Abstract: A flow sensor configured to sense a flow rate of a fluid. The flow sensor includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The first nozzle is configured to receive a first portion of a fluid flowing within a flow path and develop a first differential pressure. The second nozzle is configured to receive a second portion of the fluid flowing within the flow path and develop a second differential pressure. Control circuitry is configured to determine the flow rate using at least one of the first differential or the second differential pressure.

Abstract: A bleed system including control circuitry and a variable jet pump. The control circuitry is configured to receive a signal indicative of a fluid parameter in the bleed system and cause the jet pump to alter a mixing ratio of a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas based on the signal. The jet pump is configured to combine the lower pressure gas and the higher pressure gas in the mixing ratio to generate a mixed gas. The jet pump is configured to supply the mixed gas to one or more gas loads in the bleed system. In examples, the control circuitry is configured to establish a system setpoint for the fluid parameter based on an operating status of the one or more gas loads.

Abstract: A laser system having an optical ring resonator, a beam splitter that directs a first beam travelling in a first direction around the ring resonator, out of the resonator towards a reflector that reflects the first beam back into the resonator to travel in an opposite direction around the optical ring resonator that is in the same direction as a second beam travelling around the optical ring resonator; and a beam modifier configured and adapted to modify a spatial distribution of phase across an aperture of the first beam such as to cause it to become more similar or substantially match that of a spatial distribution of phase across an aperture of the second beam.

Abstract: A bleed system including control circuitry and a variable jet pump. The control circuitry is configured to receive a signal indicative of a fluid parameter in the bleed system and cause the jet pump to alter a mixing ratio of a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas based on the signal. The jet pump is configured to combine the lower pressure gas and the higher pressure gas in the mixing ratio to generate a mixed gas. The jet pump is configured to supply the mixed gas to one or more gas loads in the bleed system. In examples, the control circuitry is configured to establish a system setpoint for the fluid parameter based on an operating status of the one or more gas loads.

Abstract: A laser is disclosed having a housing formed of a block of glass-ceramic. The block is machined (or otherwise formed) to define one or more channels that act as a waveguide in two dimensions for light within the laser resonator. The channels extend between cavities also formed within the block which retain optical components of the laser, e.g. one or more of the gain medium, cavity mirrors, intermediate reflectors etc. The positioning, shape and size of each cavity is bespoke for the optical component it holds in order that each optical component is retained in optical alignment rigidly against the sides of the cavity.

Abstract: A laser system having an optical ring resonator, a beam splitter that directs a first beam travelling in a first direction around the ring resonator, out of the resonator towards a reflector that reflects the first beam back into the resonator to travel in an opposite direction around the optical ring resonator that is in the same direction as a second beam travelling around the optical ring resonator; and a beam modifier configured and adapted to modify a spatial distribution of phase across an aperture of the first beam such as to cause it to become more similar or substantially match that of a spatial distribution of phase across an aperture of the second beam.

Abstract: A laser is disclosed having a housing formed of a block of glass-ceramic. The block is machined (or otherwise formed) to define one or more channels that act as a waveguide in two dimensions for light within the laser resonator. The channels extend between cavities also formed within the block which retain optical components of the laser, e.g. one or more of the gain medium, cavity mirrors, intermediate reflectors etc. The positioning, shape and size of each cavity is bespoke for the optical component it holds in order that each optical component is retained in optical alignment rigidly against the sides of the cavity.

Abstract: A method for forming a hydrophobic coating on the surface of a substrate comprising linking particulate material by polymer strands and cross-linking at least some of the polymer strands. The invention further relates to hydrophobic coatings comprising particles of a particulate material linked together and to a surface by polymer strands, wherein some of the polymer strands are cross-linked. The method of the invention can be used to form superhydrophobic coatings.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrophobic coating on the surface of a substrate, the method comprises the steps of (a) forming an emulsion comprising particulate material, a decomposable surfactant, water and an organic solvent; (b) applying the emulsion to the surface to form a coating on the surface; (c) exposing the coating to conditions such that all or substantially all of the water and the organic solvent are removed from the coating, and the particles of the particulate material become bound together and to the surface; and (d) exposing the coating to conditions such that the decomposable surfactant decomposes.

Abstract: Compositions containing liposomes may be prepared by sonicating the liposomes in a clear liquid to obtain a clear composition of matter. Beverages prepared are clear and visually appealing. Compositions of the invention help to protect from cell damage.

Abstract: This invention relates to protecting cells from damage and stimulating cell repair by administration of vitamin E phosphate encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of measuring oxidative response of cells without recourse to preparation of cell culture. The process involves: 1) preparing suspensions of cells from a living host in isotonic solutions, 2) preparing samples of test materials in isotonic solution containing tagged choline, 3) adding the cells suspension prepared in step 1 to the samples prepared in step 2, 4) incubating the product of step 3 with shaking for 2-90 minutes, 5) extracting and drying the lipid phase from the product of step 4, and 6) subjecting the product of step 5 to a scintillation counter to measure choline which has been incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC). An increase in incorporation of choline into PC in the short term indicates oxidative stress or free radical induced damage. Because the method of the invention using the cell isolates does not require the expense of cell culture with concomitant expense and possibility of cell change, it is particularly useful for clinical evaluation.

Abstract: This invention provides means of measuring oxidative response of cells without recourse to preparation of cell culture.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of measuring oxidative response of cells without recourse to preparation of cell culture. The process involves: 1) preparing suspensions of cells from a living host in isotonic solutions, 2) preparing samples of test materials in isotonic solution containing tagged choline, 3) adding the cells suspension prepared in step 1 to the samples prepared in step 2, 4) incubating the product of step 3 with shaking for 2-90 minutes, 5) extracting and drying the lipid phase from the product of step 4, and 6) subjecting the product of step 5 to a scintillation counter to measure choline which has been incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC). An increase in incorporation of choline into PC in the short term indicates oxidative stress or free radical induced damage. Because the method of the invention using the cell isolates does not require the expense of cell culture with concomitant expense and possibility of cell change, it is particularly useful for clinical evaluation.

Abstract: A strap is provided for retaining at least one article on a rack. The strap comprises at least three spaced apart, substantially annular eyelets, and at least one elongated resilient cord. The cord serves to resiliently attach the eyelets to each other. The third eyelet can be positioned either between the first two eyelets in a substantially parallel fashion or in a fashion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cord that fits around the cord. Second and third cords can be provided to provide an assembly which is more flexible in terms of attaching one or more breakable items to a dishwasher rack, and to minimize wear and breakage on the articles during the dishwashing process.