Abstract: A device for sorting biological entities is disclosed. The device comprises a channel to canalize the biological entities and a selector having slots to accommodate said entities. Means for detecting and analysing an optical parameter of the biological entities is coupled with the selector. The selector can switch from a rest position to a sorting position, or at least two sorting positions, based on the detected and analysed optical parameter, so that biological entities can be sorted on the basis of their optical properties. The device is particularly intended for sorting egg cells, zygotes, embryos, or larvae of an insect, an amphibian or a fish such as Xenopus laevis, C. elegans or zebfrafish Danio rerio.

Abstract: A device for sorting biological entities is disclosed. The device comprises a channel to canalize the biological entities and a selector having slots to accommodate said entities. Means for detecting and analysing an optical parameter of the biological entities is coupled with the selector. The selector can switch from a rest position to a sorting position, or at least two sorting positions, based on the detected and analysed optical parameter, so that biological entities can be sorted on the basis of their optical properties. The device is particularly intended for sorting egg cells, zygotes, embryos, or larvae of an insect, an amphibian or a fish such as Xenopus laevis, C. elegans or zebfrafish Danio rerio.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a magnet-assisted ball drive. The drive comprises a ball and a drive element in contact with the ball. The drive element is arranged to be rotated around its axis of rotation to drive the ball. The ball and the drive element each comprise magnetic material such that at least one of the ball and the drive element comprises a magnet to generate a magnetic pulling force to pull the ball and the drive element against each other.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a magnet-assisted ball drive. The drive comprises a ball and a drive element in contact with the ball. The drive element is arranged to be rotated around its axis of rotation to drive the ball. The ball and the drive element each comprise magnetic material such that at least one of the ball and the drive element comprises a magnet to generate a magnetic pulling force to pull the ball and the drive element against each other.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for the independent inspection of hard-to-reach inner spaces which are bounded by ferromagnetic inner walls, especially in large cast parts, such as steam chests of a steam turbine. The vehicle includes at least two wheels which are rotatable around a common axis, are at a distance from each other in the axial direction, and can be driven independently of each other. With such a vehicle, the entire inner space can be inspected if the vehicle has adherence elements which hold the vehicle against the gravity force with the wheels on the respective inner wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the inspection of ferromagnetic components using magnetic particles, particularly for in-situ inspection of parts of power plants, with the apparatus including a movable chassis defining a magnetic yoke with a central opening over a surface of the component to be inspected and a discharge nozzle to inject the magnetic particles onto the surface, a magnetic field source for generating a magnetic field on at least part of the surface below the opening and a probe to measure a representation of the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles on the surface.

Abstract: A steerable head for guiding a pusher rod through ducting. The pusher rod is then used for drawing cables, wires, lines or pipes through the ducting. The steerable head includes remotely operable mechanisms for steering the rod through junctions or around obstacles in the ducting. In a further refinement, the steerable head includes a coupling mechanism adapted to co-operate with a corresponding coupling mechanism mounted on a second rod, thereby allowing the pushing of rods through longer or more obstructed ducts.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for the independent inspection of hard-to-reach inner spaces which are bounded by ferromagnetic inner walls, especially in large cast parts, such as steam chests of a steam turbine. The vehicle includes at least two wheels which are rotatable around a common axis, are at a distance from each other in the axial direction, and can be driven independently of each other. With such a vehicle, the entire inner space can be inspected if the vehicle has adherence elements which hold the vehicle against the gravity force with the wheels on the respective inner wall.

Abstract: An automotive device for the inspection of internal spaces having ferromagnetic surfaces includes at least two magnetic wheels (3) or caterpillars, or at least two magnetic legs for the advancement of the device along the surfaces to be inspected. According to the invention, the device includes actively powered rotating arms (1) attached to a wheel (3), caterpillar, or leg of the device. Each rotating arm (1) has a length longer than the shortest distance between the point of attachment of the rotating arm to the device and the surface. When the device is in a position, where there is magnetic contact to the surface in two or more points and the device is no longer able to advance due to the strength of the magnetic forces, the rotating arms are brought into non-magnetic contact with the surface in order to create an air gap between the surface and the magnetic wheel and thus reduce the magnetic forces. The device is thereby enabled to overcome the magnetic forces and advance the device along the surface.

Abstract: An automotive device for the inspection of internal spaces having ferromagnetic surfaces includes at least two magnetic wheels (3) or caterpillars, or at least two magnetic legs for the advancement of the device along the surfaces to be inspected. According to the invention, the device includes actively powered rotating arms (1) attached to a wheel (3), caterpillar, or leg of the device. Each rotating arm (1) has a length longer than the shortest distance between the point of attachment of the rotating arm to the device and the surface. When the device is in a position, where there is magnetic contact to the surface in two or more points and the device is no longer able to advance due to the strength of the magnetic forces, the rotating arms are brought into non-magnetic contact with the surface in order to create an air gap between the surface and the magnetic wheel and thus reduce the magnetic forces. The device is thereby enabled to overcome the magnetic forces and advance the device along the surface.