Abstract: A system for checking security of video surveillance of an area by a plurality of video units includes: (a) a respective signaling unit coupled with each of a respective signaling-equipped video unit among the plurality of video units; and (b) a control unit coupled with each respective video unit of the plurality of video units; the control unit providing an encoding arrangement for use by each respective signaling unit for emitting a predetermined signal. Each respective signaling-equipped video unit is oriented to permit at least one other video unit of the plurality of video units to receive the predetermined signal. The control unit cooperates with the plurality of video units to evaluate received the predetermined signals to effect the checking.

Abstract: A system for checking security of video surveillance of an area by a plurality of video units includes: (a) a respective signaling unit coupled with each of a respective signaling-equipped video unit among the plurality of video units; and (b) a control unit coupled with each respective video unit of the plurality of video units; the control unit providing an encoding arrangement for use by each respective signaling unit for emitting a predetermined signal. Each respective signaling-equipped video unit is oriented to permit at least one other video unit of the plurality of video units to receive the predetermined signal. The control unit cooperates with the plurality of video units to evaluate received the predetermined signals to effect the checking.

Abstract: A method, computer apparatus and computer program product are provided for autonomously transporting an asset along a track to a destination in a manner that is safe, reliable and quick. In regards to the method, instructions are received relating to the shipment of the asset to the destination. Based upon the instructions, a track-based route along which the asset is to be transported to the destination is then automatically determined. In order to automatically determine the track-based route, the integrity of the track and/or the track bed may be determined. When determined necessary in order to transport the asset to the destination, the track may be automatically reconfigured, such as by closing or opening appropriate switches. Further, the movement of the asset may be controlled in an autonomous manner along the track while continuing to monitor at least that portion of the track between the asset and the destination.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having an opening, a connector unit, a moveable door, and a biasing system. The connector unit is located inside the housing. The connector unit is capable of providing an electrical connection to a complementary connector unit. The moveable door is capable of being moved into an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the opening. The biasing system is capable of aligning the connector unit with the complementary connector unit and causing the connector unit to engage the complimentary connector unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing having an opening, a connector unit, a moveable door, and a biasing system. The connector unit is located inside the housing. The connector unit is capable of providing an electrical connection to a complementary connector unit. The moveable door is capable of being moved into an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position covers the opening. The biasing system is capable of aligning the connector unit with the complementary connector unit and causing the connector unit to engage the complimentary connector unit.

Abstract: A method, computer apparatus and computer program product are provided for autonomously transporting an asset along a track to a destination in a manner that is safe, reliable and quick. In regards to the method, instructions are received relating to the shipment of the asset to the destination. Based upon the instructions, a track-based route along which the asset is to be transported to the destination is then automatically determined. In order to automatically determine the track-based route, the integrity of the track and/or the track bed may be determined. When determined necessary in order to transport the asset to the destination, the track may be automatically reconfigured, such as by closing or opening appropriate switches. Further, the movement of the asset may be controlled in an autonomous manner along the track while continuing to monitor at least that portion of the track between the asset and the destination.

Abstract: A launch device may be prepared for launch. The launch device may be assembled in a horizontal position on a mobile device. A lifting device attached to the mobile device may be coupled to the launch device. The launch device may be moved to a launch site using the mobile device. The launch device may be moved to a vertical position at the launch site using the lifting device. The launch device may be launched.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automated system for mating a launch device to a launch platform may include a launch platform having a first electrical connector, and a interface member attached to the launch device. The interface member may include a second electrical connector configured to automatically couple to the first electrical connector of the launch platform.

Abstract: Switch card apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circuit includes a first portion having a first switch adapted to be coupled to a first voltage, a second portion including a second switch, and a third portion including a third switch. The first portion activates the first switch to couple the first voltage to the second portion. Similarly, the second portion activates the second switch in response to a second input signal and the first voltage to couple a second voltage to the third portion. Finally, the third portion activates the third switch in response to a third input signal and in response to the second voltage from the second portion to couple a control voltage to a load. Embodiments of the invention provide the desired reliability suitable for a variety of electrical systems, including arming and firing applications over a wide voltage and wide current range.

Abstract: Switch card apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circuit includes a first portion having a first switch adapted to be coupled to a first voltage, a second portion including a second switch, and a third portion including a third switch. The first portion activates the first switch to couple the first voltage to the second portion. Similarly, the second portion activates the second switch in response to a second input signal and the first voltage to couple a second voltage to the third portion. Finally, the third portion activates the third switch in response to a third input signal and in response to the second voltage from the second portion to couple a control voltage to a load. Embodiments of the invention provide the desired reliability suitable for a variety of electrical systems, including arming and firing applications over a wide voltage and wide current range.