Abstract: In a card charging system, especially for public transport services, there is included: (a) a card read/write unit for receiving one or more prepaid or credit cards; (b) a transaction recording-payment facility; and (c) a security module located between the card read/write unit and the transaction recording-payment facility, the recording-payment facility operable to receive signals from the security module to enable a purchase to be made in return for an amount of credit debited from said one or more cards, wherein a contactless concessionary card reading subsystem is connected to the security module, in addition to the card read/write unit for prepaid or credit cards. The system provides the benefit that it is capable of accommodating concessionary card reading subsystems and determining appropriate debiting associated therewith in addition to improved transaction recording and enhanced security.

Abstract: An inwardly flexible, one-piece conduit hanger, which is preferably U-shaped, adapted for attachment of a conduit to a channel with ledges. The hanger has substantially flat hanger halves extending from the base of the “U-shaped” member. Each hanger half preferably forms two legs thereby defining a generally U-shaped conduit recess in each half. Curved clasps on an end portion of each leg are formed on each side of the recesses. The clasps engage ledges of the channel and secure the hanger and conduit to the channel.

Abstract: A consumer entertainment device (for example, a games console, audio recording player, radio frequency broadcast reception apparatus) comprising a telecommunications transceiver arranged for communication over a customer premises network. The device may also comprise telephony handset apparatus, making shared use with the entertainment control apparatus of the telecommunications transceiver. Also a media connections unit arranged to inter-work between such a consumer entertainment device and a public network. Additionally, a network gateway comprising an access control unit whereby to control access to a network from a remote media connections unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a brake system operable using an air supply, includes an electronic control (8) for controlling air distribution and air to an air to electrical converter (12) for generating an electrical supply for energising the electronic control using air under pressure from the air supply (1). Air distribution is controlled either as a result of sensed pressure in a brake control pressure pipe (6) or as a result of an electronic brake control signal.

Abstract: Optical timing detection, for phase comparison of optical signals, or clock recovery is achieved by arranging an interferometer to be responsible to data transitions. A pulse train is fed into both arms of the interferometer. An optical amplifier (20) enables the interference condition to be changed when the data is fed into one arm. The output changed if the data transitions lose synchronisation with the pulse train.

Abstract: An X-ray beam position monitor has a first plate assembly (1, 3) for detecting the position of the X-ray beam in a horizontal plane and a second plate assembly (6, 8) for detecting the position of the X-ray beam in a vertical plane. The first plate assembly (1, 3) and the second plate assembly (6, 8) are located at the same position along the direction of propagation of the X-ray beam, to provide a compact arrangement suitable for use with X-ray diffractors and for laboratory use.

Abstract: Voice and media services are provided over an IP network incorporating a plurality of nodes and in which connection oriented traffic is transported in tunnels via said nodes. SS7 signalling is provided between nodes. The voice and media components are multiplexed to form a point to point protocol (PPP) session which is switched end to end across the network under the control of the signalling.

Abstract: Arm support for a chair comprising an upright stand (2) fixed to the chair and having an upper end which supports the arm support (1), said arm support (1) being movable on a substantially horizontal plane and possibly turnable around a vertical axis. The arm support (1) comprises a first guide plate (9) provided with guide openings (12) arranged on the rims and running along the longitudinal direction of the arm support, in which sliders (15) coupling geometrically the guide openings (12) are present, said sliders (15) being tightly connected to a second guide plate (14), the length of the second guide plate (14) along the shift direction being smaller than the length of the first guide plate and the second guide plate (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushioning system to be applied to the inside surface of the walls of conventional autorack railcars. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward the easy application of a foam protector of single or double tube configuration to the side portions of the metal screen walls that make up an autorack railcar. Improvements enable a multiple density foam tube, a “Logo” panel bar and an improved fastener. The tubes are designed to protect the edges of car doors by collapsing when hit by the car door and quickly bouncing back, regardless of temperature.

Abstract: A system for dispensing batches of fluid comprising a flowmeter (5), a pump or valve (6) for starting and stopping the flow and a controller (9) for controlling the pump or the valve. In order to reach a target batch size, the settling time at start of the flowmeter is compensated for as well as for the time it takes to stop the flow by generating a stop signal before the target batch size is reached. Further, to compensate for variations in the actual flow caused by variations in the feed pressure and the like, the compensation is made a function of the actually measured flow. A controller or a batch flow meter for use in dispensing batches is equipped with an interface for setting a compensating time constant and a correction unit for compensation of changes in the flow. The correction unit can consist of a differentiator an a summation circuit. Using digital techniques, the correction unit can be made as a lead filter.

