Abstract: A system for interfacing predetermined services to a user at a fixed location includes a processing platform running an operating system. The system further includes a data store for storing configuration information for enabling the operating system to interface with available physical system resources through the physical system resource interface associated therewith. A communication resource for interfacing with the operating system allows communication of the operating system with a central office for downloading configuration information to selectively enable ones of the available physical system resources to interface with the operating system through associated ones of the physical system resource interfaces in accordance with the configuration information and the predetermined service selected by a user. A plurality of configurations is stored in the data store, and each is associated with a predetermined service and one or more of the available physical system resources.

Abstract: A distributed transaction system for enabling users to conduct transactions using services from third party service providers includes a central processing center with one or more communications interfaces to facilitate transactions initiated by users at a plurality of kiosks wherein each of the kiosks includes a user interface enabling a user to access a user selected service and a data store for storing configurations associated with services provided by the third party service providers, whereby a user interfaces with one or more of physical system resources of the kiosk to open a user identity session such that the kiosk is operative to facilitate at least one first user action with the physical resources to initiate a financial transaction and the central processing center is operative to execute at least a second action to facilitate the transaction and to communicate with a financial institution.

Abstract: Systems for processing a sample are disclosed. The systems include an inlet for receiving the sample comprising target molecules, a filter in fluid communication with the inlet, and an outlet in fluid communication with the filter. The filter is configured to break down the target molecules in the sample and produce breakdown products. The outlet is configured to deliver the breakdown products to a detector.

Abstract: A refrigerator assembly includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment and a door for providing selective access to the storage compartment. The refrigerator assembly further includes a mullion assembly having a hinge coupled to the door and a flipper mullion pivotally attached to the hinge. The flipper mullion is rotatable between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position that is intermediate the first and second positions. The mullion assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the first position when the flipper mullion is between the first position and the intermediate position. The spring is further configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position when the flipper mullion is between the second position and the intermediate position. The mullion assembly further includes a magnetic assembly configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; and a tank liner fixedly attached to an internal surface of the tank (16). The tank liner comprises: a plurality of elements, each element having a hardness value of 2 GPa or above; and a binder material in which the plurality of elements are embedded. The elements have a higher hardness value than the binder material. A distance between a first element and the internal surface of the tank in a direction normal to the internal surface of the tank is different to a distance between a second element and the internal surface of the tank in the direction normal to the internal surface of the tank, the first element being different to the second element.

Abstract: Armor comprising a container (2) containing a liquid (6), said container having a threat-facing wall (11) and at least one shock-reflecting layer (5) of material contained within the container (2), the shock-reflecting layer (5) having a shock impedance differing from the liquid (6) and being positioned at an angle to the threat-facing wall (11) whereby to reflect shock waves (8) created in the liquid by passage of a projectile (1) through the liquid back towards the projectile (1) and across the trajectory of the projectile whereby to induce tumbling of the projectile within the liquid.

Abstract: A refrigerator assembly includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment and a door for providing selective access to the storage compartment. The refrigerator assembly further includes a mullion assembly having a hinge coupled to the door and a flipper mullion pivotally attached to the hinge. The flipper mullion is rotatable between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position that is intermediate the first and second positions. The mullion assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the first position when the flipper mullion is between the first position and the intermediate position. The spring is further configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position when the flipper mullion is between the second position and the intermediate position. The mullion assembly further includes a magnetic assembly configured to bias the flipper mullion toward the second position.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank, for example an aircraft fuel tank, having a tank wall enclosing a liquid storage space, and a tie assembly located at least partially within the liquid storage space. The tie assembly includes an elongate member, for example a wire or cable, and a plurality of attachment devices fixed to an inner surface of the tank wall. The elongate member includes a plurality of spaced part points along its length, each of the spaced apart points being fixed to a respective attachment device such that the tie assembly resists outward deformation of the tank wall.

