Abstract: A modular access chamber, shown generally at 1000, is suitable for providing access to underground services (not shown), such as telecommunications cable systems and the like, and is designed to be supplied in component form, for assembly on site. The chamber may be constructed to be of different depths and is generally rectangular in plan, comprising first and second types of connectable wall portions, 1100 and 1200 and a cover 1300. The wall portions 1100 and 1200 interlock to form a substantially continuous perimeter wall, for example such that the wall portions 1100 each comprise a substantially C-shaped part of the perimeter of the completed access chamber, whereas the wall portions 1200 form substantially linear parts of the perimeter. The cover 1300 has an integral tread pattern 1310 to provide a non-slip surface.

Abstract: A physiological measurement system includes a biosensor providing a signal for a fluid sample. A processor determines a physiological parameter in the form of an analyte concentration using the signal from the biosensor. A network interface conveys data between the processor and a social network. The processor can transmit a query for analyte-data-request records to the social network, receive an indication of an analyte-data-request record from the social network, and transmit the determined analyte data or physiologic data to the social network in response to the indication. The processor can alternatively retrieve user credentials from a storage device, transmit the credentials and the analyte data to the social network, retrieve from the social network different-user response data corresponding to the transmission, and present an indication of the response data. Methods for processing analyte or physiologic data are also described.

Abstract: A liner for a manhole cover is made up of stackable sections. Each stackable section is formed of a plurality (e.g. 4) pieces. Each piece comprises a first arm and a second arm which are substantially perpendicular to one another, the first arm being longer than the second arm, and both arms comprising connection means to allow the pieces to be connected together. The respective dimensions of the first arm and the second arm are chosen such that, when the piece is incorporated into a stackable section comprising three other corresponding pieces that are connected to each other in a sequence of a second arm of one piece connected to the first arm of an adjacent piece to form a quadrilateral stackable section, a further corresponding piece can fit within the stackable section along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first arm.

Abstract: A liner for a manhole cover is made up of stackable sections. Each stackable section is formed of a plurality (e.g. 4) pieces. Each piece comprises a first arm and a second arm which are substantially perpendicular to one another, the first arm being longer than the second arm, and both arms comprising connection means to allow the pieces to be connected together. The respective dimensions of the first arm and the second arm are chosen such that, when the piece is incorporated into a stackable section comprising three other corresponding pieces that are connected to each other in a sequence of a second arm of one piece connected to the first arm of an adjacent piece to form a quadrilateral stackable section, a further corresponding piece can fit within the stackable section along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first arm.

Abstract: A physiological measurement system includes a biosensor providing a signal for a fluid sample. A processor determines a physiological parameter in the form of an analyte concentration using the signal from the biosensor. A network interface conveys data between the processor and a social network. The processor can transmit a query for analyte-data-request records to the social network, receive an indication of an analyte-data-request record from the social network, and transmit the determined analyte data or physiologic data to the social network in response to the indication. The processor can alternatively retrieve user credentials from a storage device, transmit the credentials and the analyte data to the social network, retrieve from the social network different-user response data corresponding to the transmission, and present an indication of the response data. Methods for processing analyte or physiologic data are also described.

Abstract: An etching monitoring apparatus and related method for use in the manufacture of microstructures (and in particular MEMS) located within an etching chamber is described. The apparatus and related method operates by setting the temperature of the chamber within which the microstructure is located at a starting temperature, and maintaining the partial pressure of an etching gas within the chamber at a constant value. As a result the surface temperature of the micro structure within the chamber is primarily determined by the etch rate. Therefore, by employing a thermometer to monitor the change in etching surface temperature, a direct diagnostic for monitoring the etching process is provided.

Abstract: An etching monitoring apparatus and related method for use in the manufacture of microstructures (and in particular MEMS) located within an etching chamber is described. The apparatus and related method operates by setting the temperature of the chamber within which the microstructure is located at a starting temperature, and maintaining the partial pressure of an etching gas within the chamber at a constant value. As a result the surface temperature of the microstructure within the chamber is primarily determined by the etch rate. Therefore, by employing a thermometer to monitor the change in etching surface temperature, a direct diagnostic for monitoring the etching process is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an etching gas source for etching one or more microstructures located within a process chamber. the apparatus has a gas source supply line attached to a gas source and one or more chambers for containing an etching material. In use, the etching material is transformed into an etching material vapor within one or more of the chamber and the gas supply line provides a supply of carrier gas to the etching material vapor and also supplies the etching material vapor transported by the carrier gas to the process chamber. Advantageously, the apparatus of the invention does not require the incorporation of any expansion chambers or other complicated mechanical features in order to achieve a continuous flow of etching gas.