PRESS RELEASE - KEELE HIGH DENSITY LTD KHD announced its new hybrid high-density data memory system giving a maximum
memory capacity of 135GB/cm2 or 10.8TB double-sided at credit card size.
Since
that time, further development work has been completed and patents filed.
KHD are now able to give details on the most important software-related part of
its overall technology, which will shortly become available for both memory and
bandwidth capacity extension purposes.
Professor Williams of KHD has invented a new form of binary compression giving
an eight times expansion of memory and bandwidth capacity. The binary compression
process when combined with the KHD hybrid silicon/M-O memory system, with special
media/coating technology and a near-solid-state addressing system, gives the exceptionally
high memory capacity mentioned above. There is further development work
needed on some hardware aspects, and this announcement relates only to the binary
compression software system, which is commercially available now through licensing.
The
KHD compression system works by converting binary code into conventional 1,3 or
2,7 or 2,10 RLL coding. The RLL code for each 'word' of the message is then
arranged vertically below the previous word with the 1's for each word aligned
into one column. All 0's that are in the same position as for the previous
word are deducted, so that only the 0's representing a change from that previous
word need to be recorded. The clock position of each digit is logged, allowing
the complete word, and therefore, message to be reconstructed after storage or
transmission.
ILLUSTRATION
of RLL coding alignment:
Word
1 - 000100000
record:
000100000
0/1
= recorded digit
Word
2 - 01000
record:
xx_1___xx
x
= recorded change
Word
3 - 0010000
record:
_0_1___0
_
= unrecorded nil change
Word
4 - 0100
record:
x_1__xx
The
‘1’ is always recorded as it is the reference point for each word.
By
effectively daisy-chaining each word to the next in this way, the amount of space
needed for any given message is reduced by an average of eight times. Additionally
the amount of capacity needed for error checking can be dramatically reduced because
of the daisy chaining. In memory applications, because only a fraction of
the message requires to be recorded, the processing time is also significantly
reduced.
Because
this part of KHD's overall technology is software-related, it can be 'immediately'
applied to all existing memory and communications systems to increase capacity
by eight times. This means that all hard disk, CD, DVD, Flash and all other
memory systems will achieve an eight-times increase in capacity by using the KHD
system. Clock times are held initially in silicon and consequentially, the
KHD system is exceptionally fast.
Whilst
continuing development of the hardware aspects of its memory system, KHD is now
in the position to make its new binary compression system commercially available
through licensing, with software engines available directly from KHD over the
next few months. KHD is setting-up a software production unit in the UK,
and expects to announce an IPO later this year.
FURTHER
BACKGROUND
Keele High Density Ltd. (KHD) announced that it had developed a very high
density memory system capable of holding 2.3TB of memory in the space of a credit
card.
Further
work since then has resulted in some significant upward changes to both the capacities
previously stated and to the applications the KHD technology addresses. Some of
this work is continuing, and there are further patent applications to be filed.
The information available publicly is necessarily restricted until those patents
have been filed.
The
very high data densities are achieved through a combination of many different
factors – some relating to the physical properties of the recording media,
and some to the way of processing and handling data. The physical memory system
is a hybrid combination of magneto-optics and silicon. The KHD memory system is
applicable to both rotating and fixed media, and is not dependent on the laser-based
media-addressing system used. Following the work undertaken since last year, the
following data capacities are achievable:
For
rotating media, at DVD size, a single-sided capacity of 245 GB using a red laser
For
fixed media, a single-sided capacity of 45 GB/cm², giving a total capacity of
3.6 TB on the surface area of a credit card, double-sided and using a red laser.
Using a violet laser (now being introduced), the capacity at credit card size
will be 10.8 TB.
In
last year’s announcement from KHD the primary focus was on the fixed media
application, which with a novel form of laser addressing, could be described as
‘near solid state’ – involving no moving parts in the conventional
sense. However, this aspect of the technology will require some further R&D
work to bring it to a mass-production scale – although it is believed that
this will not present insurmountable difficulties. These constraints do not apply
to existing rotating media applications (for example, DVD), using conventional
laser systems, and there are no reasons why the KHD technology cannot be implemented
within a short timescale – measured literally in months.
A
major development arising out of KHD’s work over recent months, is that the
technology achieving these very high data density figures has application not
just for memory systems, but will also produce significant enhancements for the
transmission and processing of data generally. This means that KHD’s technology
can achieve an effective increase in bandwidth capacity, because the very high
data density properties, which are in addition to those from conventional compression
methods, allow so much more data to be transmitted over a given bandwidth. The
same advantages are also felt in terms of processing speeds. Work on this aspect
of KHD’s technology is continuing, but the current calculations show that
an effective eight-times increase in bandwidth capacity and processor speed can
be achieved.
