Abstract: A base attachment module (BAM) of a small aerial vehicle (SAV) for attaching the SAV to an unprepared work surface has a surface meeting docking assembly (DA) with contact points for contacting the work surface, and a contracting suction cup (CSC) in a position surrounded by the contact points such that it extends beyond a plane (or other surface contour) of the points in a fully extended operating position, and is retracted below the plane in a retracted position. Actuation of the CSC when in contact with the surface, allows for the DA to be brought into contact with the contact points in a controlled manner, for a high stiffness attachment, as is needed for deployment of robotic tasks from a SAV.

Abstract: The use of an unctuous sealing material (high viscosity liquid bordering on, or having, solid behavior at low shear forces) for sealing open pore, highly crushable suction cups allows for increased surface conformation for fast secure vacuum gripping, and maintenance of the pressure differential with lower energy in view of the seal. Furthermore, fast grasping is demonstrated if the unctuous sealing material protrudes from the lip.

Abstract: A base attachment module (BAM) of a small aerial vehicle (SAV) for attaching the SAV to an unprepared work surface has a surface meeting docking assembly (DA) with contact points for contacting the work surface, and a contracting suction cup (CSC) in a position surrounded by the contact points such that it extends beyond a plane (or other surface contour) of the points in a fully extended operating position, and is retracted below the plane in a retracted position. Actuation of the CSC when in contact with the surface, allows for the DA to be brought into contact with the contact points in a controlled manner, for a high stiffness attachment, as is needed for deployment of robotic tasks from a SAV.

Abstract: A method and system for flow control of GFP-encapsulated Fiber Channel frames over SONET/SDH transport networks is described. Transport interfaces, in the form of port cards, monitor any switch-over or error in the SONET/SDH transport network responsive to GFP out of synchronization signals; and transmit Fiber Channel Ordered Sets indicative of non-operation to it associated Fiber Channel port so that the Fiber Channel port performs link initialization and buffer credit recovery procedures with its counterpart Fiber Channel port across the SONET/SDH transport network. This speeds the recovery of the link between the two Fiber Channel ports.

Abstract: A facing element (2), for use in a stabilized earth structure (1), comprises a reinforcing portion (60) extending substantially across the facing element, the reinforcing portion having at an end thereof a connection point for connection to an earth stabilizing member (4) and/or an adjacent facing element.

Abstract: Magnetic process for determining the trajectory of a moving vehicle for finding a fixed or moving magnetic object and apparatus for performing the process.The apparatus comprises magnetometers for measuring at least p independent components of the gradient of the local magnetic field, in which p is an integer equal to the number of dimensions of the space in which the moving vehicle is displaced, a circuit for storing a scalar criterion which is a function of at least one of the components of the measured gradient, a circuit for calculating the direction (.theta., .psi.) maximizing the criterion as a function of the measured gradient and a display, for use in guiding the vehicle.

Abstract: Each end of the rods surrounding the positioning sensor is provided with a coil, through which passes a current, whose intensity is automatically regulated as a function of the sensor readings in order to make the gradient of the magnetic field due to the rods and to the field itself zero within the sensor area.