baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent GB-2321114-A (GB)
Title: Optical modulator
Inventor: BAKER BRIAN JOHN
IPC: H01L41/09
Filed: 1997-01-10
Abstract: An optical modulator 30 comprises a body 31 of deformable material having a state of strain which changes in response to an applied electric field, the material may be electrostrictive for example PMNT, or piezoelectric for example PZT. The body has a modulating surface 36a for effecting the light modulation which may have a negative dielectric constant and may be a metal such as silver. Opposite ends of the body, with the modulating surface between the opposite ends, are held by holding means 41 so that changes in the state of strain result in displacement of the modulating surface between first and second positions. The holding means may be arranged to produce a basic state of strain in the material for the null position of the device. Electric means are provided to apply an electric field to the body to effect light modulation.
Patent GB-2312851-A (GB)
Title: Golf target game
Inventor: BONACCORSI JAMES
IPC: A63B63/06
Filed: 1997-01-31
Abstract: Golfing apparatus comprises a driving area, a target 18, a ball and ball identification means which cooperate with the ball to indicate which player struck the ball in the event that the ball strikes the target. The ball can be coloured or be provided with a surface paint pattern, can carry coding to be read by a character recognition system. Or can have a weight that deviates from the standard weight. The identification means, if satisfied as to the identity of the player can activate a notification system and/or a reward system.
Patent GB-2324364-A (GB)
Title: Light input device for a light pipe illuminator
Inventor: BIJLHOLT JOEP
IPC: F21S8/10
Filed: 1997-04-19
Abstract: A light input device (1) for a light pipe illuminator (3) receives light from a point light source (5) of uncollimated light and produces substantially collimated light and collimated to a first feed direction for feeding to the illuminator (3). The input device (1) comprises a first convex lens (7) arranged such that its principal focus (9) lies substantially at the light source (5) such that rays of light (11 from the light source (5) after passing through the first lens (7) are substantially parallel to the principal axis (13) of the first lens (7) and an auxiliary light collecting device (15), extending from the periphery (17) of the first lens (7) and comprising a plurality of secondary convex lenses (19, 21), the principal focus of (23, 25) of each secondary lens (19, 21) substantially coinciding with the light source (5) and the principal axis (27,29) of each secondary lens (19, 21) lying at an angle to the principal axis (13) of the first lens (7), each secondary lens (19, 21) producing collimated light lying at an angle to the principal axis (13) of the first lens (7), and for each secondary lens (19, 21) a reflective surface (31, 33) which reflects light from the secondary lens to a direction substantially parallel to the first lens (7).
Patent GB-2326430-A (GB)
Title: Wellhead
Inventor: VAN BILDERBEEK B H
IPC: E21B33/03
Filed: 1997-06-17
Abstract: In the drilling of a well, a dedicated drilling wellhead 20 is mounted at the top of the casing cluster whilst the well is being drilled. At the end of drilling, a seal ring or sleeve 34 which during the drilling phase has the function of an annular sleeve isolating the well bore pressure from the production annulus space 40, is manipulated into an alternative position in which it acts to block the annular space 40 thereby acting as a temporary abandonment seal. A further plug seal is fitted in the well bore. The well is now temporarily sealed and the drilling wellhead can then be removed and can be reused on another well during the drilling phase of that well. A production wellhead 50, which has a cantilever christmas tree fitted on its side or a production wellhead which can accept a conventional christmas tree on top is then fitted on to the casing hanger cluster. Prior to installation of the tubing hanger the seal ring sleeve 34 can be manipulated back into its upper position from where it seals the production annulus 40 from the well bore while allowing monitoring of the production annulus 40 through the outlet port 44.
Patent GB-2326440-A (GB)
Title: Direct injection spark ignition engine
Inventor: TSOI-HEI THOMAS
IPC: F02B75/12
Filed: 1997-06-18
Abstract: A spark ignition internal combustion engine is described having a fuel injector 50 mounted to inject liquid fuel as a divergent spray 52 from a nozzle orifice into the combustion chamber of each engine cylinder. The divergent spray 52 passes through a connecting passage leading from the nozzle orifice at one end of the passage to a mouth at the other end of the connecting passage opening into the combustion chamber. The length of the passage and the divergence angle of the fuel spray 52 are such that fuel spray covers substantially the entire area of the mouth of the passage when fuel is being injected. As a result, fuel droplets spreading from the nozzle orifice of the fuel injector 50 entrain air as they pass along the passage and maintain a lower pressure within the passage than the pressure prevailing in the combustion chamber, thus assisting fuel vaporisation.