KHD’s
development represents a fundamental advance in computing technology, with the
benefits being felt across many industry areas. Following completion of the patenting
position, KHD will be looking to license the technology to companies for mass-production,
and for the ongoing R&D work needed to make the ‘solid-state’ memory
commercially viable.
The
technology has been developed by Professor Ted Williams at Keele University, Staffordshire,
England, over a period of thirteen years. PROFILE: Ted Williams is Professor Emeritus
of Optoelectronics at Keele University, Staffs, England, and visiting Professor
of Electronic Engineering at South Bank University, London. Professor Williams
was Director of Research with Sir Godfrey Hounsfield, Nobel Prizewinner, working
on the invention and creation of the first NMR Scanner at Hammersmith Hospital,
London. He has also held directorships with major international companies. His
main focus over the last thirteen years has been the research and development
of 3-dimensional magneto-optical recording systems.
KHD’s
licensing and funding arrangements are managed by Mike Downey, Managing Director
of Cavendish Management Resources. CMR is a venture capital and executive management
company, based in London. CMR has supported the development of this technology.
Arising
from a five year programme, at an approximate cost of £500,000, the inventors
have developed and constructed a fully functional 40kWe demonstration rig, (with
a very large amount of detailed experimental data and operational manuals), which
with the exception of some further development of the combustor, is a market ready
system capable of being readily scaled up to 250kWe. Still larger scale generation
is also feasible using the same basic system, subject to further development being
carried out. The demonstration rig utilises an ex Vulcan Bomber auxiliary power
unit (APU), which has run on up to 50:50 wood fibre/aviation fuel mixture, the
ratio only being limited by the size of the combustor. The combustor is of simple
construction with no moving parts, hence only simple maintenance is required.
It
is envisaged that the market ready Bioturbine will be a self contained unit, requiring
little maintenance, fired by a pressurised 90% wood (Biomass) fuelled cyclone
combustor. which can be sited close to a source of wood (or other Biomass) and
used as a cost effective alternative to fossil fuelled power generation.
Generates cost
effective electricity and heat whilst reducing global warming compared with fossil
fuels.
Suitable
both for developed countries committed to sustainable energy with low emissions,
and for those regions of the world without fossil fuels resources.
·
Sufficiently portable to be sited in remote areas where fossil fuels are unavailable.
·
Likely to be attractive to companies already in the power generation or related
industry, wishing to increase business in, or diversify into, the biomass CHP
market
Major
advantages over diesel generators, - compact dimensions, weight, transportability,
lower vibration & noise, C02 neutral, lower maintenance costs and multi fuel
capabilit
Milemiser
CMR
has been retained to offer for license a unique device (Milemiser) which, when
installed in a car or other vehicle, records and provides printed records of business
and private mileage.
In the UK alone there are almost 7 million cars with a requirement
to report on business and private mileage, Significant additional opportunities
exist in Europe and the US.
The unit is low cost, simple to install, easy to operate and provides
a printed mileage and cost record. There is no comparable device on the
market.
It is completely self contained and does not require transfer of
data to a PC by, eg SMART card, disc or other device.
Technical development is complete, - although miniaturisation
and redesign of the prototype case is suggested to improve aesthetic appeal.
A patent was filed Oct 2002, with potential for world wide coverage
under the PCT system.
Milemiser comprises a small plastic casing containing readily available
electronic components, including a simple printer. The design is technically
proven over some months in an installed prototype, but it is felt that further
development work by the licensee to miniaturise the unit is needed to increase
its aesthetic appeal, - and hence market penetration. If required,
the unit can be programmed to record speed (at a given time), with obvious implications
to the insurance industry
It is easily installed in a vehicle via the 12V supply and speedometer
pulse feed. For vehicles with mechanical odometers a simple conversion
kit is available.
Manufactured cost has been independently quoted at less than
£25 and a consumer price of about £175 is envisaged.
When
the ignition is switched on the driver is prompted to select business or private
mileage. From then on recording is automatic until the driver indicates
that the journey is over. Anti tamper pins prevent fraud.
The
Milemiser target market is cars and other vehicles where there is a requirement
to record and report on business and private mileage for, eg, cost management,
verification of expenses, tax reporting and, increasingly, compliance with Health
and Safety requirements and the European Working Time Directive.
