Abstract: A reconfigurable system for the analogue processing of radio frequency signals in a satellite communications system, comprises means for receiving a signal within a pre-selected first intermediate frequency and agile filter means comprising a variable mixer stage and at least one variable filter, adapted to select one or more first frequency channels from the input signal, to amplify and provide automatic gain control of the selected first channel signals and to translate the selected first channels to one or more second frequency channel signals within a pre-selected second intermediate frequency band, wherein the agile filter means is controllable to allow in-orbit reconfiguration of the system. The first and second intermediate frequencies are selected so as to minimize conversion of the uplink and downlink signals.

Abstract: A method which enables economical and highly effective preparation of refined kaolin clay products having preselected particle size distributions and brightnesses, by means of separate, efficient and economical processing of at least two crude components. A fine particle size kaolin crude having a PSD such that at least 85% by weight of the particles are of less than 2 micrometers ESD is wet beneficiated to provide a first product component having a PSD of at least 95% by weight less than 2 micrometers and a brightness of at least 89 on the G.E. scale. This wet beneficiation is conducted without use of a froth flotation step. A coarse particle size kaolin crude having a PSD such that less than 85% by weight of particles are of less than 2 micrometers ESD, is separately wet beneficiated to produce a second product component having a PSD of no more than 85% by weight less than 2 micrometers and a brightness of at least 89 on the G.E. scale.