Abstract: A video projection system (50) comprises a rotary disc (31) having light guiding devices (35) extending radially thereof and in a helical configuration circumferentially at the disc (31) and corresponding in number to the number of lines to be scanned on a screen (48) the arrangement being such that, as the disc (31) rotates, a light bundle is directed through successive devices (35) which cause the bundle to be scanned on the screen (48).

Abstract: A system (10) for dousing a fire, such as a tunnel, includes a conduit (11) for delivering a fire extinguishing liquid and a trough (12) extending parallel to the conduit (11) for receiving liquid from the conduit (11). A carriage (27) is arranged to move on a track comprising an upper edge (19) of the trough (12) and the carriage (27) carries a pump having a nozzle (25), a video camera (33) and an inlet (26) each of which can be controlled robotically from a remote control station. The inlet (26) is deployed in the trough (12) to draw liquid from the trough (12). The system avoids complicated docking procedures for the pump.

Abstract: An acceleration system (30) for accelerating a load, for example for launching an aircraft (21), comprises a flywheel (12) driven from a power source (15), the flywheel (22) having a spiral profiled surface (16) for receiving a cable (17) a remote end portion of which is connectable to the aircraft (21). The profiled surface (16) ensures that launching of the aircraft (21) is effected smoothly, initially at low speed and then at progressively increasing speed until the aircraft attains take-off speed.

Abstract: An acceleration system (30) for accelerating a load, for example for launching an aircraft (21), comprises a flywheel (12) driven from a power source (15), the flywheel (22) having a spiral profiled surface (16) for receiving a cable (17) a remote end portion of which is connectable to the aircraft (21). The profiled surface (16) ensures that launching of the aircraft (21) is effected smoothly, initially at low speed and then at progressively increasing speed until the aircraft attains take-off speed.

Abstract: A system (10) for dousing a fire, such as a tunnel, includes a conduit (11) for delivering a fire extinguishing liquid and a trough (12) extending parallel to the conduit (11) for receiving liquid from the conduit (11). A carriage (27) is arranged to move on a track comprising an upper edge (19) of the trough (12) and the carriage (27) carries a pump having a nozzle (25), a video camera (33) and an inlet (26) each of which can be controlled robotically from a remote control station. The inlet (26) is deployed in the trough (12) to draw liquid from the trough (12). The system avoids complicated docking procedures for the pump.