Abstract: A securing device (10) for securing an article is disclosed. The securing device comprises a main shaft portion (14) and a securing portion (20) on the main shaft portion. The securing portion is a substantially helical elongate portion defining a central space (20A). Holding devices (312, 340), drive transmission devices (102, 202) and indicating devices (332) can be used with the securing device.

Abstract: An absorbent material for use in wound dressings is provided. The absorbent material comprises a blend of a superabsorbent gel-forming fiber and a non gel-forming fiber, wherein the blend of fiber does not comprise a superabsorbent gel-forming fiber formed from a polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and related method for cleaning vessel hulls and other subsea structures at sea. In an embodiment, a hull cleaning system comprises a housing defining an interior void; a multifunction bar; a propulsion system; a power system; a positioning system; a water pump operatively connected to the power system; a high flow manifold operatively in fluid communication with the water pump; a hull cleaner; and a suction device configured to selectively adhere the hull cleaning system to a hull.

Abstract: A stacking device for assembling a slack of uniformly sized articles 1, has a receiving station for successively receiving said articles 1, and a lifting means to raise said articles from the receiving station to a stacking station The stacking station includes catching means 3 to catch and retain the articles in the stacking station, the catching means comprising at least two catchers 3 located on opposite sides of the station to engage opposite side edges of the article. The article 1 when being raised contacts the catchers 3 to displace the catchers to a closed position to enable the article to override the catchers 3 to move to a position above the catchers 3, the catchers 3 having biassing means to bias the catchers 3 back to an open position to engage and support the article 1 in the stacking station when the lifting means is withdrawn. The catchers 3 have a uniform cross-section and are pivotally mounted in a frame member 5 having a uniform cross-section.

Abstract: An absorbent material for use in wound dressings is provided. The absorbent material comprises a blend of a superabsorbent gel-forming fibre and a non gel-forming fibre, wherein the blend of fibres does not comprise a superabsorbent gel-forming fibre formed from a polysaccharide.

Abstract: A fireproof system is provided for protecting a structure during a fire event. The system includes a fire resistant panel defining a first attachment opening and disposed adjacent to the structure; a canister including a side wall defining a first end and a second end, and an end wall enclosing the first end and defining a second attachment opening that is aligned with the first attachment opening; a fastener extending through the canister at the second attachment opening and the fire resistant panel at the first attachment opening such that the canister, the fire resistant panel, and the structure are fastened together; and a fire retardant agent disposed within the canister in an inactive condition and configured to transition out of the second end of the canister in an active condition at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method is described for treating gas exhaust from a polysilicon etch process, which uses a plasma abatement device to treat the gas. The device comprises a stainless steel gas chamber having a gas inlet for receiving the gas and a gas outlet. As the gas may contain a halocompound and water vapor, the chamber is heated to a temperature that inhibits adsorption of water on the surface within the chamber, thereby inhibiting corrosion of the gas chamber. The gas is then conveyed to the gas chamber for treatment, and the temperature of the chamber is maintained above said temperature during treatment of the gas.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of a halogen in a gas stream using measurement means unsuitable for the direct measurement of halogens in a gas stream includes the step of passing a gaseous conversion compound to the halogen containing gas stream to convert the halogen to a detectable gaseous compound.

Abstract: A fireproof system is provided for protecting a structure during a fire event.

Abstract: A stacking device for assembling a slack of uniformly sized articles 1, has a receiving station for successively receiving said articles 1, and a lifting means to raise said articles from the receiving station to a stacking station The stacking station includes catching means 3 to catch and retain the articles in the stacking station, the catching means comprising at least two catchers 3 located on opposite sides of the station to engage opposite side edges of the article. The article 1 when being raised contacts the catchers 3 to displace the catchers to a closed position to enable the article to override the catchers 3 to move to a position above the catchers 3, the catchers 3 having biassing means to bias the catchers 3 back to an open position to engage and support the article 1 in the stacking station when the lifting means is withdrawn. The catchers 3 have a uniform cross-section and are pivotally mounted in a frame member 5 having a uniform cross-section.

Abstract: A method is described for treating gas exhaust from a polysilicon etch process, which uses a plasma abatement device to treat the gas. The device comprises a stainless steel gas chamber having a gas inlet for receiving the gas and a gas outlet. As the gas may contain a halocompound and water vapour, the chamber is heated to a temperature that inhibits adsorption of water on the surface within the chamber, thereby inhibiting corrosion of the gas chamber. The gas is then conveyed to the gas chamber for treatment, and the temperature of the chamber is maintained above said temperature during treatment of the gas.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of a halogen in a gas stream using measurement means unsuitable for the direct measurement of halogens in a gas stream, comprising the step of passing a gaseous conversion compound to the halogen containing gas stream to convert the halogen to a detectable gaseous compound.

Abstract: A method for scrubbing a halogen-containing gas, comprises contacting the halogen-containing gas with water at a temperature of at least 30° C., the gas optionally subsequently being subjected to a further treatment step comprising contacting it with water at a temperature of less than 30° C. and/or a gas dilution step. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a hot wash chamber (6) and optionally a cold wash chamber (7) and/or a gas dilution device (13).

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-color radiation detector that comprises a mesa-type multi-layered mercury-cadmium-telluride detector structure monolithically integrated on a substrate. The detector is responsive to three or more discrete wavelength ranges and means is provided whereby each of the wavelength ranges can be detected independently or in combination with others of the ranges.

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-colour radiation detector that comprises a mesa-type multi-layered mercury-cadmium-telluride detector structure (10) monolithically integrated on a substrate (6). The detector is responsive to three or more discrete wavelength ranges and means is provided whereby each of the wavelength ranges can be detected independently or in combination with others of the ranges.

Abstract: A method for machining a workpiece made from titanium based alloy is provided. the method comprises: heating the workpiece in a hydrogen containing atmosphere, whereby hydrogen is taken up; cooling the workpiece; metal-removing machining of the workpiece; and heating the workpiece in a hydrogen-free atmosphere, whereby hydrogen is released. A workpiece made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for repairing turbine blades of a gas turbine engine by a laser welding operation. The method uses a miniaturized laser and related apparatus. The miniaturized laser is fed through a borescope access hole to a desired location such as a high pressure turbine blade. The laser is then powered and manipulated so as to perform the desired welding operation. Filler material may also be provided in situ to accomplish the welding procedure. The method realizes a significant cost savings to the vehicle operator in that repairs can be accomplished without the need to remove the engine or disassemble the engine.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more removable filler media delivery extension tips. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be wholly or partially delivered via the filler media delivery passages. One or more of the extension tips may be inserted into the filler media delivery passages to efficiently, precisely, and robustly supply filler media of various types and forms to the workpiece weld area.