Abstract: A lamp and projection device for a single slide or digital imaging means comprising six substantially identical faces assembled to form a cube body which supports an illumination system consisting of a light-emitting unit, a electrical transformer unit and switches, a plurality of reflecting mirrors and at least one condensing lens, and a slide or digital light engine. Said overall cube body having a hinged face at the top supporting a reflecting mirror on the inside surface which can be positioned at any angle to allow projecting an image onto a ceiling or onto an adjacent surface, with a micro-switch acting to switch on the device when opened. Said lens being adjustable by means of an external button to enable focusing. The overall faces being formed from a semi-translucent material to enable soft illumination. Said overall device being implemented as a single slide projector/decorative lamp, digital photo projector or video projector.

Abstract: A storage case (1) for a compact disc (2) comprises an outer shell (4) within which an inner carrier (5) for storing the compact disc (2) is slideable between an open and a closed position. The compact disc (2) is stored in a disc storing area (20) between a lower support plate (15) and an upper retaining member (19) of the inner carrier (5). Guide plates (25, 26) slideably guide the compact disc (2) into and out of the disc storing area (20). Resilient disc engaging clips (30) on a rear end wall (17) of the inner carrier (5) resiliently urges the compact disc (2) against corresponding abutment members (33) on the front end wall (16) for securing the compact disc (2) against sideward sliding from the disc storing area (20). The combination of the disc engaging clips (30) and the guide plates (25, 26) avoid the need for a central locating spigot for engaging a central opening of the compact disc (2).

Abstract: A portable electronic device that can be held in one hand includes a graphical display and an input device that is mounted on a surface opposite the graphical display. The input device can be operated with the user's index finger. This configuration is very space efficient and allows the user to view the graphical display and control the device with either the user's left or right hand.

Abstract: A seal arrangement, for example a brush seal 8? in a gas turbine engine, includes thermal matching means for matching the rates of response of a supporting ring 14?, 16? of the seal, and of a rotatable component 4 with which the seal cooperates, to thermal changes in the environment of the seal induced by changes in operating conditions. The thermal matching means may comprise a slugging mass 24 and/or thermal insulation 28. Alternatively, or in addition, the region 24 of the housing at which the seal 8? is mounted may be made from a relatively low thermal expansion material. These measures reduce the rate of expansion and contraction of the seal 8? as the temperature in the engine varies so as to match more closely the rate of expansion and contraction of a rotatable component with which the seal cooperates.

Abstract: Fuel cell stacks and systems with thermal management systems to deliver a liquid heat exchange fluid into thermal communication with the stack and thereafter recycle the stream. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to selectively apportion the recycled liquid stream between a stream that, prior to reuse as a heat exchange stream, is returned to a fluid reservoir and/or selectively cooled, and/or selectively returned to the reservoir and mixed with heat exchange fluid in the reservoir, and a stream that is returned into thermal communication with the stack without returning the stream to the reservoir and/or without heating or cooling and/or without being mixed with additional heat exchange fluid. In some embodiments, the system is adapted to automatically apportion the recycled stream responsive to its temperature. In some embodiments, the system includes a thermostatic valve and/or selectively apportions the recycled stream without requiring an electronic controller or manual input.

Abstract: This invention provides a segmented annular seal (10) the sealing leakage gaps between relatively movable components 14,16 between high and low pressure regions in a gas turbine engine, for example for sealing an engine shaft 16. The seal comprises an annular array of circumferentially spaced and radially movable arcuate seal segments (12) which extend in a continuous end to end relationship in annular housing (14) and project radially from the housing for effecting a seal against an engine shaft (16), rotor or the like. The segments (12) are located in a channel (22) in the housing (14) sized such that the segments (12) are able to follow radial movements of the shaft (16). In order to reduce an axial loading on the segments (12) that ends to cause them to seize a pressure balance region (30) vented to the upstream pressure region is formed on the downstream side of the segments (12).

Abstract: A regulated two-stage turbocharger system is described. The turbocharger system includes high-pressure and low-pressure turbocharger units in communication with one another. The turbocharger system includes a valve system having valve members that are independently controllable so as to selectively control the gas flow into the turbine portions of the high-pressure turbocharger and the low-pressure turbocharger units. The valve members are asymmetric, e.g., they possess differing areas (e.g., perimeters, diameters and/or the like) with respect to one another.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery assembly comprises a rechargeable battery unit and a data and power connector plug. The battery assembly has a deployed configuration in which the battery assembly has the general form of and functions as a conventional battery format, and a recharge configuration in which the data and power connector plug is made accessible to enable said connector to be connected to a suitable receptacle on a computing or peripheral device for recharging of the battery.

Abstract: A brush seal (9) comprising a plurality of bristles packed together in a bristle layer (10). The bristles (10) extend from a first component (4) towards a facing surface of a second component (2). A movable plate (14) is disposed substantially parallel to and adjacent to the bristle layer (10). The plate (14) is movable relative to the bristle layer (10) in a direction parallel to the bristle layer (10). An edge (22) of the movable plate (14) adjacent to and facing the facing surface of the second component (2) is arranged to air ride on the facing surface of the second component (2). To promote the air riding the edge (22) of the movable plate (14) may be accordingly profiled. Alternatively the edge (14) may comprise an enlarged foot member (24) which defines an enlarged surface (26). Furthermore a recess (30) may be defined in the movable plate (14).

