Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of agriculture. In particular the invention provides a protein, a nucleic acid, a recombinant gene, plants comprising the recombinant gene and methods for altering the number of spikelets per spike of a wheat plant.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for collecting bank account information from an individual and authenticating the individual prior to allowing the bank account to receive an electronic fund transfer comprises providing a website; allowing the individual on the website to enter bank account information to which funds will be transferred; delivering application forms with a unique bar-coded identifier over the internet to the individual; electronically receiving and storing the application forms after being completed by the individual and linking the bar coded identifier with the individual's bank account information; visually comparing by at least first and second customer support representatives information provided on the forms with information provided on the website to verify the identity of the individual; and validating payment to the individual if the individual's identity is verified.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) print head has a linear array of LEDs and device drivers for delivering current to each LED individually. An imaging lens system to create a real image of the LED array is provided in the form of a plurality of gradient index lenses and the LEDs each have emission cones closely matched to the numerical aperture of the gradient index imaging lenses.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display has a matrix addressing structure which includes a first support structure 10 on one side of the display and a second support structure 20, substantially parallel to the said first support structure, on the other side of the display. On the inner surface 12 of the first support structure 10 there is a first set of parallel electrodes 11 and on the facing the inner surface 23 of the second support structure 20 there are second 22 and third 21 sets of parallel electrodes arranged substantially orthogonal to the first set of electrodes 11. The electrodes 21,22 of the second and third sets are interspersed with one another.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) print head has a linear array of LEDs and device drivers for delivering current to each LED individually. An imaging lens system to create a real image of the LED array is provided in the form of a plurality of gradient index lenses and the LEDs each have emission cones closely matched to the numerical aperture of the gradient index imaging lenses.

Abstract: A device for generating droplets of fluid has a fluid supply reservoir and an electromechanical transducer. Electrodes are arranged to cause expansion and contraction of the transducer in a dimension perpendicular to the applied electric field. A perforated element is coupled for movement with the expansion and contraction of the transducer and is positioned for contact with the fluid supply for dispensing droplets therethrough.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium comprises an optically sensitive layer at or adjacent to one surface of the medium, said one surface of the medium comprising a plurality of topographical features or structures disposed in a regularly repeating pattern, said pattern being free from undercutting so that the medium can be produced and/or replicated by molding, casting, embossing or similar process against a tool. The optically sensitive layer is preferably overcoated with a thin film of a metallic material which conforms to the topography of said surface.

Abstract: An interferometer which comprises: (1) a single, coherent light source; (2) a first converging lens positioned on the optical axis of said coherent light source; (3) a beam-splitting arrangement positioned on said optical axis and spaced from said first converging lens by a distance greater than the focal length of said lens; (4) a second converging lens positioned on said lens; (4) a second converging lens positioned on said optical axis to receive and to focus the two beams emanating in use from the beam-splitting arrangement; and (5) a mirror arrangement positioned so that the beams focussed by said second converging lens impinge on the mirror system and so that the reflected beams are brought to intersect at a focal point and with a large angle between the principal rays of the two beams.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The method for manufacturing a data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a heat sensitive material which has a textured surface pattern the pitch of which is smaller than the shortest wavelength of the predetermined band of wavelengths, and the depth (peak-to-trough) of which is at least 100 nm. The surface pattern is free from undercutting, and can comprise an array of protuberances or one or more sets of grooves (which may be intersecting). The textured surface pattern is further coated with a thin film of a high-opacity material, e.g. gold, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a material which undergoes a large volume change or degradation and has a regular, sinuous textured surface pattern which is free from undercutting. The textured surface pattern is coated with a thin film of platinum or a platinum alloy, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation.A method of storing information on such a data storage medium is also disclosed. The data storage medium may be prepared in blank form for use as the consumer desires, or it may be pre-recorded in part or in entirety.

Abstract: Optical data storage members in which the guard bands present between data-carrying tracks of conventional data storage members are used to carry information recorded in a manner which avoids the danger of cross-talk between adjacent tracks. One preferred arrangement consists of an optical data storage member comprising an optically recordable surface having a plurality of tracks in which information may be recorded in analogue or digital form, the tracks being of a first type in which the material constituting the track is sensitive to radiation of a first predetermined characteristic and a second type in which the material thereof is sensitive to radiation of a second predetermined characteristic, wherein tracks of the first type alternate across the surface of the second type. The tracks may be constituted by a surface region (1,2,3,4,5) carrying a plurality of closely spaced grooves (11,12,13,14,15), the grooves of one track being orthogonally directed with respect to those of its adjacent tracks.

Abstract: A data storage medium is provided which is suitable for production or replication by moulding, casting, embossing or a similar process against a tool. The data storage medium has a surface or a surface region which is strongly absorbent of at least a predetermined band of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The surface or surface region includes a layer of a heat sensitive material which has a textured surface pattern the pitch of which is smaller than the shortest wavelength of the predetermined band of wavelengths, and the depth (peak-to-trough) of which is at least 100 nm. The surface pattern is free from undercutting, and can comprise an array of protuberances or one or more sets of grooves (which may be intersecting). The textured surface pattern is further coated with a thin film of a high-opacity material, e.g. gold, the thickness of the overcoating preferably being such as to give no more than 10% transmission of incident radiation.

Abstract: Blood flow in a retinal blood vessel is measured by detecting the doppler shift imparted to two laser beams intersecting on a portion of the retinal vessel. Twin beams of laser radiation are directed along an optical path into an eye and scattered radiation returned along the path into two photo-multipliers. The twin beams are passed through a beam rotator so that the plane containing them can be aligned along the retinal vessel under measurement. A local oscillator signal for homodying with the doppler shifted laser radiation is obtained from reflections from the eye itself or a separate reflector. This reflector can be moved to impart a frequency shift to the local oscillator signal to remove ambiguities in the doppler measurements. Automatic tracking of small eye movements is provided by a beam deflector and servo motor controlled by a detector.

Abstract: A mechanical turning device for structural shapes has a hollow power driven shaft supported on the end of a frame. Turning jaws are located on the end of an extension shaft which fits inside the hollow shaft and rotates with it and is moved in and out by an air cylinder. The device is wheeled into position at the end of a beam, the air cylinder actuated to move the jaws out to engage the beam end, the shaft rotated to the desired position and the jaws are then retracted.