Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring includes clamping a first region of a metal sheet against a mandrel, and, while the first region of the metal sheet is clamped against the mandrel, bending the metal sheet around the mandrel to join opposite end faces of the metal sheet and form the ring shaped to the mandrel. A system for manufacturing a ring from a metal sheet includes (a) a mandrel having a ring-shaped surface, (b) a clamp facing the ring-shaped surface and configured to clamp a first region of a metal sheet to the mandrel, and (c) a plurality of dies configured to bend the metal sheet around the mandrel, while the clamp clamps the first region to the mandrel, to join opposite end faces of the metal sheet and form a ring shaped to the ring-shaped surface.

Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.

Abstract: A graphical project management tool that takes a representational image as input and enables a user to define one or more “regions” of the image as a “hotspot”. Tasks that are tracked by one or more project issue management tools can then be associated with the hotspot. The user can originate new tasks from within the tool, or may view a list of unassigned/unassociated tasks imported from the project management tool. The system also ensures that data internal to the graphical tool is kept in sync with data maintained by the management tool.

Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. When the reel assembly experiences the force of a major incident, rotation of the webbing shaft may be first partially arrested by the engagement of a first of two locking teeth on a locking dog with a first of two engagement surfaces on a geared end plate and subsequently completely arrested by the combined engagements of the first and second locking teeth with their respective first and second engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A buckle release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or eject the striker plate within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. When the reel assembly experiences the force of a major incident, rotation of the webbing shaft may be first partially arrested by the engagement of a first of two locking teeth on a locking dog with a first of two engagement surfaces on a geared end plate and subsequently completely arrested by the combined engagements of the first and second locking teeth with their respective first and second engagement surfaces.

Abstract: A ballistic powered inertial reel device comprises an inertia unit and a ballistic powered unit. The inertia unit includes a reel shaft and a webbing wound on the reel shaft. A reel lock has a disengaged orientation with the reel shaft during normal operation and an engaged orientation to prevent rotation of the reel shaft during an emergency. A control dog drives the reel lock. A geared cam rotates to drive a lock rod which operates against the control dog to drive the reel lock into the engaged orientation. The ballistic powered unit comprises a flywheel coupled to the geared cam. A piston drives the flywheel and a rewind spring couples the flywheel to the reel shaft. Actuation of the piston rotates the flywheel to cause the rewind spring to rotate the reel shaft to rewind the webbing and rotate the geared cam to lock the reel lock.

Abstract: A ballistic powered inertial reel device comprises an inertia unit and a ballistic powered unit. The inertia unit includes a reel shaft and a webbing wound on the reel shaft. A reel lock has a disengaged orientation with the reel shaft during normal operation and an engaged orientation to prevent rotation of the reel shaft during an emergency. A control dog drives the reel lock. A geared cam rotates to drive a lock rod which operates against the control dog to drive the reel lock into the engaged orientation. The ballistic powered unit comprises a flywheel coupled to the geared cam. A piston drives the flywheel and a rewind spring couples the flywheel to the reel shaft. Actuation of the piston rotates the flywheel to cause the rewind spring to rotate the reel shaft to rewind the webbing and rotate the geared cam to lock the reel lock.

Abstract: A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air. The filter unit includes a housing having upstream and downstream walls and a cavity therebetween. The upstream wall has an entrance opening aligned with a downstream wall portion, and the downstream wall has first and second exit openings aligned with first and second upstream wall portions. A heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity and includes first and second upstream conduits within the entrance opening and first and second downstream conduits within the first and second exit opening. The entrance and exit openings are arranged to define S-shaped air flow paths through the housing between the entrance and exit openings, each of which flows around a downstream side of one of the upstream conduits then around an upstream side of one of the downstream conduits before exiting through one of the exit openings.

Abstract: Filter units and filtration systems, as well as methods of using such units and systems to remove particulates from air, for example, within a kitchen environment. Such a filter unit includes a heat exchanger within a housing, an access opening at a lateral end of the filter unit that defines a lateral narrowed section of the filter unit. The access opening provides access to headers of the heat exchanger through openings in enclosures that partially enclose ends of the headers. If one or more filter units are combined end-to-end to form a filtration system, a closure can be provided to removably close a through-passage formed by the access openings of two adjacent units.

Abstract: A buckle release mechanism can be used to couple together various types of straps, webbing or belts. In one particular embodiment, the release mechanism forms part of a parachute canopy for a pilot's harness. The mechanism includes a housing with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism employs two rotatable locking pins with associated cams and openings. An opening is formed within the housing for receiving a yoke. A striker plate with opposing lugs is formed at one end of the yoke. The lugs cooperate with the locking pins to either retain or eject the striker plate within the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pretensioner for an occupant restraint. The pretensioner is designed to be used in conjunction with an inertial reel that locks the occupant restraint when detecting an adverse event. The pretensioner acts to remove slack in the webbing of the restraint and thereby safely secure the occupant once the reel is locked. The pretensioner described herein includes a rack that is initially held in place by a shear pin. Upon being activated, the rack is forced to a fully extended orientation, whereby the shear pin is severed. A deceleration ramp in included beneath the rack to slowly bring the rack to a stop at the end of the stroke.

Abstract: A water activated restraint release that is designed to be retrofitted onto an existing restraint system. The water activated restraint release includes a buckle and a tang to be secured to the buckle. The buckle includes a release mechanism and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly causes the release mechanism to release the tang in the presence of water, thereby releasing a passenger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.

Abstract: A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air. The filter unit includes a housing having upstream and downstream walls and a cavity therebetween. The upstream wall has an entrance opening aligned with a downstream wall portion, and the downstream wall has first and second exit openings aligned with first and second upstream wall portions. A heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity and includes first and second upstream conduits within the entrance opening and first and second downstream conduits within the first and second exit opening. The entrance and exit openings are arranged to define S-shaped air flow paths through the housing between the entrance and exit openings, each of which flows around a downstream side of one of the upstream conduits then around an upstream side of one of the downstream conduits before exiting through one of the exit openings.

Abstract: A system for tracking a player session is provided, having a portable transaction device with an input device for receiving input for player characterization information for the player and a first network interface. A gaming server may have a second network interface configured for communication with the portable transaction device, a logic system, and a storage system. The storage system may be used for storing at least the following according to commands from the logic system: a player identification database including player characterization information received from the portable transaction device via the second network interface, a unique identifier database having a unique identifier assigned to the player, the unique identifier paired with the player characterization information for the player, and a wagering location database having at least one wagering location, the at least one wagering location paired with the unique identifier to track the player session.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable article that is designed to be launched to an intended target. The article is launched by a gun in an un-inflated state and inflates upon contacting water. The target can be, for example, a person being rescued. The article is initially stored in an outer layer of material. The outer layer of material may be shrink-wrap or a foam layer. The outer layer permits the article to be retained in a compact configuration prior to being launched. This, in turn, allows the article to be launched over great distances. The outer layer is designed to rupture upon inflation of the article.

Abstract: A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air, for example, in a kitchen environment. The filter unit includes a housing having an upstream side, an downstream side, and a cavity therebetween, a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity and comprising at least two tubes, at least one entrance aperture disposed on the upstream side of the housing and defined by at least one fin, at least one baffle disposed on the downstream side of the housing so as to be oppositely disposed from the at least one entrance aperture, and at least one exit aperture disposed on the downstream side of the housing adjacent the at least one baffle. The baffle and fin define at least one flow path through the housing and around the tubes.