Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to receive location data identifying the current location of a vehicle, for example an automobile or aircraft. A database, storing radio device records, is then queried. Each radio device record in the database identifies a radio device and its location. Radio device records associated with radio devices likely to be within communication range of the vehicle may then be retrieved from the database. The radio device records may be used to generate information for individual ones of radio devices which are likely to be within range of the vehicle and display that radio device information to a vehicle operator via an electronic display. The display may be updated as the vehicle travels to display radio device information as the radio devices come into range of the vehicle and remove radio device information from the display as the vehicle travels out of range.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle is caused to fly by avoiding a no-fly zone, which changes as a moving object moves. Provided is an unmanned aerial vehicle control system, including: moving object position acquisition means for acquiring moving object position information on a current position of a moving object moving above a surface of an earth; zone setting means for setting a no-fly zone in which a flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle is inhibited based on the moving object position information; and flight control means for controlling the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle so that the unmanned aerial vehicle avoids the no-fly zone set based on the moving object position information.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to acquire a hyperspectral image of an object by an imaging device, the hyperspectral image of the object comprising a three-dimensional set of images of the object, each image in the set of images representing the object in a wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, normalize the hyperspectral image of the object, select a region of interest in the hyperspectral image, the region of interest comprising at least one image in the set of images, extract spectral features from the region of interest in the hyperspectral image, and compare the spectral features from the region of interest with a plurality of images in a training set to determine particular characteristics of the object.

Abstract: A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes receiving first sensor data relative to a first coordinate system and second sensor data relative to a second coordinate system from a first sensor and a second sensor, respectively. The first and second sensor data includes first and second obstacle occupancy information indicative of relative locations of a first and a second sets of obstacles in reference to the UAV in the first and second coordinate systems, respectively. The first and second sets of obstacles have at least a subset of obstacles in common. The method further includes converting the first and second sensor data into a single coordinate system using sensor calibration data to generate an obstacle occupancy grid map based on the first and second obstacle occupancy information, and effecting the UAV to navigate using the obstacle occupancy grid map to perform obstacle avoidance.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to acquire a hyperspectral image of a food object by an imaging device, the hyperspectral image of the food object comprising a three-dimensional set of images of the food object, each image in the set of images representing the food object in a wavelength range of the electromagnetic spectrum, normalize the hyperspectral image of the food object, select a region of interest in the hyperspectral image, the region of interest comprising a subset of at least one image in the set of images, extract spectral features from the region of interest in the hyperspectral image, and compare the spectral features from the region of interest with a plurality of images in a training set to determine particular characteristics of the food object and determine that the hyperspectral image indicates a foreign object.

Abstract: A moving body includes a drive that causes the moving body to move, a light emitter that emits light, and a receiver that receives response information indicating that an operator who operates the moving body, an observer who observes the moving body, or a supervisor who supervises the moving body sees the light. The moving body also includes a detector that detects a position of the moving body, a recorder that records the position of the moving body, and a controller that, when the receiver receives the response information within a fixed time since the light emitter emitted the light, causes the recorder to record the detected position of the moving body, and when the receiver does not receive the response information within the fixed time, outputs to the drive a control command that causes the moving body to move to the last recorded position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an auto-land system for a rotorcraft are provided. The system includes, a search light (SL) assembly configured to receive user input directing the SL to a point of interest (POI) and determine an actual SL orientation and an actual SL range to the POI; and, a searchlight controller operationally coupled to the search light assembly, and configured to: responsive to receiving a command to auto-land at the POI, begin (i) generating a desired trajectory from the rotorcraft actual orientation and rotorcraft actual range to the POI; (ii) generating guidance commands for navigating the rotorcraft in accordance with the desired trajectory; (iii) monitoring an actual SL range and an actual SL orientation; and (iv) generating controlling commands for the searchlight assembly in accordance with the coordinates of the POI.

