Abstract: A fibre optic accelerometer particularly intended for use with an interferometer using the compliant cylinder approach but further providing a seismic mass at the core of the cylinder resulting in improved sensitivity and rejection of out-of-axis inputs.

Abstract: This invention relates to optical fibres, fibre lasers, fibre laser arrays and sensor systems comprising fibre laser arrays. Conventional fibre laser sensor arrangements comprise a plurality of fibre lasers arranged in series along a length of optical fibre. A pump light source is located a one end of the fibre and supplies pump light energy to each of the fibre lasers in turn. Such sensor systems experience a number of disadvantages. Firstly, there is an uneven distribution of pump power along the length of the fibre which effectively limits the number of laser devices that can successfully be incorporated into the optical fibre array. Secondly, the manner in which existing sensor systems are constructed often results in back reflections, optical losses and mechanical weaknesses. The present invention provides a fibre laser which mitigates the above problems with fibre laser sensor arrays.

Abstract: A vibration sensing device, package and system and a method of manufacturing a vibration sensing device are disclosed. The vibration sensing device comprises a body whose geometry is such that it exhibits flextensional properties.

Abstract: A vibration sensing device, an acceleration sensing system and a method of manufacturing a vibration sensing device wherein the vibration sensing device comprises a flexible disk that is mounted symmetrically about a radial plane and has a mass located on the disk substantially symmetrical about this radial plane which exerts a force that is greater towards the edge than it is towards the centre of the disk. The vibration sensing device is sensitive to on-axis signals and insensitive to cross axis signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber sensor for traffic monitoring, which comprises a former consisting of an elongated plate, and an optical fiber wound onto at least one surface of the elongated plate. The elongated plate is flexible in a direction transverse to the at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor. The resulting sensor has a reduced depth which makes it easier to locate within the surface of a traffic route, has increased flexibility to enable to confirm to the surface of the traffic route, and has good cross axis sensitivity rejection.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises at least one sensor station (2) and an interferometric interrogation system (9); wherein the at least one sensor station (2) comprises at least one optical fibre sensor (5) deployed in a highway (1); wherein the at least one optical fibre sensor (5) comprises a former (14), an optical fibre (13) wound on the former, a casing (15) and a compliant material (16) provided between the casing and the former; such that the compliant material reduces the sensitivity of the sensor (5); and wherein the interferometric interrogation system (9) is adapted to respond to an optical phase shift produced in the at least one optical fibre sensor due to a force applied by a vehicle passing the at least one sensor station (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber sensor for traffic monitoring, which comprises a former consisting of an elongate plate, and an optical fiber wound onto at least one surface of the elongate plate. The elongate plate is flexible in a direction transverse to the at least one surface such that passage. Traffic over the optical fiber sensor is arranged to cause a variation in at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor. The resulting sensor has a reduced depth which makes it easier to locate within the surface of a traffic route, has increased flexibility to enable it to confirm to the surface of the traffic route, and has good cross axis sensitivity rejection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assembling a vehicle. The method comprises providing an open-top cab module comprising a metallic base frame, a plurality of exterior body panels secured to the base frame, and interior cab module trim component. A roof assembly is then provided. The roof assembly comprises a light metallic roof frame, at least one roof panel supported on the roof frame, glass components comprising at least a front windshield supported on the roof frame, and interior roof assembly trim components supported on the roof frame. The roof assembly is then secured to the cab module.

Abstract: A method of dispensing the material that is heated by microwave energy immediately before the material is dispensed. The method comprises a series of steps including conveying the material through a pressurized passage through a dispensing tube that has radial boundaries transparent to microwave energy. The dispensing tube is located within a microwave resonant chamber. The microwave energy is channeled from a microwave generating source along a waveguide to the microwave resonant chamber. Material within the passage is heated by the microwave energy and produces a TM.sub.020 heating profile with negligible heating at the radial boundaries of the dispensing tube. The material is dispensed onto a component along a path. The dispensing step requires a measure of time to define a dispensing cycle. The output of the microwave generating source is varied. The amount of microwave heating that occurs within the material is dependent upon the output of the microwave generating source.

Abstract: One or both ends of a skateboard has its effective lower surface of the platform brought nearer to the ground than the remainder of the platform by the addition of a block or blocks which comes into contact with the ground when the rider elects to ride the skateboard on only one of the two sets of wheels. The existence and shaping of this block assists the rider to maneuver and control the board and avoids the wear of an irreplaceable part of the board. The block is moulded plate of suitable material attached to the underside of the board the major opposing sides of the plate being elliptical. For control purposes the shape over a 120.degree. central sector of the major side is significant but for wear factor reasons it is extended to 160.degree.. No part of the radius should be less than 15 mm, or more than 110 mm. and the contact periphery should have a rounded shoulder to provide a satisfactory area of initial contact.