Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformable fibre-plastics composite product comprising lignolcellulosic or natural fibres, particularly but not exclusively useful as an intermediate product in subsequent manufacture, comprises conveying the fibres in a dry or wet air stream and applying to the fibres a thermoplastic binding agent, and forming the fibres into a solid or semi-solid product such as a panel, which is thermoformable. In at least a preferred embodiment the process may be carried out in known plant for manufacture of medium density fibre board.

Abstract: A process for producing pellets or granules comprising fibres of a lignocellulousic material, for use as a feedstock in plastics manufacture, conveying in a dry or wet air stream and applying to the fibres a liquid formulation comprising one or more polymers, monomers, or oligomers, forming the fibres into a solid product, and breaking down the solid product to produce said pellets or granules. Typically the conduit conveys the fibres in a plant for manufacture of fibre board.

Abstract: A flexible loop for restraining animals during handling such as during grooming or examination or operation or in bath tubs with a swivel snap closure mechanism or fixed means at its top and, at the bottom of the flexible loop, fixed means. The loop is suitable for attachment to a grooming arm or to tethers to cross-tie the animal in place. The fixed means is preferably a D-ring.

Abstract: A hardener composition and pine bark tannin-containing resin composition are disclosed. The resin composition is formulated to neutral pH in order to reduce the extent of self-polymerisation and provide a satisfactory shelf life. The hardener composition may be mixed with a suitable resin, or the resin composition mixed with a suitable hardener to produce a cold set adhesive which is particularly useful for bonding wood.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving the operational performance of a moving cement mixer vehicle with a rotatable mixing drum by automatically stopping the rotation of the mixing drum at select moments. The system may include a sensor adapted to deliver a signal indicative of an operational parameter, such as steering angle of the vehicle, and a processing unit adapted to receive the signal from the sensor and deliver a control signal based on the signal for stopping rotation of the mixing drum.

Abstract: An automated animal deterrent apparatus for mounting to a culvert, the apparatus includes attached weatherproof housings to protect its other components; a passive infrared sensor to detect pest animals within a detection zone; a siren to produce noise; a scent releasing assembly to emit an odor; a strobe light to produce light flashes; a solar panel and battery to power the apparatus; and a tube and clamp assembly for attaching the apparatus to the end of a culvert.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for cutting a corner of a stack (66) of sheet material, such as paper or plastic cards, to have a non-square shape. Broadly, the apparatus (10) includes a tray (12) for receiving the stack (66) such that the corner of the stack (66) projects through a gap (22) in the tray (12) into a cutting path, a blade assembly (14) which is slidable along the cutting path to cut the corner of the stack (66), a drive assembly (16) for driving the blade assembly (14) along the cutting path, a clamping assembly (74) for exerting a clamping force on the stack (66), and one or more spacer blocks (70,72) that fit closely within the tray (12) and do not project into the cutting path, including a spacer block (70) which is interposed between the clamping assembly (74) and the stack (66).

Abstract: An arbitrator (24) is disclosed for reordering access requests (25) to a memory system (150) to reduce memory system conflicts. The arbitrator comprises a transaction buffer (203) for buffering the access requests (25), an output counter (207) for counting access requests issued by the arbitrator (24), a mapping table (211) for mapping at least the output counter (207) to the access requests (25) in the transaction buffer (203), and a reordering unit (225) for dynamically re-ordering entries in the mapping table (211) such that the mapping points to the access requests (25) in an issue order wherein memory system conflicts are reduced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing data stored in a memory shared among a plurality of processors is described. In an example, a semaphore is provided that is associated with a first portion of the memory. Tasks are stored in the first portion of the memory, the tasks being respectively related to data segments stored in a second portion of the memory. A state of the semaphore is determined. Access among the plurality of processors to the first portion of the memory is controlled in response to the state of the semaphore. A task is executed to process a data segment of the data segments in response to a processor of the plurality of processors gaining access to the first portion of the memory.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system incorporates a contact temperature sensor probe for measuring the temperature of articles. The probe is able to operate effectively even in high radio frequency environments such as those present within radio frequency excited plasma processing chambers. The temperature sensing system includes a contact temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, surrounded by a shielding sheath of a material such as aluminum which is clad with one or more layers of a cladding material. A tip insulator is provided surrounding the sheath for providing RF insulation and thermal coupling. An RF insulating and thermal insulating mounting member is connected to the tip insulator for mounting the probe on an article to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an electrical male plug to a female receptacle includes a serrated edge on at least one pin of the plug that cooperates with a retaining member in the receptacle. Linear insertion of the plug into the receptacle allows a portion of the retaining member to engage with at least one sawtooth of the serrated edge sufficient to secure the plug thereto until the retaining member is urged from a first position into a second position, the second position being adapted for release of the retaining member from the serrated edge, at which time the plug can be linearly withdrawn from the receptacle. Fixed-in-position as well as portable extension cord use is described.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a flashlight device (10) that is capable of recording, storing, and replaying video images. The flashlight (10) comprises a light source (70) adapted to emit minimal levels of infrared light and a video sensor (80) adapted to convert images into an electronic signal. The flashlight device (10) also includes a control module (210) adapted to receive the electronic signal from the video sensor (80) and to store the images in a memory (280). A system that includes a monitor 370 or a computer 380 for utilizing such a flashlight device (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data display and acquisition system for mounting in a vehicle having an interior console and an aperture in the console. The system comprises a frame mountable in the aperture, a recording media housed in the frame and operable to store video data, and a video input in communication with the recording media to receive multiple types of data including video data and to transfer the video data to the recording media.

Abstract: A data acquisition recording and display system for mounting in a vehicle having an interior console and an aperture in the console. The system comprising a frame mountable in the aperture. A recording media housed in the frame and operable to store and retrieve audio/video and other data. The content of the recording media being transferable to enable storage and searching on a remote device. Searching being performed with a search engine application.

Abstract: An arbitrator (24) is disclosed for reordering access requests (25) to a memory system (150) to reduce memory system conflicts. The arbitrator comprises a transaction buffer (203) for buffering the access requests (25), an output counter (207) for counting access requests issued by the arbitrator (24), a mapping table (211) for mapping at least the output counter (207) to the access requests (25) in the transaction buffer (203), and a reordering unit (225) for dynamically re-ordering entries in the mapping table (211) such that the mapping points to the access requests (25) in an issue order wherein memory system conflicts are reduced.

Abstract: A system and mechanism for the movement of large, outsized and heavy cargo includes a tow cable connectable at a first end to a towing vehicle, a buoyant lift vehicle comprising an inflatable member, a tether cable linked to the buoyant lift vehicle and having a connection with the tow cable, and a payload connector linked to at least one of said payload tether cable and said tow cable. The tow cable has a tow vehicle connector at a first end. A connector links the tether cable and the tow cable.

Abstract: An assembly for wheels which are mountable on objects, such as in-line skates and wheel chairs, which have a frame for receiving the wheel.

Abstract: A depth metering float for use with a fishing line, the float having upper and lower outer shell sections rotatable relative to one another and a carriage assembly located within the shell and adapted for rotation about a central axis relative to the shell. The fishing line is passed through the interior of the float and a brake mechanism associated with the carriage assembly serves to selectively clinch the fishing line to stop passage thereof through the float when a desired depth is reached. Located within the carriage assembly is a buoyant drum that rotates about a drum axis perpendicular to the central axis. The fishing line engages the drum so that the drum turns as the fishing line descends. A gear train connects the drum to the carriage and rotary movement of the carriage relative to the shell assembly ultimately actuates the brake mechanism to clinch the fishing line after a predetermined amount of drum rotation.