Markland’s research into so-called “stand off” detection and warning systems – systems that can identify concealed weapons on individual attackers at distances up to 50 meters – will combine existing thermal sensors with new thermal signature-processing technology to create tools to help military and police personnel screen for would-be assailants. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

“There are currently no adequate technology solutions available to homeland security and military personnel that can help them identify a suicide bomber or terrorist gunman before the attacker can get close enough to inflict real harm,” said Mr. Tarini. “We believe that Markland’s research may represent a leap forward in the creation of systems that can detect these attackers with a degree of success.”

Markland’s concealed weapons stand-off systems initiatives are based on modifications to thermal sensors that are already deployed in large numbers throughout the military. The new stand-off solutions will augment the thermal imaging capabilities of these sensors with innovative signal processing techniques that process different wavelengths of light and heat. This will enable the systems to help military and law enforcement personnel more quickly and more easily detect guns or bombs concealed on the persons of would-be attackers and terrorists.

The stand-off systems will also integrate innovative methods of analyzing human behavior, including unnatural physical movement and facial biometrics that are associated with malicious intent, such as thermal signatures, to increase the ability to identify potential terrorists or other dangerous individuals.

The surveillance solution uses a 16-channel DVR that incorporates dual-redundant recorders and 14TB of internal storage capacity. The storage capacity allows for video data to be captured for up to a year. The system also provides playback and digital archiving capabilities. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

“The successful launch of the Perpetual Digital solutions not only provides a template for future sales in the financial market but also provides a compelling demonstration of our leadership in the critical area of security for financial institutions,” says Toresa Lou, CEO of Global ePoint.

The UK-based Kidde supplies fire and safety products including aircraft fire protection systems. It has operating companies in 29 countries, employs approximately 7,750 people and distributes products and services worldwide to commercial, industrial, aerospace, combustion control and retail customers. It reported 2003 revenue of 938 million pounds (approximately $1.53 billion). <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />

The 165 pence offer represents a premium of approximately 34 percent over the closing price of Kidde shares on October 20, the last trading day before UTC’s interest in acquiring the company was disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2005 subject to customary conditions including regulatory agency approvals and compliance with required filing and other regulations.

“We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with the Kidde board,” said UTC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George David.

“Kidde’s addition will further enhance UTC’s product portfolios. With Otis elevators, Carrier HVAC systems and Chubb electronic security, we already have a pervasive presence in buildings worldwide. Kidde’s industrial fire protection and suppression products will further augment this presence,” David said.

“Additionally, Kidde makes fire protection systems that equip most of the aircraft flying today.”

Norman Askew, Chairman of Kidde, said, “We believe that this offer is in the interests of Kidde’s shareholders, customers and employees. Kidde’s businesses will benefit from being part of an organization as large as UTC, with the scale and financial resources to compete even more effectively than in the past.

The intention is to distribute all the shares in Gunnebo Industrier free of charge to Gunnebo’s shareholders. This would enable Gunnebo to concentrate its business on security with focus on profitable growth.

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A separate listing for Gunnebo Industrier would improve its growth potential. Both Gunnebo and Gunnebo Industrier would have a strong financial position after the flotation of Gunnebo Industrier.

The intention is to float the company and have it separately listed on the stock market. The shares in Gunnebo Industrier will be distributed free of charge to Gunnebo’s shareholders on the basis of Sweden’s Lex Asea legislation. The Board considers that the earliest date for such a flotation would be in the middle of 2005, and that a decision will be made at the 2005 AGM.

The flotation of Gunnebo Industrier would enable Gunnebo to focus its business entirely on profitably growth in its four security divisions, namely Gunnebo Physical Security, Gunnebo Integrated Security, Gunnebo Perimeter Security and Gunnebo Asia Pacific.

Gunnebo Industrier accounts for around 15 percent of the Gunnebo Group’s business. For Gunnebo Industrier, the stock market listing would provide favourable conditions for further growth in its core business areas, namely Lifting, Blocks, Non Skid and Fastening.

