Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for controlling supply of a filament (14). The device (10) includes a grooved rotatable wheel over which the filament (14) runs and biasing means (22 & 24). The wheel (12) has a hub (16) and a pair of flexible flanges (18 & 20) extending radially from the hub (16). The biasing means (22 & 24) are adapted in use to force the flexible flanges (18 & 20) to bend towards each other so as to embrace the filament (14) thereby pressing the filament (14) tight against the hub (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for controlling supply of a filament (14). The device (10) includes a grooved rotatable wheel over which the filament (14) runs and biasing means (22 & 24). The wheel (12) has a hub (16) and a pair of flexible flanges (18 & 20) extending radially from the hub (16). The biasing means (22 & 24) are adapted in use to force the flexible flanges (18 & 20) to bend towards each other so as to embrace the filament (14) thereby pressing the filament (14) tight against the hub (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a method for retreading a tire (16) having a worn surface (12). The worn surface (12) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The apparatus (10) includes a heater (34) and a 3D printer (18). The heater (34) is adapted to heat up the worn surface (12) to a desired temperature. The 3D printer (18) is adapted to lay one or more layers of the thermoplastic elastomer onto the heated worn surface (12). The or each layer of thermoplastic elastomer is capable of adhering to the heated worn surface (12) or previously laid layer without requiring an adhesive medium or agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) and a method for retreading a tyre (16) having a worn surface (12). The worn surface (12) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The apparatus (10) includes a heater (34) and a 3D printer (18). The heater (34) is adapted to heat up the worn surface (12) to a desired temperature. The 3D printer (18) is adapted to lay one or more layers of the thermoplastic elastomer onto the heated worn surface (12). The or each layer of thermoplastic elastomer is capable of adhering to the heated worn surface (12) or previously laid layer without requiring an adhesive medium or agent.

Abstract: A method and device for aligning an antenna to a desired heading. A laser beam is generated and aimed in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading. The line of sight of the laser is translated along the desired heading until the laser is directed to a reflective surface on the antenna's axis of transmission. The antenna is then positioned until the laser beam returns to a detector whose horizontal line of sight is the same as that of the laser, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading.

Abstract: A method and device for aligning an antenna to a desired heading. A laser beam is generated and aimed in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading. The line of sight of the laser is translated along the desired heading until the laser is directed to a reflective surface on the antenna's axis of transmission. The antenna is then positioned until the laser beam returns to a detector whose horizontal line of sight is the same as that of the laser, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the desired heading.