Abstract: Aircraft-vision systems and methods for maintaining situational awareness and spatial orientation are described. In one aspect, a holographic image with visual cues is projected into a peripheral area—from the pilot's perspective—of an aircraft cockpit, such that visual cues stimulate the pilot's peripheral vision. These visual cues help the pilot to maintain spatial orientation in visually deficient flight conditions without increasing pilot workload.

Abstract: Aircraft-vision systems and methods for maintaining situational awareness and spatial orientation are described. In one aspect, a holographic image with visual cues is projected into a peripheral area—from the pilot's perspective—of an aircraft cockpit, such that visual cues stimulate the pilot's peripheral vision. These visual cues help the pilot to maintain spatial orientation in visually deficient flight conditions without increasing pilot workload.

Abstract: A process for providing upset recovery training (URT) includes using a sustained-G multi-axis platform (e.g., a centrifuge-based simulator). Various embodiments of the present invention address an important aspect of URT that is not present in the prior art, namely the placing of physiological stresses on the trainees during URT, such as sustained motions including, but not limited to, sustained, elevated G-forces and continuous rotational cues. Elevated, sustained, G-forces and continuous rotational cues can create many physiological challenges to aircrew. These challenges can include motion discomfort, disorientation, and visual disturbances. Embodiments of the present invention provide URT that includes physiological stresses on the pilot. If a pilot learns the correct procedures for recovery from an upset, as in the prior art URT programs, but cannot execute the procedures in the real world because he or she has not been prepared for the physiological environment to be faced, then safety is compromised.

Abstract: A process for providing upset recovery training (URT) includes using a sustained-G multi-axis platform (e.g., a centrifuge-based simulator). Various embodiments of the present invention address an important aspect of URT that is not present in the prior art, namely the placing of physiological stresses on the trainees during URT, such as sustained motions including, but not limited to, sustained, elevated G-forces and continuous rotational cues. Elevated, sustained, G-forces and continuous rotational cues can create many physiological challenges to aircrew. These challenges can include motion discomfort, disorientation, and visual disturbances. Embodiments of the present invention provide URT that includes physiological stresses on the pilot. If a pilot learns the correct procedures for recovery from an upset, as in the prior art URT programs, but cannot execute the procedures in the real world because he or she has not been prepared for the physiological environment to be faced, then safety is compromised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formation of a double angle V-groove in the backside of plastic shells to provide a preweakened section for a vehicle application. The double angle V-groove may be located at the airbag deployment opening of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of marking a skin for a vehicle interior trim panel comprising providing a skin with a color and an outer surface. A laser is applied to the outer surface such that a portion of the skin surface contacted by the laser changes color relative to a portion of the outer skin not contacted by the laser to create a marking in the outer skin surface indicating the presence of a vehicle component or function. In particular, an image, pattern, or color contrast may be created on the skin. A unique hole pattern and size distribution caused by the laser may provide a skin with a woven fabric texture. In addition, stitches formed on a skin surface may be colored differently from the surrounding skin surface to distinguish their appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the effluent of a water heater. A water heater of the present invention comprises an aeration device comprising a pump connected to a tube connected to an air sparging unit. The water heater may further comprise a programmable thermostat capable of controlling the temperature of the water in the water heater. The method of the present invention comprises the step of periodically or constantly passing a plurality of air bubbles through the water contained in a water heater. The method may further comprise the step of heating the water in the water heater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the effluent of a water heater. A water heater of the present invention comprises an aeration device comprising a pump connected to a tube connected to an air sparging unit. The water heater may further comprise a programmable thermostat capable of controlling the temperature of the water in the water heater. The method of the present invention comprises the step of periodically or constantly passing a plurality of air bubbles through the water contained in a water heater. The method may further comprise the step of heating the water in the water heater.

Abstract: A washing machine having a variable speed motor. The washing machine has a basket for holding articles to be washed and has a first axis of rotation. A basket drive shaft connected to the basket drives the basket. An agitator disposed in the basket along the first axis of rotation agitates the article in the basket. An agitator drive shaft connected to the agitator drives the agitator. A variable speed motor, having a second axis of rotation which is not coincident with the first axis of rotation, drives the basket drive shaft and the agitator drive shaft. A coupler couples motion of the variable speed motor to the agitator drive shaft and basket drive shaft.

Abstract: A method of marking a skin for a vehicle interior trim panel comprising providing a skin with a color and an outer skin surface. A laser is applied to the outer skin surface such that a portion of the skin surface contacted by the laser changes color relative to a portion of the outer skin surface not contacted by the laser to create a marking in the outer skin surface indicating the presence of a vehicle component or function.

Abstract: A washing machine having a variable speed motor. The washing machine has a basket for holding articles to be washed and has a first axis of rotation. A basket drive shaft connected to the basket drives the basket. An agitator disposed in the basket along the first axis of rotation agitates the article in the basket. An agitator drive shaft connected to the agitator drives the agitator. A variable speed motor, having a second axis of rotation which is not coincident with the first axis of rotation, drives the basket drive shaft and the agitator drive shaft. A coupler couples motion of the variable speed motor to the agitator drive shaft and basket drive shaft.