Abstract: A multi-stage vacuum pump may include a sealing arrangement for sealing between the stator components of the pump. The end seals of the arrangement comprise an annular portion for sealing between end stator components and shell components and axial portions which extend from the annular portion and together with separate axial seals seal between the shell components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to transmission of multiple protocol data elements via an interface utilizing a data tunnel over a control channel. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a transmitter or receiver for the transmission or reception of data; a processing element for handling the data of the apparatus; and a connector for the transfer of the data, the connector to connect to a data channel and to connect to a control channel. The processing element is to provide for transfer of data of a first protocol in the control channel, the transfer of data via the control channel including the use of one or more generic commands of the first protocol for the transfer of data of a second protocol. Data of the second protocol is optimized before the data of the second protocol is sent over the first protocol, and the data transfer in the data channel and data transfer in the control channel are simultaneous at least in part.

Abstract: A method of treatment of sewage comprising adding at least one cell signalling chemical (CSC) to a sewage substrate, wherein the at least one CSC regulates activity of a microbial population in the sewage substrate. In particular, methods of reducing odour in sewage treatment systems, preventing corrosion in sewage treatment systems, enhancing microbial digestion of sewage, managing methane gas production in a sewage treatment system, enhancing digestion of sewage sludge, resuscitating dormant microbes or microbes that are in a starvation or stationary phase in a sewage substrate and controlling the bacteria responsible for oxidation or reduction of nitrogenous compounds in a sewage substrate, are provided.

Abstract: A two wheeled automotive vehicle having a heavily weighted passenger compartment pivotally mounted on, and with its center of gravity below, a trapeze cross bar that is in turn pivotally mounted between axially aligned stub axles for the road wheels. Attitude control is provided and other function for controlling the reactive forces of braking is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two wheeled automotive vehicle having a heavily weighted passenger compartment pivotally mounted on, and with its centre of gravity below, a trapeze cross bar that is in turn pivotally mounted between axially aligned stub axles for the road wheels. Attitude control is provided and means to control reactive forces of braking is also disclosed.

Abstract: A twin-hulled water craft or catamaran preferably has rotationally molded plastics hulls (1) and pod (2) preferably with provision for fore and aft adjustment of the hulls with respect to the pod. The craft is hand-steered and preferably hand accelerated. Propulsion is via either an inboard or outboard motor with propeller or water-jet. The rider or riders sit low in the pod behind the steering control and above or before the motor. The hulls (1) are shaped to minimize spray in front of the rider and to allow easy outward sideways skidding. The construction seeks to improve the handling, stability and speed characteristics of this type of craft.

Abstract: The present invention is a material and method of making the material that exhibits improved radiation attenuation simulation of real lungs, i.e., an "authentic lung tissue" or ALT phantom.Specifically, the ALT phantom is a two-part polyurethane medium density foam mixed with calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate if needed for K-40 background, lanthanum nitrate, acetone, and a nitrate or chloride form of a radionuclide. This formulation is found to closely match chemical composition and linear attenuation of real lungs.The ALT phantom material is made according to established procedures but without adding foaming agents or preparing thixotropic concentrate and with a modification for ensuring uniformity of density of the ALT phantom that is necessary for accurate simulation. The modification is that the polyurethane chemicals are mixed at a low temperature prior to pouring the polyurethane mixture into the mold.

Abstract: An erasable optical data storage medium including a substrate and a dual layer of a first material and a second material on the substrate. The dual layer is susceptible to expansion and contraction, to writing data thermally, to erasing data thermally and mechanically, and to reading data optically, the first material and the second material, respectively, being bonded together and remaining in the same physical state upon the expansion and relaxation of the dual layer. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for recording data bits on the medium.

Abstract: An erasable optical data storage medium including a substrate and a dual layer of a first material and a second material on the substrate. The dual layer is susceptible to expansion and contraction, to writing data thermally, to erasing data thermally and mechanically, and to reading data optically, the first material and the second material, respectively, being bonded together and remaining in the same physical state upon the expansion and relaxation of the dual layer. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for recording data bits on the medium.

Abstract: An erasable optical data storage medium including a substrate and a dual layer of a first material and a second material on the substrate. The dual layer is susceptible to expansion and contraction, to writing data thermally, to erasing data thermally and mechanically, and to reading data optically, the first material and the second material, respectively, being bonded together and remaining in the same physical state upon the expansion and relaxation of the dual layer. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for recording data bits on the medium.