Abstract: In some implementations, a user device can coordinate adjustments to a composite GUI generated in cooperation with an accessory device that presents the composite graphical user interface. For example, the user device can receive configuration data that defines the maximum GUI display area (e.g., size, dimensions) of the accessory device, various view areas within the GUI display area of the accessory device into which the user device can render GUIs, and/or transitions between the various view areas. The user device can generate a display buffer based on the maximum GUI display area, generate a graphical user interface in an area of the buffer corresponding to a current view area specified by the accessory device, and send to the accessory device video frames corresponding to the display buffer. The accessory device can generate a composite GUI based on the received video frames that include the user device generated GUI.

Abstract: An elongate temperature sensor comprises two electrical conductors having temperature sensitive insulating material between them whose resistance and capacitance varies with temperature but according to respectively different known relationships. An alternating waveform is applied across the sensor through a known resistor. The amplitudes of the voltage waveforms developed across the known resistor and across the sensor are compared and the phase difference between them measured to determine the corresponding resistance and capacitance values of the sensor. The measured value of one parameter is then substituted into the respective known relationship to produce a corresponding temperature value for the sensor. This temperature value is then substituted into the relationship for the other parameter to calculate a notional value for that parameter.

Abstract: A radiation detection arrangement is described using a layer of pyroelectric material such as polyvinylidene fluoride positioned between two electrodes. One electrode has a radiation-reflecting front surface and is coated with material having selected radiation absorbing characteristics. This material absorbs radiation lying within a predetermined wavelength band and this therefore heats the material and produces an electrical output. Radiation lying outside the absorption band of material is unabsorbed and is reflected by the reflecting surface. No heating takes place and no corresponding electrical output is produced. A radiation-selective detector is therefore produced without the need for optical filters.

Abstract: A flame detector has a sensor for producing a digital waveform representing a flickering flame. Its turning points are detected and the magnitudes between successive such points are measured. The value of each such magnitude is plotted on a graph whose horizontal axis represents the current value and whose vertical axis represents the immediately preceding value. Points are produced lying in regions away from the diagonal and from the axes. If the detected waveform originates from a regularly varying interfering source, the corresponding points will lie on or near the diagonal. If the interfering source is a waveform undergoing step changes, the corresponding points will lie adjacent to the axes. In this way, discrimination between flames and interfering sources of radiation can be made.

Abstract: An overheat detector comprises an optical fiber connected at one end to a light source and at the other end to a photodiode for monitoring the light level transmitted through the fiber. When the light level falls below a predetermined threshold due to melting of the fiber, an alarm signal is output. The temperature at which the alarm signal is output depends upon the material of which the light conducting part of the fibre is constructed.

Abstract: A fire and explosion detection and suppression system protects two physically adjacent zones in each of which there is a UV sensor and an IR sensor. In each zone, simultaneous detection, by the pair of sensors, of sufficient respective levels of UV and IR causes an AND gate to set off suppressor units to discharge suppressant into the zone being protected. Some of this suppressant may drift into the adjacent zone and may attenuate UV radiation in that zone. Thus, for at least a temporary period, that zone may be incapable of detecting a subsequently occurring fire or explosion. Therefore, by means of a latching circuit the output signal of an operating one of the AND gates temporarily renders the circuit of the adjacent zone capable of operating independently of UV radiation.

Abstract: A radiation-responsive system is described for measuring the distance to a fire. A radiation detector produces an output I1 dependent on the intensity of radiation received in a narrow wavelength band where there is insignificant atmospheric absorption while another detector produces an output I2 dependent on the intensity received in a narrow wavelength band where there is significant atmospheric absorption. The ratio I1/I2 will thus be dependent on the distance to the fire because each of the terms will be equally affected by the normal square law decrease of intensity with distance, but the term I2 will decrease as the distance increases. A ratio unit measures the ratio I1/I2 which is converted into digital form and passed to a processing unit. The latter is programmed according to the precise form of the relationship between I1/I2 and distance to produce an output proportional to distance.

Abstract: A compact and portable stretcher has a rigid body board long enough and wide enough to support a supine human body. It is overlaid with an inflatable mattress and may be flanked by inflatable buoyancy tubes.The body board is preferably made up from a number of rigid portions each the full width of the board and hingedly joined together to fold up around the deflated flank tubes and mattresses to form a back-pack in which the inflatable components are protected in transport by the body board portions.The body board is held flat by stiffener strings along the long edges of the body board. These comprise elements hingedly connected where the body board portions are joined, and movable between a relaxed disposition where they permit folding of the board and a standing disposition where they hold the board flat for use.