Abstract: Compositions comprising preceramic resins and fumed alumina are described. The compositions can also include fillers, such as silicon carbide whiskers or zirconium diboride particles. The compositions can be used as three-dimensional printable inks for preparing ceramic composites, e.g., composites having complex geometry. Inclusion of fumed alumina as a rheology modifier in the composition can provide improved printing properties for the inks compared to preceramic resin inks that do not include fumed alumina.

Abstract: A powered watercraft (1) for support and surface-transport of a user lying prone. The watercraft (1) has a hull (3) formed by a moulded shell (20) of expanded plastics strengthened by a metal framework (27) which extends lengthwise of the hull. The framework (27) has two arms (29) that extend laterally to hand-grips (10) on either side of the hull (3). The watercraft (1) is steered by shifting of the user's weight to one side or the other while gripping the hand-grips. The craft (1) is powered by an electric motor (5) coupled to a rearwardly-facing shrouded-propeller (4) on an underside (6) of the shell (20). Electronic motor controls are housed in a watertight metal box (31) incorporated into the framework (27), and motor-speed is regulated via lever mechanisms (9) at the hand-grips. Heat is dissipated via a heat-sink plate (42) exposed directly to the flow through the duct (7).

Abstract: A powered watercraft (1) for support and surface-transport of a user lying prone. The watercraft (1) has a hull (3) formed by a moulded shell (20) of expanded plastics strengthened by a metal framework (27) which extends lengthwise of the hull. The framework (27) has two arms (29) that extend laterally to hand-grips (10) on either side of the hull (3). The watercraft (1) is steered by shifting of the user's weight to one side or the other while gripping the hand-grips. The craft (1) is powered by an electric motor (5) coupled to a rearwardly-facing shrouded-propeller (4) on an underside (6) of the shell (20). Electronic motor controls are housed in a watertight metal box (31) incorporated into the framework (27), and motor-speed is regulated via lever mechanisms (9) at the hand-grips. Heat is dissipated via a heat-sink plate (42) exposed directly to the flow through the duct (7).

Abstract: The present invention concerns the synthesis of dry powdered manganese complexes using spray-drying or freeze-drying methods.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an armor panel includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer having a first thickness (T1). The second layer is coupled to the first layer and has a second thickness (T2). The second layer includes one of the following materials steel, cermet, cemented carbide, a metal matrix composite, or a combination thereof. The third layer is coupled to the second layer and has a third thickness (T3). The third layer includes an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite or syntactic foam.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the synthesis of dry powdered manganese complexes using spray-drying or freeze-drying methods.

Abstract: A hose bib system includes a PEX plumbing line that may deliver a fluid. An adapter is provided and the adapter may be coupled to a vertical support surface. The adapter penetrates the vertical support surface. The PEX plumbing line is fluidly coupled to the adapter. A hose bib may be fluidly coupled to the adapter. Thus, the PEX plumbing line may deliver the fluid to the hose bib.

Abstract: According to one aspect there is provided a prepaid currency card (PPCC) vending machine comprising: PPCC storage; an electronic point of sale terminal (POS) configured to take payment from a user and initiate transmission of a payment received message, said message comprising a payment identification code (PIC); a controller configured to receive said payment received message; a card identifier configured to read an identification code (ID) of a PPCC held in a position in PPCC storage which is next to be dispensed from; a PPCC dispenser configured to dispense a PPCC from said PPCC storage in response to receipt of a dispense command from said controller; and a transmitter configured to transmit said PIC together with said card ID to a card issuer server. According to a second aspect there is provided a method for issuing a PPCC from such a vending machine.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the synthesis of dry powdered manganese complexes using spray-drying or freeze-drying methods.

Abstract: A fluid extrusion space structure comprising: an extrusion material container and an extrusion module that operate in a microgravity environment, wherein said extrusion module is in fluid communication with said extrusion material container's interior so that extrusion material can flow from inside said extrusion container out through said extrusion module.

Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerative encephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animal material at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable in standard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerative encephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animal material at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable instandard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerativeencephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animalmaterial at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable instandard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: An induction motor system comprising an induction motor, equipped with a heat recovery and water pumping apparatus and an apparatus for controlling the electrical efficiency and resulting heat generation of the induction motor. The motor is adapted to be coupled to an AC source for supplying an AC signal. The controlling apparatus includes a switching device, user controls and optional inputs. The switching device is connected in series with the motor and is operative in either a high impedance state wherein significant current flow through the motor is prevented or a low impedance state wherein current flow through the motor is substantially undisturbed. The user controls provide motor operational input signals. The optional inputs provide setpoint and sensed water temperature input signals.

Abstract: An apparatus operable in a wet environment for controlling the brightness and color of a solid state light emitting diode, lamp assembly which is adapted to be coupled to an AC source for supplying an AC signal. A plurality of switching devices is connected in series with the lamp assembly and light emitting diodes. The switching devices are operative in a first state, wherein significant current flowing through the lamp assembly is prevented or a second analogue state wherein current flow through the lamp assembly is continuously variable. User controls provide lamp assembly brightness and color input signals to a controller. Also included is a controller means for receiving lamp assembly brightness and color input signals from the user controls, and for switching the switching devices between the first and second states in a predetermined sequence for inducing analogue power signals to the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerativeencephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animalmaterial at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C. at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable instandard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: A nesting block for the rearing and management of cavity nesting solitary bees used for pollinating crops is disclosed. The nesting block includes a chamber having at least one substantially flat face, and a plurality of open tubes which extend therefrom into the chamber and which are closed at their opposite end. The chamber is formed from an organic polymeric material of which a major proportion thereof is polycarbonate.

Abstract: The liquid and gaseous products formed by reacting oxygen with isobutane in an oxidation reactor are separately processed; the liquid reaction product being charged to a distillation zone and separated into a lower boiling isobutane fraction and a higher boiling fraction comprising tertiary butyl alcohol and tertiary butyl hydroperoxide; the gaseous reaction product comprising inert gases and vaporized and/or entrained isobutane being cooled by an amount sufficient to condense isobutane contained therein for recycle to the oxidation reactor; the remaining gases, including isobutane being charged to a tertiary butyl alcohol absorber to obtain a solution of isobutane in tertiary butyl alcohol that is recycled to the distillation zone.