Abstract: An ice resurfacing sled adapted to be displaced over an ice surface for resurfacing the ice surface is disclosed. The ice resurfacing sled includes an enclosure adapted to slide over the ice surface. The enclosure includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The ice resurfacing sled also includes a torch mounted on the enclosure and extending partially inside the enclosure and adapted to heat an air inside the enclosure by burning a combustible gas to partially melt ice of the ice surface into water. Additionally, the ice resurfacing sled includes an absorbent pad attached to the enclosure and adapted to absorb the water from the ice surface. The ice surface is resurfaced due to melting of ice present on the ice surface as the enclosure is displaced over the ice surface.

Abstract: A method of calculating an impact resistance of a structure undergoing an impact with an impact surface is disclosed. The structure includes a first part bonded or secured to a second part, at least the first part comprising a material having a crush failure mode. The method comprises: a) determining that a finite element representing a portion of the first part is experiencing conditions which dictate that it will undergo the crush failure mode; b) determining a behaviour of the structure assuming it is subject to: i) an ongoing resistance force representing the crush failure mode of the element; and ii) a further force F acting on the first and second parts in a direction tending to separate them.

Abstract: A method of calculating an impact resistance of a structure undergoing an impact with an impact surface is disclosed. The structure includes a first part bonded or secured to a second part, at least the first part comprising a material having a crush failure mode. The method comprises: a) determining that a finite element representing a portion of the first part is experiencing conditions which dictate that it will undergo the crush failure mode; b) determining a behaviour of the structure assuming it is subject to: i) an ongoing resistance force representing the crush failure mode of the element; and ii) a further force F acting on the first and second parts in a direction tending to separate them.

Abstract: A method of determining the impact resistance of a structure including a crushable material comprises the steps of determining for one or more layers of a finite element of the material during an impact whether the element or layer thereof is to be treated as failing by crushing. If the element or layer is determined to fail by crushing, a load-bearing portion of the structure is defined and the load-bearing portion is treated for the purpose of subsequent calculations as exhibiting an ongoing resistance.

Abstract: A method of determining the impact resistance of a structure including a crushable material comprises the steps of determining for one or more layers of a finite element of the material during an impact whether the element or layer thereof is to be treated as failing by crushing. If the element or layer is determined to fail by crushing, a load-bearing portion of the structure is defined and the load-bearing portion is treated for the purpose of subsequent calculations as exhibiting an ongoing resistance.

Abstract: A method of determining the impact resistance of a structure including a crushable material comprises the steps of determining for one or more layers of a finite element of said material during an impact whether said element or layer thereof is to be treated as failing by crushing. If the element or layer is determined to fail by crushing, a load-bearing portion of the structure is defined and the load-bearing portion is treated for the purpose of subsequent calculations as exhibiting an ongoing resistance.

Abstract: An extruded foodstuff having a protein content in the range of 45% to 80% protein by mass and specific density of 0.10-0.40 g/cm3, including: a vegetable protein isolate which has been at least partly hydrolysed by enzymic hydrolysis, which provides the majority of the protein content and which has a relatively low level of low molecular weight peptides and which has a relatively low water imbibing capacity; up to 30% by mass of wheat gluten; up to 5% by mass of the foodstuff is sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: A method of determining the impact resistance of a structure including a crushable material comprises the steps of determining for one or more layers of a finite element of said material during an impact whether said element or layer thereof is to be treated as failing by crushing. If the element or layer is determined to fail by crushing, a load-bearing portion of the structure is defined and the load-bearing portion is treated for the purpose of subsequent calculations as exhibiting an ongoing resistance.

Abstract: A universal connector that facilitates quick assembly and disassembly of substantially the same and/or different member trusses at substantially the same and/or different angles, one from the other, and which may vary from installation to installation. The universal connector comprises: a male threaded eye end; a female threaded fork end, the female threaded fork end hingedly fastened and mating with the male threaded eye end, one with the other; and opposing threaded barrel sleeves, one of the opposing threaded barrel sleeves fastened to the male threaded eye end, the other opposing barrel sleeve fastened to the female threaded fork end, the threaded barrel sleeves adapted to be fastened thereto truss member ends. The universal connector facilitates quick, easy, and safe assembly and disassembly of the trusses, and is capable of use in a large variety of structures and situations, with the same and/or different types of truss members.

Abstract: A universal connector that facilitates quick assembly and disassembly of substantially the same and/or different member trusses at substantially the same and/or different angles, one from the other, and which may vary from installation to installation. The universal connector comprises: a male threaded eye end; a female threaded fork end, the female threaded fork end hingedly fastened and mating with the male threaded eye end, one with the other; and opposing threaded barrel sleeves, one of the opposing threaded barrel sleeves fastened to the male threaded eye end, the other opposing barrel sleeve fastened to the female threaded fork end, the threaded barrel sleeves adapted to be fastened thereto truss member ends. The universal connector facilitates quick, easy, and safe assembly and disassembly of the trusses, and is capable of use in a large variety of structures and situations, with the same and/or different types of truss members.