Abstract: A method of providing a surface layer or structure on a substrate. The method comprises: a) ink jet printing spaced first segments of the surface layer or structure material on the substrate and drying or curing the first segments; and b) ink jet printing further material segments in the gaps between the first segments and drying or curing the further segments, the material and/or curing and drying conditions being different to those in step (a), all the segments, after drying or curing, forming a surface layer or structure, wherein the segment material and/or curing and drying conditions are chosen so as to control the mechanical properties of the surface layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a mask on a surface utilises the technique of drop on demand ejection to deposit selectively material on said surface. The method comprises the steps of depositing material on said surface to form an outline of the mask on the surface; and subsequently depositing material within said outline to form said mask. Alternatively, the method comprises the steps of depositing material on said surface to form an outline of those parts of the surface on which material is not to be deposited, and subsequently depositing material outside of said outline to form said mask. The formed outline has a greater height than the remainder of the mask so as to provide a barrier for controlling the flow of material subsequently deposited on the surface.

Abstract: An on-signal calibration system I and Q signals of a transmitter to remove distortions in the RF output signal. The transmitter generates I and Q values and converts, modulates and combines the I and Q values into the RF output signal for transmission. The calibration system includes a detector, a sampler, a selector, an imbalance estimator, and an IQ corrector. The detector senses the RF output signal and provides a detection signal indicative thereof. The sampler samples the detection signal and provides digital samples. The selector selects from among the digital samples that correspond to predetermined ranges of the I and Q values, or otherwise predetermined selection boxes at predetermined phases. The imbalance estimator determines at least one imbalance estimate based on selected digital samples. The IQ corrector corrects the I and Q values using at least one imbalance estimate.

Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout a field that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by farm personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the field. Based on the results, farm personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded via email or FTP to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned via email or FTP to on-side farm personnel, who can load it into a controller on a spray rig that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.

Abstract: A thermal isolation device for a gas turbine combustor assembly includes a plurality of substantially flat plates secured in spaced relationship by a plurality of columns, at least one column incorporating a bolt hole for use in securing the device between a pair of combustor components.

Abstract: A method for attaching a diamond component to metal is described, wherein a layer of brazing material is provided at the interface between the diamond and the metal. A laser is used for heating the brazing material. The laser beam is focussed through the diamond at least substantially on the interface between the diamond and the metal. In one aspect, the invention is utilized in the manufacture of a travelling wave tube having a metal helix disposed within the tube. Diamond support blocks are bonded between the inner walls of the tube and the windings of the helix according to the method of this invention.

Abstract: Microsurgical suture needles are made by providing a precious stone plate with main surfaces extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. A metal shank is provided with an end face extending correspondingly obliquely with respect to its longitudinal axis. The precious stone plate is attached with one main surface on the oblique end face of the metal shank. The other main surface of the precious stone plate is ground and provided with a sharp tip and cutting edges.

Abstract: A travelling wave tube comprising a tube and a helix mounted in the tube, the helix being made of diamond and being coated at least partially with an electrically conductive material.