Abstract: One or more thermal images containing pixel-by-pixel radiation intensity data in two or more wavelength bands can be processed to accurately determine the location of fire within the image(s), regardless of the radiation-scattering effects of smoke. First, all pixels having radiation intensities above a fire threshold in the longer-wavelength band are classified as being aflame. Second, a threshold curve defining a fire threshold in the shorter-wavelength band is applied to the pixels, and those having radiation intensities above the fire threshold in the shorter-wavelength band are classified as being aflame. Third, at least the second group of pixels above is tested to see if each pixel classified as being aflame is part of a group of adjoining pixels which were all classified as being aflame, and if so, each such pixel is reclassified as not being aflame unless it also falls within the first group of pixels above.

Abstract: One or more thermal images containing pixel-by-pixel radiation intensity data in two or more wavelength bands can be processed to accurately determine the location of fire within the image(s), regardless of the radiation-scattering effects of smoke. First, all pixels having radiation intensities above a fire threshold in the longer-wavelength band are classified as being aflame. Second, a threshold curve defining a fire threshold in the shorter-wavelength band is applied to the pixels, and those having radiation intensities above the fire threshold in the shorter-wavelength band are classified as being aflame. Third, at least the second group of pixels above is tested to see if each pixel classified as being aflame is part of a group of adjoining pixels which were all classified as being aflame, and if so, each such pixel is reclassified as not being aflame unless it also falls within the first group of pixels above.

Abstract: A distributed beamforming communication system including independent aerial nodes forming an antenna array is described. Described herein is a distributed beamforming array which utilizes independent aerial relay nodes or platforms (i.e. no strict control of relay node position, no communication between the relay nodes, and no coordinated transmission among the relay nodes) to form a distributed beamforming antenna.

Abstract: A long-duct mixed-flow nozzle system for a turbofan engine, the nozzle system may include an inner housing configured to enclose a core and form a core flow duct, the inner housing terminating in a core nozzle having a core exit aperture, an outer housing forming a fan flow duct and terminating in a fan exit aperture at a location downstream of the core exit aperture, the fan exit aperture having a plurality of chevrons, and the core exit aperture having a plurality of chutes separated by radially extending lobes configured to mix exhaust gas from the core flow duct with bypass gas flow in the fan flow duct, the radially extending lobes varying in profile from each other.

Abstract: A distributed beamforming communication system including independent aerial nodes forming an antenna array is described. Described herein is a distributed beamforming array which utilizes independent aerial relay nodes or platforms (i.e. no strict control of relay node position, no communication between the relay nodes, and no coordinated transmission among the relay nodes) to form a distributed beamforming antenna.

Abstract: A long-duct mixed-flow nozzle system for a turbofan engine, the nozzle system may include an inner housing configured to enclose a core and form a core flow duct, the inner housing terminating in a core nozzle having a core exit aperture, an outer housing forming a fan flow duct and terminating in a fan exit aperture at a location downstream of the core exit aperture, the fan exit aperture having a plurality of chevrons, and the core exit aperture having a plurality of chutes separated by radially extending lobes configured to mix exhaust gas from the core flow duct with bypass gas flow in the fan flow duct, the radially extending lobes varying in profile from each other.

Abstract: A multi color, photoactive, color changing plastic, coating or ink, composition comprising both a photochromic material and a photosensitive chromogenic system is provided which will undergo a sequence of color changes upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Also provided is an ultraviolet indicator or dosimeter comprising the color changing composition.

Abstract: A multi color, photoactive, color changing plastic, coating or ink, composition comprising both a photochromic material and a photosensitive chromogenic system is provided which will undergo a sequence of color changes upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Also provided is an ultraviolet indicator or dosimeter comprising the color changing composition.

Abstract: A multi color, photoactive, color changing plastic, coating or ink, composition comprising both a photochromic material and a photosensitive chromogenic system is provided which will undergo a sequence of color changes upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Also provided is an ultraviolet indicator or dosimeter comprising the color changing composition.

