Abstract: A system for automated checking of data content includes content checkers (208) to (214) arranged in parallel and connected between an input sub-system (204) and an output sub-system (216). The content checkers (208) to (214) check different data formats. Incoming data from an external computer system (202) is passed by the input sub-system (204) to the checkers (208) to (214), which report check results to both input and output sub-systems (204) and (216). From the four check results, the input sub-system (204) judges the data's acceptability for forwarding to a sensitive computer system (218). Unacceptable data is discarded; acceptable data passes to the output sub-system (216), which also judges the data's acceptability from the four check results.

Abstract: A data content checker arrangement for protecting communication between a sensitive computer system (102) and an external computer system (104). The arrangement includes a store (108) connected to input and output sub-systems (106) and (114) and to content checkers (110) and (112) arranged in parallel. The input and output sub-systems (106) and (114) are connected to the external computer system (104) and the sensitive computer system (102) respectively. Data received from the external computer system (104) is encrypted by the input sub-system (106) using an encryption key to which the content checkers (110) and (112) have access. The content checkers (110) and (112) can therefore decrypt, read and check the data. If the data passes a content checker's checks, the checker digitally signs and stores it, decrypted, in the store (108); if the checks are not passed, the checker discards the data.

Abstract: A terrain disruption device includes an air or gas flow generation device mounted on a remote operated vehicle having an extendible arm, wherein the air or gas flow generation device includes an elongate (optionally detachable) ducting arrangement to direct the air or gas flow and an optional nozzle. The air or gas flow generation device and/or the elongate ducting arrangement may be mounted on the extendible arm. Preferably, the air or gas flow generation device is powered by a fan, more preferably an electric ducted fan.

Abstract: A generally planar, conformable evaporative structure, particularly for incorporation in a garment or an item of personal protective equipment as part of a system to cool the wearer's body, includes an envelope of substantially impermeable, flexible material containing: a layer of flexible wick material disposed adjacent to a major face of the envelope and adapted to hold a working fluid in liquid phase for evaporation by heat conducted through the envelope; a layer of flexible, breathable fabric in parallel with the layer of wick material; and an array of flexible ribs such as open helical coils within the layer of breathable fabric adapted to maintain pathways for the flow of working fluid in vapor phase towards a condensation zone.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a shaped charge liner including an apex end and a base end and defining a main liner axis that passes through the apex and base ends, the liner being rotationally symmetric about the main liner axis wherein the liner has discrete rotational symmetry about the main liner axis.

Abstract: A method of measuring the reflectivity of a region of an article to electromagnetic radiation, in particular for the characterisation of the radio-frequency (RF) properties of wind turbine blades. The article is arranged in the near-field of a transceiver antenna, which performs both illumination and measurement of reflected radiation from the region of the article undergoing measurement. The method is beneficial in that it can be used with an antenna in close proximity (or in contact) to the article to be measured, for example for use in on site measurement of specific regions of a turbine blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the preparation of electrode compositions, especially those intended for use in supercapacitors. A process is provided for preparing lithium sulphite comprising the steps of:—a) introducing H2SO3 (aq) into a reaction vessel; b) reacting the H2SO3 (aq) with an aqueous suspension of Li2CO3 in the vessel to form an aqueous solution of Li2—CO3; and c) evaporating the solution to recover Li2CO3(s), wherein at least steps a) and b) are conducted under an inert atmosphere. Preferably, in step b) H2SO3 (aq) and Li2CO3 (aq) are reacted with each other in substantially equimolar amounts. There is also provided a process for forming an electrode material comprising a complexing step of causing lithium sulphite to form SO3 complexes at active N sites of a nitrogen-carbon structure, in the presence of a selected amount of a sink that absorbs the liberated lithium, so as to form the N:SO3 complexed electrode material.

Abstract: An optical receiver for a quantum key distribution system comprises a plurality of optical components mounted or formed in a substrate and optically coupled by one or more hollow core waveguides formed in the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting social engineering attacks comprise: extracting one or more non-semantic data items from an incoming email; determining whether the one or more non-semantic data items match information stored in a data store of previously collected information; performing behavioral analysis on the one or more non-semantic data items; analyzing semantic data associated with the email to determine whether the non-semantic data matches one or more patterns associated with malicious emails; and based on the determining, performing, and analyzing, identifying the email as potentially malicious or non-malicious. The system also includes processes for collecting relevant information for storage within the data store and processes for harvesting information from detected social engineering attacks for entry into the data store and seeding of the collection processes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel munition (1) comprising a controllable output warhead and also munitions comprising one or more of said warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises an inner and outer portion of high explosive (3, 4) co-axially located and separated by a non-detonative material (5), such that in use at least two output modes are possible, by either simultaneous detonation of both the inner and outer portion high explosives (3, 4) or selective detonation of the inner high explosive portion (3).

