Abstract: There is provided a valve for controlling the release of fire suppressant from a pressurized container, said valve comprising a diaphragm configured to perforate upon action of a shockwave directed onto the surface of said diaphragm, a pyrotechnic charge arranged and adapted to combust to produce combustion products that form a shockwave directed onto the surface of said diaphragm, and a device encasing said pyrotechnic charge. The device comprises a hollow, elongate channel located over said pyrotechnic charge and directed at the center of said diaphragm so as to focus or direct said combustion products onto the center of said diaphragm. The elongate channel has a length that is at least 1.5 times its smallest width.

Abstract: A data processing network includes a database management for a plurality of databases serviced by a server comprising a plurality of data processors. Each server data processor includes a copy of the database management system and a monitor for measuring and analyzing various parameters for each server data processor and each included database and performing various methods transparently to a user. For example, when a parameter or combination thereof indicates that a database in one data processor is inactive or requires additional resources, that database is set to an inactive state or is transferred to another data processor with greater resources, respectively. An inactive database is recalled upon receipt of a request for access to that database. A database in a data processor of greater resources can be returned to a server data processor or another data processor with fewer resources. These operations are transparent to database users and independent of user or administrator intervention.

Abstract: A frangible plug for use in a valve mechanism, the frangible plug including a first section having a first end and an opposing second section having a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first and second ends. Also including means for applying a force on the cylindrical sidewall of the frangible plug such that the first section fractures from the opposing second section, and wherein the means for applying a force on said cylindrical sidewall extends circumferentially around the outer circumference of the sidewall.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus includes a structure defining a first chamber containing an electrically operable explosive device. The apparatus also has a piezoelectric cell capable of producing an electrical output in response to the impact upon the piezoelectric cell. The apparatus also has a container of nonflammable pressurized fluid in contact with the structure, and a mechanical detection mechanism with a thermal sensor for producing a mechanical force at an established temperature. The mechanical force produced by the mechanical detection mechanism is applied to the piezoelectric cell to produce the electrical output that actuates the electrically operable explosive device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an overheat or fire alarm detection system, comprises the steps of micromachining a pressure sensor and securing a sensor tube in fluid communication with the pressure sensor. The sensor tube may comprise a hollow tube containing a material that evolves gas upon heating. The micromachining step may comprise doping at least a portion of a first layer, forming a cavity at least partially within the doped portion and forming a deformable diaphragm over the cavity.

Abstract: A polarization-based colposcopy apparatus includes a polarization exchanging beam splitter pair oriented so that s- and p-polarizations are exchanged. An optical flux from a specimen is directed through the pair, and orthogonal components thereof are alternately or selectively coupled to an array detector. The detected images are processed based on image correlations to reveal specimen structures.

Abstract: Managing domain name system services for a plurality of networks is disclosed. A computer identifies information for the plurality of networks to which a client device is connected. The computer receives a request to identify a domain name. In response to the request, the computer selects a particular set of domain name system servers of a particular network in the plurality of networks based on the information for the plurality of networks and a set of rules for selecting the particular set of domain name system servers when identifying the domain name for the Internet protocol address. The computer then sends the request to identify the domain name for the Internet protocol address to a domain name system server in the particular set of domain name system servers.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system comprises a conductive tube, a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, and a detector. The SMA element is disposed to create an electrical contact with the electrical tube when subjected to at least a critical temperature, and the detector is configured to identify an alarm condition when the conductive tube and the SMA element form a closed electrical circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a valve for controlling the release of fire suppressant from a pressurised container, said valve comprising a diaphragm configured to perforate upon action of a shockwave directed onto the surface of said diaphragm, a pyrotechnic charge arranged and adapted to combust to produce combustion products that form a shockwave directed onto the surface of said diaphragm, and a device encasing said pyrotechnic charge. The device comprises a hollow, elongate channel located over said pyrotechnic charge and directed at the centre of said diaphragm so as to focus or direct said combustion products onto the centre of said diaphragm. The elongate channel has a length that is at least 1.5 times its smallest width.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system 10 comprises an optical waveguide 102, a shape memory alloy (SMA) element 106a, and an interrogator 12. The SMA element 106a is deformable as a function of temperature and at least partially surrounds the optical waveguide 102. The interrogator 12 is configured to detect distributed temperature along the optical waveguide 102 using spectroscopy and to detect strain in the optical waveguide 102 induced by deformation of the SMA element 106a to identify local hot spots along the optical waveguide 102.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure detector comprises a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a deformable diaphragm configured to deform between first, second and third positions. When the diaphragm is in its first position, the first and second terminals are open. When the diaphragm is in its second position, the first terminal is open and the second terminal is closed. When the diaphragm is in its third position, the first and second terminals are both closed. The pneumatic pressure detector may be connected to a sensor tube.