Patent GB-2327180-A (GB)
Title: Electric kettle to selectively heat or boil water
Inventor: GRAHAM ANDREW NICHOLAS
IPC: A47J27/21
Filed: 1997-07-15
Abstract: An electric kettle comprises a kettle body 2, at least one heating element 4, and means such as switches 7A, 7B and 7C for selecting, in conjunction with a control circuit 5 and a temperature sensor 6, different temperatures to which water may be heated by the heating element. The temperatures may be those suitable for tea, coffee and a babies bottle. There may be a rotary dial instead of switches 7A, 7B, 7C. Temperature sensor 6 may be a thermistor. Alternatively, a variable timer may be used to select the time for which the heating element operates and thus the temperature reached, or a simple thermometer may be linked to visible or audible means indicating to a user when to switch off the kettle.
Patent GB-2317048-A (GB)
Title: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer with delayed ion acceleration
Inventor: FRANZEN JOCHEN
IPC: H01J49/40
Filed: 1997-09-02
Abstract: In a linear time-of-flight mass spectrometer with ionization of analyte substances from surfaces, e.g. by MALDI, and with delayed ion acceleration, high mass resolution is achieved by focusing the flight time of the ions in second order by dynamic alteration of at least one of the accelerating voltages U 1 , U 2 applied to the ion source after the delayed acceleration of the ions. An exponential decay of the accelerating field in front of the sample support although hyperbolic can be used, or linear decays are also possible. In computer simulations, resolutions of much greater than one million have been obtained.
Patent GB-2318857-A (GB)
Title: Water Heaters
Inventor: PARK JAE-GYEONG
IPC: F24D3/10
Filed: 1997-10-28
Abstract: A method for supplementing fresh water into a boiler, which can effectively exhaust air from a pipeline circuit connected with the boiler, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) determining whether a supply of the supplementary water into the boiler is completed (ST4); b) operating a circulation pump with a first operation manner for a first predetermined period when the supplementation of the fresh water is completed (ST6); and c) operating the circulation pump with a second operation manner for a second predetermined period after the first predetermined period passes (ST8). Therefore, the air, which has flowed into the pipeline circuit when the supplementary water was supplemented into the boiler, is effectively exhausted. Preferably, the pump is operated for 10 seconds and stopped for 10 seconds during the first period and operated for 30 seconds and stopped for 10 seconds, thereafter. In another embodiment (Fig 4), a flow switch is monitored to indicate supplementary water supply.
Patent GB-2330880-A (GB)
Title: Combined C-clamp and adhesive applicator.
Inventor: LII LIANG-KUEN
IPC: B05C17/01
Filed: 1997-11-01
Abstract: A dual-purpose C-clamp and adhesive applicator with a fixed handle (10) containing a driving handle (11) with a circular holding seat (14) in front of the handle (10) and a moveable jaw (121, Figure 1) fixed to a push rod (12). A C-shaped frame (20) ends in a fixed jaw (40, Figure 1) and is fixed to the holding seat (14) by means of screws. When used as an adhesive applicator, the fixed jaw is removed, and an adhesive spreader (50) is clamped to the frame (20) using a resiliently deformable holding device (30).
Patent GB-2331492-A (GB)
Title: Vehicle bumper assemblies
Inventor: WEEDON KEITH ROBERT
IPC: B60R21/34
Filed: 1997-11-25
Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly contains an energy absorbing layer 5 formed by a plurality of elements 6 each comprising a first, truncated pyramid section 6A and a second, base section 6B. In an impact the truncated pyramid sections absorb energy by deforming into the base sections.