Abstract: A formation fracturing method with which to mitigate risk to hydrocarbon productivity includes pumping fracturing fluid, during at least part of a fracturing job time period, into a well to fracture a formation; generating signals, within the fracturing job time period, in response to at least one dimension of the fracture; and further pumping fracturing fluid, within the fracturing job time period, into the well in response to the generated signals. Further pumping includes controlling at least one of a pump rate of the further pumping and a viscosity (either fluid viscosity or particulate concentration) of the further pumped fracturing fluid. Control can include comparing a measured magnitude of at least one dimension of the fracture represented by the generated signals with a predetermined modeled magnitude of the same dimension. Tiltmeters can be used to sense fracture height and width, for example.

Abstract: A seal arrangement, for example a brush seal 8? in a gas turbine engine, includes thermal matching means for matching the rates of response of a supporting ring 14?, 16? of the seal, and of a rotatable component 4 with which the seal cooperates, to thermal changes in the environment of the seal induced by changes in operating conditions. The thermal matching means may comprise a slugging mass 24 and/or thermal insulation 28. Alternatively, or in addition, the region 24 of the housing at which the seal 8? is mounted may be made from a relatively low thermal expansion material. These measures reduce the rate of expansion and contraction of the seal 8? as the temperature in the engine varies so as to match more closely the rate of expansion and contraction of a rotatable component with which the seal cooperates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser welding system having a travel path to carry a first blank and a second blank. An upstream clamp assembly and a downstream clamp assembly are positioned on the travel path and each of the upstream and downstream clamp assemblies are movable to an open position to allow the first blank to pass through the upstream clamp assembly to a first location within the downstream clamp assembly. A laser welding source is directed at a weld location on the travel path between the upstream and downstream clamp assemblies. At least one locating means is operable to locate the first weld edge adjacent the weld location. A first displacement means displaces the first weld edge against the locating means. The downstream clamp assembly is movable from the open position to a closed clamped position to clamp the first blank with the first weld edge adjacent the weld location. The locating means is operable to be withdrawn from the travel path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser welding system having a travel path to carry a first blank and a second blank. An upstream clamp assembly and a downstream clamp assembly are positioned on the travel path and each of the upstream and downstream clamp assemblies are movable to an open position to allow the first blank to pass through the upstream clamp assembly to a first location within the downstream clamp assembly. A laser welding source is directed at a weld location on the travel path between the upstream and downstream clamp assemblies. At least one locating means is operable to locate the first weld edge adjacent the weld location. A first displacement means displaces the first weld edge against the locating means. The downstream clamp assembly is movable from the open position to a closed clamped position to clamp the first blank with the first weld edge adjacent the weld location. The locating means is operable to be withdrawn from the travel path.

Abstract: A medicament container and a method of manufacturing the container housing at least one individual dose of medicament using a carrier having first and second opposing faces and through walls defining a through hole extending between the first and second opposing faces, the method including inserting the carrier into a mould having an element for protrusion into the through hole from the first face so as to define with the through walls a generally cup-shaped space, filling the generally cup-shaped space with a mould material so as to form a generally cup-shaped insert in the through hole, removing the carrier and insert from the mould, depositing an individual dose of medicament in the generally cup-shaped insert, and sealing the medicament and insert in the through hole by sealing first and second sheets respectively with the first and second faces.

Abstract: A vehicle after market, bridge-type, universal ergonomic armrest assembly that is adjustable longitudinally and vertically for installation over a console while permitting access into the console. A hinged front leg rests on the front of the console and a hinged rear leg is attached to the rear of the console, or to a partition behind the seat. The arm rest can be folded upward and backward for non-use stowage. The front leg folds out of the way when the arm rest is in the stowed position. The arm rest can be used in a bench seat by wedging the rear foot in the crease at the junction of the seat and back. The arm rest is simple, easy to manufacture and install, and provides relief and alleviates fatigue for those drivers who spend long period in their vehicles such as truckers, police and sales persons.

Abstract: A display device (1) has an extendible screen (2) and at least one extendible side member (3). The extendible screen (2) is extendible in an extension direction from a relatively compact form to an extended form. The screen (2) in the extended form has opposed edges (17) that are substantially parallel to the extension direction. An extendible side member (3) is provided for at least one of said opposed edges (17). The or each extendible side member (3) is extendible to provide support to and structural rigidity to the screen (2) when the screen (2) is in the extended form. The display device (1) provides an extendible rigid screen (2) suitable for example for creating a rigid collapsible tablet computer, or enabling a compact portable display to support a rigid touch-screen, or for incorporation into a mobile phone or remote control unit.

Abstract: Provided are methods of inhibiting proliferation and/or trans-differentiation of hepatic stellate cells, which method comprises the step of contacting hepatic stellate cells with a ligand of the low affinity glucocorticoid binding site (LAGS), which may be the rat p28 receptor or the human hpr6.6 receptor. The invention also provides ligands for use in such methods (e.g. pregnenolone 16-alpha carbonitrile) and methods for screening for the same (e.g. based on competition or displacement assays using LAGS ligands such as dexamethasone). Such ligands may be used in the treatment of liver disorders.

Abstract: A formation fracturing method with which to mitigate risk to hydrocarbon productivity includes pumping fracturing fluid, during at least part of a fracturing job time period, into a well to fracture a formation; generating signals, within the fracturing job time period, in response to at least one dimension of the fracture; and further pumping fracturing fluid, within the fracturing job time period, into the well in response to the generated signals. Further pumping includes controlling at least one of a pump rate of the further pumping and a viscosity (either fluid viscosity or particulate concentration) of the further pumped fracturing fluid. Control can include comparing a measured magnitude of at least one dimension of the fracture represented by the generated signals with a predetermined modeled magnitude of the same dimension. Tiltmeters can be used to sense fracture height and width, for example.