Abstract: An integrated robotic repair system for repairing a surface is described. The said system comprising: a base translation system (110), said system comprising a multistage platform; a repair module (150), said module coupled to the translation system (110) to move the module (150) relative to the base translation system (110); an end effector selector system coupled to the repair module, said selector system comprising end effector repair tools (360, 362, 366), each tool (360, 362, 366) configured to undertake a repair task on the surface; and deployable legs (120), said legs (120) coupled to the base translation system (110) and configured to engage and disengage from the surface to allow the system to walk along surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spoked wheel including a rim having a continuous series of circumferential sections each of which has opposed ends and is connected at each of its ends to an adjacent section by means of a hinge that allows the two adjacent sections to pivot with respect to each other substantially in the plane of the wheel. The wheel also includes a hub that rotates with the rim and a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim and supporting the rim on the hub. Each of the spokes having an end that is pivotally attached to the rim. At least one of the spokes is movable with respect to the hub in the plane of the wheel to change the angular spacing between adjacent spokes and alter the shape of the rim between a circular shape and a non-circular shape.

Abstract: A medical bag is described that has a carrying configuration and a dispensing configuration and comprises a handle for carrying the bag and a space within the bag for accommodating a tapered storage drawer, the space tapering from a wide end to a narrow end and the drawer being of a corresponding shape to the space. When the bag is carried by the handle in the carrying configuration, the bottom surface of the space slopes down towards the narrow end so that gravity acts to force the drawer towards the narrow end of the space; however, because of its size, the drawer cannot pass through the narrow end of the space, thereby retaining the tapered storage drawer within the space.

Abstract: A cutlery set assembly is disclosed and comprises a knife (50) and a spoon (10) and/or a fork (30). The items of cutlery are made of resilient plastics material and each item of cutlery has a cylindrical handle. The handles are shaped such that they can be nested coaxially with each other. When in such a nested condition, the handle of the outermost item extends more than half way around the handle of the second item to hold the items in the nested condition. The resilience of the plastics material keeps the assembly together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spoked wheel comprising: a rim comprising a continuous series of circumferential sections each of which has opposed ends and is connected at each of its ends to an adjacent section by means of a hinge that allows the two adjacent sections to pivot with respect to each other substantially in the plane of the wheel; a hub that rotates with the rim; and a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim and supporting the rim on the hub, each spoke having an end that is pivotally attached to the rim via a pivot. At least one of the spokes is movable with respect to the hub in the plane of the wheel to change the angular spacing between adjacent spokes and alter the shape of the rim between a circular shape and a non-circular shape, preferably a flattened shape. The wheel may also include a tubular tyre held on the rim and is primarily intended for use in connection with bicycles and wheelchairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for lowering a weight from a structure, the device comprising: a first elongate element (10) that is secured via a fixing (16) to a stable structure, for example the structure from which a weight is to be lowered; a second elongate member (12) that extends parallel to the first member (10) and is joined thereto by a series of equally-spaced links or links (14), thereby giving the appearance of a ladder. A weight to be lowered is secured to the top of the second member (12) by a connection, which could be a clamp onto which a harness is secured; alternatively, the harness could be made integral with the second elongate member (12). The links (14) are made of a ductile polymer material and the links successively stretch and fail, thereby lowering the weight controllably. The invention also finds application as an energy absorbing element, which uses the same method to safely control and cease a motion, such as a person's fall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for holding a tongue to hold a person's airway open, for example when a person is unconscious. The device comprises a chamber configured to snugly accommodate a tongue, and a resilient hollow bulb that is in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an open end through which a person's tongue can project. The device is configured such that the deforming and releasing of the bulb creates a reduced pressure in the chamber, thereby retaining the tongue within the chamber. The device prevents the tongue from blocking the airway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for pulping/liquidising the edible flesh within a fruit, especially a citrus fruit. The apparatus includes a blade that is attached at its middle to a shaft that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The blade is pivotable to the shaft and is inserted tip first into the fruit while it lies parallel to the shaft so that the size of the opening into the fruit can be minimised. The shaft is rotated about its longitudinal axis and, while the shaft is rotating, the blade is pivoted outwardly from the shaft. The rotary movement of the shaft and the pivoting of the blade means that the blade traces a three dimensional shape within the fruit and thereby pulps it.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recirculating shower system comprising a shower head 22, a circuit configured to recirculate at least part of the used water to the shower head, a heater 18 included in the circuit for heating the recycled water to a temperature at which micro organisms in the water are killed and a heat exchanger 16 arranged to exchange heat between the water flowing towards and away from the heater. The system provides an efficient use of water and energy and also allows a high flow rate of water at a relatively low use of energy and water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating surface, e.g. a floor or wall tile, that includes an array of identical circuits (G, K, H, L) that can each be connected to a power source/14). The surface emits light in the presence of an object touching or in close proximity to the surface. Each circuit includes a sensor (12), e.g. a pressure switch, for detecting the presence of the object; at least one light source (20) that is illuminated when the sensor of that circuit detects the presence of the object. The circuits control the illumination of the light sources (20) such that the light sources remains illuminated for a time after its associated sensor (12) has ceased to detect the presence of the object.

Abstract: A clasp is described that comprises two identical parts (10,12) that can be joined together to fasten the clasp and that can be separated from each other to release the clasp.

Abstract: An accessory for a snowboard including a plate adapted to support the feet of a rider, the plate being constructed and arranged to be secured releasably to the snowboard, and having a steering mechanism, which is pivotably mounted onto said plate and which is constructed to extend away from the snowboard in a first arrangement, and to lie substantially parallel to the snowboard in a further arrangement.

Abstract: A cutlery set assembly is disclosed and comprises a knife (50) and a spoon (10) and/or a fork (30). The items of cutlery are made of resilient plastics material and each item of cutlery has a cylindrical handle. The handles are shaped such that they can be nested coaxially with each other. When in such a nested condition, the handle of the outermost item extends more than half way around the handle of the second item to hold the items in the nested condition. The resilience of the plastics material keeps the assembly together.

Abstract: An accessory for a snowboard including a plate adapted to support the feet of a rider, the plate being constructed and arranged to be secured releasably to the snowboard, and having a steering mechanism, which is pivotably mounted onto said plate and which is constructed to extend away from the snowboard in a first arrangement, and to lie substantially parallel to the snowboard in a further arrangement.