Abstract: A method of separating free target analyte from protein-bound target analyte is described. Such can include obtaining an aqueous sample containing a target analyte in a free form (free target analyte) and the target analyte in a protein-bound form (protein-bound target analyte), passing the aqueous sample through a size exclusion chromatography matrix with a molecular weight cut off sufficient to allow the free target analyte to permeate into pores of the size exclusion chromatography matrix and exclude the protein-bound target analyte, whereupon the free target analyte adheres to and is immobilized by the size exclusion chromatography matrix and the protein-bound target analyte does not adhere to by the size exclusion chromatography matrix, separating the free target analyte from the protein-bound analyte by removing the protein-bound target analyte from the size exclusion chromatography matrix, and eluting the free target analyte from the size exclusion chromatography matrix with an organic solvent.

Abstract: A transportation system is provided. The system includes: a highway vehicle, a first set of highway points located along a path of the vehicle, a second set of highway points located along a traffic signal section, at least one RFID tag located at each of the first set and the second set of highway points, and at least one RFID tag reader located on the highway vehicle connected to a network. The at least one RFID tag located at the first set of highway points is configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the highway vehicle as it passes the first set of highway points and the at least one RFID tag located at the second set of highway points is configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the vehicle as it passes the second set of highway points.

Abstract: A modular unit connection system for jointing together pre-fabricated rectangular modular building units to form a multistory building. The building units can be completely fitted out and this connection system allows for positive structural connection using liquid grout filled columns, without bolting or welding and without the requirement for access to the connections from inside the pre-finished building module interiors. The four corner columns of the box-shaped modules are steel square hollow sections. This connection system uses a unique connector tube passing from the bottom of the column above, through a horizontal connector plate containing a guidance system and into the top of the hollow column below, and then a system of grouting the inside of the column, from an access position on top the upper most module to form the final positive structural connection.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit (2) comprises a main body (3) including an air inlet (24) and an air outlet (22), the main body (3) defining an airflow passage between the air inlet (24) and the air outlet (22). A fan (28) is disposed within the airflow passage and a thermal element (26) is disposed within the airflow passage upstream of the fan (28). The main body (3) has a front face exposed to a temperature controlled space (8), on which the air outlet is disposed, and the air inlet and thermal element are disposed around the periphery of the front face.

Abstract: A method of separating free target analyte from protein-bound target analyte is described. Such can include obtaining an aqueous sample containing a target analyte in a free form (free target analyte) and the target analyte in a protein-bound form (protein-bound target analyte), passing the aqueous sample through a size exclusion chromatography matrix with a molecular weight cut off sufficient to allow the free target analyte to permeate into pores of the size exclusion chromatography matrix and exclude the protein-bound target analyte, whereupon the free target analyte adheres to and is immobilized by the size exclusion chromatography matrix and the protein-bound target analyte does not adhere to by the size exclusion chromatography matrix, separating the free target analyte from the protein-bound analyte by removing the protein-bound target analyte from the size exclusion chromatography matrix, and eluting the free target analyte from the size exclusion chromatography matrix with an organic solvent.

Abstract: A transportation system is provided. The system includes: a highway vehicle, a first set of highway points located along a path of the vehicle, a second set of highway points located along a traffic signal section, at least one RFID tag located at each of the first set and the second set of highway points, and at least one RFID tag reader located on the highway vehicle connected to a network. The at least one RFID tag located at the first set of highway points is configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the highway vehicle as it passes the first set of highway points and the at least one RFID tag located at the second set of highway points is configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the vehicle as it passes the second set of highway points.

Abstract: A robust system processor comprising three parallel processors, each configured to process in parallel an input and emit an output; and a reconciler that compares the three outputs, determines whether at least two of the outputs are equal, and if so validates the majority output and communicates the validated output via a network to at least one other system processor.

Abstract: A train control system comprising a track switch controller; RFID tags located at first and second track switches coupled via a length of track that store characteristics of train sets as they pass the track switches, and RFID tag readers located on the train sets, connected to a network. The train sets write data to the RFID tags such that the data is read by RFID tag readers of subsequent trains; and the data stored in the RFID tags is overwritten with new data each time a train set passes by the RFID tags.

Abstract: A robust system processor comprising three parallel processors, each configured to process in parallel an input and emit an output; and a reconciler that compares the three outputs, determines whether at least two of the outputs are equal, and if so validates the majority output and communicates the validated output via a network to at least one other system processor.

