Abstract: A transmission system including first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102), a plurality of gear trains arranged to transfer drive between the first and second shafts, an instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146), and at least one non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157), wherein the instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146) and the or each non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157) are arranged to create torque paths between the first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102) via the gear trains, wherein each gear train is selectable when one other gear train is transmitting torque.

Abstract: A calixarene dimer of the general formula (I-G), comprising a first calixarene moiety I and a second calixarene moiety G, wherein: L is [—CH2—] or [—O—CH2—O—] and is the same or different between each aryl group; R5 is H, NO2, halogen, or C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, C6-C20 aryl group, C6-C20 hydrocarbylaryl group, any of which is optionally substituted by one or more halo or oxo groups or interrupted by one or more oxo or amide groups, and R5 is the same or different on each aryl group; R1 comprises a carboxy group which is or is not protonated or protected; two groups out of R2, R3 and R4 are H; the one group out of R2, R3 and R4 not being H comprises at least one atom of one or more of O and S, the said at least one atom being capable of causing the calixarene to be adsorbed onto the surface of the substrate; and the one group out of R2, R3 and R4 not being H being conjugated to the second calixarene moiety G. The calixarene dimers may be incorporated into sensors.

Abstract: A calixarene dimer of the general formula (I-G), comprising a first calixarene moiety I and a second calixarene moiety G, wherein: L is [—CH2—] or [—O—CH2—O—] and is the same or different between each aryl group; R5 is H, NO2, halogen, or C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, C6-C20 aryl group, C6-C20 hydrocarbylaryl group, any of which is optionally substituted by one or more halo or oxo groups or interrupted by one or more oxo or amide groups, and R5 is the same or different on each aryl group; R1 comprises a carboxy group which is or is not protonated or protected; two groups out of R2, R3 and R4 are H; the one group out of R2, R3 and R4 not being H comprises at least one atom of one or more of O and S, the said at least one atom being capable of causing the calixarene to be adsorbed onto the surface of the substrate; and the one group out of R2, R3 and R4 not being H being conjugated to the second calixarene moiety G.

Abstract: A weight for a fishing line, including a weighted body defined by an outer surface, having an overall specific gravity greater than one, the body further defined by forward and rearward end portions in spaced-apart arrangement aligned along a longitudinal central axis, the body having an axial bore formed therein passing there through interconnecting the forward and rearward end portions, an elongated hollow tube pivotally mounted in and concentrically aligned in the axial bore, terminated by first and second distal ends, the body and the tube each having formed therein a radial slot extending along the entire length thereof and extending outward from the central axis for receipt therein of a fishing line, a first device exterior the first distal end portion of the tube and extending outward from the tube for turning the tube in the body to rotate the tube slot to a position relative to the radial body slot, and a second device cooperating with the first device for retaining the tube in the body.

Abstract: A composition of matter useful in a sensor for sensing the concentration of an ionic component in a medium is disclosed. This composition comprises a first material which includes a sensing component in an amount effective to provide a signal which varies as the concentration of the ionic component in the medium varies, and a first matrix material which is permeable to the ionic component; and a second material which includes a second matrix material which is permeable to the ionic component, and an opaque agent in an amount sufficient to render the second material effectively opaque. The first material matrix and the second matrix material are covalently bonded together. Sensing apparatus including such composition of matter and methods for making and using such composition of matter are also disclosed.