Abstract: A multibeam antenna is provided comprising a direct radiating array, DRA, and a reflector arranged to reflect signals radiated from the DRA in a transmission mode and to reflect signals to the DRA in a reception mode. The antenna is a very high throughput satellite (VHTS) antenna providing global coverage with narrow, high gain beams.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a communications satellite can include a first mixer arranged to mix and down-convert a received signal in an input frequency range with a first local oscillator LO signal so that a signal within the received signal at a center frequency of a first frequency range is converted to an intermediate frequency IF, a bandpass filter having a passband with a center frequency at the IF arranged to filter the mixed signal such that the filter bandwidth defines the width of the first frequency range, and a second mixer arranged to mix the filtered IF signal with a second LO signal to up-convert the IF signal to an output frequency range. One of the first and second LO signals is a mixed LO signal obtained by mixing the other one with a third LO signal, and the output frequency range is different from the input frequency range.

Abstract: A glazing system for a building comprising a glazing panel, a support and an attachment assembly for attaching the glazing panel to the support is disclosed. The attachment assembly comprises a mounting secured to the support and a glazing fitting secured to the glazing panel. The mounting comprises a mounting member and the glazing fitting comprises a hook portion and the mounting is connected to the glazing fitting by a connection between the hook portion and the mounting member. The attachment assembly further comprises a shock absorber that allows the attachment assembly to move relative to the support upon applying an impact to the glazing panel, thereby improving the impact resistance of the glazing panel. Mountings and fittings for use in such glazing systems are also disclosed, as are methods of improving the impact resistance of a suspended glazing panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a communications satellite to select signals in a first frequency range from a received multiplexed signal comprises a first mixer arranged to mix the received signal with a first local oscillator LO signal to down-convert the received signal so that a signal within the received signal at a centre frequency of the first frequency range is converted to an intermediate frequency IF, a bandpass filter arranged to filter the mixed signal such that the filter bandwidth defines the width of the first frequency range, the bandpass filter having a passband with a centre frequency at the IF, and a second mixer arranged to mix the filtered IF signal with a second LO signal to up-convert the IF signal to the output frequency range. One of the first and second LO signals is a mixed LO signal obtained by mixing the other one of the first and second LO signals with a third LO signal, and the output frequency range is different to an input frequency range in which the multiplexed signal was received.

Abstract: A glazing system for a building comprising a glazing panel, a support and an attachment assembly for attaching the glazing panel to the support is disclosed. The attachment assembly comprises a mounting secured to the support and a glazing fitting secured to the glazing panel. The mounting comprises a mounting member and the glazing fitting comprises a hook portion and the mounting is connected to the glazing fitting by a connection between the hook portion and the mounting member. The attachment assembly further comprises a shock absorber that allows the attachment assembly to move relative to the support upon applying an impact to the glazing panel, thereby improving the impact resistance of the glazing panel. Mountings and fittings for use in such glazing systems are also disclosed, as are methods of improving the impact resistance of a suspended glazing panel.

Abstract: A glazing system for a building comprising a glazing panel, a support and an attachment assembly for attaching the glazing panel to the support is disclosed. The attachment assembly comprises a mounting secured to the support and a glazing fitting secured to the glazing panel. The mounting comprises a mounting member and the glazing fitting comprises a hook portion and the mounting is connected to the glazing fitting by a connection between the hook portion and the mounting member. The attachment assembly further comprises a shock absorber that allows the attachment assembly to move relative to the support upon applying an impact to the glazing panel, thereby improving the impact resistance of the glazing panel. Mountings and fittings for use in such glazing systems are also disclosed, as are methods of improving the impact resistance of a suspended glazing panel.

Abstract: A reconfigurable system for the analogue processing of radio frequency signals in a satellite communications system, comprises means for receiving a signal within a pre-selected first intermediate frequency and agile filter means comprising a variable mixer stage and at least one variable filter, adapted to select one or more first frequency channels from the input signal, to amplify and provide automatic gain control of the selected first channel signals and to translate the selected first channels to one or more second frequency channel signals within a pre-selected second intermediate frequency band, wherein the agile filter means is controllable to allow in-orbit reconfiguration of the system. The first and second intermediate frequencies are selected so as to minimize conversion of the uplink and downlink signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and process suitable for oxidising a metal halide in the vapor phase wherein at least part of the wall of the reaction zone is formed from crimped annular plates separated by uncrimped annular plates to form orifices through which at least one of the reactants can be introduced into the reaction zone.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for oxidizing a metal halide in the vapor phase wherein at least part of the wall of the reaction zone is formed from crimped annular plates separated by uncrimped annular plates to form orifices through which at least one of the reactants can be introduced into the reaction zone.