With
appropriate marketing, potential rewards are large. For example, in the
UK alone a 5% market penetration of the dual business/private car market, could
generate an ex works turnover of £17m Light
vans represent an additional attractive user group, and the US market is particularly
attractive.
Should the licensee require, the inventor (who is a successful
businessman in his own right) has extensive knowledge of Far East manufacturing
and can offer modern warehousing facilities from
which distribution could be arranged.
Wind
Turbines
This
unique technology for 2 - 50 KW units opens up wind powered turbines the global
industrial & commercial energy market in moderate and varying wind
resource areas. Effectively it enables wind energy to be extracted
from unfavourable wind regimes. A two metre diameter aluminium prototype is currently
under construction and patent protection is in place. The work required
to scale up to marketable products from the prototype is not considered time or
capital intensive, and the major resource requirement is likely to be global marketing.
Enables customers to displace part of their utility energy purchases (electricity
/ gas)
Provides up to 70% increase
in power generating capability for a 30% increase in installed cost.
Low marketing / technical risk
CATT
(Combined Augmentation TurbineTechnology ) comprises a conventional
horizontal axis turbine rotating within a short aerodynamic duct. The key technology
is a new method of controlling airflow through the duct that guarantees the performance
of the duct in any wind regime. In addition this allows a more powerful aerodynamic
duct to be used, whose profile is based on established high lift aircraft wing
technology. This results in a modern version of a ducted turbine uniquely suitable
for use near buildings, where wind speed is variable and generally in the range
3 to 7 m/s.
The Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory has given its endorsement to the CATT turbine.
The CATT duct configuration is multifunctional and adds value by offering – air
flow processing, augmentation, propeller over speed control, propeller containment
and improved visual appearance.
CATT is designed to ‘process’
the veering and slightly turbulent winds into a smoother air flow which generates
up to 70% more torque and power generating capability than the propeller alone.
The speed of the propeller
is controlled by turning the duct horizontally, such that noise, wear and safety
issues are minimized. As the duct can accept wind from a wide
angle, the power curve is better than that of a "bare" propeller.
CATT
technology presents a major opportunity for a wind turbine manufacturer to offer
a range of turbines to industrial & commercial customers in built up areas.
CATT enables the ‘on site’ generation market to be developed and opens up the
multi billion $ energy market directly to a wind turbine supplier.
Installed cost of CATT is about 25% of that for an equivalent Solar PV unit.
Typical customers will be offices,
public buildings, industrial units, government facilities and special sites like
exhibition halls and airports, where the energy produced substitutes for utility
supplied power for electricity, space heating, hot water, cooling fans etc. In
some countries customers can obtain capital grants and tax breaks for renewable
technologies.
Within these above parameters,
key features include:
Low wind speed augmentation
- CATT operates in moderate wind regimes that cover up to 55% of the earth’s landmass.
(Wind farm technology restricted to 7%)
Noise reduction
- duct swings sideways to shield propeller from the wind, thus slowing it down
and preventing noise.
Shorter tower
- the duct reduces the effects of wind surface roughness, which diminishes tower
size and cost. Assists with planning permission..
Flexible ‘on site’ positioning
- less sensitive to wind velocity and quality than conventional wind turbines.
Makes marketing the turbine easier.
Low technical risk
- based on proven, commonly available components and materials.
CMR believe that the full
commercial potential of this technology is best achieved by licensing the technology
to a company with significant involvement and recognition in the wind turbine
market, ideally in a position to develop this new market segment. The entry risk
for CATT is small because existing propeller / alternator technology may be used,
the scale of the assemblies is manageable and the customer’s sites are not remote.
Additionally it is envisaged that the ‘on site’ generation market, will
be easier to penetrate than the ‘wind farm’ market, where there are many barriers
outside the control of the wind turbine supplier.
Railgrip
This invention offers the licensee the potential to generate
significant revenue from a widely recognised , high profile problem. It
is likely to be of interest to a major supplier of OEM and/or retrofit locomotive
components
Developed by a tolling stock engineer with many years hands on
experience in the railway industry, the key features of Railgrip include:
Fits to a standard locomotive, either OEM or retrofit.
Eliminates
the need for special, slow speed "leaf removal" trains.
Operates
at loco speeds of up to 120 mph.
Uses proven technology.
Low
operating costs.
Eliminates
both leaf debris and ice.
