Abstract: A container (10) for liquids is provided, in which pressurisation of the container is used to force the liquid through one or more membranes to an output. The membranes are disposed across substantially an entire length of the container, and pass liquid in preference to air. As a result, the liquid may be extracted from the container in any orientation. A particular use for this kind of container is as a portable water bottle containing a filter (20).

Abstract: In the present invention we replace a standard dip tube in a fluid dispenser with a hollow fibre membrane that passes liquid in preference to gas. Under the influence of a pressure differential, any liquid in contact with any portion of the hollow fibre membrane passes through the wall of the membrane and travels internally along the length of the membrane to a dispenser head. The fluid dispenser is thereby capable of operating in substantially any orientation and is effective to dispense substantially its entire contents.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a propulsion system of a space-borne object (e.g., a satellite) is based on the principle that temperature in the propellant tank of the propulsion system is directly proportional to the pressure therein. Accordingly, when pressure drops, the system and method maintains a desired pressure in the propellant tank by heating the tank. The amount of heat to be applied is determined based on an evaluation of thruster performance data collected during satellite test maneuvers. Heating of the tank may be coupled with the introduction of helium gas to provide a two-pronged approach for maintaining tank pressure. Alternatively, the helium gas may itself be heated prior to its introduction into the propellant tank. By maintaining a desired tank pressure, efficient performance of the satellite thrusters is assured.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a propulsion system of a space-borne object (e.g., a satellite) is based on the principle that temperature in the propellant tank of the propulsion system is directly proportional to the pressure therein. Accordingly, when pressure drops, the system and method maintains a desired pressure in the propellant tank by heating the tank. The amount of heat to be applied is determined based on an evaluation of thruster performance data collected during satellite test maneuvers. Heating of the tank may be coupled with the introduction of helium gas to provide a two-pronged approach for maintaining tank pressure. Alternatively, the helium gas may itself be heated prior to its introduction into the propellant tank. By maintaining a desired tank pressure, efficient performance of the satellite thrusters is assured.

Abstract: An independent suspension is provided for a vehicle having a floor located between the vehicle's wheels. The independent suspension includes a light weight trailing arm pivotally attached at one end to the vehicle. An air brake actuator is affixed to the trailing arm below the floor of the vehicle. An axle supporting a wheel is cantilevered from the outboard edge of the trailing arm and an air spring is interposed between the trailing arm and the vehicle's body to oppose the force exerted by the axle. The trailing arm has a substantially planar body with a wall extending substantially around the periphery of the body. A thickened section of the body extends over an area of the lower surface of the planar body under the inner portion of the air spring bearing area. The construction of the trailing arm and the widely spaced frame attachment points make possible a suspension system having low unsprung mass but not requiring additional links to the frame for stability.

Abstract: A tie-down system for a vehicle transporter comprises a tie-down apparatus for securing a vehicle to a longitudinally-extending elongate vehicle transporter, comprising a vehicle support assembly, including a front deck and further including a rear deck that is variably positionable with respect to said front deck. At least four variably positionable securement devices are associated with the vehicle support assembly and attachable to the vehicle. A respective flexible tension member portion is interconnected with a respective one of each of the four securement devices to enable nonuniform variations in relative positions of the securement devices, each tension member portion capable of exerting a pull-down force on a respective one of the securement devices.