Abstract

Apparatus for monitoring the structural health of a column or a stock of columns or a column or columns within that stock is disclosed in the application. The apparatus comprises a microcontroller located on the or each column which includes an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus includes means for connecting said microcontroller to a source of power, and means operable to transmit said measured data to a central data hub and from there to a remote server for analysis using bespoke software.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01P 5/02 - Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air streamMeasuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring forces exerted by the fluid on solid bodies, e.g. anemometer
• G01P 15/14 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of gyroscopes
• G01S 19/01 - Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
• H05B 37/03 - Detecting lamp failure
• H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring the structural health of a stock of columns such as lighting columns and/or columns within that stock each of which is connected to receive power from an external source or otherwise. The method comprises the steps of locating on an upper surface of each or a plurality of columns within the stock to be monitored a micro controller connected to receive power from the electrical source of the respective column. The micro controller includes an electronic chip or board which includes, in circuit, an accelerometer, a Wi-Fi/RF or 3G/4G component or the like and a global positioning system (GPS) component or the like. The micro controller is operable to detect and monitor the magnitude and direction of forces imposed on the respective column and the direction from which such forces are derived, and to transmit the received data to a remote server for analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01P 5/02 - Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air streamMeasuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring forces exerted by the fluid on solid bodies, e.g. anemometer
• H05B 37/02 - Controlling
• H05B 37/03 - Detecting lamp failure
• G01P 15/14 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of gyroscopes
• G01S 19/01 - Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link

Abstract

apparatus for monitoring the structural health of a column or a stock of columns or a column or columns within that stock is dosclosed in the application. The apparatus comprises a microcontroller located on the or each column which includes an integrated MEMS device programmed to measure and record accelerations, angular velocities and magnetic field strengths in X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus includes means for connecting said microcontroller to a source of power, and means operable to transmit said measured data to a central data hub and from there to a remote server for analysis using bespoke software.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
• G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring the structural health of a stock of columns such as lighting columns and/or columns within that stock each of which is connected to receive power from an external source or otherwise. The method comprises the steps of locating on an upper surface of each or a plurality of columns within the stock to be monitored a micro controller connected to receive power from the electrical source of the respective column. The micro controller includes an electronic chip or board which includes, in circuit, an accelerometer, a Wi-Fi/RF or 3G/4G component or the like and a global positioning system (GPS) component or the like. The micro controller is operable to detect and monitor the magnitude and direction of forces imposed on the respective column and the direction from which such forces are derived, and to transmit the received data to a remote server for analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups Handling materials therefor
• G01P 5/02 - Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air streamMeasuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring forces exerted by the fluid on solid bodies, e.g. anemometer
• H05B 37/03 - Detecting lamp failure
• G01P 15/14 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of gyroscopes
• G01S 19/01 - Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link

Abstract

A hinge assembly for connecting together upper and lower separable sections of a column comprises an upper member for attachment to the lower end of an upper column section and a lower member for attachment to the upper end of a lower column section.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05D 11/00 - Additional features or accessories of hinges
• E04H 12/18 - TowersMasts or polesChimney stacksWater-towersMethods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic
• E05D 11/10 - Devices for preventing movement between relatively-movable hinge parts
• F21V 21/12 - Pendants, arms or standardsFixing lighting devices to pendants, arms or standards capable of being elongated or shortened by the insertion or removal of intermediate pieces

Abstract

A method and apparatus fox monitoring the structural health of a stock of columns such as lighting columns and/or columns within that stock each of which is connected to receive power from an external source or otherwise. The method comprises the steps of locating on an upper surface of each or a plurality of columns within the stock to be monitored a micro controller connected to receive power from the electrical source of the respective column. The micro controller includes an electronic chip or board which includes, in circuit, an accelerometer, a Wi-Fi/RF or 3G/4G component or the like and a global positioning system (GPS) component or the like. The micro controller is operable to detect and monitor the magnitude and direction of forces imposed on the respective column and the direction from which such forces are derived, and to transmit the received data to a remote server for analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• F21V 23/00 - Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
• H05B 37/02 - Controlling
• H05B 37/03 - Detecting lamp failure

Goods & Services

Columns principally of metal; columns principally of aluminium; lighting columns produced principally from a common metal; lighting columns produced principally from aluminium; metal columns for supporting security equipment including cameras; parts and fittings for such columns. Apparatus and instruments for monitoring the condition of columns principally of a common metal; apparatus and instruments for monitoring the condition of lighting columns principally of aluminium; column mounted security fittings. Lighting installations and parts and fittings therefore; light fittings; column mounted light fittings. Services relating to the installation, repair and maintenance of column mounted light fittings and cameras; services relating to the monitoring of the condition of columns principally of a common metal; services relating to the monitoring of the condition of lighting columns principally of aluminium.

