Abstract: A spectroscopy system including a base station having a reflecting telescope and a laser light source coupled to the telescope, the laser providing an outgoing light signal; at least one Unmanned Aerial Vehicle containing a mobile retroreflector configured to receive the light signal from the laser and return a light signal back to the telescope; a detector to record the intensity of the returning light signal; and optical components for spectroscopic measurements, the optical components utilizing the intensity of the returning light signal, revealing the presence of a chosen narrow band for the purpose of detecting a target.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a light vehicle to a surface, the coupling mechanism comprising: a magnetic coupling device arranged such that it may be switched between a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the device generates an external magnetic field less than a first strength, and in the second mode the device generates an external magnetic field of at least a second strength, the second strength being greater than the first strength; and a surface detection unit, coupled to the magnetic coupling device, and arranged to determine when the light vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a surface, wherein in response to the surface detection unit determining that the light vehicle is within the predetermined distance, switching the magnetic coupling device from the first mode to the second mode, to secure the light vehicle to the surface.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for coupling a light vehicle to a surface, the coupling mechanism comprising: a magnetic coupling device arranged such that it may be switched between a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the device generates an external magnetic field less than a first strength, and in the second mode the device generates an external magnetic field of at least a second strength, the second strength being greater than the first strength; and a surface detection unit, coupled to the magnetic coupling device, and arranged to determine when the light vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a surface, wherein in response to the surface detection unit determining that the light vehicle is within the predetermined distance, switching the magnetic coupling device from the first mode to the second mode, to secure the light vehicle to the surface.

Abstract: A beta radiation monitor (70,90), comprising a gas flow proportional detector (60) for detecting beta radiation emitted by a beta emitter external to the detector; a fill gas supply (51) configured to supply a fill gas to the detector, wherein the fill gas comprises nitrogen; a temperature sensor (72) for measuring temperature; and a controller (64) in communication with the temperature sensor for adjusting an operational parameter of the monitor in accordance with the measured temperature. The operational parameter may comprise a voltage applied across the fill gas, which may be thermistor controlled, or a beta radiation detection threshold of the detector. The fill gas is supplied by a nitrogen generator. The gas flow proportional detector may be a large-area detector.

Abstract: A beta radiation monitor (70,90), comprising a gas flow proportional detector (60) for detecting beta radiation emitted by a beta emitter external to the detector; a fill gas supply (51) configured to supply a fill gas to the detector, wherein the fill gas comprises nitrogen; a temperature sensor (72) for measuring temperature; and a controller (64) in communication with the temperature sensor for adjusting an operational parameter of the monitor in accordance with the measured temperature. The operational parameter may comprise a voltage applied across the fill gas, which may be thermistor controlled, or a beta radiation detection threshold of the detector. The fill gas is supplied by a nitrogen generator. The gas flow proportional detector may be a large-area detector.

Abstract: A system comprises an input for product selection data; a marketplace product store for storing marketplace product definitions; a product selection store for storing data defining a selection of one or more products from the marketplace product store; an enterprise capability store for storing data defining capability of an enterprise in relation to supply of one or more products; and a product fulfillment data store for storing one or more product descriptions. At least one link is generated between each product description in the product fulfillment data store to data stored in the enterprise capability store, and at least one link is generated between each product description in the product fulfillment data store to data stored in the product selection store.

Abstract: A data management system, for use in receiving and processing data in relation to one or more products, and recording fulfilment in respect of a generated product description, the system comprising:

Abstract: Epoxides containing hydroxy groups are rearranged enantioselectively using a chiral base to give allyl alcohols in high enantiomeric excess, e.g. ##STR1## If R.sup.3 .noteq.H, the reaction also has the effect of generating a chiral tetrasubstituted carbon atom.

Abstract: A method for prerparing compounds of formula (I), wherein R is an optionally substituted alkenyl or alkynyl radical having up to 8 carbon atoms, or an optionally substituted mono- or polycyclic aryl or heteroaryl radical, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are an alkyl radical having up to 4 carbon atoms. According to the method, a compound of the formula (II), wherein X is a halogen atom, is exposed to an organometallic compound of the formula (III): RZ, wherein R has the same meaning as before and Z is a metal or metal derivative. Alternatively, a compound of formula (II'), wherein Z' is a metal or metal derivative, is exposed to a compound of the formula (III'): RX', wherein X' is a nucleophilic reaction leaving group.