Abstract: The embodiments of the disclosed invention provide apparatuses, systems, and methods for preventing ground collisions or physical contact between a vehicle and nearby objects. In various embodiments the vehicle can comprise an aircraft and the nearby object can comprise a hangar. Embodiments of the invention can provide a proximity warning triggered by changes in certain electrical characteristics of the vehicle body relative to its surroundings, said changes responsive to the separation distance between the vehicle and nearby objects, persons or structures.

Abstract: A system for detecting aircraft brake failure using retract braking may comprise a landing gear including a wheel, a brake coupled to the wheel, and a wheel sensor coupled to the wheel. A brake controller may be coupled to the brake and the wheel sensor. The brake controller may be configured to receive a begin retract braking signal, command the brake to apply a braking force to the wheel, calculate a wheel speed characteristic using data from the wheel sensor, and determine whether the wheel speed characteristic indicates a failure of the brake.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include and apparatus and method for providing a universal Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system configured with fly-by functionality. Such system may be configured to work in a plurality of modes including a walk-bay, drive-by, fixed network, and fly-by mode without hardware modifications. The system is configured to automatically calibrate so that the water meter transmitter operates at a minimum transmitted signal power level. Additional features include automatic hardware self-healing features where the system continues to function after certain hardware failures occur.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an unmanned aerial vehicle light flash comprising a support structure; a camera coupled to the support structure and configured to take a photograph; one or more processors coupled to the support structure and configured to control a predetermined flight plan of the unmanned aerial vehicle, control the camera, generate or process a synchronization signal to synchronize a light flash to be generated by a further unmanned aerial vehicle with a taking of the photograph by the camera; a transceiver coupled to the support structure and configured to transmit or receive the synchronization signal to or from the further unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A travel route selection system includes a map information acquisition unit for acquiring map information including transportation route information about a plurality of transportation routes; an electric power consumption map storage unit adapted to prestore a drive-time electric power consumption map used to estimate electric power consumption of an electric truck running on a predetermined route at a predetermined average vehicle speed; an average vehicle speed estimation unit for estimating an average vehicle speed during running on each of the plurality of transportation routes; an electric power consumption estimation unit for estimating electric power consumption on each of the plurality of transportation routes based on the average vehicle speed and on the electric power consumption map; and an optimal route selection unit for selecting an optimal route based on fundamental information including information about the electric power consumption on each of the plurality of transportation routes.

Abstract: A system comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having wing elements and tail elements configured to roll to angularly orient the UAV by rolling so as to align a longitudinal plane of the UAV, in its late terminal phase, with a target. A method of UAV body re-orientation comprising: (a) determining by a processor a boresight angle error correction value bases on distance between a target point and a boresight point of a body-fixed frame; and (b) effecting a UAV maneuver comprising an angular role rate component translating the target point to a reoriented target point in the body-fixed frame, to maintain the offset angle via the offset angle correction value.

Abstract: A system for displaying the effect of a change in Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast. The system comprises a receiver module configured to receive at least two ATIS broadcasts and a parsing module operably connected to the receiver module and configured to parse the received at least two ATIS broadcasts into at least two corresponding sets of ATIS messages. The system includes a comparison module operably connected to the parsing module and configured to compare the at least two sets of ATIS messages to determine if a disparity exists between the at least two sets of ATIS messages. The system includes a display module; and a processor module operably connected to the comparison module and the display module, the processor module being configured to cause the display module to display an alert when it is determined that a disparity exists between the at least two sets of ATIS messages.

Abstract: A network of connected devices which is on-board an aircraft, including a plurality of connected devices, wherein at least one of the connected devices receives information from a source external to the network, and a consensus component to perform consensus on the at least one connected device which receives the information from the source to determine a main master and whether the information is correct, wherein the main master sends the correct information to the other device or devices.

