Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator device for remotely engaging, in fail-safe fashion, the slip segments on a slip-type elevator used in connection with a drill pipe, casing, or other object being lowered into or pulled out an oil, gas, geothermal, water, mining or other subsurface well. An actuator drive mechanism is provided and capable of extending a cylinder to engage the top surface of a slip segment or slip setting plate to cause the slips to be pushed into gripping engagement against the outer surface of the drill pipe, casing, or other object. The slips may be equipped with retention springs to move the slips back to their non-engaged positions when the actuator drive is disengaged or to urge continued engagement. The actuator drive cylinder can also be directly attached to the slips or slip setting plate and is capable of moving the slips into and out of their engaged position.

Abstract: A conductive microporous sheet material comprises primary carbon fibres having a cross-sectional dimension of at least 1 ?m, secondary carbon fibres in the form of carbon nanofibres and a binding agent for binding said primary and secondary fibres. The material may be produced by a wet-laid non-woven (paper-making) process. The sheet material may be used as a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell or an electrode material for a battery.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas diffusion substrate has primary fibres, secondary fibres and one or more thermoplastic polymers for binding the primary and secondary fibres, characterized in that the secondary fibers are in the form of carbon nanofibers, and a gas diffusion electrode and membrane electrode assembly prepared therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing abalone is disclosed. The first step involves placing live abalone in a tank of water where they are given an opportunity to de-stress. Thereafter the salinity of the water is decreased to about 2.5%. This has the effect of additional weight being taken up on the musculature of the abalone. Thereafter the abalone are anaesthetised in the tank to minimise any muscular activity during subsequent processing. The abalone are then taken out of the tank and shucked to detach the meat or musculature from the shell and gut exposing the three main blood vessels of the abalone. These blood vessels are then blocked by inserting a blocking material into the open end of the vessel where it forms a plug. This resists the flow of body fluid including blood out of the abalone and assists in retaining the weight of the meat. After the meat has been cleaned a liquid is injected into the meat typically by a multipoint injector.

Abstract: A conductive microporous sheet material comprises primary carbon fibres having a cross-sectional dimension of at least 1 &mgr;m, secondary carbon fibres in the form of carbon nanofibres and a binding agent for binding said primary and secondary fibres. The material may be produced by a wet-laid non-woven (paper-making) process. The sheet material may be used as a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell or an electrode material for a battery.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas diffusion substrate comprising primary fibres, secondary fibres and one or more thermoplastic polymers for binding said primary and secondary fibres, characterised in that said secondary carbon fibres are in the form of carbon nanofibres, and a gas diffusion electrode and membrane electrode assembly prepared therefrom are disclosed.