An enclosure for safe transportation and storage of a battery or a collection of batteries. The enclosure contains a plurality of batteries held together by a polymer structure, wherein the polymer structure contains s pockets capable of encapsulating at least one fire extinguishing fluid. Sensors deployed on a surface of each battery in the plurality of batteries are capable of monitoring surface temperature and volume expansion of each battery in the enclosure and providing signal output. The enclosure also contains a toxic gas release management and containment system.

An approach is that uses a first amount of energy used by a motor to open a vent and reducing the amount of energy to a second amount of energy to maintain the vent in an open position.

A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, data logging, growing, water and nutrients. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency and enables multiple crops to be grown in a single area.

A bin is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The bin is capable of removing liquids from beneath a robotic picking system following spillages or sprinkler deployments.

A closure member control system for roll down smoke and/or gas barrier system includes a closure member which, when closed, maintains a spool with the barrier wound thereon within a housing. On deployment, the closure member opens and is prevented from closing by one or more cords connected to the spool.

An autonomous grid storage system (1) arranged in a warehouse space (12). The autonomous grid storage system is divided within the warehouse space, for example on a single floor of said space, into a plurality of sub grids (10a/10b) separated by fire walls (18). One or more bridges (14) pass through openings in the fire wall to allow bin handling vehicles (210/301) to traverse between the sub grids. The openings (20) are provided with closable fire door (22).

A storage system is disclosed where goods can be stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of rails (e.g., tracks) on which load handling devices can run. To take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked. The framework may be provided with one or more of the following exemplary services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensors, and data logging devices. The provision of these services within the framework rather than across the system as a whole, can allow for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

An autonomous grid storage system arranged in a warehouse space. The autonomous grid storage system is divided within the warehouse space, for example on a single floor of said space, into a plurality of sub grids separated by fire walls. One or more bridges pass through openings in the fire wall to allow bin handling vehicles to traverse between the sub grids. The openings are provided with closable fire door.

An actuator (1) for driving a regulating element (30) for controlling a fluid flow in a flow channel (29) includes an electric motor (4) for driving the regulating element (30) and a control unit (2) for controlling a current provided to the electric motor (4). A resistive element (3) including a resistor (5) and a NTC thermistor (6) connected in parallel across the resistor (5) is positioned in a current path from the control unit (2) to the motor (4). Accordingly, when the ambient temperature increases, the decreasing resistance of the resistive element (3) counterbalances the increasing resistance of the motor windings, resulting in a less varying current from the control unit (2) to the motor (4) and therewith in a less varying output torque of the motor (4).

A barrier assembly comprising a horizontally deployable vapor barrier assembly with a frame with opposing side guides extending between a header and footer. A guide rod contained in each side guide extends between the header and the footer. A vapor barrier is deployable horizontally with side edge sleeve portions that slide axially over the guide rods. At least one roller is connected to each of the side guides adjacent to the guide rod, and each roller supports a portion of the vapor barrier's side edge portions. The rollers rolls on the edge portions as the sleeve portion slides axially over the guide rods as the vapor barrier moves between the deployed and stowed positions. Lifter plates are attached to each of the side guides and positioned to engage support carriages and temporarily lift the support member out of engagement with the support surface over segment joints as the vapor barrier moves between the stowed and deployed positions. A drive system moves the vapor barrier between the stowed and deployed positions.