Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an automatic system for electrical wiring comprising: a wire preparation module; at least one wiring arm module comprising a wiring-end effector at its distal end for manipulating wires to be inserted in an object in need of electrical wiring; and circuitry, which coordinates the operation of said wire preparation module and said at least one wiring arm module using at least one parameter related to said need of electrical wiring.

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: 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: 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: Method of providing insects for sorting into classes or for quality control of sorted insects comprises providing the insects in a container having a closable opening, opening the closable opening, releasing the insects through the closable opening onto a funneled air flow, the air flow carrying the insects to a collection location, the collection location being conveyable, and applying immobilizing agent to the insects on the collection location, thereby to provide stationary insects for said sorting or quality control.

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 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 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: 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: Method of providing insects for sorting into classes or for quality control of sorted insects comprises providing the insects in a container having a closable opening, opening the closable opening, releasing the insects through the closable opening onto a funneled air flow, the air flow carrying the insects to a collection location, the collection location being conveyable, and applying immobilizing agent to the insects on the collection location, thereby to provide stationary insects for said sorting or quality control.

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: 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: 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 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 clamp (10) for use in assembly of a microneedle device (100) has a flexible collet (14) projecting upwards from a base (12). The flexible collet (14) grips an adapter (106) of the microneedle device (100). A displaceable fixture (16), with two locating edges (18), (20), is displaceably mounted to base (12) so as to be displaceable between a raised position for positioning an adapter on the flexible collet and a lowered position in which locating edges (18), (20) abut surfaces of adapter (106) to achieve precise positioning of the adapter in two dimensions. An attachment surface (108) of the adapter (106) projects above locating edges (18), (20) of fixture (16) so as to be accessible for attachment of substrate (102).

Abstract: A press for producing parts, such as high precision ceramic parts or powder metal parts, by compaction of material. The press comprises a frame having a longitudinal axis, a die and a punch assembly mounted on the frame, and a motion assembly adapted to move the punch assembly relative to the die along the axis. The punch assembly comprises a plate and a punch held by the plate and extending along the axis. The plate comprises a central portion via which the axis passes and distal portions on two sides of the central portion. The motion assembly comprises two linear motion mechanisms, each comprising a threaded shaft with a portion thereof received within one of the distal portions, and a nut assembly mounted on the threaded shaft and engaging the distal portion within which the threaded shaft is received. Each nut assembly comprises a nut housing surrounding a portion of the threaded shaft, and a plurality of ribbed rollers disposed therebetween in a planetary arrangement and engaging both.