Despite investment of more than £50m on new technology, including
purpose built vehicles with de-icers, sand cannon, glue sprays, laser blasting,
detergents, high pressure hoses, train borne gritters and a satellite location
system, published data shows that leaves falling onto 20,000 miles of railtrack
cause delays of more the 4000 hours per year. Keeping banks clear from overgrowing
vegetation costs £3m per year, and repair of damage to tracks is estimated at
£15m per year. In the current political climate, the market
is without doubt ready for a cost effective solution to this high profile problem.
Railgrip recognises and addresses
the problem of the need for special slow speed trains, the abrasive properties
of sand based treatment, the cost of laser based treatment and the need for storage
of water (or water based mixtures) for high pressure hoses. It is simple
to fit to a locomotive (either OEM or retrofit) , does not requires storage
of , eg, water or sand, and works at passenger train line speeds.
By cleaning the track ahead of the train during normal operations safety is improved
and delays minimised.
Initial
estimates suggest the device could be fitted to a locomotive operating at line
speeds of 120 mph for about £30,000.
A
test rig to define operating parameters at simulated line speeds of up to 120
mph is under constructio.
CHP
OXIDISER
The
CHP Oxidiser technology enables power generating combustion engines to use industrial
air pollution as a source of energy. It links Power Generation, Pollution Control
and Contract Energy and will be of major interest to global utility suppliers..
Controls industrial
air pollution to meet the needs of a legislation driven market.
Substantial
reduction in energy costs
Reduction
in energy ensures the lowest operating costs compared to all conventional competitive
equipment in the market.
Energy
savings can contribute to an energy supply contract, enabling a customer to outsource
his pollution control with power generation.
Environmental
benefits
Up
to 25% less CO2 emissions than conventional on site power generation (CHP).
Allows
access to low-carbon incentive schemes, e.g., the UK Climate Change Levy.
Suited
for new or retrofit opportunities
Addresses
a $2.3 billion OEM market that exceeds 3000 projects a year.
Can
be retrofitted to existing pollution control equipment, of which there are in
excess of 30,000 installations.
A
key feature of this Licensing Opportunity is the technical and commercial experience
of the two inventors in the pollution control/power generation market, which can
be made available to the licensee.
EasiPush
EasiPush
is a revolutionary new design of door lock with benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis
sufferers and the Elderly.
The
user no longer has to turn a key - often a painful or impossible experience for
Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers, disabled people and the Elderly
Operation
is by a simple insertion of the key and a push button – no twisting action
required
External
appearance identical to a traditional door lock.
Discreet
Push Button only indication of speciality
Applicable
for use in both new construction and retrofit application
Simple
to fit and requires no new procedures compared to the installation of existing
products are required and is suitable for the DIY retrofit market
No
compromise on level of security
Cheaper,
easier to install and simpler to operate than electrical/electronic locking devices
Key
global markets are Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers (600,000 in the UK) and the
elderly (8 million in the UK).
Newton
Downflow Water Aerator
The Newton
downflow water aeration technology has major economic advantages over current
systems which inject air/oxygen or spray droplets onto the liquid surface.
Capital
cost approximately halved.
At
least 50 % reduction in energy demand.
Lower
maintenance costs
Able
to operate in remote locations using sustainable energy sources such as solar
panels or wind turbines.
Based on the natural water
aeration process observed when water flows over a waterfall or weir, the Newton
process comprises four separate phases, each of which maximises the quantity
of oxygen presented to the base of the pond/tank whilst minimising the energy
input.
Lifting
a volume of liquid to the top of the aerator (1-2 metres)
Entrainment of the air as discrete
bubbles in a film of liquid as it plunges to a lower level.
Controlled mixing of the bubbles
and liquid in a vertical column.
Transport of the oxygenated liquid to the base of the tank/pond.
The only
moving part is a pump, costing about 50% of a conventionally used compressor
system. Similarly, operating costs are much lower than a compressor
based systems, since energy is only required to raise water 1- 2 metres from pond
level. The transfer efficiency ( 5 kg oxygen per kWh) is significantly greater
than typically specified for activated sludge treatment plants. (2
kg oxygen per kWh)
It
is envisaged that the licensee will be a major company familiar with the water
& waste treatment markets, with the strategy to increase market share and
profit margins, and that markets for this highly cost effective technology
will include:
Provision
of oxygen to support microbes in effluent treatment plants and support fish and
plant life in fish farms
Counteracting oxygen depletion caused by run-offs to rivers systems from fertilised
farmlands during floods
Combating algae and obnoxious odours in Docks, Canals and Reservoirs
Restricting hydrated ferric
oxide flow into river systems from mine
Personalised Exhaust Decoration
Protected by Registered Design, this device personalises
the vehicle by mounting to the exhaust system
of cars, motorcycles and HGV's a high
quality decorative fitting containing, eg, letters, numbers and images.
