Abstract: A system for determining load distribution of pieces of cargo in a cargo hold of a vehicle may include a plurality of tags, each of the plurality of tags mounted on a different piece of the pieces of cargo in the cargo hold and carrying information indicative of a weight of the different piece of cargo on which it is mounted; a plurality of sensors mounted in a spaced array along a length of the cargo hold, each of the sensors capable of reading from the tags the information indicative of the weights of the pieces of cargo; and a computer connected to receive from the plurality of sensors the information indicative of the weights and information indicative of the locations of the pieces of cargo in the cargo hold, the computer programmed to calculate therefrom a weight and/or center of gravity of the plurality of the pieces of cargo.

Abstract: A system for determining load distribution of pieces of cargo in a cargo hold of a vehicle may include a plurality of tags, each of the plurality of tags mounted on a different piece of the pieces of cargo in the cargo hold and carrying information indicative of a weight of the different piece of cargo on which it is mounted; a plurality of sensors mounted in a spaced array along a length of the cargo hold, each of the sensors capable of reading from the tags the information indicative of the weights of the pieces of cargo; and a computer connected to receive from the plurality of sensors the information indicative of the weights and information indicative of the locations of the pieces of cargo in the cargo hold, the computer programmed to calculate therefrom a weight and/or center of gravity of the plurality of the pieces of cargo.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensor system for determining an occupant load distribution in a vehicle having a plurality of passenger seats may include a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors associated with a different one of the plurality of passenger seats for detecting an occupant in each of the plurality of passenger seats, and a weight of the detected occupant; and a computer connected to receive data from each of the plurality of sensors indicative of the weight and passenger seat location in the vehicle of the detected occupant in each of the plurality of passenger seats, and calculate from the data a total weight and center of gravity of the detected occupants in the plurality of passenger seats.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensor system for determining an occupant load distribution in a vehicle having a plurality of passenger seats may include a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors associated with a different one of the plurality of passenger seats for detecting an occupant in each of the plurality of passenger seats, and a weight of the detected occupant; and a computer connected to receive data from each of the plurality of sensors indicative of the weight and passenger seat location in the vehicle of the detected occupant in each of the plurality of passenger seats, and calculate from the data a total weight and center of gravity of the detected occupants in the plurality of passenger seats.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing an inert gas to an aircraft fuel tank are provided herein. The method includes channeling the inert gas in a first direction via a first distribution line and channeling the inert gas in an opposite second direction via a second distribution line. The second distribution line is concentrically aligned with and circumscribes the first distribution line. The second distribution line includes a termination point within the aircraft fuel tank. The second distribution line defines a plurality of distribution orifices that release of the inert gas into an ullage space of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing an inert gas to an aircraft fuel tank are provided herein. The method includes channeling the inert gas in a first direction via a first distribution line and channeling the inert gas in an opposite second direction via a second distribution line. The second distribution line is concentrically aligned with and circumscribes the first distribution line. The second distribution line includes a termination point within the aircraft fuel tank. The second distribution line defines a plurality of distribution orifices that release of the inert gas into an ullage space of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Methods and an assembly for manufacturing a fluid distribution system are provided herein. The method includes providing a first distribution line configured to channel a fluid in a first direction and coupling at least one internal support member to an outer surface of the first distribution line. The at least one internal support member includes a plurality of support legs extending radially outward therefrom. The method also includes aligning a second distribution line concentrically with and circumscribing the first distribution line. The second distribution line is configured to channel the fluid in an opposite second direction. The method further includes coupling the plurality of support legs to an inner surface of the second distribution line.

Abstract: Methods and a fluid separation fitting for channeling hydraulic fluid in an aircraft are provided herein. The fluid separation fitting includes a first tube section and a second tube section. The first tube section includes a first end and a second end, and is configured to receive a first distribution line therethrough. The first distribution line is configured to channel fluid therethrough in a first direction. The first tube section is configured to be coupled to a second distribution line configured to channel fluid therethrough in an opposite second direction. The second distribution line circumscribes at least a portion of the first distribution line. The second tube section extends from the first tube section to channel fluid into or from the second distribution line via the first tube section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the speed and/or location of a moving object within a target area are disclosed. A pitch speed measurement and strike zone detection apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a support frame configured to support a pair of reflective surfaces on either side of a target area. A light source and receiver configured to direct a light beam back and forth between the reflective surfaces can be used to form a light curtain that detects when an object passes through a particular location within the target area. Multiple light sources and receivers may be employed to measure the speed of the object, and to determine whether the object passes through a particular strike zone. The device may include an adjustment mechanism and self-alignment laser to reposition the reflective surfaces, as necessary.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the speed and/or location of a moving object within a target area are disclosed. A pitch speed measurement and strike zone detection apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a support frame configured to support a pair of reflective surfaces on either side of a target area. A light source and receiver configured to direct a light beam back and forth between the reflective surfaces can be used to form a light curtain that detects when an object passes through a particular location within the target area Multiple light sources and receivers may be employed to measure the speed of the object, and to determine whether the object passes through a particular strike zone. The device may include an adjustment mechanism and self-alignment laser to reposition the reflective surfaces, as necessary.