Abstract: A train system is provided that includes a train set including at least one railway car, at least one first set of two trackside points located along a path of the train set, at least one second set of two trackside points, at least one RFID tag located at each of the trackside points configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the train set as it passes the at least one first set of two trackside points, at least one RFID tag located at each of the at least one first set of two trackside points and the at least one second set of two trackside points, the at least one RFID tag being configured to store characteristics of the train set as it passes the at least one second set of the at least two track points, and at least one RFID tag reader connected to a network.

Abstract: Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the integrity of a subsurface concrete structure such as a pile or diaphragm wall. A fiber optic sensor array (48) is attached to a reinforcement or framework assembly (20) for the subsurface concrete structure. Concrete is applied to surround the reinforcement or framework assembly (20) and fiber optic sensor array (48). The fiber optic sensor array (48) is then used to collect temperature data during hydration of the subsurface concrete structure. The temperature data is monitored in real time to determine differentials across the structure, indicative of a problem within the structure.

Abstract: A train system is provided that includes a train set including at least one railway car, at least one first set of two trackside points located along a path of the train set, at least one second set of two trackside points, at least one RFID tag located at each of the trackside points configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the train set as it passes the at least one first set of two trackside points, at least one RFID tag located at each of the at least one first set of two trackside points and the at least one second set of two trackside points, the at least one RFID tag being configured to store characteristics of the train set as it passes the at least one second set of the at least two track points, and at least one RFID tag reader connected to a network.

Abstract: A train system is provided that includes a train set including at least one railway car, at least one first set of two trackside points located along a path of the train set, at least one second set of two trackside points, at least one RFID tag located at each of the trackside points configured to store dynamic and static characteristics of the train set as it passes the at least one first set of two trackside points, at least one RFID tag located at each of the at least one first set of two trackside points and the at least one second set of two trackside points, the at least one RFID tag being configured to store characteristics of the train set as it passes the at least one second set of the at least two track points, and at least one RFID tag reader connected to a network.

Abstract: A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules. In one embodiment, the bridge includes: a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element for carrying a shear load; and a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the bridge. The bridge modules form segments of the length of the bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction.

Abstract: A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules (4), the bridge (2) having a longitudinal direction along the spanning direction and including: a first longitudinal compression member (11,13, 70) that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member (9, 72) that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element (9) for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element (14, 16) for carrying a shear load; and a tension member (6) applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) forms a main compression element for the bridge (2) and the tension member (6) forms a main tension element for the bridge (2).

Abstract: Fibre optic sensors are used to monitor the integrity of a subsurface concrete structure such as a pile or diaphragm wall. A fibre optic sensor array (48) is attached to a reinforcement or framework assembly (20) for the subsurface concrete structure. Concrete is applied to surround the reinforcement or framework assembly (20) and fibre optic sensor array (48). The fibre optic sensor array (48) is then used to collect temperature data during hydration of the subsurface concrete structure. The temperature data is monitored in real time to determine differentials across the structure, indicative of a problem within the structure.

Abstract: A layered façade panel for being secured to a building or structure. In one embodiment, the panel includes a porous metal outer layer, a non-porous backing layer and an intermediate layer between the outer and backing layers, the outer metal layer having a porosity for allowing vegetation to grow through and to be supported in pores in the outer layer, and the intermediate layer being for supporting roots of the vegetation.

Abstract: A seating arrangement for stadia and the like includes a beam for receiving one or more seats, where the seat has a backrest portion fixedly mounted to the beam and a movable seat portion mounted on the beam for pivotable movement about the beam from a generally horizontal seating position to a generally upright non-seating position.

Abstract: Provided are partially and fully earth-anchored cable-stayed bridges, each of which uses a prestressing unit including anchor units and a prestressing member from deck segments installed at its main span such that the prestressing unit serves as a conventional windproof cable and can simultaneously introduce a tensile stress. Thereby, a magnitude of the maximum compressive stress acting on a cross section of each main-span deck segment is reduced, so that it is possible to reduce a cross-sectional area of each main-span deck segment and thus to ensure economical construction. All or part of the compressive stress generated at the main span can be offset by the tensile stress caused by the prestressing member.

Abstract: A sound attenuating air vent comprises: an air path and a discontinuous sound absorbing lining around at least a part of the air path. A method of designing such a sound attenuating air vent comprises: determining a target attenuation performance based on the noise source and the receiver noise sensitivity and the separating construction, and determining a desired arrangement for the discontinuous lining and/or vent based on the target attenuation performance.