Abstract: A method of authenticating an article, the method comprising: reading a label associated with the article, the label comprising article fingerprint information; retrieving, in dependence on the article fingerprint information, an article fingerprint, the fingerprint describing the resonance response of the article to an excitation signal; applying an excitation signal to the article; receiving the resonance response of the article to the excitation signal; comparing the resonance response to the fingerprint; and determining in dependence on the comparison whether the article is authentic.

Abstract: A method of authenticating an article, the method comprising: reading a label associated with the article, the label comprising article fingerprint information; retrieving, in dependence on the article fingerprint information, an article fingerprint, the fingerprint describing the resonance response of the article to an excitation signal; applying an excitation signal to the article; receiving the resonance response of the article to the excitation signal; comparing the resonance response to the fingerprint; and determining in dependence on the comparison whether the article is authentic.

Abstract: A system for directionally selective sound reception comprises an array of pressure sensors (120a, 120c) each arranged to output a pressure signal indicative of pressure, and a processor arranged to receive the pressure signals. The sensor array comprises a support (130) supporting the four sensors. Two of the sensors are mounted on one side of the support and at least a third sensor is supported on an opposite side of the support. The sound pressure difference measured between the first sensor and the second sensor caused by sound arriving at the array from a direction parallel to the support (130) is dependent on the distance between the first and second sensors and the nature of material in the space between the first and second sensors. The sound pressure difference measured between the first and third sensors caused by sound travelling perpendicular to the support is dependent on the distance between the first and third sensors.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging soft foam darts, the launch apparatus having a cylinder, a piston, a launch spring and a dart tube. An air chamber with variable volume is formed between the cylinder and the piston and is divided into two or more sections, a first section where there is little or no resistance to relative movement between the cylinder and the piston so that there is a momentum gain, and a second section where there is rapid compression and increasing pressure to cause a loaded dart to be discharged.

Abstract: A system for directionally selective sound reception comprises an array of pressure sensors each arranged to output a pressure signal indicative of pressure, and processing means arranged to receive the pressure signals, identify a plurality of frequency components of the signals, identify at least one source direction, and identify at least one of the components as coming from the source direction. The sensor array comprises support means having two opposite sides and four sensors, at least one of the sensors being supported on each of the sides of the support means.

Abstract: A system for directionally selective sound reception comprises an array of pressure sensors (120a, 120c) each arranged to output a pressure signal indicative of pressure, and a processor arranged to receive the pressure signals. The sensor array comprises a support (130) supporting the four sensors. Two of the sensors are mounted on one side of the support and at least a third sensor is supported on an opposite side of the support. The sound pressure difference measured between the first sensor and the second sensor caused by sound arriving at the array from a direction parallel to the support (130) is dependent on the distance between the first and second sensors and the nature of material in the space between the first and second sensors. The sound pressure difference measured between the first and third sensors caused by sound travelling perpendicular to the support is dependent on the distance between the first and third sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical beam steering. There is described an optical beam steering apparatus, comprising: a splitter arranged to split an optical beam into at least a first part having a first polarization and a second part having a second polarization, said first and second polarizations being substantially mutually orthogonal; a first liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said first part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said first polarization; and a second liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said second part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said second polarization.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging soft foam darts, the launch apparatus having a cylinder, a piston, a launch spring and a dart tube. An air chamber with variable volume is formed between the cylinder and the piston and is divided into two or more sections, a first section where there is little or no resistance to relative movement between the cylinder and the piston so that there is a momentum gain, and a second section where there is rapid compression and increasing pressure to cause a loaded dart to be discharged.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging soft foam darts, the launch apparatus having a cylinder, a piston, a launch spring and a dart tube. An air chamber with variable volume is formed between the cylinder and the piston and is divided into two or more sections, a first section where there is little or no resistance to relative movement between the cylinder and the piston so that there is a momentum gain, and a second section where there is rapid compression and increasing pressure to cause a loaded dart to be discharged. A third section may be a transition section between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A system for directionally selective sound reception comprises an array of pressure sensors each arranged to output a pressure signal indicative of pressure, and processing means arranged to receive the pressure signals, identify a plurality of frequency components of the signals, identify at least one source direction, and identify at least one of the components as coming from the source direction. The sensor array comprises support means having two opposite sides and four sensors, at least one of the sensors being supported on each of the sides of the support means.

Abstract: A toy launch apparatus for discharging soft foam darts, the launch apparatus having a cylinder, a piston, a launch spring and a dart tube. An air chamber with variable volume is formed between the cylinder and the piston and is divided into two or more sections, a first section where there is little or no resistance to relative movement between the cylinder and the piston so that there is a momentum gain, and a second section where there is rapid compression and increasing pressure to cause a loaded dart to be discharged. A third section may be a transition section between the first and second sections.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an optical beam steering apparatus and a method of manufacturing an optical beam steering apparatus, and more particularly to an optical add drop multiplexer (OADM) such as a reconfigurable OADM (ROADM) comprising the optical beam steering apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a slab and a plurality of optical elements in or on a first surface of said slab, the plurality of optical elements including at least one liquid crystal on silicon element, the apparatus being arranged such that at least one optical beam can propagate freely in the slab from one of said plurality of optical elements to another one of said plurality of optical elements via a reflection from a second surface of the optical beam steering apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical beam steering. There is described an optical beam steering apparatus, comprising: a splitter arranged to split an optical beam into at least a first part having a first polarisation and a second part having a second polarisation, said first and second polarisations being substantially mutually orthogonal; a first liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said first part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said first polarisation; and a second liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said second part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said second polarisation.

Abstract: An electro optic crystal arrangement in particular comprising or for use in or as a laser modulator suitable for use in an intracavity modulator for a CO2 laser such as a Q-switched pulsed CO2 laser, and the use of such a crystal arrangement in an electro optic device such as a laser modulator are described.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a frame with an adjustable weight bearing ratchet and pulley system with laser timer and display is disclosed. A force controlled laser timing device mounted to the frame which measures via time movement within a given space. An OLYMPIC barbell is located within the center of the device being attached to the ratchet and pulley system for the purpose of controlling gravitational resistance. A user-controlled strap is wound about the barbell so that the force implemented by the user will not allow the adjustable weights or barbell to become lose and dangerous. Movement of the barbell by the user is measured and recorded for weight and time.

Abstract: An invention disclosed herein pertains to a thruster suitable for underwater vehicles. Such a thruster includes a steerable duct and propeller. The thruster motor, the two directional servo motors and all necessary electronics are contained in a single fluid filled and pressure compensated container. This is made possible, by a compact steering mechanism that allows the propeller and duct to be steered about the pitch and yaw axis of the vehicle and a spherical rolling seal which allows the fluid in the thruster to be maintained at a pressure of 2-5 psig. A gimbal that features a ring drive element enables efficient use of space. An actuation to drive the thruster may fit inside the ring drive element.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing and collecting a can utilizing a tray having a first portion with a surface and a second portion with an opening through the same. A housing is also provided and includes a press which is movable between a first position and a second position. The tray is guided relative to the housing such that the surface of the first portion lies opposite the press and is capable of collapsing a can when placed on the first tray portion. When the press moves to its first position the can is collapsed. The collapsed can passes through the tray when the tray second portion lies opposite the press.