Patent GB-2318839-A (GB)
Title: Dispensing valve for discharging viscous material
Inventor: TOPPER ROBERT T
IPC: A23G9/28
Filed: 1994-12-02
Abstract: A dispensing valve comprises a chamber having an inlet port 104 and outlet nozzle 188, in which a poppet 190 is normally closed by a spring bias 202 against the outlet 188 and is opened by the force of pressurized material from a reciprocating valved piston 140 acting against a frustoconical transition surface 212 of the poppet 190. Closing of the poppet 190 is assisted by a transient suction force occurring as the valved piston 140 begins to move in a reverse direction through the material. Any particulate material obstacles, such as nuts and fruit, contained within the viscous material and caught between mating parts of a reduced diameter portion 206 of the poppet 190 and the outlet nozzle 188 will be sheared as the valve closes, thereby ensuring sealing engagement between the poppet 188 and the outlet nozzle 188.
Patent GB-2321431-A (GB)
Title: Fixing device for printing formes
Inventor: SCHILD HELMUT
IPC: B41F27/12
Filed: 1998-01-21
Abstract: A fixing device is described for clamping printing formes on the forme cylinder of printing presses, particularly for clamping printing plates on the plate cylinder of offset sheet printing presses. It has a lower portion (5) movable swivellably radially which can be pressed for clamping a printing forme against a corresponding surface (e.g. groove (10)) in an upper portion (4). This is effected by an actuation device (6) for opening and closing the clamping device as well as spring elements (8) arranged between the movable lower portion (5) and the fixed upper portion (4). Such a constructionally simple clamping device can be matched to various printing formes to and can be remotely controlled both manually and also automatically. The lower part (5) is constructed as an L-shaped profile clamping rail, and can be pressed by the actuation device (6) in positively interlocked fashion against the corresponding surface (10) of the upper portion (4). Spring elements (8) bias the lower portion (5) into the opened position.
Patent GB-2342785-A (GB)
Title: Attachment of insulators to overhead power line poles
Inventor: FORD ROBERT
IPC: H01B17/16
Filed: 1998-08-06
Abstract: A device for the connection of an insulator (4) to the top of an overhead power line pole (1) comprises a pair of supports (8) fitted to opposite sides of the top of the pole (1), and a top plate assembly (9,10). The top plate assembly (9,10) is pivotally connected to the top of one of the supports (8) and secured to the top of the other. The top plate assembly (9,10) supports the insulator (4) in a position substantially co-axial with the pole (1).
Patent GB-2329277-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for interfacing a memory card with a personal computer
Inventor: TSUYUGUCHI HIROSHI
IPC: G06K19/077
Filed: 1998-09-10
Abstract: An interface (100, Fig 6) between an IC (integrated circuit) card (200), or other memory card, and a personal computer floppy disc is described.The interface (100) permits communication between the card (200) and a PC without the need for extra disc drives. A magnetic head core unit (104) of the interface (100) is magnetically connected to the magnetic head of the floppy disc so as to transmit data to the floppy disc drive via the magnetic head. A waveform of data read from the IC/memory card (200) is changed to a waveform which is conformable to a reproduction characteristic of the floppy disc drive.
Patent GB-2331010-A (GB)
Title: Strip for installed floor covering
Inventor: JENNINGS PETER ALEXANDER
IPC: E03F3/04
Filed: 1998-10-22
Abstract: A strip (2) has a groove (8) running along its length adjacent an upstanding member (4). A sealing member (10) of weldable PVC material is provided so that it engages within the groove (8). In the installation process the member (4) is push-fitted into a recess (14) at the edge of a drainage channel. The sealing member (10) is then pushed into the groove opposite the channel to force its opposite edge into butting engagement with the channel. Engagement of the sealing member is provided by means of a slot in the sealing member which hooks over a projection (22) at the mouth of the groove to hold the sealing member in position. A floor covering (7) is then placed over the strip and fused to the sealing member.
Patent GB-2345823-A (GB)
Title: Theft detection apparatus
Inventor: SMITH KEVIN
IPC: G06K19/07
Filed: 1998-11-16
Abstract: A theft detection system comprises miniature electronic tagging units comprising microcircuits on semiconductor chips. The units are provided in or attached to goods 1 and the system includes control means 3 for deactivating the tags by encoded sound or radio signals. Alarm means 5 at an appropriate position in or beside a retail premises radiates a sound or radio signal which powers the tags, such that an active tag will radiate a signal signifying unauthorised removal of an article.
Patent GB-2345500-A (GB)
Title: A method of determining 'walk rate' of a rotary drag-type drill bit.
