Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: A tuner is provided for selecting, independently of each other, a plurality of radio frequency channels for simultaneous reception. The tuner comprises a plurality of up converters whose outputs are combined in a combiner. Each up converter operates independently of the other up converters to select a channel from a multi channel input signal and to convert the selected channel to a first high intermediate frequency. The intermediate frequencies of the up converters are different from each other. The common signal from the combiner is supplied to a down converter which converts the signals at different high intermediate frequencies to signals at different lower intermediate frequencies. Thus, the signals from the combiner and from the down converter carry all of the selected channels at different intermediate frequencies. The signal from the down converter is subsequently processed to separate the selected channels and demodulate them.

Abstract: A handset is disclosed which comprises a display 3 and a scroll key 9 for scrolling data on the display. The scroll key has two portions which lie on a line oblique to the horizontal. When depressed these portions effect different scrolling actions.

Abstract: A rear cover of a radio handset having a scooped recess for improving the ergonomics of the phone for single-handed operation.

Abstract: A handset is disclosed which comprises a display 3 and a scroll key 9 for scrolling data on the display. The scroll key has two portions which lie on a line oblique to the horizontal. When depressed these portions effect different scrolling actions.

Abstract: An electronic radiotelephone comprising: a first housing; a second housing releasably attachable to the first housing to meet with the first housing around the periphery of the radiotelephone; and retaining means comprising a cover, for holding the electronic components of the radiotelephone to the first housing when the second housing is released from attachment with the first housing.

Abstract: A computer systems includes a rule engine, one or more repository interfaces, and corresponding repositories. The repositories typically contain content or profile information about users. The rule engine provides rules in a uniform format which can be translated, through use of the repository interfaces, into queries specific for the corresponding repositories. Before translating the rules, context objects referenced in the rules are resolved and the corresponding attribute values are inserted into the rules. The resulting rule is simplified where possible because of the attribute values, so that only those queries that need to be made to a repository are made.

Abstract: An electronic radiotelephone comprising: a first housing; a second housing releasably attachable to the first housing to meet with the first housing around the periphery of the radiotelephone; and retaining means comprising a cover for holding the electronic components of the radiotelephone to the first housing when the second housing is released from attachment with the first housing.

Abstract: In order to reduce the effects of impact on liquid crystal devices a polymer network is introduced into ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. A liquid crystal device comprises two spaced cell walls each bearing electrode structures and treated on at least one facing surface with an alignment layer, a layer of a smectic liquid crystal material enclosed between the cell walls, characterised in that the liquid crystal material contains a small amount of monomer. The liquid crystal material may also contain a photoinitiator. The monomer material may be cured to produce the polymer networks the curing many be carried out in the presence of an electric or magnetic field. Further, the monomer may be cured in an isotropic or liquid crystal phase.

Abstract: A vibration damper assembly for a ring resonator of a vibrating structure gyroscope has a female portion attachable to a body of the gyroscope so as to have limited resiliency with respect to the body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body. A male portion is fixedly attachable at one end to a resonator of the gyroscope, projectable into the female portion and fixedly attachable at its other end in and to the female portion. The assembly permits damping of vibratory movement of the resonator in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto whilst retaining stiffness and freedom to vibrate for the resonator in the plane thereof.

Abstract: In order to the effects of impact on liquid crystal devices a polymer network is introduced into ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. A liquid crystal device comprises two spaced cell walls each bearing electrode structures and treated on at least one facing surface with an alignment layer, a layer of a smectic liquid crystal material enclosed between the cell walls, characterised in that the liquid crystal material contains a small amount of monomer. The liquid crystal material may also contain a photoinitiator. The monomer material may be cured to produce the polymer network; the curing may be carried out in the presence of an electric or magnetic field. Further, the monomer may be cured in an isotropic or liquid crystal phase.

Abstract: A vibrating structure gyroscope has a vibratory resonator having a substantially ring or hoop-like shape structure, an electromagnetic drive for causing the resonator to vibrate, a support structure including a plurality of flexible support beams for supporting the resonator whilst allowing it to vibrate and an electromagnetic sensor for sensing movement of the resonator. The support beams and resonator are made from silicon and the electromagnetic drive and sensor include metal tracks which extend externally along each support beam onto and along respective segments of an outer substantially planar surface of the ring-like resonator. The resonator is substantially planar and means is produced a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the resonator.

Abstract: An electro-optic color device including a layer of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (7), with polarizers on either side (9,10), at least one being colored. By applying a voltage across the polymer dispersed liquid crystal cell (PDLC), the cell is switched from a scattering to a non-scattering state or vice-versa, and the color of the transmitted light is controlled. Applications include membrane switches.