Abstract: The invention is a detector (15) which comprises: a probe (17) insertable into a drink; processing means (13) coupled to the probe; and an indicator coupled to the processing means; wherein the processing means is configured to receive a signal from the probe and compare said received signal with a stored reference to determine whether a liquid into which said probe is inserted includes a chemical impurity, the processor being configured to operate said indicator in the event that said liquid is determined to include a said chemical impurity. The invention is also a method of detecting a chemical impurity in a liquid of a drink, the method comprising: inserting a probe (17) into the liquid; connecting the probe to a source of electric potential; measuring a response of said liquid; comparing said response to a reference; determining whether a liquid into which said probe is inserted includes a chemical impurity; and indicating that said liquid includes a said chemical impurity.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of this invention relates to a method of manufacturing a hair-based composite material, the method comprising: manipulating a plurality of cut lengths of hair to form a web or mat of hair, and combining said web or mat of hair with a structural additive to form said composite material.

Abstract: This invention relates to water sports equipment (10) for supporting a standing rider whilst the rider and the equipment are towed through the water, the equipment comprising: an elongate board (14) having an upper surface (16) carrying first (31, 33) and second (32, 34) foot securing means, said foot securing means being configured to be engaged by a respective foot of the rider so that the rider can stand on the board (14) with their body facing in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction in which the rider and equipment are towed through the water in use; a hydrofoil (11) having a longitudinal axis, said hydrofoil (11) being configured to impart lift to the board (14) when the rider and board are towed through the water; and means (12, 13) for affixing said hydrofoil (11) to said board (14) so that the hydrofoil is spaced from a lower surface (15) of the board and orientated such that said hydrofoil longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the direction in which the rider and equipment ar

Abstract: Sintered alumina of Q value of greater than 25,000 and up to and greater than 45,000 at 10 GHz and at 25° C., useful in useful in dielectric resonators can be obtained by sintering alumina powders with low level of impurities at between 1500° C. and 1600° C. until a density of at least 98% of its theoretical value is obtained.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapor flux from a surface e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier uses a closed cylinder which is placed with the open end against the skin and the closed end is cooled. By measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder the water vapor flux can be determined.

Abstract: A jet fan arrangement for ventilating tunnels and the like in which the axis of the fan is positioned at an angle to the supporting surface so as to blow air away from the supporting surface. When the flow of air through the fan is reversed, the angle of inclination of the axis of the fan is automatically changed so that the direction of flow of air remains away from the supporting surface.