Abstract: A composite cylinder for an actuator. The cylinder includes: a radially inner fibre-reinforced polymer layer defining a hollow bore; a radially outer fibre-reinforced polymer layer; a primary conductive coil, and a first and second secondary conductive coil wound between the radially inner fibre-reinforced polymer layer and the radially outer fibre-reinforced polymer layer. The first secondary conductive coil extends axially along at least a first region of the cylinder and the second secondary conductive coil extends axially along at least a second region of the cylinder, and wherein the primary conductive coil extends axially along at least a central region of the cylinder between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A system and method for creating index values supporting the settlement of wind risk transfer contracts is disclosed. The method includes calculating a first power value as a function of historical wind speeds and a power curve associated with the facility. A second power value is calculated based on the power curve and measured wind speed associated with the facility during a given period. The first and second power values are compared to yield an index. In one embodiment of the invention, an offset is added to the historical wind speed data to compensate for differences between the expected wind speeds at the facility and the region for which the historical data is available. In a further embodiment of the invention, a gain is multiplied by the sum of the offset and historical wind speed data to further compensate for differences between the local and regional wind speeds. In another aspect of the invention, a risk transfer vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: Obtaining an early indication of the quality of meat such as defective meat comprising the steps of taking a sample of muscle tissue, disrupting and incubating the sample in order to activate and progress the conversion of glycogen to lactic acid so that the conversion proceeds at a rapid rate by comparison to normal conversion rate in muscle tissue processed and stored normally in meat processing operations and providing an indication of the pH to determine if in range that indicates the meat is defective. A sampling tool (111) usable to sample a muscle tissue having a conical tool head (112) with a leading point (121) to aid insertion into an animal and rearwardly facing cutting edge (123) that takes a sample of tissue when the tool is being withdrawn. A sample removing means (127) having a front convex surface (128) able to force the sample out of a concave base (120) of the tool head (112).