Abstract: A signal communication system comprising a number of signal nodes arranged to interact physically with their environment and to convert between physical properties and corresponding signals, a number of client nodes arranged to receive or send the signals to interact with the signal nodes, and a distribution system arranged to switch the signals between the signal nodes and the client nodes. The signal nodes are communicatively coupled to the distribution system via injection transport channels to send and receive injection transport representations of signal representations of the signals; the client nodes are communicatively coupled to the distribution system via distribution transport channels to send and receive distribution transport representations of signal representations of the signals; and the signal nodes are communicatively coupled to the client nodes to transport the signal representations using the injection transport channels, distribution system and distribution transport channels.

Abstract: A signal communication system comprising a number of signal nodes arranged to interact physically with their environment and to convert between physical properties and corresponding signals, a number of client nodes arranged to receive or send the signals to interact with the signal nodes, and a distribution system arranged to switch the signals between the signal nodes and the client nodes. The signal nodes are communicatively coupled to the distribution system via injection transport channels to send and receive injection transport representations of signal representations of the signals; the client nodes are communicatively coupled to the distribution system via distribution transport channels to send and receive distribution transport representations of signal representations of the signals; and the signal nodes are communicatively coupled to the client nodes to transport the signal representations using the injection transport channels, distribution system and distribution transport channels.

Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: Data is exchanged by periodically broadcasting at predetermined first short intervals from each of a plurality of data sources on a radio channel a communication-initiating radio signal indicating that the respective source has data ready for transfer. The radio channel is monitored by that can transmit to one of the sources a signal triggering data exchange, whereby subsequently the respective data is transmitted from the one source to the receiver. Thereafter periodic broadcast of the communication-initiating radio signal from the one source is suspended for a predetermined long interval substantially greater than the short interval.

Abstract: The invention concerns an instrument for medical purposes, comprising a housing (8) which can be introduced into an animal or human body, a movably mounted electromagnetic or acoustic transducer unit (7) arranged in the housing (8), preferably in the distal end thereof, for producing electromagnetic or acoustic waves, in particular ultrasonic waves, and a drive (1, 2) for driving the transducer unit (7), wherein the transducer unit (7) is connected to at least one first contact element (9a) and arranged on the housing (8) is at least one second contact element (8a, 8b; 12a through 12j) provided for sliding contact with the first contact element (9a), wherein the first and second contact elements (9a and 8a, 8b; 12a through 12j) jointly form a radial mounting for the transducer unit (7).