Abstract: A free-standing support frame (1) for a horticultural growing bag (B) and plants (P) growing therefrom, the support frame comprising a pair of substantially A-shaped uprights (3), held in spaced apart relationship by upper and lower cross-members (5), the lower cross-member being adapted to engage with and support a horticultural growing bag (B) along one of its longitudinal edges. The growing bag is supported such that the bag presents an increase depth of growing media (C) for the roots (R) of the plant (P) to grow therein and form a void (V) over the growth media to retain a volume of water to percolate therethrough.

Abstract: A large area detector (3) for use, for example, as an x-ray detector for medical imaging consists of a radiation sensitive detector (8) in combination with a monolithic amplification device consisting of a plurality of alternately stacked dynode and insulation layers having channels (6) extending therethrough in communication with respective signal collectors (10). The large area detector (3) is capable of being formed in tiles of 1 m2 or more whilst providing high resolution of the order of 50-60 pixels per mm2.

Abstract: The imaging machine which may form part of a photocopier, scanner or the like has a light source, a platen (21) consisting of an upper, light transparent plate (23) and beneath the upper plate an image collector unit (25) and an image data processor (30). The image collector unit (25) consists of a photosensitive sheet arranged above an array of electron multiplier channels. Light reflected from an object laid on the surface (24) of the upper plate (23) is converted by the photosensitive sheet into electrons that are multiplied by the electron multiplier channels to amplify the image of the object resting on the upper plate. The surface area of the electron multiplier array corresponds to the imaging area of the imaging machine making it possible for a complete image to be captured simultaneously across the entire imaging area rather than by means of scanning optics. Moreover, the use of the electron multiplier array enables lower powered light sources to be employed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an organic pigment dispersion, such as a flush pigment or ink product, comprises steps of introducing into a twin screw extruder a stable, water-borne pigment dispersion, an organic medium, and a destabilizing agent; mixing together the stable, water-borne pigment dispersion, the organic medium, and the destabilizing agent to produce a pigment flush phase and a water phase; and removing at least a part of the water phase. A twin-screw extruder for carrying out the flushing method has an addition and flushing zone, a water removal zone, and a zone for rinsing the crude organic pigment dispersion or flush with water and removing the rinse water. Additional materials may be added to form a finished pigmented product such as an ink product, masterbatch, or toner.

Abstract: A system for acquiring, processing, storing, analyzing and reporting data relating to the condition of a road or other pavement surface (102) in real time. The system includes a digital camera (104) mounted on a vehicle and positioned relative to a pavement surface (102) so as to capture images of the pavement surface (102) while the camera (104) is moving relative to the surface (102). The system also includes an illumination assembly (100) to illuminate the region from which an image is taken and an interface between the digital camera (104) and at least one computer. The system also includes a processor in the computer for processing the images to detect and classify cracks and other pavement surface (102) features.

Abstract: A tray forming machine comprising an infeed station for accepting a blank of corrugated plastic, and a transfer mechanism which automatically conveys the blank along a plane into a blank receiving station between a tray forming ram and a forming tool frame. The tray forming ram moves downward along a vertical path carrying the blank through the forming tool frame, during which the blank is folded into a generally upright tray configuration by a series of vertically displaced side and end forming bars and brackets. The tray forming ram and blank emerge from the forming tool frame and are received in a clamping and welding assembly which holds the blank in position while it is secured by sonic welds into the upright tray. The clamping assembly releases while the tray forming ram returns to its raised position, and the tray is stripped off the tray forming ram by the bottom of the forming brackets.