Abstract: Described is a new class of polypeptide cell modulators characterized by being composed of two covalently linked cell modulators in a linear polypeptide sequence. Such dual function polypeptides have new and particularly useful activities when the component polypeptide cell modulators are interferons, lymphokines or cytotoxins which act through different and specific cell receptors to initiate complementary biological activities. Also described is a peptide linker segment comprising a mouse IgG gamma 2b “hinge” in which the four cysteines of the “hinge” have been converted to serines.

Abstract: A two dimensional array of resistive bolometers (B) is arranged in rows and columns. Amplifiers (A0, A1 etc) amplify signals obtained from the bolometers. Instead of providing one amplifier per column, a smaller number of amplifiers is used each of which is connected to a plurality of column sense lines (L) via a multiplexer (M0, M1 etc).

Abstract: A signal processing technique applied to the readout of two-dimensional detector arrays provides a dynamic correction mechanism for the varying offsets of the different elements of the array. The outputs of the elements are supplied to an offset correction circuit operative to compensate for the differences in the d.c. or low frequency outputs from a predetermined voltage wherein a fraction of the difference is subtracted at each successive cycle to gradually reduce the difference.

Abstract: A surveillance system using an array of detectors onto which energy from the scene under surveillance is focused can indicate the direction of an event that has been recognized. The invention uses two or more arrays to locate events in three dimensions, and to define regions within the three dimensional space being surveyed. The events are located by detecting which elements from the respective arrays are stimulated by the occurrence of an event, and determining the location of the event to be at the intersection of the fields of view of the stimulated elements.

Abstract: An image of a scene is focused onto a two dimensional array of passive infrared sensing elements mounted on and connected to an integrated circuit, and used to detect the location of events within the scene; for example, movement, change in temperature, or the emission of a gas. In this invention knowledge of the location of the event is derived from the detection of signals from one or more elements of the array, and is used to control the operation of a mechanism such that a portion of the scene including the event location is imaged onto a video imaging device operating in the visible or near infrared. Such mechanisms include a zoom lens or mirror arrangement and mechanical scanning in elevation and/or azimuth. Examples of suitable imaging devices for use with the thermal detector array include CCD camera chips and other electrically scanned silicon photovoltaic arrays. The CCD array might for example be used in a CCD camera, which is used to identify an intruder, or to read the number plate of a car.

Abstract: An optical detection system for forming an image of a field of view in an object plane onto an image plane in which the electromagnetic radiation image is transmitted to a detector array at the image plane via an optical distorting element such as a reflector 11, so as to impose a non linear relationship between areas in the image and object planes.

Abstract: A method of testing resistance bolometer arrays involves applying different voltages to different bolometers so as to produce a detectable difference between adjacent bolometers under normal conditions. The voltages may be applied in a recognisable pattern so that faults can be readily identified from a visual display of the array.

Abstract: A sensor comprising an array of detectors for e.g. infrared radiation of the type for use in security or surveillance application has means for identifying the entry of an object into a first selected area of a scene and means for generating a warning or alarm signal after a first predetermined period of time during which there is no movement of the body within the first selected area.

Abstract: Sensors using detector arrays (1) are intended for identifying events within a scene (12). A sensor comprising an array of pyroelectric infrared detectors (1) is mounted directly onto an integrated readout circuit (2) so that each of its elements is in electrical contact with one of the inputs to the readout circuit. The detector array (1) on its readout circuit (2) is positioned at the focus of an infrared transmitting lens (11) so that an image of a scene (12) is formed on the array. The readout circuit (2) and array (1) are enclosed in a package (18) which is connected via a circuit board (19) to a microprocessor (20). The microprocessor (20) and readout circuit (2) work together to detect the occurrence and position of events within a scene (12). Application examples are the detection and identification of location of flames or intruders within the field of view.