Abstract

A hinge assembly for connecting together upper (6) and lower (12) separable sections of a column comprises an upper member (2) for attachment to the lower end of an upper column section (6) and a lower member (8) for attachment to the upper end of a lower column section (12). A hinge connects the upper (2) and lower (8) members of the hinge assembly to permit pivotal movement of the upper hinge member about a first axis from a generally vertical position to or towards a generally horizontal position whereby an upper column section (6) connected to the upper member (2) can move from a generally vertical position towards or to a generally horizontal position. A plurality of cover members (16, 18) are positioned about the entire circumference of the upper and lower members of the hinge with each cover member connected for pivotal movement relative to the hinge about a generally horizontal second axis which is positioned at or close to its lower edge, whereby each such cover member (16, 18) can pivot relative to the lower member (8) of the hinge to expose fully the upper hinge member (2) and to enable the upper hinge member and column section (6) attached thereto to pivot from its initial generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position. One such cover member is pivotal to a locking position in which it engages a lower part of the upper hinge member to prevent unwanted further pivoting of the upper hinge member and a column section connected thereto.

IPC Classes  ?

• E04H 12/18 - TowersMasts or polesChimney stacksWater-towersMethods of erecting such structures movable or with movable sections, e.g. rotatable or telescopic

Goods & Services

Columns principally of metal; columns principally of aluminium; lighting columns produced principally from a common metal; lighting columns produced principally from aluminium; metal columns for supporting security equipment including cameras; parts and fittings for such columns. Lighting installations and parts and fittings therefore; lighting columns; light fittings; column mounted light and security fittings. Services relating to the installation, repair and maintenance of column mounted light fittings and cameras.

Abstract

An item of street furniture (11) comprising an electrical coupling (108) and a body (p) that, in a normal operating position, projects above a surface (S), the item of street furniture being, in use, provided with an electrical load the electrical coupling comprising a first part (109) which is, in use, associated with the electrical load and a second part (110) which is, in use, associated with a power supply (117), the first and second parts being arranged so that the application of a force above a threshold level causes movement between the first part and the second part from a first position in which the load is, in use, in electrical communication with a power supply to a second position in which the load is, in use, electrically isolated from a power supply wherein in the event that the body, or part thereof, is displaced by more than a threshold displacement from a normal operating position then this displacement causes relative movement of the first and second parts of the electrical coupling from the first position to the second position and wherein the electrical coupling is remote from the body. A kit for the manufacture of such an item of street furniture is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• E01F 9/016 - illuminated (for obstructing or restricting traffic E01F 13/00)
• E01F 9/018 - specially adapted for breaking, disengaging, collapsing or permanent deformation upon deflection or displacement, e.g. upon vehicle impact
• F21V 25/04 - Safety devices structurally associated with lighting devices coming into action when lighting device is disturbed, dismounted, or broken breaking the electric circuit

Abstract

A method and apparatus fox monitoring the structural health of a stock of columns such as lighting columns and/or columns within that stock each of which is connected to receive power from an external source or otherwise. The method comprises the steps of locating on an upper surface of each or a plurality of columns within the stock to be monitored a micro controller connected to receive power from the electrical source of the respective column. The micro controller includes an electronic chip or board which includes, in circuit, an accelerometer, a Wi-Fi/RF or 3G/4G component or the like and a global positioning system (GPS) component or the like. The micro controller is operable to detect and monitor the magnitude and direction of forces imposed on the respective column and the direction from which such forces are derived, and to transmit the received data to a remote server for analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01M 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• G01P 5/02 - Measuring speed of fluids, e.g. of air streamMeasuring speed of bodies relative to fluids, e.g. of ship, of aircraft by measuring forces exerted by the fluid on solid bodies, e.g. anemometer
• H02H 7/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for electronic equipment