Abstract: A frangible diaphragm for use in a valve mechanism, said frangible diaphragm including an actuator substance provided in, or on, the frangible diaphragm, wherein the actuator substance expands from a smaller volume to a larger volume on application of heat such that a force generated by the expansion causes the diaphragm to fracture.

Abstract: A frangible plug for use in a valve mechanism, the frangible plug including a first section having a first end and an opposing second section having a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first and second ends. Also including means for applying a force on the cylindrical sidewall of the frangible plug such that the first section fractures from the opposing second section, and wherein the means for applying a force on said cylindrical sidewall extends circumferentially around the outer circumference of the sidewall.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is herein described that utilizes a frangible plug. The valve mechanism comprises a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a passageway extending therebetween. The valve mechanism comprises a frangible plug that is held within the valve body to block the passageway when the plug is intact. The plug comprises a predefined fracture plane and is configured to fracture across the predefined fracture plane upon application of an impact force.

Abstract: A method and computer for managing domain name system services for a plurality of networks is disclosed. A computer identifies information for the plurality of networks to which a client device is connected. The computer receives a request to identify an internet protocol address for a domain name or vice-versa. In response to the request, the computer selects a particular set of domain name system servers of a particular network in the plurality of networks based on the information for the plurality of networks and a set of rules for selecting the particular set of domain name system servers when identifying the internet protocol address for the domain name. The computer then sends the request to identify the internet protocol address for the domain name to a domain name system server in the particular set of domain name system servers.

Abstract: Managing domain name system services for a plurality of networks is disclosed. A computer identifies information for the plurality of networks to which a client device is connected. The computer receives a request to identify a domain name. In response to the request, the computer selects a particular set of domain name system servers of a particular network in the plurality of networks based on the information for the plurality of networks and a set of rules for selecting the particular set of domain name system servers when identifying the domain name for the Internet protocol address. The computer then sends the request to identify the domain name for the Internet protocol address to a domain name system server in the particular set of domain name system servers.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system 10 comprises an optical waveguide 102, a shape memory alloy (SMA) element 106a, and an interrogator 12. The SMA element 106a is deformable as a function of temperature and at least partially surrounds the optical waveguide 102. The interrogator 12 is configured to detect distributed temperature along the optical waveguide 102 using spectroscopy and to detect strain in the optical waveguide 102 induced by deformation of the SMA element 106a to identify local hot spots along the optical waveguide 102.

Abstract: A polarization-based colposcopy apparatus includes a polarization exchanging beam splitter pair oriented so that s- and p-polarizations are exchanged. An optical flux from a specimen is directed through the pair, and orthogonal components thereof are alternately or selectively coupled to an array detector. The detected images are processed based on image correlations to reveal specimen structures.

Abstract: A method and computer for managing domain name system services for a plurality of networks is disclosed. A computer identifies information for the plurality of networks to which a client device is connected. The computer receives a request to identify an internet protocol address for a domain name or vice-versa. In response to the request, the computer selects a particular set of domain name system servers of a particular network in the plurality of networks based on the information for the plurality of networks and a set of rules for selecting the particular set of domain name system servers when identifying the internet protocol address for the domain name. The computer then sends the request to identify the internet protocol address for the domain name to a domain name system server in the particular set of domain name system servers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an overheat or fire alarm detection system, comprises the steps of micromachining a pressure sensor and securing a sensor tube in fluid communication with the pressure sensor. The sensor tube may comprise a hollow tube containing a material that evolves gas upon heating. The micromachining step may comprise doping at least a portion of a first layer, forming a cavity at least partially within the doped portion and forming a deformable diaphragm over the cavity.