Abstract: A catalyst for the synthesis of oxazolidinones, preferable polyoxazolidinones, comprising an N-heterocyclic carbene and a Lewis acid (L). The invention is also related to a process for the production of an oxazolidinone compound, preferably a polyoxazolidinone compound, by reacting an isocyanate compound, preferably a polyisocyanate compound with an epoxide compound, preferably a polyepoxide compound, in the presence of the N-heterocyclic carbene and a Lewis acid catalyst and also to the resulting polyoxazolidinone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, rapid initiating mechanism for anionic, ring-opening polymerization of lactones by means of latent initiators based on N-heterocyclic carbene compounds which can be thermally activated, such as, in particular, N-heterocyclic carbene-CO2, carbene-CS2 and carbene-metal compounds (NHC). Molecular weights of 2000 to more than 20 000 g/mol and narrow polydispersities can thus be realized using the novel initiating mechanism for the polymerization of ?-caprolactone. The polymerizations may be carried out either without solvent or in solution. Compounds of this type are thermally latent and initiate a polymerization to give polylactones on heating, sometimes in high yields up to a level of quantitative conversion, while a reaction does not occur at room temperature. The polydispersity and molecular weight of the polylactone can be adjusted by selection of the initiator and the reaction conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, rapid initiation mechanism for polymerising (meth)acrylates using latent initiators based on N-heterocyclic carbene compounds which can be thermally activated, such as, in particular, N-heterocyclic carbene-CO2 compounds, carbene-CS2 compounds or carbene-metal compounds (NHC). Using the new initiation mechanism, molecular weights of 10 000 to over 500 000 g/mol and a narrow polydispersity can be achieved for polymerisation of MMA. The polymerisations can be carried out both without solvent and in solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proximity detection include a passive proximity detecting device for detecting humans within a detection area and controlling a controlled device. A sensor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a substantially contiguous array. Each pixel is configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by an object in a predetermined temperature range within the detection area. In response to detecting the object a detection signal is generated having a signal level proportional to the infrared radiation emitted by said object received by the sensor. A processor in communication with the sensor is configured to receive said detection signal, to derive an object distance and a second object parameter using, a signal level of the detection signal.

Abstract: A system for proximity detection includes a first sensor and a second sensor each including a sensor housing and a pixel array each configured to detect infrared radiation emitted in a predetermined temperature range, and generate a detection signal. A processor in communication with the first and second sensor is configured to receive detection signals to derive parameters of the detected object including object distance from the sensors, size, position relative to the sensors, object speed, and direction of motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a passive range finding proximity detector include a sensor element configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by objects within a detection area. The sensor is configured to detect the temperature, relative size, relative distance, speed or direction of movement of an object from the sensor. The sensor is configured to set parameters for a controlled object based upon the detected size, temperature and/or proximity, speed or direction of an object in relation to one or more size thresholds, temperature thresholds, and/or proximity, speed or direction thresholds.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for proximity detection include a passive proximity detecting device for detecting humans within a detection area and controlling a controlled device. A sensor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a substantially contiguous array. Each pixel is configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by an object in a predetermined temperature range within the detection area. In response to detecting the object a detection signal is generated having a signal level proportional to the infrared radiation emitted by said object received by the sensor. A processor in communication with the sensor is configured to receive said detection signal, to derive an object distance and a second object parameter using, a signal level of the detection signal.

Abstract: A system for proximity detection includes a first sensor and a second sensor each including a sensor housing and a pixel array each configured to detect infrared radiation emitted in a predetermined temperature range, and generate a detection signal. A processor in communication with the first and second sensor is configured to receive detection signals to derive parameters of the detected object including object distance from the sensors, size, position relative to the sensors, object speed, and direction of motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a passive range finding proximity detector include a sensor element configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by objects within a detection area. The sensor is configured to detect the temperature, relative size, relative distance, speed or direction of movement of an object from the sensor. The sensor is configured to set parameters for a controlled object based upon the detected size, temperature and/or proximity, speed or direction of an object in relation to one or more size thresholds, temperature thresholds, and/or proximity, speed or direction thresholds.

Abstract: A radiation sensor (10) comprises plural radiation sensing elements (1) arranged along an arrangement line, a lens having an optical axis focusing radiation towards the sensing elements, and circuitry (2) receiving the electric signal of the sensing elements and providing an output signal. The midpoint of the arrangement line may be offset against the optical axis of the converging section (5). At least some of the sensing elements may have different sizes. At least some of the sensing elements may have different relative sensitivity compared to each other. Two or more pairs of adjacent sensing elements may have a different pitch.

Abstract: A radiation sensor (10) comprises one or more radiation sensing elements (1) providing an electric signal in dependence of incident radiation, a housing (4, 5) confining the sensing element and permitting incidence of radiation from outside onto the sensing element, plural terminals (7) for supplying electrical power to the sensor and at least for outputting a sensor output signal, and circuitry (2) receiving the electric signal of the sensing element and providing the output signal in accordance with the electric signal of the sensing element. The circuitry comprises a switching signal circuitry for generating an on/off output signal for a switchable component external to the sensor and/or a digital output signal circuitry for providing a multiple bit serial output signal, and the sensor has one output terminal (7a) for outputting the on/off output signal or the multiple bit serial output signal.

Abstract: A sensor cap assembly includes a radiation shielding part provided with a radiation entrance opening, and a radiation-transmissive lens mounted from the outside to the shielding part. The lens is a thick lens with a ratio T/D of thickness (T) to diameter (D) of more than 0.10, preferably more than 0.15.