Abstract: An injection device is disclosed comprising a plunger for expressing medicament from a syringe and a delivery mechanism arranged in use to provide a forward biasing force to urge the plunger from a first rearward position to a second forward position to express a dose from the syringe. A latch arrangement is provided that releasably holds the plunger against the force of the delivery mechanism. The latch arrangement comprising at least two resilient segments which define opposing sections of an aperture within which a rearward end of the plunger is retained in the rearward position. A trigger is provided for releasing the plunger in use, the trigger being arranged to outwardly deflect at least one of the resilient segments such that the aperture is expanded to release the rearward end of the plunger. A method of manufacturing the injection device is also enclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for compact radar systems. In some examples, a compact radar system can include a first set of transmit antennas, a second set of receive antennas, one or more processors, and at least one computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the radar system to coordinate digital beam steering of the first set of transmit antennas and the second set of receive antennas, and coordinate digital beam forming with one or more of the second set of receive antennas to detect one or more objects within a distance of the radar system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for an elongated introducer assembly and an elongated guidewire assembly. The elongated introducer assembly is manipulated and positioned proximate to a first biological wall. An elongated guidewire assembly is selectively maneuvered along the elongated introducer assembly and is comprised of a distal tip, distal portion, and elongated shaft section. The distal portion is further comprised of a flexible preset spatial geometry which comprises a distal length and distal deflective portion. The distal tip is used to puncture the first biological wall and the distal deflective portion directs the distal length away from a second biological wall positioned proximate to the first biological wall.

Abstract: Treatment actions can be taken based on an analysis of the ability of a recipient of an auditory prosthesis to perceive musical activities. The occurrence of musical activities and the recipient's response thereto can be determined based on transducers. The recipient's musical perception can be determined by analyzing the signals from the transducers as stand-alone measures or by comparing the signals against known music. The treatment actions can relate to the treatment of a hearing-impairment of the recipient of the auditory prosthesis, such as by modifying the settings of the auditory prosthesis to affect the ongoing operation of the auditory prosthesis.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a furnace containing a plurality of catalyst-containing tubes heated by a combustion gas generated by a plurality of burners, said method comprising the steps of: (i) measuring path-averaged combustion gas temperatures on multiple paths through the furnace using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, (ii) periodically measuring temperatures of surfaces within the furnace to obtain periodic surface temperature information, (iii) entering the path-averaged combustion gas temperatures and periodic surface temperature information into a computer model of the furnace, said model comprising parameters for controlling the furnace; and (iv) using the computer model and the temperature information to obtain optimised parameters for controlling the furnace. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for sorting gemstones from a batch of gemstones. The apparatus comprises one or more measurement locations, each comprising at least one measurement device configured to measure one or more properties of a gemstone. A continuously moveable surface supports the gemstones thereon and transports the gemstones to the one or more measurement locations. A separation device separates the gemstones from one another as they are transported on the moveable surface to the one or more measurement locations. A location trigger at a sensor location comprises a sensor for identifying when the gemstone passes through the sensor location.

Abstract: Methods for increasing soil stabilization utilizing an anionic surfactant and a solution. Varying amounts of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (“SDS”) is added to soils along with a solution of calcium chloride. A mixing procedure is then used to mix the SDS-soil matrix with the calcium chloride solution. The micelles surround the soil particles, creating a matrix, and then the calcium ions of the calcium chloride solution bonds the micelle complex together. The resulting calcium dodecyl sulfate (“CDS”) complex is very hard, relatively insoluble, and very strong. This process can be reversed by exposing the CDS complex to seawater. The sodium ions of the seawater exchange with the calcium ions of the CDS complex reforming the SDS surfactant.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve assembly and a microfluidic sensing platform are provided. The valve assembly has particular utility for separating test fluids from being in contact with a soft substrate, for example, a PDMS substrate. The valve member includes a stretchable membrane positioned to seal a fluid channel. The microfluidic sensing platform is particularly suited for detecting and/or quantifying the presence of one or more target agents in a fluid sample. This system includes a microfluidic chip configured to receive a capture agent and detection agent; a controller configured to control flow of a capture agent and a detection agent; and a sensor configured to detect results of the interaction between the target agents and the mixture of the capture agent and the detection agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for sorting gemstones from a batch of gemstones. The apparatus comprises one or more measurement locations, each comprising at least one measurement device configured to measure one or more properties of a gemstone. A continuously moveable surface supports the gemstones thereon and transports the gemstones to the one or more measurement locations. A separation device separates the gemstones from one another as they are transported on the moveable surface to the one or more measurement locations. A location trigger at a sensor location comprises a sensor for identifying when the gemstone passes through the sensor location.

Abstract: A seat base assembly for a wheelchair includes a dock configured to be mounted to a vehicle frame. An attenuating mechanism is operatively connected to the dock to absorb impact between the vehicle frame and a wheelchair. An interface assembly is operatively connected to the attenuating mechanism to connect a wheelchair to the attenuating mechanism. A crashworthy wheelchair includes a seat having arm rests and a seat back extending therefrom. Front wheels and back wheels are operatively connected to the seat. Each arm rest includes a downward opening slot configured to accommodate a respective one of the back wheels during a negative G event. The wheelchair can include a hook extending down ward from the seat to engage with a respective mating portion of the seat base assembly.