Abstract: Methods, Systems, and Devices are disclosed for using drone imaging to capture images at events. Capture instructions are provided to a drone device to aid in image capture. The capture instructions may include factors-of-interest. The factors-of-interest may include social graph information received from a social network and used to determine subject faces to target for image capture by the drone device. The factors-of-interest may also include current geographical location information of one or more friends identified in the social graph. This information may also be used to locate subjects for image capture. The social graph information may also be used to distribute any images captured to subjects appearing in those images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-flight fabrication and/or assembly of various configurations of aerial vehicles are described. Operations of various configurations of aerial vehicles may be analyzed using models based on various inputs, which inputs may be related to routes, environments, vehicles, components, or other factors. A particular configuration may be selected for a selected route and associated task based at least in part on a desired optimization parameter. Then, the particular configuration of the aerial vehicle may be fabricated and/or assembled to complete the associated task via the selected route.

Abstract: In various embodiments, three-dimensional models of terrestrial structures are developed and scaled utilizing images acquired during the flight path of an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A backup actuation control unit for controlling an actuator dedicated to a given surface. The backup actuation control unit comprises a processing unit operatively connected to one of a flight control computer and a backup flight control computer, to an actuator used for actuating a given surface and to at least one primary actuation control unit, each of the at least one primary actuation control unit for controlling a corresponding actuator used for actuating the given surface, wherein the processing unit receives a surface position command signal from one of the flight control computer and the backup flight control computer and an actuator position signal received from the actuator and provides a corresponding command signal to the actuator if an engagement signal is received from the flight control computer or the backup flight control computer and from the at least one primary actuation control unit.

Abstract: An aircraft mission computing system includes a computing engine for computing aircraft trajectories during a mission that comprises a trajectory computing module capable of computing a mission trajectory between the geographical point of origin and the geographical destination point as a function of the airplane performance and operational mission specifications. The trajectory computing module is configured to compute at least one iso-movement curve of the aircraft, in particular at least one isochronous curve and/or at least one fuel iso-consumption curve from at least one point of the trajectory and is able to determine at least one other point of the trajectory on the iso-movement curve of the aircraft.

Abstract: An example embodiment may involve flying, by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), to a geographical location, where a wireless router is at the geographical location. The example embodiment may also involve detecting, by the UAV, a wireless coverage area defined by the wireless router. The example embodiment may also involve accessing, by the UAV, the wireless coverage area using a network identifier and a password. The example embodiment may also involve establishing, by the UAV, a backhaul link to a data network. The example embodiment may also involve transmitting, by the UAV, a notification to a client device served by the wireless coverage area, where the notification indicates that the UAV is a default gateway for the wireless coverage area. The example embodiment may also involve exchanging, by the UAV, data transmissions between (i) the client device, and (ii) one or more other devices accessible via the data network.

Abstract: Systems and methods include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.

Abstract: Aircraft landing gear strut breakout friction values are used to correct measured strut pressure as related to the amount of weight supported; with the ability to generate and refine the breakout friction value database, and a further ability to predict a future breakout friction correction value by trending historical measurements, as compared to recent measurements, as further compared to real-time breakout friction values. The system is used in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the weight and center of gravity for aircraft utilizing telescopic oleo landing gear struts.

Abstract: A method for controlling a rotorcraft, including receiving, by a fly-by-wire (FBW) system of the rotorcraft, a pilot input that initiates an automated descend-to-hover flight mode, scheduling, by the FBW system, a descend plane for bringing the rotorcraft to a hover, and autonomously descending and decelerating the rotorcraft according to the descend plane in response to determining that the rotorcraft has entered the automated descend-to-hover flight mode and until the rotorcraft reaches a hover or the rotorcraft exits the automated descend-to-hover flight mode.