Inventor: MURDOCK ANDREW
IPC: E21B10/04
Filed: 1998-12-05
Abstract: A prediction method for use with drill bits of the kind where the leading face of the bit body 10 is formed with a central depression or cone 16, comprises the steps of: calculating the cone volume V<SB>cone</SB> of the bit, calculating the percentage T<SB>cone</SB>/T<SB>bit</SB> of the total torque generated by the cutters 15 on the bit which is attributable to those cutters which are mounted in said cone; calculating a Walk Factor, <F>F = V<SB>cone</SB> x T<SB>cone</SB>/T<SB>bit</SB></F> ; and then determining the predicted walk rate W of the bit from a graph (eg figure 3), or other database, relating previously established values of F for other drill bits to the respective walk rates W for those drill bits.
Patent GB-2350212-A (GB)
Title: Routing serial data between computers and peripheral devices
Inventor: DICKENS NIGEL ANTHONY
IPC: G06F13/40
Filed: 1999-02-09
Abstract: A serial data routing device 100 (and Fig. 2) routes serial data between USB (Universal Serial Bus) host computers 105 and USB peripheral devices 108. Computer data convertors 110 and peripheral data convertors 120 communicate respectively with the host computers and peripheral devices, using the USB protocol, and convert data received therefrom into converted computer data. A data routing controller controls the routing of the converted data between the data convertors, which is preferably affected by transferring data between locations within a memory device associated with the routing controller. A control panel can enable a user to set parameter values used by the routing controller. Hence the host computers and peripheral devices act as though directly connected by a USB bus (with the associated advantages of simple wiring), but by controlling the data transmitted between them in a USB protocol-independent manner, USB peripherals can be shared between multiple USB host computers (which would not be possible using the USB protocol, without also providing arbitration). Practical applications include: printer or modem sharing apparatus; allowing multiple computers to be controlled using a single keyboard.
Patent GB-2332561-A (GB)
Title: Light intensity controlling device
Inventor: MINAKUCHI TADASHI
IPC: H01S5/40
Filed: 1996-05-30
Abstract: A beam splitter (144) splits fluxes emitted from one or more independently controlled semiconductor lasers (101-108) and optical fibers (321-328) into monitor light fluxes and main light fluxes, e.g. in a laser printer having a scanning mirror (480). A gain adjusting circuit makes corrections according to the outputs of light detectors (155, 157) depending on the polarization states of the light flux(es) incident into the beam splitter. Changes result from the polarization characteristics of the optical fibers (321-328) and/or the beam splitter (144). Laser control circuits control the light emitting intensity of the or each semiconductor laser on the basis of the corrected output signals.
Patent GB-2336332-A (GB)
Title: Clamp for oscillating grinder
Inventor: NEUBERT WERNER
IPC: B24B23/04
Filed: 1999-04-07
Abstract: A clamp for clamping an abrasive sheet 3 onto the grinding plate 1 of an oscillating grinder comprises a clamping member 25 and an adjusting screw 15. One end of the clamping member 25 is hingedly fixed to a face of the plate 1, with the position of the clamping member 25 being adjusted by rotation of the screw 15. Preferably movement of the screw 15 is limited by two axial stops 17 and 18, with the clamping member 25 being engaged between the screw-head 23 and one of these stops 17. Sponge rubber 41 may cover the part of the clamping member 25 which engages with the abrasive sheet 3. Preferably the plate 1 is at least partially hollow and comprises two symmetrical parts joined together along a plane (Fig. 3, E-E) running centrally, longitudinally and perpendicularly to the abrasive sheet 3, with the axes of rotation X-X of the screws 15 lying in this plane.
Patent GB-2336203-A (GB)
Title: Heating or air-conditioning system
Inventor: AROLD KLAUS
IPC: B60H1/00
Filed: 1999-04-09
Abstract: A heating or air-conditioning system for vehicles, with a heat exchanger 12, through which a heating medium flows and which is arranged in an air-flow air duct, with at least one air-mixing chamber 17, 18 having a hot-air inflow orifice 21 and a cold-air inflow orifice 22, with at least one closing member 23, 24 controlling the orifice cross sections of the inflow orifices, and with a shut-off valve 16 arranged in the inflow or outflow of the heating medium to or from the heat exchanger. The hot-air inflow orifice 21 is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 12 in the air stream and a control device 28 controlling the closing member 23, 24 and the shut-off valve closes the shut-off valve 16 when the hot-air inflow orifice 21 is shut off and, after the shut-off valve 16 has been closed, transfers the closing member into an open position completely opening the hot-air inflow orifice 21.
