Abstract: Erosion sensors and systems, methods, and computer products thereof are operative to determine and provide real time erosion data. Such data may be used to determine in real time an amount of erosion or ablation on an ablative surface, for instance, of a rocket or missile launch pad, of an exhaust management system, of an extraterrestrial vehicle, or of a fire detection system.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydraulic control system that may arrest the motion of attached devices in the event of loss of electrical or hydraulic power or in the event of an emergency. Gangways from a ship to a platform and ladders on fire trucks may have hydraulic control systems that allow for free motion in several different directions in order to keep stability in rough waters or shifting ground. If the gangway or ladder begins to fall due to loss of hydraulic power or a failure in the securing of one end, the closed-loop control system may detect these situations and actuate the closing of valves to limit or stop the falling motion of the gangway or ladder. Various control or damping algorithms may be employed to yield a desired and controlled arresting of motion.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydraulic control system that may arrest the motion of attached devices in the event of loss of electrical or hydraulic power or in the event of an emergency. Gangways from a ship to a platform and ladders on fire trucks may have hydraulic control systems that allow for free motion in several different directions in order to keep stability in rough waters or shifting ground. If the gangway or ladder begins to fall due to loss of hydraulic power or a failure in the securing of one end, the closed-loop control system may detect these situations and actuate the closing of valves to limit or stop the falling motion of the gangway or ladder. Various control or damping algorithms may be employed to yield a desired and controlled arresting of motion so as to prevent injury and damage.

Abstract: Restraint release devices, systems and methods may enable actuation of a release function without using chemically energetic or thermally sensitive devices, and may employ an electromagnetic (EM) force to mechanically separate components of a fastener. A pulsed power system having a capacitive discharge circuit may be used to supply an electric current pulse to generate the EM force. The EM force can be applied to a retaining wire that surrounds and holds intact a segmented fastener. The EM force may cause the retaining wire to increase in length, thereby relaxing its hold on the segmented fastener and allowing the segments to separate and release the restraint mechanism. Restraint mechanisms using such EM restraint release devices, systems and methods may not need periodic recertification or replacement of energetics and may not have a risk of cook-off resulting from heat soak of thermally sensitive devices during operational and fault scenarios.

Abstract: A closed-loop hydraulic control system that may arrest the motion of attached devices in the event of loss of electrical or hydraulic power or in the event of an emergency. Gangways from a ship to a platform and ladders on fire trucks may have hydraulic control systems that allow for free motion in several different directions in order to keep stability in rough waters or shifting ground. If the gangway or ladder begins to fall due to loss of hydraulic power or a failure in the securing of one end, the closed-loop control system may detect these situations and actuate the closing of valves to limit or stop the falling motion of the gangway or ladder. Various control or damping algorithms may be employed to yield a desired and controlled arresting of motion so as to prevent injury and damage.

Abstract: This invention provides automatic testing systems and methods for testing for figural responses to a test inquiry. The testing system includes a test sheet of predetermined dimensions having a grid with a plurality of marking areas arranged in predetermined position and a figural arrangement having a first optical reflectivity arranged within the grid corresponding to one or more of the marking areas. The system includes indicia of a second optical reflectivity overmarking a selected number of the marking areas associated with the figural arrangement and optical scanning means having different optical sensitivities to the first and second optical reflectivities for scanning the sheet to determine the positions of the overmarked areas.