Abstract: A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting gravitational anomalies comprises measuring surface structures, measuring gravitational field characteristics, and estimating the effect of the surface structures on the gravitational measurements. The estimations are then used to derive a representation of nearby non visible features such as changes in rock density, voids, or oil and gas deposits. The surface structures may be measured by a video camera, with the video sequence being processed to estimate 3D positions of structures relative to the measurement point. Other methods may be used, such as lidar or acoustic techniques as appropriate. The method may be applied above ground and also has efficacy in borehole and sewer surveying applications.

Abstract: A metal object detecting apparatus comprising, a transmitter for generating a primary magnetic field having a resultant magnetic field direction which varies along any substantially linear path through a surveillance volume such that at three locations along said path the resultant magnetic field points in three mutually substantially orthogonal directions; a detector for measuring a secondary magnetic field at a plurality of positions as a function of time due to the presence of a metal object within the surveillance volume as it passes a plurality of measurement points there-through; and a processor for determining from the measured secondary magnetic fields a track through the surveillance volume comprising a plurality of locations of the metal object and a magnetic moment thereof at each location, the processor being adapted in use to derive there-from a magnetic signature that is characteristic of the metal object and independent of the orientation and track of the metal object.

Abstract: A passive mm-wave imager comprises an optical immersion lens arrangement which is illuminated by front end optics and an array of detectors (12a) to (12d) located in the focal plane of the immersion lens arrangement. The detectors comprise antennae coupled high temperature superconductor weak links, in particular C-axis cross-over or step microbridges.

Abstract: A metal object detecting apparatus comprising, a transmitter for generating a primary magnetic field having a resultant magnetic field direction which varies along any substantially linear path through a surveillance volume such that at three locations along said path the resultant magnetic field points in three mutually substantially orthogonal directions; a detector for measuring a secondary magnetic field at a plurality of positions as a function of time due to the presence of a metal object within the surveillance volume as it passes a plurality of measurement points there-through; and a processor for determining from the measured secondary magnetic fields a track through the surveillance volume comprising a plurality of locations of the metal object and a magnetic moment thereof at each location, the processor being adapted in use to derive there-from a magnetic signature that is characteristic of the metal object and independent of the orientation and track of the metal object.

Abstract: A passive mm-wave imager comprises an optical immersion lens arrangement which is illuminated by front end optics and an array of direct detectors (12a) to (12d) located in the focal plane of the immersion lens arrangement. The detectors comprise antennae coupled high temperature superconductor weak links, in particular C-axis cross-over or step microbridges.

Abstract: A method of tuning a microwave or RF circuit is given which comprises the steps of taking a microwave or RF circuit (20) located in a casing (57), said casing comprising a housing portion (32) and a window portion (50), said window portion (50) being substantially conducting at microwave/RF frequencies, and comprising at least one area that is substantially transparent at optical frequencies and, directing a laser beam (66) onto said microwave or RF circuit through said window portion (50) so as to alter the material properties of selected areas of said microwave or RF circuit (20). This permits microwave and RF circuits, including microwave filters, to be tuned without the need for tuning screws.

Abstract: A thermal imager includes an infrared sensitive light valve and a light source arranged to illuminate the full responsive area of the valve. The imager also includes an optical stage having focussing optics for forming an infrared image upon the surface of the valve and a chopper for modulating infrared radiation from a scene. Modulated light from the valve is read out in parallel by a detector array, and frame signals corresponding to alternate positions of the chopper are subtracted to provide uniformity correction. The light valve may comprise an infrared sensitive optically active liquid crystal cell and an analyzer adjusted to near extinction. An optical processor comprising a lens and an apodized stop filter lies in the light path between the valve and the detector array. The light source may comprise an array of light emitting diode elements and the filter a number of corresponding off-axis stop regions.