It is much less expensive, and offer far greater design opportunities,
than personalised number plates.
The designer,
who is a successful business man in his own right , introduced
his product at the 1999 UK NEC Motor Show . It aroused a tremendous
amount of interest and generated prepaid orders to the value of about £90,000,
with a unit sales price of £128 of £700, followed by a further 2000 enquiries,
including 70 company directors expressing corporate and personal interests.
A key selling point was the flexibility of design , particularly regarding
material of construction and motifs. There was a lot of interest from
the 17 - 35 year old age range, the majority being female. Sporting motifs
such as baseball players and tennis rackets with an inscribed name were much in
demand. Importantly, interest was registered from several manufacturers
who wished to take a license.
Due to other
business interests, the project has only recently been made available for
license, ideally to a company with strong marketing resources and the capability
to manufacture small runs of "specialised" products., which we
plan to achieve by licensing.
New
Hull & Keel Design
Michael Wingeatt has developed a
low wash hull design for displacement vessels in which the need to plane is eradicated,
bow or stern waves are not produced, and there is no top speed threshold. In effect
a medium to heavy cruising yacht can compete and surpass a stripped out racing
craft.
The concept can be scaled
up or down and therefore can be applied to a large number of commercial, service
and civil roles. It provides for medium to fast eminently seaworthy craft with
economic, low wash characteristics. The simplicity of design offers practicality
and versatility in both manufacture and usage.
The
hollow keel increases cabin space, conventional materials of manufacture allow
manufacturing costs to be minimised, and greater seaworthiness is achieved from
the inherent strength of the integral keel. A major safety feature of Mike’s invention
is that it is self righting, making it ideal for family sailing as well
as for the rapidly increasing number of sailors with disabilities.
A
1:10 scale model which was tested and proved in a fluid dynamics tank at University
College (London) and a 8788mm long prototype with a displacement of 1184kg and
a sail area of 22sq.m, has recorded a speed of 18.3 knots in the Solent.
At
this years Boat Show the inventor won the highly prestigious Amateur Yacht
Research Society’s (AYRS) John Hogg Prize for his radical design.
Given
the potential speed, economy, range and build/maintenance advantages of the concept
over current designs the market potential for this unique technology is large
and global. The concept can be adapted for all displacement and semi-displacement
craft, all types of yachts, commercial service and civil boats. Typical applications
include police launches, harbourmaster’s launches , club launches or small pleasure
craft, customs vessel (replacement for the RNLI Mersey class) , , a customs vessel
(replacement for the RNLI Severn class) or medium pleasure craft, Coast-guard
vessels and small naval patrol vessels.
Computer
Work Station
This device
was developed by a consultant site engineer who was unable to source a sturdy,
folding work station which he could use for operating his lap top on site for
lengthy periods. He required the equipment to be easy to erect,
very sturdy, yet light enough to carry easily and small enough when folded
to take up very little room in what was normally an almost full car boot or rear
seat. Sturdy commercially available equipment did not satisfy these
criteria.
His work station,
which was tested/developed for some months and is now in daily use by the inventor,
satisfies all these criteria, it's particularly strong points are stability,
and small folded size. It is manufactured from steel section and wood, but
materials of construction are not crucial and can be selected to seek manufacturer
preference and market need.
Although
originally designed a high specification on site lap top work station, people
who have seen the prototype clearly recognise a multitude of other applications
in the leisure and professional markets. It is envisaged that use could
include, eg, computer stations, drawing boards, reading tables, school work
stations, drawing boards, writing desks, ironing board.
Automated
Sandwich Production
Developed by Jayan
Ragavan (a key figure in the global automated food processing industry), using
robotic devices invented by himself, together with other commercially available
components, this process gives major financial and technical advantages
over current practice
Key advantages include:
Totally
automated assembly and packaging, resulting in low operating costs, short pay
back period and minimal hygiene risks
Automated
short production runs with frequent component changes, using a short (3
to 5 metres) production line
Capital
cost approx 50% of currently available automated sandwich lines.
