Abstract: A seabased resupply system includes a fuel containment structure containing fuel and extending fore and aft along a longitudinal axis, a pump on the fuel containment structure operable to pump the fuel, containers located on an exterior of opposite lateral sides of the fuel containment structure, and an operating system located inside one or more of the containers, the operating system comprising at least one selected from a power supply, a communication system, and a control processor.

Abstract: A range detection apparatus comprising a transmitter adapted to transmit a microwave signal and a receiver adapted to receive an echo signal reflected from a target which corresponds to a portion of the transmitted signal; a signal generating means adapted to generate a drive signal to be applied to the transmitter to produce the transmitted signal, the signal generator producing a drive signal which includes a first signal frame comprising at least two frequencies and a second signal frame comprising at least two frequencies, the second signal frame differing from the first, and a processor adapted to process the echo signal together with the transmitted signal so as to determine the distance to the target that produced the echo signal. The apparatus may reduce ambiguity in range measurements and is particularly suited for Frequency Shift Key (FSK) radar in automotive, typically adaptive cruise control functions.

Abstract: An overhead frame mounted on a truck. A stationary frame is supported by vertical legs mounted to the corners of the truck bed. An elevating frame of smaller proportions rests and nests within the stationary frame, and pivots on a bolt assembly that attaches to the stationary frame. The trailing end of the stationary frame incorporates a row of rollers. A corresponding set of rollers is attached to the rising end of the elevating frame. When the elevating frame rises by means of an electric winch, the load gradually comes into contact with the rollers and is discharged by gravity onto the ground from the rear of the stationary frame. The elevating frame incorporates adjustable arms to permit mounting on existing overhead truck racks of varying sizes.

Abstract: A range detection apparatus comprising a transmitter adapted to transmit a microwave signal and a receiver adapted to receive an echo signal reflected from a target which corresponds to a portion of the transmitted signal; a signal generating means adapted to generate a drive signal to be applied to the transmitter to produce the transmitted signal, the signal generator producing a drive signal which includes a first signal frame comprising at least two frequencies and a second signal frame comprising at least two frequencies, the second signal frame differing from the first, and a processor adapted to process the echo signal together with the transmitted signal so as to determine the distance to the target that produced the echo signal. The apparatus is particularly suited for Frequency Shift Key (FSK) radar in automotive, typically adaptive cruise control functions. It may reduce ambiguity in range measurements. An equivalent method of reducing ambiguity is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a light source to a connector of an optic fiber instrument is described. The adapter includes a sleeve having an external surface configured to fit inside a portion of the connector. The external surface of the sleeve includes a groove that is positioned to engage a tube located inside the connector. Accordingly, when the sleeve is inserted inside the connector, the tube catches the groove thereby coupling the adapter to the connector.

Abstract: A laser probe including a handpiece and a rigid cannula fixed to the handpiece to prevent relative translational movement-therebetween. An optical fiber for delivering laser energy is supported for translational movement relative to the handpiece. A slidable button is fixed to the optical fiber via a rigid sleeve such that the button and optical fiber move together in the same direction during operation. The fiber may be selectively positioned relative to the button to cause the button to act as a visual indicator of the direction in which the fiber will extend from the cannula. The button may be specially configured with an enlarged head portion to enhance grippability and smooth operation of the button.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a rotational ring is described. In one implementation, the surgical instrument includes a handle and a rotational ring. The handle includes at least one actuator member configured to operate a surgical tool located at a tip of the surgical instrument by moving the actuator member. The rotational ring is positioned in substantially close proximity to the one or more actuator members. Rotation of the rotational ring causes the surgical tool located at the tip of the surgical instrument to rotate in a corresponding rotational fashion.

Abstract: A rear axle braking system for a vehicle has a primary electronic braking circuit supplied with a source of primary braking pressure and a mechanical back-up braking circuit supplied with a source of back-up braking pressure. The braking actuator receives braking pressure and thereby brakes a wheel on a vehicle axle. During braking, a changeover valve is normally actuated to apply the primary braking pressure to the braking actuator. In the event of an electronic system failure, the changeover valve is not applied and instead the source of back-up braking pressure is supplied to the actuator. A regulating valve is located in the back-up braking circuit between the source and the changeover valve and is operable as a function of axle loading and back-up brake pressure to control the supply of back-up braking pressure to the changeover valve. The application of additional braking pressure to a wheel can be limited if the loading on the axle is likely to result in vehicle instability when braking.

Abstract: An electronic braking system (WBS) suitable for commercial vehicles which tow trailers, which has on the towing vehicle, braking control of all the axles and a device for setting the braking demand for the trailer which is so adjusted as to equalize the utilization of adhesion between said towing vehicle and trailer. The system includes two adaptive control loops (30a, 30b) which are adjusted sequentially in a co-ordinated manner in order to set respectively the towing vehicle and trailer braking to levels where overall train mean decelerations approximate closely to those corresponding levels demanded by the driver and at the same time set the distribution of braking to seek to achieve equal utilization of adhesion between the tractor and trailer. The system also uses deceleration errors to sequentially adjust the two adaptive control loops.

Abstract: An output stage for an electronic sensor including two transistors connected in series to a junction therebetween to form a push/pull arrangement relative to a pair of supply lines provided with fixed supply voltages that are different for each line that are connected with different ones of the two transistors. The junction between the two transistors being connected to a sensor output line. Each of the transistors is driven by a respective drive line from an amplifier which receives an input signal corresponding to a sensor input signal. A fault detecting circuit is provided which includes circuitry to detect an open circuit fault condition in either of the two fixed voltage supply lines to disconnect the signal drive line leading to the associated one of the two transistors which is connected to the respective supply line that has been detected to have an open circuit fault.

Abstract: An electronic braking system for trailers. A control system is incorporated into the braking equipment of a towing vehicle to provide a trailer braking command signal. This signal is regulated so as to balance the braking between the towing vehicle and the trailer through the assessment of forces in the coupling between the two vehicles. The assessment is made indirectly and is calculated from forces measured in the suspension components of at least two axles of the towing vehicle and the changes occurring therein during braking.

Abstract: A system for measuring loads in a vehicle comprising strain and/or displacement sensing elements and a local electronic interface which are adapted to be linked to a main electronic unit in a vehicle with which the load measuring system is associated. The load measuring system comprises an internal micro-controller within the interface which is adapted to receive signals from the main electronic unit to switch elements of the load measuring system into both zero setting and calibration modes. The micro-controller has electrically alterable, non-volatile memory which is adapted to store zero setting and calibration data for subsequent use in a normal operating, load measurement mode of the system.

Abstract: Subterranean service pipes, eg. water mains, are tapped by minimal excavation to expose the upper half of the main and then locating (with respect to the main) a conventional pipe-tapping device but without employing means encircling the pipe. Thus, a clamp can be used, or a saddle adhesively secured to the pipe. The clamp or saddle preferably provide means for proper orientation of the drilling and tapping tool with respect to the main.