Abstract: An automated image capturing and processing system and method may allow a field user to operate a UAV via a mobile computing device to capture images of a structure area of interest (AOI). The mobile computing device receives user and/or third party data and creates UAV control data and a flight plan. The mobile computing device executes a flight plan by issuing commands to the UAV's flight and camera controller that allows for complete coverage of the structure AOI. After data acquisition, the mobile computing device then transmits the UAV output data to a server for further processing. At the server, the UAV output data can be used for a three-dimensional reconstruction process. The server then generates a vector model from the images that precisely represents the dimensions of the structure. The server can then generate a report for inspection and construction estimation.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a client-facing application for interacting with a transport service that transports items via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An example graphic interface may allow a user to order items to specific delivery areas associated with their larger delivery location, and may dynamically provide status updates and other functionality during the process of fulfilling a UAV transport request.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying and intercepting a delivery vehicle is provided. The method includes executing a search process with respect to a plurality of delivery vehicles within a predefined geographical area and locating, within the predefined geographical area, at least one delivery vehicle of the plurality of delivery vehicles. A communication link from the delivery vehicle monitoring apparatus and the at least one delivery vehicle is established and identification data identifying the at least one delivery vehicle is retrieved. The identification data is verified with respect to a registry including identities associated with multiple delivery vehicles and it is determined if the identification data is associated with any of the identities.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for exchanging real-time data between vehicle systems by receiving, at a first source system, a request for data from a requestor and, based on determining that the first source system does not have all requested data, querying an operations center for missing data. Then, based on determining that the operations center does not have all missing data, the operations center is queried for a list comprising candidate source systems. Upon identifying a next source system from the list, the next source system is queried for missing data, and the next source system is removed from the list. Based on whether the next source system has all missing data, either all missing data is transmitted to the requestor, or, the process of finding and querying for the missing data is iteratively performed until all missing data is received or the list is empty.

Abstract: A computer system for mapping the movement of a user to the controls of a drone generates, with a mixed-reality device, a simultaneous localization and mapping coordinate system of a user environment. The system then receives, from sensors within the mixed-reality device, a movement variable that comprises an indication that the user has moved a first distance in a particular direction with respect to the simultaneous localization and mapping coordinate system. The system communicates, to the drone, a movement command to move a second distance and particular direction based upon information within the movement variable.

Abstract: Techniques are discussed for generating and optimizing a trajectory using closed-form numerical integration in route-relative coordinates. A decision planner component of an autonomous vehicle, for example, can receive or generate a reference trajectory, which may correspond to an ideal route for an autonomous vehicle to traverse through an environment, such as a center of a road segment. Lateral dynamics (e.g., steering angles, curvature values of trajectory segments) and longitudinal dynamics (e.g., velocity and acceleration) can be represented in a single algorithm such that optimizing the reference trajectory (e.g., based on loss functions or costs) can substantially simultaneously optimize the lateral dynamics and longitudinal dynamics in a single convergence operation. In some cases, the trajectory can be used to control the autonomous vehicle to traverse an environment.

Abstract: An electric reaction control system that can selectively expel a “burst” or “puff” of air to alter the orientation of the aircraft during flight. An aircraft incorporating ducting, an air compressor, an electric motor, and a plurality of nozzles can facilitate in-flight trajectory modifications. When an air burst is needed to provide thrust for the purposes of reaction control, nozzles are selectively opened and closed to provide roll, pitch, and yaw of the aircraft. The ERCS can facilitate an electric aircraft that would be very agile and very light, utilizing electric power, as opposed to jet power.

Abstract: An electronic brake system for a vehicle may comprise an electromechanical actuator (EMA) arrangement located at a first location and comprising an EMA and a transmitter unit, and an electronic brake actuator controller (EBAC) located at a second location remote from the first location and comprising a receiver. The transmitter unit is configured to receive an analog sensor signal, convert the analog sensor signal to a digital sensor signal, and send the digital sensor signal to the receiver.

Abstract: A multirotor aircraft comprises at least three proprotors. Each proprotor has a plurality of rotor blades pivotably attached to a mast assembly. When a rotor blade pitch angle is changed for a proprotor, all rotor blades on the proprotor change to a same pitch angle. The proprotors are configured to spin freely when a power source is disengaged or fails. In various embodiments, one or more engines provides power to each proprotor, or at least one engine provides power to two or more proprotors. A rotor blade control system is configured to control a collective rotor blade pitch angle on each proprotor independently of the rotor blade pitch on the other proprotors. The rotor blade control system is configured to set a negative collective rotor blade pitch angle on an unpowered proprotor, such as in response to manual inputs by a pilot or in response to current engine conditions.

