Abstract: A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser for use with a number of cups. The automated beverage dispenser may include a carousel with a number of shelves, a first actuator such that first actuator may maneuver the shelves in a first direction, a second actuator positioned adjacent to the carousel, and a gripper positioned on the second actuator such that the second actuator may maneuver one of the cups by the gripper in a second direction to one of the shelves of the carousel.

Abstract: A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser for use with a number of cups. The automated beverage dispenser may include a carousel with a number of shelves, a first actuator such that first actuator may maneuver the shelves in a first direction, a second actuator positioned adjacent to the carousel, and a gripper positioned on the second actuator such that the second actuator may maneuver one of the cups by the gripper in a second direction to one of the shelves of the carousel.

Abstract: A method of detecting one or more blocked sampling holes in a pipe of an aspirated smoke detector system. The method includes ascertaining the base flow of fluid through a particle detector using a flow sensor; monitoring subsequent flow through the particle detector; comparing the subsequent flow with the base flow; and indicating a fault if the difference between the base flow and the subsequent flow exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the time of flight of a signal transmitted between a transmitter (42, 44) and a receiver (44, 42). In one form, the method involves transmitting a first signal and a second signal having a waveform modification introduced at a predetermined point in time of the duration of the second signal; receiving said first and second transmitted signals; determining a point of diversion between the first and second received signals to determine an arrival time of the introduced waveform feature modification at the receiver. In addition, the invention provides an accurate time of flight determination of ultrasonic signals in a flow sensor (24) adapted for a smoke detector system (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining flow in an aspirated smoke detector system includes a plurality of sampling pipes in fluid communication with a smoke detector, a flow rate detector in at least one of the sampling pipes that senses a signal transmitted between a first and second signal transceiver, wherein the first transceiver transceives signals in at least two of the sampling pipes.

Abstract: Protection apparatus for protecting a photovoltaic solar energy receiver from overheating due to concentrated solar radiation reflected from mirrors towards the receiver, the protection apparatus comprising: a shield arranged to move between a stowed position out of a path of solar radiation onto the receiver and a shielding position in the path of solar radiation, unless restrained in the stowed position; and a restraint mechanism for restraining the shield in the stowed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pollution monitoring equipment and in particular to aspirated particle detector systems, which detect particles in air sampled from a number of locations. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining flow in an aspirated particle detector system, said system comprising a plurality of carriers in fluid communication with a particle detector, comprising means for detecting the flow rate in at least one of the carriers comprising sensing a signal transmitted between a first and a second signal transceiver (44a-d, 42) wherein the first transceiver (42) is adapted to transceive signals in at least two of the carriers. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of an ultrasonic means of flow sensing within an aspirated smoke detector system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining flow in an aspirated particle detector system, includes a plurality of carriers in fluid communication with a particle detector, a flow rate detector in at least one of the carriers that senses a signal transmitted between a first and a second signal transceiver, wherein the first transceiver transceives signals in at least two of the carriers.