Abstract: A distribution frame for an optical fibre transmission system comprises a cabinet incorporating at each side at least one side panel supporting a surplus length of cable, a pair of inner panels spaced from the side panels and organizer trays, arranged to accommodate surplus lengths of fibres from the cables, supported between the inner panels, the latter panels also supporting couplers for enabling the cable fibers to be connected to further fibres, the ends of which are accommodated in the spaces between the inner and side panels.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-input/output optical switch structure comprises a pair of parallel, inwardly facing main mirror elements 24, 25 and mounted equidistant between the main mirror elements is a co-linear array of optical switching units 40. To provide the multi-switching function and to compensate for the fact that the switch units are in a colinear array there are a plurality of additional mirror elements (41,42,43,44) mounted between the linear array and one main mirror element.

Abstract: Multiple scan line pattern generators including bidirectional scan patterns of mutually parallel scan lines, and scan patterns composed of intersecting lines, are superimposed over bar code symbols to be read. At least one of the scan lines is automatically moved closer to and further away from a reader to perform a zooming function to read far-out and close-in symbols.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid medication administration kit includes re-usable barrel, needle and lancet sub-assemblies, each separately mounted in sterilizing positions within a container in which sterilizing fluid is stored. The barrel subassembly may be coupled to, or de-coupled from, either the needle or lancet sub-assemblies. Each use is made under sterile conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for independently exercising the limbs of a human exerciser includes mounting a pair of training members for independent pivoting movement along a pivot shaft mounted on a floor-mounted support. Each limb can be independently exercised by alternately extending and bending the legs at the knees or the arms at the elbows.

Abstract: A charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor for producing a video output for a given TV line standard wherein the image section (9) has a number of CCD elements appropriate to the given line standard and the store section (11) has a number of CCD elements appropriate to a second, higher line standard. The electronic package required to drive the sensor is then not very different from an electronic package required to drive a sensor for the higher line standard, thus making it practicable to use in the sensor an electronic package capable of use in sensors for either standard.

Abstract: Systems for changing the working distance and/or the beam spot size of an outgoing laser beam scanned across symbols to be read by a bar code symbol reader use different optical assemblies, or a single optical assembly having changeable light-transmissive portions of a plate, or changeable pupils, or a movable laser light source.

Abstract: A weighing hopper (20) comprising: a body portion for containing articles; a port in the body portion; a door (21) pivotally connected to the body portion for rotation about a first axis (A) between a first position in which the port is closed by the door (21) to retain articles in the body portion and a second position in which articles contained in the hopper (20) can be discharged through the port; and a mechanism (23) for moving the door (21) between its first and second positions comprising a first member (58) rigidly connected to the door (21); a second member (60) pivotally connected to the first member (58) for rotation about a second axis (E) parallel to and spaced from the first axis (A); and a third member (62) pivotally connected to the second member (60) for rotation about a third axis (B) parallel to and spaced from the second axis (E), and pivotally connected to the body portion for rotation about a fourth axis (C) parallel to and fixedly spaced from the first axis (A) so that rotation of the t

Abstract: A decorative bow and a carrying handle are simultaneously formed on a container for carrying the container and an object received therein in a decorative carrier.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor arrangement has a substrate which carries a partially filled array of semiconductor cells, and utilises the vacant sites in the array to position interconnecting tracks. A filled array is manufactured, and when the electrical function of the arrangement has been allocated, those semiconductor cells, each of which contains active semiconductor devices, which are not needed to perform the allocated function are removed. The vacant sites so formed are then occupied by electrically conductive tracks. The arrangement is suitable for silicon-on-sapphire gate arrays.

Abstract: A thruster for use in a spacecraft uses vaporized propellant in its combustion chamber (110). Normally two propellants are used of the kind used for main thrusters so that two vaporization chambers are needed. Pressure valves (108, 109) are controlled by electronic means (220) to maintain current pressure.

Abstract: A Gunn effect oscillator comprises a body of semiconductor material in which electrons are injected from one region to another region via a very thin intervening system. The thin region has a thickness which is less than the mean free electron path length and is typically of the order of 100 .ANG., which results in hot electrons being transferred from the injection region into the other region in which electron bunches form.

Abstract: An electric circuit testing equipment wherein signals are picked up from a selected point in the circuit by a probe unit (41) capacitively coupled to the selected point and the signals picked up by the probe unit are conditioned by circuits (47 to 61) which produce an output signal corresponding only to signals picked up by the unit from the selected point. The use of a capacitively coupled probe unit reduces the possibility of the unit affecting the operation of the circuit under test while the conditioning of the picked up signals enables the pick-up of unwanted signals to be tolerated. Designs of probe unit to minimize pick-up of unwanted signals are also described.

Abstract: An improved structure assembled with the parts made of light aluminum alloy, roof sheathing such as plastic corrugated boards or polyvinyl fiber glass boards set with assembly nails and drain chains made of resin for draining rain falling on the roof. The parts include a number of posts, a front beam, a rear beam, a number of rafters, a number of auxiliary poles, two fascias and a number of struts. This simple structure is easy to assemble and dismantle and has a long life span and high economic gain.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions are composed of four plant extracts: ginsenoside, tetramethyl pyrazine, astragalan and atractylol. Pharmaceutical dosage units are prepared by conventional means with specific weight ranges and proportions of each of the four ingredients. The pharmaceutical dosage units are highly effective in treating cerebral vascular disease and the sequelae thereof. The dosage units are also useful for bolstering immunofunction in healthy and diseased patients.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device uses a compensated cholesteric liquid crystal mixture as its thermo-optic conversion element. The mixture is obtained by mixing two cholesteric liquid crystals, one with a left-handed twist and the other with a right-handed twist. The twists cancel at a compensation temperature, the mixture thus having infinite twist at this temperature. The device is designed to operate with the mixture held in the region of the compensation temperature.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube (CRT) display arrangement including protection means for protecting the screen of the CRT (1) against excessive heating, by the electron beam, e.g. due to failure of the beam deflection drive circuits (5), the protection means comprising an electronic storage means (27 to 41) having storage locations in which are stored values indicative of the temperature at different locations on the CRT screen, and means (7) for controlling the electron beam current in dependence on the contents of the storage means.