Abstract: A method of shutting down operation of a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell stack, the method comprising the sequential steps of: i) ceasing a supply of fuel to the fuel cell stack; ii) closing a shut-off valve on an exhaust line in fluid communication with a cathode system of the fuel cell system, the cathode system comprising a cathode fluid flow path passing through the fuel cell stack; iii) pressurising the cathode system with an air compressor in fluid communication with a cathode air inlet port in the fuel cell stack; and iv) ejecting water from the cathode flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for environmental monitoring, the apparatus (10) characterised in that it comprises at least one arm (12) mounted in both a rotatable and pivotal manner relative to a base (14), the arm (12) being adjustable in length and having an image capturing device (30) mounted thereon, either directly or indirectly. A method for environmental monitoring is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desatorase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Abstract: A portable sharpening apparatus is described. The sharpening apparatus includes a body portion and a cavity formed in the body portion for receiving an object to be sharpened. A rotatable abrasive drum capable of sharpening and having an axis of rotation is provided and the abrasive drum is located in the body portion. The apparatus further comprises a motor arranged to drive the abrasive drum and a mouth communicating with the abrasive drum and arranged in the body portion so as to direct an object to be sharpened towards the abrasive drum, wherein the mouth has a supporting means for locating an object to be sharpened at the abrasive drum, the supporting means being such that, when in use, an object to be sharpened is orientated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the abrasive drum.

Abstract: Humidifying apparatus includes a base housing a motor and impeller unit for generating a first air flow. A nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the first air flow and an air outlet for emitting the first air flow. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The apparatus is configured to humidify a second air flow, which is emitted from a plurality of second air outlets. The second air flow is humidified with water supplied from a water tank mounted on the base. The water tank surrounds at least an upper section of the motor and impeller unit.

Abstract: The path selection and wavelength assignment to a selected path are performed by mapping the wavelength reach to the demand distribution (agile reach) resulting in a 50-60% increase in the network reach. The network reach is further increased (about 2.2 times) when on-line measured performance data are used for path selection and wavelength assignment. The connections may be engineered/upgraded individually, by optimizing the parameters of the entire path or of a regenerator section of the respective path. The upgrades include changing the wavelength, adjusting the parameters of the regenerator section, controlling the launch powers, mapping a certain transmitter and/or receiver to the respective wavelength, selecting the wavelengths on a certain link so as to reduce cross-talk, increasing wavelength spacing, etc.

Abstract: There are disclosed compound of Formula (1): A1, A2, A3 and A4 which may be the same or different, represent N or CR1, X is a divalent group selected from O, S(O)n, C?W, NR4, NC(?O)R5 and CR6R7, W is O, S, NR20, Y is N or CR8, one of R4, R5, R6, R8, R9 and NR20 represents -L-R3, in which L is a single bond or a linker group, additionally, R1, R3-R9, which may be the same or different, independently represent hydrogen or a substituent and R20 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl optionally substituted by aryl, alkoxy optionally substituted by aryl, aryl, CN, optionally substituted alkoxy, optionally substituted aryloxy, optionally substitute alkanoyl, optionally substituted aroyl, NO2, NR30R31, in which R30 and R31, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; additionally, one of R30 and R31 may represent optionally substituted alkanoyl or optionally substituted aroyl, n represents an integer from 0 to 2, in addition, when an adjacent pai

Abstract: The present invention relates to antifungal and/or antibacterial peptides, especially antifungal peptides obtained from insect species, particularly lepidopterans. The present invention also provides methods of using these antifungal peptides to treat or prevent fungal growth for a variety of purposes, such as protecting plants from fungal infections; treating fungal infections of animals, especially humans; and prevention of food spoilage.

Abstract: A multicast optical switch uses a diffractive bulk optical element, which splits at least one input optical beam into sub-beams, which freely propagate in a medium towards an array of directors, such as MEMS switches, for directing the sub-beams to output ports. Freely propagating optical beams can cross each other without introducing mutual optical loss. The amount of crosstalk is limited by scattering in the optical medium, which can be made virtually non-existent. Therefore, the number of the crossover connections, and consequently the number of inputs and outputs of a multicast optical switch, can be increased substantially without a loss or a crosstalk penalty.

Abstract: Combinations comprising (or consisting essentially of) one or more compounds of formula (1) with one or more ancillary agents, to processes for preparing the combinations, and to various therapeutic uses of the combinations. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the combinations as well as a method of treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy or cachexia using the combinations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for initiating a call in a mobile telephone system, comprising the steps of: comparing a current location of a mobile terminal to at least one predetermined location; and, responsive to a location match, initiating a call from the mobile terminal to a predetermined number associated with said at least one predetermined location.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus has a casing, a cavity formed in the casing for receiving a user's hands, a fan located in the casing and creating an airflow, and a plurality of openings communication with the fan and arranged to direct an airflow transversely across the cavity. The cavity has an entrance delimited by a front edge and a rear edge in which the openings are located. The shape of the front and rear edges is such that, when in use the user's hands are introduced to the cavity, the distance between the user's hands and the nearest opening is substantially uniform. Alternatively, one of the edges is substantially straight and the other of the said edges is curved so that the distance between the edges varies along the length of the cavity entrance. These arrangements enhance the drying efficiency of the dryer.

Abstract: A photoluminescent track for an emergency lighting system comprises an elongate holder and an elongate photoluminescent insert received in a channel extending lengthwise of the holder. The insert is a push-fit in the channel and is retained by engagement of opposed inwardly directed lips at the mouth of the channel with the upper side edges of the insert so that the upper surface of the insert is exposed within the opening.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes a substantially spherical floor engaging rolling assembly including a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a device for acting on the fluid flow received through the inlet, and a plurality of floor engaging support members for supporting the rolling assembly as it is maneuvered over a floor surface.

Abstract: A fan assembly for creating an air current includes an air outlet mounted on a stand. The stand includes a base and a body tiltable relative to the base. The fan assembly has a center of gravity located so that when the base is located on a substantially horizontal support surface, the projection of the center of gravity on the support surface is within the footprint of the base when the body is in a fully tilted position.

Abstract: A floor standing pedestal fan for creating an air current includes a base housing an impeller and a motor for rotating the impeller to create an air flow, an air outlet, and a telescopic duct for conveying the air flow to the air outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (100) for forming circumferential grooves (14) in the exterior surface of a linear member (10), such as a tube. The grooves are formed by rotating a cylindrical cutting element (120) around the tube such that cutting means in the cylindrical cutting element form the grooves. One rotation of the cylindrical cutting element causes multiple grooves to be formed in the surface of the tubes.

Abstract: The disclosure, in some aspects, relates to a method and apparatus for assembling a laminated fuel cell, in which an assembly head comprising one or more punches is used for dividing portions from sheet material and for transferring the portions to an electrode plate for lamination.