Abstract: Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.

Abstract: Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.

Abstract: Road and marine steering means in an amphibious vehicle are linked so that the ratio between them is variable. In a first embodiment, an arm connects a lever to a steering rack. A cable operates the marine steering means. The lever pivots about a pin, which may be moved along a slot by the motor and gearbox driving screw shaft. At pin position A, full road steering travel x is achieved with minimal marine steering travel. At pin position B, road and marine steering have equal travel x?; and at position C, full marine steering travel z is achieved with minimal road steering travel y. In a further embodiment, a lever arm fixed to steering rack casing has a cam profile constraining pin. Full marine steering travel z of the cable is achieved over rack travel y. The steering wheel controls both road and marine steering.

Abstract: A process for synthesising methanol comprises the steps of: (i) reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock and separating water to generate a make-up gas comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides, the make-up gas mixture having a stoichiometric number, R, R=([H2]?[CO2])/([CO2]+[CO]) of less than 2.0, (ii) combining the make up gas with an unreacted synthesis gas to form a synthesis gas mixture, (iii) passing the synthesis gas through a bed of methanol synthesis catalyst to generate a product stream, (iv) cooling the product stream to recover a crude methanol stream from the unreacted synthesis gas, (v) removing a portion of the unreacted synthesis gas as a purge gas, and (vi) feeding the remaining unreacted synthesis gas to step (ii), wherein hydrogen is recovered from a portion of the purge gas and the make up gas, and the recovered hydrogen is included in the synthesis gas mixture.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of methanol comprises: (a) passing a synthesis gas mixture comprising a loop gas and a make-up gas through a first synthesis reactor containing a methanol synthesis catalyst, said reactor cooled by boiling water under pressure, to form a mixed gas containing methanol, (b) cooling the mixed gas containing methanol, (c) passing said cooled mixed gas containing methanol through a second synthesis reactor containing a methanol synthesis catalyst in which further methanol is synthesised to form a product gas stream, (d) cooling said product gas to condense methanol, (e) recovering said methanol and returning unreacted gas as the loop gas to said first synthesis reactor, wherein the mixed gas containing methanol from the first synthesis reactor is cooled in heat exchange with either said loop gas or said make up gas.

Abstract: A positioner (2) for moving a sample platform (6) relative to a base (4) is described. The positioner is driven by a piezoelectric arranged to expand and contract along a drive axis, the piezoelectric element has an input end coupled to the base and an output end coupled to first (14) and second (16) output levers extending away from the drive axis of the piezoelectric element in opposing directions. The output levers each have an inner arm arranged to be acted on by the piezoelectric element as it expands and an outer arm to which the sample platform is mounted via platform supports (26, 28). The output levers are mounted such that the piezoelectric element acts on the inner arms of the output levers to cause the outer arms to move in a plane containing the drive axis. This motion of the output levers is communicated via the platform supports to the sample platform, so moving it relative to the base along a direction parallel to the drive axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of modeling and handling of nonlinearities for application of automatic control to systems with high inter-process variance and nonlinearities. The variance and nonlinearities make these systems difficult to control. Variance is accounted for by replacing the mathematical model of the system with a more representative model from a modelset that may or may not be chosen based on characteristics of the system under test, and then adapting using recursive estimation techniques. Nonlinearities defined by threshold to response and maximal responses are incorporated into linear models relating accumulated inputs to response. Example implementations in relation to automated drug delivery for neuromuscular blocking drugs through warning, advisory and closed-loop control systems are discussed.

Abstract: A method for the detection of all strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (Streptococcus agalactiae) in a mammal comprises isolating nucleic acid from a biological sample obtained from the mammal, detecting in the isolated nucleic acid a specific target region of GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the GBS ssrA gene, which is indicative of the presence of GBS. The isolated nucleic acid can be contacted with at least one oligonucleotide complementary to the specific target region of the GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA allowing a probe assay to be performed directly on the biological sample. Alternatively, the isolated nucleic acid can be amplified with at least one primer complementary to a specific target region of the GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA in a PCR-based assay.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure device which includes:—an inflatable breathable air reservoir provided with an air inlet/outlet; —a pressurised gas reservoir arranged to apply a predetermined substantially constant pressure on the breathable air reservoir, irrespective of the degree of inflation of the breathable air reservoir.

Abstract: A positioner (2) for moving a sample platform (6) relative to a base (4) is described. The positioner is driven by a piezoelectric arranged to expand and contract along a drive axis, the piezoelectric element has an input end coupled to the base and an output end coupled to first (14) and second (16) output levers extending away from the drive axis of the piezoelectric element in opposing directions. The output levers each have an inner arm arranged to be acted on by the piezoelectric element as it expands and an outer arm to which the sample platform is mounted via platform supports (26, 28). The output levers are mounted such that the piezoelectric element acts on the inner arms of the output levers to cause the outer arms to move in a plane containing the drive axis. This motion of the output levers is communicated via the platform supports to the sample platform, so moving it relative to the base along a direction parallel to the drive axis.

Abstract: A belt sanding attachment tool suitable for use with a driver such as a bench drill, the belt sanding attachment tool being a complete unit and removable from the driver, and suitable for work operations such as grinding, polishing, sanding, finishing and the like. The belt sanding attachment tool has a rotating spindle providing a dual function of firstly providing the primary support of the whole belt sanding attachment tool to the driver, and secondly, providing rotary motion to a driving drum spaced from a second rotatable idler drum to direct and move an endless belt between the two drums. An outward biasing means is provided by way of a spring within a telescopic arm to keep the endless belt in tension.

