Abstract: A wedge frame for an aircraft that provides tailstrike angle enhancement. The wedge frame has converging, non-parallel faceplanes that tilt a rear portion of the aircraft fuselage upward in order to prevent or reduce risk of the tail of the aircraft striking the ground during takeoff and landing. A method to prevent or reduce risk of the rear portion of an aircraft from striking the ground during takeoff and landing by using a wedge frame having converging, non-parallel faceplanes to tilt upward the rear portion of the aircraft.

Abstract: Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.

Abstract: A galley system includes a galley compartment defining a cavity. The galley compartment has a door that allows access to the cavity and at least a first opening and a second opening. A galley cart is positionable in the cavity of the galley compartment that has a first opening and a second opening. An air supply duct is configured to be coupled in flow communication with the first opening of the galley cart and the first opening of the galley compartment. A space is defined about the galley cart when the galley cart is positioned in the cavity. The space provides flow communication between the second opening of the galley cart and the second opening of the galley compartment.

Abstract: A device for controlling an animal is provided, the device comprising a support to be worn by the animal; a first contact member mounted on the support and disposed in a position for contacting an electric fence when the device is being worn by the animal; a second contact member, mounted on the support and in electrical contact with the first contact member, the second contact member being disposed on the support to be in contact with the animal when the device is being worn by the animal; whereby, in use, an electrical current is conducted from the first contact member to the second contact member and an electric shock provided to the animal at the site of the second contact member when contact is made between the first contact member and an electric fence by the animal. The device is particularly suitable for controlling the movements of a horse or a pony. The device is preferably formed as a rug, blanket or a vest to be worn by the animal.

Abstract: Consumable feed products and vegetation are delivered to animals using a single container in which the container holds the feed product and is used to deliver the feed and which includes ungerminated seeds embedded in the container body. The seeds are caused to germinate and produce vegetation from the container body, and the germinated seeds and/or vegetation is fed to the animal. Multiple containers may be used simultaneously so that while the consumable feed product from one container is used to feed an animal, another container may be used to grow vegetation or deliver vegetation to the animal. Confined birds such as poultry and chicks may benefit from ingesting feed and vegetation produced from such containers.

Abstract: A medical block associated with a couchette for a patient to lie on. The block includes: a water supply; a power supply; a stop region for at least one trolley; at least one trolley located in the stop region and including drawers containing medical equipment; and an access flap corresponding to each trolley, provided with a locking mechanism and enabling the drawers of the trolley to be accessed.

Abstract: Spinnerbait fishing lures equipped with one or more light sources interacting and/or interfacing with one or more polymer light transmission mediums are described herein. The light source optically coupled to the polymer light transmission medium acts to illuminate one or more areas of the spinnerbait lure to enhance the effect of the fishing lure to maintain its color, color pattern and iridescence.

Abstract: A vessel includes a vessel wall and an insulation assembly coupled to the vessel wall. The insulation assembly includes a stochastic foam material and a microtruss structure encased within the foam material. The microtruss structure includes a plurality of truss members interconnected at a plurality of nodes. Each truss member is in contact with the foam material such that the microtruss structure provides a structural core for the foam material.

Abstract: A container is used to launch a small aircraft, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), from a host aircraft. The container protects the UAV from stresses during the initial ejection from a launcher that is part of the host aircraft. The initial stresses may be due to turbulence in the vicinity of the host aircraft, high airspeed, and/or tumbling that may result from the ejection from the host aircraft moving at a high airspeed. The container may deploy a drag device, such as a drogue chute, to slow the container down and reorient the container, prior to deployment of the UAV from the container. During the time between ejection from the host aircraft and deployment from the container, the UAV may be powered up and acquire data, such as global positioning system (GPS) data, to allow the UAV a “hot start” enabling immediate mission commencement.