Although
the snack and confectionery industries are now highly automated in production
terms, this has not taken place to a significant extent in the sandwich
manufacturing industry for a number of reasons.
Sandwiches have no rigidity and the normal automated
"pick and place" or pouring processes used in other types of assembly
are not practical.
Holding
the sandwich together during assembly or cutting is difficult, as the application
of more than very light pressure will spoil the appearance of the sandwich or
squeeze out some of the filling.
Assembling
cutting and packaging the sandwich with the filling securely inside it cannot
easily be automated at present and even with a large degree of manual input, spillage
of the contents and misalignment of the assembly remains a production problem
at economic production line speed.
Different
shapes and sizes of bread or other outer item make the design of automated handling
machinery difficult.
Market
demand dictates a wide and changing variety of fillings, although
a short shelf life means that long sandwich runs "made for stock" are
not a practical.
The
Ragavan process addresses and resolves these concerns and, for technical and commercial
reasons, offers the sandwich manufacturer the potential to increase both
margin and market share.
Image
enhancement technique for non medical applications.
Funded
by a SMART award, this image edge definition and enhancement, technology has already
raised very significant interest in the medical field. However, it is also likely
to be of considerable interest to companies concerned with non medical applications
such as DNA Pattern Analysis, finger print analysis, credit card fraud, x-ray
hairline crack analysis and astronomy picture analysis.
High performance Welding Nozzles
The
working temperature of current welding nozzles means that they are easily subject
to damage in use and an individual nozzle rarely lasts as long as a week. Each
time a nozzle has to be changed the welding machine has to be cooled and the consequent
down-time can be up to 20 minutes. These problems are greater when welders are
working in cramped areas or confined spaces.
This
High Performance Nozzle Technology extends the life of welding nozzles by a factor
of ten or more. Additionally, a simple daily cleaning routine to rapidly remove
build up of debris further improves nozzle life.
Benefits
the user by extending the life of welding nozzles by a factor of at least ten.
reduces
down-time on changing nozzles
excellent
for working in cramped positions
Allows
the manufacturer to greatly improve margins
Requires
only simple addition to existing welding nozzle manufacturing processes
Patent
protection (UK, Europe and USA), enables greater marketing control and protection
of margins.
The
inventor of this nozzle has been a welder all his working life, in wide range
of engineering companies, on North Sea installations and as demonstrator in BOC’s
welding training centre. He is aware of all the practical issues faced by welders
on the shop floor. This invention has grown out of that experience and long discussions
with welders about their needs. Over the past two years this technology has been
successfully field tested in engineering companies in the West Midlands.
Diesel
exhaust particulate filter
This
low cost device removes harmful particulates from diesel engine exhausts : -
Simple and easy
to fit to the end of a conventional exhaust system;
Low
initial cost;
No
moving parts and has, therefore, a long life;
Contains
renewable filtration media within a metal or plastic container;
Applicable
for use in both new and retrofit applications;
When
fitted to HGV and PSV engines, will qualify for lower Vehicle Excise Duty.
The
device, which can be manufactured from either metal or plastic, is fitted to the
exhaust outlet pipe of the engine. The exhaust gases pass into the device and
in doing so expand and cool. The cooled gases then pass through a natural fibre
matted filter that removes almost all of the particulate matter contained within
the exhaust gases. The filtered gases then pass out into the atmosphere in the
normal way.
The
device has no moving parts and can be fitted to new engines or as a retrofit to
existing engines. The device thus has a long life, and the natural fibre matted
filter (which is washable and renewable), can be disposed of without causing environmental
problems.
Aircraft
seat design to minimise Deep Vein Thrombosis
Invented
by a team of highly qualified physicists and medical doctors, this technology
reduces the highly topical risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis in aircraft passengers
by modifying the combined contours of the seat and footrest such that the bends
between the torso & thighs and thighs & legs of a passenger’s body
are straightened and blood flow is not impeded. Vibrating mats may be incorporated
into the seat and/or footrest to further aid blood circulation.
Importantly,
the device can either be included in original equipment or retrofitted, thus greatly
reducing the cost of its early introduction into aircraft.
The
technology, which has been proved on the basis of simple laboratory models, is
the subject of a searched patent application, which will be used as the basis
of world wide protection via the PCT system. Preparation of one or more prototypes
will not be a major task for a company already concerned with aircraft seats,
and the inventors are prepared to further advise on technical and medical matters
during development of a marketable product.
Urine
collector
CMR
has been retained to offer for license this cost effective urine handling system
which offers unique advantages over current systems.