Abstract: A braking system for use with a dual landing gear aircraft. The braking system pairs outboard brake control into an outboard brake system control unit (BSCU) and inboard brake control into a second inboard brake system control unit (BSCU). Each BSCU is designed with two independent control lanes in which the forward wheel set is paired in one control lane and the aft wheels are paired onto the other. Alternate braking is provided via an alternate brake module installed in a fore-aft wheel pairing.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for aerial transportation of delivery items. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an attachment device to fasten and unfasten one or more delivery items to the unmanned aerial vehicle, a motor to aerially transport the one or more delivery items along a delivery route, a sensor mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to detect at least one environmental variable during the delivery route, and an alert system to generate a status associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle along the delivery route to an observer when the environmental variable exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An aerial system, preferably including one or more proximity sensors, such as sensors arranged in opposing directions. A method for aerial system operation, preferably including: determining a set of sensors; sampling measurements at the set of sensors; localizing the aerial system based on the measurements, such as to determine one or more obstacle clearances; and controlling system flight, such as based on the clearances.

Abstract: A method of fuelling an aircraft for a flight to a predetermined destination in which the aircraft is loaded, the actual zero fuel weight of the loaded aircraft is determined, the fuel requirement of the loaded aircraft for that destination is calculated by fuel calculation software on the basis of operational flight plan data, said actual zero fuel weight, and further data relevant to fuel consumption for that instance of the flight to the predetermined destination, said further data being processed interactively by the user by means of a user interface to said fuel calculation software, and subsequently fuel to meet said fuel requirement is uplifted to the aircraft under the control of said user.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for using unmanned aerial vehicles in emergency applications.

Abstract: A system for performing brake testing during flight of an aircraft, in accordance with various embodiments, includes a landing gear having at least one wheel assembly. The system further includes a brake configured to apply a braking force to the at least one wheel assembly. The system further includes a brake controller configured to determine a landing event indicating that the aircraft is approaching a landing, control the brake to apply a testing brake force to the at least one wheel assembly in response to determining the landing event, and determine an operational status of the brake based on the testing brake force.

Abstract: A system, process, and apparatus are disclosed for use with remote sensors. A universal translator is disclosed that communicates with a sensor or related device. The universal translator stores data, converts data to a standardized form, transmits data to a cloud-based operating system, and receives updates and instructions from the cloud-based operating system. The cloud-based operating system allows remote sensor/universal translator pairs and remote users to interact in a variety of ways. A number of processes are performed by the universal translator, other processes are performed by the cloud-based operating system, and some processes are performed jointly by the universal translator and the cloud-based operating system. In addition, an application for smart phones, tablets, or the like is disclosed for use during the installation of a remote sensor and/or universal translator.

Abstract: An aircraft with a system for estimating the parameters of an impact. The aircraft includes a skin forming an outer surface of the aircraft, the aircraft equipped with a system for estimating the parameters of an impact including an array of sensors attached to the skin and a central processing unit connected to the array, the array of sensors including a first set of sensors providing data relating to elastic waves, the central processing unit configured for assessing the parameters of an impact from the data of the sensor array and a response model of the skin to external excitations calculated from the modal properties of the skin.

Abstract: A method for determining a steering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of a vehicle likely to occur during a lane change, including determining a steering angle measured value of a steering wheel of a vehicle at a time of measurement during a lane change; determining a steering angular velocity measured value of the steering wheel at the time of measurement; and determining a steering angle amplitude likely to occur during the lane change at a later point in time than the time of measurement based on the at least the steering angle measured value at the steering angular velocity measured value at the time of measurement.

