Abstract: The invention relates to optical beam steering. There is described an optical beam steering apparatus, comprising: a splitter arranged to split an optical beam into at least a first part having a first polarization and a second part having a second polarization, said first and second polarizations being substantially mutually orthogonal; a first liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said first part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said first polarization; and a second liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said second part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said second polarization.

Abstract: We describe a LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) telecommunications light beam routing device, the device comprising: an optical input; a plurality of optical outputs; a LCOS spatial light modulator (SLM) in an optical path between said input and said output, for displaying a kinoform; a data processor, coupled to said SLM, configured to provide kinoform data for displaying said kinoform on said SLM; wherein said kinoform data defines a kinoform which routes a beam from said optical input to a selected said optical output; wherein said data processor is configured to input routing data defining said selected optical output and to calculate said kinoform data for routing said beam responsive to said routing data; and wherein said data processor is configured to calculate said kinoform data by: determining an initial phase pattern for said kinoform; calculating a replay field of said phase pattern; modifying an amplitude component of said replay field to represent a target replay field for said beam routing, reta

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of stone crushing tools on earthmoving machines, wherein at least one RFID tag (5) is arranged in the tool (3, 4) executing an at least periodic radio communication (7) with a reader (11). The interruption and/or absence thereof generates an alarm signal as an indication of a non-functioning or broken-off tool.

Abstract: A THz radiation probe (1) for examining an object (8), the probe comprising a first portion configured to be inserted into an opening of said object in a first direction (5), said probe further comprising at least one THz emitter (15), directing means (7) for directing THz radiation emitted from said emitter to said object via an aperture (2) located at said first portion and subsequently from said object to at least one THz detector (17) and, means for scanning said emitted THz radiation across said object in a scan direction, said scan direction having a component in said first direction (5).

Abstract: We describe methods and devices for manipulating optical signals. A method of manipulating an optical signal comprises providing a device (100) comprising a layer (106) of blue phase liquid crystal in the path of the optical signal; and applying a dynamically varying spatial pattern of voltages across the layer (106) of blue phase liquid crystal, thereby causing the refractive index of the layer (106) of blue phase liquid crystal to vary according the dynamically varying spatial pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and/or 5-methylcytosine (5meC). In some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods and kits for detection of 5hmC and/or 5meC in nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA). In some embodiments, the present invention relates to detection of 5hmC in genomic DNA, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for routing light beams in telecommunications devices using holographic techniques, in particular by displaying kinoforms on LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the detection of 5-hydroxymethylcytosme (5hmC). In some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods and kits for detection of 5hmC in nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA). In some embodiments, the present invention relates to detection of 5hmC in genomic DNA, e.g., mammalian genomic DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides coating compositions with excellent curing performance. Curing can occur very rapidly for excellent cycle time, yet with minimal (if any) foaming. A preferred catalyst system helps to provide excellent initial and follow through cure through the entirety of the coating thickness, even with respect to in-mold coating (IMC) applications. Preferred aspects of the invention provide a composition having zero, or nearly zero, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) when applied and cured.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention distributes data via a network to remotely located individuals. Evaluation feedback by one or more of the individuals is transmitted to others so that the feedback may be used by others to quickly locate the more useful data. The evaluation feedback may be in the form of ratings of product reviews. The feedback helps customers by allowing the more useful reviews can be quickly located.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an optical beam steering apparatus and a method of manufacturing an optical beam steering apparatus, and more particularly to an optical add drop multiplexer (OADM) such as a reconfigurable OADM (ROADM) comprising the optical beam steering apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a slab and a plurality of optical elements in or on a first surface of said slab, the plurality of optical elements including at least one liquid crystal on silicon element, the apparatus being arranged such that at least one optical beam can propagate freely in the slab from one of said plurality of optical elements to another one of said plurality of optical elements via a reflection from a second surface of the optical beam steering apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical beam steering. There is described an optical beam steering apparatus, comprising: a splitter arranged to split an optical beam into at least a first part having a first polarisation and a second part having a second polarisation, said first and second polarisations being substantially mutually orthogonal; a first liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said first part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said first polarisation; and a second liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said second part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said second polarisation.

Abstract: Gel coat compositions and/or components thereof that have low viscosity characteristics while also incorporating relatively high molecular weight resin material. In representative embodiments, this is achieved by using a curable polyester resin with low polydispersity in the gel coat compositions and/or one or more components thereof. In preferred embodiments, such resin material is used to prepare one or more color components that can be readily blended with one or more other gel coat resin components to form gel coat compositions. These compositions can be cured to form gel coats. By blending the components according to recipes, a wide range of different gel coat compositions with custom color or other visual appearance can be prepared on demand from a limited inventory of color components.

Abstract: A THz radiation probe (1) for examining an object (8), the probe comprising a first portion configured to be inserted into an opening of said object in a first direction (5), said probe further comprising at least one THz emitter (15), directing means (7) for directing THz radiation emitted from said emitter to said object via an aperture (2) located at said first portion and subsequently from said object to at least one THz detector (17) and, means for scanning said emitted THz radiation across said object in a scan direction, said scan direction having a component in said first direction (5).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention distributes data via a network to remotely located users. Historical purchase information for a first user is stored in a database. Authorization is received over a network from the first user allowing a second user to view at least a portion of the historical purchase information. In addition, the first user selectively specifies which historical purchase information may be viewed by the second customer. An electronic notification is transmitted to the second user, wherein the notification informs the second user of the first user's authorization.

Abstract: A polyester gelcoat composition containing unsaturated polyester resin, a reactive diluent mixture including para-tertiary-butylstyrene, and one or more additives. The gelcoat composition does not include appreciable deleterious amounts of hazardous air pollution solvents. A method of making the gelcoat composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polyester gelcoat composition containing unsaturated polyester resin, a reactive diluent mixture including para-tertiary-butylstyrene, and one or more additives. The gelcoat composition does not include appreciable deleterious amounts of hazardous air pollution solvents. A method of making the gelcoat composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention distributes data via a network to remotely located individuals. Evaluation feedback by one or more of the individuals is transmitted to others so that the feedback may be used by others to quickly locate the more useful data. The evaluation feedback may be in the form of ratings of product reviews. The feedback helps customers by allowing the more useful reviews can be quickly located.

Abstract: A polyester gelcoat composition comprising unsaturated polyester resin; a reactive diluent mixture including para-tertiary-butylstyrene and a minor amount of styrene; and one or more additives. The gelcoat composition does not include appreciable deleterious amounts of hazardous air pollution solvents. A method of making the gelcoat composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant application provides a method for running an organization. Each individual in the organization is assigned to one of a plurality of circles. The circles uses dynamic steering in the performance of periodic governance meetings. The governance meetings are used to: define accountabilities, in which each accountability is an activity performed in service of the organization; define roles; assign to each role at least one of the accountabilities; assign to each individual in the circle at least one of the roles, wherein each individual filling a role is accountable to the organization for every accountability assigned to that role; and using a decision-making process to resolve identified tensions within the circle. Additionally, the circles use dynamic steering in the performance of periodic operational meetings.