Abstract: A flail sanding tool suitable for use with a driver such as a portable drill or bench drill, the flail sanding tool assembly being suitable for work operations such as grinding, polishing, sanding, finishing and the like. The flail sanding tool provides a central shaft with a disk fixed at each end and a drive spindle at one end. The flail sanding tool provides a plurality of vertical tendons at the perimeter to capture and present abrasive/polishing elements to a work piece, such vertical tendons being permanently attached to the disk at one end but releasable from suitably shaped slots in the disk at the other end, for the purpose of loading and unloading the abrasive/polishing elements. Each vertical tendon is shaped in a way to provide an outward bias to ensure positive location when engaged in a retaining slot.

Abstract: A wheeled device suitable for supporting and stabilizing a powered lawn trimming device. The wheels steer by a castor action where they rotate about a vertical axis in response to the operator's direction. The wheels are positioned at the ends of two outrigger arms positioned one each side of the cutting head of the line trimmer. The wheeled assembly is clamped onto the line trimmer shaft in such a way as to provide means for height adjustment and adaptation to the different styles of lawn trimming devices.

Abstract: A tool device suitable for use with a driver, the tool assembly being suitable for work operations such as grinding, polishing, sanding, finishing and the like, the tool device providing a disk shape of rigid or pliable material and a central driving spindle connectable to the driver, the disk being provided with a plurality of radial grooves and tendons therein to capture and present abrasive/polishing elements to a work piece, such radial tendons being permanently attached at one end but releasable from the other end for the purpose of loading and unloading the abrasive/polishing elements. The abrasive/polishing elements are prepared in such a way so as when presented to the work-piece a cushioning/cooling effect is achieved via the generous airflow through and around the elements.

Abstract: A process for synthesising methanol comprises the steps of: (i) reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock and separating water to generate a make-up gas comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides, the make-up gas mixture having a stoichiometric number, R, R=([H2]?[CO2])/([CO2]+[CO]) of less than 2.0, (ii) combining the make up gas with an unreacted synthesis gas to form a synthesis gas mixture, (iii) passing the synthesis gas through a bed of methanol synthesis catalyst to generate a product stream, (iv) cooling the product stream to recover a crude methanol stream from the unreacted synthesis gas, (v) removing a portion of the unreacted synthesis gas as a purge gas, and (vi) feeding the remaining unreacted synthesis gas to step (ii), wherein hydrogen is recovered from a portion of the purge gas and the make up gas, and the recovered hydrogen is included in the synthesis gas mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to markers which find use in the diagnosis of labour or pre-term labour, to assays comprising such markers, to methods of identifying therapeutic agents which can prolong pregnancy, using these markers and to methods of treatment of pre-term labour, methods of prolonging gestation, or methods of suppressing labour contractility based on the markers.

Abstract: An un-manned airborne vehicle (UAV), for acquiring aeromagnetic data for geophysical surveying at low altitude on land or over water, comprising an extended fuselage that is adapted to hold and maintain magnetometer and a magnetic compensation magnetometer at a minimum distance from the avionics and propulsion systems of the UAV. The magnetometer measures magnetic anomalies and the magnetic compensation magnetometer measures magnetic responses corresponding to the pitch, yaw and roll of the UAV. A data acquisition system stores and removes the magnetic response measurements from the magnetic anomaly measurements. The data acquisition system also stores a survey flight plan and transmits the same to the avionics system. The generator of the UAV is shielded and the propulsion system is stabilized to reduce magnetic and vibrational noises that can interfere with the operation of the magnetometer.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle (10, FIG. 8) has a retractable suspension system. The transmission to a driven wheel comprises a plunging CV joint 7 at the outer or wheel end of driveshaft 5, and a fixed CV joint 3A at the inner or differential end of the driveshaft. The fixed joint at the inner end of the shaft allows wheel movement between a lowered position allowing increased ground clearance, through a normal road use position, to a retracted wheel position above the vehicle water line (FIG. 5). At least one inner CV joint may incorporate a driveshaft decoupler 20; which may incorporate synchromesh. The vehicle may be a planing vehicle, with either a longitudinal or a mid-mounted transverse prime mover, which may be an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell powered electric motor.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle having road wheels which are retractable to allow planing. Each wheel suspension is protractable through a gap in the planing surface of the hull. To reduce hydrodynamic drag and improve marine handling, covers are provided which cover such gaps when the wheels are retracted. These covers may be hinged parallel to a longitudinal, or to a transverse, axis of the vehicle or may be otherwise connected to the hull.

Abstract: Methanol is synthesized from pre-heated methanol synthesis gas in one or more adiabatic synthesis stages with cooling of the resultant gas after each stage. Further methanol synthesis is then effected on the resultant partially reacted synthesis gas in a bed of synthesis catalyst cooled by means of a coolant flowing co-currently through tubes disposed in the catalyst bed. After cooling methanol is separated from the unreacted gas. Part of the unreacted gas is combined with make-up gas and used as the coolant fed to the aforesaid tubes, thus producing the pre-heated synthesis gas to be fed to the adiabatic synthesis stages.