Abstract: An audio device with a body configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user, wherein the body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear, at two separate spaced contact locations, and wherein the body is compliant at a body portion that defines one of the contact locations. The device also has an acoustic module carried by the body and configured to locate a sound-emitting opening anteriorly of and proximate the user's ear canal opening when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user.

Abstract: A plinth is disclosed for the support of an attached object. The plinth has a fixing portion for embedding into a secure foundation. The plinth also has a base plate for support of the object, through support means, which are arranged to crumple under an impact, without the object becoming detached from the plinth.

Abstract: A surface wave touch screen) comprising a hydrophobic touch panel capable of propagating surface acoustic waves, wherein a touch on the touch panel causes a perturbation of a surface wave propagating through the region of the touch. Surface wave transducer means are coupled to the touch panel for transmitting and receiving surface acoustic waves on the panel and processing means are capable of determining the position of a touch on the panel. Use of a hydrophobic panel is advantageous in that operation of the touch screen is unaffected by moisture and so can be used in external environments.

Abstract: A pager includes a global positioning system receiver so that the pager may be interrogated by a remote requester for the user's current location. The information can be provided to the requester in response to a request made over the Internet. The requester can be queried for authentication information before providing the information. In this way, the positioning information may be obtained automatically without requiring any action on the part of the pager owner.

Abstract: A coin container (12) for a coin-dispensing apparatus (10) comprises a portable enclosure (22) for enclosing a plurality of randomly-arranged loose coins. The enclosure includes a closeable coin input opening and a closeable coin output opening. The enclosure (22) is adapted to be releasably engaged with a coin-dispensing apparatus (10) with the coin output opening in communication with a coin input of the coin-dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A self service terminal (10) has a central processing unit (CPU) (12) connected to a keyboard (20) on which images can be displayed. The keyboard comprises a plurality of separate, individually operable keys whose user engagable surfaces are arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each key incorporates a liquid crystal display (LCD) (24) where the image displayed by each LCD is changeable and under the control of the CPU. The keyboard is used to display text, characters or other images to the user of the self service terminal. Thus, no separate display is required. The keyboard serves also as a data entry device.

Abstract: A method of maximizing system operating pressure capability of a selected flange joint in a fluid carrying pipeline system comprises minimizing bold load operating conditions and bolt load pre-load conditions at the selected flange joint by interposing a self-energizing seal assembly having negligible "m" and "y" values in surrounding relation to the joint's axial bore. The load producing moment resulting from connection of the flanges with the bolts is minimized by interposing a gasket element having a gasket thickness less than the seal thickness of the self-energizing seal assembly. The gasket element is interposed in a surrounding relation to the seal assembly at an outer radial location proximate to the outer flange surface margin.

Abstract: A modular pallet (10) comprises a pair of cushion bars (12,14), and a pair of spaced sub-frames (22,24), each having a horizontal support surface (26,38) with a pair of slots (34,36 and 50,52) in its front or rear edge, the sub-frames also having vertical supports (30,32,44,46) parallel to the cushion bars 12,14. In use, an object (58) to be carried is bolted by bolts passing through weldnuts (64) in its floor and through the slots (34,36,50,52) into threaded apertures in the cushion bars (12,14); the pallet (10) is taken by a pallet trolley to a required position, the bolts undone, and the cushion bars (12,14) removed. The trolley then lowers the remaining sub-frames (22,24) of the pallet and is removed. Jacking studs (62) are inserted in the weldnuts (64) to raise the object (58) from the sub-frames (22,24), which are then removed by sliding so that the slots (34,36,50,52) slide with respect to the jacking studs (62). The object is then lowered on the jacking studs.

Abstract: A multiple payload cartridge connectible to a source of firing signals by two connecting wires having a first and a second branch each having a squib therein connected in parallel across the connecting wires is characterized by a zener diode connected in series with the second squib in the branch containing the same. The zener diode prevents the flow of current through the branch with the second squib until a firing signal of a predetermined polarity and a magnitude greater than the breakdown voltage of the zener diode is applied across the second branch. The zener diode responds to that firing signal by breaking down into a low resistance conduction path to thereby permit an electrical current sufficient to raise the second squib to incandescence to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A multiple payload cartridge employing circuit components in the squib portion thereof to allow for separate or sequential firing thereof, and hence separate payload ejection, through two-wire connections. Various techniques include the use of a repositionable switch to provide sequential ground connections; the use of mechanical interrupters, e.g., spring-type, crushable-element-type or domed-pop-action type; the use of resistive voltage dividers to permit discrimination in squib firing via applied voltage amplitudes; the use of diodes to permit discrimination in squib firing via applied voltage polarities; and combinations of the above.