Unisex
urine collecting device
One
size fits all.
One
handed operation - it fits easily into, and is used in, one hand.
Jet
can enter at any angle and the user does not get wet
Can
be used by men and women in most body positions
Urine
pumped away faster than it can collect, so does not depend on gravity
Does
not have to be emptied between uses – passes via a small bore pipe out to
tank or direct to waste
User
can urinate in private and unassisted
Waste
products discretely enclosed and hidden from view
No
spills or smells
Attractive,
ergonomically refined shape.
The
product has been developed in conjunction with suppliers and manufacturers of
injection moulded medical equipment in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, continence
advisers and doctors, and has been user tested (male and female).
We
believe this device to be unique in that it is a unisex device, enabling both
men and women to urinate from most body positions, without the assistance of a
carer, this being a great advantage for both the user and the carer.
Filter
for increasing period between oil changes
A
full flow filter removes metal particles, carbon and water from vehicle oils and
other lubricants, such that the period between changes is dramatically extended.
Prototypes and long term vehicle trials clearly demonstrate the effectiveness
of the technology. Of particular interest is the concept of a totally plastic
housing, which can be disposable or refillable. Potential licensees include vehicle
accessory manufacturers/suppliers and plastic injection moulding companies having
links with the automotive industry.
Flowvalve
Flowvalve
is a small unit which, when plumbed into an existing or new hot water system,
will produce instant hot water at the point of draw off by maintaining water at
source temperature throughout the delivery pipe-work.
revolutionary
new design of hot water system for domestic, commercial and industrial application.
As soon as the tap is turned on, the system delivers an immediate flow of hot
water at the point of draw off, thus offering considerable saving in water and
heating costs.
The
system offers: -
simple
and easy installation by a competent plumber or DIY exponent;
low
cost with a very short pay-back period;
fitting
at the time of construction of the building or retrofitted to most existing systems;
immediate
and substantial savings in water consumption through reduction in water wasted;
immediate
and significant reduction in heating energy costs through reduced escape of heat
from circulation/delivery pipes prior to draw off.
The
product, which is already fitted in a number of domestic, commercial and industrial
premises, uses the concept of a pipe loop (i.e. an outward and return flow of
water) but applies this concept in a single pipe. A conventional water circulation
pump is located near to the heat source to propel the hot water from the source
to the point of use. A ‘Flowmizer’ unit is located near to the source
to route the hot water through a micro-bore tube that is fitted inside the pre-existing
pipe-work. The micro-bore tube has an open end near to the draw off point. When
the tap is opened, hot water flows from the micro-bore tube immediately giving
instant hot water. When the tap is closed, the hot water circulates outward via
the micro-bore tube returning to the source through the main part of the pipe.
The
system can be fitted to all sizes of hot water systems and central heating systems,
such that all radiators to exude heat at or very near source temperature rather
than the present situation that applies where the radiators furthest from the
heat source are much cooler than the ones nearest to the source.
Interestingly,
it can also be utilised in cooling systems to keep the temperature at or near
the cooling source temperature.
Rayvalve
The
Rayvalve allows a radiator to be emptied of water very quickly and easily, thus
enabling it to be removed rapidly to facilitate decoration of the room. The design
of the valve also enables much easier ‘bleeding ‘ of the radiator.
The
valve is: -
simple
and easy to fit by a competent plumber or DIY exponent;
low
cost;
capable
of being retrofitted to all existing central heating radiators;
easy
to operate making the removal of radiators very simple and straightforward.
Orthodox
valves contain a square headed screw that is operated by a key to allow air to
escape from the radiator. The Rayvalve is fitted with a ‘Schroder’ type
valve, as used in car tyres, rather than a square headed screw, which allows very
easy bleeding of the radiator by depressing the plunger and quick emptying of
the radiator.
To
empty the radiator of water to facilitate easy removal for room decoration, a
normal bicycle pump is connected to the valve and air is pumped into the radiator
thus expelling the water. When all the water has been expelled, the valves at
the bottom of the radiator are closed and disconnected and the empty (and consequently
light) radiator can be easily removed.
Scanning
Laser
A
recent project in which multi purpose indoor sports arenas are marked with coatings
which become selectively visible when exposed to a scanning laser.
XML
browser
The
XML DATA ENTRY BROWSER enables quick and easy deployment of systems across a local
area network, thus preventing different users on the network from using different
versions of programs - a very thorny issue for companies with enterprise systems.
