Abstract: A compound common-path interferometer including first and second measurement arms for measuring a test object is arranged so that a reference optic of the first measurement arm is disconnected from a remainder of the first measurement arm and a coupling between the reference optics of the first and second measurement arms forms a monolithic measurement cavity for maintaining reference surfaces of the reference optics at a fixed spacing and orientation. Separate supports are provided for the monolithic measurement cavity and the remainder of the first measurement arm.

Abstract: A non-contact method of inspecting the topography of an area of an object via analysis of the phase of a pattern projected on the object. The method includes taking a first image of the object, obtained from a first perspective, on which an optical pattern is projected, and taking a second image of the object, obtained from a second perspective, on which an optical pattern is projected but in which the optical pattern, as it falls on the object, in the second image differs to that in the first image. The method further includes determining data describing the topography of at least a region of the object based on phase data relating to the phase of at least a region of the optical pattern as imaged in the first image. Phase data obtained from a corresponding region of the object as imaged in the second image is used to resolve any ambiguity in the phase or topography data obtained from the first image.

Abstract: A Fizeau interferometer incorporates an off-axis paraboloidal reflector that forms virtual images of reference and test surfaces and a camera lens that converts the virtual images into real images on a camera detector surface. The camera detector surface is arranged together with the camera lens to accommodate tilting of the virtual images by the off-axis paraboloidal reflector.

Abstract: A bearing cylinder for a screen assembly of a pressurized pulp diffuser, the bearing cylinder including: a plurality of segments of the bearing cylinder wherein the segments are arranged side-by-side to form the bearing cylinder; and each of said segments includes a first region formed of a hard material resistant to damage from sand and rocks, and a second region formed of a soft material that thermally expands and conforms to bearing surfaces opposite to the bearing cylinder.

Abstract: A method of operating a vision measurement probe for obtaining and supplying images of an object to be measured. The vision measurement probe is mounted on a continuous articulating head of a coordinate positioning apparatus, and the continuous articulating head having at least one rotational axis. The object and vision measurement probe can be moved relative to each other about the at least one rotational axis and in at least one linear degree of freedom during a measuring operation. The method includes: processing at least one image obtained by the vision measurement probe to obtain feedback data; and controlling the physical relationship between the vision measurement probe and the object based on said feedback data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful in the prevention or treatment of various disorders such as acute or chronic renal failure, for impairments of biliary function, for respiratory impairments such as snoring or sleep apneas or for stroke, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. More specifically, the compounds of the present invention comprises substituted 1-amino-4-phenyl-dihydroisoquinolines and their derivatives of formula I: Wherein the substituents R1-R11 are more specifically defined hereinbelow. The claimed compounds of the present invention also include their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and trifluoroacetates thereof as well as methods for their preparation and pharmaceutical delivery systems thereof.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass using a torrefaction reactor vessel having stacked trays, the method including: continuously feeding the biomass to an upper inlet of the torrefaction reactor vessel such that the biomass material is deposited on an upper tray of a plurality of trays stacked vertically within the reactor; as the biomass moves across an upper surface of each of the trays, heating and drying the biomass material with a gas injected into the vessel, wherein the gas is substantially non-oxidizing of the biomass, is under a pressure of at least 20 bar gauge and at a temperature of at least 200° C.; cascading the biomass down through the trays by passing the biomass through an opening in each of the trays to deposit the biomass on a lower tray; discharging torrefied biomass from a lower outlet of the torrefaction reactor vessel, and circulating gas extracted from a lower elevation of the reactor vessel to an upper region of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to NHE-3 inhibitor compounds of formula I: In which R1-R11 are more specifically defined herein. These substituted 2-amino-4-phenyl-dihydroquinolines are useful the treatment of various renal and respiratory disorders such as acute or chronic renal failure, for impairments of biliary function and respiratory impairments such as snoring, sleep apneas or stroke. Formulations comprising them and methods for their use are also described herein.

