Abstract: Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic loading of pupae into cartridges for growing, hatching into adults and dispersal of the adults, comprises: a pupa tray of pupae in liquid. A cartridge hatches the pupae into adults and may be placed in a dispersal machine for dispersal of the adults. The cartridge has a drainage hole covered in netting at a lower end, and when filled with pupae and needing water, may be placed in a water tray to retain water in the cartridge. Then, following hatching of the pupae, the cartridge is lifted from the water tray to drain via the drainage hole to provide a dry environment for the adults.

Abstract: A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.

Abstract: A fragile substance storage transportation and release device comprises a frame for inserting cartridges to hold the fragile substance; a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile substance out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and an opening mechanism for opening each cartridge one by one in coordination with a propulsion mechanism. The device is useful for distribution of fragile insects such as mosquitoes and there is a mechanism for automatic collection of insects from pupae.

Abstract: A vehicle configured for conveying at least one container. The vehicle has a supporting portion configured for holding said container, and a primary lifting mechanism for controlling elevation of the supporting portion. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the supporting portion between an elevated position and a lowered position. The supporting portion is configured for assuming a retracted state associated with a first outline of the vehicle when seen from above, and combinable at least with the lowered position of the supporting portion, and an extended state associated with a second outline of the vehicle when seen from above and combinable at least with the elevated position of the supporting portion. The supporting portion in its extended state has projecting areas, projecting in the second outline relative to the first outline and configured for supporting said container.

Abstract: There are provided Nano-Opto-Mechanical sensors for measuring concentration of a component in a gas flow, methods for their use and system comprising the same.

Abstract: A computerized delivery service provision method, that includes providing vehicles with bays, then selecting vehicles for assignment to a resource. The selecting of a vehicle to a resource includes determining resource candidate vehicles from among the vehicles that meet a vehicle candidacy criterion, then calculating hypothetical path routes, each including a path bay and a delivery bay that are associated with the candidate vehicles, thereby obtaining hypothetical path routes for the candidate vehicles.

Abstract: A diffuser for distributing spray or insects from an aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and comprises a distribution tube connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end for distribution of the insects. A nozzle surrounds the second end and a tube cover surrounds the second end within the nozzle. The tube cover has an aerofoil, or wing-shaped, cross section. The nozzle shape sets up an air transition volume between the aircraft and ambient air designed for a maximum wind shear over any cubic centimeter volume within the air transition volume to be less than 60 km/h, and therefore allowing distribution of insects such as mosquitoes from the aircraft without damage, or allowing aerosols to be spread as large droplets.

Abstract: A diffuser for distributing insects such as mosquitoes from an aircraft, comprises a distribution tube connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end in a direction away from that of travel of the aircraft, for distribution of the insects; and a profile surrounding the second end, the profile being shaped to define a steadily changing airspeed. The pipe may be aligned with airflow at the point of exit of the pipe and protection may be provided around or just upstream of the exit to provide a point of minimal air velocity at the exit, the exit being the point of release of the insects.

Abstract: A method of distributing fragile insects in a distribution involving a wind shear, comprises, encapsulating the insects into a bubble and then releasing the bubble into the wind shear so that the bubble protects the insect from the wind shear. The insect may be inserted before or after formation of the bubble at any stage of the insect life cycle and the bubble may be uniform or made of a slow dissolving and a quick dissolving part. The bubbles are useful for aerial distribution of sterile male mosquitoes.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for securing thereto a load. The securing mechanism comprises a locking member having at least one planner with a peripheral shape, a cam follower mechanism having a follower with a load facing end and being configured to translate a linear displacement along an axis being perpendicular to said load facing end to a rotational movement thereof about said axis, and being so disposed relative to said locking member such that said rotational movement thereof sequentially shifts said locking member between a released position in which at least one dimension of said peripheral shape has a first size and a secured position in which said dimension has a second size, said second size being larger than said first size.

Abstract: A method for managing storage of a group of containers in a cargo storage area, is provided, the group is characterized by one or more parameters for each container. The method comprising: selecting among the parameters at least one parameter as a basis for selecting storing configuration for the group. The storing configuration are one of a first storing configuration which allows direct access to each one of the containers and a second storing configuration which allows direct access only to some of the containers. The method further comprising selecting one of the configurations based on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A robotic system comprising a robotic platform; a follow-path functionality enabling the robotic platform to follow a leading soldier, at least selectably, without reliance on GPS; and a Human Machine Interface between the platform and a leading soldier.

Abstract: A robotic system comprising a robotic platform; a follow-path functionality enabling the robotic platform to follow a leading soldier, at least selectably, without reliance on GPS; and a Human Machine Interface between the platform and a leading soldier.