Abstract: A method of employing multipath propagation in wireless radio communications uses an omnidirectional transmitting/receiving antenna at one end of a transmission link to send an interrogating signal across an environment subject to multipath disturbances to a phase-conjugating retrodirective antenna, and the retrodirective antenna returns a communication signal along the multiple pathways taken by the interrogating signal to the omnidirectional antenna despite the multipath disturbances. In a simplex communication mode, the retrodirective antenna sends a return signal mixed with a communication signal to the omnidirectional antenna. In a duplex communication mode, both an omnidirectional antenna and a phase-conjugating retrodirective antenna are operated in tandem at each end of the transmission link to provide effective two-way wireless radio transmissions.

Abstract: A method of detecting an unsatisfactory quality of service being experienced by users of a communications network comprises a network monitoring system for generating data record feeds concerning traffic generated by the users. A pattern matching engine is provided to recognise repeated failed attempts to establish a call between users of the communications network or repeated calls of impractically short duration. The pattern matching engine generates an alert or alarm in response detection of such usage behaviour from the data record fees.

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive call data records from a telephone network (4), for example an SS7 network. The apparatus (1) receives data records of different types having different formats. For each different type of data record, the apparatus (1) has a library (9, 10, 11 ) of type-specific functions associated with the particular type of data record. The apparatus (1) also has a set (8) of common functions available which contains functions that can be utilized for all types of data records, and for managing the system. Instructions are received by the apparatus (1), which indicate which type or types of data records are to be received and which functions are to be carried out on the data records. The apparatus (1) then creates a function list of the particular functions that are to be carried out before executing the particular functions on the received data records and then storing the processed records in a database (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: A system includes a client which can communicate through a network and a database layer with any of several databases. The client communicates with the database layer using a public network communication protocol, in a manner independent of respective protocols specific to each of the databases. The database layer handles communication with each database according to the respective protocol of that database.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is coupled to receive call data records from a telephone network (4), for example an SS7 network. The apparatus (1) receives data records of different types having different formats. For each different type of data record, the apparatus (1) has a library (9, 10, 11 ) of type-specific functions associated with the particular type of data record. The apparatus (1) also has a set (8) of common functions available which contains functions that can be utilized for all types of data records, and for managing the system. Instructions are received by the apparatus (1), which indicate which type or types of data records are to be received and which functions are to be carried out on the data records. The apparatus (1) then creates a function list of the particular functions that are to be carried out before executing the particular functions on the received data records and then storing the processed records in a database (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: In a signalling network employing the SS7 signalling protocol, it is known to use masks to mine CDR stores in order to obtain data for analysis in respect of a particular customer of a communications network associated with the signalling network. However, the use of masks to mine the CDRs can result in the retrieval of unwanted CDRs or the omission of relevant CDRs. The present invention therefore provides a call monitoring apparatus that receives a CDR and accesses a reference database, comprising a list of customers and respective telephone numbers, in order to identify an association between the CDR and a given customer. Consequently, speed and efficiency of analysis of CDRs is increased.

Abstract: Telephone traffic is displayed on a screen so a message source and a message destination are represented by lines, such as vertical lines, for example, each with a label denoting its location. An arrow joining the location lines points in the same direction as the message and has an associated label indicating message identity. Further message source and destination locations are denoted by further lines, such as vertical lines, for example, only if the location is additional to a location already displayed. Otherwise an already displayed line denotes the relevant location. Further labelled arrows denote further messages. Each successive monitored message is denoted by a further arrow at a lower place on the display than the arrows denoting previous messages so successive items are added in a non-overlapping bottom-down manner.

Abstract: A vacuum filtration system especially adapted for removing smoke in the vicinity of ashtrays includes a vacuum manifold assembly for connecting a plurality of hoods adapted for placement over ashtrays to a common charcoal filter and vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes a plurality of flexible tubing segments secured to connectors. A plurality of replaceable disposable first stage filter elements in fluid communication with each of the hoods filter smoke prior to passage into the manifold, thus substantially reducing tar fouling of the system. In a first embodiment of the invention, the hood includes a circular disk shaped member which also functions as a drink coaster disposed in fluid communication with a conduit slidably received in a connector mounted in the table adjacent an ashtray location. The combined hood and coaster may be raised and disposed over an ashtray to collect smoke, or lowered against the table surface for use as a drink coaster.