Abstract: Armour comprising a container (2) containing a liquid (6), said container having a threat-facing wall (11) and at least one shock-reflecting layer (5) of material contained within the container (2), the shock-reflecting layer (5) having a shock impedance differing from the liquid (6) and being positioned at an angle to the threat-facing wall (11) whereby to reflect shock waves (8) created in the liquid by passage of a projectile (1) through the liquid back towards the projectile (1) and across the trajectory of the projectile whereby to induce tumbling of the projectile within the liquid.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; multiple layers of a fabric material; and attachment means attaching the multiple layers of the fabric material to an internal surface of the tank. The attachment means may comprise a non-permeable envelope attached to the internal surface of the tank. The multiple layers of the fabric material may be enclosed in the envelope such that the multiple layers of a fabric are isolated from a fluid in the tank. The envelope may contain a fluid (e.g. air) in addition to the multiple layers of the fabric material.

Abstract: Modular armour is provided. The armour comprises a series of regularly-shaped armour elements and corresponding anchor elements releasably to anchor the armour elements to a platform. Each anchor element comprises an armour engaging section extending between first and second ends thereof, the first end being engageable with an armour mount on the platform and the second end including means releasably to secure the armour element, while engaged with the anchor element, to the platform. The platform may be fixed or mobile and includes land, water-born and air vehicles.

Abstract: A power control circuit includes first and second electrical power terminals connected across a source of electrical power. A heating element is connected to the first terminal. A heating element controller is connected in series with the heating element, between the heating element and the second terminal. The controller is configured to control a temperature level of the element, and includes a control input configured to receive a range of temperature settings, and an OFF command for the element. The controller includes an ON/OFF switch to disconnect the element from the second terminal, and a temperature level control switch to intermittently connect/disconnect the element to the second terminal. A jumper wire series-connects the ON/OFF switch to the temperature level control switch. The ON/OFF switch, the jumper wire, the temperature level control switch, and the element are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid storage system having an outer tank (e.g. an aircraft fuel tank) for containing a liquid (e.g. aircraft fuel), the outer tank enclosing a liquid storage space; an inner tank located within the outer tank and enclosing the liquid storage space; and at least one coupling element associated with the outer tank and the inner tank for maintaining the tanks in a spaced apart relationship; wherein the coupling element(s) is/are deformable such that, on application of a force to the inner tank, at least part of the inner tank moves relative to the outer tank.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank, for example an aircraft fuel tank, comprising a tank wall enclosing a liquid storage space, and a tie assembly located at least partially within the liquid storage space. The tie assembly comprises an elongate member, for example a wire or cable, and a plurality of attachment devices fixed to an inner surface of the tank wall. The elongate member includes a plurality of spaced part points along its length, each of the spaced apart points being fixed to a respective attachment device such that the tie assembly resists outward deformation of the tank wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid storage system comprising: an outer tank (e.g. an aircraft fuel tank) for containing a liquid (e.g. aircraft fuel), said outer tank enclosing a liquid storage space; an inner tank located within the outer tank and enclosing the liquid storage space; and spacing means associated with the outer tank and the inner tank for maintaining the tanks in a spaced apart relationship; wherein the spacing means are deformable such that, on application of a force to the inner tank, at least part of the inner tank moves relative to the outer tank.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; multiple layers of a fabric material; and attachment means attaching the multiple layers of the fabric material to an internal surface of the tank. The attachment means may comprise a non-permeable envelope attached to the internal surface of the tank. The multiple layers of the fabric material may be enclosed in the envelope such that the multiple layers of a fabric are isolated from a fluid in the tank. The envelope may contain a fluid (e.g. air) in addition to the multiple layers of the fabric material.

Abstract: A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; and a tank liner fixedly attached to an internal surface of the tank (16). The tank liner comprises: a plurality of elements, each element having a hardness value of 2 GPa or above; and a binder material in which the plurality of elements are embedded. The elements have a higher hardness value than the binder material. A distance between a first element and the internal surface of the tank in a direction normal to the internal surface of the tank is different to a distance between a second element and the internal surface of the tank in the direction normal to the internal surface of the tank, the first element being different to the second element.

Abstract: A wind turbine having one or more magnets for reducing friction between the turbine support and a turbine rotor. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines. The magnet configuration employs a ring of cylindrically-shaped magnets at the bottom and opposed by a corresponding number of generally rectangular-shaped magnets. Bearing magnets are also employed for axial stabilization.

Abstract: A wind turbine having one or more magnets for reducing friction between the turbine support and a turbine rotor. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines. The magnet configuration employs a ring of cylindrically-shaped magnets at the bottom and opposed by a corresponding number of generally rectangular-shaped magnets. Bearing magnets are also employed for axial stabilization.