Abstract: When an array of thermal detectors with appropriate read-out means is used as a sensor to detect events such as intruders or fire, it may be disabled accidentally or deliberately by placing a mask over the array to shield it from the scene. The act of placing a mask over the array induces a simultaneous transient signal from all of the detectors, or at least a majority of the detectors, and is followed by a period when those detectors give rise only background noise or clutter. The characteristics of these signals is used to generate a warning signal to indicate that the sensor has been disabled.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the accurate entry of information into a highly structured database by initially extracting information from a plurality of nonuniformly formatted source data streams, e.g., documents/files, and subsequent interactions with users before storing the accepted and/or modified information into the database. Embodiments of the present invention provide an interactive path for each user (e.g., the author of the source document/file) to interactively modify the extracted data, e.g., according to the source document/file. Preferably, this interactive path is provided via the Internet and the extracted information can be modified by editing and/or selectively copying portions of the source documents/files to supplement and/or modify the extracted information.

Abstract: Fanconi Anemia is a human genetic disease, the precise cause of which is, to date, unknown. This invention provides an isolated human cDNA molecule which is able to specifically complement, in one type of Fanconi Anemia, (type C) the characteristic defect exhibited by cells derived from patients with Fanconi Anemia. The genomic gene from which this cDNA is derived is also provided as is the sequence of the protein encoded by this gene. Mutations in this gene are proposed to underlie Fanconi Anemia Type C. Diagnostic and therapeutic applications which derive from this work are described. The murine homolog of the human cDNA is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use as a solar energy collector, the apparatus comprising a closed loop through which, in use, an aqueous solution can be circulated and be impinged upon by incident sunlight; means for circulating the aqueous solution around the closed loop; an inlet for introducing reactants into the closed loop; at least one unit in which the aqueous solution can be subjected to a chemical reaction, the said unit being interposed in the closed loop in a manner such that the said solution can flow through the unit; and an outlet for withdrawing products from the closed loop. The use of such apparatus to perform the photochemical oxidation of water to give oxygen and a reduced electron acceptor which acts as a store of energy is also described.

Abstract: A photochemical process in which visible light is used to irradiate a solution comprising water, a manganese (II) or manganese (III) complex of formula MnL wherein L is a phthalocyanine ligand, a 5, 10, 15, 20--tetraphenylporphyrin ligand or a 5, 10, 15, 20--tetrapyridylporphyrin ligand, and a suitable electron acceptor. The process results in the oxidation of water into oxygen and the reduction of the electron acceptor. The reduced electron acceptor may be used as, or converted to, a chemical fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel for use in a smoking product and consisting of a fibrous flexible self coherent carbonaceous material the fibers of which preferably have certain dimensions and are agglomerated into clusters of certain dimensions. Volatile constituents to give smoking satisfaction are added to the fuel and are distilled or sublimed into a smoke stream upon burning of the fuel.

Abstract: A ceramic material, which consists of lead zirconate with not greater than 20 atomic per cent of bismuth substituted for the lead, according to the formula Pb.sub.1.sub.-3x/2 Bi.sub.x ZrO.sub.3. Titanium to a concentration of not more than 50 atomic per cent can be substituted for the zirconium according to the formula Pb.sub.1.sub.-3x/2 Bi.sub.x Zr.sub.1.sub.-y Ti.sub.y O.sub.3. Potassium to a concentration of 2 to 20 atomic per cent can also be substituted for the lead in any of these materials, according to either the formula Pb.sub.1.sub.-3x/2.sub.-z/2 Bi.sub.x K.sub.z SrO.sub.3 or the formula Pb.sub.1.sub.-3x/2.sub.-z/2 Bi.sub.x K.sub.z Zr.sub.1.sub.-y Ti.sub.y O.sub.3. Uranium can also be included in any one of these ceramic materials to a concentration of not more than 10 atomic per cent. All of the ceramic materials can be produced by ceramic processes and sintering techniques.

Abstract: A tobacco substitute which consists essentially of a complete fuel and at least one volatile substance impregnating said fuel, said volatile substance being capable of distilling or subliming without chemical change, and said fuel consisting essentially of combustible, flexible and self coherent fibrers made of a carbonaceous material containing at least 80 percent carbon by weight, which material is the product of the controlled pyrolysis of a cellulose based fibre containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and which has suffered a weight loss of at least 60 percent during the pyrolysis, the fibres produced in the pyrolysis having a cross-sectional dimension between 5 and 50 microns, and a length between 1 mm and 5 cm, and being agglomerated into a plurality of strands, which strands have a cross-sectional dimension between 0.1 mm and 5mm and a length of between 5 mm and 5 cm.