Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a thin-film semiconductor device. The method includes providing a plurality of raw semiconductor materials. The raw semiconductor materials undergo a pre-reacting process to form a homogeneous compound semiconductor material. This pre-reaction typically includes processing above the liquidus temperature of the compound semiconductor. The compound semiconductor material is reduced to a particulate form and deposited onto a substrate to form a thin-film having a composition and atomic structure substantially the same as a composition and atomic structure of the compound semiconductor material.

Abstract: A multi-functional, multi-layer film or skin which may be used as a covering for a structure or platform incorporates an integrated photovoltaic element and an integrated RF antenna element. The film or skin is suitable for use in various applications, including those involving autonomous, self-powered, mobile communication systems and especially for use as a skin or covering for solar powered aircraft and UAVs. Planar PV cells and planar RF antenna are used to facilitate their integration into the film or skin. The PV cells and RF antenna are configured to face operate outward from opposite faces of the skin. The film or skin addresses potential problems arising from conflicting directional requirements for PV orientation and antenna pointing on mobile platforms. This is accomplished by employing wide angle AR coatings on the PV elements and electrical controls to steer the RF antenna.

Abstract: A steam or vapor condensing system (10) for use with radiant solar energy collecting apparatus (17) of the type having solar energy concentrators (20) and in which steam or vapor is generated for supply to a load such as to a steam turbine, the system (10) using the solar energy concentrators (20) to directly or indirectly radiate heat energy of exhaust steam or vapor from the load. The collecting apparatus (17) may float on a body of liquid (19) and heat energy of the exhaust steam or vapor is transferred to the body of liquid for example by being passed through a duct (23) in the body of liquid (19) and heat energy transferred to the body of liquid (19) is radiated by the concentrators (20).

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the reductive amination of a carbonyl group at the reducing terminus of a polysaccharide, wherein the reductive amination is carried out at a pH between 4 and 5. The invention also provides a process for preparing a conjugate of a polysaccharide and a carrier molecule, comprising the steps of: (a) coupling the polysaccharide to a linker, to form a polysaccharide-linker compound in which the free terminus of the linker is an ester group; and (b) reacting the ester group with a primary amine group in the carrier molecule, to form a polysaccharide-linker-carrier molecule conjugate in which the linker is coupled to the carrier molecule via an amide linkage. The invention also provides a process for reducing contamination of a polysaccharide-linker compound with unreacted linker, comprising a step of precipitating unreacted linker under aqueous conditions at a pH of less than 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conjugate based on Vi polysaccharide which is fragmented and a carrier protein, to compositions comprising said conjugate and to methods for making said conjugates and compositions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating an object, such as a lead, from formed tissue are provided. Specifically, a tissue slitting device is configured to engage patient formed tissue at a slitting engagement point. While the object is subjected to a first traction force, the tissue slitting device is caused to move further into the engaged tissue and slit the tissue past the point of engagement. The slitting device causes the tissue to separate along an axial direction of the length of the formed tissue and releases at least some of the force containing the object. The methods and systems are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a polyaniline homopolymer or copolymer comprising at least one carboxylic acid group, and homopolymers or copolymers arising therefrom, the methods comprising: preparing a solution of a polyaniline precursor having at least one aromatic amine group and at least one carboxylic acid group (eg. 2-aminobenzoic acid, 3-aminobenzoic acid or 4-aminobenzoic acid) in a solvent selected from aqueous methanesulfonic acid or aqueous ammonia and optionally one or more additional polyaniline precursors (such as aniline); and oxidatively polymerising the polyaniline precursor or precursors.

Abstract: A fire retardant material comprising preferably at least 60% polypropylene having a flexural modulus of 2.8 GPa or above and a fire retardancy rating of UL-94 V-1 or better. The fire retardant material is preferably halogen and glass-fiber free. It may contain a fire retardant agent (e.g. a polymeric APP-crystal phase II type fire retardant fire retardant) and a filler. Also methods for producing such a fire retardant material.

Abstract: A multi-input electrical power conversion device is provided for converting multiple DC energies each arising from different junctions in a multi-junction solar cells into AC energy. The device includes a plurality of electrical inputs for receiving the multiple DC energies from at least one multi junction solar cell. The number of DC energies id no less than the number of junctions in the multi-junction solar cell. The device also includes at least one DC-to-AC circuit for receiving the multiple DC energies from the plurality of electrical inputs and at least one electrical output receiving at least one AC energy from the DC to AC circuit. The device also includes at least one MPPT circuit operatively coupled to the DC to AC circuit.