Software
fully designed and developed
Provides
a user friendly data entry screen which can be easily customised to the customer’s
needs
Meets
a key need in large corporate and the financial services sector
Successfully
piloted within a Trading Solution for stockbrokers and banks
Works
with any server platform
Will
provide an easy and quick deployment integration tool for disparate enterprise
systems for use by systems integrators, developers or in-house IT departments
Can
be easily modified to facilitate web browser applications
The
software reads XML documents (files or streams from an application server) to
define the interface and also to populate any drop down lists etc. When the user
saves their data, it is sent to XML files or to the application server for update
to the back end database as an XML fragment.
::
TECHNOLOGY LICENSING ::
A
membership of around 400 senior executives, with experience in most disciplines
and markets, provides CMR with the resources to identify and manage a very wide
range of licensing projects.
Before
accepting a project into the IPR Portfolio CMR checks the effectiveness &
protection of the technology, which must offer the potential to generate significant
revenue for the licensee.
CMR
appoints a unique team for each IPR project.
When
a project is accepted into the IPR Portfolio, CMR makes no charge until a licensee
is appointed.
Through
numerous senior industry and academic contacts CMR is able to source cutting edge
technology in a number of key disciplines
CMR
has particular expertise and contacts in a number of key markets, in which we
have a rapidly changing portfolio of IPR interests
Other
Projects
THE
NEW KHD BINARY COMPRESSION SYSTEM
Arising
from a five year programme, at an approximate cost of £500,000, the inventors
have developed and constructed a fully functional 40kWe demonstration rig, (with
a very large amount of detailed experimental data and operational manuals), which
with the exception of some further development of the combustor, is a market ready
system capable of being readily scaled up to 250kWe. Still larger scale generation
is also feasible using the same basic system, subject to further development being
carried out. The demonstration rig utilises an ex Vulcan Bomber auxiliary power
unit (APU), which has run on up to 50:50 wood fibre/aviation fuel mixture, the
ratio only being limited by the size of the combustor. The combustor is of simple
construction with no moving parts, hence only simple maintenance is required.
The
CHP Oxidiser technology enables power generating combustion engines to use industrial
air pollution as a source of energy. It links Power Generation, Pollution Control
and Contract Energy and will be of major interest to global utility suppliers..
EasiPush
is a revolutionary new design of door lock with benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis
sufferers and the Elderly. 
Funded
by a SMART award, this image edge definition and enhancement, technology has already
raised very significant interest in the medical field. However, it is also likely
to be of considerable interest to companies concerned with non medical applications
such as DNA Pattern Analysis, finger print analysis, credit card fraud, x-ray
hairline crack analysis and astronomy picture analysis.
The
working temperature of current welding nozzles means that they are easily subject
to damage in use and an individual nozzle rarely lasts as long as a week. Each
time a nozzle has to be changed the welding machine has to be cooled and the consequent
down-time can be up to 20 minutes. These problems are greater when welders are
working in cramped areas or confined spaces.
This
low cost device removes harmful particulates from diesel engine exhausts : -
Invented
by a team of highly qualified physicists and medical doctors, this technology
reduces the highly topical risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis in aircraft passengers
by modifying the combined contours of the seat and footrest such that the bends
between the torso & thighs and thighs & legs of a passenger’s body
are straightened and blood flow is not impeded. Vibrating mats may be incorporated
into the seat and/or footrest to further aid blood circulation. 
CMR
has been retained to offer for license this cost effective urine handling system
which offers unique advantages over current systems.
A
full flow filter removes metal particles, carbon and water from vehicle oils and
other lubricants, such that the period between changes is dramatically extended.
Prototypes and long term vehicle trials clearly demonstrate the effectiveness
of the technology. Of particular interest is the concept of a totally plastic
housing, which can be disposable or refillable. Potential licensees include vehicle
accessory manufacturers/suppliers and plastic injection moulding companies having
links with the automotive industry.
Flowvalve
is a small unit which, when plumbed into an existing or new hot water system,
will produce instant hot water at the point of draw off by maintaining water at
source temperature throughout the delivery pipe-work.
The
Rayvalve allows a radiator to be emptied of water very quickly and easily, thus
enabling it to be removed rapidly to facilitate decoration of the room. The design
of the valve also enables much easier ‘bleeding ‘ of the radiator.
The
XML DATA ENTRY BROWSER enables quick and easy deployment of systems across a local
area network, thus preventing different users on the network from using different
versions of programs - a very thorny issue for companies with enterprise systems.
