Abstract: A waste container having a body and a lid pivotably connected to the body. The lid includes a gravity activated locking mechanism having a latch that engages the lid to the body when the container is in an upright position. The locking mechanism rotates to disengage the latch and allow the lid to open when the container is inverted for dumping the waste. The waste container further including a slideable member that is engageable with a locking member when the container is not in an upright position or inverted for dumping, to prevent rotation of the locking mechanism and opening of the lid.

Abstract: A passive infra red detector comprises a plurality of passive infra red sensors (4, 5) and a lens member (2) arranged to direct radiation from a target area onto the sensors. The lens member (2) forms a substantially hemispherical dome about the infra red sensors (4, 5). The dome has a central axis and a plurality of contiguous facets (2a-2g) distributed about the central axis. Each facet has a flat outer surface and an inner surface that forms a lens to direct radiation onto the sensors. The detector further comprises a first passive infra red sensor (4) aligned with the central axis of the dome and having a sensitive surface substantially normal to the central axis, and a plurality of second passive infra red sensors (5) distributed about the central axis of the dome. The second passive infra red sensors (5) are inclined such that the outward normal from the sensitive surface of each second passive infra red sensor (5) makes an acute angle with the outward direction of the central axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a controller (1) for use with a mechanical switch (2). The controller (1) comprises at least one sensor (9), an actuator and at least one attachment member (5) suitable for attaching the controller (1) to the mechanical switch (2) such that the actuator is brought into contact with the mechanical switch (2). The actuator is arranged to operate the mechanical switch (2) in response to a signal from the at least one sensor (9), in use.

Abstract: An intelligent virtual device, which is a widget, as well as a widget container that allows users and providers to manage the display, layout and navigation of widgets, and which is a part of a distributed infrastructure where users can freely subscribe, embed/publish, and organize a multitude of virtual devices according to their interests. In addition, the virtual device is also designed to facilitate a seamless content/information update or service access flow by integrating with other applications that control functions including but not limited to those related to content capturing, personal information management and communication management. The virtual device also serves as a flexible and internet-accessible device user interface and component platform for hardware and software providers to customize their hardware and software offerings.

Abstract: An enhanced instant messaging environment is provided where end user can choose from a list of customizable widgets, personalize and embed the widgets within messages in minimal steps. By allowing the embedment of widgets in messages, the environment empowers users with new means for online communication with new level of widget intelligence that takes into account multi-dimensional criteria, including but not limited to the screen-estate of its presentation and role of viewer for information presentation and operation options.

Abstract: An addresser for configuring an electronic ballast/lighting control device in a network of electronic ballasts/lighting control devices; said addresser comprises a first connection to allow the receipt of communication from a controller; a second connection to allow communication from the addresser to an individual electronic ballast/lighting control device; an interface for communicating with a programming device; and means for configuring the communication between said first and second connections dependent upon the communication received from said programming device.

Abstract: A lighting control system (1) comprising: a plurality of lights (3); a control unit (2); and a power usage monitor (4) suitable for monitoring the power used by the lights (3). In use, when the user varies the lighting level of a first light, the control unit is configured to vary the lighting level of at least a second light, dependent upon an evaluated total power usage level.

Abstract: An enhanced instant messaging environment is provided where end user can choose from a list of customizable widgets, personalize and embed the widgets within messages in minimal steps. By allowing the embedment of widgets in messages, the environment empowers users with new means for online communication with new level of widget intelligence that takes into account multi-dimensional criteria, including but not limited to the screen-estate of its presentation and role of viewer for information presentation and operation options.

Abstract: An intelligent virtual device, which is a widget, as well as a widget container that allows users and providers to manage the display, layout and navigation of widgets, and which is a part of a distributed infrastructure where users can freely subscribe, embed/publish, and organize a multitude of virtual devices according to their interests. In addition, the virtual device is also designed to facilitate a seamless content/information update or service access flow by integrating with other applications that control functions including but not limited to those related to content capturing, personal information management and communication management. The virtual device also serves as a flexible and internet-accessible device user interface and component platform for hardware and software providers to customize their hardware and software offerings.

Abstract: A device for replacing conventional wall mounted light switches in situ comprises a dimmer (1) and an occupancy sensor (4). These are arranged such that the electrical power of at least one output (2) can be varied manually and in response to signals generated by the occupancy sensor.