Abstract: A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface with a deadman switch, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to manual actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, and control the mode of operation of the controller in accordance with the state of the deadman switch.

Abstract: A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface with a deadman switch, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to manual actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, and control the mode of operation of the controller in accordance with the state of the deadman switch.

Abstract: A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to manual actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the Z-axis is adapted to provide Z-axis movement of the vehicle by processing the first sensor output signal and the second sensor output signal, and wherein force imparted to the contact surface in the X-axis is adapted to provide X-axis movement of the vehicle by processing the first sensor output signal and the second sensor output signal.

Abstract: An integrated heating and cooling system for a living space of a building connects together (a) a solar-based heating and cooling system and (b) heating and cooling systems that rely directly or indirectly on fossil fuels that are conventionally used in buildings. The system operates the solar-based heating and cooling system preferentially to heat or cool the living space. Therefore, the system minimizes the use of fossil fuels to heat and cool the living space.

Abstract: A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal.

Abstract: A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal.

Abstract: An integrated heating and cooling system for a living space of a building connects together (a) a solar-based heating and cooling system and (b) heating and cooling systems that rely directly or indirectly on fossil fuels that are conventionally used in buildings. The system operates the solar-based heating and cooling system preferentially to heat or cool the living space. Therefore, the system minimises the use of fossil fuels to heat and cool the living space.

Abstract: A personal locator beacon including: an outer case open at one end and an inner case having a major portion removably received within the outer case leaving a minor portion extending outside the outer case; a wireless transmitter and a power supply within the inner case; and a switch for automatically connecting the power supply to the wireless transmitter to thereby activate the wireless transmitter to transmit a signal when the major portion of the inner case is removed from the outer case.

Abstract: A personal locator beacon including: an outer case open at one end and an inner case having a major portion removably received within the outer case leaving a minor portion extending outside the outer case; a wireless transmitter and a power supply within the inner case; and a switch for automatically connecting the power supply to the wireless transmitter to thereby activate the wireless transmitter to transmit a signal when the major portion of the inner case is removed from the outer case.