Abstract: Methods of providing duplex free-space optical, communication comprising receiving a time-shift keying (TSK) encoded signal and selectively re-modulating—and optionally retro-reflecting—received TSK pulses so as to transmit an on-off keying (OOK) signal. Related apparatus and signals are also provided.

Abstract: A method of synchronising an optical transmitter and modulator comprising transmitting a calibration sequence of pulses from the transmitter to the modulator; varying a control timing drawn from the set comprising the transmit interval timings and the modulator transmission interval timings; monitoring the resulting pulses transmitted by the modulator and selecting a preferred control timing; controlling the optical transmitter and/or modulator responsive to the selected control timing. Corresponding apparatus, systems, signals and programs for computers to implement or control the arrangement are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a powdered product from a product in the liquid state in the form of a solution-, suspension- or emulsion-type mixture in an aqueous medium. According to the invention, during the first step (E1) of the method, the product in the liquid state is transformed into a product in the viscous state. The invention is characterised in that it includes at least one overrun step (E2, E4) and at least one product-drying step (E3, E6) comprising at least a first step (E3) involving thermomechanical treatment with at last one thermomechanical treatment machine into which the viscous state product and a determined amount of powered product from the same family as the liquid state product are injected simultaneously. The treatment machine is configured to mix the viscous state product and the powdered product such as to produce solidified particles of the product upon contact with the ambient air.

Abstract: An optical modulator comprising a spacing-controllable etalon having at least one sprung micro-mirror suspended above a substrate. At least one electrically insulating stop is provided between the micro-mirror and the substrate to avoid short-circuit when the micro-mirror is drawn towards the substrate by an applied voltage. An optical detector detects the time of arrival of a first laser pulse. A control circuit predicts from this an arrival time of the next incident laser pulse and, responsive to a control signal, either retains the micro-mirror in its pulled-down state held against the insulating stops or releases the micro-mirror at a time predicted to maximise or minimise the light transmitted through the modulator. After a time interval calculated to permit a predetermined number of mechanical oscillations, the micro-mirror is pulled back down onto the stops.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, generating a treatment substance. The method is performed using apparatus (10) and comprise steps of creating a supply of hot water (11); creating a supply of compressed air (15); and delivering a stream of the hot water and a stream of the compressed air to a nozzle (21). The hot water and the compressed air are mixed in a mixing chamber (30) in the nozzle (21) to create a treatment fluid. The treatment fluid is discharged under pressure through an outlet (35) in the nozzle.

Abstract: A telescoping slide assembly (10) is provided for the mounting of an equipment mounting support and includes an elongated stationary slide member (20) having two ends and an elongated movable load-carrying slide member (24) having two ends. The load-carrying slide member (24) is telescopically connected to stationary slide member (20) so as to have one end of the load-carrying slide member extended away from one end of the stationary slide member in an extended position and the one end of the load-carrying slide member movable telescopically with respect to the stationary slide member to a retracted position wherein the one end of the load-carrying slide member is telescopically withdrawn into the stationary slide member so as to be located adjacent to the one end of the stationary slide member.

Abstract: A phase locked phase conjugation system comprises a first (1) and a second (2) stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) cell. A laser beam is split into sub beams; one (9) is directed through the first SBS cell as a beam of collimated light and focused into the second SBS cell from which a phase conjugated beam is returned. One or more other sub beams (11, 12) are focused into the first SBS cell so that overlap occurs between focused sub beams and collimated beam. This provides a phase locked phase conjugated beam. Two or more sub beams are directed twice through laser amplifiers to provide an amplified phase locked phase conjugated beam. The second SBS cell may be a simple reflective cell operating on a focused laser sub beam, or may be an SBS loop arrangement having reflectors and lenses for causing optical feedback of the Brillouin scattered light.