Patent GB-2334136-A (GB)
Title: Bimorph piezoelectric microactuator head and flexure assembly
Inventor: HAWWA MUHAMMAD A
IPC: G11B21/10
Filed: 1997-05-01
Abstract: A head flexure assembly (40) for positioning a transducing head (25) over a selected track (34) of a rotatable disc (30) in a disc drive system (10) having an actuator arm (16) and head suspension (18) includes a bimorph piezoelectric microactuator (46) having first and second ends. The first end of the microactuator (46) is attached to the actuator arm (16), and a flexure (22) is attached to the second end of the microactuator (46). A slider (24) carrying the transducing head (25) is attached to the flexure (22).
Patent GB-2349997-A (GB)
Title: Voltage level converter for an active matrix LCD
Inventor: CAIRNS GRAHAM ANDREW
IPC: H03F3/345
Filed: 1999-05-12
Abstract: A voltage level converter for an active matrix LCD comprises thin-film polysilicon or amorphous silicon transistors which translate complementary low voltage input signals IN and !IN to a high voltage output signal !OUT. The input signal IN is shifted by the PMOS source follower T4 and then applied to the gates of the CMOS pair T1,T2. The complementary input signal !IN is applied to the source of the NMOS transistor T2 of the CMOS pair. When the low voltage input signal IN is high, the level shifter T4,T3 provides a drive potential sufficient to turn on T2. The signal !IN may be applied to the gate of the transistor T3 instead of a bias voltage Vb (figure 5).
Patent GB-2337641-A (GB)
Title: Tool for removing pcb connector body
Inventor: HARTING DIETMAR
IPC: H01R43/20
Filed: 1999-05-18
Abstract: A tool for removing a contact mounting member (12) of a multiple contact strip from a printed circuit board (10) including an extractor part (30) engaging the contact mounting member (12) and a supporting part (32), the extractor part (30) comprising at least one pawl member (34) for reaching behind a portion of the contact mounting member (12) is characterized in that the supporting part (32) comprises at least one supporting blade (36) for resting against a contact member of the multiple contact strip, the supporting part (32) capable of being translated from a starting position in which the supporting blade (36) is in a retracted position relative to the extractor part (30), into a removal position in which the supporting blade (36) is in an extended position, and that the pawl member (34) is configured such that it is insertable into the contact mounting member (12) on its side facing away from the printed circuit board (10) and is able to reach behind an edge portion (22) of the contact mounting member (12) by the extractor part (30) being displaced parallel to the printed circuit board (10).
Patent GB-2341302-A (GB)
Title: A reel seat for a fishing rod comprising a machinable inner sleeve and a coaxial outer sleeve.
Inventor: ALLEY F WILLIAM
IPC: A01K87/06
Filed: 1999-08-10
Abstract: A reel seat for a fishing rod comprises an outer member 12 adapted to receive the foot of a reel and an inner member 14 adapted to receive a portion of a fishing rod body. The inner member is fixed within an axial bore of the outer member and has a bore 15, substantially coaxial with the bore of the frangible outer member. The inner member has a machinability that is greater than the machinability of the outer member to allow easy diametrical enlargement of the bore formed through the inner member. The same sized reel seat can be used with the various fishing rods having different diameters due to the high machinability of the inner longitudinal member.
Patent GB-2354991-A (GB)
Title: Aircraft with security means for preventing skyjack
Inventor: ABDEL AZEEM SAMI AHMED
IPC: B64D45/00
Filed: 1999-10-06
Abstract: Hidden cameras and a screen enable a pilot to observe personnel in the aircraft and identify a potential skyjacker. A steel cell is constructed beneath part of the aircraft floor and is provided with a hydraulically operated door, operable by the pilot. If a perceived skyjacker comes near to a cabin door, the pilot may operate the cell door to cause the skyjacker to fall into the cell which has means for spraying an anaesthetic via a pump. The cell may also be provided with a hydraulic lift.