Abstract:
There is provided a phased array antenna comprising a plurality of antenna elements (12) and switching circuitry configured to switch the phased array antenna to an inactive mode. The switching to the inactive mode comprises the switching circuitry connecting random or pseudo-random impedance elements (20) to the antenna elements to reduce the peak backscatter level of the phased antenna array.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to rodenticides, methods of killing a rodent comprising administering to said rodent, a lethal dose of an isolated Yersinia murine toxin polypeptide or an isolated antigenic analogue thereof, and methods of manufacturing novel rodenticides.
Abstract:
There is provided an animal training system to train an animal to detect a training odour. The animal training system comprises a target (310) comprising the training odour (320) and a hidden marker (330); and a detector (350) for identifying the hidden marker. There is further provided an animal training method using the animal training system, the animal training method for practice by a supervisor, an animal handler, and an animal. The animal training method comprises placing the target (310) in a location of a search area (300), the target comprising the training odour (320) and the hidden marker (330), the placing being carried out by the supervisor; introducing the animal handler and the animal (305) to the search area; scanning with the detector (350) a candid ate location for the hidden marker, the candidate location being a location that is indicated by the animal; and rewarding the animal if the detector indicates the presence of the hidden marker at the candidate location.
Abstract:
There is disclosed improved apparatus and methods for detection of shape, size and intrinsic fluorescence properties of a fluid borne particle wherein the apparatus comprises a laser, two light sources, two detectors, and optionally a third detector. The apparatus is particularly suitable for detection of airborne biological particles.
Abstract:
The invention provides for an accelerometer comprising a proof mass within a fixed substrate wherein the proof mass is connected to the substrate by one or more v-beams. Acceleration is determined by measuring the deflection of the v-beam or beams.
Abstract:
A large core photonic crystal fibre for transmitting radiation having a core comprising a substantially transparent core material and having a core diameter of at least 5null. The fibre also comprises a cladding region surrounding the length of core material, wherein the cladding region comprises a first substantially transparent cladding material, having a first refractive index, and wherein the first substantially transparent cladding material has embedded along its length a substantially periodic A array of holes, wherein the holes are filled with a second cladding material having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index, such that radiation input to the optical fibre is transmitted along the length of the core material in a single mode of propagation. In a preferred embodiment, the core diameter may be at least 20null, and may be as large as 50null. The fibre is capable of transmitting higher power radiation than conventional fibres, whilst maintaining propagation in a single mode. The core material may be doped with a material capable of providing amplification under the action of pump radiation input to the fibre. The invention also relates to a fibre amplifier and a fibre laser comprising a doped large core photonic crystal fibre. The fibre may also be used in a system for transmitting radiation comprising a plurality of lengths of large core photonic crystal fibre, separated by large core photonic crystal fibre amplifiers, such that the power of radiation transmitted through the system is maintained above a predetermined threshold power.
Abstract:
An electroluminescent device (10) comprises a porous silicon region (22) adjacent a bulk silicon region (20), together with a top electrical contact (24) of transparent indium tin oxide and a bottom electrical contact (26) of aluminum. The device includes a heavily doped region (28) to provide an ohmic contact. The porous silicon region (22) is fabricated by anodizing through an ion-implanted surface layer of the bulk silicon. The silicon remains unannealed between the ion-implantation and anodization stages. The device (10) has a rectifying p-n junction within the porous silicon region (22).
Abstract:
A method of determining the location of an unknown source 10 transmitting a signal to satellite relays 14 and 16 comprises receiving replicas of the signal from the relays at receivers 18. The receivers 18 also transmit and receive reference signals via respective relays 14 and 16. All signals are downconverted, digitized and correlated with one another in pairs using a correlation function including a term which compensates for time varying differential frequency offset (DFO). Compensation for time varying differential time offset or time dilation is achieved by replicating or adding to signal samples and applying phase corrections. This procedure enables a correlation maximum and associated measurement results to be obtained despite the effects of relay satellite motion which mitigate against this. Results are used in a prior art geometrical technique to locate the unknown transmitter.
Abstract:
Skin protection agents such as topical compositions which can prevent the passage of toxic chemicals through the skin, such as barrier creams. Formulations may contain hexamethylene tetramine or derivatives or analogues thereof, which react with alkylating agents such as sulfur mustard, and which are suitable for formulation into topical compositions. The formulations additionally may contain perfluorinated polymeric compounds which are effective barrier compounds for a range of toxic chemicals.
Abstract:
Projectile launch apparatus (20) for use in a fluid environment. The apparatus (20) comprises a launch tube (21) having a supercavitating projectile (24) with cavitator (29) received within the launch tube (21). A means for generating expulsion gas (not visible) is arranged to provide expulsion gas to propel the projectile (24) from the launch tube (21), with means for bleeding expulsion gas (31, 32) being provided to bleed a portion of expulsion gas around the projectile (24). This allows expulsion gases to contribute to the formation of the gas cavity around the supercavitating projectile (24) as the projectile (24) is launched from the launch tube (21). Particularly suited to the deployment of supercavitating projectiles underwater, such as in underwater mine disposal applications.