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 The locating means is operable to be withdrawn from the travel path.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 The locating means is operable to be withdrawn from the travel path.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 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 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 docking station for a mobile computing device such as, for example, a Palm PC, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or any of a variety of other types of handheld computing devices which have their own LCD displays. The docking station provides a variety of functions to the mobile computing device including: telephone, videophone, fax, digital answering machine, printing, keyboard, modem, internet access digital interface ports for connection to a variety of peripherals including scanners, cameras, disk drives and a number of other peripherals in addition to providing the two typical functions of existing docking stations, i.e., providing power charging to the mobile computing device's rechargeable battery and providing a digital connection between the mobile computing device and a personal computer.

Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine utilizing direct fuel injection, wherein the inner surface of the cylinder head defines a combustion chamber, the combustion chamber is asymmetrical about the centerline of the cylinder, a portion of the combustion chamber is symmetrical about a line angularly offset from the centerline of the cylinder, and wherein fuel is injected along a line angularly offset from the centerline of the cylinder from a location displaced perpendicularly from the centerline of the cylinder in the direction of the angular offset of the injection line, and wherein the inner surface of the cylinder head is smooth and continuous, and wherein the height of the combustion chamber is low relative to the width of the cylinder.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an annular brush seal comprising a bristle pack, the bristle pack having an upstream face, a downstream face and a sealing face, wherein the sealing face is provided with an annular chamfered relief extending from a location intermediate the upstream face and the downstream face and terminating at the upstream face. The revised geometry providing more consistent performance through the life of the brush seal. Also provided is a method for the manufacture of such a seal.

Abstract: A brush seal designed for use between regions of high pressure differential and in an environment in which there is disturbed flow has a bristle pack sub-divided into a plurality of bristle pack regions with a leaky diaphragm between each region. The brush seal may comprise an assembly of individual seals with diaphragms between them or a single bristle pack which is sub-divided by at least one internal diaphragm. The diaphragms are preferably compliant and designed to allow a predetermined leakage flow between bristle regions. The leakage flow has several functions: it causes the pressure differential across the whole seal assembly to be more evenly distributed, and by providing an amount of flow in each pack this acts to calm the bristles thus helping to ensure each bristle region effectively contributes to the seal performance.

Abstract: A seal for effecting a seal between two components (2,4) to inhibit a flow of fluid, between the two components, in a sealing direction (22) from an upstream side (24) of the seal to a downstream side (26) of the seal. The downstream side (26) of the seal in use being at a lower pressure than the upstream side (26) of the seal. The seal comprising a carrier (12) adapted for mounting from one of the components (4), and a plurality of densely packed resilient strips (6) mounted on the carrier (12) to extend therefrom. Each strip (6) having a tip (20) which is adapted to wipe on the other component (2) to effect a seal thereagainst in the sealing direction (22) with the strips (6) arranged substantially parallel to the sealing direction (22). The seal being characterized in that there is provided a gap (30) between adjacent strips to allow the tip portions (20) of the strips (6) to move relative to each other and maintain in use a flexible seal.

Abstract: An annular seal comprising a mass of bristles (10) packed together in a layer axially adjacent to an annular backing plate (12). The bristles (12) and backing plate (14) are mounted on and extend from a radially outer member (4) towards and around a cylindrical inner member (2). The outer (4) and inner (2) cylindrical members rotate relative to each other about an axis (1). The bristles (10) co-operate with the inner cylindrical member (2) to form a seal thereagainst. An expansion ring (18) is disposed radially inwardly of the backing plate (14) and is mounted in substantially the same plane from the backing plate (14) via a suitable mounting arrangement (16) which is arranged to permit radial movement of the expansion ring (18) relative to the backing plate (14) and the operational position of the inner cylindrical member (2).

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: This invention relates to certain cyano-dienes and halopyridines and the processes for their preparation from a protected 1,3-dialdehyde and a cyano-diene.

Abstract: A method for operating an ion source having a filament-cathode and an anode. The method includes supplying direct current electrical power between the anode and the filament-cathode characterized by substantially constant arc current there between and varying arc voltage on the filament-cathode. Direct current electrical power is also supplied across the filament-cathode. The value of the arc voltage is monitored and the magnitude of electrical power supplied to the filament-cathode is altered in response to detected changes in the arc voltage to return the arc voltage to substantially a preset reference value. The monitoring step and the altering step are carried out at regular preset intervals. The altering step includes deriving an filament power error signal as a prearranged function which includes the difference in values between the monitored arc voltage and the preset reference value multiplied by a predefined integral gain value.

Abstract: An ion implantation system includes a beam generating arrangement for generating an ion beam characterized by good beam stability and for directing the ion beam along a prearranged path. A beam stopping arrangement is disposed in the path of the beam for stopping and collecting the ions in the beam. A workpiece scanning arrangement is positioned upstream of the beam stopping arrangement for scanning a workpiece through the beam in a prearranged combined fast scan directional motion and a slow scan directional motion with the slow scan directional motion being characterized by an end of scan position in which the ion beam falls completely on the beam stopping arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a cassette equipment carrier. In a first embodiment thereof, the invention includes a belt having a plurality of pockets thereon for storage of cassette tapes, a plurality of loop-like retaining devices to retain batteries and a pocket sized to receive therein a portable cassette-tape player device. In this embodiment, the belt is designed to be worn about the waist of the user. In a further embodiment, a cassette equipment carrier is disclosed which includes pockets for cassette tapes, retainers for batteries and a pocket for a portable cassette-tape player, but in this embodiment, the belt is designed and the retainers and pockets are so oriented that the belt may be worn over one shoulder of the user.