Abstract: A low mass safety helmet is provided, containing a sandwich of polymer composite materials to produce an effective means of shock mitigation to a wearer's head. The sandwich comprises an inner and outer layer of fibre reinforced polymer which encapsulates a pre-formed energy dispersive material which is typically a high impact resistant foam. Optionally, on the inside surface of the inner layer which is adjacent to the wearer's head there may also be fitted a comfort liner, manufactured from either a low density impact foam or a material or plastic lattice, to provide comfort to the wearer and protection from low energy impacts. The use of a preformed foam liner in the manufacturing of the helmet allows for accurate dimensional tolerances to be achieved, thus allowing helmets which can meet the requirements for both military and civilian use to be manufactured by mass production techniques.

Abstract: A source of pulses of coherent radiation at a wavelength of approximately 1 ?m, comprises a pump source for producing pump light; a laser cavity comprising an Yb3+-doped gain medium arranged to receive the pump light, the laser cavity being modelocked to generate laser pulses at a defined repetition rate; a pulse detector arranged to generate a pulse selection signal indicative of the repetition rate; a pulse selector arranged to reduce the repetition rate of the laser pulses responsive to the pulse selection signal from the pulse detector by passing only selected ones of the laser pulses; and at least one optical amplifier for amplifying the laser pulses of reduced repetition rate. The at least one optical amplifier can be configured for chirped or parabolic pulse amplification.

Abstract: A laminated automobile side glass includes an insert for engaging the window opening mechanism. The insert is molded for integration into the lamination layers, with a mechanism interface section, having a maximum thickness equal to the overall thickness of the glass. This mechanism interface section is arranged in a cutout of the window, so that the window presents a substantially continuous sheet without protrusions. The insert is formed to constitute substantially the entire engagement of the window with the opening mechanism, and to absorb the stresses imposed by vibration, opening and closing of the window, and the slamming of the automobile door.

Abstract: A mouse assembly includes a modular auxiliary unit that is operable in complement with a floor or pedal assembly. The modular auxiliary unit includes structure for conveniently securing the unit as well as a mouse functionality section, such as a track ball or the like. The floor or pedal assembly includes one or more clicking pedals and a scrolling wheel for foot-operated mouse manipulations. The assembly facilitates mouse-type operations while reducing risks of injury associated with repetitive motions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.

Abstract: A method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.

Abstract: An insert tool for pre-existing casing is disclosed which allows the use of existing control line connections to facilitate independent operation of a pair of safety valves. The insert is particularly useful when a pre-existing well is converted to gas lift operation and requires the use of downhole valves, such as tubing safety valve in combination with an annular-type safety valve. The tool can be readily reconfigured if one of the control lines becomes obstructed so that continuing independent operation of the two valve components can continue. Normal and emergency release techniques are also included when it is time to retrieve the insert assembly.

Abstract: An electronic image processing system includes a scanner in which a light source is provided to illuminate an image captured on a film. A charge-coupled device produces digital data defining a multiplicity of picture elements which together represent the image. A look up table converts the data from the CCD into a format suitable for processing by a processor which data is stored in a framestore. The data in the framestore is read and processed by the processor and output for display of the image on a monitor. Characteristics or attributes of the displayed image are adjusted by the processor in response to user manipulation of a stylus and touch tablet device. Once the user is satisfied with the image as displayed the adjustment is used to alter the manner in which the scanner and look up table operate so that a further scanning of the image will provide data in the framestore representing the image with characteristics or attributes similar to those in the previously displayed image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (1) comprises a color image scanner (2) for producing digital data defining pixels representing an image in terms of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K) components. The CMYK data from the scanner is received by a conversion processor (5) and a color converter (6). The color converter (6) together with a format converter (7) converts the CMYK data into RGB data, representing the image in terms of its red, green and blue components, for processing by a drawing processor (9). The operation of the scanner (2) is adjustable to a desired setting to provide CMYK data to which a color correction has been applied. In order that the RGB data accurately represents the color content of the image the effect of the color correction must be removed.