Abstract: A kernel-based method determines the similarity of a first spectrum and a second spectrum. Each spectrum represents a result of spectral analysis of a material or chemical and comprises a set of spectral attributes distributed across a spectral range. The method calculates a kernel function which makes use of the shape of the spectral response surrounding a spectral point. This is achieved by comparing the value of an spectral attribute in a spectrum and each of a set of neighboring spectral attributes within a window around the spectral attribute. Weighting values can be applied to calculations when deriving the kernel function. The weighting values can assign different degrees of importance to different regions of the spectrum. The method can be used to: classify unknown spectra; predict the concentration of an analyte within a mixture; database searching for the closest match using a kernel-derived distance metric; visualization of high-dimensional spectral data in two or three dimensions.

Abstract: A kernel-based method determines the similarity of a first spectrum and a second spectrum. Each spectrum represents a result of spectral analysis of a material or chemical and comprises a set of spectral attributes distributed across a spectral range. The method calculates a kernel function which makes use of the shape of the spectral response surrounding a spectral point. This is achieved by comparing the value of an spectral attribute in a spectrum and each of a set of neighbouring spectral attributes within a window around the spectral attribute. Weighting values can be applied to calculations when deriving the kernel function. The weighting values can assign different degrees of importance to different regions of the spectrum. The method can be used to: classify unknown spectra; predict the concentration of an analyte within a mixture; database searching for the closest match using a kernel-derived distance metric; visualisation of high-dimensional spectral data in two or three dimensions.

Abstract: A method of and system for generating models with which to classify or quantify spectra of unknown mixtures of compounds to permit the specific identification or quantification of a target analyte in complex mixtures based on spectral data, the method comprising the steps of: providing a training set of training spectra, each spectrum representing a mixture of known compounds and each having a plurality of spectral attributes, each at a different wavelength, choosing a plurality of wavelengths, determining at least the value of the spectral attribute at each chosen wavelength in each training spectrum in the training set, and building a model for each chosen wavelength by correlating the determined attribute values at said chosen wavelength, a method and system for classifying the spectrum of a mixture of unknown compounds, and a method and system for quantifying the spectrum of a mixture of unknown compounds to determine concentrations therein, using said models.

Abstract: A building block (2) comprising two side panels (6, 8) with at least one open side, the side panels spaced apart by two bridging parts (10, 12), a removable section (17) on at least one bridging part (10, 12), and a pair of recessed or protruding formations (20) on opposite inner faces of the open end of the side panels (6, 8) to enable building blocks to be interconnected. A location device (40) comprising two members (44) spaced apart by cross members (42), where the two members (44) extend beyond the cross members (42) to engage with formations (26) of one or more building blocks (2) is also disclosed. A wall constructed from building blocks (2) and utilising location devices (40) and a method of constructing such a wall are similarly disclosed.

Abstract: The use of a fabric sheath (2), or other article, on a conduit (1), for example a pipe or flexible hose, to provide abrasion resistance or other forms of protection, for example impact protection or cut-through protection, thereto; and fabric sheaths suitable for such use.

Abstract: A fabric cover (9, FIG. 2a), which is shrinkable at least in part, for encapsulating at least part of an expandable object such as an automotive airbag (1), the fabric cover being provided with a predetermined region of weakness (13), preferably a catch thread holding the edges of a woven fabric together to form a tubular or flat cover, which region of weakness will rupture when the said object expands by greater than a predetermined amount, e.g. in an automobile accident. The region of weakness (13) and preferably fabric regions (11) immediately adjacent thereto may be of a contrasting color to facilitate alignment of the region of weakness in the direction of expansion of the expandable object.

Abstract: Apparatus for grouping articles in stacks of a predetermined number in which a wheel having serrated teeth picks off articles from the base of an infeed chute and places them on edge on a pair of inclined rails. The articles are held to the wheel by vacuum and are separated from the wheel by wedge members positioned adjacent the rails. A stack of articles builds on the rails and is slid into a conveyor bucket. After each predetermined number of articles is removed from the chute, a lever is actuated to hold the column of articles in the chute out of contact with the teeth to allow for advancement of the bucket conveyor.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus including rotary shell having plural circumferential rows of extrusion orifices and a stationary inner member, defining with said shell, circumferential channels communicating with said orifices.

Abstract: An ion transfer membrane assembly, for electrochemical processes, is provided which includes a plurality of layers of capillary material and a structure for compressing the layers together to control the water permeability of the membrane. The membrane includes a plurality of layers of capillary material, each of the plurality of layers being formed from a corrosion-resistant relatively soft, film, such as a thermoplastic film, having surface manifestations formed on it, which manifestations define the capillaries. The surface manifestation may be formed by embossing, frosting, etching, etc. A plurality of layers of corrosion-resistant, springy, porous capillary material, such as a polyester non-woven web, may be interspersed with the capillary material film layers, and a plurality of layers of smooth-surfaced film may also be interspersed with the capillary material film layers.