Abstract: A technique for allowing a linear feedback shift register (LFSR), and particularly a Galois LFSR, to be advanced forward by an amount m (i.e. as if the register had undertaken m input/output cycles), without actually having to undertake m input/output cycles is described. This is useful for example in the communications domain by allowing the shift register to be able to jump to a particular scrambling code. In particular, an embodiment provides an apparatus which is able to control the advance of a LFSR by feeding into the LFSR a data word obtained from the polynomial multiplication of two predetermined data words which are looked up from one or more tables in dependence on an advance amount, being the number of steps the LFSR is to advance. The state of the LFSR after the data word has been fed into the LFSR is then the same state the LFSR would be in if it had actually been advanced by the advance amount.

Abstract: A method for concentrating a nanosuspension including nanopowder particles suspended in a liquid includes reducing the liquid content of the nanosuspension and controlling the dispersion of the nanopowder particles in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a leak between two fluid paths of an assembled plate heat exchanger by evacuating one or both fluid paths to a low pressure, introducing a test gas to one of the fluid paths to create a pressure differential between the fluid paths, and testing for the presence of test gas in the second fluid path.

Abstract: A releasable fastening assembly for attachment of a boot to a snowboard comprises a mounting member which, in use, is fixed to the snowboard, and a support member which is rotatable relative to the mounting member. First and second jaws are mounted on the support member for engagement with co-operating formations on the boot. Means are provided for releasably holding the support member in a selected one of a plurality of possible angular positions relative to the mounting member and for disengaging at least one of the jaws from the cooperating formations on the boot.

Abstract: A porous perform body is infiltrated with carbon by a thermal gradient process using a multi-portion heating element to heat the body. Selected portions of the heating element are supplied with power to create the thermal gradient between different areas of the preform body.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger comprising a stack of heat transfer plates which together with sealing means define first and second flow passages for first and second fluids respectively. The heat transfer plates are formed with through holes defining an inlet channel communicating with the first flow passages and a gasket is arranged around the through holes in the gap between each pair of heat transfer plates forming a first flow passage. The gasket can be inserted in and/or removed from the gap between a pair of permanently joined heat transfer plates and can include a tube for producing a pressure drop for flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the first flow passage.

Abstract: A porous preform body is infiltrated with carbon by a thermal gradient process using a multi-portion heating element to heat the body. Selected portions of the heating element are supplied with power to create the thermal gradient between different areas of the preform body.

Abstract: A method of positively indicating leaks in the heat transfer surface area of a heat exchanger between the normally separate fluid paths denoted by side (A) and side (B) arranged in a heat exchange relationship is disclosed. The method comprises:placing a detector gas or gas mixture on one side;placing a carrier or entraining liquid in the other side;applying a positive pressure differential between detector gas and carrier fluid; anddetecting entrained bubbles within the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A method of positively locating the source of leaks in the heat transfer surface area of the plate heat exchanger between separate product and service fluid paths arranged in an intimate heat exchange relationship is disclosed. The method comprises:circulating a solution through one fluid path of the exchanger, the solution consisting of solvent with appreciable vapor pressure under the chosen test conditions;providing a gas flow across the other fluid path of the exchange surface by means of forced or natural convection;applying a positive pressure differential between solution and gas stream; anddetecting visually the location of deposited solutes on or around the other fluid path.