Abstract: In one aspect, a reconfigurable apparatus includes a first configuration, where the first configuration of the reconfigurable apparatus serves as a packaging box for a backpack. Specifically, the backpack may be folded and inserted inside the reconfigurable apparatus with the first configuration. The reconfigurable apparatus also includes a second configuration, where the second configuration of the reconfigurable apparatus serves as a structure for the backpack. Specifically, the reconfigurable apparatus with the second configuration can be inserted inside the backpack to provide an internal structure for the backpack.

Abstract: There is a method of making an aggregate having plastics particles having sizes of about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm. The method has the step of treating a first plurality of plastics particles with low-pressure plasma and/or an electron beam to provide treated particles. The plasma has ions formed from any one selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, alcohol, amine, ester, aldehyde, amide, ketone, epoxide, ammonia and peroxide and a combination of two or more thereof. The disclosure further relates to aggregates and their uses.

Abstract: A pick assembly comprising a holder body, a strike body, a base body attachable to a drive mechanism, and an interference assembly comprising at least one interference member. The holder body comprises a head portion and a shaft depending from the head portion. The strike body comprises a super-hard strike tip. The head portion and the strike body are cooperatively configured such that the strike body can be attached to the head portion, the strike tip being exposed for striking a body to be degraded when in use. The base body comprises a base bore. The base bore, shaft and interference assembly are cooperatively configured such that the shaft can be secured within the base bore, the interference member disposed between the shaft and the bore. Frictional interference between the shaft, interference assembly and base bore is sufficient to prevent rotation of the shaft within the base bore in use.

Abstract: A strike tip for a pick tool, comprising a strike structure joined to a substrate at an interface boundary, the strike structure comprising super-hard material and the substrate comprising carbide material. The strike structure has a strike end opposite the interface boundary, the strike end including a rounded apex having a radius of curvature in a longitudinal plane of at least 3.2 mm and at most 6 mm.

Abstract: A strike tip for a pick tool, comprising a strike structure joined to a substrate at an interface boundary, the strike structure comprising super-hard material and the substrate comprising carbide material. The strike structure has a strike end opposite the interface boundary, the strike end including a rounded apex having a radius of curvature in a longitudinal plane of at least 3.2 mm and at most 6 mm.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the heat processing of cables, wires, fibers, and the like which is small, light, and configured to be disposed temporarily directly on the cable to be heated in situ. Typically the device comprises a heat generation element or elements and supporting shells arranged so as to form an elongated cavity, a housing to provide an insulating enclosure around the cable so as to form a heated chamber, temperature sensing means to monitor the heating for closed-loop control, and means to enable the heater to hold itself onto the cable or wire in situ. Power and control means with electrical processing capability are provided to supply power to the heater, monitor the temperature inside the heater cavity, and govern the time and temperature which the device applies to the cable or wire in order to process it, for instance to apply a heat shrink sleeve.