Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes a tower shuttle mechanism that provides operational flexibility by decoupling the loading and unloading operations of the grow towers from the vertical farming structure and, therefore, allowing multiple grow towers to be extracted for harvesting in a batch process before loading new grow towers into the vertical farming structure in a separate process.

Abstract: The invention relates to detecting commissioning errors in a commissioned sensor system, wherein the sensor system comprises a plurality of sensor devices installed so as to cover an area. The sensor devices capture sensor data from the area whilst at least one entity moves through the area. A computer system of the sensor system processes the sensor data to generate a set of location data, which identifies locations traversed by the at least one moving entity. A discrepancy in the set of location data in detected, the discrepancy caused by at least one of the sensor devices having been incorrectly commissioned. Based on this detection, a modification can be made to the sensor system to compensate for or correct the incorrect commissioning of the at least one sensor device.

Abstract: For qualitative and quantitative production of biogas, nanoparticles and use of macroalgae when added to AD feedstock at proper concentration, temperature and time of digestion can bring a revolution to meet the future needs of energy. The process of biofuel production can be altered by using various nanomaterials in various ways, such as by improving the stability of cellulose enzymes, enhancing the catalytic production of biohydrogen, and improving biological and chemical digestion. This influence of nanoparticles on the process is determined by their distinct catalytic activity based on structure, shape and size which is complementary to the relevant process. The addition of seaweed in the AD feedstock improves biogas output and digestate quality thus enhancing the economic viability with the simultaneous positive impact of reducing global warming.

Abstract: In a people counting system, a plurality of vision sensors is arranged to provide sensor coverage of an area. Each is arranged to provide individual sensor coverage of a portion of the area within its field of view. Each of a plurality of local image processors is connected to a respective one of the vision sensors. Each of the local image processors is configured to apply a local person detection algorithm to at least one image captured by its respective vision sensor, thereby generating a local presence metric representative of a number of people detected in the at least one image. A central processor is configured to estimate the total number of people in the area covered by the vision sensors by applying an aggregation algorithm to the local presence metrics generated by the local image processors. As it is critical that user privacy be taken into account when utilising such people counting technology, an opt-out is enabled.

Abstract: Methods of reducing paper dusting in a papermaking process, and a low dusting tissue having increased strength are provided. Application of a polymer comprising at least one amine-containing vinylic or allylic monomer to at least one surface of a paper web during the papermaking process reduces the dusting tendency of the paper, and increases both the wet and dry strength of the paper product.

Abstract: In a people counting system, a plurality of vision sensors is arranged to provide sensor coverage of an area. Each is arranged to provide individual sensor coverage of a portion of the area within its field of view. Each of a plurality of local image processors is connected to a respective one of the vision sensors. Each of the local image processors is configured to apply a local person detection algorithm to at least one image captured by its respective vision sensor, thereby generating a local presence metric representative of a number of people detected in the at least one image. A central processor is configured to estimate the total number of people in the area covered by the vision sensors by applying an aggregation algorithm to the local presence metrics generated by the local image processors. As it is critical that user privacy be taken into account when utilising such people counting technology, an opt-out is enabled.

Abstract: The invention relates to detecting commissioning errors in a commissioned sensor system, wherein the sensor system comprises a plurality of sensor devices installed so as to cover an area. The sensor devices capture sensor data from the area whilst at least one entity moves through the area. A computer system of the sensor system processes the sensor data to generate a set of location data, which identifies locations traversed by the at least one moving entity. A discrepancy in the set of location data in detected, the discrepancy caused by at least one of the sensor devices having been incorrectly commissioned. Based on this detection, a modification can be made to the sensor system to compensate for or correct the incorrect commissioning of the at least one sensor device.

Abstract: A clarifier in a wastewater treatment plant is provided with a submerged launder for effluent, the launder preferably having an integral density current baffle and scum baffle. In one embodiment an existing launder is modified, with its vertical leg replaced with a sloped plate defining launder conduit triangular in cross section, and with a sloping portion of the plate forming a density current baffle. Openings in the sloped plate permit entry of effluent liquid, and the liquid level in a clarifier is controlled without an overflow weir plate. In another form submerged pipe with entry holes serves as the launder, with support brackets integral with a density current baffle. A third form of the launder is a box formed beneath the shelf of an existing internal launder in the clarifier, again with a density current baffle extending down from the box. In another version an existing launder is covered and sealed, and holes are drilled through the launder wall to admit effluent.

Abstract: A lighting unit (110) for an outdoor lighting fixture comprises a magnetic sensor module (215). The lighting unit (110) further comprises a controller (210) coupled to the sensor module (215). The controller (210) is configured to use the sensor module (215) to determine a measurement of vehicle traffic within a region defined by a sensing range of the sensor module (215), and use the sensor module (215) to determine a current orientation of the lighting unit.

