Abstract: A first aspect is provided by a pressure monitoring cushion 10 for supporting a seated or reclined person, the cushion comprises a pressure sensing means 22 for sensing a pressure exerted by a person on the cushion; a data logger 25 for monitoring and recording pressure measurements from the pressure sensing means 22; and a two-way communication means 26. In another aspect a system for monitoring pressure is provided. The system comprises a pressure monitoring cushion with a data logger 25 recording pressure measurements from pressure sensing means 22, and a two-way communication means 26 for selectively establishing a connection to an external device 42.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a hydrothermal reactor, such as a downflow hydrothermal reactor and methods of using the same. Also disclosed herein are system embodiments comprising the hydrothermal reactor. Method embodiments disclosed herein facilitate determining operation parameters for the hydrothermal reactor that give rise to efficient feedstock conversion to products while maintaining integrity of the reactor (e.g., avoiding corrosion) and providing safe operating conditions. The disclosed reactor and system embodiments facilitate situations where small scale and/or remote destruction of feedstocks (e.g., chemical warfare agents and/or environmental toxins) is needed.

Abstract: A walker is provided for assisting a person to walk independently, the walker including a frame, one or more wheels connected to a base of the frame, a seat connected to the frame, in which the seat is configurable into a lowered and raised position and/or in which the seat can swivel and a resistance means is provided for resisting rotation of the seat about its pivot during use.

Abstract: A walker is provided for assisting a person to walk independently, the walker including a frame, one or more wheels connected to a base of the frame, a seat connected to the frame, in which the seat can swivel and a resistance means is provided for resisting rotation of the seat about its pivot during use.

Abstract: A support evaluation device (10) comprising a series of pressure sensors in a stack (16), output means (34a, 34b, 34c) linked to the pressure sensors for indicating signals therefrom, and a power source, the series of pressure sensors including at least first and second pressure sensors within the stack (16), operational across respective first and second pressure bands, each pressure sensor including first and second electrical conductors (18, 20, 24, 28), and an insulator (22, 26, 30) separating the electrical conductors (18, 20, 24, 28), the pressure sensors being adapted to signal whether there is contact between their electrical conductors (18, 20, 24, 28), and the output means (34a, 34b, 34c) being adapted to provide at least one of an audio or visual output corresponding to signals from the pressure sensors, in use indicating the pressure band reached for a patient sat on the device (10), each pressure band corresponding to a predetermined cushion strength for prescribing a cushion to that patient.

Abstract: An inspection sled for remotely inspecting cables includes a chassis. The left end and right end of the chassis each includes a collar and a swing arm. Swing arms can be opened to admit a cable within the confines of the collars. The swing arms can be closed such that the cable is journaled within the collars, thus allowing the inspection sled to travel along the length of the tensioned cable to perform inspections of the tensioned cable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing continuous availability include communicatively coupling a first node and a second node, each having at least one processor, an executing application management framework, and a first application. The first node is executing its associated first application. A plugin for the first node application management framework is executed. The plugin is dynamically loadable by the application management framework. The plugin specifies application availability rules for protecting the availability of the first application.

Abstract: A marine seismic source comprises a housing having a central axis, an open end, and a closed end opposite the open end. In addition, the source comprises a piston coaxially disposed within the housing. In addition, the source comprises a flywheel disposed within the housing and axially positioned between the closed end and the piston. The flywheel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. Further, the source comprises a connecting rod moveably coupling the piston to the flywheel. The connecting rod has a first end pivotally coupled to the piston and a second end pivotally coupled to the flywheel. The second end of the connecting rod has a first position at a first distance measured radially from the rotational axis, and a second position at a second distance measured radially from the rotational axis. The first distance is less than the second distance.

Abstract: A cartridge is used in apparatus for analysing a sample comprising a fluid and has a sample receiving cell which receives the fluid for analysis. The cell comprises a surface on one of two housing parts (120; 200; 300; 102; 202; 302) and a sensor comprising an electrical-mechanical transducer (92; 240; 340) spaced from said surface. The sensor is attached to one of the housing parts by an adhesive membrane (100; 246; 346) wherein the membrane is attached only to one of said parts of housing so that any slight relative movement or flexing of the housing parts does not result in forces being applied to the sensor via the membrane.

Abstract: An upper torso support structure is provided to hold and/or restrict movement of a patient suffering from injuries or muscular or skeletal defects. The support is provided by a central spine (1) and a number of left and right pairs of flexible ribs (3) curving round in front of the central spine. The ribs are capable of being set in desired attitudes to restrict movement of the patient whose torso is held by the support structure.