Abstract: A multilayer film or skin for free space optical data transmission includes a first outer layer. The first outer layer has a first laterally extending area that transmits optical data signals received over a range of incident angle. A second layer that includes a second laterally extending area underlies the first layer. At least a portion of the optical data signals received by the second layer from the first outer layer is focused or otherwise concentrated into a substantially reduced area. An optical detector receives the concentrated optical data signals from the second layer. An electrical connection extends from the optical detector to an external receiving device. The multilayer film or skin may be used, for example, in applications involving mobile free space optical communication platforms where low profile, volume and mass and/or enhanced platforms are important.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the reductive amination of a carbonyl group at the reducing terminus of a polysaccharide, wherein the reductive amination is carried out at a pH between 4 and 5. The invention also provides a process for preparing a conjugate of a polysaccharide and a carrier molecule, comprising the steps of: (a) coupling the polysaccharide to a linker, to form a polysaccharide-linker compound in which the free terminus of the linker is an ester group; and (b) reacting the ester group with a primary amine group in the carrier molecule, to form a polysaccharide-linker-carrier molecule conjugate in which the linker is coupled to the carrier molecule via an amide linkage. The invention also provides a process for reducing contamination of a polysaccharide-linker compound with unreacted linker, comprising a step of precipitating unreacted linker under aqueous conditions at a pH of less than 5.

Abstract: A method for creating static and dynamic formats of an electronic newspaper, including importing data files containing newspaper content having a PDF or PNG format from a database, converting the imported data files to a HTML format, creating daily newspaper pages in an HTML format from the HTML converted data files using HTML daily page templates, presenting the created newspaper pages in the HTML format in an HTML environment through a web browser of a user interface device, converting the created newspaper pages in the HTML format to a PNG format, and presenting the created daily newspaper pages in the PNG format through the web browser of the user interface device as a static digital replica of a printed newspaper.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a polyaniline homopolymer or copolymer comprising at least one carboxylic acid group, and homopolymers or copolymers arising therefrom, the methods comprising: preparing a solution of a polyaniline precursor having at least one aromatic amine group and at least one carboxylic acid group (eg. 2-aminobenzoic acid, 3-aminobenzoic acid or 4-aminobenzoic acid) in a solvent selected from aqueous methanesulfonic acid or aqueous ammonia and optionally one or more additional polyaniline precursors (such as aniline); and oxidatively polymerising the polyaniline precursor or precursors.

Abstract: The invention provides a housing adapted to provide for the juxtaposition of an oral hygiene device, such as a toothbrush, with an inhaler medication device, such as a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or dry powder inhaler (DPI). Also provided is an assembly including a housing, an oral hygiene device and an inhaler medication device wherein, in use, the housing and inhaler medication device together secure the oral hygiene device in the housing such that the oral hygiene device cannot be removed for use without first removing the inhaler medication device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of dispensing liquid, and a liquid dispensing device. The method and device include a controller having a multi-phase droplet ejection cycle stored thereon. The multiphase droplet ejection cycle dispenses the droplet in two stages. Advantageously, this provides highly accurate droplets of very small volumes without the formation of satellite droplets.

Abstract: A tool mounting assembly comprising a shank holder having an elongated passage and an elongated tool shank for an earth working or agricultural tool which is received within the passage and which includes a series of longitudinally spaced teeth. A rotatable adjuster is mounted on the shank holder and can cooperate with the teeth for moving the shank longitudinally of the passage to vary the operating depth of the tool. The shank can also cooperate with the adjuster to lock the adjuster against rotation which prevents longitudinal movement of the shank. A retaining member can be located in the passage for cooperation with the shank to hold the shank in this position. The adjuster may also be rotated to a position out of engagement with the shank teeth which allows for longitudinal sliding movement of the shank through the passage.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A hydro-thermal exchange unit (HTEU) for desalinating feed water in accordance with a humidification-dehumidification includes feed water, fresh water and gas conduit circuits for transporting feed water, fresh water, and gas, respectively. The unit also includes an evaporator through which a portion of the feed water conduit and the gas conduit pass. The evaporator causes evaporation of a portion of the feed water to produce vapor that is transported through the gas conduit. The unit also includes a condenser through which a portion of the gas conduit and the fresh water conduit pass. The condenser has input and output ports for coupling the gas and fresh water conduit circuits. The condenser extracts moisture from the vapor transported therethrough by the gas conduit. The extracted moisture is discharged through the fresh water conduit.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus (41) for determining the organic carbon content of soil in heated air or gas is forced through a soil sample (36) to burn off or oxidise organic carbon in the sample with the change of weight of the sample (36) indicating the carbon content in the soil sample (36) and thus the soil from which the sample (36) is taken. The apparatus (41) includes a housing (47) in which one or more soil samples (36) may be located, a heater unit (51) for heating the air or gas for passage through the soil samples (36) to burn off organic materials therein including organic carbon. The apparatus (41) also includes a weighing device (76) which enables the change of weight of the soil samples (36) to be determined whilst the samples (36) remain within the housing (47).