Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a pre-defined recess in a cured or cast explosive composition comprising the steps of: i) providing a female mould, ii) providing a male former, and locating said male former proximate to the female mould to create a gap between said male former and female mould, iii) forming an admixture of a curable/castable explosive composition, charging the gap with the admixture of explosive composition, causing the cure or cast of said curable/castable explosive composition, removing the male former to furnish a cured or cast explosive composition with a pre-defined recess.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a pre-defined recess in a cured or cast explosive composition comprising the steps of: i) providing a female mould, ii) providing a male former, and locating said male former proximate to the female mould to create a gap between said male former and female mould, iii) forming an admixture of a curable/castable explosive composition, charging the gap with the admixture of explosive composition, causing the cure or cast of said curable/castable explosive composition, removing the male former to furnish a cured or cast explosive composition with a pre-defined recess.

Abstract: A fluid jet apparatus includes a body having a fluid flow path defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A thrust device is mounted within the fluid flow path to direct in use a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. At least a portion of the fluid flow path includes a duct. The thrust device includes a propeller mounted within the duct. The apparatus further includes a plate spaced from the fluid inlet defining a space therebetween. A plurality of elongate pivotable vanes is positioned in a generally circular orientation in the space and about the axis of the flow path and with their pivoting axes aligned with the axis of the flow path. The thrust device is adapted to rotate in a direction opposite the direction of flow of fluid through the vanes into the space.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for a unified power production system that produces and supplies a stable power from renewable resources coupled with a firming resource. The power production system includes a management system that dispatches a firming resource operatively coupled to the power production system whose power output is combined with the power output from the renewable resources to produce a stable output to a grid operator. The management system monitors and maximizes the renewable resource production and minimizes the operation of the fossil-fuel-consuming firming resource.

Abstract: A fluid jet apparatus includes a body having a fluid flow path defined between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A thrust device is mounted within the fluid flow path to direct in use a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. At least a portion of the fluid flow path includes a duct. The thrust device includes a propeller mounted within the duct. The apparatus further includes a plate spaced from the fluid inlet defining a space therebetween. A plurality of elongate pivotable vanes is positioned in a generally circular orientation in the space and about the axis of the flow path and with their pivoting axes aligned with the axis of the flow path. The thrust device is adapted to rotate in a direction opposite the direction of flow of fluid through the vanes into the space.

Abstract: A support post structure utilizing a core of wooden material. A cap extends over the bottom of the post and along the side of the post. A sheath extends over the side of the post and overlaps the cap. A heat flowable sealant is placed between the sheath and the core. Both the sheath and the cap may be heat shrunk to the post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to underwater excavation of sediments and soils and simultaneous controlled movement of the excavated material. In particular, we will describe apparatus for bulk and selective excavation of sand, silt, clay and like materials from sea, river, canal and lake beds, and near-bed movement of the excavated material in a controlled fashion. Controlled, in this sense, refers to the direction and distance of movement and height of transport above the bed. The apparatus, at a smaller scale, may also be used for the removal of bio-fouling from vessels and marine structures; and at a smaller scale still, for hand-held underwater cleaning operations. We describe a fluid jet generating apparatus comprising swirling jet flow creating means. The apparatus suitably includes a duct having a fluid inlet (2) and a fluid outlet (3). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a propeller (5) mounted for co-axial rotation within the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to underwater sediment management. In particular, we will describe dredging and scouring apparatus for removing sand, silt, clay and like materials from sea or river beds. There is described an apparatus comprising a body (10) having a bottom face (13, 14) and comprising an outlet flow path (28) in which is mounted propeller thrust means (29) to direct, in use, a swirling jet of water downwards towards an area of sea or river bed or the like, orientation means (48, 49) to connect said apparatus, in use, to a support means to orientate said apparatus with respect to the sea or river bed, and at least one inlet flow path (30) through which water is supplied, in use, to the propeller thrust means (29); characterised in that the inlet (30) and outlet (28) flow paths are provided with respective openings in the bottom face (13, 14) or the body. In the preferred embodiments, the inlet and outlet flow paths are parallel, but of opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dredging and scouring. In particular, we will describe dredging and scouring apparatus for removing sand, silt, clay and like materials from sea or river beds. There is described an apparatus comprising a body having a bottom face and comprising an outlet flow path in which is mounted thrust means to direct, in use, a wash of water downwards towards an area of sea or river bed or the like, orientation means to connect said apparatus, in use, to a support means to orientate said apparatus with respect to the sea or river bed, and at least one inlet flow path through which water is supplied, in use, to the thrust means; characterised in that the inlet and outlet flow paths are provided with respective openings in the bottom face of the body.