Abstract: A stereoscopic three-dimensional optical metrology system and method accurately measure the location of physical features on a test article in a manner that is fast and robust to surface contour discontinuities. Disclosed embodiments may image a test article from two or more perspectives through a substantially transparent fiducial plate bearing a fiducial marking; camera viewing angles and apparent relative distances between a feature on a test article and one or more fiducials may enable accurate calculation of feature position.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to aspects of the present invention are described. The systems and methods enable charging, soaking, and measuring of capacitors to be conducted quickly. Charging and soaking typically occurs in parallel and certain embodiments facilitate the measuring of capacitor leakage by sequentially disconnecting each capacitor and measuring the time for voltage on the capacitor to reach a predetermined threshold. Further, all capacitors can be disconnected from a charging source simultaneously and voltages can be measured for each capacitor simultaneously. Monitoring can be periodic in nature. Substantial time savings in the calculation device of leakage values and parameters can be attained.

Abstract: An inert gas generating system for generating inert gas on a vehicle having a fuel tank and a fuel tank vent. The system includes an inlet for receiving a flow of gas having a nitrogen component and an oxygen component from a gas source, a heat exchanger downstream from the inlet and in fluid communication with the inlet for cooling gas received from the inlet, and a gas separation module downstream from the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for separating gas received from the heat exchanger into a nitrogen-enriched gas flow and an oxygen-enriched gas flow. The gas separation module is adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank without delivering the nitrogen-enriched gas through the fuel tank vent. The gas separation module is also adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank vent.

Abstract: An inerting system (10) for an aircraft (12) includes one or more fuel tank circuits (15) associated with fuel tanks (16). An air source (17) supplies pressurized air. A heat exchanger (56) cools the pressurized air. An air separation module (46) is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger (56) and separates inerting gas from the pressurized air. A controller (40) controls flow of the inerting gas from the air separation module (46) to the fuel tanks (16).

Abstract: A system and method for safely deploying a tire deflation device. Tire deflation units or stop sticks are released from a specially designed deployment unit positioned on the back of a police vehicle. A remote control feature allows a police officer to release a stop stick unit onto a roadway without exiting a police vehicle during a chase. A specially designed tire deflation or stop stick subcombination is also described. The overall design significantly improves safety and performance for law enforcement agencies involved in apprehending suspect fleeing vehicles. The invention also has utility for counter-terrorism activities when it is desired to disable a terrorist's vehicle at a certain location.

Abstract: A system and method for safely deploying a tire deflation device. Tire deflation units or stop sticks are released from a specially designed deployment unit positioned on the back of a police vehicle. A remote control feature allows a police officer to release a stop stick unit onto a roadway without exiting a police vehicle during a chase. A specially designed tire deflation or stop stick subcombination is also described. The overall design significantly improves safety and performance for law enforcement agencies involved in apprehending suspect fleeing vehicles. The invention also has utility for counter-terrorism activities when it is desired to disable a terrorist's vehicle at a certain location.

Abstract: An inert gas generating system for generating inert gas on a vehicle having a fuel tank and a fuel tank vent. The system includes an inlet for receiving a flow of gas having a nitrogen component and an oxygen component from a gas source, a heat exchanger downstream from the inlet and in fluid communication with the inlet for cooling gas received from the inlet, and a gas separation module downstream from the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the heat exchanger for separating gas received from the heat exchanger into a nitrogen-enriched gas flow and an oxygen-enriched gas flow. The gas separation module is adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank without delivering the nitrogen-enriched gas through the fuel tank vent. The gas separation module is also adapted to deliver nitrogen-enriched gas from the nitrogen-enriched gas flow to the fuel tank vent.

Abstract: An inerting system (10) for an aircraft (12) includes one or more fuel tank circuits (15) associated with fuel tanks (16). An air source (17) supplies pressurized air. A heat exchanger (56) cools the pressurized air. An air separation module (46) is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger (56) and separates inerting gas from the pressurized air. A controller (40) controls flow of the inerting gas from the air separation module (46) to the fuel tanks (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for campers, hikers, and hunters enjoying the out-of-doors and nature in the wilderness is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the transmitter is adapted to be plugged into the cigarette lighter in a vehicle and is fitted with an antenna which can be magnetically adhered to the roof of the vehicle. The transmitter emits a distinctive warble tone. The receiver is configured with a telescoping antenna and an audio level meter to more accurately determine the direction of maximum signal strength. The apparatus is inexpensive, as well as being simple and convenient to use.