Abstract: A method of compacting a mat of hot mix asphalt which has been laid by an advancing asphalt paver, the method comprising advancing an asphalt compactor over the laid asphalt such that a compaction surface of the compactor, formed by a lower run of at least one belt, is engaged with any one portion of the mat for a period of at least 1.5 seconds, the compaction surface applying a maximum average load stress to the mat of less than about 50 kPa (7.252 psi). Compaction may be achieved using a compactor (60) comprising two longitudinally spaced modular compaction units (62) connected relative to each other, and a power source for driving at least one of the modular compaction units (62), wherein at least one of the modular compaction units (62) is adjustable to permit steering of the compactor, and wherein each of said modular compaction units (62) comprises a compaction belt (74), support means (78, 80) for the belt to define a planar lower run of the belt (74) forming a compaction surface.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for estimating or deriving weather observations/conditions for any given location using observed weather conditions from neighboring locations, radar data, lightning data, satellite imagery, etc. An initial estimate of weather conditions for a location is made based on a downscaling process using the current conditions the neighboring locations. A measure of corroboration between the radar data and surface weather conditions at official observing stations may be established. Through the results of the downscaling process, radar calibration statistics and estimates of ground-based precipitation, the corroboration can be iteratively tuned, resulting in a weather conditions vector containing associated meteorological fields for locations that lie between or near the sparse network of official observing sites from which an estimate of the weather conditions may be made.

Abstract: There is disclosed lighting apparatus suitable for being positioned adjacent to an area or an object for indicating the location or orientation of the area or object. The apparatus is provided with a set of light emitters for emitting light and which are positioned side by side relative to one another. The light emitters are staggered for emitting the light outwardly from the apparatus at an increasing angle along the set relative to a plane of reference. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the light emitters are light emitting diodes. The apparatus finds particular application as an airstrip light for indicating the position and orientation of the airstrip to approaching aircraft. Signalling apparatus for being positioned adjacent to an area for indicating the position of the area and which are provided with infrared emitting diodes for emitting an infrared signal are also described.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I are disclosed: in which X is a 5-membered heteroaryl ring and R is as defined herein.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coupling a first optical transmission means (10,42), such as an optical fibre, embedded within an aircraft composite (12,40) to a second optical transmission means (14), such as an optical fibre, external to the composite (12,40) is described. The method comprises locating the position of the first optical means (10,42) embedded within the composite (12,40) using X-ray scanning for example; forming a passageway (20,62) by laser machining or drilling within the composite (12,40) to the first optical transmission means (10,42); and establishing an optical connection between the first and second optical transmission means (10,42,14) at the intersection of the passageway (20,62) and the first optical transmission means (10,42).

Abstract: The process is for ageing heat treatment of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy which has alloying elements in solid solution. The process includes holding the alloy at an elevated ageing temperature which is appropriate for ageing the alloy to promote precipitation of at least one solute element, herein termed “primary precipitation” for a period of time which is short relative to a T6 temper. Resultant underaged alloy then is cooled from the ageing temperature to a lower temperature and at a sufficiently rapid rate to substantially arrest the primary precipitation. The cooled alloy then is exposed to an ageing temperature, lower than the elevated ageing temperature for primary precipitation, so as to develop adequate mechanical properties as a function of time, by further solute element precipitation, herein termed “secondary precipitation”.

Abstract: The heat treatment of an age-hardenable aluminium alloy, having alloying elements in solid solution includes the stages of holding the alloy for a relatively short time at an elevated temperature TA appropriate for ageing the alloy; cooling the alloy from the temperature TA at a sufficiently rapid rate and to a lower temperature so that primary precipitation of solute elements is substantially arrested; holding the alloy at a temperature TB for a time sufficient to achieve a suitable level of secondary nucleation or continuing precipitation of solute elements; and heating the alloy to a temperature which is at, sufficiently close to, or higher than temperature TA and holding for a further sufficient period of time at temperature TC for achieving substantially maximum strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the integrated display of process events and trend data. The method and apparatus provide for a unified display of trend data and process events related to the control and/or monitoring of a manufacturing process. A workstation generates and displays a trend chart that represents values of one or more selected process parameters during a selected time window. The workstation also generates and displays an event table containing information describing process events that are related to the selected process parameters and that occurred during the selected time window.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for altering insulin secretion, particularly in the context of treatment of subjects having, or suspected of being at risk for having, diabetes mellitus. The compounds have the following struture (I): including stereoisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein W1, W2, X, R1, R2, R3, R4, m and n are defined herein.

