Abstract: An air vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a propulsion assembly. The vehicle body has the shape of a wing airfoil so that the vehicle body generates lift when air flows over the vehicle body. The vehicle body has a body longitudinal axis, and includes a first hull and a second hull that are secured together side-by-side, the hulls having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to the body longitudinal axis. Each hull defines a separate fluid chamber that is filled with a fluid that is at least partially buoyant. The propulsion assembly is secured to the vehicle body. The propulsion assembly generates thrust and includes a port front engine, a port rear engine, a starboard front engine, and a starboard rear engine, wherein at least two of the engines have independently controlled thrust vectors.

Abstract: An air vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a propulsion assembly. The vehicle body has the shape of a wing airfoil to generate lift when air flows over the vehicle body. The vehicle body has a body longitudinal axis and substantially planar port and starboard sides of composite material, and includes first and second hulls that are secured together side-by-side, the hulls having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to the body longitudinal axis and two substantially planar side walls at least one of which is of composite material. Each hull defines a separate fluid chamber that is filled with a fluid that is at least partially buoyant. The propulsion assembly is secured to the vehicle body port and starboard sides. The propulsion assembly includes port front and rear engines and starboard front and rear engines, wherein at least two of the engines have independently controlled thrust vectors.

Abstract: An air vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a propulsion assembly. The vehicle body has the shape of a wing airfoil so that the vehicle body generates lift when air flows over the vehicle body. The vehicle body has a body longitudinal axis, and includes a first hull and a second hull that are secured together side-by-side, the hulls having longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to the body longitudinal axis. Each hull defines a separate fluid chamber that is filled with a fluid that is at least partially buoyant. The propulsion assembly is secured to the vehicle body. The propulsion assembly generates thrust and includes a port front engine, a port rear engine, a starboard front engine, and a starboard rear engine, wherein at least two of the engines have independently controlled thrust vectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for and process of pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparator compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.

Abstract: A probe suitable for monitoring temperature and pressure in a relatively thin-walled container fabricated from plastic. The internal probe monitors the pressure and temperature at substantially the geometric center of a container in a pasteurizing or sterilizing apparatus. The probe is provided with a sharp container-wall piercing end and a tapered threaded self tapping portion which provides an effective seal. The probe is hollow so that fluid can be conducted from the interior of the container and its pressure determined. A temperature sensing member is carried within the hollow probe so that temperature within the container may be sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparitor compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.