Abstract: The present invention relates to radio communications antennas and in particular relates to an antenna for such. An inverted E antenna is disclosed comprising a radiating element and a ground plane. The antenna is suitable for placement in a mobile communications handset. The antenna finds particular applicability in dual mode handsets, where two or more antennas may be located in close proximity. The small dimensions of the antenna relative to the operating wavelength, achieved by folding back an element of the antenna provides a simple solution to such problems as antenna coupling since its small size allows it to be placed as far away as possible within the small confines of a radio communications handset. A method of operating a mobile communications arrangement is also disclosed, the arrangement comprising a microphone, an audio speaker, a transceiver, and an antenna; wherein the antenna is in the form of an inverted E.

Abstract: A base station arrangement for a cellular radio system comprising an antenna array, is disclosed. The downlink signals transmitted from antennas have a spacing which is scaled in proportion to the transmitted and received wavelengths. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a linear antenna array comprising a number of antenna elements and a feed network, wherein the feed network is operable to apply the cumulative effect of a progressive phase shift across the antenna elements of the array and a stepped complex operator shift to selected groups of antenna elements of the array, whereby a down tilted and null-free coverage by a resulting radiation pattern can thereby be provided. The complex operator can be phase, amplitude or a combination of both. The antenna array can be a layered antenna and the phase shifts in the feed network can be provided by differing length transmission paths, whilst any amplitude shift can be provided by unequal power dividers. In order to provide no down tilt and just null fill-in, then the progressive phase shift can be specified to be zero.

Abstract: A communications antenna assembly is disclosed, suitable for use in fixed antenna multiple access systems, such as fixed wireless access schemes and satellite communication systems. Such systems have independent base station transmitters which, in the case of fixed wireless access schemes, may be subject to over capacity and/or obstructions between the subscriber and the base station and, in the case of non-geostationary satellite communication systems continuously move. The antenna is operable to communicate with at least one of two communication stations at each of two directions from the antenna assembly, said assembly comprising: a beamformer connected to the antenna and arranged to allow the antenna to provide at least two antenna beams, one substantially in each of the communication station directions are provided substantially simultaneously, such that in use the antenna assembly can communicate with the two communication stations. A corresponding system and method of use is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary wick wiper apparatus (10) for plants, of the type wherein a rotor assembly (12) is operatively connected to a motor (15) whereby it may be rotated about an axis (13) disposed substantially vertically in use, the rotor assembly having a wick (17) beneath it for plant-wiping function and arranged to receive liquid from a reservoir (19) above the bottom of the rotor assembly (12) and movable with the rotor assembly; characterized in that the reservoir (19) has an air vent (28) on a portion thereof which is normally elevated and disposed inwardly relative to the rotor assembly axis of rotation, the air vent (28) being connected to one end of an air tube (29) of small diameter extending circuitously around the rotor assembly (12) and having its other end providing an air-intake opening (33) on a part of the rotor assembly disposed outwardly of the air vent (28) relative to the axis of rotation (13).

Abstract: Liquid handling apparatus includes a transfer vessel adapted to receive and retain a predetermined volume of liquid between an upper air-inlet and lower liquid inlet/outlet, the latter being an opening in the base connected to a liquid-flow delivery and suction pipe of desired length, the latter having an open terminal end downstream of a manually controllable on/off valve, the terminal end being adapted to be placed in liquid communication with a supply vessel or dispensing container.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for use in applying a treating liquid chemical to surfaces at or adjacent a longitudinal channel and including a first chemical applicator assembly (11) and a second assembly (10) mounted on a frame (31) adapted to be connected to and extend from one side of a tractor (9) or other conveyance whereby the applicator assemblies (11, 10) may be drawn along said surfaces and raised or lowered in use, each applicator assembly having an applicator head (14, 13) for supplying said liquid chemical and being mounted on a support housing (17, 16) having wheel means (21) therebeneath, the support housing (16) of the second applicator assembly (11) being further from the tractor (9) than the other and the two being hingedly interconnected and tiltable relative to the frame (31) and to each other about parallel longitudinal axes for treating adjacent parallel surfaces which are not co-planar, each support housing (17, 16) being mounted on its said wheel means (21) in such manner that the latter

Abstract: A base station arrangement including an antenna array is disclosed, wherein the uplink signals are weighted with complex array weights and the downlink signals are steered, wherein the downlink signals are steered using data from directional information derived from the uplink signals. A method of operation is also disclosed.