Abstract: A mass-analysed ion beam generator in which the ion beam is in the form of a thin flat ribbon with its major transverse dimension aligned parallel with the direction of the mass-analysing magnetic field.

Abstract: A rotary kiln in which reaction is to occur between counterflowing reactants and an injector for a reactant extends into a reaction zone in the kiln. The injector is provided with means for adjusting the temperature of the injected reactant to a temperature in the desired range for that zone. Further means are provided for maintaining a temperature in the desired range throughout the zone. The arrangement be used in the production of uranium oxides from uranium hexafluoride.

Abstract: Electrochemically regenerated RuO.sub.4 (or corresponding oxides of Os, Ir, Rh) is used in the decomposition of matter, especially matter containing organic material. The method has particular advantage in dealing with compounds containing chlorine and, in a development, provides for the removal of heteroatoms N, Cl P, As, S, avoiding contamination with unoxidised organics and/or Ru (or Os, Ir, Rh as the case may be).

Abstract: A press-on closure 10 for a tubular container 12. The closure includes a molded plastic frame 14 having a ledge 28 on which an end panel 16 is seated and to which the end panel is peelably secured. The end panel has a free outer peripheral edge unbonded to the frame. The resultant closed container is subject to retorting with the result that heretofore the end panel could axially outwardly deform and possibly initiate internal peeling. To prevent this peeling, the frame is provided with a thin flexible integral flange 36 forming a continuation of the ledge on which the end panel is seated. The end panel is also peelably bonded to the flange and the flange deforms or deflects with the end panel. The frame has a press fit onto the container, which is preferably in the form of a metal can, which at the end thereof to be closed by the closure is provided with a radially outwardly directed curl 48.

Abstract: Metal matrix composite is made by assembling pre-forms of porous reinforcing material with an array of separator plates in a die in a pressure vessel, and infiltrating molten metal matrix material. Pre-evacuation followed by pressurisation when the molten metal matrix material is introduced into the die aids the infiltration. Re-introduction of gas during initial heating prior to melting speeds the heat-up process.

Abstract: A fire suppressant powder with particle sizes less than 5 .mu.m is made by a chemical reaction between a gas or vapour of a first material and a vapour or an aerosol of a second material. For example an aerosol of sodium hydroxide droplets may be reacted with carbon dioxide gas to produce sodium bicarbonate powder; or boron halide vapour may be reacted with steam to form boric acid powder The powder may be used in fire extinguishers either on its own, or combined with other ingredients such as silica and/or alumina, and calcium stearate.

Abstract: In a solvent extraction method a contactor comprises a forward extraction section comprising sub-sections thereof and a back extraction section comprising sub-sections thereof. To enable higher concentrations of solute to be obtained in the backwash liquor, the contactor is operated with recycle of partially-loaded solvent, via a line from a back extraction sub-section to a forward extraction sub-section.

Abstract: A semitrailer support device for supporting the fifth wheel of a semitrailer tractor comprises two sliders arranged for displacement along a guide base. Each of the sliders has a link pivotably connected thereto, the other end of the link being pivoted to the fifth wheel. By displacing one slider relatively to the other slider, the height of the fifth wheel can be changed. By displacing the two sliders in common, the longitudinal position can be changed.

Abstract: During filtration, periodic application of a potential difference between an electrically conducting filter medium and counter electrode (as anode) generates a gaseous product at the filter and cleans the filter. To minimise corrosion the counter electrode is of low chromium stainless steel, for example 9% chromium.

Abstract: A device for retrieving hay bales from a field, transporting the bales, and depositing the bales in a vertical stack. The device has a wheeled chassis and a bed inclinable to three possible positions. The bed comprises a vee shaped trough having a stop at the rear of the bed and a pair of powered jaws pivotally hinged to the front of the bed. The bed is inclined to a retrieval position with the front end contacting the ground, for retrieving bales by scooping action. In this position, the jaws can be opened to better engage a bale, and closed to urge the bale upwardly onto the bed. The bale is transported with the bed in a second, horizontal position parallel to the ground. The bed can be inclined to a third, vertical position for depositing the bale. A number of bales can be retrieved, axially aligned by the vee shaped bed, and deposited as a stack.

Abstract: A prosthetic component with a pneumatic device for knee articulation formed of an upper part adapted to support a socket element for a stump of a thigh, and a lower part intended to receive a tube extended by an ankle and foot. The two parts are connected to each other by an assembly of pivoted links forming a deformable prism. Movement of the two parts between two stable positions of complete extension and flexure, about the variable axis of rotation defined by these connections, is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a piston and communicating with each other by an air duct with adjustable flow. In each of the stable positions, the pressure of air in the chambers is greater than 1 bar and is preferably between 4 and 7 bar.

