Abstract: An automated sensor calibration system and method provide for calibrating a gas sensor in-situ in a controlled atmosphere workstation. The system comprises a controller for automatically controlling the calibration system; an enclosure member movable between a first position and a second position; and a drive mechanism, operable by the controller, for moving the enclosure member between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the enclosure member is arranged in a spaced relationship from the sensor such that a sensing head of the sensor is exposed to the controlled atmosphere of the workstation. In the second position, the enclosure member is arranged in engagement with at least one surface so as to define a calibration chamber and enclose the sensing head in the calibration chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a stylus of an inoculation apparatus comprises a bath with a first washing trough to hold a first washing fluid and a first weir defining a first washing fluid level, a second washing trough to hold a second washing fluid and a second weir defining a second washing fluid level higher than the first washing fluid level so the stylus is immersible to a greater depth in the second washing fluid than in the first washing fluid. A third washing trough may hold a third washing fluid with a third weir defining a third washing fluid level higher than the first washing fluid level so the stylus is immersible to a greater depth in the third washing fluid than in the first washing fluid. An inoculation system may comprise the cleaning system and may employ an automated method of cleaning the stylus.

Abstract: There is provided a method for initiating a sleeve evacuation process in a controlled atmosphere workstation that comprises a chamber, at least one porthole that may be opened for enabling a user to access the chamber, and a sleeve secured to the least one porthole. The method involves placing the hand of a user within the sleeve with the sleeve engaging the forearm of the user, and initiating the sleeve evacuation process in response to the hand and forearm within the sleeve. In an embodiment of the invention the user forms a fist and moves the fist towards the porthole. This creates a pressure increase that can be detected to initiate the evacuation process. Alternatively the user may wear on his or her hand or forearm an element such as a magnetic element or an RFID chip that can be detected at the porthole to begin the evacuation process.

Abstract: An automated sensor calibration system and method provide for calibrating a gas sensor in-situ in a controlled atmosphere workstation. The system comprises a controller for automatically controlling the calibration system; an enclosure member movable between a first position and a second position; and a drive mechanism, operable by the controller, for moving the enclosure member between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the enclosure member is arranged in a spaced relationship from the sensor such that a sensing head of the sensor is exposed to the controlled atmosphere of the workstation. In the second position, the enclosure member is arranged in engagement with at least one surface so as to define a calibration chamber and enclose the sensing head in the calibration chamber.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to a system and method for determining the efficacy of the catalyst comprising means to detect any temperature change in the catalyst when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation and determine the efficacy of the catalyst in accordance with the temperature change. A detectable rise in the temperature of the catalyst is indicative of a catalytic reaction to remove oxygen from the anaerobic work station. Thus, the system determines the catalyst is an active catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst rises when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. The system determines the catalyst is an inactive catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst does not rise when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. Further aspect of the invention relate to a system and method for determining the atmosphere of an anaerobic workstation in accordance with the efficacy of the catalyst of the anaerobic workstation.

Abstract: Smoking articles, and other flow delivery articles A flow delivery article (1) to deliver a gaseous flow to the mouth of a user has a vibration component (4) to provide tactile stimulation to the user.

Abstract: A flow delivery article (1) comprises a flow control component (5) configured to provide at least one flow during a draw on the flow delivery article (1), said at least one flow comprising a respective plurality of flow peaks.

Abstract: There is provided a method for initiating a sleeve evacuation process in a controlled atmosphere workstation that comprises a chamber, at least one porthole that may be opened for enabling a user to access the chamber, and a sleeve secured to the least one porthole. The method involves placing the hand of a user within the sleeve with the sleeve engaging the forearm of the user, and initiating the sleeve evacuation process in response to the hand and forearm within the sleeve. In an embodiment of the invention the user forms a fist and moves the fist towards the porthole. This creates a pressure increase that can be detected to initiate the evacuation process. Alternatively the user may wear on his or her hand or forearm an element such as a magnetic element or an RFID chip that can be detected at the porthole to begin the evacuation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a user access port for a controlled atmosphere apparatus comprising a porthole extending through a wall; a sealing assembly comprising a first sealing means and a second sealing means for maintaining a sealing barrier across the porthole, whereby the first sealing means comprises a first closure member that is adapted to at least substantially seal the porthole when arranged in a closed position and allow user access to the porthole when arranged in an open position; the second sealing means is mounted so as to extend at least substantially across the porthole and comprises a sealed access member and a second closure member, whereby the sealed access member comprises a user access aperture having a peripheral edge adapted to form a sealing contact with an arm of a user when an operator extends his arm through the user access aperture and whereby the second closure member is adapted to at least substantially seal the user access aperture when arranged in a closed position and at least

