Abstract: An apparatus, and the methods therefore, that automatically detects, elaborates and interprets the geometry of a container (2) and of one or more of the contained articles (3), and supplies and inserts, automatically, packaging material into the container in a suitable manner and amount. The apparatus comprises one or more sensors (6) for measuring the geometric profile of the container (2) and of the contained articles (3). The apparatus comprises in addition processing means (14) that acquire the measurement data of the geometric profile and elaborates packaging instructions. The apparatus comprises also devices for the dispensing (42) and insertion (43) of packaging material into the container (2). The apparatus can be equipped with a conveying device (4) for transporting the containers to the measuring sensor (6) and to the dispensing device (42) and insertion means (43) of the packaging material.

Abstract: A method to fabricate a hierarchical graduated-branched structure that grows in a three-dimensional pattern down to fractal-branching, nano-size level is detailed. The fractal patterning is accomplished on a three-dimensional (i.e., non-planar) surface, by exposing the surface to a properly focused particle beam, which causes the spontaneous growth of graduated branches all over the surface. The structure can be fabricated with a single material and the fractal-patterning is done in a one step process. No addition of material is required for the formation of each branch. The fractal graduated branching structure can then be molded in order to produce replicas.

Abstract: A method to fabricate a hierarchical graduated-branched structure that grows in a three-dimensional pattern down to fractal-branching, nano-size level is detailed. The fractal patterning is accomplished on a three-dimensional (i.e., non-planar) surface, by exposing the surface to a properly focused particle beam, which causes the spontaneous growth of graduated branches all over the surface. The structure can be fabricated with a single material and the fractal-patterning is done in a one step process. No addition of material is required for the formation of each branch. The fractal graduated branching structure can then be molded in order to produce replicas.

Abstract: A method (400) of processing signal outputs of a plurality of topologically distinct sensors in response to stimuli is described. The method comprises obtaining (402) a plurality of temporal sensor outputs in parallel. Thereafter, features are extracted (406), the features having dynamic behavior pattern. The extraction is performed in a topology consistent way by arithmetic processing in parallel of neighboring temporal sensor outputs. Furthermore, a quality of the extracted features is being determined.

Abstract: An apparatus, and the methods therefore, that automatically detects, elaborates and interprets the geometry of a container (2) and of one or more of the contained articles (3), and supplies and inserts, automatically, packaging material into the container in a suitable manner and amount. The apparatus comprises one or more sensors (6) for measuring the geometric profile of the container (2) and of the contained articles (3). The apparatus comprises in addition processing means (14) that acquire the measurement data of the geometric profile and elaborates packaging instructions. The apparatus comprises also devices for the dispensing (42) and insertion (43) of packaging material into the container (2). The apparatus can be equipped with a conveying device (4) for transporting the containers to the measuring sensor (6) and to the dispensing device (42) and insertion means (43) of the packaging material.

Abstract: A method (400) of processing signal outputs of a plurality of topologically distinct sensors in response to stimuli is described. The method comprises obtaining (402) a plurality of temporal sensor outputs in parallel. Thereafter, features are extracted (406), the features having dynamic behavior pattern. The extraction is performed in a topology consistent way by arithmetic processing in parallel of neighboring temporal sensor outputs. Furthermore, a quality of the extracted features is being determined.