Abstract: A suction device which can be protected after use. The suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at one end. A retractable, protective sheath is connected to the tube and extendable over the exposed length of the suction tube. A closure is secured to the free end of the sheath, and includes a cap which can be pivoted to a closed position. So as to avoid contamination, an automatic closer is provided to pivot the cap to the closed position.

Abstract: A dimmer unit for controlling the power supplied to a lamp is adapted for connection to a light socket and provides a ramped light output during a brightness selection cycle. A value representing a selected brightness is stored at termination of the brightness selection cycle, and the selected brightness is subsequently applied. The dimmer unit may also provide a security function.

Abstract: An optical amplifier comprises a doped fiber and a pump source for providing pump light to the fiber. A power measurement circuit is provided for measuring the output power of the amplifier and a disable circuit is controlled to disable the pump source in response to the output power of an output pulse exceeding a predetermined limit. In this way, power surges can be avoided. Preferably, the predetermined limit takes into account the duration of the output pulse, so that the disable circuit can be tailored to pulse power versus pulse duration standardised limits.

Abstract: The invention relates to sub macro cellular layers of a wireless communications system. An object of wireless communications system design is to reduce the number of base station sites required by increasing their range and or capacity. The term, “capacity” is used herein to refer to any suitable measure which provides an indication of how many conventional mobile terminals or other terminals are able to communicate effectively with a given antenna arrangement. Macro base station sites for cellular systems are particularly expensive, both in terms of the equipment required and the need for a geographical site for each cell site where, inter alia, large structures are frequently employed where planning permission is required. The present invention seeks to provide a system and method for reducing the effects of adjacent channel interference, especially in 3G CDMA base stations.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a screw setting device which is connected to an electric drill and is designed not to release from a screw head until a screw is completely installed. The screw setting device includes a shank, prongs, a collet a driving tip, a sleeve and a collar. The shank attaches to a chuck of the electric drill and is connected to the driving tip and the prongs. The driving tip and prongs are adapted to engage front, rear surfaces and a recess in the screw head. The screw head cannot be released from the driving tip and prongs when the sleeve is slid to the forward position. As the screw becomes completely installed, the sleeve slides rearward, releasing the screw setting device from the screw.

Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for the supply of an electrical coil (L), particularly the coil of a solenoid valve, with a predetermined operating current from a voltage source with differing operating voltages (Ub) , the coil (L) is arranged in series with a first controllable circuit element (T2) and a current sensor (R), and the measuring signal of the current sensor (R) being compared with a reference value (Uref) through a first comparator (1). A timed switch (2) is triggered by the output signal (A) of the comparator (1) when the measuring signal exceeds said reference value, the first circuit element (T2), activated by an operating signal (M), being disconnected by the output signal of the timed switch (2), until the measuring signal exceeds the reference value again.

Abstract: The invention provides a resource allocation method which is based on the concept of proportional fairness. In this method, users express their willingnesses to pay for network resources. A controller determines how the users' willingnesses to pay are to be divided between the resources in order to determine the relative demands for the resources. Each resource is then divided between those users using it in proportion to how much they are willing to pay for the use of their share of it. The allocation takes into account the relative demands on all the resources in the network. A user may increase his share of the network resources allocated to him by increasing the value of his willingness to pay. The method may be applied either by a central controller (network manager), or it may be delegated to controllers (network element managers/customer premises equipment managers) distributed across the network.

Abstract: A railcar load securement apparatus uses an array of load securement anchors having bases adapted for strength and efficiency in mounting in a rail car, a plurality of vertical support members extending upwardly from a mounting base or bracket with a flush mounted anchor plate joining them, so that a plurality of tensioning members or straps can be readily mounted to retain cargo, but the anchor is flush to be unobstructive when unused. Flexibility in load adaptation is provided for in that a number of different load capture arrangements can be utilized.

Abstract: A frame based data communications network is interfaced to a synchronous digital hierarchy network via a plurality of frame based data port cards incorporated into a plurality of synchronous multiplexers. Each port card comprises a conventional frame based data port, a frame switch, a rate adapter means and a mapping means for mapping data frames into a plurality of SDH virtual containers. Frame based data is incorporated directly into a synchronous virtual container without encapsulation in an intermediate protocol. A number of topologies of a frame based data channel network are possible, overlaid on the underlying synchronous transport network, including an open loop topology, a ring mode topology, and a backhaul topology.