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to a system and method for determining the efficacy of the catalyst comprising means to detect any temperature change in the catalyst when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation and determine the efficacy of the catalyst in accordance with the temperature change. A detectable rise in the temperature of the catalyst is indicative of a catalytic reaction to remove oxygen from the anaerobic work station. Thus, the system determines the catalyst is an active catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst rises when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. The system determines the catalyst is an inactive catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst does not rise when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. Further aspect of the invention relate to a system and method for determining the atmosphere of an anaerobic workstation in accordance with the efficacy of the catalyst of the anaerobic workstation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a user access port for a controlled atmosphere apparatus comprising a porthole extending through a wall; a sealing assembly comprising a first sealing means and a second sealing means for maintaining a sealing barrier across the porthole, whereby the first sealing means comprises a first closure member that is adapted to at least substantially seal the porthole when arranged in a closed position and allow user access to the porthole when arranged in an open position; the second sealing means is mounted so as to extend at least substantially across the porthole and comprises a sealed access member and a second closure member, whereby the sealed access member comprises a user access aperture having a peripheral edge adapted to form a sealing contact with an arm of a user when an operator extends his arm through the user access aperture and whereby the second closure member is adapted to at least substantially seal the user access aperture when arranged in a closed position and at least

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for milking animals such as cows, components of the apparatus and methods of milking animals employing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least two resilient membranes having a space therebetween into which the teat of the animal may be inserted. The membranes are held by a support structure under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the teat, to protect the teat from excessive force when the membranes fall onto the teat.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing milk from a teat of an animal comprising an outer body having an opening into which the teat is insertable into a space defined by two or more resilient membranes. A pressure difference is applied between the space between the resilient membranes and a region outside the membranes to cause the membranes to ball on to the teat, thereby massaging it to extract milk. To avoid exerting excessive force on the end of the teat yet retain a useful massage pressure, the resilient membranes are under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of teat insertion before the provision of any pressure difference (before the insertion of the teat).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for milking animals such as cows, components of the apparatus and methods of milking animals employing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least two resilient membranes having a space therebetween into which the teat of the animal may be inserted. The membranes are held by a support structure under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the teat, to protect the teat from excessive force when the membranes fall onto the teat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid barrier assembly (1) comprising at least two barriers (2,3) each comprising a substantially rigid container and a front wall (5) against which liquid is intended to be incident. Adjacent barriers (2,3) are linked by a connector (12) which comprises a first relatively rigid portion (13) and a second relatively deformable portion (15). The portions (13, 15) are received in respective recesses defined in neighbouring side walls of adjacent barriers (2,3). The second portion (15) is deformed upon juxtaposition of adjacent barriers (2,3) in a predetermined manner so as to form an effective water-tight seal between the barriers (2,3).

Abstract: Skirts for air cushion vehicles that are formed from material that is tensively strengthened in at least one direction, and preferably two different directions, so as to resolve and reduce the axial and radial stresses in the skirt. The material may be strengthened by incorporation of reinforcing cords arranged to reduce the axial and radial stresses in the skirt both when a vehicle comprising such a skirt is static and when it is in motion.

Abstract: In a fluid handling assembly, such as an animal milking apparatus, it is necessary for an elastic tube (1) to be fitted to, and removed from, a spigot (3). The prevent the tube (1) necking down when an attempt is made to remove it, a sleeve (9) is provided between the spigot (3) and the tube (1). The internal diameter of the sleeve (9) is the same as the outer diameter of the spigot (3) so that the sleeve (9) is slidable on the spigot (3) to enable the sleeve and hence the tube (1) to be removed from the spigot. The sleeve (9) may have a flange (10) or even a collar (19) to enable it to be gripped easily.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid barrier assembly (1) for the prevention of flow of liquid from one area to an adjacent area. The assembly (1) comprises at least two barriers (2,3) each comprising a substantially rigid container and a front wall (5) against which, in use, liquid is intended to be incident. Adjacent barriers (2,3) are linked by a connector (12) which comprises a first relatively rigid portion (13) and a second relatively deformable portion (15). The portions (13, 15) are received in respective recesses defined in neighbouring side walls of adjacent barriers (2,3). The second portion (15) is deformed upon juxtaposition of adjacent barriers (2,3) in a predetermined manner so as to form an effective water-tight seal between the barriers (2,3). The arrangement is particularly suitable for flood defence barriers.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing milk from a teat of an animal comprising an outer body having an opening into which the teat is insertable into a space defined by two or more resilient membranes. A pressure difference is applied between the space between the resilient membranes and a region outside the membranes to cause the membranes to ball on to the teat, thereby massaging it to extract milk. To avoid exerting excessive force on the end of the teat yet retain a useful massage pressure, the resilient membranes are under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of teat insertion before the provision of any pressure difference (before the insertion of the teat).