Abstract: A recording handy for recording filterable content in an augmented reality moment file which is represented by an augmented reality icon recordable and readable by a device having a processor in proximity to the locus of a recorded moment file configured to receive an augmented reality moment file. The content of the augmented reality moment file is preferably assessable via a user selectable icon either representative of a user, location, and/or theme. The icon assessable content moment file preferably includes at least one of an image, a video clip, a sound recording, a text file, a mood, a place, and an activity, a military safety related advisement, a real estate related advisement, a site maintenance fact sheet, an equipment maintenance fact sheet, a location specific information sheet, a confidential document, at least part of an encryption key, an encrypted document, an autonomous drone in-flight instruction, and a visitor book.

Abstract: A controller monitors for an activation condition through a monitoring interface of a wearable aerial device. In response to detecting the activation condition through the monitoring interface, the controller triggers the wearable aerial device to release from an aesthetic attachment proximate to a user and hover a distance above the user of a height above a selected height threshold. The controller analyzes a recording of content by the wearable aerial device to assess a particular threat level associated with the content from among multiple threat levels. The controller, in response to the particular threat level exceeding a threat threshold, automatically sends a communication to one or more emergency contacts.

Abstract: A method for supervising a flight state of an unmanned aerial vehicle includes establishing a communication connection with a control terminal of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and receiving and storing an off-line flight certificate sent by the control terminal. The off-line flight certificate includes off-line flight parameters. The method further includes monitoring and restricting, in response to the unmanned aerial vehicle being in an off-line flight mode, a flight behaviour of the unmanned aerial vehicle in the off-line flight mode according to the off-line flight parameters in the off-line flight certificate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing or requesting data for simulating avionics systems. For example, a method for providing data for simulating avionics systems may include: receiving, from a client device, a first message requesting information usable by the client device to simulate a functionality of an avionics system, the first message being in a web services data format; converting the first message to an avionics protocol data format to obtain a first converted message; providing the first converted message to a server application; receiving, from the server application, a second message including the requested information, the second message being in the avionics protocol data format; converting the second message to the web services data format to obtain a second converted message; and providing, to the client device, the second converted message.

Abstract: This avionics device intended to be on board an aircraft is configured to implement an avionics function and to control the display, by at least one receiving device, of data associated with the avionics function, the avionics function including one or several avionics commands able to be displayed on the receiving device and selected by a user. The avionics device comprises a module for generating a data message, and a module for sending said message to the receiving device. The generating module is configured to generate a usage domain message containing a list of avionics command(s) available for the corresponding avionics function, and the sending module is configured to send the usage domain message to the receiving device, to display the availability of the only command(s) included in said list.

Abstract: Techniques are described for an autonomous asset management system that integrates autonomous devices, such as drone devices and other robotic devices, with a home security system of a property to enable management, monitoring, and/or tracking of various assets located within the property. In some implementations, an indication of an asset associated with a property is obtained by an autonomous device. Sensor data collected by one or more sensors of the property is obtained by the autonomous device based on the indication of the asset. A present status of the asset is determined by the autonomous device based on the sensor data. A determination that the present status of the asset does not correspond to an expected status of the asset is made by the autonomous device. In response, the autonomous device navigates to the particular location of the property.

Abstract: A system comprising, a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles and a single controller for controlling said plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles, wherein the single controller is configured such that it can broadcast a command to all of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles so that each of the plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles receive the same command; and wherein each of the unmanned aerial vehicles comprise a memory which stores a plurality of predefined flight paths each of which is assigned to a respective command; and wherein each of the unmanned aerial vehicles comprise a processor which can, (i) receive a command which has been broadcasted by the single controller to said plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles, (ii) retrieve from the memory of that aerial vehicle the flight path which is assigned in the memory to that command, and (iii) operate the aerial vehicle to follow the retrieved flight path.

Abstract: Disclosed is an unmanned aircraft including: a housing; a drive unit that is formed in such a manner that the housing is moved; multiple UWB communication modules that are arranged a distance away from one another and that receives a wireless signal from an external device; a sensor unit that detects movement of the housing; and a control unit that calculates a distance between the external device and the housing, using pieces of movement information which are output by the multiple UWB communication modules and the sensor unit, and that controls the drive unit in such a manner that a specific distance between the external device and the housing is maintained.