Abstract: A surface acoustic wave sensor or identification device has a piezoelectric substrate, an interdigitated transducer (IDT) input/output mounted on a substrate for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal and propagating a corresponding surface acoustic wave along a surface of the substrate. An IDT reflector array is mounted on the substrate and operable to receive a surface acoustic wave and reflect the surface acoustic wave in modified form back to the IDT input/output for transmission of a corresponding modified RF signal from the device. The IDT reflector array has at least one reflector segment whose reflectivity characteristics are controlled to control the nature of the modified RF signal.

Abstract: SAW devices such as interdigital transducers (IDTs) have been widely used in RADAR applications and as filters. An IDT produces a SAW when excited by a single electrical pulse and can be fabricated to embody a code, which code provides for a passive autocorrelation of a SAW input to the IDT and thereby lends itself to further application as a signal generator in a communication device. However, internal dimensions of IDTs are inversely proportional to operating frequency, such that high frequency IDTs present significant manufacturing difficulties. Fabrication of IDTs for high frequency applications is simplified by exploiting a harmonic frequency SAW generated by IDTs. An IDT may therefore be designed according to fundamental frequency internal dimension criteria but can operate at a multiple of the fundamental frequency, thereby providing much higher frequency operation than conventional SAW systems.

Abstract: A method of removal of hydrocarbons from soils using solids-loaded polymer foam. A first step involves providing a solids-loaded polymer foam consisting of an open-celled polymer foam matrix with zeolite dispersed and bound throughout the foam matrix. A second step involves mixing soils containing hydrocarbons, solids-loaded polymer and water. It has been found that hydrocarbons are adsorbed by the solids-loaded polymer foam. The order of mixing can be altered to suit particular applications. A recovery step can be added to recover the hydrocarbons from the solids-loaded polymer foam.

Abstract: The invention utilizes an alarm input device and an intrusion detection system and/or video device. When the intrusion detection system and/or video device detects an alarm condition the alarm signal is transmitted to the central station. The alarm signal is then processed by the alarm processing device and/or the central station software. The central station software places the alarm signal into a queue along with the other alarm signals which are waiting for delivery to the next available operator. The central station software selects the highest priority alarm signal, combines the alarm signal and customer account record and delivers it to the next available operator. When the operator's alarm screen displays the alarm description, the account information for the video device is forwarded to establish a connection to the video device. The video from the video device is then displayed for the operator to view.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (1) having a high proportion of non-combustible, inorganic material and a relatively low level of visible sidestream. The smoking article comprises a substantially non-combustible, wrapper (5) which extends along the full length of the smoking material rod and enwraps a combustible fuel source (6) and aerosol generating means (7), both of which extend substantially along the length of the smoking material rod. Various suitable fuel source system and aerosol generating systems are described. The article has a visible burn line which advances along the article and produces an ash which can be removed by the smoker in the normal way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (1) having a high proportion of non-combustible, inorganic material and a relatively low level of visible sidestream. The smoking article includes a substantially non-combustible, wrapper (5) which extends along the full length of the smoking material rod and enwraps a combustible fuel source (6) and aerosol generator (7), both of which extend substantially along the length of the smoking material rod. Various suitable fuel source systems and aerosol generating systems are described. The article has a visible burn line which advances along the article and produces an ash which can be removed by the smoker in the normal way.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating programming enhancements for interactive commerce in a television distribution network. The system includes databases containing information on available products, layouts suitable for displaying product information on a television screen, and program schedule information. Computer applications allow a user to select a group of products, select and customize a screen layout, and define a program enhancement associating the products and layout with a particular scheduled program. Each program enhancement created with the system is stored for broadcast to viewers on the network at an appropriate time prior to the scheduled broadcast of the particular program with which it is associated. To conserve system resources, basic screen layouts for the enhancements are stored on viewers' set top boxes, and only information relating to the customized features of the enhancement's appearance, such as color and type style, is broadcast.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating and delivering programming enhancements for interactive commerce in a television distribution network. The system includes databases of program schedule information, product information on items available for purchase, and available enhancement layouts. A computer application allows the creation of customized program enhancements, each containing product information relating to a particular program. The system further includes broadcasting apparatus to broadcast program enhancements to viewers on the network at an appropriate time so as to have each enhancement available for display to the viewers during the particular program with which it is associated. To conserve system resources, the program enhancements are assembled, formatted and queued for broadcast only shortly before the associated programs are aired.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a single use syringe (1) having a container section (2), a valve section (4) and a hollow needle (4a). The valve section (4) contains a one-way valve (40) which allows fluid to flow in only one direction through the valve section (4). The single use syringe (1) may also be provided with locking means to prevent the separation of the container section (2) from the valve section (4). There is also disclosed herein packaging (16, 17) and a carry case (10, 11) in which to store and transport the single use syringe (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (1) having a high proportion of non-combustible, inorganic material and a relatively low level of visible sidestream. The smoking article includes a substantially non-combustible, wrapper (5) which extends along the full length of the smoking material rod and enwraps a combustible fuel source (6) and aerosol generator (7), both of which extend substantially along the length of the smoking material rod. Various suitable fuel source systems and aerosol generating systems are described. The article has a visible burn line which advances along the article and produces an ash which can be removed by the smoker in the normal way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the downstream handling of water soluble polysaccharide-containing extruded tobacco smoke filtration material. During conveying of the extrudate from the extruder die of an extruder to a cutter, the extrudate is heated, shaped, and cooled to provide tobacco smoke filtration material of desired dimensions and physical characteristics.

Abstract: An extruded filtration material which is degradable and comprises either a plastics material or an inorganic material having a melting point above the operating temperature, a polysaccharide expansion medium, a binder and water. These ingredients are fed to an extruder and subjected to an extrusion process which involves a pressure reduction, upon extrusion from the exit die, of up to about 70 bars so that swelling of the extrudate occurs to give a cellular structure. When exposed to the natural weather conditions, tobacco smoke filter elements comprising such material degrade without leaving a fused amalgamation of plastics or inorganic material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a deployable antenna or reflector having an offset paraboloid shape. The antenna can be packaged in a small volume. Radial ribs, interconnected by stiffeners, extend from a semicircular support hub. A metalized mesh is stretched between the radial ribs to form a reflective surface.