Abstract: An example luggage processing station comprises: an injector adapted to receive a piece of luggage, the injector comprising an injector conveyor belt integrated into a floor of the injector; a group of sensors positioned around the injector directed towards the injector conveyor belt; a controller adapted to assess the piece of luggage compared to an acceptance parameter whilst the piece of luggage is stationary on the injector conveyor belt; and the controller is configured to actuate the injector conveyor belt when the controller assesses the piece of luggage as meeting the acceptance parameter.

Abstract: An example processing station for registering a passenger's luggage for a trip is provided, the processing station comprising: an injector for receiving a piece of luggage associated with the passenger; at least one sensor associated with the injector for sensing whether the dimensions of the piece of luggage exceed a predetermined limit; a weighing machine associated with the injector for weighing the piece of luggage whilst in the injector; a controller associated with the at least one sensor and weighing machine, the controller being adapted to accept the piece of luggage if feedback from the at least one sensor and weighing machine indicate that dimensions and weight of the piece of luggage are within respective predetermined limits; and an injector conveyor in the floor of the injector for conveying the piece of luggage in a first direction, if accepted, to a downstream collector conveyor system.

Abstract: Bioplastic compositions having favorable mechanical and molding characteristics. Methods of forming these compositions and also workpieces formed from these compositions. The compositions comprising a polylactic acid; a polyhydroxyalkanoate; a plurality of clay particles; a plurality of talc particles; and a modifier capable of facilitating mixing between the clay particles and the talc particles. The compositions suitably include a polylactic acid, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a plurality of clay particles, a plurality of talc particles. The compositions also suitably include a modifier capable of facilitating mixing between the clay particles and the talc particles. The clay particles may have an average diameter in the range of from about 2 nm to about 100 nm; a diameter of 8 nm is considered suitable.

Abstract: A magnetic water conditioner having a plurality of permanent magnet cores therein wherein each of the cores is shielded by an individual collector sleeve so that the magnetic lines of force produced by the respective magnets are isolated from each other. This results in the lines of force intersecting the water flowing through the treatment chambers in a more radial direction so as to treat the water more effectively. The unit is easily disassemblable and is adapted to have a plurality of empty sleeves mounted therein so as to bypass around the magnets a portion of the water flowing through the device.