Abstract: A method for producing a functionally gradient component, such a component having an outer layer of a first material, and an inner core of a second material, there being a gradual change in microstructure across the interface between the two materials, the method having particular application in producing a component formed from two or more aluminium alloys based on the aluminium-silicon (Al—Si) system, the method involving introducing a first molten metal into a mould, and allowing a layer of the first metal to partially solidify against a wall of the mould, decanting the remaining molten portion of the first metal, and introducing a second molten metal into the mould and allowing same to solidify.

Abstract: A mount for a microphone 34 clamps the microphone body 36 at a plurality of discrete points on the circumference of the body. The microphone body is clamped between two sets of three threaded bolts 18, each set of bolts extending radially inwardly from a respective surrounding annular support 14. Each bolt is radially adjustable by rotation in its support to accommodate microphone bodies of different diameters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program products, for producing a sequence of data request user interfaces that are rendered on a display, including receiving a request for a data request user interface included in the sequence of data request user interfaces, receiving data from a file for constructing the data request user interface, constructing the data request user interface, which when displayed the constructed data request user interface includes a step of the user activity, receiving a request based on the first data request user interface for another data request user interface included in the sequence of data request user interfaces, receiving data from the file for constructing the other data request user interface, and constructing the other data request user interface detached from the first data request user interface, which when displayed the constructed other data request user interface includes another step of the user activity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation containing a wellbore comprising the steps of (a) injecting a gel into the wellbore; (b) permitting for the gel to increase viscosity and (c) fracturing the formation in the vicinity of the gel.

Abstract: There can be provided a method of cladding a surface with panelling. The method can comprise: attaching a first panel support member to the surface, the first panel support member being configured to receive at least a part of a first edge of a panel comprising a core of woven and non-woven glass impregnated with resin and a surface finish of paper and melamine resin; placing the first edge in a position of co-operative reception with the first panel support member; and placing a second edge of the panel substantially opposite the first edge in a position of co-operative reception with a second panel support member, the second panel support member being configured to be attached to the surface.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to management of information from a plurality of emergency medical devices, such as automated external defibrillators, and associated docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. The managed information includes information pertaining to the locations of medical devices within the system, which can include movement of devices from place to place. The remote unit serves as a status monitor that provides a central point for collecting, aggregating and recording the information, and can also direct emergency responders to the location of the emergency.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to management of information from a plurality of emergency medical devices, such as automated external defibrillators, and associated docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. The managed information includes information pertaining to authorized access and maintenance, inspection indications and inspection certifications. In general, an authorized user can access the emergency medical device without activating alarms that would accompany an emergency. The authorized user can further use the user input interface to enter an inspection certification, which records the inspection, the maintenance performed, the date the device is returned to service, and so forth.

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to management of information from a plurality of emergency medical devices, such as automated external defibrillators, and associated docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. The managed information includes patient status information. After a medical device acquires patient status information pertaining to treatment of a patient, the medical device establishes communication with a remote unit via a communication network and communicates the patient status information to the remote unit.

Abstract: A portable medical device, such as an external defibrillator, transmits data to another device, such as a computer. The portable medical device determines when the data transmission has ended, and automatically powers down after data transmission has ended. For example, the portable medical device may receive a signal from the other device, which is generated by the other device to acknowledge receipt of the complete data transmission from the portable medical device, and power down in response to receipt of the signal. In some embodiments, the portable medical device also determines whether it is appropriate to automatically power down after the data transmission has ended, and powers down based on this determination. For example, the portable medical device may determine that it is currently being used to treat a patient, in which case powering down may be inappropriate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program products, for producing a sequence of data request user interfaces that are rendered on a display, including receiving a request for a data request user interface included in the sequence of data request user interfaces, receiving data from a file for constructing the data request user interface, constructing the data request user interface, which when displayed the constructed data request user interface includes a step of the user activity, receiving a request based on the first data request user interface for another data request user interface included in the sequence of data request user interfaces, receiving data from the file for constructing the other data request user interface, and constructing the other data request user interface detached from the first data request user interface, which when displayed the constructed other data request user interface includes another step of the user activity.