Abstract: A method and apparatus for image texture analysis in which the image is mapped into a first set of binary representation by a monotonically varying operator, such as a threshold operator. Each binary representation in the first set of binary representations is mapped to a further set of binary representations using a second monotonically varying operator, such as a spatial operator. The result of the two mappings is a matrix of binary image representations. Each binary image representation is allocated a scalar value to form an array of scalar values which may be analysed to identify defined texture characteristics.

Abstract: A system for the remote identification of objects using near-field electromagnetic coupling between an interrogator a transponder and a receiver in which a reply carrier at a subharmonic of the interrogation frequency is obtained by regulating, with minimum energy loss and synchronously with the interrogator signal, the energy exchange process between the transponder coupling element and a complementary storage element, and further varying, also with minimum energy loss and synchronously with the resultant oscillation waveform, the said energy exchange process so that the reply carrier becomes modulated with an information bearing code, the modulation rate being not constrained by the transponder tuned circuit bandwidth.

Abstract: An air conditioning method wherein supply air is introduced into an air conditioned space to maintain a condition of temperature and humidity of air within that space. The invention is characterized in that the air is passed over the cold coil of a dehumidifier both with a low face velocity and a low Reynolds number, resulting in the coil condition curve being compatible with the load ratio line and in turn achieving an energy saving.This invention relates to a method of air conditioning and has as its main object the conservation of energy as well as the improvement of air conditioning system performance.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated secateur provided with a nozzle which emits a spray of protective fluid through the nozzle when the secateur operating trigger is released. The spray is emitted in a metered quantity from a pump when mixed with the escaped air from the secateur. The method involves an operator holding a finger on the trigger until the nozzle has been directed on the wound caused by pruning, and then releasing his finger to spray the wound with protective fluid.

Abstract: A thresher for grain comprising a rotor and a stator disposed one within the other to define an annular tapered threshing space between them, the rotor and stator having interacting surfaces of generally truncated conical form at least one being lined with resilient material and the other with a friction producing material, the annular space having its larger diameter upwards, the rotor or the stator being axially movable to vary the width of the annular space and loaded to urge the member to decrease the width of the annular space to embed seed part-way into the resilient material to remove the hull from the seed.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration system utilising a pair of refrigerant fluids one of which constitutes a distillate, the other of which constitutes an absorber, the fluids being separated from one another in a closed circuit, by a distillation process, the more volatile vapor phase (namely the distillate) being condensed to form a liquid phase, expanded, evaporated, and re-absorbed in the less volatile product (namely the absorbent) of the distillation process, each of the refrigerant fluids being a fluoro-carbon compound, the differences of respective boiling points of said pair of fluids being substantially smaller than the corresponding boiling point temperature difference pertaining to the ammonia/water absorption system, the system being characterized in that it is able to operate with a higher temperature cooling medium for the distillation column condenser while utilizing a lower grade of heat in the distillation column re-boiler.

Abstract: A diagnostic substance for cholescintigraphy which is formed by the reaction of pyridoxal and amino acids labelled with a radionuclide, in pyrogen-free water, the reaction product being adjusted to a pH of 8 to 9 and then autoclaved and cooled to produce a sterile, pyrogen-free non-antigenic solution for injection for biliary scanning.