Abstract: A method of removing microplastic particles from a water-based liquid, comprising the exposure of the liquid to a solid surface on which is retained a sorbitan monooleate surfactant, in a concentration suitable for entrapping substantially all microplastic particles. The method is useful for removing microplastic particles and microfibres from fresh and saline natural waters, effluent water, such as grey water, storm water and waste waters from industrial processes, in addition to any kind of product based on water, such as mineral waters, milk, fruit juices, beverages, pharmaceutical and veterinary products.

Abstract: This invention pertains to paddles such as canoe paddles in which the angular relationship between the paddle handle and paddle blade can be adjusted. With respect to the paddle handle the blade orientation can be straight or angled and locked with an adjustable swivel joint.

Abstract: A face mask apparatus equipped with specially positioned fabric welds configured to ensure that the face mask contours to the shape of a user's face snugly and securely when worn. The unique weld enables the face mask to be manufactured in differing sizes without changing the fit of the fabrics employed in the construction of the mask, expediting and simplifying production. The contour established via the specific placement of the welds is aided by a foam segment on a nose bridge portion configured to provide comfort as well as a secure seal on all borders of the face mask. Three panels of varying sizes are present on each fit of the face mask.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of forming individual tubes or sachets containing fluent material, and a packaging machine for doing so, are described. The side of the foil which will be in contact with the fluent material when the package is formed is exposed to plasma in mist or aerosol form as the tube or sachet is formed from a strip of laminate material (1), which is folded about a former (2) into a closed tube or sachet which passes over the open end of a dispensing tube (3) from which the fluent material is dispensed. A mist of plasma is injected into the interior of the material tube as it is formed, extracted from the area once it has passed over the interior walls of the laminate tube.

Abstract: An elongated flexible member has a center portion and a pair of end portions with each end portion having a plurality of openings therein. A module has an elongated tubular body defining a chamber therein and has a pair of tabs extending in opposite directions therefrom. A pair of fasteners with each fastener having a male connector positioned on one side and a female connector having open slot on the opposite side is provided. Each of the module tabs insert into one of fastener female connector open slots. Each of the fastener male connector insert into one of the elongated flexible member end portion openings to connect the module to the elongated flexible member.

Abstract: A face mask apparatus configured to more closely adhere to the face of the user such that it is fitted to the bridge of the nose to minimize any vision obstruction by a wearer. The face mask is equipped with a nose bridge segment, a mouth segment, and a chin segment, each disposed in serial communication at obtuse angles. A nose bridge support is disposed within a material of the nose bridge segment and is configured to ensure that the mask remains in position during movement of the face. Additionally, a secondary support is present within the mouth segment to ensure the mask is fitted to the face of the user for comfort and to ensure efficacy. The material of the mask is configured to filter bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold, dust, and other debris, and is preferably removably affixed to the face of the user via retention straps.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

Abstract: Machines, processes and methods in relation to processing of waste, in particular food waste or organic waste are provided. Some embodiments of described machines, processes and methods include a drum to receive waste, mixing blades to process waste, a source of air that is rich in reactive oxygen species, an air flow system comprising a heater to circulate air through the drum, and sensors provided in the machine to monitor operating parameters. A control system is configured to control operation of the machine.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.

Abstract: A computerised method of generating a first trainable transform arranged to be used in localisation of an entity, the transform being arranged to transform a first representation of an environment to a second, different, representation of the environment, the method comprising processing a plurality of first training representations of an environment using the first trainable transform to generate a transformed first training representation; performing at least one of: i)) running at least one known process on the first training representation and a modified version of the first training representation to generate an error signal where in the process is selected such that the first trainable transform is arranged to enhance features within the first training representation; and ii) running at least one known process on a second training representation, corresponding to the first training representation, but under a different lighting condition, and on the modified version of the first training representation

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of pixels. At least a first pixel in the array of pixels includes a first detector to generate a first electrical signal in response to irradiation by incident radiation, a first transistor electrically coupled to the first detector, and at least one logic gate to implement a Boolean AND logic function. The logic gate includes a first input terminal to receive a first exposure signal, a second input terminal to receive a first reset signal, and an output terminal, electrically coupled to the first transistor, to output to the first transistor a first control signal to variably control a first variable exposure time of the first detector and to reset the first detector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of pixels. At least a first pixel in the array of pixels includes a first detector to generate a first electrical signal in response to irradiation by incident radiation, a first transistor electrically coupled to the first detector, and at least one logic gate to implement a Boolean AND logic function. The logic gate includes a first input terminal to receive a first exposure signal, a second input terminal to receive a first reset signal, and an output terminal, electrically coupled to the first transistor, to output to the first transistor a first control signal to variably control a first variable exposure time of the first detector and to reset the first detector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

Abstract: A method of forming individual tubes or sachets containing fluent material, and a packaging machine for doing so, are described. The side of the foil which will be in contact with the fluent material when the package is formed is exposed to plasma mist or aerosol form as the tube or sachet is formed from a strip of laminate material (1), which is folded about a former (2) into a closed tube or sachet which passes over the open end of a dispensing tube (3) from which the fluent material is dispensed. A mist of plasma is injected into the interior of the material tube as it is formed, extracted from the area once it has passed over the interior walls of the laminate tube.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter kit including filters for processing a biological sample. Some embodiments include a filter cap in a tube kit with a first tube containing a buffer solution and a second tube containing a lyophilized master mix. Some embodiments include a method of processing a sample using the kit including mixing a biological sample in a first tube with the buffer solution, positioning the filter cap in the first tube, positioning a second tube on the filter cap, flipping the first tube, the filter cap, and the second cap to filter the biological sample and buffer solution mixture with the filter cap as it flows from the first tube to the second tube. Some embodiments include structure enabling transfer of materials through inline flow between the tubes. Some further embodiments include integrated structure for sample pulverization with integrated buffer and lyophilized master mix.

Abstract: An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.