Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell tubes, each fuel cell tube being configured to input fuel at an inlet opening and output exhaust at an exhaust opening. The fuel cell system further includes a current collecting, system comprising an interconnect member disposed through the exhaust opening. The interconnect member electrically connects an inner electrode of a first fuel cell tube to an electrode of a second fuel cell tube.

Abstract: A method and towed sonic array system for defocusing the beampattern of the towed sonic array. The method includes determining an amplitude adjustment and a phase adjustment for each of the sonic projectors; and driving each of the sonic projectors with a drive signal modified by the amplitude adjustment and the phase adjustment for that sonic projector. The amplitude adjustment and phase adjustment for each of the sonic projectors are, at least in part, based upon the distance from that sonic projector to a virtual source. The location of the virtual source may be selected so as to achieve different beampatterns, including wide-sector beams and, in at least one case, a near-omni-directional beampattern. The drive signal may include multiple frequency components, in which case the method may be used to find a set of beamformer coefficients for each of the frequency components and an inverse transform may be used to realize a defocused driving signal.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of acoustic sensors (acoustically coupled to a structure for monitoring) is connected to a network bus system via a preamplifier for capturing, processing and reporting acoustic events in a structure, for example aircraft structures. Each of the preamplifiers processes the acoustic event signals received from the sensors when an acoustic emission resulting from an acoustic event (defect in a structure, impact on the structure etc), and passes digital processed signal data relating to the detected acoustic event to a Remote Data Concentrator over the network for collation. The collated data is then stored and/or further processed (at a later time or in near real-time) to determine the source and/or location of detected acoustic emissions in the structure.

Abstract: A towable buoy having a tow point for connection to a tow cable of a vessel, wherein the position of the tow point is translationally moveable with respect to the remainder of the buoy. Also, a method of operating the towable buoy.

Abstract: A cable (7) is routed between a pair of links (1, 2) that are pivotally connected about a lateral pivot axis (4). A wound section (8) is provided in the cable with the winding axis coincident with the pivot axis of the links. The wound section (8) may be preformed. A cable protector (10, 11) is provided each end of the wound section (8) along the pivot axis (4) so as to constrain the adjacent end of the wound section (8) to be keyed with it and the adjacent link.

Abstract: A current measurement apparatus includes a shunt resistor (1) located between two terminal members (5, 6), each connected electrically to a respective end (4, 3) of the shunt resistor, and each extending over substantially the whole of an adjacent side face of the shunt resistor. Electrically insulating, thermally conductive material (8, 9) is provided between each side face of the shunt resistor (1) and the terminal members (5, 6), and serves to provide a thermal path for heat exchange between the shunt resistor and the terminals. The shunt resistor (1) is engineered to have the desired electrical properties, and the terminal members are connected by mechanical fasteners (13, 14) to ensure the required electrical properties without calibration. Measuring circuitry (15) is incorporated between the shunt resistor (1) and terminal members (5, 6).

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer, comprising a print unit for printing on a print medium; a print media reversal unit for reversing the print medium to allow double-sided printing onto the print medium; a memory unit for storing printer configuration data, the printer configuration data including data specifying whether or not the printer is permitted to operate in a double-sided printing mode; an input device for receiving an instruction to permit the operation of the printer in a double-sided printing mode; and a print controller for controlling the print unit and the print media rotation unit, the controller being programmed to operate the printer in either a single-sided or double-sided mode in dependence on the printer configuration data, and to update the printer configuration data appropriately in response to receiving the instruction to permit the operation of the printer in a double-sided printing mode.

Abstract: Magnetic signature assessment apparatus for a vehicle comprising sensors for incorporation in the vehicle to measure the magnetic field normal to a closed surface at least approximately bounding the vessel and processing means for calculating from the normal field measurements a scalar magnetic potential outside the surface. Apparatus may be provided on the vehicle to generate a magnetic field to suppress the magnetic signature corresponding to the scalar potential. The invention also extends to corresponding methods and to programs for implementing those methods.

Abstract: A buoy is provided with first and second fixed hydrodynamic surfaces (15,16). When the buoy is towed through water by a tether (17), the first hydrodynamic surface (15) generates a downward force that reduces with increased speed through the water. The second hydrodynamic surface (16) generates an upward force that increases with increased speed through the water so that the buoy dives up to an upper critical speed through the water speed and rises beyond said upper critical speed through the water. The downward force of the first hydrodynamic surface (15) overcomes the buoyancy of the buoy at a lower critical speed through the water above, which the buoy dives. The hydrodynamic surface (15) comprises first fins (15) mounted on an outer casing (1) of the buoy and are spaced angularity and extend parallel to the centre axis of the buoy which is substantially aligned with the direction of towing.

Abstract: High noise immunity communication systems are provided for voice communications among emergency responders, in which first and second wireless devices employ near field spread spectrum data modems to transfer digital audio data between a responder mask or helmet and a secondary device affixed to the responder's clothing or uniform to allow the responder to broadcast messages to other responders and to hear broadcasts from other responders.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus for dispensing a card or other substantially planar substrate therefrom, the apparatus comprising a base (2) in engagement with a cover (3), the cover being arranged to house a plurality of cards (6) therein, the cover and base being arranged to be movable with respect to one another such that on relative motion of the base and cover one of the plurality of cards is removable from the apparatus, wherein the cover includes an outwardly protruding ledge (19) such that, when the apparatus is in a configuration allowing removal of a card, the ledge is configured and/or dimensioned to prohibit the grasping of the top surface of the card by a user.

Abstract: A printer (2) for printing security cards (14) in which two pairs of pinch rollers (22, 24) convey a substrate (14) past a print head (20). A cam follower (42) is driven by a cam (40) and is mounted on shafts of lower rollers (22a, 24a) of the pinch rollers and a shaft of a platen roller (32). The cam follower can be moved to act against upper rollers (22b, 24b) of the pinch rollers and the print head, in order to bring the pinch rollers or the print head in and out of engagement with the substrate. The printer may also include a return device (70) to urge the substrate back towards a pair of pinch rollers. The rollers can then be reversed, enabling multiple passes of the substrate past the print head or a magnetic strip encoder (36). The substrate can also be inserted and removed via a single slot (12) in the housing of the printer.