Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device (14) in a patient (10). The method consisting of utilising sounds produced by the heart (12) to control the operation of the heart assist device (14).

Abstract: There is provided a process for making a composition suitable for topical application comprising the steps of a) heating at least one fruit and/or vegetable pulp to up to a temperature in the range of about 40° C. to 100° C.; b) mixing between 1 and 40% w/w of a mild base with the heated fruit and/or vegetable pulp. There is also provided a fruit and/or vegetable derived composition suitable for topical application prepared by the above process. There is further provided a fruit and/or vegetable derived composition comprising at least one fruit and/or vegetable-derived pulp and a mild base, said composition having a pH in the range of about 7.5 to about 9.5.

Abstract: A switchable magnetic device includes a first magnet and a second magnet, both of which are essentially cylindrical. Magnets are housed in a housing made from pole pieces. Pole pieces are ferromagnetic. Lower magnet is fixedly mounted in the housing while upper magnet can rotate within the housing. Upper magnet is formed with notches or grooves along its vertical side walls. These notches or grooves receive downwardly depending arms of bar. Bar is received inside a groove formed on boss. Boss is connected to a short bar that, in turn, is fixedly connected to a handle or lever. By this means, rotation of handle or lever causes rotation of second magnet. When the upper magnet is positioned such that its north pole substantially overlies the south pole of lower magnet and the south pole of upper magnet substantially overlies the north pole of lower magnet, the first and second magnets act as an internal active magnetic shunt and as a result the external magnetic field strength from the device is quite low.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for analysing material in particulate form is disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises a vertically elongate housing (12) having an open upper end (26) and a restricted outlet at the lower end. A probe (28) directs light through a transparent cover (22), provided in one wall of the housing (12), and collects light reflected from particulate material in the housing (12). A slide valve (24), which includes a U-shaped section (30) and a T-shaped section (34) with a hole (32) therebetween, partially closes the outlet of the housing (12). Movement of the slide valve (24) by means of a knob (56), rod (36) and coil spring (44) allows for adjustment of the flow rate of the material through the apparatus (10), as well as for clearing blockages which may occur at the exit of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A method of producing an iron one briquette that is suitable for use as a blast furnace or other direct reduction furnace feedstock which includes the steps of: (1) mixing: (i) ore having a predetermined particle size distribution with a top size of 4.0 mm or less; and (ii) a flux; to form an ore/flux; (2) adjusting the water content of the ore prior to or during mixing step (1) to optimise briquette quality and product yield; (3) pressing the ore/flux mixture into a green briquette; and (4) indurating the green briquette to from a fured briquette.

Abstract: An electrodynamic machine (10) comprising a first rotor (13) and a second rotor (15). The first and second rotors (13, 15) are adapted to rotate relative to each other, preferably in opposite directions. The electrodynamic machine (10) may operate as an electric generator or as an electric motor.

Abstract: A portable power converter comprising input means to receive low voltage DC input, voltage converter means for converting the low voltage DC input into high DC voltage output, the voltage converter means in electrical communication with the input means, output means for operably supplying the high DC voltage to an appliance. The output means is in electrical communication with the converter includes a housing adapted to receive at least one of the input means, the voltage converter means and the output means. Preferably, the portable power converter also includes processing means for controlling some of the functions of the device such as shutting it down when power falls below preselected threshold. The device may also include a remote control which may be manually activated or in an alternative embodiment activated by external environment stimuli.

Abstract: A switchable magnetic device includes a first magnet and a second magnet, both of which are essential cylindrical. Magnets are housed in a housing made from pole pieces. Pole pieces are ferromagnetic. Lower magnet is fixedly mounted in the housing whilst upper magnet can rotate within the housing. Upper magnet is formed with notches or grooves along its vertical side walls. These notches or grooves receive downwardly depending arms of bar. Bar is received inside a groove formed on boss. Boss is connected to a short bar that, in turn, is fixedly connected to a handle or lever. By this means, rotation of handle or lever causes rotation of second magnet. When the upper magnet is positioned such that its north pole substantially overlies the south pole of lower magnet and the south pole of upper magnet substantially overlies the north pole of lower magnet, the first and second magnets act as an internal active magnetic shunt and as a result the external magnetic field strength from the device is quite low.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in assisting a human heart are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aortic compression means which may be fully implantable, a fluid reservoir and a pump means adapted to pump a fluid from the reservoir to the aortic compression means so as to actuate the aortic compression means at least partly in counterpulsation with the patient's heart. In addition, the device is adapted to be wholly positioned within the right chest cavity of the patient. The aortic compression means of the device may be curved along its length so as to substantially replicate the curve of the ascending aorta.

