Abstract: A process for the manufacture of frozen gas hydrates, the process comprising passing a liquid aqueous phase over a heat exchanger surface under an atmosphere of a pressurised water-soluble gas, characterised in that the conditions of the process are selected to ensure that there is simultaneous dissolution of the pressurised gas into the liquid aqueous phase, and the formation of a solidified continuous phase from solidification of the liquid aqueous phase in contact with the heat exchanger surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of frozen gas hydrates, the process comprising passing a liquid aqueous phase over a heat exchanger surface under an atmosphere of a pressurised water-soluble gas, characterised in that the conditions of the process are selected to ensure that there is simultaneous dissolution of the pressurised gas into the liquid aqueous phase, and the formation of a solidified continuous phase from solidification of the liquid aqueous phase in contact with the heat exchanger surface.

Abstract: A noise-reducing device for a vehicle wheel rim comprises two elements arranged to secure the device around the wheel rim. The elements are arranged to form a closed loop that is a close fit with the wheel rim so that the device is self-retaining on the wheel rim. At least one cavity is formed in one of the elements, the cavity having an opening to provide communication between the cavity and the tyre cavity. The cavity is arranged to define at least in part a chamber that acts as a Helmholtz resonator when the device is installed onto the wheel rim.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning of a medical device in body tissue includes an angle indexer which mates in at least two positions with an index-key attached to the medical device. The indexer may be hand held or otherwise secured to a separate device, such as an introducer cannula, with the medical device being rotatable relative to the indexer.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning of a medical device in body tissue includes an angle indexer which mates in at least two positions with an index-key attached to the medical device. The indexer may be hand held or otherwise secured to a separate device, such as an introducer cannula, with the medical device being rotatable relative to the indexer.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning of a medical device in body tissue includes an angle indexer which mates in at least two positions with an index-key attached to the medical device. The indexer may be hand held or otherwise secured to a separate device, such as an introducer cannula, with the medical device being rotatable relative to the indexer.

Abstract: A vehicle frame in which the transversal beams are linked to the longitudinal rails by means of a plurality of clamps joined by a high efficiency adherent substance.

Abstract: A vehicle frame in which the transversal beams are linked to the longitudinal rails by means of a plurality of clamps joined by a high efficiency adherent substance

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning of a medical device in body tissue includes an angle indexer which mates in at least two positions with an index-key attached to the medical device. The indexer may be hand held or otherwise secured to a separate device, such as an introducer cannula, with the medical device being rotatable relative to the indexer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a characteristic of a sample of a material by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the sample. The apparatus includes an optical assembly and a protective barrier. The optical assembly sequentially illuminates a plurality of volume elements in the sample with an intensity distribution in the sample that drops off substantially monotonically from a first region in a first optical path and collects electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements. The optical assembly collects the electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements with a collected distribution that drops off substantially monotonically from a second region in a second optical path. The first and second regions at least partially overlap in each of the volume elements. The optical assembly can be configured as a probe, to be directed to the evaluation of a sample of a biological material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a characteristic of a sample of a material by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the sample. The apparatus includes an optical assembly and a protective barrier. The optical assembly sequentially illuminates a plurality of volume elements in the sample with an intensity distribution in the sample that drops off substantially monotonically from a first region in a first optical path and collects electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements. The optical assembly collects the electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements with a collected distribution that drops off substantially monotonically from a second region in a second optical path. The first and second regions at least partially overlap in each of the volume elements. The optical assembly can be configured as a probe, to be directed to the evaluation of a sample of a biological material.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive method of producing a gas hydrate is provided comprising the steps: (i) filling a vessel with an amount of liquid water and/or frozen water, (ii) adding an amount of condensed hydrate forming gas to the vessel in a manner such that the condensed gas does not come into contact with liquid water, (iii) contacting the condensed gas, and/or its' sublimation or liquification products at a suitable pressure with the liquid and/or frozen water mixture to produce a reaction mixture, and keeping the reaction mixture at, or below, the maximum temperature at which the gas hydrate is stable and at a suitable pressure for a sufficient time to produce the gas hydrate.

Abstract: A deformable ice confection giving a smooth mouth feel and refreshment from a high ice content which comprises smooth convex faced ice particles in a deformable medium, eg a syrup or ice cream.