Abstract: Load lifting systems include a first flexible suspension member configured to attach to a load lifting structure at a first fixed connection at a first end of the first flexible suspension member and attach to the load lifting structure at a first adjustable connection at a second end of the first flexible suspension member and a second flexible suspension member configured to attach to the load lifting structure at a second fixed connection at a first end of the second flexible suspension member and attach to the load lifting structure at a second adjustable connection at a second end of the second flexible suspension member. An interconnect member extends between and connecting the first adjustable connection and the second adjustable connection. A carriage is movingly suspended on both the first flexible suspension member and the second flexible suspension member.

Abstract: Load lifting systems include a load lifting structure configured with at least two attach points defining at least one axis between two attach points of the at least two attach points, a flexible suspension member suspended from the load lifting structure at the at least two attach points, and a carriage configured to have a load suspended therefrom having at least one guide element arranged along the at least one axis and configured to move relative to and along the suspension member along the at least one axis such that the carriage follows a curved path having a continuously varying radius of curvature based on the at least two attach points.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manual control device for a watch including a bolt sliding on the external surface of a watch case, in particular to set a repeater mechanism, said bolt being connected through an opening arranged in said watch case to a sliding block controlling the desired function, said device further including a sealing gasket arranged around said opening and control means associated with said bolt, said control means allowing said device to pass from a first state, called the rest state, in which the bolt is locked with respect to the case and said gasket is compressed, to a second state, called the setting state, in which the bolt is unlocked and said gasket is not compressed, characterised in that said sealing gasket is arranged to be applied around said opening between said bolt and the external surface of the case and in that the control means include an articulated lever provided with an eccentric portion, said lever allowing said device to pass from the setting state to the rest state and v

Abstract: An airborne imaging lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor is provided which employs multiple pulsed laser transmitters, multiple gated and intensified array camera receivers, an optical scanner for increased field of regard, and a computer for system control, automatic target detection and display generation. The laser transmitters and multiple camera receivers are optically boresighted to the optical scanner (e.g., oscillating flat mirror) for an increased swath width perpendicular to the aircraft heading. The several laser transmitters are coupled for increased power and system sensitivity.

Abstract: A device is provided for expanding, reshaping, modifying the intensity distribution and projecting a beam of radiation such as light. The present invention comprises a four sided, internally mirrored tube of polygonal (i.e., rectangular) cross-section wherein the cross-sectional area of the tube expands (generally linearly) with respect to tube length from a first end to a second end. The first end of the tube is associated with a plano-concave (or equivalent) lens and the second end of the tube is associated with a generally flat pane exit optic which includes optical edging for refracting perimeter rays back into the desired field of view. A practical application for the present invention is laser photogrammetry wherein typically it is desired (1) to expand a laser beam of circular cross-section, (2) to reshape the beam into a desired cross-section, usually rectangular, and (3) to project the reshaped beam upon a distant surface.

Abstract: A pallet loading and unloading system is provided wherein the pallet has a low friction surface and a sheet of thin, tough plastic is placed over such surface and the load is placed on the plastic. The pallet is unloaded by placing it on the ground, raising one end and moving off with the pallet whereby the load slides and remains on said plastic sheet, permitting retrieval and reuse of the pallet.