Abstract: Provided is an emergency signalling device and system by which emergency signals are transmitted for reception by an emergency authority when a user set time for the transmission elapses without cancellation or reset. The device may be a telephone or a beacon. In an example the system is a digital mobile phone messaging system using a terrestrial and/or satellite based radio communications wherein the device in the form of a mobile telephone or short messaging service (SMS) capable transceiver automatically transmits an emergency or distress signal addressed to a search and rescue (SAR) or emergency service organization within a preset time interval in the event of incapacitation of the user.

Abstract: An engine (10) which can deliver mechanical work for an extended duration in comparison to the duration of energy input into the engine. The engine (10) includes a drive shaft (11) through which it delivers mechanical work. The drive shaft (11) is drivingly connected to an electrodynamic machine (13) for generating electrical energy. The drive shaft (11) is driven by a drive system (15) which incorporates various drive mechanisms (16), power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) and gearing (18) for drivingly connecting the drive mechanisms (16) to the drive shaft (11). The various drive mechanisms (16) are operated in a pre-determined sequence by the power means (17). Each drive mechanism (16) is in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism. The power means (17) for operating the drive mechanisms (16) comprises spring structure (130) associated with each rack of the rack and pinion mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for producing metal oxide particles having nano-sized grains is disclosed. A solution of metal cations is mixed with surfactant under conditions such that surfactant micelles are formed. This mixture is then heated to form the metal oxide particles; this heating step removing the surfactant, forming the metal oxide and creating the pore structure of the particles. The pore structures are disordered. This method is particularly advantageous for production of complex (multi-component) metal oxides in which the different atomic species are homogeneously dispersed.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for a stringed musical instrument, the assembly (10) including an elongate neck (11) to which one end of a string arrangement (41) of the instrument can be anchored and a structural member (17) depending from the neck (11). The structural member (17) being substantially aligned with the lengthwise extent of the neck (11) and extending in the opposite direction thereto so as to overlie a sound box to which in use, the assembly (10) is connected. The structural member (17) is arranged to cooperate with and to bear string tension load of the string arrangement (14) applied to the assembly (10). A bridge (30) for a stringed musical instrument, which bridge (30) includes first and second parts (31, 32) which are pivotable relative to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a heart assist function by use of intraluminal inflatable counter-pulsation balloon or chamber. The apparatus includes means to hold the balloon or chamber in place against an inner wall of a blood vessel. The balloon or chamber is connected to a source of pressure which expands and contracts the balloon in counter-pulsation with the heart.

Abstract: A switchable magnetic device includes a first magnet (10) and a second magnet (11), both of which are essentially cylindrical. Magnets (10,11) are housed in a housing made from pole pieces (12,13). Pole pieces (12, 13) are ferromagnetic. Lower magnet (10) is fixedly mounted in the housing whilst upper magnet (11) can rotate within the housing. Upper magnet (11) is formed with notches or grooves (14, 15) along its vertical side walls. These notches or grooves (14, 15) receive downwardly depending arms (16, 17) of bar (18). Bar (18) is received inside a groove (19) formed on boss (20). Boss (20) is connected to a short bar (21) that, in turn, is fixedly connected to a handle or lever (22). By this means, rotation of handle or lever (22) causes rotation of second magnet (11).

Abstract: A key is provided with an actuator. The key also has operation structure and interaction structure. When the key is inserted into a lock, a force is applied to the operation structure and the position of the interaction structure is altered. The movement of the interaction structure is used in the locking and/or un-locking mechanism of the lock. A key handle and lock are also provided which incorporate such a mechanism.

Abstract: Resealable closures are disclosed for use in connection with open topped containers. The closure includes a metal lid for closing the container opening and including a peripheral portion for sealingly engaging the rim, and a plastic ring secured to the metal lid and engaging the peripheral portion of the metal lid, the plastic ring including a bead element for engaging the radially outward formation of the container to retain the peripheral portion of the metal lid in sealed engagement on the rim, the plastic ring also including a depending portion extending interiorally of the container when the closure is assembled on the container so that manual manipulation of the depending portion is operative on the bead element to facilitate removal of the closure from the container.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Photinia plant named ‘Parbri’ characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; greyed-purple stem coloration; leaves that are greyed-purple when developing and yellow-green when fully expanded; and undulating leaves with serrulate margins.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Photinia plant named ‘Parred’ characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; grey-purple stems; leaves that are grey-red when developing and green when fully expanded; and undulating leaves with serrulate margins.

Abstract: Novel microorganisms can be used to convert n-eugenol to coniferylaldehyde.