Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a thermic lance as a firework. Frictional or electrical ignition of a thermic lance is more convenient and safer than conventional methods. In addition, when used as a firework, the lance is safer and provides less pollution than conventional fireworks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the pressure of a fluid within a rigid vessel are disclosed. A preferred method comprises monitoring the capacitance of a capacitor comprising a deformable resilient solid dielectric separating first and second conductive elements, the capacitor being exposed to said pressurised fluid such that the distance between the conductive elements and thus the capacitance of the capacitor changes with compression or relaxation of the dielectric in response to changes in fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the pressure of a fluid within a rigid vessel are disclosed. A preferred method comprises monitoring the capacitance of a capacitor comprising a deformable resilient solid dielectric separating first and second conductive elements, the capacitor being exposed to said pressurised fluid such that the distance between the conductive elements and thus the capacitance of the capacitor changes with compression or relaxation of the dielectric in response to changes in fluid pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a thermic lance as a firework. Frictional or electrical ignition of a thermic lance is more convenient and safer than conventional methods. In addition, when used as a firework, the lance is safer and provides less pollution than conventional fireworks.

Abstract: A medical device (103) is supplied (105) with a gas mixture from a higher pressure section of a main circuit (102) in which medical gas recirculates though the higher pressure section and a lower pressure section. Decontaminated spent gas is returned to the lower pressure section of the main circuit Pressure in the higher pressure section is maintained by a pressure maintaining valve (141) and gas flow in the main circuit is maintained by a volume regulator (145) in the lower pressure section. The composition of the recirculating gas mixture is maintained by addition of respective feed gases in response to concentration and/or volume variation measurement. The method has particular application to the feed of a binary oxygen/xenon mixture to a cardiopulmonary bypass oxygenator or an artificial ventilator.

Abstract: A volume flow controller (1) for controlling the flow of a gas mixture of variable proportions through a conduit (3) has a valve means (5) for regulating the flow of gas through the conduit, a drive means (9) for driving the valve means, a volumetric flow meter (7), such as a Pelton wheel, for measuring the flow of gas through the conduit, which provides a feedback signal (29) for comparison with a setpoint signal (17) in an amplifier (15) which generates an adjustment signal (11) which is fed to the drive means.

Abstract: A container (1) having a first compartment (3) and a second compartment (5) separated by a movable gas impermeable partition (7) is used for storing and dispensing a gas for use in a process and receiving and storing a gas recovered from the process. Fresh gas is dispensed (9) from the first compartment (3) for use in a process and recovered gas is fed (11) to the second compartment (5), whereby a volume of the second gas displaces a volume of the first gas by movement of the partition (7) to enlarge the second compartment (5) relative to the first compartment (3).

Abstract: The concentration of xenon, in a medical gas mixture of xenon as an active component with a known composition of oxygen and, optionally, nitrogen and/or helium recirculating through a medical device (103) in which carbon dioxide is introduced into the mixture, is monitored by removal (135, 133) of carbon dioxide downstream of the medical device (103) and subsequently passing the carbon dioxide-free gas through an ultrasonic gas analyser (143) upstream of the medical device. The gas analyzer determines the xenon concentration by measuring the time delay between transmission of an ultrahigh frequency ultrasonic pulse of at least 100 kHz axially through the sample chamber from a location at one end thereof and reflection of said pulse axially from the other end of the sample chamber back to said location. An analyser of novel construction is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with toxic or corrosive gases (for example) has been provided that includes a fluid pressure regulator comprising a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a first fluid flow path between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a valve seat positioned in the first fluid flow path and dividing the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a valve element regulating flow through the valve seat; a generally cylindrical membrane defining an inflatable fluid cavity that moves axially, responsive to inflation; a wall portion of the cavity that moves responsive to inflation and deflation of the cavity; a second fluid flow path communicating between the cavity and a source of pressure outside the cavity; and a link transmitting the movement of the wall portion to the valve element, thereby moving the valve element with respect to the valve seat responsive to inflation and deflation of the cavity.

Abstract: A fault current limiter for use in alternating current transmission utilizes a (high temperature) superconductor body. If the current density through the body exceeds a critical value, the superconductor becomes a resistor; the fault current limiter makes use of this principle. In order to enable the critical current density to be selected from within a range of different values, the superconductor is immersed in a volume of cryogenic liquid, e.g. liquid nitrogen, in a vessel provided with a closure having an outlet communicating with a duct in which is disposed a manually adjustable back pressure regulator. The back pressure regulator enables the pressure in the ullage space of the vessel to be set at a chosen value, usually below atmospheric pressure. The liquid nitrogen is stored in the vessel at its boiling point which depends on the pressure in the ullage space. Accordingly, the temperature of the liquid nitrogen can be set by the regulator.

Abstract: The invention comprises apparatus capable of unambiguous determination of the length and diameter of fibrous particles, especially asbestos fibres, based on near-forward scattering of light by fibres aligned in a hydrodynamically focused gas flow. Three portions of scattered light are detected, two portions perpendicular to the fibre axis and one aligned with it, from which length and diameter can be independently determined. This independence is achieved by allowing only selected parts of the light scattered within certain selected ranges of angles to reach each detector. A two-detector instrument capable of accurate determination of fibre diameter is also described.