Abstract: A power supply line for powering electronic equipment from a power supply remote from the electronic equipment, having a balanced differential power transmission path 31 connecting the power supply 32 to the electronic equipment 13 and at least one isolating transformer 33, 34 in the power supply line, for providing isolation from ground potential rise associated with lightning surge currents. The invention has particular application to a wireless communications tower having the isolated power supply line for powering masthead electronic equipment 13, and an isolated communications link 21 between the masthead electronic equipment and a network terminal 22.

Abstract: A system for use in managing risk, including: a knowledge base, for maintaining generic risk records each including a plurality of different fields; a data store of profiles, for maintaining profile risk records associated with a particular profile, each profile risk record including the same plurality of fields as a generic risk record; and a risk processor, for updating generic risk records based on profile risk records in the data store of profiles. The knowledge base includes generic risk records with field values that can be refined over time so as to be useful in providing a more accurate risk assessment in any particular profile. Some of the risk record fields are measuring fields input by the user, and some are calculated fields calculated by the system, and the system allows different modes of analysis in which the fields that are the measuring fields differ.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple beam antenna and a method of fabricating such an antenna. The multiple beam antenna comprises: a flexible substrate having a conductive layer; a plurality of directional antennas; and a plurality of electrical connections being routed from each of the plurality of directional antennas to at least one area of the substrate. The plurality of directional antennas and the plurality of electrical connections are formed in the conductive layer, and the flexible substrate is shaped so that the plurality of directional antennas point in prescribed directions. This provides a low cost, high functionality multiple beam antenna. The multiple beam antenna can be shaped such that the directional antennas cover a full 360° or alternatively cover any range of other angles, (e.g. 270° or 180°).

Abstract: A system for providing an analysis of use in managing risk, the system including: a knowledge base, for maintaining generic risk records each including a plurality of different fields; a data store of profiles, for maintaining profile risk records associated with a particular profile, each profile risk record including the same plurality of fields as a generic risk record; and a risk processor, for updating generic risk records based on profile risk records in the data store of profiles. The knowledge base includes generic risk records with field values that can be refined over time so as to be useful in providing a more accurate risk assessment in any particular profile. Some of the risk record fields are measuring fields input by the user, and some are calculated fields calculated by the system, and the system allows different modes of analysis in which the fields that are the measuring fields differ.

Abstract: A multi-facetted antenna array is disclosed for omnidirectional signalling. The multi-facetted antenna array includes a plurality of abutting facets having a planar region under the patch antenna structures, and curving regions between the planar regions and across the abutting edges of the facets. The planar regions under the patch antenna provide proper RF antenna performance, while the curved regions minimize the size of the assembled array. Further disclosed is a method of mounting the associated RF interface module across an inside corner formed by abutting facets. The disclosed multi-facetted antenna array is particularly useful for overcoming the unsightly size and wind loading problems of multi-facetted antenna arrays known in the art.

Abstract: A multi-facetted antenna array is disclosed for omnidirectional signalling. The multi-facetted antenna array includes a plurality of abutting facets having a planar region under the patch antenna structures, and curving regions between the planar regions and across the abutting edges of the facets. The planar regions under the patch antenna provide proper RF antenna performance, while the curved regions minimize the size of the assembled array. Further disclosed is a method of mounting the associated RF interface module across an inside corner formed by abutting facets. The disclosed multi-facetted antenna array is particularly useful for overcoming the unsightly size and wind loading problems of multi-facetted antenna arrays known in the art.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple beam antenna and a method of fabricating such an antenna. The multiple beam antenna comprises: a flexible substrate having a conductive layer; a plurality of directional antennas; and a plurality of electrical connections being routed from each of the plurality of directional antennas to at least one area of the substrate. The plurality of directional antennas and the plurality of electrical connections are formed in the conductive layer, and the flexible substrate is shaped so that the plurality of directional antennas point in prescribed directions. This provides a low cost, high functionality multiple beam antenna. The multiple beam antenna can be shaped such that the directional antennas cover a full 360° or alternatively cover any range of other angles, (e.g. 270° or 180°).

Abstract: Optical assemblies of the type supported on an optical bench and comprising a one or more components such as lasers, lenses, filters, isolators and waveguides, are sensitive to movement variation. One of the causes of movement is temperature tracking. Previously, thermo-electric coolers have been used to maintain the top-surface temperature of an optical bench within a certain range. However, although thermo-electric coolers are operable to maintain optical bench temperature they are themselves still sensitive to temperature tracking and can deform. Because an optical bench is typically supported on the top surface of a thermo-electric cooler this leads to deformation of the optical bench itself and as a result performance of the optical assembly is affected. An improved design of thermo-electric cooler is described where the top surface of the cooler is divided into separate regions, each having a neutral region in which deformation is minimal.

Abstract: A tuning element tunes an optical component by adjusting the length of an optical fiber used within the optical component. Changes in length of a piezoelectric element are amplified by a surround structure, and the surround is provided with optical fiber fixing portions. The piezoelectric element is provided with an opening for receiving a fiber, such that a portion of a fiber can pass transversely through the opening, the length of the portion being adjustable by controlling the length of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric actuators have a fast response time and provide reliable operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave flat plate or planar antenna, and a method of manufacturing the same. As the frequency of operation increases, traditional methods of manufacturing these antennas are becoming increasingly impractical. The present invention provides an antenna tri-plate structure comprising, a first dielectric layer carrying a plurality of radiating elements, a second and third dielectric layer each comprising a metallised surface having a plurality of apertures corresponding to said radiating elements, a number of dielectrics spacers formed with said second and third dielectric layers, each said spacer being located between a said aperture and a said radiating element to maintain said layers apart.