: A desk attachment includes a base unit 1 including a communication bus having a communication port for connection to at least one remote signal source. A plurality of user modules 20 are provided for attachment to the base unit such that they are electrically connected with the bus. Each module has a PC port 22 for connection with a local computer and at least one peripheral port 23 for connection with a user interface device. The ports are arranged such that a computer on the PC port is operably connected to the or each peripheral port and the bus.

Abstract: A thermally-insulated reservoir 9 for a dispenser in which liquid is supplied from a bottle to a discharge outlet via a reservoir, has an inner wall 23 and an outer wall 24 defining a sealed and evacuated heat-insulating cavity 30 at least partially surrounding a liquid space 22. In one application of the invention the reservoir takes the form of a cooling vessel with the thermal means provided by a cooling coil 26. The invention may also be applied to reservoirs which form a hot tank with the thermal means provided by an electrical heating element.

Abstract: A fastener delivery tube (21) incorporates an internal guide (22)—such as a continuous sleeve lining, flexible, or resiliently deformable spring strips (34, 37, 38) or re-circulating balls (54)—forming a longitudinally movable constriction, inhibiting fastener free-fall through the tube and preserving fastener orientation, by maintaining fastener (25) contact with a driving plunger (28) in its passage there-through and upon exit there-from into contact with a workpiece.