Abstract:
To provide a method for producing a lead-acid battery negative plate for use in a storage battery which provides improved deteriorated rapid discharge characteristics by preventing an interfacial separation between a negative active material-filled plate and a carbon mixture-coated layer, which is a problem in a negative plate having such a configuration that the carbon mixture-coated layer is formed on the surface of the negative active material-filled plate. A coating layer of a carbon mixture is formed at least in a part of a surface of a negative active material-filled plate. The carbon mixture is prepared by mixing two kinds of carbon materials consisting of a first carbon material having conductive properties and a second carbon material having capacitive capacitance and/or pseudo capacitive capacitance and a binding agent. Subsequently, a sufficient amount of lead ions are generated enough to be moved from the negative active material-filled plate into the carbon mixture-coated layer. Thereafter, a formation treatment or an initial charge treatment is performed to precipitate lead so that the carbon mixture-coated layer and the negative plate are connected and integrated, at least in a part of a respective interfacial surface thereof, by the precipitated lead.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is provided for determining structural change in a mining operation. A first scan of gateroad surfaces is obtained and information of the scan profile is stored. At a later time a second scan of the gateroad surfaces is then obtained. Information of the scans can be registered and any difference noted. If the difference exceeds a threshold a warning can be provided indicating a gateroad structural change that may be hazardous. The scans can be made from a single sensor, or from multiple sensors (301, 303). In the case where the sensors (301, 303) are mounted on a gateroad traversing structure (109), the distance of spacing of the sensors (301, 303) can be used to determine when the sensor (303) has reached a position of movement or travel of the gateroad traversing structure (109) where the scan from sensor (301) was made. A distance sensor (309) can be provided to determine the distance of movement and where the scans coincide.
Abstract:
A device that may be worn by a person, or fitted to an apparatus for monitoring, sensing or controlling one or more parameters such as, but not limited to, moisture, temperature, heart rate or respiration rate, or controlling various parameters of electronic functions. The device includes; a) a flexible substrate (10) that can be worn by a person or fitted to an apparatus and wherein the flexible substrate requires disposal or replacement with a fresh flexible substrate or requires maintenance that prevents continuous use of the device. b) An electrical circuit having separate first (11) and second (16) parts, where the first part (11) is carried by the flexible substrate (10) and the first (11) and second parts (16) can be connected together to form an electrical connection (13,14) and disconnected to allow the parts to be reused or disposed as desired.
Abstract:
A coating system, for use in reducing air burn oxidation of a carbon anode of an aluminium electrolytic smelter, includes a pre-coat and a top coat which together enable protection of the anode when applied thereover. The pre-coat contains finely divided carbonaceous material dispersed in a solution of a suitable binder. The top coat contains finely divided particulate material, comprising at least one of alumina and cryolite, dispersed in a solution of a suitable binder.
Abstract:
A method for selectively enriching for a microorganism able to metabolise a test substrate, and/or the enrichment of an enzyme involved in the metabolism of the test substrate, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a population of microorganisms in a vessel, b) feeding fluid into the vessel at a controlled flow rate commencing with an initial flow rate, the fluid comprising a nutrient medium and, for at least part of the feed period, the test substrate, c) producing a signal indicative of the level of a metabolism indicator over the time-frame of the enrichment, and d) providing an output based on the signal to enable assessment of selective enrichment of a microorganism that metabolises the test substrate, and/or the enrichment of an enzyme produced by the microorganism that is involved in the metabolism of the test substrate. To accelerate the enrichment process, conditions may be set to increase the flow rate in stages as a steady state is detected. This may be achieved by presetting conditions to be met by the signal output to result in a change in the fluid flow rate, and changing the flow rate at which fluid is fed into the vessel when the conditions are met, wherein the preset conditions are a combination of a predetermined period of time and a preset value range within which the signal must remain for the predetermined period of time.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a biosensor comprising at least one lipid membrane, each membrane including at least one gated ion channel. The membranes comprise a closely packed array of self-assembling amphophilic molecules and the gated ion channel has a conductance which is dependent upon an electric field applied across the membrane. The biosensor of the present invention may comprise a plurality of discrete membranes each including at least one gated ion channel. The conductance of each of these membranes is measurable independently of the conductance of the other membranes.
Abstract:
A process for the preparation of kiwifruit products is disclosed in which kiwifruit is pulped and then treated to yield a number of component fractions. The fractions comprise a chlorophyll containing fraction, a juice fraction, and a residual pulp fraction. The juice fraction may be extracted to yield an aroma-containing fraction and aroma-free, chlorophyll-free juice fraction. The residual pulp fraction is subjected to a preservative treatment such as pasteurization and drying. Kiwifruit products may then be formed by combining the chlorophyll containing fraction with and as required, the juice fraction and/or the residual pulp fraction. The aroma-containing fraction and aroma-free fraction may be used in place of the juice fraction. These kiwifruit products may be incorporated into processed foods such as ice creams, sorbets and juice drinks.