Abstract: A command sequence for an autonomous UAV mission is optimized by simulating the performance of a mission in a model environment. Using a genetic algorithm, neural net, or other suitable technique this command sequence is then optimized, to improve the outcome of the mission. A factor in selecting an optimal command sequence will be its compressability. A set of one or more optimal command sequences is compiled. Each optimal command sequence is encoded into an algorithmic active packet of minimum size for uploaded to the UAV, which then executes the mission. To track the UAV in its performance of the mission without compromising its location, the active packets are executed in the simulated environment. The simulated environment is continually updated with the most current available information. The simulation results are an approximation of the current state of the UAV.

Abstract: A demountable, modular roll container comprises a plastics base (1) with wheels (13) (or castors) attached and two, three or four side plastics panels (2, 3) which lock into the base (1) with adjacent panels (2, 3) locking into each other. One or more shelves (18) lock into and stabilise the side panels. The whole assembly makes a modular two, three or four-sided container on wheels, with one, two or more compartments.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the analysis of a data series to identify sequences of interest within the series. The analysis may be used to iteratively update a grammar used to analyze the data series or updated versions of the data series. Furthermore, the technique provides for the calculation of a minimum description length heuristic, such as a symbol compression ratio, for each sub-sequence of the analyzed data sequence. The technique may then compare a selected heuristic value against one or more reference conditions to determine if additional iteration is to be performed. The grammar and the data sequence may be updated between iterations to include a symbol representing a string corresponding to the selected heuristic value based upon a non-termination result of the comparison. Alternatively, the string corresponding to the selected heuristic value may be identified as a sequence of interest based upon a termination result of the comparison.

Abstract: A cassette (10) for photosensitive web material includes a hollow housing (12) having a peripheral wall (16); an exit slit (42) extending through the peripheral wall; a device (20), located within the housing, for rotatably supporting a roll (22, 24) of web material; a mechanism (32, 38), located within the housing, for engaging a lead end (26) of a web material to drive the web material through the exit slit; a knife blade (134, 136) having a cutting edge (138) extended at an acute angle to the exit slit; a recess (132) for slidably mounting the blade for movement between a first position in which the exit slit is open, and a second position in which both the web material has been cut by the cutting edge and the exit slit has been closed by the blade to prevent entry of light into the housing through the exit slit; and a knife bed (142, 144) fixedly mounted on the housing, the blade being in sliding engagement with the knife bed, whereby the blade and the knife bed cooperate to scissor the web material as th

Abstract: A valve assemblage (10, 50) for controlling the flow between fast and second containerized systems (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) having first and second openings (A,B), respectively. The assemblage comprises a first valve assembly (12, 52) positioned at the first opening of the fast containerized system and a second valve assembly (14, 54) positioned at the second opening of the second containerized system. A piston (20, 84) in the first valve assembly, when in a first position opens an entrance port (18, 100) for receiving fluid from or passing fluid into the first containerized system; and correspondingly, a retractable sleeve (36, 136) in the second valve assembly (14, 54) opens an entrance port (30, 122) in a proboscis member (26, 110) having a channel (28, 118) and outlet (32, 142, 144) for passing fluid to or receiving fluid from the second containerized system.