Abstract: A long range laser illuminator is disclosed that is suitable for providing illumination for camera systems at ranges up to approximately 20 km. The illuminator incorporates a diverger that allows for a compact, low F-number optical arrangement that improves eye safety by reducing the power density across a primary optical element, such as a spherical or parabolic mirror. The diverger may be located at an end of an optical fiber feed, or between a pair of optical fibers. The diverger may incorporate a diffuser, such as a “top hat” diffuser. The optical fiber feeds may be highly multi mode, to provide for a more even illumination. The illuminator incorporates means for altering a focus of the output light beam, to allow an illuminated spot size to be altered. The illuminator is particularly suitable for use at night, where it may be used alongside a camera system.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system comprising a plasma chamber having first and second apertures for producing ion beams. Respective first and second coils are arranged about the chamber to produce an electromagnetic field in regions adjacent to the apertures, and are driven differentially by a radio frequency (RF) drive module. By driving the coils differentially, the electric field in the region of the two apertures can be differentially controlled, and a variation of output thrusts at the two apertures is possible. In this way a net thrust can be produced, which net thrust is varied by controlling the drive to the two coils.

Abstract: A system for detecting munitions in flight comprises a radar transmitter, receiver, and associated antennas, wherein the antennas are oriented to include ground level coverage, and where a receive antenna is arranged to provide a plurality of receive beams. The system further incorporates a Doppler filter arranged to reject targets that have velocity profiles that do not match those expected of targets of interest. If a target of interest is detected then an indication is provided, preferably in the form of an audible alert, allowing those nearby time to take cover. The system provides a simple munitions detection capability that may operate in CW mode to allow rapid detection, and may also have means such as switchable FMCW, and elevation measurement to allow estimation of possible landing areas of the target.

Abstract: Some embodiments can include a barbed tape stack formed from a planar strip of flexible material and comprising a plurality of barbs disposed therealong, said barbs being sufficiently resilient so as to impede, by entanglement with or otherwise, the passage of an object therepast. The tape is folded in concertina-like folds to form a stack. Apparatus for deployment of barbed tape stacks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary magnet switch includes a housing defining a cavity for a rotary magnet having a first section rotatable with respect to a second section. A first registration secures the first magnet section to the housing. An actuator extends from a side wall of the housing. The actuator is secured to the second magnet section and is configured to rotate the second magnetic section with respect to the housing and the first magnet section to switch the magnet on and off.

Abstract: A rocket propelled grenade shield including a flexible net and a frame secured to the flexible net supporting the flexible net. Spaced hard points are attached to the net, the hard points including a base portion with a cavity therein and a plug received in said cavity locking each hard point to the flexible net.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an access point security unit which, when deployed, provides a hindrance for passing through an access point. Such a unit includes a deployment apparatus and a plurality of lengths of barbed strip material which can be moved between a stowed position, in which the access point is not obstructed by barbed strip material and a deployed position, in which the plurality of lengths of barbed strip material lie across the access point. In the deployed position, the barbed strip material is, in some embodiments, fully enclosed unless the access point is breached.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for network security content-checking, in particular simplifying the critical element of a content-checker so that it can be trusted and implemented in hardware logic. A method comprises determining whether a digitally encoded document contains any embedded documents; content-checking, by means of at least one hard-ware-implemented content-checker, at least one of the embedded documents separately from those parts of the digitally encoded document within which it was embedded; and releasing a version of the digitally encoded document responsive to the content-checking.

Abstract: Interrogation of a phase based transducer is performed by temporally overlapping and interfering a single pulse output from the transducer to determine the rate of change with time of the measurand represented as a phase change. The rate of change, or derivative of the phase change typically has a much smaller amplitude than the signal itself, and the derivative measurement therefore has reduced sensitivity. In this way, large amplitude signals which might otherwise be subject to overscaling effects can be measured more effectively.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a multilayer composite structure including a first reflective layer, and a second layer including a plurality of resistive circuit analog (CA) elements. The CA elements are tuned so as to interact with the first layer to provide absorption of electromagnetic (EM) energy over a desired frequency range. The parameters of the CA elements can be varied to provide for frequency tuning and to maintain absorption at a specific frequency range despite varying layer separation, while at the same time ensuring that the mechanical properties of the CA layer are compatible with integration into the turbine blade.