Abstract: A flexible cover, which can be rolled onto and about a support rotatable about an axis, and can be unrolled therefrom, consists of at least one translucent sheet having: a continuous outside wall extending throughout the width and throughout the length of the sheet, the length being the dimension which is parallel to the rotational axis of the support and the rolling and unrolling axis of the sheet; a discontinuous inside wall parallel to the outside wall and extending throughout the length and, in a discontinuous interrupted manner, the width of the sheet; and parallel longitudinal walls, extending throughout the length of the sheet, perpendicularly to and connecting the outside and inside walls to define groups of successive longitudinal cells, interruptions of the inside wall defining spaces between respective pairs of adjacent groups of successive cells, the groups being separate and being connected solely by the outside wall which, at the interruptions at the inside wall, constitutes a flexure portion fo

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a liquid spray from two jets of fluid which issue from a pair of opposing nozzles and interact, wherein the fluid is supplied to the nozzles under fully turbulent conditions such that random variations in the momentum of the fluid as it leaves the nozzles occur which results in random variations in the orientation of the resultant spray of liquid drops.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte suitable for use in a lithium ion cell comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) combined with a solution of a salt such as lithium perchlorate, in a compatible solvent such as an ethylene carbonate/N-methyl-pyrrolidone mixture. The PVdF is a homopolymer of high molecular weight, with a melt flow index at 230.degree. C. and 10 kg of less than 1.O g/10 min.

Abstract: A radioactive waste stream (12) is of high pH and contains a wide variety of different fission products and also organic materials which act as complexants. Technetium and/or ruthenium are removed by first electrolytically oxidising the organic materials at an anodically stable anode (26), and then electrolytically reducing the technetium and/or ruthenium at a porous fluid-permeable cathode (42). The cathode (42) might for example be of lead wool.

Abstract: Corrosion, scale-formation, or other deleterious processes are inhibited in an oil well by installing within the oil well (10) fluid-permeable elements, such as tubular filters (20), which comprises a suppressing material. Each filter (20) comprises two tubular filter screens (24) between which is a bed (26) of particles comprising suitable inhibitor material. The particles might for example be porous ceramic spheres impregnated with the inhibitor material. The inhibitor material gradually dissolves in the well fluids during operation, and may for example inhibit corrosion and/or scale formation.

Abstract: With the vehicle anti-collision system of the present invention, road vehicles in the vicinity of a railway crossing are alerted as a train approaches the crossing. A signalling device operating in conjunction with a GPS receiver located in the train emits a signal to a receiver located at the railway crossing to provide an indication of the rail vehicle's location with respect to the railway crossing. The signal is sent continuously at predetermined intervals to provide the railway crossing with sufficient data to estimate the velocity and time of arrival of the train or railway vehicle at the crossing. The railway crossing processes the information and transmits an alarm signal to approaching road vehicles as the rail vehicle approaches the crossing. The signal emitted by the crossing is received at the road vehicle which provides various levels of alarms depending on how close the rail vehicle is to the crossing.

Abstract: There is described a security device 10 and a method for verifying the identity of a person making a transaction. The security device 10 comprises a document 12 bearing a picture of the intended user 14 of the security device 10, the picture 14 having been produced by printing of picture 14 by a printer activated by computer memory in which a likeness of the intended user is stored. The devices 10 may be self adhesive for attachment to a second document and be provided in a form comprising a plurality of such devices.

Abstract: A clock, called a "mystery" clock because of its almost totally transparent nature, comprising a transparent dial bearing reference markers (11), a minute indicator, transparent except in the area of a reading pointer (28') and an hour indicator, also transparent except in the area of a reading pointer (26'), indicators and dial having a common geometric axis (Y) and being carried by a frame or surround (20) and at least part of these indicators and dial having teeth at their periphery, masked by the surround (20), for driving them in rotation, in relation to the surround (20), about said axis (Y).

Abstract: A disc for a conveying apparatus for particulate or powder material is described. The disc comprises at least two body portions which, in use, may be joined about a driving ferrule which is operably engaged with a rope of the conveying apparatus, the at least two portions when joined defining an internal cavity in which the ferrule is received wherein the cavity includes a generally transversely disposed plate-shaped portion allowing elasticity of the cavity in the axial direction.