The streamlining would also improve Gunnebo Industrier’s ability to play an active role in the restructuring of its industry.

Selected as a finalist from 69 competing products by a panel of

independent judges at the GovSec show in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Washington, DC on July 28, 2004 the ATV2000i was subsequently voted by the readers of ACSS as the victor to earn the honor of New Product of the Year for 2004. ACSS, as a leading security industry publication, has a total readership of over 100,000.

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The ATV2000i, developed by Obzerv, is a range-gating active imager

considered to be the world’s most advanced surveillance camera. It is designed for coast guard surveillance, antiterrorism operations, search & rescue and military surveillance.

The ATV2000i is able to provide long-range night vision functions in complete darkness and in degraded weather conditions such as rain, fog and snow. In total darkness, it can read license plates at up to 2km, recognize a human being at up to 5km, read a ship’s registration past 5km and classify a vehicle beyond 10km.

The security industry has commonly used thermal cameras, an example of passive imaging technology, for long-range night vision. However,

because they rely entirely on temperature differentials, thermal cameras can neither produce images of identifying markings or symbols nor provide images admissible as evidence in a court of law.

In contrast, the active-imaging technology used by the ATV2000i produces high-resolution video surveillance that is fully capable of effectively imaging identifying markings and symbols.

“The award affirms the ATV2000i’s unique position in the security

industry as a ground-breaking technology,” says Jack Gin, President and CEO of Extreme CCTV. “The capability of the ATV2000i allows for

definitive visual intelligence that was previously impossible to

achieve.”

The award is the most recent success in a series of notable events that are raising the market awareness of the ATV2000i. In August of this year, the US Navy completed its final acceptance tests of their

customized version of the ATV2000i, called the ARGTV, confirming the

importance of Obzerv’s core technology for high-level defense

applications.

Shortly thereafter in September, the ATV2000i was publicly unveiled for the first time to the USA security industry at the 50th Annual Seminar and Exhibits of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) in Dallas, Texas, where it was received with great interest from various US government agencies.

The ATV2000i has also been confirmed for demonstration at the Department of Defense FPED (Force Protection Equipment Demonstration) V in spring 2005 at Quantico Marine Corps Base. Additionally, numerous other demonstrations to high-level government and defense organizations are scheduled between the present

time and FPED V.

The award will be accepted by Outer Limit Technologies, a division of Extreme CCTV Inc. which markets advanced technology products including Obzerv’s ATV2000i. Extreme CCTV earlier signed a sole agency agreement for Canada and the USA to represent Obzerv’s range-gating technology.

Recently, Extreme announced a joint development agreement with Obzerv Technologies to develop the LX300. The LX300 will use the same core technology and is intended for commercial markets within Extreme CCTV’s established sales channels.

It is being designed so that security systems integrators will be able to seamlessly integrate the LX300 for high-level security concerns at ports, harbors, water reservoirs and critical infrastructures at many strategic locations of interest to the US Department of Homeland Security.

Call Bosch on 61 2 9672 1777 for more information.

Arne Frank, former chief executive officer of TAC, has accepted the role of CEO for the new company, which has 2,700 employees worldwide, projected revenue of over £363 million for 2004 and offices, branches and partners in more than 500 locations.

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In the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />UK, the company is headed by Derek Duffill (managing director), Peter Richardson (deputy managing director) and Garrie Naden (finance director). The new company has a divisional structure to ensure that field staff become part of a dedicated local team. This will allow them to focus on the needs of customers within their own regions.

As Duffill said “These local teams will be responsible for servicing their own customer base. This will provide a more focused approach to their customers’ requirements and a more personal service.

“We are committed to delivering the full value our customers expect when they invest in our solutions. Furthermore, when we develop new products, we believe in providing backward compatibility so that initial investments are not lost and upgrade costs are minimised.

“Tour Andover Controls is a true market leader in every aspect – market share, people, technology and, above all, customer satisfaction. Our new company and its customers are in a better position than ever before.”

Corporate headquarters for the combined companies are in Malmö, Sweden, and Andover, Massachusetts in the US. The UK headquarters are in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.