Abstract: Various enhanced interactive TV experiences are supported by a real-time TV service that can interact over a network with applications running on interactive TV platforms. The real-time television service enables data, video, and communication user interface (UI) elements to be supported alongside the linear TV content in three discrete navigational states, each with a specific role aligning to user intent. In the case of one particular UI element—a focused companion panel—a live stream of personalized data is supported that enhances the user's comprehension and awareness of live events. The real-time TV service can further enable users to opt in to certain customizable events and be served notifications on the TV screen on which their attention is directed, and follow the notification into an application that lands them on a specific piece of content that satisfies specific conditions.

Abstract: A seat base assembly for a wheelchair includes a dock configured to be mounted to a vehicle frame. An attenuating mechanism is operatively connected to the dock to absorb impact between the vehicle frame and a wheelchair. An interface assembly is operatively connected to the attenuating mechanism to connect a wheelchair to the attenuating mechanism. A crashworthy wheelchair includes a seat having arm rests and a seat back extending therefrom. Front wheels and back wheels are operatively connected to the seat. Each arm rest includes a downward opening slot configured to accommodate a respective one of the back wheels during a negative G event. The wheelchair can include a hook extending down ward from the seat to engage with a respective mating portion of the seat base assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods for measuring a plurality of parameters of a cut gemstone while it is positioned at a single measurement location. Apparatus comprise a plurality of light sources, each configured to emit light at a different one of a plurality of emission wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths such that the emitted light illuminates at least part of the measurement location. Apparatus further comprise a sensor assembly configured to sense light at a plurality of sensing wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths for measuring the plurality of parameters. The sensed light is received at the sensor assembly from the measurement location as a result of illumination of a cut gemstone located at the measurement location.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve assembly and a microfluidic sensing platform are provided. The valve assembly has particular utility for separating test fluids from being in contact with a soft substrate, for example, a PDMS substrate. The valve member includes a stretchable membrane positioned to seal a fluid channel. The microfluidic sensing platform is particularly suited for detecting and/or quantifying the presence of one or more target agents in a fluid sample. This system includes a microfluidic chip configured to receive a capture agent and detection agent; a controller configured to control flow of a capture agent and a detection agent; and a sensor configured to detect results of the interaction between the target agents and the mixture of the capture agent and the detection agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orientating discrete objects, such as gemstones, is described. The method comprises providing the objects on a travelling path; providing a pair of opposed walls (38) extending generally along the direction of the path; and generating relative oscillatory movement (14) between the pair of walls (38) and the travelling path (in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the path), so that the pair of walls (38) imparts lateral force to the objects to thereby urge them into their most stable orientation as they progress along the path. A device for checking the orientation of the discrete objects is also described.

Abstract: A single crystal CVD synthetic diamond layer comprising a non-parallel dislocation array, wherein the non-parallel dislocation array comprises a plurality of dislocations forming an array of inter-crossing dislocations, as viewed in an X-ray topographic cross-sectional view or under luminescent conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods for measuring a plurality of parameters of a cut gemstone while it is positioned at a single measurement location. Apparatus comprise a plurality of light sources, each configured to emit light at a different one of a plurality of emission wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths such that the emitted light illuminates at least part of the measurement location. Apparatus further comprise a sensor assembly configured to sense light at a plurality of sensing wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths for measuring the plurality of parameters. The sensed light is received at the sensor assembly from the measurement location as a result of illumination of a cut gemstone located at the measurement location.

Abstract: Various enhanced interactive TV experiences are supported by a real-time TV service that can interact over a network with applications running on interactive TV platforms. The real-time television service enables data, video, and communication user interface (UI) elements to be supported alongside the linear TV content in three discrete navigational states, each with a specific role aligning to user intent. In the case of one particular UI element—a focused companion panel—a live stream of personalized data is supported that enhances the user's comprehension and awareness of live events. The real-time TV service can further enable users to opt in to certain customizable events and be served notifications on the TV screen on which their attention is directed, and follow the notification into an application that lands them on a specific piece of content that satisfies specific conditions.

Abstract: A method of esterifying free fatty acid in natural oil comprises heating the natural oil (2) to a first temperature above a reaction temperature, feeding the heated natural oil into an acid-resistant pipe reactor (5), providing a mixture of acid catalyst (6) and short chain alcohol (8) at a second temperature below the reaction temperature, and feeding the mixture of acid catalyst and short chain alcohol into the natural oil in the pipe reactor (5). The short chain alcohol and free fatty acid react at the reaction temperature to form an ester.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of automating the classification of a diamond gemstone. An infra-red absorption spectrum of the gemstone is provided. Features corresponding to absorption by water and intrinsic absorption by a diamond lattice are subtracted from the absorption spectrum. The spectrum is analysed to identify predetermined absorption features corresponding to lattice defects in the diamond. The gemstone is classified according to the intensities of the predetermined absorption features. The results of the classification are saved in a database.