Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transmitting and/or receiving an optical signal through a fluid, the method comprising: using a pressure wave to cause a change in refractive index in the fluid, the change in refractive index causing a waveguide to be formed; and transmitting and/or receiving the optical signal through the waveguide.

Abstract: A continuous compression fixation device for coupling a first bony structure to a second bony structure, including: a body structure; and a plurality of arm structures extending from the body structure, wherein at least one of the plurality of arm structures is configured to be coupled to the first bony structure and at least one opposed one of the plurality of arm structures is configured to be coupled to the second bony structure; wherein the body structure and the plurality of arm structures are manufactured from a shape memory material; and wherein tips of the at least one of the plurality of arm structures and the at least one opposed one of the plurality of arm structures are biased towards one another such that a desired compressive force is applied to an intercalary structural augment disposed between the first bony structure and the second bony structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt-collection chamber (10) for a vacuum cleaner, and in particular a dirt-collection chamber (10) which is removable whereby the collected dirt can easily be disposed of. The dirt-collection chamber (10) has an air inlet (22) and an air outlet (62), a filter (60) between the air inlet (22) and the air outlet (62), and a disposal opening with an openable cover (16). The dirt-collection chamber (10) has a dirt-removal panel (40) in the chamber which is movable towards and away from the disposal opening to assist in the disposal of collected dirt and debris.

Abstract: A radiation backscatter detector assembly comprising: a source array comprising source components (110, 115) for irradiating a shared sample location, at least two source components of the array generating radiation in different respective source energy bands; a detector array comprising detector elements (500, 220) for detecting backscattered radiation detection events from different respective spatial portions of the shared sample location, the detector elements each generating a pulse output in response to each radiation detection event it detects; and an energy meter (325) for measuring the energies of the pulse outputs by different respective detector elements.

Abstract: A user interface for a thermostat that controls a radiator valve can include a user input member that is movable from a home position to a set point increase or decrease position to increase or decrease a set point temperature of the thermostat. In some embodiments, a return mechanism returns the user input member to the home position after being released from one of the set point increase and decrease positions. The user interface can include an indicator panel and controller that controls the indicator panel to provide an indication of when the set point temperature of the thermostat is being adjusted. The user interface can also include a lockout controller that prevents further set point temperature adjustments using the user interface when the set point temperature differs from the environmental temperature by a specified amount.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electroacoustic transducer, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an optical aperture extending through the electroacoustic transducer, to allow for optical communication to take place through the electroacoustic transducer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suction head (10) for a vacuum cleaner and method of operation. The suction head (10) has a bottom surface (26) and one or more floor-engaging parts (36) adjacent to the bottom surface (26), an opening (24) in the bottom surface (26) and a rotatable brush (30) located at the opening (24). The suction head (10) has a front end (16) and a rear end (18), the front end (16) having a recess (22) in communication with the opening (24). A movable strip (42) is located in the recess (22), the movable strip (42) being movable between a first position and a second position, the bottom edge of the movable strip 4(2) being closer to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36) in its first position than in its second position. At least one first element (54) is connected to the movable strip (42) and is able to project to the plane of the floor-engaging parts (36).

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transmitting and/or receiving an optical signal through a fluid, the method comprising: using a pressure wave to cause a change in refractive index in the fluid, the change in refractive index causing a waveguide to be formed; and transmitting and/or receiving the optical signal through the waveguide.

Abstract: Components and associated methods of manufacture or assembly and/or use for bone and joint stabilization devices or systems are described. Details hereof focus on features of the subject anchoring heads, spring members and associated handling features, delivery devices and/or kitted systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: There is disclosed an acoustic transducer for communications within an operational bandwidth, the transducer comprising: A signal generator for generating a signal at a centre-frequency within the operational bandwidth; A piezoelectric element having a dielectric constant that varies with temperature; A driving electrode at the surface of the piezoelectric element; A matching network, having a natural frequency at a given temperature, and operable to transfer the signal from the signal generator to the piezoelectric element whilst mitigating electrical loss, the matching network being connected to the driving electrode; Wherein the matching network comprises a temperature compensating capacitor connected in parallel with the piezoelectric element, the temperature compensating capacitor being for counteracting temperature-induced changes to the dielectric constant of the piezoelectric element such that the electrical natural frequency of the transducer is substantially constant over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer array 110 is described. The electroacoustic transducer array 110 comprises a first electroacoustic transducer 40A comprising a first active element 41A and a second electroacoustic transducer 40B comprising a second active element 41B. The electroacoustic transducer array 110 comprises an acoustic coupling layer 43 arranged to acoustically couple, in use, the first active element 41A and the second active element 41B to a transmission medium. The electroacoustic transducer array 110 comprises a first cavity 42A arranged between the first active element 41A and the acoustic coupling layer 43 to receive a first fluid; and/or a second cavity 42B arranged between the second active element 41B and the acoustic coupling layer 43 to receive a second fluid. In this way, acoustic coupling of the electroacoustic transducer array 110 and the transmission medium is improved.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer 400 is described. The electroacoustic transducer 400 comprises an active element 410. The electroacoustic transducer 400 comprises an acoustic coupling layer 430 arranged to acoustically couple, in use, the active element 410 to a transmission medium. The electroacoustic transducer 400 further comprises a cavity 420 arranged between the active element 410 and the acoustic coupling layer 430 to receive a fluid. In this way, acoustic coupling of the electroacoustic transducer 400 and the transmission medium is improved.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electroacoustic transducer, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and an optical aperture extending through the electroacoustic transducer, to allow for optical communication to take place through the electroacoustic transducer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt-collection chamber (10) for a vacuum cleaner, and in particular a dirt-collection chamber (10) which is removable whereby the collected dirt can easily be disposed of. The dirt-collection chamber (10) has an air inlet (22) and an air outlet (62), a filter (60) between the air inlet (22) and the air outlet (62), and a disposal opening with an openable cover (16). The dirt-collection chamber (10) has a dirt-removal panel (40) in the chamber which is movable towards and away from the disposal opening to assist in the disposal of collected dirt and debris.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: A continuous compression fixation device for coupling a first bony structure to a second bony structure, including: a body structure; and a plurality of arm structures extending from the body structure, wherein at least one of the plurality of arm structures is configured to be coupled to the first bony structure and at least one opposed one of the plurality of arm structures is configured to be coupled to the second bony structure; wherein the body structure and the plurality of arm structures are manufactured from a shape memory material; and wherein tips of the at least one of the plurality of arm structures and the at least one opposed one of the plurality of arm structures are biased towards one another such that a desired compressive force is applied to an intercalary structural augment disposed between the first bony structure and the second bony structure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electroacoustic transducer, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a flexible electrical connector in electrical connection with the first or second electrode at discrete points around a periphery of that electrode, the discrete points being distributed about a substantial portion of that periphery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and illumination for a wheelchair are disclosed. A lighting apparatus that is configured to be integrated with a wheelchair pushrim is also disclosed. The light emitting elements are configured to project light forward and to the rear, as well as to the side of the wheel. Methods of controlling light emitting elements are also disclosed.