Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor (20) comprises a channel for a rapid reaction having an inlet (26) for a gas mixture to undergo the reaction. The channel is provided with two different catalyst structures (32, 34), a first catalyst structure (32) in the vicinity of the inlet (26) and a second catalyst structure (34) further from the inlet, such that a gas mixture supplied to the inlet flows past them both. The first catalyst structure (32) has little catalytic activity for the rapid reaction, whereas the second catalyst structure (34) has catalytic activity for the rapid reaction. This is applicable to combustion of gas mixtures containing hydrogen, for which the first catalyst structure (32) may comprise uncoated oxidised aluminium-containing ferritic steel, while the second catalyst structure (34) may incorporate Pt and/or Pd in an alumina support. Exhaust gases may also be recycled to the inlet (26) to inhibit combustion.

Abstract: Permanent magnets are mounted on a rotor of an electrical motor by an apparatus that keeps an adhesive bonding layer between the magnet and rotor in compression over wide variations in temperature and speed of rotation. The mechanical stresses on the magnets are controlled using compliant layers and spacers. The apparatus allows the removal and replacement of individual magnets.

Abstract: A metal substrate is coated with a layer of ceramic, by spraying droplets of a slurry of a ceramic precursor onto the substrate, the substrate being at a temperature between 500° C. and 750° C. The ceramic comprises alumina, and is made macroporous by spraying a mixture of alumina sol and alumina particles with no more than 35% by weight of dispersible alumina. Spraying onto a red-hot surface in this fashion leads to a very marked improvement in adhesion of the resulting ceramic to the metal substrate. A catalytically active material may then be incorporated in the ceramic layer, so as to form a catalyst structure (16).

Abstract: Compounds of formula I in which R1, R2, R3, each X, L, Y, Cy, Lp, D and n have the meanings as set out in the specification, and corresponding compounds in which the unsubstituted or substituted amidine group is replaced with an unsubstituted or substituted aminomethyl group, are useful as serine protease inhibitors.

Abstract: Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods are provided that are useful in the treatment or prevention of lipid disorders, metabolic disorders and cell-proliferative diseases. In particular, the invention provides compounds which modulate the expression and/or function of proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism. The subject compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis and hypolipoproteinemia.

Abstract: A common clock shared by two or more nodes within a network used for time-synchronization. The nodes communicate via a packetized data transmission. Each data packet has a header with a value. The clock includes a first timing portion that includes at least two data packets where the value is constant for each data packet, and a second timing portion that includes at least two data packets where the value is constant for each data packet but different from the value of the data packets in the first timing portion. Alternatively, the clock includes a first timing portion that includes at least two data packets where the value changes with each data packet, and one or more subsequent timing portions each including at least two data packets where the value is constant for each data packet within a subsequent timing portion but changes with each of the subsequent timing portions.

Abstract: Permanent magnets are mounted on a rotor of an electrical motor by an apparatus that keeps an adhesive bonding layer between the magnet and rotor in compression over wide variations in temperature and speed of rotation. The mechanical stresses on the magnets are controlled using compliant layers and spacers. The apparatus allows the removal and replacement of individual magnets.

Abstract: Glycosidicaily stabilised macromolecules, such as proteins and peptides, have substantially greater stability in the presence of hydrofluoroalkane propellants for dispensing from metered dose inhalers, when formulated with polyhydroxylated polyalkenes such as PVA.

Abstract: The invention provides an odour-absorbing clothes cover (2) comprising an odour-absorbing sheet material (4), the sheet material defining an enclosure, arranged, in use, to receive an item of clothing (22), the enclosure comprising an opening formed in the front surface of the enclosure. The invention also extends to a method of removing or mitigating odours from an item of clothing.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods are provided that are useful in the treatment or prevention of a condition or disorder mediated by PPAR? or PPAR?. In particular, the compounds of the invention modulate the function of PPAR? or PPAR?. The subject methods are particularly useful in the treatment and/or prevention of diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: A communication network (10) utilized for providing communications between a first party and a second party includes a surveillance server (26) within a core network (10) to provide communication surveillance capability. The core network (10) may be a packet data network, and the surveillance server (26) is operable responsive to trigger information to establish communications surveillance. Communication surveillance may be established by creating duplicate bearer packets of those data packets carrying the communicated data between the parties, creating duplicate control packets of those data packets carrying in-band or out-of-band call control information between the parties and within the packet data network, and/or various combinations thereof. The duplicate bearer packets and the duplicate control packets are routed to appropriate authorized law enforcement agencies for providing surveillance.