Abstract: A signal processing module for use with a receiver for receiving echoes of an emitted signal. The signal processing module comprises sensing logic for sensing presence of a being or object in a space using echoes of the signal as reflected from the being or object, wherein the echoes are received with an associated frequency band. The signal processing module further comprises control logic for detecting disturbance having potential to compromise said sensing, wherein the signal processing module is configured to detect this disturbance by listening for an unwanted signal in a region of the spectrum outside the frequency band of the echoes, and to adapt the sensing in dependence on the detected disturbance.

Abstract: Methods of reducing paper dusting in a papermaking process, and a low dusting tissue having increased strength are provided. Application of a polymer comprising at least one amine-containing vinylic or allylic monomer to at least one surface of a paper web during the papermaking process reduces the dusting tendency of the paper, and inpcreases both the wet and dry strength of the paper product.

Abstract: A clarifier in a wastewater treatment plant is provided with a submerged launder for effluent, the launder preferably having an integral density current baffle and scum baffle. In one embodiment an existing launder is modified, with its vertical leg replaced with a sloped plate defining launder conduit triangular in cross section, and with a sloping portion of the plate forming a density current baffle. Openings in the sloped plate permit entry of effluent liquid, and the liquid level in a clarifier is controlled without an overflow weir plate. In another form submerged pipe with entry holes serves as the launder, with support brackets integral with a density current baffle. A third form of the launder is a box formed beneath the shelf of an existing internal launder in the clarifier, again with a density current baffle extending down from the box. In another version an existing launder is covered and sealed, and holes are drilled through the launder wall to admit effluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a lighting device in a daylight harvesting system. When a user tampers with a sensor, in order to decrease the light level light level measured and therefore increase the light intensity of the lighting device, the tampering is detected. Based on this tamper detection the light intensity of the lighting device is controlled based on a set value (e.g. 70% dimming).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first light sensor configured with a first field of view; and a second light sensor configured with a second, narrower field of view contained within the first field of view. The first and second light sensors may be arranged to detect light reflected from an illuminated surface, wherein the first and second field of view encompass light from an electric lighting device reflected from said surface and additional light reflected from said surface, e.g. natural light; but the second light sensor is concentrated on a region on said surface so as to exclude glare from objects outside said region, whereas the first field of view extends beyond said region. An illumination level of the environment in which the apparatus is installed may be adjusted to compensate for a change in the additional light based on information distinguishing between the two sensors.

Abstract: A controller comprising: presence detection logic, calibration logic, and an input for receiving a reading from a light sensor representing a sensed light level. The presence detection logic is for detecting presence events based on a presence sensor, and is configured to indicate a set-point to operate at least one lighting device in dependence on a positive detection of presence. The calibration logic is for performing a calibration operation, which is performed by causing a light output of the lighting device to change between a first, lower level and a second, higher level, and by and calibrating the set-point based on the reading from the light sensor under influence of the first and second levels. The calibration logic is configured to trigger this calibration operation in response to the positive detection of presence.

Abstract: A lighting unit (110) for an outdoor lighting fixture comprises a magnetic sensor module (215). The lighting unit (110) further comprises a controller (210) coupled to the sensor module (215). The controller (210) is configured to use the sensor module (215) to determine a measurement of vehicle traffic within a region defined by a sensing range of the sensor module (215), and use the sensor module (215) to determine a current orientation of the lighting unit.

Abstract: A passive infrared sensor system comprising: a direct current (DC) voltage source supplying a DC voltage; a passive infrared sensor supplied with the DC voltage, the passive infrared sensor comprising at least one sensor element; an alternating current (AC) voltage source supplying an AC voltage, the AC voltage source arranged to induce an alternating current to flow through said at least one sensor element; an amplifier arranged to amplify an output signal that is output from the passive infrared sensor to generate an amplified output signal; and a filter arranged to filter the amplified output signal to provide an output of the passive infrared sensor system, wherein the filter is configured to filter a frequency of the AC voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, said sensor controlling if an electrical device is on or off, wherein said PIR sensor has at least two sensor elements, each having a lens focusing IR onto them, control electronics comprising of at least one processing unit and one memory, wherein the at least two sensors cover adjacent cover areas, wherein information of detected presence from said at least two sensor elements are used to decrease false triggers by using the time period between subsequent presence detections, and identification of each of said at least two PIR sensor elements.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first light sensor configured with a first field of view; and a second light sensor configured with a second, narrower field of view contained within the first field of view. The first and second light sensors may be arranged to detect light reflected from an illuminated surface, wherein the first and second field of view encompass light from an electric lighting device reflected from said surface and additional light reflected from said surface, e.g. natural light; but the second light sensor is concentrated on a region on said surface so as to exclude glare from objects outside said region, whereas the first field of view extends beyond said region. An illumination level of the environment in which the apparatus is installed may be adjusted to compensate for a change in the additional light based on information distinguishing between the two sensors.

Abstract: A controller for use with a sensing apparatus that comprises a receiver for receiving echoes of an emitted signal. The controller comprises a control module for sensing a being in a space based on the echoes, configured to provide a function of the space in dependence on the sensing; and a timer configured to prevent a change in state of the function for a period after a result of the sensing. The control module is further configured to dynamically measure an estimate of disturbance received by the receiver and adapt the period based on the estimated disturbance.