Abstract: A roadable aircraft includes an automobile; a retractable wing arrangement secured to the automobile that is movable between an extended flight configuration and a retracted non-flight configuration; an engine and propeller assembly secured to the automobile; and a tail arrangement secured to the automobile that is movable between an extended flight position and a retracted non-flight position. The retractable wing arrangement, the engine and propeller assembly and the tail arrangement comprise components of a kit that may include a frame configured to secure the components of the kit to the automobile. The frame may include an upper frame member to which the engine and propeller assembly is secured, and a pair of side frame members that extend downwardly from opposite ends defined by the upper frame member and that are configured to be engaged with a frame of the automobile.

Abstract: A security system includes a central control and a number of security controllers, each of which includes a removable and replaceable security control module. Each module is interchangeable with other modules. Each controller includes a housing within which the module is contained. Cables from security-controlled components extend into the interior of the housing and are removably connected to the module. Each module includes a first connector for connection in a communication system and a second connector for receiving inputs from and providing outputs to a security component controlled by the controller. Each module further includes a third connector for receiving inputs from or providing outputs to an auxiliary device other than the security component. The auxiliary device provides an input to the controller or receives an output from a controller independent of the security component. Each controller also includes an accelerometer for providing a tamper evident feature.

Abstract: A perimeter security system includes a barrier and a series of sensors. The sensors are connected together via connection cables that include pin-type engagement structure for connection with the sensors. The sensors may include a graduated sensory alert that changes as a person or object approaches. The pin-type connection arrangement includes a receiver having a passage for receiving an insert. The insert and a first end of the cable have matching cross-sections that enable the cable to be inserted within the receiver in a single orientation. A series of pins extend from the cable, and a pin contact arrangement is associated with the receiver. The insert may be one of at least a pair of differently configured inserts, each of which has a cross-section that matches only one end of the cable. Each insert includes an end wall, which includes a series of openings through which the pins extend.

Abstract: A perimeter security system includes a barrier and a series of sensors. The sensors are connected together via connection cables that include pin-type engagement structure for connection with the sensors. The sensors may include a graduated sensory alert that changes as a person or object approaches. The pin-type connection arrangement includes a receiver having a passage for receiving an insert. The insert and a first end of the cable have matching cross-sections that enable the cable to be inserted within the receiver in a single orientation. A series of pins extend from the cable, and a pin contact arrangement is associated with the receiver. The insert may be one of at least a pair of differently configured inserts, each of which has a cross-section that matches only one end of the cable. Each insert includes an end wall, which includes a series of openings through which the pins extend.

Abstract: A perimeter security system includes a barrier and a series of sensors. The sensors are connected together via connection cables that include pin-type engagement structure for connection with the sensors. The sensors may include a graduated sensory alert that changes as a person or object approaches. The pin-type connection arrangement includes a receiver having a passage for receiving an insert. The insert and a first end of the cable have matching cross-sections that enable the cable to be inserted within the receiver in a single orientation. A series of pins extend from the cable, and a pin contact arrangement is associated with the receiver. The insert may be one of at least a pair of differently configured inserts, each of which has a cross-section that matches only one end of the cable. Each insert includes an end wall, which includes a series of openings through which the pins extend.

Abstract: A fire igniter uses a chemical reaction of two components, such as glycerin and powdered potassium permanganate, to create a flame. The glycerin may be contained within a crushable vial. The powder may be contained within a sleeve along with the vial, to form a fuel cell. The fuel cell may be contained within an outer cover. Flammable material may be contained with the fuel cell, and is ignited when the fuel cell is broken to create a flame. The fuel cell may alternatively be contained within a housing, which may be formed of a pair of housing sections that are releasably secured together to define an interior compartment. The housing sections are separable to enable the fuel cell to be removed from the compartment. Alternatively, the fuel cell may be contained within an actuable housing assembly that acts as both a package and an actuator.

Abstract: A security system includes a central control and a number of security controllers, each of which includes a removable and replaceable security control module. Each module is interchangeable with other modules. Each controller includes a housing within which the module is contained. Cables from security-controlled components extend into the interior of the housing and are removably connected to the module. Each module includes a first connector for connection in a communication system and a second connector for receiving inputs from and providing outputs to a security component controlled by the controller. Each module further includes a third connector for receiving inputs from or providing outputs to an auxiliary device other than the security component. The auxiliary device provides an input to the controller or receives an output from a controller independent of the security component. Each controller also includes an accelerometer for providing a tamper evident feature.

Abstract: A perimeter security system includes a barrier and a series of sensors. The sensors are connected together via connection cables that include pin-type engagement structure for connection with the sensors. The sensors may include a graduated sensory alert that changes as a person or object approaches. The pin-type connection arrangement includes a receiver having a passage for receiving an insert. The insert and a first end of the cable have matching cross-sections that enable the cable to be inserted within the receiver in a single orientation. A series of pins extend from the cable, and a pin contact arrangement is associated with the receiver. The insert may be one of at least a pair of differently configured inserts, each of which has a cross-section that matches only one end of the cable. Each insert includes an end wall, which includes a series of openings through which the pins extend.

Abstract: A method of operating a perimeter security system comprises monitoring a perimeter for a plurality of events, receiving an event signal for an event of the plurality of events wherein the event signal comprises an acceleration, processing the first event signal to determine if the event is a threat, transferring a confirmation request to confirm that the event is a threat in response to determining that the event is a threat, receiving a confirmation response in response to the confirmation request confirming that the event is a threat, and generating and transmitting a message identifying the event in response to confirming the threat.

Abstract: A sensor system comprises a signal sensor configured to receive a plurality of event signals for an event, a processing system coupled to the signal sensor and configured to process the plurality of event signals to determine if the event is a threat and responsive to determining that the event is a threat generate a threat message identifying the event, and an interface system coupled to the processing system and configured to transmit the threat message to a control system.

Abstract: A method of operating a perimeter security system comprises monitoring a perimeter for a plurality of events, receiving an event signal for an event of the plurality of events wherein the event signal comprises an acceleration, processing the first event signal to determine if the event is a threat, transferring a confirmation request to confirm that the event is a threat in response to determining that the event is a threat, receiving a confirmation response in response to the confirmation request confirming that the event is a threat, and generating and transmitting a message identifying the event in response to confirming the threat.

Abstract: A sensor system for monitoring a perimeter for a plurality of events comprises a signal sensor configured to receive an event signal for an event of the plurality of events, a processing system configured to process the event signal to determine if the event is a threat, confirm that the event is a threat in response to determining that the event is a threat, and generate a threat message identifying the event in response to confirming the threat, and an interface system configured to transmit the threat message.