Abstract: A measurement system has a surface sensing device mounted on an articulating probe head, which in turn is mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The surface sensing device is moved relative to a surface by driving at least one of the coordinate positioning apparatus and probe head in at least one axis to scan the surface. The surface sensing device measures its distance from the surface and the probe head is driven to rotate the surface sensing device about at least one axis in order to control the relative position of the surface sensing device from the surface to within a predetermined range in real time.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artefact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artefact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artefact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.

Abstract: A measurement system has a surface sensing device mounted on an articulating probe head, which in turn is mounted on a coordinate positioning apparatus. The surface sensing device is moved relative to a surface by driving at least one of the coordinate positioning apparatus and probe head in at least one axis to scan the surface. The surface sensing device measures its distance from the surface and the probe head is driven to rotate the surface sensing device about at least one axis in order to control the relative position of the surface sensing device from the surface to within a predetermined range in real time.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an articulating probe head comprising the steps of measuring an artefact of known dimensions with the workpiece sensing probe mounted on the articulating probe head, in which the articulating probe head is unlocked. An error functional map is generated corresponding to the difference between the measured and known dimensions of the artefact. Subsequent workpieces are measured with the articulating probe head unlocked and the corresponding correction applied. The true dimensions of the artefact may be determined by measuring it with a probe mounted on an articulating probe head in which the axes of the articulating probe head are locked. A mechanical lock is provided to lock the axes of the articulating probe head.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted aminoindanes and analogs thereof of formula (I) and the pharmaceutical use thereof. Medicaments which comprise compounds of this type are suitable for the prevention or treatment of diverse disorders such as, for example, of respiratory disorders, cystic fibrosis disorders, acute or chronic renal disorders or bowel disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted isoquinoline and isoquinolinones of the formula (I) useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with Rho-kinase and/or Rho-kinase mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase, and compositions containing such compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to 6-substituted isoquinoline and isoquinolinone derivatives of the formula (I) useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with Rho-kinase and/or Rho-kinase mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase, and compositions containing such compounds.

Abstract: This invention “Wax and Water Wood Wick Burner” is a device which produces energy. This invention differs from a standard candle as it uses water and charred wood wicks to burn. The combination of materials and the orientation allow the invention to burn more efficiently, in a controlled manner and with less pollution than a standard candle.

Abstract: A method for measuring a surface profile using a surface sensing device mounted on an articulating probe head in which the probe head is moved along a nominal path relative to the surface profile, an at least approximation of the surface normal of the surface profile, the surface profile is sensed with the surface sensing device and the distance or force of the surface sensing device relative to the surface profile substantially in the direction of the surface normal. The surface normal may be determined by approximating at least one section to a curved profile which can be mathematically parameterised.

Abstract: Apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine is described that comprises an articulating probe head for supporting a measurement probe. The articulating probe head comprises at least one electric motor. Heating means are provided for generating heat in the articulating probe head. The heating means may be the motors or discrete heating elements. Temperature sensing means, such as one or more temperature sensors, is also provided for determining the temperature at the articulating probe head. The apparatus allows the temperature of the articulating probe head to be controlled.

Abstract: An optical inspection probe for obtaining and providing images of an object to be inspected. The optical inspection probe comprises an imaging assembly for capturing an image of an object and an illumination assembly for producing a light beam directed toward the object. The optical inspection probe is configured such that the light beam converges to a focal point at a first focal plane.

Abstract: Contact sensing probe apparatus includes a workpiece contacting stylus, a transducer mechanically coupled to the stylus and an oscillator for supplying an alternating current to the transducer to induce vibration of the stylus. A contact sensor is also provided for monitoring the phase difference between the voltage supplied to the transducer and the current flow to the transducer. The oscillator is arranged to supply the transducer with an alternating current of a first frequency during contact sensing. This first frequency is selected to induce mechanical resonance but to be away from the maximum of the mechanical resonance peak. The probe may be used with co-ordinate positioning machines, such as portable articulated measuring arms, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and the like.