Abstract: A plasma reactor (11) of the silent discharge or dielectric barrier type for treatment of a gaseous medium is provided with a layer of material (34) positioned to present a surface extending along at least part of the length of the gas flow path. Particulates or selected species are entrapped on the surface. A preferred electrode arrangement provides surface discharge in the plasma at the surface of the layer of material.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated from hydrocarbon fuel by a reforming reaction in a reactor (11) in which gaseous hydrocarbon and reforming reaction agents are subjected to the formation of a plasma having an electric field strength within the plasma exceeding 10,000 volts per centimetre, preferably at least 20,000 volts/cm, more preferably at least 40,000 volts/cm or even 80,000 volts/cm. The apparatus has electrodes (14, 15, 16) and dielectric material (22-27), the configuration of which allows for plasma having the electric field strength defined above.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying a slurry to a substrate (2). The apparatus includes a delivery drum (4) incorporating a delivery surface (5) disposed to support a layer of slurry. A spattering roller (8) is positioned closely adjacent the delivery drum and is rotatable so as to spatter the slurry from the delivery surface onto the substrate. Regulation means selectively vary or interrupt the flow of slurry from the delivery surface onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method of construction of partitions (1) including the steps of erecting a structural steel frame from spaced apart frame members (2, 3), the frame members having boxed mounting flanges (4, 6) and being formed from a metal having a relatively high tensile strength, applying at least one layer of sheet material (11) to at least one side of the frame, and securing the layer of sheet material (11) to the frame by means of self-piercing impact fasteners (12). In one preferred form, staples (51) are used to secure cladding sheets (52) to boxed flange frame members for various dry wall constructions. In another preferred embodiment, staples (51) or nails (12) are similarly used to secure layers of sheet material (11, 52) to opposing sides of the frame to define an intermediate cavity which is subsequently filled with cementitious material to form a solid partition.

Abstract: This invention uses our knoeledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to identify and prepare HER2/neu epitopes, and to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HERS2/neu-bearing tumors. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A self-levelling support comprises a first stile (1) and a second stile (2), a first leg member (6) and a second leg member (7), each comprising an elongate element adapted to move longitudinally relative to one of the stiles (1, 2), a spacer means (3) adapted to secure the stiles (1, 2) substantially parallel to each other, and a cross member (8) adapted to pivot about a pivot pin (9) acting in a guide (10) in the spacer means (3) substantially midway between the stiles (1, 2), the cross member being connected at each end to a respective portion of the leg members, angular movement of the cross member about or with the pivot pin causing one leg member to move outwards relative to its respective stile whilst the other leg member moves inwards relative to its respective stile.

Abstract: A reactor for non-thermal plasma assisted treatment of a gaseous medium incorporates at least one electrically conducting mesh filter element positioned so that gaseous medium passes therethrough. At least one dielectric barrier layer provides for a dielectric barrier type discharge, when an electrical power supply is connected to the electrodes to generate the plasma.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying a slurry to a substrate (2). The apparatus includes a delivery drum (4) incorporating a delivery surface (5) disposed to support a layer of slurry. A spattering roller (8) is positioned closely adjacent the delivery drum and is rotatable so as to spatter the slurry from the delivery surface onto the substrate. Regulation means selectively vary or interrupt the flow of slurry from the delivery surface onto the substrate.

Abstract: A process for constructing a wall, floor or ceiling in situ. The process includes the steps of erecting a substantially rigid frame (10) and attaching fiber reinforced cementitious sheets (50) to the front and rear faces of the frame to form a void (60) therebetween. This void (60) is then filled with a lightweight aggregate concrete slurry and allowed to cure. The sheets are adapted to absorb sufficient moisture from the lightweight aggregate slurry to provide natural adherence of the concrete slurry to the sheets without substantially losing their structural integrity during setting and curing of the concrete slurry.

