Abstract: A frangible plug for use in a valve mechanism, the frangible plug including a first section having a first end and an opposing second section having a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first and second ends. Also including means for applying a force on the cylindrical sidewall of the frangible plug such that the first section fractures from the opposing second section, and wherein the means for applying a force on said cylindrical sidewall extends circumferentially around the outer circumference of the sidewall.

Abstract: A thermal event detection and notification system detects a thermal event, a control unit receives information from, the information being indicative of the detected thermal event. The control unit determines, based on the information received, a location of said thermal event.

Abstract: A pneumatic sensing apparatus for use in an overheat or fire alarm system comprising a sensing assembly that comprises a sensing means 51, 61, 71, containing a pressurized gas, coupled to a pressure sensor 52, 62, 72. The pressure sensor 52, 62, 72, is configured to produce a signal that is indicative of the gas pressure. The pressure sensor 52, 62, 72, comprises an optical pressure sensor and the signal comprises an optical signal.

Abstract: A frangible plug for use in a valve mechanism, the frangible plug including a first section having a first end and an opposing second section having a second end and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the first and second ends. Also including means for applying a force on the cylindrical sidewall of the frangible plug such that the first section fractures from the opposing second section, and wherein the means for applying a force on said cylindrical sidewall extends circumferentially around the outer circumference of the sidewall.

Abstract: A fire detection system for an aircraft, freight transportation vehicle or freight storage facility comprises one or more RFID tags associated with one or more items of freight being transported or stored. The RFID tag is configured to detect a condition indicative of a fire in or in the vicinity the item of freight, for example a temperature rise or generation of smoke. One or more RFID readers are arranged to read the RFID tags. The RFID reader is connected to or forms part of a control system, the RFID reader or the control determining whether the RFID tag has detected a fire.

Abstract: A fire detection system for an aircraft, freight transportation vehicle or freight storage facility comprises one or more RFID tags associated with one or more items of freight being transported or stored. The RFID tag is configured to detect a condition indicative of a fire in or in the vicinity the item of freight, for example a temperature rise or generation of smoke. One or more RFID readers are arranged to read the RFID tags. The RFID reader is connected to or forms part of a control system, the RFID reader or the control determining whether the RFID tag has detected a fire.

Abstract: A pneumatic sensing apparatus for use in an overheat or fire alarm system comprising a sensing assembly that comprises a sensing means 51, 61, 71, containing a pressurized gas, coupled to a pressure sensor 52, 62, 72. The pressure sensor 52, 62, 72, is configured to produce a signal that is indicative of the gas pressure. The pressure sensor 52, 62, 72, comprises an optical pressure sensor and the signal comprises an optical signal.

Abstract: A thermal event detection and notification system comprising sensing means for detecting a thermal event, a control unit comprising means for receiving information from the sensing means, the information being indicative of the detected thermal event, and means for determining, based on said information received, a location of said thermal event, and further comprising means responsive to information received from said control unit regarding said location, for providing an indication of the location of the detected thermal event, wherein said indication means is configured to provide said indication of the thermal event location at said thermal event location.