Abstract: A locking device includes a lock body, a hasp and a seal. The lock body includes a hasp locking latch pivotally disposed therein and a seal locking latch pivotally disposed therein. The hasp is disposed at the lock body and movable between an open state, where a free end of the hasp is external the lock body, and a closed state, where the free end of the hasp is within the lock body. The seal, when inserted into the lock body when the hasp is in its closed state, engages the hasp locking latch to pivot the hasp locking latch to engage and lock the hasp in its closed state, and the seal, when inserted into the lock body, engages the seal locking latch to lock the seal within the lock body. The seal includes a frangible portion that is configured to break the seal into first and second portions.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lock body, a hasp and a seal. The lock body includes a hasp locking latch pivotally disposed therein and a seal locking latch pivotally disposed therein. The hasp is disposed at the lock body and movable between an open state, where a free end of the hasp is external the lock body, and a closed state, where the free end of the hasp is within the lock body. The seal, when inserted into the lock body when the hasp is in its closed state, engages the hasp locking latch to pivot the hasp locking latch to engage and lock the hasp in its closed state, and the seal, when inserted into the lock body, engages the seal locking latch to lock the seal within the lock body. The seal includes a frangible portion that is configured to break the seal into first and second portions.

Abstract: Valves and valve plates are presented along with fabrication methods therefor, in which a seal is integrated with the valve or valve plate for sealing the valve or valve plate with a mating component without the use of a secondary sealing gasket.

Abstract: A collapsible pushchair/carrier has wheels at the front and back. An upstanding spine extends between the rear wheels and handles. A lockable slider assembly can be moved up and down the spine. The front wheels are supported by wheel assemblies connected by pivotable support legs to the slider assembly. Beneath the slider assembly there are pivot joints linked to cranked support arms pivotably connected to the support legs. A foldable transverse strut extends between the front wheel assemblies. A seat is mounted to the ends of the arms remote from the pivot joints to the legs and the spine. The slider assembly can be moved between two operating positions. In one position, the pushchair is operative with the wheels defining a wheelbase between the front and rear wheels and front and rear wheel tracks between the front and rear wheels respectively. In the other position the pushchair is stowed and collapsed with the legs and arms alongside the spine and the front wheels within the rear wheel track.

Abstract: A lock system includes a lock unit (11) having a catch (13) and a memory (15). A key unit (21) has an aerial (25) for receiving location determining signals. The lock and key units establish a communications link (33) to release the catch (13) only when the location is a location stored in the memory (15). The lock system may be used to secure vehicles (1).

Abstract: A collapsible pushchair/carrier has wheels at the front and back. An upstanding spine extends between the rear wheels and handles. A lockable slider assembly can be moved up and down the spine. The front wheels are supported by wheel assemblies connected by pivotable support legs to the slider assembly. Beneath the slider assembly there are pivot joints linked to cranked support arms pivotably connected to the support legs. A foldable transverse strut extends between the front wheel assemblies. A seat is mounted to the ends of the arms remote from the pivot joints to the legs and the spine. The slider assembly can be moved between two operating positions. In one position, the pushchair is operative with the wheels defining a wheelbase between the front and rear wheels and front and rear wheel tracks between the front and rear wheels respectively. In the other position the pushchair is stowed and collapsed with the legs and arms alongside the spine and the front wheels within the rear wheel track.

Abstract: A lock system includes a lock unit (11) having a catch (13) and a memory (15). A key unit (21) has an aerial (25) for receiving location determining signals. The lock and key units establish a communications link (33) to release the catch (13) only when the location is a location stored in the memory (15). The lock system may be used to secure vehicles (1).

Abstract: An uncoated interdigitated transducer is cooled from a temperature above the dew point to a temperature below the dew point, while a parameter of a signal of the transducer is measured. The reduction in temperature causes a monotonic change in transducer signal because that signal is sensitive primarily to the water loading of the transducer surface as water forms on that surface due to the reduction in temperature. As the dew point is approached with temperature reduction, the slope of the curve of transducer signal with respect to temperature, remains relatively constant. However, as the dew point is reached the slope of that curve increases and because of changes in the structure of the water layer on the surface of the transducer, at the dew point the transducer responds with a clear shift in the rate at which the transducer signal changes. The temperature at which the second derivative of signal vs. temperature peaks can be readily used to identify with extreme accuracy, the precise dew point.

Abstract: A portable back support having a insert enveloped by a sleeve, forming a cushioned rigid portion and a flexible flap. The back support is dimensioned to support the lumbar and much of the thoracic regions of the spine and is narrower than the distance between a user's scapula. The back support is thus considerably easier to transport and less inconspicuous in use than known portable back supports.

Abstract: A manually operated machine is provided for compressing a charge of tobacco into a cylindrical shape and inserting the compressed charge into a preformed cigarette tube. It comprises a body having a nozzle for supporting the cigarette tube, a sliding compression member directly connected to an operating handle, and an ejector such as a tobacco spoon and ejection plug for injecting the cylindrical charge of tobacco through the nozzle into the cigarette tube. The ejector cooperates with a back edge of a tobacco insertion slot, which is directed at a small acute angle thereto, to exert a scissors-like cutting action on protruding strands of tobacco whereby there is produced a clean separation of the charge of tobacco to be compressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cigarette making machine of the kind having a fixed member and a movable packing block together defining a cylindrical cavity for compressed tobacco, a nozzle communicating with the end of the cavity for supporting a preformed paper tube and an ejector for ejecting the charge of compressed tobacco through the nozzle into the paper tube. A new operating mechanism for such a machine comprises a sliding member including a rack and a pivoted lever secured to the compression member having gear teeth in meshing engagement with the rack and operatively connected to the ejector. Restraining means restrains rotation of the lever during a first portion of the travel of the sliding member during which the tobacco is being compressed, after which said means disengages from the lever to permit rotation thereof in a second portion of the travel of the sliding member in which said ejector forces the charge of compressed tobacco through the nozzle into the paper tube.

Abstract: A lamp comprising a wick-holder moulded in one piece from poly-4-methylpent-1-ene or like plastics material which is naturally buoyant upon combustible oil and which includes a central wick-retaining recess, a peripheral portion disposed above the recess, and at least one arm linking said recess to said peripheral portion and disposed below the peripheral portion. In use the lamp holder floats in oil with the central wick-retaining recess and the or each arm submerged and with only the peripheral portion floating.