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: The present invention relates to the field of dye sensitized solar cell, using several dyes and to a method for preparing them rapidly and efficiently focussing on a rapid method for dye sensitization.

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 present invention provides a method and apparatus for reacting a natural oil with a short chain alcohol in the presence of alkaline catalyst, in which a mixture of natural oil, short chain alcohol and alkaline catalyst is fed in one direction along a pipe reactor under transitional or turbulent conditions, so that the reactants are mixed in a direction normal to the flow direction to a greater degree than in a direction parallel to the flow direction or so that the reactants are mixed in a direction normal to the flow direction, such that the time taken for 90% of the elements of fluid to pass through the reactor is within 20% of the mean residence time of reactant in the reactor. There is also provided a ship, comprising means for storing a raw material used in the synthesis of biodiesel, a plant for the synthesis of biodiesel and means for storing the biodiesel synthesized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating assemblies are described. One method described comprises providing a first element at a first temperature, providing a second element at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, coupling the first and second elements to create an assembly, and changing the first temperature to a third temperature, thereby preloading and interlocking the assembly. The first element comprises a first dimension at the first temperature. The second element comprises a second dimension lesser than the first dimension at the second temperature. The first element comprises a third dimension at the third temperature lesser than the first dimension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating assemblies are described. One method described comprises providing a first element at a first temperature, providing a second element at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, coupling the first and second elements to create an assembly, and changing the first temperature to a third temperature, thereby preloading and interlocking the assembly. The first element comprises a first dimension at the first temperature. The second element comprises a second dimension lesser than the first dimension at the second temperature. The first element comprises a third dimension at the third temperature lesser than the first dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reacting a natural oil with a short chain alcohol in the presence of alkaline catalyst, in which a mixture of natural oil, short chain alcohol and alkaline catalyst is fed in one direction along a pipe reactor under transitional or turbulent conditions, so that the reactants are mixed in a direction normal to the flow direction to a greater degree than in a direction parallel to the flow direction or so that the reactants are mixed in a direction normal to the flow direction, such that the time taken for 90% of the elements of fluid to pass through the reactor is within 20% of the mean residence time of reactant in the reactor. There is also provided a ship, comprising means for storing a raw material used in the synthesis of biodiesel, a plant for the synthesis of biodiesel and means for storing the biodiesel synthesised.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating assemblies are described. One method described comprises providing a first element at a first temperature, providing a second element at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, coupling the first and second elements to create an assembly, and changing the first temperature to a third temperature, thereby preloading and interlocking the assembly. The first element comprises a first dimension at the first temperature. The second element comprises a second dimension lesser than the first dimension at the second temperature. The first element comprises a third dimension at the third temperature lesser than the first dimension.

Abstract: Products and processes for forming assemblies are disclosed. One product described comprises a first element having a structured surface adapted to be coupled with a second element.

Abstract: A rotatable cutter wheel for machining structural members is provided. The cutter wheel includes a disk, typically formed of carbide, defining a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a plurality of radial blades. At least one of the first and second sides defines a dished or concave surface.

Abstract: Products and processes for forming assemblies are disclosed. One product described comprises a first element having a structured surface adapted to be coupled with a second element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating assemblies are described. One method described comprises providing a first element at a first temperature, providing a second element at a second temperature lower than the first temperature, coupling the first and second elements to create an assembly, and changing the first temperature to a third temperature, thereby preloading and interlocking the assembly. The first element comprises a first dimension at the first temperature. The second element comprises a second dimension lesser than the first dimension at the second temperature. The first element comprises a third dimension at the third temperature lesser than the first dimension.

Abstract: A cleaning composition contains the components for a pH step reaction, held apart or in stasis in needed, until they are delivered to the locus to be cleaned. The composition may include standard cleaning agents such as surfactants. The composition undergoes a change in pH at the locus, promoting effective cleaning.

Abstract: A rotatable cutter wheel for machining structural members is provided. The cutter wheel includes a disk, typically formed of carbide, defining a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a plurality of radial blades. At least one of the first and second sides defines a dished or concave surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reverse flow cyclone separator including a container closed at one end, a component for introducing a fluid mixture swirling about an-axis at a region of the container remote from said end, a barrier between said region and said end, the barrier having a surface facing the introducing component and extending towards the outer wall of the container leaving a gap therebetween, and an outlet for lighter phases of the mixture, the outlet opening from the region, the barrier having an outer perimeter which extends in the axial direction a distance not less than the radial extent of the gap. Since the outlet opens from the region, the flow of fluid from the fluid introducing component to the outlet is not obstructed by the barrier and does not pass through the gap.

Abstract: In milling operations, periodically sensed vibration signals synchronous with tool revolution enables a determination of whether the tool returns to approximately the same position each revolution. If so, stability is indicated by tightly grouped values of the periodically sensed vibration signal. If the tool does not return to the same position, spread in the value of the periodically sampled vibration signals is produced thereby indicating chatter conditions. Variance values may be calculated and displayed; histograms may be produced and displayed; corrective action, if needed, may be taken in response to the variance values and/or histogram. Nominal (or commanded) spindle speed, while not necessarily exactly synchronous with actual tool rotation, is entirely adequate to trigger samples and achieve clear indication of the presence or absence of chatter.

Abstract: A cyclone separator has an inlet chamber 52 and an outlet chamber 53, means 51 for introducing a fluid mixture into the inlet chamber so that it swirls around the chamber and passes to the outlet chamber in which it swirls about an outlet chamber axis, the outlet chamber being provided with means 62 for conducting heavier phase fluids from the outlet chamber at a relatively large distance from the outlet chamber axis and an outlet 63 for lighter phase fluids at a relatively small distance from the outlet chamber axis 55. The flow through the separator and the efficiency of separation are improved by forming at least one of the chambers 52, 53 as involute shaped, the corresponding one 51, 62 of said means being defined by the curved wall of the involute of maximum radius.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for determining the stable speeds for a rotating milling tool by non-cuttingly exciting the milling tool, by vibrating the milling tool, and measuring how the milling tool is excited. The present invention also provides a device and method for determining the stable speeds for a lathe tool by non-cuttingly exciting the lathe tool, by vibrating the tool using an excitation device mounted on a rotating lathe test bar, and measuring how the lathe tool is excited.