Abstract: The present invention provides an on-demand liquid cooling/heating system, comprising: a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid to a user; a conduit system for flow communication between a liquid reservoir and the liquid outlet; a temperature control device disposed in the conduit system for controlling the temperature of liquid flowing therethrough, and comprising a thermoelectric temperature control device linked to an electric power source and to a control module for controlling the operation of the temperature control device; and a sensor for sensing liquid demand and for activating the temperature control module upon sensing a demand.

Abstract: An outdoor solar lamp has a stand (10), with a foot (11), that supports a solar cell panel (12) in a housing (13). A passive infrared motion detector (14) is mounted in a peripheral surface of the housing (13). Incandescent lamps and a halogen lamp (not shown) are supported behind diffusers (15 and 16) respectively. The incandescent lamps operate automatically to be turned ON and OFF as required in a generally known manner. The halogen lamp is provided for security and is controlled to be turned ON when motion is sensed by the detector (14) to illuminate and indicate the presence of an intruder. A security mode of the halogen lamp is armed and disarmed remotely, using a handheld infrared transmitter.

Abstract: A torch which has re-chargeable batteries is provided with a plug 14 that fits a conventional domestic wall socket for automatic charging of the batteries. The plug 14 is retractable by relative rotation into a body 10 of the torch when not required. An electro luminescent sheet (not shown) is mounted behind an aperture in the body 10 so that a "glow" is provided whenever the plug is inserted in a live mains socket. The glow enables the torch to be conveniently used as a night light.

Abstract: A solar lamp drive circuit is arranged to delay start-up while a current is supplied to the lamp filament to warm up the filament. During operation, the back e.m.f. induced in the lamp is sampled, and, if operating conditions deteriorate, the current to the filament is reapplied automatically and the power supply to the lamp increased.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a solar lamp includes a thermistor TH1 that reduces a power supply to a lamp if a Mosfet Q1 to which it is physically mounted becomes too hot. Also, a resistor R37 sets at low voltage level below which the battery will be isolated. This serves to set a lower but safe level than the voltage at which the circuit in block A isolates the battery during optimum operating conditions of the lamp. Such components prevent or at least inhibit the possibility of the battery being discharged beyond a level from which it cannot recover.

Abstract: A supermarket trolley monitoring system is provided for detecting shopping items on a lower shelf of the trolley as the trolley moves through a check-out station. Three transmitter/receivers are provided. The first and third at level A respond to light reflected by a panel 36 on the side of the trolley. The system is turned on when the panel 36 passes the first transmitter/receiver and off when the panel 36 passes the third transmitter/receiver. The second transmitter/receiver is mounted above A and if any object is detected while the system is ON, by reflection of the beam from the object, a warning is provided to alert a check-out assistant and/or a shopper that an item is present on the lower trolley shelf which may not have been entered in a till.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an electrical system with protection against electrical shock in the event of a ground fault. The electrical system supplies power from a central mains inlet to at least one local electrical device. The central mains inlet includes a central ground fault detector and interrupter actuatable upon detection of a first predetermined level of current imbalance to interrupt the central mains inlet. A local ground fault detector is associated with the at least one local electrical device and is actuatable upon detecting a current imbalance of a second predetermined level which is lower than the first predetermined level. Controls are effective upon actuation of the local ground fault interrupter to actuate the central ground fault detector to cause it to interrupt the central mains inlet.

Abstract: A solar panel unit includes a solar panel (10) supported for rotation about a frame (13) and driven around the frame (13) by an electric motor (14). Radiation sensors (22) and (23) have their planar axes equally and oppositely off-set from the planar axis of the panel (10). Signals from the sensors (22) and (23) are monitored and used to control the operation of the motor (14) such that the panel (10) moves as the sun moves during daylight hours and the panel remains with its planar axis at right angles to rays of the sun throughout the day.