Abstract: A system for planning an operation includes a communication interface and processor(s). The processor(s) is/are configured to: receive an indication that the drone is part of a set of assets, wherein the set of assets are tasked with performing element(s) of task(s), and the set of assets comprises a plurality of drones; communicate information pertaining to the element(s), wherein: 1) the information pertaining to the element(s) is communicated with at least one other drone; 2) the information pertaining to the element(s) is based at least in part on information obtained by sensor(s) of the set of assets; and 3) the information pertaining to the element(s) is used in connection with determining a plan to perform the task(s); and communicate information pertaining to the plan to perform the task(s), wherein the information pertaining to the plan to perform the task(s) is communicated with at least one other drone.

Abstract: A system generating an environment for an operation using a set of assets includes processor(s) configured to: obtain data associated with task(s) to be performed by a set of assets, wherein: 1) the set of assets comprises semi-autonomous drones and 2) the data associated with the task(s) comprises parameter(s) pertaining to a geographic location in which at least one asset is to perform the task(s); determine a discretized representation of the geographic location, wherein the discretized representation comprises discrete elements each corresponding to a volume associated with the geographic location; annotate the discretized representation to create an annotated representation with the parameter(s) pertaining to the geographic location with a subset of the discrete elements based on a determination that the parameter(s) pertain to the geographic location; determine a plan to perform the task(s), wherein the plan is based on the annotated representation; and cause the task(s) to be performed.

Abstract: A cementitious composition (1) which, in the hardened state, acts as a low leaching coating in low alkalinity and low hardness waters. The composition comprises at least one cement and a highly reactive pozzolan. The cementitious composition can be applied to a surface such as a metallic drinking water pipe (2) in order to provide corrosion protection therefor.

Abstract: A chilling apparatus (1) for chilling drinking vessels (44) comprising a liquid gas reservoir (3) in fluid communication with a chilling nozzle (4) under the control of a valve (41) controlled by a control unit (6), so that the drinking vessel may be chilled by a metered quantity of liquid gas vapourising from the chilling nozzle. The reservoir is provided with a vent (36) to prevent a buildup of vapourised liquid gas in the pipework and/or reservoir.

Abstract: A chilling apparatus (1) for chilling drinking vessels (44) comprising a liquid gas reservoir (3) in fluid communication with a chilling nozzle (4) under the control of a valve (41) controlled by a control unit (6), so that the drinking vessel may be chilled by a metered quantity of liquid gas vapourising from the chilling nozzle. The reservoir is provided with a vent (36) to prevent a buildup of vapourised liquid gas in the pipework and/or reservoir.

Abstract: A wireless communication device, operating over frequencies allocated to Personal Communications Services (PCS), uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to determine the subscriber's exact location on a periodic basis. The device sends the location information to a database for storage and subsequent retrieval by a Geographical Information System (GIS) software application. The GIS converts the location information represented by a latitude/longitude combination to a user-friendly classification of a block, street, city, etc. The user-friendly classification of the subscriber's location is then automatically communicated to emergency services and/or a designated contact, if an emergency button has been activated on the device. Alternatively, the device responds to on-demand inquiries on the subscriber's location via a computer link or a computerized voice processing equipment, such as a Voice Response Unit (VRU).

Abstract: A humidity sensor device which utilizes a humidity-sensitive piezoelectric polymer film as a transducer element. In a preferred embodiment a pair of excitation electrodes and a pair of pickup electrodes are provided on such a polymer film, a suitable excitation voltage is applied to the excitation electrodes and the resultant transverse piezoelectric effects are detected in the form of an electrical output voltage from the pickup electrodes. The electrical output signal is converted to the humidity value of the gaseous environment based on a prior calibration. Typically, an odd nylon such as nylon-11 or nylon-7 is used for the piezoelectric element and a rectangular, uniform and porous graphite films are deposited thereon as electrodes. The humidity sensor device of this invention can be used over a wide temperature range and can withstand repeated exposure to harsh temperature conditions over a long period of time.

Abstract: Provided by this invention are piezoelectric laminate films wherein films of different polymers are in laminated relationship. The piezoelectric laminate film has at least one property which is superior to the corresponding property in the films used in the lamination to form the laminate. Also provided is a method for making the laminate.

Abstract: The provided invention is a novel electrostrictive driving device which comprises a sonic wave projector element having alternating electrodes and polymer material film layers. The device provides when subjected to a high bias voltage and a superimposed A.C. voltage, a high Angstroms/Volt response. Also, provided is a process for projecting sonic waves using the electrostrictive driving device of this invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polarized material which is free or substantially free of mechanically-induced orientation and has polarization which is essentially stable up to the crystal melting temperature range of the polar crystals or to the softening temperature range or the glass transition temperature range of the polarized material if it is non-crystalline. A preferred polarized material provided is poly(vinylidene fluoride).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making polarized material by forming a solution of a material capable of being polarized with a polarization solvent which can be removed by evaporation. The material in solution is poled to provide a polarized material which is free or substantially free of mechanically-induced orientation and which polarization is essentially stable up to the crystal melting point of the polar crystals or to softening point of the polarized material if non-crystalline. The polarization solvent can be removed from the solution as desired either to a reduced level or completely, such as during poling or before or after poling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making polarized material by forming a solution of a material capable of being polarized with a polarization solvent. The material in solution is poled to provide a polarized material and during the poling the solvent is removed to the extent desired or totally to provide a polarized material which is free or substantially free of mechanically-induced orientation and which polarization is essentially stable up to the crystal melting point of the polar crystals or to softening point of the polarized material if non-crystalline.

Abstract: Nylon 11 (.gamma.-phase) is electrically poled after it is crystallized f commercially available nylon 11 by rapidly crystallizing it from the molten state. The .gamma.-phase nylon 11 so obtained exhibits high piezoelectric properties when poled under different poling conditions at different temperatures. The electrically poled .gamma.-phase nylon 11 is used in a transducer.

Abstract: Fabrication of unoriented phase I crystalline PVF.sub.2 is described wherein commercially available PVF.sub.2 phase II (crystalline form) is placed in a high pressure cell and its temperature is raised slightly over its melting point. The sample is then subjected to abrupt changes in high pressure and the temperature is dropped thereafter. The pressure is then reduced resulting in a product which contains both phase I and phase II forms of PVF.sub.2. The phase I content of the product varies from a few percent and up depending upon the pressure applied during the quenching step.