Abstract: A portable device for dispensing a fragrance comprising a housing (1) containing a fragrance element (3) and at least one aperture (5) in a side of the housing (1) in the vicinity of one end (6) of the housing to release fragrance from the housing (1). A lid is attached to the housing (1) to selectively open and close the aperture (5). The one end (6) of the device is shaped to abut the lower end of a users nose such that in use the fragrance can be inhaled through the aperture (5) to the nasal passage of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an actuator system having an electrical actuator in hydraulic communication with a hydraulic actuator are described. The apparatus includes a controller module in communication with a source of electrical power and a transceiver. The transceiver is adapted for bi-directional wireless communication with a remote transceiver for the transfer of control data and feedback data. The controller module sends a control signal to the electrical actuator in response to control data received from the remote transceiver. The source of electrical power includes a hydraulic motor and an electrical generator to provide local electrical power from a hydraulic flow. Because the electrical power is generated locally and the control and feedback data are carried over the wireless link, no wires to remote locations are required.

Abstract: An arrangement of coils of different configurations for use in the stator of a slotless radial gap electromotive machine is described. The coils include coils of a first configuration and a second configuration. Each coil includes longitudinal sections and circumferential sections that form a substantially rectangular opening in the coil. The coils are nested together along the inside of a stator core so that the longitudinal sections of each coil of the first configuration are disposed in the rectangular openings of neighboring coils of the second configuration, and the longitudinal sections of the coils of the second configuration are disposed in the rectangular openings of neighboring coils of the first configuration. Other configurations of coils can be nested together inside the stator core to provide one or more additional layers of stator coils.

Abstract: There is provided a container for absorbing water vapour from ambient air, the container having an opening to permit water vapour to enter the container, a perforate shelf positioned above the base of the container and having a water-absorbing agent disposed thereon for absorbing water vapour, and an airway which allows air to flow into the region of the container beneath the shelf, wherein the container comprises an indicator for providing information on the operation of the container, the indicator operating when the liquid in the container has reached a predetermined level.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) where R2, each X, L, Y, Cy, Lp, D and n are as defined in the specification, are serine protease inhibitors useful as antithrombotic agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the angular position of a rotating component having a plurality of angularly spaced magnetic elements is described. The apparatus includes a sensor board and a processor circuit. The sensor board is disposed adjacent to the rotating component and includes a plurality of sensor groups. Each sensor group includes a plurality of magnetic sensors positioned to sense a magnetic field of one of the angularly spaced magnetic elements. Each sensor group generates a multi-state group signal in response to the passage of one of the angularly spaced magnetic elements. The processor circuit communicates with each of the sensor groups and generates position signals in response to the multi-state group signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an actuator system having an electrical actuator in hydraulic communication with a hydraulic actuator are described. The apparatus includes a controller module in communication with a source of electrical power and a transceiver. The transceiver is adapted for bi-directional wireless communication with a remote transceiver for the transfer of control data and feedback data. The controller module sends a control signal to the electrical actuator in response to control data received from the remote transceiver. The source of electrical power includes a hydraulic motor and an electrical generator to provide local electrical power from a hydraulic flow. Because the electrical power is generated locally and the control and feedback data are carried over the wireless link, no wires to remote locations are required.

Abstract: An arrangement of coils of different configurations for use in the stator of a slotless radial gap electromotive machine is described. The coils include coils of a first configuration and a second configuration. Each coil includes longitudinal sections and circumferential sections that form a substantially rectangular opening in the coil. The coils are nested together along the inside of a stator core so that the longitudinal sections of each coil of the first configuration are disposed in the rectangular openings of neighboring coils of the second configuration, and the longitudinal sections of the coils of the second configuration are disposed in the rectangular openings of neighboring coils of the first configuration. Other configurations of coils can be nested together inside the stator core to provide one or more additional layers of stator coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the angular position of a rotating component having a plurality of angularly spaced magnetic elements is described. The apparatus includes a sensor board and a processor circuit. The sensor board is disposed adjacent to the rotating component and includes a plurality of sensor groups. Each sensor group includes a plurality of magnetic sensors positioned to sense a magnetic field of one of the angularly spaced magnetic elements. Each sensor group generates a multi-state group signal in response to the passage of one of the angularly spaced magnetic elements. The processor circuit communicates with each of the sensor groups and generates position signals in response to the multi-state group signals.