Abstract: A thimble providing a first convex surface about a first axis and a second convex surface about a second axis, the first and second axes being substantially perpendicular to each other and the first and second surfaces being opposite each other, the thimble being such that a first length of elongate material can be wrapped over said first convex surface and back on itself to form a first loop around the thimble and a second length of elongate material can then be wrapped over said second convex surface through said first loop and back on itself to form a second loop around the thimble.

Abstract: A net comprising a combination of a plurality of lengths (2, 3) of a first material with a plurality of lengths (11) of a second material having a relatively lower elongation than that of the first material in which at least some of the lengths (2, 3) of first material are transversed to at least some of the lengths (11) of second material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping an ultrasonic transducer suitable for time of flight ranging and level measurement systems. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a damping component which absorbs vibrations in the transducer to reduce the ringing effect. The damping component is subjected to plasma etching to produce a surface which readily bonds to component(s) of the transducer. According to one aspect, the damping component is formed from an inert elastomer, such as silicone rubber, and the transducer component is made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A net comprising a combination of a plurality of lengths (2, 3) of a first material with a plurality of lengths (11) of a second material having a relatively lower elongation than that of the first material in which at least some of the lengths (2, 3) of first material are transverse to at least some of the lengths (11) of second material.