Abstract: Dishwashing and dish drying apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus comprises three parallel rods which each have a screw thread on an outer surface. In use, the screw thread on each rod engages with a rim or lip of a dish and when the rods are rotated the dish is caused to move through the apparatus. This allows the whole of the dish to be exposed to a liquid in the dishwashing apparatus or to an air flow in a dish drying apparatus.

Abstract: A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.

Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus for washing dishes having a circular rim or lip is disclosed The apparatus comprises a spray nozzle configured to spray a liquid onto a target zone; a first rod; a second rod; and a third rod; the first rod, second rod and third rod each having a screw thread on an outer surface and each being rotatable about a respective longitudinal axis; the first rod, second rod and third rod being arranged in a parallel configuration, at equal distances from a central axis, wherein the separation of each of the first rod, second rod and third rod from the central axis is configured or configurable to receive a plurality of dishes such that the screw thread on each of the rods engages with the circular rim or lip of the dishes and when the rods are rotated about their respective axes, the dishes are caused to move relative to the spray nozzle in the direction of the central axis and rotate as they pass through the target zone.

Abstract: A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter assembly comprises a catheter hub having an elongate axis and a lumen; a side port extending from the catheter hub, the side port being in fluid communication with the lumen; and a one-way port valve positioned in the side port, the one-way port valve having a valve portion formed from a resilient material. The valve portion can comprise a cap and a hinge portion about which the cap is rotatable. The cap can be disposed over an aperture formed in an inclined end face of the valve portion.

Abstract: A retractable syringe is proposed having a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit is proposed. The disposable needle assembly has a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit.

Abstract: A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.

Abstract: A retractable syringe is proposed having a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit is proposed. The disposable needle assembly has a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit.

Abstract: A retractable syringe comprises a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit comprises a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit. When the needle assembly is mated with the syringe, a central bore of substantially constant bore extends from the tip of the needle into the interior chamber of the syringe.

Abstract: A retractable syringe comprises a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit comprises a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit. When the needle assembly is mated with the syringe, a central bore of substantially constant bore extends from the tip of the needle into the interior chamber of the syringe.

Abstract: A retractable syringe comprises a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit comprises a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit. When the needle assembly is mated with the syringe, a central bore of substantially constant bore extends from the tip of the needle into the interior chamber of the syringe.

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A blast diffuser for a gun, comprising bore means having a surface defining a barrel through which a projectile may be discharged when the diffuser is attached, in use, to a gun barrel, the blast diffuser further comprising a primary chamber arranged around the outside of the bore means and a secondary chamber adjacent to an outer surface of the primary chamber, wherein a plurality of holes are arranged in the surface of the bore means to the primary chamber, and a plurality of holes are arranged in the outer surface of the primary chamber to allow passage of combustion gases from the primary many chamber to the secondary chamber, the secondary chamber further comprising an opening to allow the escape of combustion gases into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A firing apparatus (1.0) for a projectile-firing weapon of the type comprising a barrel (8) having a bore therein, the firing apparatus comprising a breech assembly (2.0) adapted to be secured to the barrel (8), a firing mechanism (5.0) adapted to initiate firing of the projectile from the bore, and a valve means (4.0)adapted to allow air within the bore, between the projectile and the firing mechanism (5.0), to be expelled from the bore during loading of the projectile through the bore.

Abstract: A blast diffuser for a gun, comprising bore means having a surface defining a barrel through which a projectile may be discharged when a diffuser is attached, in use, to a gun barrel, the blast diffuser further comprising primary chamber arranged around the outside of the bore means and a secondary chamber adjacent to an outer surface of the primary chamber, wherein a plurality of holes are arranged in the surface of the bore means to the primary chamber, and a plurality of holes are arranged in the outer surface of the primary chamber to allow passage of combustion gasses from the primary chamber further comprising an opening to allow the escape of combustion gasses into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A spade assembly for use on an artillery vehicle compensates any gaps which would otherwise be formed between a ground supporting portion of the spade assembly and the soil. The length of the spade assembly is advantageously compensated to maintain the spade assembly in firm contact with the soil. This can increase the accuracy in the weapon in firing, and avoid violent displacement of the gun which can be caused when the spade assembly is not maintained firmly engaged with the earth.

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).