Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal droop compensation in power amplifiers are disclosed. In one aspect, a droop compensation circuit is added to a temperature-sensitive active bias circuit in a power amplifier chain. The droop compensation circuit relies on current mirroring to draw a trigger current that may be used by a correction circuit to create an additional bias signal that offsets temperature-induced droop in the power amplifier. Variations contemplate where the bias signal is injected within the power amplifier chain and what form the correction circuit may take (e.g., an attenuator, a variable gain amplifier (VGA), or the like). By compensating for temperature droop in this fashion, rapid pulsing signals that generate rapid pulses of heat may be transmitted across an effectively linear power amplifier chain without having to deal with droop effects.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which is flame retardant and essentially halogen-free. An embodiment also includes expandable graphite filler to further provide fire protection.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which has excellent compression set and adhesion to both polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6 for use in two-part component polymer structures.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for testing an electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell. A first method involves charging the fuel cell during a charge period; discharging the fuel cell during a discharge period; and monitoring the response of the fuel cell during at least part of the discharge period or the open-circuit response of the fuel cell. Another method involves testing the fuel cell when the fuel cell is in a passive state in which substantially no electrochemical reactions are taking place in the fuel cell. simultaneously applying a stimulus to all of the devices, and independently monitoring the response of each of the devices to the stimulus. Further methods involve obtaining test data from a device being tested; obtaining equivalent circuit values; calculating sets of simulation data for each equivalent circuit value; comparing sets of simulation data with the test data; and selecting one of the equivalent circuit values based on the comparison.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which is flame retardant and essentially halogen-free. An embodiment also includes expandable graphite filler to further provide fire protection.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which has excellent compression set and adhesion to both polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6 for use in two-part component polymer structures.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based on a blend of styrenic block copolymer and a thermoplastic polyurethane made from aliphatic diisocyanates is disclosed which has excellent translucency, approaching transparency and adnesion to engineering thermoplastic compounds for use in multiple component polymer structures.

Abstract: A styrene-isobutylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposite is disclosed which has good processability and more effective barrier properties for oxygen and carbon dioxide transmission.

Abstract: A medical container seal comprising a styrene-isobutylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposite is disclosed which has good processability and more effective barrier properties for oxygen and carbon dioxide transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode, typically an anode, for use in an x-ray generating apparatus comprising an electron source. The electrode comprises a housing, a diamond member mounted to the housing, and a target located on the diamond member, which target in use is bombarded with electrons from the electron source so as to generate x-rays. A bonding layer is located between the housing the diamond member, which bonding layer comprises an alloy having a solidus or melting point of less than 900° C. A particularly preferred alloy comprises silver, copper and indium. This arrangement assists in dissipating heat generated at the electrode surface whilst retaining the structural integrity of the electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides a distributed application server comprising a cluster of two or more nodes in a peer configuration. The two or more nodes are associated with at least one message stream comprising a plurality of messages propagated through the associated nodes. The invention also provides a method of implementing a distributed application server comprising the steps of arranging a cluster of two or more nodes in a peer configuration and associating the nodes with at least one message stream.

Abstract: A charged particle (e.g. photoelectron) spectrometer is operable in a first mode to produce an energy spectrum relating to the composition of a sample being analysed, and in a second mode to produce a charged particle image of the surface of the sample being analysed. A detector is used to detect charged particles produced in both modes of operation. A method of operation of the spectrometer includes the step of selecting which of said first and second modes to use and the detector being operated accordingly.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus for testing an electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell. A first method involves charging the fuel cell during a charge period; discharging the fuel cell during a discharge period; and monitoring the response of the fuel cell during at least part of the discharge period or the open-circuit response of the fuel cell. Another method involves testing the fuel cell when the fuel cell is in a passive state in which substantially no electrochemical reactions are taking place in the fuel cell. simultaneously applying a stimulus to all of the devices, and independently monitoring the response of each of the devices to the stimulus. Further methods involve obtaining test data from a device being tested; obtaining equivalent circuit values; calculating sets of simulation data for each equivalent circuit value; comparing sets of simulation data with the test data; and selecting one of the equivalent circuit values based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding gaseous effluents from the exit aperture of a gas producing device to a fireplace exit flue adapts to a large range of damper opening angles and sizes. The apparatus includes a damper closure plate for closing down the damper opening of the fireplace. The damper plate has an opening therein for receiving a connection assembly which connects at one end to the exit aperture of the gas producing device and at the other end passes through the damper closure plate and is secured thereto. The connection assembly, at the end passing through the damper closure plate, has a curved elongated section which can pivot at the damper plate opening to enable adjustment to the large range of opening orientations. The fireplace adapted is particularly useful in connection with wood and coal burning stoves having an airtight configuration.