Abstract: A morphing aerofoil comprising: a leading edge; a trailing edge; and upper and lower surfaces extending between the leading and trailing edges. An upper thermal actuation member is provided proximate the upper surface; and a lower thermal actuation member is provided proximate the lower surface opposite the upper thermal actuator. The upper and lower thermal actuation members have different thermal expansion coefficients and are positioned such that they cause the trailing edge to deflect when they expand or contract by different amounts in response to a change in ambient temperature, thereby changing a camber of the aerofoil.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided with a gas turbine engine having a plurality of shafts. A first shaft provides power to an electrical generator and a propeller, while a second shaft provides power to a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may be integrated to the propeller, like a ducted fan, or on the outer skin of the aircraft.

Abstract: A cage-mounted fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a water source, such as a fluid bag or an automatic water system, to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having a seed reservoir with a side wall that has at least one seed access opening and an adjustable feed port assembly. The feed port assembly includes a base mounted to the side wall in a fixed relationship thereto and having a central opening in communication with the seed in the reservoir. Fitted to the base is a rotatable insert having a perch coupled thereto in fixed relationship so that the perch and insert rotate as a unit. The insert is rotatable between two positions, an upright position in which the perch is below the base central opening enabling birds to feed while standing on the perch, and an upside down position in which the perch is above the base central opening, requiring birds to hang upside down from the perch to feed.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a fishing rod wherein a fitting can be stably and securely fixed on a rod body with a mounting thread and cracking in a resin layer is less visible to a user. A fishing rod according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rod body, a fitting mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the rod body via a mounting portion of the fitting, and a thread-like part-fixing member wound around the mounting portion and the rod body across a predetermined width in an axial direction of the rod body. On the surface of the part-fixing member is provided a cover member which may be opaque.

Abstract: A pylon for fixing an aircraft engine having unducted pusher propellers, the pylon ensuring the fixation of a propulsive system on the boattail of the aircraft, the pylon having a trailing edge, with an upper face and a lower face, for an airflow encountered by the pylon, wherein at least one of the two faces of the upper face and the lower face of the trailing edge is inclinable, at least in part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locking a control lever are provided. One system includes a locking device having a body configured to couple to a control lever within an aircraft to prevent the control lever from moving. The locking device also includes at least one hole defined through the body. The one hole is configured to receive one of a lock or a tag therein.

Abstract: Ground vehicles that may include flight capability are described. In some examples, a vehicle frame may include a fuel tank with a main tank and at least two auxiliary tanks, with the main tank disposed substantially along the centerline of the vehicle, and the at least two auxiliary tanks extending upward and outward from the main tank. In some examples, vehicles may include a chassis, a cage attached to the chassis, a front wheelbase attached to the chassis and/or cage, a rear wheelbase attached to the chassis and/or cage, a ground steering mechanism connected to the front wheelbase and/or the rear wheelbase, a motor connected to a propeller, and a propeller shroud at least partially encircling the propeller.

Abstract: Various material compositions of a heat shield for a spacecraft are described. The heat shield can be formed by multi-dimensional weaver or three-dimensional (3-D) printer. Furthermore, the heat shield can be configured with a superconducting coil.

Abstract: An intake duct assembly for an auxiliary power unit system is provided. A first inlet adapter includes at least one hole through the duct wall. A fire containment apparatus forms a first passage to direct intake air between exterior wall of the aircraft and the enclosure. An inner duct mounted on the first inlet adapter at a first position downstream of the at least one hole and mounted on the second inlet adapter. An outer sheath is mounted on the first inlet adapter at a second position upstream of the at least one hole and mounted on the second inlet adapter. The outer sheath circumscribes the inner duct to form at least a portion of a barrier annulus between the inner duct and outer sheath in fluid communication with the first passage via the at least one hole in the first inlet adapter.

Abstract: A pivot portion is between a handle portion proximally and a brush portion distally. The brush portion has first and second twisted wires. Each twisted wire has a loop distally and linear ends proximally. The linear ends are coupled to the handle portion. Each loop is arcuate for between 270 and 360 degrees with a common side axis when viewed from the side. Each loop is arcuate for between 90 and 180 degrees with a front axis between the twisted wires when viewed from the front. Each loop is arcuate for between 90 and 180 degrees with parallel top axes spaced laterally from the twisted wires when viewed from above. Each loop has bristles extending radially for 360 degrees from the loop.