Abstract: A UAV capture system including a cable array comprising at least two laterally-spaced cables carried by a first cable support structure. Catches disposed on respective port and starboard wings of a UAV are positioned to engage the cables when the UAV flies into them. A payout device pays out the engaged cables after they have been engaged by the UAV and a brake decelerates the UAV by resisting the pay out of the cables.

Abstract: A UAV capture system including a cable array comprising at least two laterally-spaced cables carried by a first cable support structure. Catches disposed on respective port and starboard wings of a UAV are positioned to engage the cables when the UAV flies into them. A payout device pays out the engaged cables after they have been engaged by the UAV and a brake decelerates the UAV by resisting the pay out of the cables.

Abstract: A deck attachment device for affixing hardware to a naval vessel deck by engaging an existing deck tie-down fixture installed in the deck. The device includes claws extending from a lower surface of a base. The claws of the deck attachment device are configured and positioned to engage the spokes of a crossbar portion of the deck tie-down fixture when the deck attachment device is placed on the deck tie-down fixture with its claws extending into quadrants defined by the spokes of the deck tie-down fixture crossbar, and then rotated to an engaged position relative to the deck tie-down fixture.

Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.

Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.

Abstract: An armor that is used, for example, in multi-cell missile launchers is disclosed. In some embodiments, the armor includes three layers. The inner-most layer undergoes explosive welding when exposed to a pressure wave from an explosion. An intermediate layer in-elastically deforms when exposed to the explosion. The third and outer-most layer includes a plurality of elongated, pressurized tubes that contain fire retardant, among other chemicals. Silicone gel is interposed between the tubes.

Abstract: An electrical connector that avoids some of the disadvantages associated with electrical connectors in the prior art. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention uses spring-loaded contacts to maintain connection in the presence of the vibration associated with a rocket launch, and also includes an environmental seal and electro-magnetic shield so as to provide an environment for the electrical contacts that is isolated from the ambient environment and external electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment avoids the possibility of bent connector pins, which would make mating between the electrical connectors.