Abstract: The present invention relates to novel classes of compounds which are caspase inhibitors, in particular interleukin-1&bgr; converting enzyme (“ICE”) inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting caspase activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as agents against interleukin-1-(“IL-1”), apoptosis-, interferon-&ggr; inducing factor-(IGIF), or interferon-&ggr;-(“IFN-&ggr;”) mediated diseases, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, destructive bone disorders, proliferative disorders, infectious diseases, and degenerative diseases.

Abstract: A parallel-summation logarithmic amplifier is described that uses a novel topology of cascaded and parallel amplifiers to achieve extremely high bandwidth. Included in the topology is a unique delay matching scheme for logarithmic amplifiers that is amenable to fabrication in integrated circuit form. The result is flat group delay over broad frequency ranges and different power levels. The resulting log amplifier is suitable for radar applications and for use in high data rate fiber-optic networks. Also described is a unique design process that yields a set of amplifier gains that closely approximate a logarithm. Also described is the novel idea of using a parallel feedback amplifier (PFA) in piecewise-approximate logarithmic amplifiers. This innovation allows for the design of broadband amplifiers with significantly different gains and similar phase characteristics, which is extremely useful when designing high-frequency logarithmic amplifiers.

Abstract: A queue monitoring system is disclosed. A detection system (10) provides at least one coverage zone (15) covering at least a part of a queuing area (30). A handset (12) is issued to a user, the detection system (10) being arranged to detect the handset (12) when it is within the coverage zone (15) and to record the user of the handset as being in the queue. Queue load is subsequently used to provide recommended itineraries to visitors via the handsets (12).

Abstract: A communications system uses a transmitter beacon (70) for transmitting alert signals to mobile receivers. Each alert signal prompts an alert message of the transmitter beacon. Interpretation data is loaded into the mobile receiver and is used when an associated alert signal is received, thereby to generate the associated alert message at the mobile wireless device.

Abstract: A plant stand designed to be mounted on a railing of a structure, such as a deck, is provided. The plant stand includes a generally vertical frame having a proximal end connected to a base plate. A clamp connected to the base plate is designed to selectively clamp a railing of the structure between a body of the clamp and the base plate. A plurality of plant supports are coupled with the frame for supporting plants thereon. In first and second embodiments of the plant stand, the plant supports are spaced apart from and coupled with the frame via support arms. In the second embodiment, the support arms are adjustable by way of a plurality of brackets secured to legs of the frame.

Abstract: A communications system comprises a beacon and at least one portable device for receiving data from the beacon. The beacon broadcasts messages using a first protocol which provides a series of inquiry messages which hop frequencies (such as Bluetooth). Additional data is broadcast using a spread spectrum transmission technique. These two modes enable the spread spectrum transmission technique to be used to enable an unsynchronized receiver to establish communication in a short time, so that data can be sent to the receiver as quickly as possible. The frequency hopping technique may require a longer call set-up procedure, but provides a more appropriate communications protocol for bi-directional transfer of larger quantities of data.

Abstract: The invention relates to mobile devices (1) able to receive and reproduce information, for example as sound. The invention is particularly applicable to small mobile devices with no or inconvenient user interfaces. In order to update filter blocks to select message streams, filter blocks are transmitted from a separate transmitter, and recorded in memory (11). The filter blocks then control a filter (9) to replay messages from selected message streams on the output device or devices (19,21) of the mobile device (1).

Abstract: A data transmission system comprises a large number of networked data beacons interconnected and grouped together in respective clusters. In the system, a first (12) and two or more second (13, 14, 15) beacon devices are interconnected (11) as a cluster capable of wireless message transmission, and at least one mobile device (10) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The first beacon (12) is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (INQ) according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth, but with the addition of an identifier for the cluster (CL). The mobile device (10) detects such inquiry messages and replies with an identifier for itself, together with message reason data. The link (A) from the first beacon device is then re-established between a selected one (14) of the second beacon devices, with interaction between the mobile device (10) and selected second beacon device (14) being controlled at least partly by the message reason data.

Abstract: A communications system comprises first (12) and second (14) beacon devices capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable client device (15) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The client device (15) is arranged to broadcast an inquiry message according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. The first beacon (12) detects such inquiry messages and replies with an inquiry response containing an identifier for the second beacon (14), enabling the second beacon (14) and client device (15) to perform a service interaction. In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 4) receipt of the inquiry message is notified to the second beacon (14) which then sends the inquiry response to the client device (15).

Abstract: A data transmission system comprises a first (12) and two or more second (13, 14, 15) beacon devices interconnected (11) as a cluster capable of wireless message transmission, and at least one mobile device (10) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The first beacon (12) is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (INQ) according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. The mobile device (10) detects such inquiry messages and replies with an identifier for itself. The link (A) from the first beacon device is then re-established between a selected one (14) of the second beacon devices. When a handover trigger event occurs, paging and page response messages are used to select a further second beacon device (13) and transfer the communications link (C) thereto.

