Abstract: A communication system for the mutual interconnection of a plurality of lower traffic level (5 Terabit) switch nodes via a relatively higher traffic level (Petabit) connection bus, which system comprises in operative association with each node, a two part TDM optical data management interface, wherein a first of the two parts comprises a time slot resequencer which serves to provide for the transmission of data from its associated node to the bus, and wherein a second of the two parts comprises a time slot specific combiner which serves for the transmission of data from the bus to its associated node, each node and the bus having independent data scheduling.

Abstract: A dual polarised antenna 1 has two types of antenna elements combined. Each type of antenna element is formed on a planar substrate. The substrates are furnished with inter-engaging slots to enable assembly of the elements. Signal feeds are connected to the active parts of the elements by means of connection points furnished at off axis positions. The off-axis positions for connection enable an arrangement in which the locus of the effective phase centres of the antenna element scan be co-located yielding a convenient arrangement with good performance.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter (ADC) includes a comparator, N×1-bit clocked shift register and a clock which is phase-locked to the input signal. The system according to the invention includes such an ADC, together with processing means. The ADC samples an input waveform and the processing means determines a correction waveform, converts the correction waveform to an analog signal, combines the correction waveform with the input waveform to control its envelope and outputs a combined waveform. The combined waveform is substantially flat.

Abstract: A communication system for the mutual interconnection of a plurality of lower traffic level (5 Terabit) switch nodes via a relatively higher traffic level (Petabit) connection bus, which system comprises in operative association with each node, a two part TDM optical data management interface, wherein a first of the two parts comprises a time slot resequencer which serves to provide for the transmission of data from its associated node to the bus, and wherein a second of the two parts comprises a time slot specific combiner which serves for the transmission of data from the bus to its associated node, each node and the bus having independent data scheduling.

Abstract: A dual polarised antenna 1 has two types of antenna elements combined. Each type of antenna element is formed on a planar substrate. The substrates are furnished with inter-engaging slots to enable assembly of the elements. Signal feeds are connected to the active parts of the elements by means of connection points furnished at off axis positions. The off-axis positions for connection enable an arrangement in which the locus of the effective phase centres of the antenna element scan be co-located yielding a convenient arrangement with good performance.

Abstract: An analogue to digital converter (ADC) (5) comprises a comparator (14); an N×1-bit clocked shift register; and a clock, phase-locked to the input signal. Such an ADC is suitable for use in a system for controlling the envelope of a periodic waveform. The system comprises an ADC according to the invention and processing means, whereby the ADC samples an input waveform and the processing means determines a correction waveform, converts the correction waveform to an analogue signal, combines the correction waveform with the input waveform to control its envelope and outputs a combined waveform, wherein the combined waveform is substantially flat.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler for pouches containing a liquid or semi-liquid material such as tomato paste. The cooler includes a housing, a plurality of generally horizontal endless conveyor assemblies arranged one above the other within the housing in vertically spaced relation and each including an endless conveyor member trained over feed and discharge pulleys at the feed and discharge ends of the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for making separate stacks of sliced material successively cut from a downwardly moving mass of material on a common cutting level comprises means for supportingly accumulating successive falling slices into stacks of a selected number of slices and discharging the stacks when the selected number of slices has been accumulated, said means includes a pair of support platforms or doors reciprocal toward and away from each other between a closed or accumulating position for supporting a stack as slices are accumulated and an open or discharge position wherein the platforms are spaced apart to discharge downwardly an accumulated stack therebetween. The platform structure is movable between an upper starting level spaced below the cutting level and a lower level wherein discharge of the accumulated stack occurs.