Abstract: To fold sheets of newsprint (1), a ring gear 7 is driven in rotation by a motor 11 under the control of a controller 12 such that, for most of the time, the ring gear 7 rotates at the same speed as a folding cylinder 2 and arms 8. When it is desired to initiate a folding operation, the ring gear 7 is momentarily stopped or slowed. The relative motion that occurs between the ring gear 7 and planet gears on the arms 8 causes the planet gears 9 to rotate about their axes and respective tucking blades 6 mounted on the planet gears 9 to protrude above the surface of the cylinder 2, where they engage collated sheets on the cylinder surface and push them into the nip of folding rollers (4). Upon completion of the movement of the planet gears 9 and associated tucking blades 6, the ring gear 7 is again caused to move at the same angular speed as the arms 8, such that the tucking blades 6 retain their “silenced” positions below the surface of the cylinder 2.

Abstract: An indexing conveyor 1 travels at (90) degrees to a wrapping output conveyor (2), which conveys elongate packs (3) of circular biscuits at high speed with their diameter-ends leading. The indexing conveyor 1 receives the packs (3) and conveys them in an orthogonal direction, with their long-dimensions leading. The indexing conveyor (1) has a regular series of V-section lugs (11), which receive and center the packs (3) and can accommodate a range of diameters of circular packs (3) while maintaining a constant pitch. A pair of lifting bars (12) lifts a group (31) of packs (3) at a time during the dwell period of the index of the (10) conveyor (1). The packs (3) of each group (31) are moved together during the lift so that they are touching, to ensure that a robotic pick-and-place system can pick up the group (31) reliably.

Abstract: A first endless belt conveyer (2) conveys products (4) at random intervals to a delivery point (21), from which a second endless belt conveyer (3) conveys the products (4) in groups to a pick-up point (31). The position of the delivery point (21) can be adjusted relative to the second conveyer (3) (arrow A). The second conveyer (3) is driven in direction B and comprises a series of pockets (34) that extends the whole length of conveyor belt (30), providing angled surfaces to support the products (4). Moving the delivery point (21) to both left and right provides buffering to compensate irregularities in movement of the second conveyer (3) and/or pauses in arrival of the products (4). A continuous stream of products (4) arrives at the pick-up point (31), where the products (4) may be removed in groups—for example, by a robot.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the pre-emphasis applied to an optical signal, in which the output level of individual transmitters is controlled in order to reach a pre-defined desired value of a quality metric. Transmitters are able to adjust their output power without external control in such a way as to optimise the power distribution across the system.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a request by a first control service using a first control specification language, and a second control service using a second control specification language includes steps of: receiving the request from a requestor; providing the request to the first and second control services; receiving a decision on the request from each of the first and second control services; and comparing the decisions. The first control specification language is an access control policy.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method of controlling a tuneable optical dispersion compensating device to act on an optical signal by automatically controlling a plurality of dispersion control settings of the device in a systematic way using feedback, thereby to adapt freely the optical group delay for the optical signal within a predetermined wavelength range including that of the optical signal.

Abstract: A container is disclosed that includes a pre-formed tear line defining a dispensing aperture that tears with appropriate mechanical manipulation, to form a dispensing aperture with the container portion corresponding to the dispensing aperture being bent inside the container; and a filter attached to the inside of the container and located at least partly adjacent the dispensing aperture such that the filter allows egress of fluid through the dispensing aperture whilst preventing ingress of contaminants. In one embodiment, the filter comprises a safety portion which makes it impossible for the filter to fall through the dispensing aperture. In another embodiment, the filter is resilient and deforms during the bending of the container portion corresponding to the dispensing aperture, and subsequently returns to its initial configuration; and wherein the filter includes at least two limbs which may deform independently so to assist the filter in returning to its initial configuration.

Abstract: An indexing conveyor 1 travels at (90) degrees to a wrapping output conveyor (2), which conveys elongate packs (3) of circular biscuits at high speed with their diameter-ends leading. The indexing conveyor 1 receives the packs (3) and conveys them in an orthogonal direction, with their long-dimensions leading. The indexing conveyor (1) has a regular series of V-section lugs (11), which receive and centre the packs (3) and can accommodate a range of diameters of circular packs (3) whilst maintaining a constant pitch. A pair of lifting bars (12) lifts a group (31) of packs (3) at a time during the dwell period of the index of the (10) conveyor (1). The packs (3) of each group (31) are moved together during the lift so that they are touching, to ensure that a robotic pick-and-place system can pick up the group (31) reliably.

Abstract: A system and method for providing mass transit is disclosed. The system is able to dispatch a vehicle to a person in response to their contacting a central controller. The system can adjust their route depending on the needs of the person and/or persons who are using the system. The system can place a track in an urban area without adding to the congestion that already exists within the area.

Abstract: A wearable audio device in the form of eyeglasses includes actuators disposed the ear stems. The actuators, which can be in the form of buttons, and/or the ear stems, are configured to enhance the comfort of the users. For example, the buttons can be disposed on the upper surface of the ear stems with the lower surface having an enlarged surface so as to allow the user to pinch the ear stem to thereby counter-balance the actuation force used to depress the button.

Abstract: An optical data receiver comprises an optical input for receiving optical data signals, an optical sputter for splitting the optical signals into first and second receiver arms, an optical filter in the first receiver arm, means for increasing an intensity ratio of optical signal strength in the first receiver arm to optical signal strength in the second receiver arm, means for adjusting a phase difference between the first and second receiver arms, and an optical coupler for coupling outputs of the first and second receiver arms to a photodetector. The receiver of the present invention selectively filters a carrier component of received optical data signals, adjusts the relative strength of the carrier component and the received signal and then recombines them. In this way efficient optical transmission can be achieved with direct detection at the receiver, without the need for a complex receiver design including a local oscillator.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing cap and beverage bottle assembly provides a spill-resistant container for use by a small child. The dispensing cap has a perforated baffle that restricts the beverage flow under static pressure conditions and permits beverage flow when a sufficient pressure differential is applied across the baffle. The dispensing cap includes a spout that facilitates beverage consumption. The dispensing cap either screws onto a bottle neck or is a press-fit cap that is inserted into the bottle's open end. A seal is provided that prevents beverage leakage and indicates if the container has been tampered with or compromised.

Abstract: A printhead is provided having at least one row that comprises a plurality of sets of n adjacent printing nozzles. Each nozzle is configured to expel ink in response to a fire signal, such that, for each set of nozzles, a fire signal is provided in accordance with the sequence: [nozzle position 1, nozzle position n, nozzle position 2, nozzle position (n?1), . . . , nozzle position x].