Abstract: A damping system for a cable disposed within an upper pipe and a lower pipe includes a damper plate assembly connected to the upper pipe, a slider ring connected to and/or supported by the lower pipe, the slider ring having a hole in which the cable is arranged; and a shroud surrounding the damping system at a position where the upper pipe is adjacent to the lower pipe, such that the damper plate assembly and the slider ring are covered by the shroud. In such damping systems, the damper plate assembly and the slider ring are in contact with each other such that the transverse movement of the upper pipe relative to the lower pipe generates a frictional force to reduce an amplitude of the transverse movement of the upper pipe relative to the lower pipe.

Abstract: An optical fiber including a plurality of embedded optical reflectors distributed periodically along the length of the fiber and a method of quantifying loss associated with an optical connector that is connected to optical fiber comprising a plurality of embedded optical reflectors distributed periodically along the length of the fiber. The method includes inserting an optical signal into the fiber through the optical connector; measuring a component of the optical signal reflected by at least one of the plurality of embedded optical reflectors, in which the component is received through the optical connector; calculating the difference in power level between the inserted and reflected signals; and quantifying, based on the calculated power level difference and the reflectivity of the embedded optical reflector, the loss associated with the optical connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber including a plurality of embedded optical reflectors distributed periodically along the length of the fiber and a method of quantifying loss associated with an optical connector that is connected to optical fiber comprising a plurality of embedded optical reflectors distributed periodically along the length of the fiber. The method includes inserting an optical signal into the fiber through the optical connector; measuring a component of the optical signal reflected by at least one of the plurality of embedded optical reflectors, in which the component is received through the optical connector; calculating the difference in power level between the inserted and reflected signals; and quantifying, based on the calculated power level difference and the reflectivity of the embedded optical reflector, the loss associated with the optical connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber joint including a support member, a plurality of optical fiber storage trays connected to the support member, where an optical splitter is received within one of the optical fiber storage trays, the optical splitter comprising one or more input optical fibers and a plurality of output optical fibers wherein, in use the or each spliced optical splitter output optical fibers and respective optical splice and further optical fiber are stored within an optical fiber storage tray; and the or each unspliced optical splitter output optical fibers are stored within an optical fiber storage apparatus which is external to the plurality of optical fiber storage trays.

Abstract: A medical image data processing apparatus comprises a registration unit configured to perform a non-rigid registration of a first set of medical image data and a second set of medical image data, wherein the registration unit is further configured to determine, for at least one region, a rigid or affine registration that is an approximation of the non-rigid registration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of calibrating a vibrating tube densitometer intended to operate at combined elevated temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A medical image data processing apparatus comprises a registration unit configured to perform a non-rigid registration of a first set of medical image data and a second set of medical image data, wherein the registration unit is further configured to determine, for at least one region, a rigid or affine registration that is an approximation of the non-rigid registration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of calibrating a vibrating tube densitometer intended to operate at combined elevated temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A method of writing a servo pattern to a disk, wherein a servo pattern is generated in a processor. The generated servo pattern is then written to a disk. The servo pattern for a servo sector is preferably generated in a single routine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethyloxon organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc?E 7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E 3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: An integrated, automated system for terminating an optical fiber with an optical connector which includes an apparatus for preparing adhesive for injection into an optical connector, an apparatus for injecting adhesive into an optical connector, an apparatus for inserting a fiber optic cable into an optical connector, and an apparatus for curing an adhesive following insertion of optical fiber into the optical connector. Devices that utilize vibratory or wave energy throughout the assembly process are also provided, as are feedback modules that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethylol organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc?E 7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E 3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: An integrated, automated system for terminating an optical fiber with an optical connector which includes a process for preparing adhesive for injection into an optical connector, an apparatus and process for injecting adhesive into an optical connector, an apparatus for inserting a fiber optic cable into an optical connector, and a process for curing an adhesive following insertion of optical fiber into the optical connector. Devices and methods that utilize vibratory or wave energy throughout the assembly process are also provided, as are feedback modules that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethyloxon organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc&agr;E7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: The present invention provides an E3 esterase from an organophosphate resistant strain of L. cuprina. The invention further provides DNA sequences encoding such E3 esterases and cells transformed with the DNA sequences. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the enzyme and transformed cells as bioremediation agents.

Abstract: There is disclosed a valve for controlling flow of gas and for use with portable gas appliances such as picnic stoves, heaters or lamps. The valve is associated with an adaptor having a projection arranged for operating an outlet valve in a refillable gas container when the adaptor is threaded on to the container. The valve body has an inlet including a pin for operating the valve of a self-sealing gas cartridge.

Abstract: There is disclosed an adaptor which enables a gas-consuming tool or appliance, for example a blowlamp or a light, to be attached to a puncturable gas cartridge.The adaptor comprises a main body part defining a through passage, a valve member which may be moved from a position in which the through passage is closed to a position in which this passage is open, means for urging the valve member into a closed position, a piercing member, means for creating a seal between the adaptor and a gas cartridge, and means for urging the adaptor and a gas cartridge together.The adaptor includes a housing into which in operation a gas cartridge is received and which is apertured at its top to allow insertion of the main body part.