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Ground movement is responsible for over 60 per cent of structural defects in low‐rise residential properties. Since 1971, insurance companies have been responsible for the significant rectification costs. Repair strategies are currently two‐fold, being determined by whether or not the foundations are underpinned. The Hoopsafe system uses a grid of post‐tensioned concrete beams, cast at foundation level, to restore the structural integrity of the property. The system can provide an alternative to traditional underpinning at an economic cost. Additional benefits include minimal disruption on site and short contract periods; the necessity for homeowners to vacate their properties is usually avoided. These benefits have been demonstrated by illustrative case studies. Professional consultants must consider all options to determine the most effective and appropriate repair technique. The Hoopsafe system can provide an alternative option in the selection process.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel error‐ranking methodology and two compensation strategies for hybrid parallel kinematic machines (HPKMs).

The paper outlines an error analysis methodology developed for HPKMs and applies the technique to a typical industrial HPKM. Based on the results of this, two compensation strategies are developed and implemented, for both mass‐induced and thermal errors.

The paper demonstrates and quantifies the performance improvements possible with appropriate error compensation strategies.

The paper introduces a novel and generic methodology for error source analysis and describes two fully implemented compensation strategies which result in a significantly improved level of system performance.

This paper aims to describe a new methodology for controlling highly flexible automated manufacturing cells for use in aerospace manufacturing and repair.

The design methodology and rational of the FLEXA control architecture are described along with it implementation and testing.

The trials completed so far show that the level of flexibility required can be achieved both at factory, or enterprise level, and at shop floor level.

This work has significant practical implications through its direct applicability for aerospace and other automated manufacturing processes.

The originality of the paper lies in the truly flexible nature of the control system described and its ability to mimic traditional cell control architectures but be expanded through the use of virtual Programmable Logic Controller to control any number of cells without the need for significant extra hardware.

On 20 April ISHM‐Benelux held its 1988 Spring meeting at the Grand Hotel Heerlen. This meeting was totally devoted to implantable devices, in particular to the technologies used for these high reliability, extremely demanding devices. For this meeting ISHM‐Benelux was the guest of the Kerkrade facility of Medtronic. Medtronic (headquartered in Minneapolis, USA) is the world's leading manufacturer of implantable electronic devices. Apart from the assembly of pacemakers and heart‐wires, the Kerkrade facility acts as a manufacturing technology centre for Medtronic's European facilities.