Abstract: Nodes in a network having a plurality of nodes establish communication links with other nodes using available transmission media, as the ability to establish such links becomes available and desirable. The nodes predict when existing communications links will fail, become overloaded or otherwise degrade network effectiveness and act to establish substitute or additional links before the node's ability to communicate with the other nodes on the network is adversely affected. A node stores network topology information and programmed link establishment rules and criteria. The node evaluates characteristics that predict existing links with other nodes becoming unavailable or degraded. The node then determines whether it can form a communication link with a substitute node, in order to maintain connectivity with the network. When changing its communication links, a node broadcasts that information to the network.

Abstract: A system for controlling activation of a payload, particularly a high value, high consequence payload, such as a weapon of mass destruction, cannot be activated until it confirms that it has arrived at the correct destination. The system stores information that sufficiently identifies the location where the system should be activated or detonated. Sensors identify characteristics of the current location of the payload. A correlation is performed between the measured characteristics of the current location and the information stored that identifies the desired activation location. When the information sufficiently correlates, the system is allowed to activate.

Abstract: Nodes in a network having a plurality of nodes establish communication links with other nodes using available transmission media, as the ability to establish such links becomes available and desirable. The nodes predict when existing communications links will fail, become overloaded or otherwise degrade network effectiveness and act to establish substitute or additional links before the node's ability to communicate with the other nodes on the network is adversely affected. A node stores network topology information and programmed link establishment rules and criteria. The node evaluates characteristics that predict existing links with other nodes becoming unavailable or degraded. The node then determines whether it can form a communication link with a substitute node, in order to maintain connectivity with the network. When changing its communication links, a node broadcasts that information to the network.

Abstract: A valve comprising two compartments separated by a flexible diaphragm, each compartment being defined by an arcuate wall having an optionally interchangeable inlet and outlet located therein to allow the flow of liquid into and through the compartment, the flexible diaphragm being mounted between the arcuate walls and being adapted to be distended into one of the compartments to reduce or restrict the flow of liquid therethrough by excess pressure exerted by liquid in the other compartment; and a cooling installation containing one or more of such valves incorporated in pipelines associated with fans.

Abstract: A process for the production of a cellular material which comprises cutting in a planar sheet of material separate linear slits in a series of substantially parallel linear rows, subsequently subjecting the sheet to tension in a direction perpendicular to the linear rows, maintaining the tension until the slits have opened up to form cells and hardening the material in the desired cellular shape, and the cellular material so produced.