Abstract: Integrated circuits such as transponders are attached to a substrate such as cardboard packaging material by adhering an integrated circuit in the substrate, applying a patch antenna to the substrate and the integrated circuit, and applying a sealing layer over the integrated circuit and at least a portion of the antenna. In variations of the method, an indentation may be formed in the substrate into which the integrated circuit is placed. The patch antenna may be screen printed onto the substrate and the integrated circuit, using conductive ink, or may be a metallic foil which is applied to the substrate and the integrated circuit. Where the integrated circuit is a transponder, it can be programmed with an identification code, either before or after being attached to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification system comprising an interrogator and a plurality of transponders. The interrogator includes transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, receiver means for receiving a response signal from the transponder, and processor means for identifying the transponder from data in the response signal. Clock extraction means are further provided for extracting a transponder clock signal from the response signal which is used to synchronise the modification of the interrogation signal with the response signal from the transponder. Each transponder comprises receiver means for receiving the interrogation signal, a transponder clock generator, a code generator, transmitter means, and a modulator connected to the code generator, so that on receipt of the interrogation signal the transponder transmits a response signal containing data which identifies the transponder.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for activating a plurality of groups of electrical loads, such as electrical detonators used in blasting, after respective time delays. The apparatus comprises a master control unit which generates master control signals to initiate timing out of delay devices associated with each load. The apparatus further includes several auxiliary control units which are connectable to the master control unit. Each auxiliary control unit is adapted to control a respective group of remote electrical delay devices with associated electrical loads. Each auxiliary control unit includes local control means for generating local control signals from the master control signals which are synchronised with the local control signals of other auxiliary control units, for initiating operation of the delay devices, so that a large blast can be carried out in a perfectly synchronised manner.

Abstract: An identification system comprises an interrogator and a number of transponders. The interrogator includes a transmitter for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, and a receiver for receiving a response signal from the transponder. A micro-processor identifies the transponder from data in the response signal. Each transponder comprises a receiving antenna for receiving the interrogation signal, a code generator, a transmitting antenna, and a modulator connected to the code generator. On receipt of the interrogation signal the transponder repeatedly transmits a response signal containing data which identifies the transponder. The interrogator detects successful identification of any transponder and briefly interrupts the interrogation signal to indicate the successful identification. Each transponder includes a logic circuit responsive to a respective interruption in the interrogation signal to cease transmission of its own response signal.

Abstract: An identification system comprises an interrogator and a plurality of transponders. The interrogator includes a transmitter which transmits at least two independent interrogation signals to the transponders, and a receiver for receiving response signals from the transponders. The interrogator also includes processor means for identifying the transponders from data in the received response signals. Each transponder comprises receiving means, a code generator, and transmitter means connected to the code generator. On receipt of at least one of the transmitted interrogation signals the transponder transmits a response signal containing data which identifies it. The interrogation signals may be transmitted continuously or intermittently. In a preferred embodiment, the interrogation signals are relatively narrow bandwidth signals at different frequencies.

Abstract: A method of establishing a telecommunications network. The method includes the steps of providing a network of local stations joined to one another by microwave links, and arranging, in a cluster around each local station, a plurality of subscriber, or telephone stations, each subscriber station having a unique code. Optical telecommunications links are then established between the subscriber stations and their associated local station. The operation of the network is managed using a system controller, which includes a system controller database incorporating a network map, subscriber and local station data. Associated local databases are established at each of the local stations, and the various databases are continuously and automatically updated via the network in response to a change on the configuration of the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing apparatus comprising a printing track defining a print receiving surface and a printing carriage arranged to travel along the printing track. The carriage includes printing heads arranged to receive data from a central database for printing on the printing surface at predetermined positions along the printing track, and a roller arrangement for driving the carriage along the printing track. An optical position encoder is provided for monitoring the movement of the carriage as it travels along the printing track. A data transmission link is provided for interfacing the central database to the carriage. The central database includes both positional data for controlling the position of the printing heads and pricing data. The printing track has mounting clips for mounting it on a shelf edge, and the printing heads are arranged to label items of stock on the shelf.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An electrical harness element comprises a multi conductor cable with power supply conductors and a signal conductor. At intervals along the cable, connectors in the form of sockets are fixed. The power supply conductors are continuous along the length of cable, but the signal conductor is interrupted at each socket by a series relay. The relay can be controlled by an electrical circuit, which is typically part of a sensor device which plugs into the socket. A number of the harness elements can be connected end to end as well as in branch configurations and are connected to a central computer. The relays are used to assist the central computer in addressing the sensor devices.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a control station and a number of remote stations connected to the control station by a multi-conductor harness. The control station houses a computer and supplies the remote stations with electrical power, as well as communicating bidirectionally with the remote stations, via the harness. At each remote station, a sensor or other functional module is plugged into an interface. Communication circuitry receives data from and sends data to the control station. The remote station includes an identification device for storing a first code allocated to the remote station by the central computer which identifies the relative location of the remote station, as well as a second code generated at the remote station which identifies the function of the sensor or other functional module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blasting apparatus for activating a plurality of electrical detonators after predetermined time delays. The blasting apparatus includes a plurality of remote electrical delay devices. Each device is linked to a detonator, and is arranged to be serially programmed with a timing signal, which originates from the central control unit and which determines the time delay. A bidirectional signal harness, having ends which terminate at I/O ports in the control unit, serially links the delay devices to the control unit. In the event of a fault of discontinuity occurring in the harness prior to programming of the delay devices, the discontinuity is detected and the direction of programming along the bidirectional harness is reversed so that those delay devices which, due to the break, cannot be programmed in the initial direction, are programmed with timing signals travelling along the signal line in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A connector for joining multi-conductor cables comprising first and second mating connector elements which are fixed to first and second multi-conductor cables. The first connector element holds bared sections of the conductors of the first cable in a spaced apart relationship and defines upstanding pillars over which the conductors are folded. The second connector element holds bared sections of the conductors of the second cable in a spaced apart relationship and defines apertures adjacent to the conductors which are shaped to receive the upstanding pillars, so that respective conductors of the first and second cables are urged into electrical engagement with one another when the first and second connector elements are mated. The frictional contact between the conductors ensures a self-cleaning action.