Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to flight are disclosed. The system may comprise a multiplicity of mounting elements configured to be affixed to a carrier aircraft in distributed fashion along a mounting axis. Each mounting element may include a cradle and a retention strap. Each retention strap may be suspendedly attached to a respective said cradle, and actuatable from a retention configuration to a release configuration. The retention configuration may enable the retention straps to clampingly secure the vehicle to the respective cradles. The actuation of the retention straps from the retention configuration to the release configuration may disable the clamping securement and thereby release the vehicle to drop away from the cradles. For one or more of the retention straps, the actuation may be by way of detonating at least one corresponding pyrotechnic fastener.

Abstract: A composition useful in the manufacture or cable comprising:(i) a copolymer comprising ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins having a density equal to or less than 0.915 gram per cubic centimeter;(ii) a metal hydrate flame retardant compound;(iii) a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene triblock copolymer; and(iv) optionally, an impact polypropylene copolymer or polypropylene.

Abstract: A system for propulsion and positioning of a transitory object and having access to a DC electrical power source. The primary electrical component of the system is a coil for generating a magnetic field. The primary mechanical components of the system are an impact piston movable in response to the magnetomotive force of the coil and a force transmission device secured to the transitory object and having a surface receiving impact energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing large area, controlled, uniform deformation of polymeric films which retards premature fracturing. The method includes a deformation step. Sulfonating and annealing the sulfonated deformed film are optional treatments of the method. Deformation can be achieved using pressing, peeling or rolling techniques. The deformed film is sulfonated utilizing sulfuric acid or fuming sulfuric acid.The product obtained using the inventive method results in a deformed film which has improved flow and entrance pressure characteristics compared to non-deformed film materials. The product can be used as a microfiltration membrane, ultrafiltration membrane or filter for various gas, vapor or liquid mixtures. The film may also serve as a porous substrate or other media for other types of fluid separation or purification.

Abstract: An electrical snap-action switch has as its moving member a strip (15) of a springy metal with which there is integrally formed a contact-carrying arm (18). This strip is held bowed into a C shape in a metal carrier (10) with a concave inner face (11) near which the strip lies when in one position.The operating member of the switch is a rocker (23) of an insulating material which rocks on a convex "bump" (24) on the carrier so that it has an inwardly extending pillar (24) with two studs one on each side of the strip (15). Hence operation of the rocker snaps the strip between its two positions, with corresponding movement of the contact carrying arm.

Abstract: Apparatus to accept, hold and release a basketball in game playing situations requiring a "jump ball". The primary components of the apparatus are: a suspension frame; a telescoping elevator unit carried beneath the frame; a basketball accepting, holding and releasing mechanism carried coaxially within the elevator unit; a hoist mechanism for the elevator unit; and, an electrical system for actuating ball release and the hoist mechanism and for signalling the operative condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: A rachet wrench fitted with a rotatable wrench lug that completely encloses a non-circular wrench opening, when installed, with the wrench lug formed of two assembled units, one of which is detachable to permit the wrench lug to be installed sidewise about a fitting on a tube, pipe or cable. A handle joins a circular open wrench section formed of two fixed arcuate shaped jaws in which a first wrench unit is rotatably mounted, with the first wrench unit in the form of a split ring, of a profile similar to that of the two fixed jaws, with the opening of the split periphery section of the first wrench formed as the same size as that of the opening between the ends of the two fixed jaws.