Abstract: The drogue 11 comprises a canopy 50 supported by a plurality of adjustable ribs 42 and further ribs 43. A control unit 36 is provided for moving the adjustable ribs 42 into a first position P1, in which an air stream can inflate the canopy 50 whereby drag on the canopy causes the drogue 11 to draw a fuel hose 74 from a tanker aircraft 63 into an extended position, and into a second position P2 in which the canopy 50 takes on a cylindrical form and drag thereon in the extended position will be reduced. Selected adjustable supports are movable relative to the others by a control mechanism 41 to adjust a selected portion of the canopy 50 whereby the drag on that portion will be increased and the drogue 11 will move to a new position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an igniter for an air bag system in which the whole weight can be reduced. The present invention provides an igniter for an air bag system which is used in an air bag system comprising an ECU connected to a power source and an impact detecting sensor, and a module case accommodating a gas generator and an air bag and that is incorporated in the gas generator, wherein the system is constituted such that a bus line comprising plural loop wires passing through the ECU to supply currents and the like, and individual gas generators which are connected operationally by plural conductors branched from the bus line, the igniter is an electric igniter provided with a heat generating portion and a priming contacting the heat generating portion, the igniter and the bus line are connected to each other by the conductor, a capacitor and an IC are provided, and a current for igniting the priming is supplied through the capacitor.

Abstract: A manually operated animal training device that can be combined with proven and traditional training methods includes means for providing a fluid spray to deter unwanted animal behavior.

Abstract: A compressed gas powered gun provides recoil simulating the recoil of a gun firing gunpowder propelled projectiles. The valve assembly provides both consistent shot to shot pressure, and rearward gas pressure for generating recoil. Preferred embodiments of the compressed gas powered gun may include means for adjusting the amount of recoil provided. A trigger mechanism permitting semi-automatic operation, or full automatic operation at a user selectable cyclic rate, is provided. The air gun provides consistent gas pressure behind the projectile from shot to shot. A magazine and magazine indexing system for loading projectiles into the firing chamber in a manner contributing to the accuracy of the air gun is also provided.

Abstract: Systems in which anti-icing fluids may be automatically mixed with water, and by which de-icing fluids may be heated and mixed with water, to provide variable temperatures and ratios of de-icing fluid-to-water to local aircraft de-icing fluid application devices in an instantaneous manner. Also contemplated herein are systems that additionally are configured for applying decontamination fluid and/or corrosion control fluid to military aircraft or other vehicles.

Abstract: A door lock system for an airplane is operative to alternately operate spaced doors to provide controllable entry into a restricted area located between the spaced doors.

Abstract: A guidance seeker system for a projectile includes a plurality of photoconductive sensing elements symmetrically disposed about a central axis of the projectile. When a target is illuminated with a light source, a lens transmits light reflected from the target to one or more of the photoconductive sensing elements. Dependent on which photoconductive sensing element is irradiated, a variance between the line of flight of the projectile and the target is determined. A voltage impulse resulting from irradiation of the photoconductive sensing element triggers actuation of a course corrector, such as a diverter, to nudge the line of flight of the projectile to increase the likelihood of the projectile reaching the desired target. This guidance seeking system is particularly effective when the target is designated with a pulsed laser.

Abstract: A flexible fabric blanket of plural layers including a bottom insulating layer, a base electrically conductive layer, a medial insulating layer, a medial electrically conductive layer, and a top insulating layer. A first set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the medial electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer. A second set of electrically conductive stitchings extend between the base electrically conductive layer, and the top insulating layer and are also exposed on an exterior surface of the top insulating layer, but do not touch the medial electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel disinfectant for teats of animals using a microorganism. The disinfectant for teats of animals of this invention is characterized in that it comprises a microorganism belonging to genus Brachybacterium. It is preferable to use a novel microorganisms, which is deposited as a bacterial strain AAA-a of the genus Brachybacterium (Accession No. FERM BP-6848) in the International Depositary Authority.

Abstract: An integral high strength threaded pipe connection formed on joints of plain-end pipe, and a method for manufacturing, wherein the ends of the joints are rough machined, swaged, and then finish machined, preferably but not necessarily, with only one chucking.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental control system for an aircraft attendant or crew rest ventilation system. The system provides primary and secondary sources of air to the crew or attendant rest. A pressure sensor within the supply duct determines whether air from the primary duct is within desired pressure limits and controls operation of the ducts accordingly. Additional features related to temperature control and ventilation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composed projectile for subcalibre projectile comprising a sabot, a projectile and a driving speculum, whereby said composed projectile comprises a projectile made of a metal material, preferably having a high density, and that the length of the composed projectile is not substantially longer than the projectile, as well as a cartridge comprising such a composed projectile.

Abstract: A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.

Abstract: A milking parlor having a plurality of translatable shuttle stalls allows for presentation of animals to be milked and corresponding release of the animals, independent of the milking status of additional animals. The shuttle stalls can be disposed in a herringbone or perpendicular orientation with respect to a corresponding operator pit, wherein the operator pit can accommodate human or robotic devices for implementing the milking process.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system includes a first restraint apparatus to restrain an occupant in a first direction such as the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a second restraint apparatus to restrain the occupant in a second direction such as the lateral direction. A control unit triggers the first restraint apparatus upon a collision tending to throw the occupant in the first direction. Thereafter, the control unit sets a delay time in accordance with a condition representing the amount of movement of the occupant in the second direction, and triggers the second restraint apparatus at a timing delayed by the delay time with respect to the first trigger action of triggering the first restraint apparatus.

Abstract: A method for positioning a cable in a recess behind a fixed structure, e.g. a storage bin, in an aircraft. A portion of the cable is enclosed in a conduit. Panels adjacent the structure are removed to partially expose the recess and at least one stringer. The conduit is directed into the recess from adjacent one end of the structure until the conduit passes another end of the structure, and the conduit is fastened to the stringer(s). The method provides an easy way to route cable behind a fixed structure without removing the structure and without having to make holes in the aircraft.

Abstract: An environmental data collection system and method is provided having an internet link for providing an additional level of security for a remotely controlled data collection platform having a security alarm for protecting the platform and the environmental subject of the study. A novel lighter-than-air platform having a novel snorkel for detachably securing, mooring and providing buoyancy control is provided for the collection of data in the form of real time audio and video linked to the internet and subscribers. The novel snorkel is flexible and retractable into the novel airship to provide remote buoyancy control of the airship together with silently operating electrical motors for allowing the novel airship to be remotely controlled and moved at will to track and monitor wildlife and make environmental measurements necessary for the protection of the environment, wildlife and the operation of the novel airship.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: Multiple-position seating units, methods for operating seating units, and methods for installing seating units are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the seating unit includes a first seat portion and a second seat portion. The first seat portion has a first upper surface with a front extremity. The first seat portion can be moveable between first and second positions. In the second position, the first seat portion is tilted forwardly downwardly. The second seat portion has a second upper surface that can be configured to support at least one shin of a person. The second seat portion can be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the second upper surface is spaced apart from the front extremity of the first seat portion.

Abstract: A mooring device adapted particularly for an aircraft, includes at least one line (18) or the like ensuring connection between an anchoring point (20) on the aircraft and the ground, elements (26) for dynamically controlling the tension of the line (18) as a function of variations of the distance separating the anchoring point (20) on the aircraft to the ground.