Abstract: An antenna including a number of antenna units, each having a lens and an array of beam ports. The antenna units are arranged in a stack, and are configured to transmit or receive signals from the same field-of-view. Each unit is configured to operate in a different frequency band, with the lenses being configured such that an approximately constant beam shape is maintained across the entire operating bandwidth of the antenna.

Abstract: A structure and a method for modifying an existing design of structure are provided, wherein the structure is provided to at least partially enclose an object that has a large radar cross section. The structure comprises a non-metallic portion having a radar-reflective layer applied to an inclined surface of the structure. The inclined surface is arranged with one or more angles of inclination selected so that the radar cross-section for the structure has a value that is lower than that for the object enclosed in one or more frequency ranges. In a preferred variation, an at least partially detached and appropriately shaped radar-reflective structure may be provided as an alternative to or to supplement the modification of an existing enclosure.

Abstract: A structure, and a method for modifying the design of a structure, are provided such that the structure includes features designed to reduce and preferably minimize the radar cross-section of the structure over one or more predetermined frequency ranges. A structure is provided having an inclined surface, wherein the angle of inclination is selected for which the level of radar cross section is below a local maximum in the sidelobes in each of the scattering patterns of incident electromagnetic radiation at frequencies within one or more predetermined frequency ranges. In the particular case of a tower, for example of a wind turbine, the radar cross-section of the tower may be minimized for two or more radar bands by appropriate selection of the angle of inclination of a frusto-conical portion of the tower. Ideally, the tower is constructed entirely in the form of a cone frustum.

Abstract: An antenna (1) comprises a number of antenna units (10, 20, 30), each comprising a lens (11, 12, 13) and any array (21, 22, 23) of beam ports (32). The antenna units (10, 20, 30) are arranged in a stack, and are configured to transmit or receive signals from the same field-of-view. Each unit 10, 20, 30) is configured to operate in a different frequency band, with the lenses (11, 12, 13) being configured such that an approximately constant beam shape is maintained across the entire operating bandwidth of the antenna (1).

Abstract: An antenna is provided comprising a first group of part-spherical dielectric lenses supported on a first portion of a conducting ground place arranged to reflect signals emerging from the lens, each of the lenses having a number of associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements arranged around the periphery of at least one sector of the lens for injecting signals into and/or receiving signals propagated by the lens, wherein each lens and the associated feed elements of the first group has a different orientation and may be operated to provide coverage in respect of a different region. The antenna also comprises a second group of one or more spherical or part-spherical dielectric lenses and associated switchably selectable antenna feed elements, oriented and operable to provide coverage to a region other than that covered by lenses of the first group.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a nuclear reactor refueling outage schedule using a computer system coupled to a database is provided. The method includes, in one embodiment, inputting into the computer system data relating to a current status of a nuclear reactor, with the reactor data including information related to current tooling, processes, and financial data; storing the reactor data in the database; and inputting into the computer system a proposed refueling outage schedule profile, with the outage schedule profile including critical path tasks and an estimated duration for each of the critical path tasks. The method further includes generating a gap analysis by comparing the proposed refueling outage schedule profile to a predetermined refueling outage schedule profile, where the predetermined schedule profile represents an optimum schedule; and determining the critical path tasks where adjustments to the task durations result in an optimized refueling outage schedule profile using the gap analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for re-routing a failed video call schedules one or more reserve video devices for use in the event of failure of the video devices selected to support a video call. Upon detection of a failure of a video device, the video network platform re-establishes the video call by using the reserve video devices to replace the failed video device, thus avoiding the waste of video network resources and delays in the completion of a video call. More efficient use of reserve video devices is obtained by pooling the reserve video devices with a reserve video network that supports plural primary video networks.

Abstract: A reflective device has a fluorescent sheet with reflective material, e.g. in the shape of strips, attached thereto, for mounting on a vehicle. The sheet has tabs extending from it for positioning in a closable aperture of the vehicle. The tabs may have rods to prevent the tabs from being pulled out of the aperture when closed. Tape strips may provide additional means of attachment. Tape loops and bungy strips provide means for fixing the sheet to lower portions of the vehicle. The sheet may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. The reflective device may also be a sock which fits over a wing mirror, or a sheet with opposing edges that can be temporarily connected to form a sleeve which fits over parts of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method to control feature interaction and ensure compatibility among disparate service features, resources and terminals of a communications network is provided. Resource devices and terminals access a compatibility message bus via interface agent modules when originating requests or events. The message bus, which could be, for example, an Ethernet link of any length, is accessible to all devices and to one or more compatibility controllers in the computing platform of a PBX or switching office, or in a general computing platform separate from the switch or PBX. A temporary compatibility control module is then constituted, which processes requests and events, by retrieving processing rules stored in a data base to ensure provision of invoked service features in a controlled manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical intramedullary nail, for stabilization of condylar and supracondylar fractures of the femur. It incorporates a Cruciate arrangement of two obliquely crossing locking bolts such that each condyle of the femur is gripped by an individual bolt. By this means both femoral condyles are stabilized with respect to the shaft of the femur. The bolts are oriented so that each passes through the main extra-articular mass of each condyle. Further predrilled holes are provided for insertion of proximal locking bolts to stabilize the nail with respect to the shaft of the femur. The nail is intended for retrograde insertion from distal to proximal into the intramedullary canal of the femur. Insertion of the locking bolts may be facilitated by the use of a temporary jig which is attached securely to the distal end of the nail. Nails of similar design can be used for stabilization of equivalent fractures of the humerus.

Abstract: A system for monitoring play of a golfer (24, 26) comprises Location Information Transmitters (LIT) (54, 56) at predetermined locations within a golf course and a Mobile Electronic Transmitter/Receiver (METAR) (48, 50) carried in association with a golfer (24, 26) on a golf cart (28) or golf bag (32). A METAR (48) periodically transmits a METAR code over a restricted transmission range (300). In response to the METAR (48) being proximate to a LIT (54), LIT (54) receives the METAR code. After receiving the METAR code, LIT (54) transmits a play monitoring signal including its LIT code and the received METAR code to a Tracking Center (227) located in a clubhouse (22). Golf course personnel in the clubhouse (22) can monitor a display terminal (242) of the Tracking Center (227) and determine play of golfers (24, 26), use of golf carts (28, 34) and use of golf holes (10, 14).