Abstract: A method and an apparatus for passive determination of target parameters by directionally selective reception of sound waves emitted or transmitted from a target, by an arrangement (24) of underwater sound sensors of a sonar receiving installation from estimated bearing angles determined from estimated positions of the target, and bearing angles measured at the measurement point by the arrangement (24). A bearing angle difference between measured and estimated bearing angles is iteratively minimized and, when the minimum is reached, the target parameters are used for an optimized solution for outputting target position, course, range and/or velocity and they are updated during each processing cycle in a series of successive processing cycles.

Abstract: A gas meter comprises a conduit for passage of a gas flow and an ionizer to ionize the gas flow. A modulating electrode structure downstream of the ionizer modulates the ion distribution in the ionized gas flow. A first and a second electrode structure downstream of the modulating electrode structure detect the ion distribution in the ionized gas flow. The modulating electrode structure and the detecting electrode structure can generate an electrical field parallel to the direction of the gas flow. The modulating electrode structure and the detecting electrode structures can each have apertures defined therein for passage of the gas flow. The modulating electrode structure can capture ions of one polarity to generate an ionized gas flow comprising a majority of ions of the opposite polarity. Movement of the ionized gas flow generates a current indicative of the ion distribution between the electrode and the charge source.

Abstract: A gas meter gas a conduit for passage of a gas flow; an ioniser arranged to ionise the gas flow in the conduit; a modulating electrode structure arranged for modulating the ion distribution in the ionised gas flow; and at least a detecting electrode structure downstream of the modulating electrode structure arranged for detecting the modulated ion distribution in the ionised gas flow. The modulating electrode structure is arranged downstream of the ioniser and is configured to generate an electrical field which is substantial in a parallel to the direction of the gas flow.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for passive determination of target parameters by directionally selective reception of sound waves emitted or transmitted from a target, by an arrangement (24) of underwater sound sensors of a sonar receiving installation from estimated bearing angles determined from estimated positions of the target, and bearing angles measured at the measurement point by the arrangement (24). A bearing angle difference between measured and estimated bearing angles is iteratively minimized and, when the minimum is reached, the target parameters are used for an optimized solution for outputting target position, course, range and/or velocity and they are updated during each processing cycle in a series of successive processing cycles.

Abstract: A method of inference of appliance usage from a point measurement on a supply line, said supply line being common to multiple appliances and/or components of appliances comprises the steps of: obtaining data from said measurement point; sampling power and reactive power at intervals substantially throughout periods of operation of said appliances or components of appliances corresponding to appliances or components of appliances being in ON and/or OFF modes of use; identifying characteristics of events by assessing power and reactive power change during an event; and by assessing one or more additional characteristics derivable from said power and reactive power to characterise an appliance; grouping events and/or cycles of events into clusters of similar characteristics; and inferring appliance usage based on said grouping.

Abstract: A gas meter comprises a conduit (1) for passage of a gas flow A and an ioniser (2) arranged to ionise the gas flow in the conduit (1). A modulating electrode structure (4) downstream of the ioniser modulates the ion distribution in the ionised gas flow. A first detecting electrode structure (8) and a second electrode structure (9) downstream of the modulating electrode structure 4 detect the modulated ion distribution in the ionised gas flow. The modulating electrode structure (4) and the detecting electrode structures (8, 9) can be configured to generate an electrical field having at least a substantial component parallel to the direction of the gas flow. The modulating electrode structure (4) and the detecting electrode structures (8, 9) can comprise a pair of electrodes (5, 6, 10, 11), each having a plurality of apertures defined therein for passage of the gas flow.

Abstract: A pneumatic hammer having a vibration attenuating hollow cylindrical member axially movable in a housing body, a striking piston axially movable within the cylindrical member, a stationary sealing sleeve engaging a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical member, inlet air control means including an inlet passage in the wall of the cylindrical member, a slidable pressure ring cooperating with a pressure spring for urging the cylindrical member into a rest position in which the inlet air control means are disconnected from the inlet air channel and are connected instead to an outlet air channel in the housing body. Upon lifting the cylindrical member via a working tool, the passage to the outlet air channel is closed and the passage from the inlet air channel to the inlet air control means is opened and a normal operation of the hammer is initiated.