Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an impedance across a pair of terminals. A sensing circuit is AC coupled to the terminals which produces an output related to a time constant associated with the impedance.

Abstract: A method and system for managing channels in a voice response system is provided. The method comprises periodically monitoring utilisation of a system resource and determining a number, N, of voice channels required to be quiesced based on the utilisation level of the system resource. This number is compared with the number of channels currently quiescing, Q, and the number of quiescing channels is adjusted accordingly. A quiescing channel is disabled when it becomes inactive.

Abstract: A method for gradually increasing the brightness of an indicator light. An activation signal is received indicating that the indicator light should be lit. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases. Upon detection of deactivation of the activation signal, the indicator light is extinguished.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an impedance across a pair of terminals. A sensing circuit is AC coupled to the terminals which produces an output related to a time constant associated with the impedance.

Abstract: A water heater or boiler, comprising a conduit (2) having an inlet (10) and an outlet (20), means for causing water to flow h said conduit (2) from said inlet (10) to said outlet (20), and one or more radio frequency wave heating sources (3) arranged such that water is heated thereby as it flows through said conduit (2) from said inlet (10) to said outlet (20). The radio frequence wave heating source (3) is preferably a microwave heating source, and the apparatus may include one or more waveguides (7) for directing the microwaves towards the conduit (2). The invention provides a water heater or boiler which can heat water on demand (but required the need for a storage tank or the like) using microwave or other radio frequency heating source. One or more microwave radiation absorption members (not shown), such as a metal rod or piece of wire wool, may be disposed in the water to be heated to significantly increase the efficiency of the heater.

Abstract: An insect trap comprises an outer casing (3) having an opening, a light source (2), and a cover (1c) substantially closing the opening of the casing. The cover (1c) tapers from a first cross-section which matches that of the opening of the outer casing to a second cross-section which defines an insect entry port (4) leading into a chamber (5). The cover (1c) is made of a material that is substantially transparent to light having the frequency of the light source (2), and the light source is positioned so as to be visible from the open end of the outer casing (3) through the cover.

Abstract: UV sensing apparatus comprises a substantially light-proof housing (1), an aperture (1a) formed in the housing, a filter (2) positioned within the housing at the internal mouth of the aperture, a fluorescent member (3) positioned within the housing on that side of the filter remote from that adjacent to the aperture, and a light sensor (4) positioned within the housing to receive light emitted by the fluorescent member. The filter (2) is such that it substantially removes visible light, the fluorescent member (3) is such as to fluoresce when subjected to UV radiation, and the light sensor (4) is positioned so that substantially none of any electromagnetic radiation entering the housing (1) via the aperture (1a) impinges upon the light sensor.