Abstract: A communications system comprises a primary station (100) and at least one secondary station (101). The primary station (100) is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages, each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields arranged according to a first communications protocol such as Bluetooth. In addition the primary station (100) adds to some or all of the inquiry messages an additional data field for polling one or more secondary stations, which can respond to the poll if they have data for transmission. This system provides secondary stations (101) with a rapid response time without the need for a permanently active communication link.

Abstract: A communications system comprises at least one beacon device (12, 14) capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device (10) capable of receiving such a message transmission. The beacon (12) is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (60) each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields (INQ) arranged according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. For the delivery of additional data via broadcast, the beacon (12) adds to each inquiry message prior to transmission an additional data field (BCD) carrying audio data, with the portable device (10) receiving the transmitted inquiry messages, reading the audio data from the additional data field, and reproducing the audio to a user.

Abstract: A communications system comprises at least one beacon device (12, 14) capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device (10) capable of receiving such a message transmission. The beacon (12) is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (60) each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields (INQ) arranged according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. For the delivery of additional data via broadcast, the beacon (12) adds to each inquiry message prior to transmission an additional data field (BCD) carrying broadcast data, with the portable device (10) receiving the transmitted inquiry messages and reading the broadcast data from the additional data field.

Abstract: An antenna diversity receiver comprises a zero-IF receiver connected to two antennas (102a, 102b) via switches (532,534). Simultaneous measurement of signal qualities from both antennas is possible by routing signals from the first antenna (102a) via a first mixer (106) and channel filter (116) and routing signals from the second antenna (102b) via a second mixer (108) and channel filter (118). A diversity controller (536) compares the signal qualities received from the antennas (102a,102b) during a data preamble to select a preferred antenna, then adjusts the switches (532,534) to route the signals from the preferred antenna to both input mixers (106,108). The amplifier (104a,104b) connected to the deselected antenna may be switched off during data reception, thereby minimizing extra power consumption.

Abstract: A communications system comprises at least one beacon device capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device capable of receiving such a message transmission. The beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields arranged according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. For the delivery of additional data via broadcast, and in particular data including location information, the beacon adds to each inquiry message prior to transmission an additional data field carrying broadcast data, with the portable device receiving the transmitted inquiry messages including the location data and reading the broadcast data from the additional data field.

Abstract: A communications system comprises first (12) and second (14) beacon devices capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device (10) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The first beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (INQ) according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. The portable device (10) detects such inquiry messages and replies with an identifier for the portable device. The first beacon (12) then transmits the received identifier to the second beacon (14), with the second beacon (14) and portable device (10) configured to perform a service interaction when triggered by the second beacon receiving the portable device identifier.

Abstract: A communications system comprises at least one first portable communications device (12) capable of wireless message transmission and at least one second portable communications device (10) capable of receiving such a message transmission. The first device (12) is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (60) each in the form of a plurality of predetermined data fields (INQ) arranged according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. For the delivery of additional data via broadcast, the first device (12) adds to each inquiry message prior to transmission an additional data field (BCD) carrying broadcast data, with the second portable device (10) receiving the transmitted inquiry messages and reading the broadcast data from the additional data field.

Abstract: A multicast radio data communication system comprising a master and a plurality of slave stations uses a retransmission protocol. Data (13) is transmitted by the master station and received by the slave stations. Slave stations having the weakest radio link are designated primary stations, and all other slaves are designated secondary stations. Any slave station may transmit a negative acknowledgement but only the primary stations may transmit a positive acknowledgement. Positive acknowledgements are transmitted in separate time slots (1,2,3,4), but negative acknowledgements (9,10) transmitted by the secondary stations overlap the positive acknowledgements transmitted by primary stations. These negative acknowledgements corrupt reception of the positive acknowledgement by the master station, thereby ensuring that the data is retransmitted.

Abstract: A multicast radio data communication system comprises a master and a plurality of slave stations, and uses a retransmission protocol. Data (10) is transmitted by the master station simultaneously to all slave stations. Each slave station acknowledges in turn in a respective time period (13 to 16) which may be assigned by the master station or pre-set. If the master receives a positive acknowledgement from each slave station, the master proceeds to transmit new data. If the master receives a negative acknowledgement from any slave station, or fails to successfully receive any acknowledgement from any slave station, the master station retransmits the previously transmitted data.

Abstract: A multicast radio data communication system comprising a master (1) and a plurality of slave stations (2, 3, 4), and using a retransmission protocol. Data is transmitted by the master station and received by the slave stations. One slave station is designated the primary slave station, and all other slaves are designated secondary slave stations. Any slave station may transmit a negative acknowledgement but only the primary slave may transmit a positive acknowledgement. Positive and negative acknowledgements are transmitted substantially simultaneously. Negative acknowledgements corrupt reception of the positive acknowledgement by the master station, thereby ensuring that the data is retransmitted. The primary slave station is selected to have the lowest quality radio link, which may be ensured by a power control command from the master.