Abstract: A method is for processing fluid from at least one well. A related apparatus has at least one separator which is arranged to receive production fluid from the well downstream from at least one wellhead. The separator is used to remove solids from the production fluid, to produce a cleaned fluid which travels downstream on a flow path from the separator through either or both of: a Christmas tree on the wellhead from which the separator receives the fluid; and a Christmas tree on another wellhead.

Abstract: An assembly is for an oil and gas production platform or rig and related methods. The platform or rig may have a Christmas tree deck and a hatch deck above the Christmas tree deck. The assembly may have a Christmas tree connected to a top of a wellhead on the platform or rig located at the Christmas tree deck. The assembly may further have a processing unit comprising at least one separator, positioned above and connected onto a top of the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree may bear at least partially the weight of said separator. The separator may be operable for receiving production fluid from at least one oil and gas production well and removing solids to clean the production fluid.

Abstract: A solution is provided for the problem of holding an apparatus against a metallic hull of a vessel or an offshore unit. Described is a holding means, comprising: at least one magnetic means for exerting a pushing force on the apparatus to-wards the metallic surface; and a moving means for moving the apparatus on the metallic surface, in which the moving means is arranged to bear the pushing force from the at least one magnetic means, on the metallic surface. Also disclosed, is an apparatus including such a holding means. The holding means allows to bear the pushing force from the magnetic means, on the metallic surface, at the same time it allows the apparatus to move on it.

Abstract: A water powered turbine (1) comprises a main support frame-work (2) which rotatably carries a rotor (3) comprising a main shaft (5) to which three blades (7) are attached by carrier discs (8) and (9). The carrier discs (8, 9) are rigidly secured to the main shaft (5), and the blades (7) are pivotally connected to the discs (8) and (9) by pivot shafts (16) and (17). Each blade (7) is of constant hydro-foil cross-section along its entire length and defines a first upper spiral (12) and a second lower spiral (13). The first spiral (12) extends from a first end (10) which is coupled to the main shaft (5) by the carrier disc (8), and the second spiral (13) of each blade (7) extends from a second end (11) of the blade (7) which is coupled to the main shaft (5) by the carrier disc (9). The first and second spirals (12) and (13) are of opposite hand and extend from the respective first and second ends (10, 11) to meet midway between the respective first and second ends (10, 11).

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: A print media feed system for media of variable thickness having a slanted loading platform with drive wheels to direct print media to a feed zone having a belt system and hanging friction wheels to draw out single print medium of varying thickness and feed the medium to a print zone for a ink jet, laser or other printer wherein the print zone includes a floating deck to maintain a constant clearance distance between the printhead and the print medium.

Abstract: A water powered turbine (1) comprises a main support frame-work (2) which rotatably carries a rotor (3) comprising a main shaft (5) to which three blades (7) are attached by carrier discs (8) and (9). The carrier discs (8, 9) are rigidly secured to the main shaft (5), and the blades (7) are pivotally connected to the discs (8) and (9) by pivot shafts (16) and (17). Each blade (7) is of constant hydro-foil cross-section along its entire length and defines a first upper spiral (12) and a second lower spiral (13). The first spiral (12) extends from a first end (10) which is coupled to the main shaft (5) by the carrier disc (8), and the second spiral (13) of each blade (7) extends from a second end (11) of the blade (7) which is coupled to the main shaft (5) by the carrier disc (9). The first and second spirals (12) and (13) are of opposite hand and extend from the respective first and second ends (10, 11) to meet midway between the respective first and second ends (10, 11).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of electrical generation and more specifically to the use of a wind turbine for generating electricity. A vertical axis wind turbine is mounted on the upper portion of a chimney. Rotor blades are disposed on the outside of the chimney and the mechanical energy produced by the rotating rotor blades is transferred to a generator by means of a short drive shaft. The drive shaft is used to drive the rotor within the generator to induce a voltage in the stator. In an alternate configuration, the wind turbine and generator are integrated. The rotor blades are coupled directly to a rotating, current inducing set of permanent magnets or rotor for rotation about a stationary, current generating stator. In either configuration, the rotor blades are rotated using the updraft associated with the chimney or the prevailing wind.

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of electrical generation and more specifically to the use of a wind turbine for generating electricity. The invention provides a fully integrated vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) which can be mounted on a cylindrical pole. Rotor blades are disposed on the outside of a permanent magnet generator integral to the VAWT, the rotor blades being coupled directly to a rotating, current inducing set of permanent magnets or rotor for rotation about a stationary, current generating stator. At least three rotor blades are used which are vertically offset from one another.

Abstract: A folding and sealing apparatus supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. At least one of the rollers having a resilient portion to accommodate an object mounted on a form, passing through the nips while maintaining appropriate folding and sealing pressure on the supporting form to provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the nips to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form.

Abstract: A folding and sealing apparatus comprising a housing supporting a feed platform for feeding a supply of pre-glued forms to the folding and sealing apparatus. The housing accommodating a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller, and the first and second rollers forming a first nip, the second and third roller forming a second nip and the third and fourth roller forming a third nip. A motor drives at least one of the rollers via a drive mechanism. The first roller is a spring biased roller to facilitate feeding of the pre-glued form while the second, third and the fourth rollers are all fixedly mounted to the housing so that the second nip and the third nip both provide a sufficient sealing pressure to the folded form, as the folded form passes through the second and the third nips, to facilitate both folding and sealing of the folded form. A collection bin is provided adjacent the third nip for collecting the folded and sealed forms upon exiting from the folding and sealing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and non-evasive method of monitoring dough development and dough mixing properties using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of measuring the change in constituents of a grain flour dough during mixing.

Abstract: A method of fractal coding of data and apparatus therefor, which method comprises dividing data into domains, determining a set of transformations relating the domains to the data in such a manner as to minimize error between the data and an approximation to the data obtained by application of the transformation, and providing an expression of a series of quantized fractal coefficients characterizing the transformations. A transformation includes at least one part indicating a domain and at least another (functional) part indicating a value for a measure associatable with a specific domain or aspect thereof.

Abstract: A fuel additive composition including fatty acid alkyl esters and glyceryl ethers, and an alternative fuel composition that includes the fuel additive composition. Also provided is a method for preparing the fuel additive composition and the alternative fuel composition. In one embodiment, the fuel additive composition is prepared by esterifying free fatty acids and etherifying glycerol with one or more olefins in the presence of an acid catalyst. In one embodiment, the fuel additive composition can be thermally cracked under conditions of increased temperature and/or pressure in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst. In another embodiment, the fuel additive composition is hydrocracked. The resulting fuel additive composition can be blended with diesel fuel to produce an alternative fuel composition. In one embodiment, the alternative fuel composition includes between approximately 25 and 95 percent diesel fuel and between approximately 5 and 75 percent of the fuel additive composition.