Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate matter from an enclosure having an internal space and an opening into the internal space, includes a cover positionable adjacent the opening so that the cover covers the opening, a gas source external to the internal space, an inlet conduit that in use extends through the cover and is adapted to direct gas from the gas source to at least one gas outlet within the internal space, a source of partial vacuum to maintain a partial vacuum within the enclosed space and to draw gas and particulate matter entrained therein from the internal space firstly through an outlet conduit and then through a particulate matter separation means comprising at least one filter, a sensor for sensing concentration of particulate matter in gas leaving the enclosed space, and a display adapted to provide to a user information on concentration of particulate matter leaving the internal space.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for removing particulate matter from an enclosure having an internal space and an opening into the internal space. The apparatus includes: a cover positionable over the opening; an inlet conduit that extends through the cover and is adapted to direct gas from a gas source to a gas outlet within the internal space so that particulate matter within the internal space is dislodged. Gas and entrained particulate matter is drawn from the internal space firstly through an outlet conduit and the particular matter is separated. Concentration of particulate matter in gas leaving the enclosed space is sensed and its value displayed to an operator so that operation can continue until a satisfactory value of the concentration is achieved. The gas outlet may be comprised in an elongate lance that is passed through the cover and can be manipulated by a user. The lance may display data.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a robotic manipulator including determining desired manipulator properties including a manipulator shape and manipulator jamming properties; using the manipulator jamming properties and a packing computational model to determine a packing element configuration, the packing computational model defining relationships between manipulator jamming properties and different packing element configurations; controlling an additive printing machine based on the packing element configuration and manipulator shape to manufacture the robot manipulator. The robot manipulator includes a flexible outer skin defining a chamber; a connector attached to the outer skin and connected to a fluid pump to allow fluid to be added to or removed from the chamber; filling elements disposed in the chamber according to the packing element configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate matter from an enclosure having an internal space and an opening into the internal space, includes a cover positionable adjacent the opening so that the cover covers the opening, a gas source external to the internal space, an inlet conduit that in use extends through the cover and is adapted to direct gas from the gas source to at least one gas outlet within the internal space, a source of partial vacuum to maintain a partial vacuum within the enclosed space and to draw gas and particulate matter entrained therein from the internal space firstly through an outlet conduit and then through a particulate matter separation means comprising at least one filter, a sensor for sensing concentration of particulate matter in gas leaving the enclosed space, and a display adapted to provide to a user information on concentration of particulate matter leaving the internal space.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing particulate matter from an enclosure having an internal space and an opening into the internal space, comprising: a cover positionable adjacent the opening so that the cover covers the opening; a gas source external to the internal space; an inlet conduit that in use extends through the cover and is adapted to direct gas from the gas source to at least one gas outlet within the internal space whereby particulate matter within the internal space is dislodged and entrained in gas within the internal space; a source of partial vacuum adapted to maintain a partial vacuum within the enclosed space and to draw gas and particulate matter entrained therein from the internal space firstly through an outlet conduit and then through a particulate matter separation means comprising at least one filter; a sensor for sensing concentration of particulate matter in gas leaving the enclosed space; a display adapted to provide to a user information on concentration of particulate matter leaving the in

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a robotic manipulator including determining desired manipulator properties including a manipulator shape and manipulator jamming properties; using the manipulator jamming properties and a packing computational model to determine a packing element configuration, the packing computational model defining relationships between manipulator jamming properties and different packing element configurations; controlling an additive printing machine based on the packing element configuration and manipulator shape to manufacture the robot manipulator. The robot manipulator includes a flexible outer skin defining a chamber; a connector attached to the outer skin and connected to a fluid pump to allow fluid to be added to or removed from the chamber; filling elements disposed in the chamber according to the packing element configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for removing particulate matter from an enclosure having an internal space and an opening into the internal space. The apparatus includes: a cover positionable over the opening; an inlet conduit that extends through the cover and is adapted to direct gas from a gas source to a gas outlet within the internal space so that particulate matter within the internal space is dislodged. Gas and entrained particulate matter is drawn from the internal space firstly through an outlet conduit and the particular matter is separated. Concentration of particulate matter in gas leaving the enclosed space is sensed and its value displayed to an operator so that operation can continue until a satisfactory value of the concentration is achieved. The gas outlet may be comprised in an elongate lance that is passed through the cover and can be manipulated by a user. The lance may display data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inspection vehicle configured to inspect a confined space. The inspection vehicle includes an elongate rigid body including a planar upper surface and drive modules along either side of the body. Each drive module includes an endless track, an upper surface of the endless tracks is positioned below a height of the planar upper surface so that the planar upper surface engages an obstacle in preference to the endless tracks; front ones of the endless tracks project forwardly of the body so that the front endless tracks engage an obstacle in preference to the body; sensors around the inspection vehicle to sense the confined space; a communications module to provide sensor data to remote processing systems; and receive control signals; processing devices to control the drive modules to allow the inspection vehicle to traverse the confined space.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing particulate matter from an enclosure having an internal space and an opening into the internal space, comprising: a cover positionable adjacent the opening so that the cover covers the opening; a gas source external to the internal space; an inlet conduit that in use extends through the cover and is adapted to direct gas from the gas source to at least one gas outlet within the internal space whereby particulate matter within the internal space is dislodged and entrained in gas within the internal space; a source of partial vacuum adapted to maintain a partial vacuum within the enclosed space and to draw gas and particulate matter entrained therein from the internal space firstly through an outlet conduit and then through a particulate matter separation means comprising at least one filter; a sensor for sensing concentration of particulate matter in gas leaving the enclosed space; a display adapted to provide to a user information on concentration of particulate matter leaving the inter

Abstract: A multiple hearth furnace in which in a gas space above at least one hearth an annular baffle is provided above the rabble arms of that hearth. The annular baffle modifies gas flow in the gas space, in particular gas residence times above the hearth. This in turn can enhance performance of the furnace, for example in respect of carbon monoxide emissions.

Abstract: A multiple hearth furnace in which in a gas space above at least one hearth an annular baffle is provided above the rabble arms of that hearth. The annular baffle modifies gas flow in the gas space, in particular gas residence times above the hearth. This in turn can enhance performance of the furnace, for example in respect of carbon monoxide emissions.