Abstract: The application relates to water craft hulls having improved hydrodynamic stability. A hull (1) is claimed in which the center of gravity (Cg) is substantially vertically aligned with the center of hydrodynamic lift (Cp) of a lifting surface of the hull, both at lift-off speed and at design speed, and preferably also at speeds below lift-off, and at all speeds between lift-off and design speed and above. A hull having a relatively high aspect ratio at design speed, and preferably also at lift-off speed, is also claimed. In the preferred embodiment, the hull is generally delta-shaped in plan view.

Abstract: A composite for use in the aircraft construction industry includes an optical transmission device, such as an optical fiber, embedded within a carrier. The optical transmission device is provided with a high-quality optical interface surface which provides for optical connection to the optical transmission means from outside the carrier. The optical interface surface is provided as part of a micro-optical component which processes the optical signals to improve light extraction from a supply to the optical transmission means. The buried optical transmission device is accessed by a passageway formed in the carrier to the interface surface. If the passageway is formed prior to completion of finishing processes on the composite, a protective plug is provided to close the passageway until the optical connection is required.

Abstract: A device for indicating whether a conductive element has an electrical resistance equal to or less than a predetermined value or whether the conductive element is reliably connected to earth reference potential by a resistance equal to or less than a predetermined value. The device includes a clamp device for connecting the device to the conductive element and which incorporates a battery powered monitoring unit. The monitoring unit includes a current-to-voltage converter with a voltage output that is inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductive element, a comparator which compares at predetermined intervals voltage output to a pre-set reference and determines whether the measured resistance is equal or less than the predetermined value, and a signaling device which is actuated to provide an indication as to whether the measured resistance is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of pocketed coil springs is disclosed. The apparatus includes a coiling section in which a coil is formed from wire fed to the coiling section, the coiling section including coiling elements, whose position and/or orientation determines the form of the coil, and an encapsulation section in which the coil is inserted between juxtaposed sheets of material and in which the sheets of material are joined together to form a pocket enclosing the coil. The apparatus further includes programmable control means operably linked to the coiling elements in such a way as to control the position and/or orientation of the coiling elements.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is curved in alternating sections. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is bent in alternating sections to form peaks and valleys. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication with other communication devices, such as an interrogation reader. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its bent structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breaks that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.

Abstract: A method of detecting I-frames in a video signal which has previously been MPEG coded, involves taking a DCT and analyzing the frequency of zero value coefficients. An I-frame, which does not utilize prediction coding is expected to have a higher number of zero coefficients than a predicted P- or B-frame.

Abstract: A connection arrangement includes a first connector (12) with an opening leading to first and second contacts (14, 16), where the first contact includes a beam (40) that is biased upwardly against the second contact but which can be depressed out of engagement with the second contact. The beam is depressed by a plug inner contact (32) of a mating second connector (30) that passes into the opening and depresses the beam, in an arrangement that assures firm engagement of the plug inner contact with the beam despite small beam movement. A stop (70) lying under the beam, limits its downward movement by the plug inner contact. The plug inner contact is spring biased downwardly with respect to the second connector frame (36) but can move up, so the second connector can continue to move down a short distance after the plug inner contact has pushed the beam against the stop, to enable-full engagement of largely coaxial outer contacts (26, 34) of the first and second connectors.

Abstract: Isoxazole estrogen receptor agonist and antagonist compounds having unexpected and surprising activity in modulating estrogen receptor activity are described. In addition, methods and compositions for treating or preventing estrogen receptor-mediated disorders are disclosed. The compounds, methods, and compositions of the invention have utility in preventing or treating estrogen receptor-mediated disorders such as osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancers, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is curved in alternating sections. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.