Abstract: A method of producing a microwave resonator comprising a cavity (50) defined, at least in part, by a generally cylindrical wall (64) having an electrically conductive inner surface and containing a generally cylindrical piece of low loss dielectric material (22), characterised by forming a generally cylindrical piece of low loss dielectric material of predetermined size and placing same in a cavity to produce a microwave resonator which operates in a particular mode at a specific frequency at a particular temperature. Microwave radiation corresponding to a further operating mode is then passed into the cavity and then the frequency corresponding to the further operating mode is searched for and measured. A further generally cylindrical piece of dielectric material is produced by scaling from the first piece of dielectric material according to the ratio between the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: The centrifugal liquid pump is of the rotary discs types and has an integrated gas injector of very single yet efficient structure. This pump has a casing defining an inner, substantially cylindrical chamber with an axial liquid inlet and a tangential liquid outlet. A rotary impeller is rotatably mounted within the chamber. This impeller has first and second spaced apart discs which are rigidly interconnected at such a distance away from each other as to extend close to the opposite walls of the chamber. The first disc that extends close to the wall into which the liquid inlet opens has a central opening of the same diameter as the liquid inlet to allow the liquid injected through the inlet to enter within the chamber in between the discs. The second disc has a plurality of spaced apart openings located at a constant radius, which is inferior to the radius of the discs. A coaxial power shaft is connected to the impeller so as to rotate it in a given direction.

Abstract: A valve arrangement intended particularly, but not exclusively, for use with a breathing regulator (1) for underwater breathing apparatus includes an outlet side, an inlet (11) through which gas can pass to the outlet side from a source of gas having a pressure above atmospheric pressure, a movable valve means (12) which functions to close the gas inlet, and a servo device (21) for regulating the valve means. The servo device includes a servo housing (21) and two mutually joined arms (24, 26). The arms provide a lever effect whereby the supply of air can be controlled with great precision. The simplicity of the lever arrangement imparts a long useful life to the valve arrangement. A breathing regulator (1) which includes such a valve arrangement is preferably made essentially entirely from a plastic material.

Abstract: A method of producing a microwave resonator comprising a cavity (50) defined, at least in part, by a generally cylindrical wall (64) having an electrically conductive inner surface and containing a generally cylindrical piece of low loss dielectric material (22), characterized by forming a generally cylindrical piece of low loss dielectric material of predetermined size and placing same in a cavity to produce a microwave resonator which operates in a particular mode at a specific frequency at a particular temperature. Microwave radiation corresponding to a further operating mode is then passed into the cavity and then the frequency corresponding to the further operating mode is searched for and measured. A further generally cylindrical piece of dielectric material is produced by scaling from the first piece of dielectric material according to the ratio between the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clarifier for use in treating a liquid containing non-soluble particles in suspension in order to separate these particles from the liquid. It comprises a tank, a liquid supply duct opening into the bottom portion of the tank and an injector for injecting a gas under pressure into at least part of liquid supplied to the supply duct in order to saturate this liquid with said gas and thus to generate gas bubbles as the saturated liquid is subject to depressurization within the tank. The gas bubbles that are so-generated adhere to the particles in suspension in the liquid and lift them up to form a floating layer of sludge in the top portion of the tank. A scraper is provided in the top portion of the tank for skimming off the layer of sludge while it is formed. A plurality of plates extend at an angle within the tank above the supply duct.

Abstract: A floatation cell for treating wastewater in order to remove solid in suspension in the form of a floating sludge. This cell has a container which is rectangular in shape. A feed compartment in which the wastewater is fed, is located at one end of the compartment. A chute through which the floating sludge is collected and evacuated, is located at the other end of the container. The feed compartment has an outlet defined by a baffle that extends at a such height with respect to the top surface of the wastewater, as to generate a draining flow which directs the floating sludge towards the chute. The container also comprises scrappers mounted on its internal walls so as to be movable in an alternative, back and forth movement in order to avoid that the sludge accumulates on the walls and holds up the flow towards the chute. This system of evacuating the sludge is much simpler than the existing systems and the maintenance of the floatation cell is much easier to carry out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal liquid pump, preferably of the rotary disc type, which incorporates a gas injection assembly of very simple yet efficient structure, whereby up to 15% per volume of a gas such as air, may be mixed with the pumped liquid. The gas injection is achieved with a gas feed pipe that enters the pump through its axial inlet and with a plurality of gas injector pipes that projects from the gas feed pipe radially within the impeller.

Abstract: A dispenser for smoothly and reliably dispensing flowable or particulate matter such as fish food is provided, in which dynamic gravity of the matter itself is utilized to regulate dispensing of the same in an uncomplicated manner. The dispenser has a container adapted to be mounted upon a rotatable shaft and having a hollow interior with two openings therethrough for communicating with external surroundings. A partition is mounted within the container interior for dividing a portion of the container interior into a plurality of compartments. The partition extends between the openings to limit quantity of matter falling into one of the compartments as the container rotates. A duct is mounted to rotate with the container and communicates with one of these openings. As the container rotates, the partition regulates the quantity of matter falling into the dispensing compartment and directs matter not discharged from the dispensing compartment back into the other compartment.

Abstract: A display and support assembly specifically designed to have ice sculptures or like objects, made from a "meltable" material at room temperature, mounted thereon wherein a collecting trough is built into a supporting housing in immediately adjacent and surrounding relation to the periphery of a support platform on which the object is mounted. An illumination assembly is disposed on the interior of the housing so as to direct light up through a supporting and retaining portion of a platform on which the sculpture is mounted. Accordingly, leakage, due to dripping, is eliminated through the collection thereof in the trough and display is enhanced through illumination of the ice sculpture.

Abstract: An off-shore berth for a ship, particularly a tanker, is described in which roll, pitch and yaw are neutralized. The ship is tautly attached to barges, one on either side, and a beam under the ship's keel is coupled to the barges. The beam is tethered to a permanent anchor in the sea floor.

Abstract: A barrier device comprising a plurality of gated structures extending between opposite shores of a tidal estuary provides a means of preventing intrusion of heavier, colder sea water with each incoming tide and to then be the means for ejecting large volumes of collected sea water together with mud, sand and sewage pollutants. The eventual effect will be to create a body of fresh water of previously unattainable purity. This purity is renewable with the discharge of any excess water available. During periods of heavy withdrawal from the upstream pool all gates can be locked closed. After danger of flooding has ended the upstream pool can then store a very large volume of fresh water. Flood water is ejected as fast as it flows into the pool. Tidal power can be used to force flood water into the sea.

Abstract: A heavy duty flexible marine pipeline has the capability of being assembled on the surface of the sea. In order to do this a certain amount of slack is required in the pipeline. Both deep and shallow water systems are described. The deep water system has an operational minimum depth about midway between the sea floor and the surface. Tension force in the pipe sections is automatically compensated and is relayed to adjacent pairs of vertically taut anchor cables. The pipeline is buoyant and the flexible pipe wall has a very high bursting strength and the pipeline is therefore particularly adapted to deep water applications.