Abstract: A sampler (1) for extracting sample volumes of substantially single-phase fluid or gas from a fluid-flow system containing multi-phase fluids (3), said sampler (1) including; a collection recess (4) adapted to separate substantially single-phase fluid from said multi-phase fluid (3); an extraction outlet (8) in said collection recess (4); at least one fluid sensor system (5) capable of sensing the presence and/or state of said single-phase fluid or gas in the collection recess (4), a fluid controller (6) capable of controlling fluid or gas flow from the collection recess (4) via said extraction outlet (8), characterised in that said fluid sensor system (5) includes at least two distinct sensors respectively capable of utilising distinct properties of the fluid or gas to determine the presence and/or state of the sample volume present in the collection recess (4).

Abstract: An animal control system, including at least one transducer assembly intimately associated with an animal, and at least one control unit, wherein the control unit contains at least one assembly that includes on-board data, and the control unit is configured to a) receive data from the transducer assembly, and b) assess the received data with respect to the on-board data, and c) formulate and transmit a command to an appropriate transducer assembly; the system characterized in that the control unit is functionally separated from both actuation of the command and from the transducer assembly or assemblies.

Abstract: A physical object (10) comprises a store (72) for storing at least one Content Reference Identifier (CRID) and a communications interface (71) for conveying the CRID to a receiver (20). Upon receiving the CRID, the receiver (20) can resolve the CRID to locate content for consuming (e.g. for presentation or scheduling for recording or later presentation) and can use the CRID to retrieve metadata relating to the content. Appropriate content can be selected by bringing the associated object (10) within range of the receiver (20), thus obviating the need to use a remote control or electronic programme guide. The CRID can be pre-programmed in store (72) of object (10) or can be selected by a user by a replaceable card or input device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to micro heat engines (MHEs) and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to an MHE including a substrate having a sealed microchannel for operatively containing a liquid droplet within the microchannel and a thermal bridge for providing a heat source or heat sink to the microchannel. The MHE also includes a piezoelectric sensor responsive to a pressure change within the microchannel to induce voltage across the piezoelectric sensor and a power output.

Abstract: A method and means for processing information across a network is provided, the network comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the invention includes algorithm means for addressing the problem of efficient information distribution between nodes in the network. This invention addresses the problem by generating probabilistic models at the nodes in the network and by selectively distributing information between the nodes based on these models and by using a predetermined metric function in such a way as to reduce information differences between the nodes. Advantageously this invention finds utility in many applications in both distributed networks and centralised networks provided that it is possible to derive an appropriate tree topology representation of the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to micro heat engines (MHEs) and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to an MHE including a substrate having a sealed microchannel for operatively containing a liquid droplet within the microchannel and a thermal bridge for providing a heat source or heat sink to the microchannel. The MHFE also includes a piezoelectric sensor responsive to a pressure change within the microchannel to induce voltage across the piezoelectric sensor and a power output.

Abstract: A structure for use on an aircraft and a method of manufacturing said structure. The structure comprises first and second structural elements and a fastening device. The fastening device comprises a bolt that engages with a barrel nut. The first structural element is arranged, in use, to bear loads that are predominantly in a direction that is generally coplanar with the axis of the elongate member. The elongate member extends through the second structural element and ends inside the first structural element.

Abstract: An audio entertainment system and method for providing controlled equalization of sound from an external source is provided. The audio entertainment system includes a first audio device having an equalizer with first equalization settings and an output for providing an audio output signal. The system also includes an input for receiving audio signals from an external second audio device having second equalization settings. The second audio device inputs to the first audio device second equalization settings. The system further includes a controller for processing the equalization settings and controlling the audio output signal based on the equalization settings.

Abstract: A portable kaleidoscope device for viewing kaleidoscopic images of at least one imaging object is provided with a viewing assembly for viewing the imaging object, a fill chamber assembly, a main body connecting said viewing assembly to said fill chamber assembly, and illumination source or black light-generating illumination source disposed in the device for illuminating the imaging object with light of a selected wavelength.

Abstract: A levitated finned ball device includes a ball made of a lightweight material and a base that generates laminar air flow to levitate the ball in mid-air. The ball has at least one generally semi-circular shaped fin extending therefrom. When the laminar air flow strikes the fin, it imparts motion to the ball.

Abstract: A portable kaleidoscope device for viewing kaleidoscopic images of at least one imaging object is provided with a viewing assembly for viewing the imaging object, a fill chamber assembly, a main body connecting said viewing assembly to said fill chamber assembly, and illumination source or black light-generating illumination source disposed in the device for illuminating the imaging object with light of a selected wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing valve (30) suitable for electric motor (38) actuation, particularly stepper motor actuation. It also provides a servo mixing valve system, which includes stepper motors for actuation and optionally includes a solenoid switched outlet manifold and a combination mixing and dye. The present invention also provides an actively controlled bathroom shower mixing system including temperature formation feedback.

Abstract: A method of herd management which includes providing each member of the herd with a device (eg; an intra vaginal device) capable of identifying the member, of sensing at least one physiological condition of the member of the herd and communicating with other such devices and/or a base station. With such communication the proximity of devices each other allows groupings to be determined such as a grouping indicative of behavioural oestrus. With such devices it is possible by monitoring groupings of the animal to determine those in oestrus and to have the device administer appropriate active ingredients to some of the animals of the herd.

Abstract: A black light display device is provided which utilizes a black light source in combination with fluorescent/phosphorescent display elements which can be thread, strings, monofilaments, disks or sculptured material. The display elements are formed about a spindle which is secure by fixed in a housing which houses the black light source and the fluorescent/phosphorescent elements. One form of housing comprises selectively removable transparent barrier which is transparent to the visible light radiating from the fluorescent display elements but opaque to the ultraviolet light radiating from the black light illumination source.

Abstract: A black light display device is provided which utilizes a black light source in combination with fluorescent/phosphorescent display elements which can be thread, strings, monofilaments, disks or sculptured material. The display elements are formed about a spindle which is secure by fixed in a housing which houses the black light source and the fluorescent/phosphorescent elements. One form of housing comprises selectively removable transparent barrier which is transparent to the visible light radiating from the fluorescent display elements but opaque to the ultraviolet light radiating from the black light illumination source.

Abstract: The fluid supply apparatus supplies and controls one or more fluids while adjusting/controlling one or more continuously parameters; and includes an outlet, at least one control valve and a touchless user control interface. For example a faucet has sensors mounted thereon to control water flow (6) and temperature (16, 17). For example a user hand in field (16) will increase temperature over time and decrease in field (17). The on/off sensor field may include the water stream, a bi-colour light emitting diode indicates temperature, temperature feedback means maintains the desired temperature, a battery or super capacitor allows operation or fluid shut off if power fails, an anti-tamper feature requires the fluid to be shut off if more than one sensor is covered and a time prevents waster wastage. The hygienic touchless interface may be in a tile or flat plate. Other applications may include panel mounted fluid control systems for controlling a plurality of fluid types and associated parameters.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water, acetone, acetaldehyde and methanol and consisting essentially of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether is fed to an extractive distillation column within about 2 to about 15 stages from the top of the tower to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide contaminated with reduced quantities of acetone, acetaldehyde and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, water and acetone and some of the methanol introduced into the distillation column.