Abstract: An adaptive equalizer updates its tap coefficients with the aid of an error signal e(k)=sign[z(k)]*(RS−|z(k)|2) where sign[] is the sign function, z(k) is the equalizer output at symbol time k, || is the magnitude function and RS is a positive real constant, which is optimally defined as RS=E{|an|3}/E{|an|}, where E{} is the mathematical expectation function and an is the information symbol at symbol time n. A generalized equalizer error signal satisfies e(k)=sign[z(k)]*(RSp−|z(k)|p) where RSp is a positive real constant, which is optimally defined as RSp=E {|an|p+1}/E }|an|} and p is a positive integer. The equalizer conducts blind equalization of an Advanced Television Systems Committee-High Definition Television signal and any other one-dimensional modulation system.

Abstract: A composite product comprising a substrate layer and one or more functional layers applied thereto. The slurry is applied to the substrate layer to form a functional layer and the functional layer dewatered through the substrate layer. The functional layers can be repeated to build up a laminated composite product. Functional additives may be included in each layer to provide desired properties to that layer and indeed to the subsequent composite product.

Abstract: A method for forming a laminated sheet material from a slurry having a liquid component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite product comprising providing a substrate layer and a slurry formulation including a hydraulic binder and dewatering agent. The slurry is then applied to the substrate layer to form a functional layer and the functional layer dewatered through the substrate layer. The application of the slurry to form the functional layer and dewatering steps can be repeated to build up a laminated composite product. Functional additives may be included in each layer to provide desired properties to that layer and indeed to the subsequent composite product.

Abstract: A corona discharge reactor is for use in processing materials in or carried by a gaseous phase. A plurality of cylindrical individual reactor chambers is provided in an array. The reactor chambers are electrically matched with each other and pulses of electrical energy are supplied under sequential control to each of the individual reactor chambers.

Abstract: A wheel nut assembly is disclosed in which a wheel stud (1) is provided which comprises a first portion having a first external thread (3) adapted to cooperate with an internal thread on a wheel nut (4), and a second threaded portion (5) having a thread (6) of the opposite hand to the first external thread (3) which cooperates with a retaining member (9) having a thread (10) which is of the same hand as the second threaded portion. The retaining member (9) may be a bolt which engages a threaded bore provided in the end of a standard stud. A locking cap (12) may be provided which fits over the wheel nut (4) and the bolt (9) to prevent relative rotation between the two. This has the advantage of preventing the wheel nuts becoming loose on the wheel.

Abstract: A process for increasing the particles size of fines of a titaniferous mineral containing more that 45% by weight of titanium. The process comprises mixing the fines with a binding agent and water to produce an agglomerate. The agglomerate is then dried and sintered.

Abstract: A process for the agglomeration of powder or dust of alumina containing material (herein referred to as "alumina powder"), wherein an aqueous slurry of the alumina powder is formed, the slurry containing a sufficient quantity of an inorganic binder comprising a polymer form of a hydroxy salt of aluminum. The slurry is subjected to a spray drying operation to form agglomerated granules of the alumina powder, and the granules then are calcined at an elevated temperature for their consolidation. The alumina containing material comprises Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.nH.sub.2 O, wherein n is in the range of from 0 to 3.

Abstract: A corona discharge reactor which has a central electrode in the form of a metal rod with radial projections and a cylindrical outer electrode surrounding the inner electrode.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence within a larger article of a specific substance containing quadrupolar atomic nuclei includes performing tests of parts of the article by placing the article adjacent to an array of coils (10), energizing with an rf source (20) the coils (10) in periods within a cyclic sequence to irradiate parts of the article with rf pulses of one or more frequencies at or close to a resonant frequency of quadrupolar atomic nuclei within the substance to be detected, connecting the coils (10) in other periods within the cyclic sequence to a phase-sensitive detecting and measuring circuit (15, 24-26) to measure response signals due to nuclear quadrupole resonances, and summing the response signals detected at corresponding instants over a number of cyclic sequences. Apparatus for detecting the presence of a specific substance analogous to the above method is also disclosed.