Abstract: An adaptive guidance system (AGS) regulates the altitude and heading of a parasail to arrive at a target at a prescribed altitude. Since the altitude profile depends both on unknown wing loading, and wind magnitude and direction, the AGS estimates the glide slope and wind on the fly and provides a command to a stability augmentation system (SAS) that results in the desired glide slope and heading by performing a sequence of maneuvers and sensing the response. According to one embodiment, the SAS operates in the linear region and includes a PID controller that uses the difference between the actual heading and heading command to create an actuator output. The actuator output is limited by a position/rate limiter that imposes the physical limitations of the response time of the actuator/servos and position limits to prevent entering the nonlinear region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication network in which data can be routed from a terminal to a WAN over a plurality of communication links, the communication links connecting a plurality of terminals to the WAN and all of the terminals being interconnected by a LAN.

Abstract: A hand held mirror includes a body having a first and second body portion. The second body portion is arranged at a variable angle of between 0 and 50 degrees from the plane of the first body portion. A convex mirror is attached to the underside of the second body portion such that when the hand-held mirror is attached to the body of the user and raised or tilted slightly, the user has a view of the activities behind the user. The hand-held mirror may be attached to a piece of clothing or other article worn by the user including a glove or strap worn around the hand or lower wrist of the user. In addition, the hand-held mirror may include an additional device such as a watch, temperature gauge, altimeter, cell phone, radio, GPS, heart rate monitor, mapping device or turn signal indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting antenna coupling and for providing feedback cancellation in response to the antenna coupling includes a signal feedback cancellation circuit configured to be coupled between a signal receiver and a signal transmitter. The feedback cancellation circuit is responsive to received signals, amplified signals and the detection of signal coupling between a receiving antenna any transmitting antenna, for providing a feedback cancellation signal to a signal amplifier. The feedback cancellation circuit may employ time domain or frequency domain methods. In the case of a time domain method, the feedback cancellation circuit may further include a White noise generator which serves to the tune or adjust the feedback cancellation circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for an aircraft (10) that provides an IR decoy (12) for an incoming missile (18) to track instead of an engine (14) of the aircraft (10) is disclosed. The IR decoy (12) is deployed during or just after take off, and prior to landing to provide a signature (16) for any incoming missile (18). The IR decoy (12) provides a heat source (16) that has a higher radiant intensity than the hottest heat source on the aircraft (10), which is typically the engine (14), thereby providing a more attractive heat source for the missile (18). In another embodiment, a warning system (20) for an aircraft (10) detects an incoming missile (18), and deploys IR decoy (12) and creates an engine mask (22) by injecting an additive into the exhaust stream of the engine (14), thereby obscuring the radiation emanating from the engine (14).

Abstract: A bending device has a bending mechanism for bending an elongate object to be processed by holding the object by both a bending die and a clamping die and revolving the clamping die which is able to revolve around the bending die. The bending device includes a fixing base on which the bending mechanism is mounted. A chuck mechanism for holding the object is provided in the bending device, and the bending device is provided with an articulated robot for moving the chuck mechanism.

Abstract: A backup power supply includes at least one ultra capacitor to store energy. The backup power supply includes a multiphase boost converter to provide a relatively constant voltage level from the energy stored on the at least one ultra capacitor. A charging and discharging controller is used to monitor the status of a power supply and control the charging and discharging of the ultra capacitors.

Abstract: A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets may be irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets or alternatively, a volatile fluid with or without a metal nanoparticle may form the cavity. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating (if provided) and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction or from any other purposes.

Abstract: Reusable biopsy forceps having a handle located at the proximal end and an end jaw assembly located at the distal end. The handle and jaw assembly are connected by a flexible catheter tube. The handle includes a handle body, fluid inlet assembly, and catheter tube coupling. The jaw assembly consists of a housing composed of a first and second portion, which holds a pair of opposed jaws and a distal actuator. The distal actuator is connected to the handle by an operating cable located inside the catheter tube. The handle controls the jaws and contains a flush port to sterilize the interior of the catheter tube and the end jaw assembly. The reusable biopsy forceps may contain a locking mechanism that is attached to the arms of the biopsy forceps handle in order to aid in taking tissue samples.

Abstract: Biopsy forceps have a handle located at the proximal end and an end jaw assembly located at the distal end. The handle and jaw assembly are connected by a flexible catheter tube. The handle includes a body portion and an actuator portion that controls the jaw assembly. The actuator is axially displaced relative to the handle body to open and close the pair of opposed jaws. The jaw assembly consists of a housing composed of a first and second portion, which holds the pair of opposed jaws and a distal actuator. The distal actuator is controlled by the handle actuator which controls the jaws positioning. A locking mechanism is attached to the handle actuator and can lock the jaws in an open position. To close the jaws, the locking mechanism can be pushed to its unlocked position and the actuator slid to its back position.

Abstract: A contact insert for a connecting terminal of a multiplicity of mutually isolated connection elements, designed in particular for printed circuit boards, with a spring force element being mounted symmetrically, with the spring force element designed with a simple section geometry and its simple mounting together with the advantageous connection to the contact insert, results in a closed terminal cage which makes it possible to reduce the physical height of the dielectric housing to a major The connecting terminal is used as a linking element in printed circuit board connection technology for providing a reliable supply to industrial electronics and economic individual wiring on printed circuits.

Abstract: A surge protector includes a housing with connectors for passing through an electrical lead that is to be protected, whereby a surge voltage discharge device is located inside the housing and a mounting base for placement on a mounting rail is located on the outside of the housing. The mounting base on the housing exhibits a power surge proof discharge contact for contacting the mounting rail with the discharge contact being connected to the discharge connector of the surge protector. An attachment is connected in a removeable fashion to the mounting base which includes a contact component which contacts the discharge contact of the mounting base and is connected in an electrically conducting manner with a lead that exits the attachment.

Abstract: A generally horizontal distensible tube (1) in the sea containing fluid and oriented in the direction of wave travel, the distensibility being chosen so that the propagation velocity of pressure waves inside the tube (bulge waves) is the same as the velocity of propagation of the waves in the sea. Energy is then transferred from the ocean waves to the bulge wave. Energy extraction means (84, 85) at the stern and/or bow convert the bulge power to useful energy. Said energy extraction means may comprise pistons actuating pumps or linear or rotating generators, or one-way valves allowing the bulge wave to pump fluid via hydraulic accumulators through a turbine. The walls of the distensible tube (1) may be comprised partly of elastomer (86) and partly of inelastic flexible polymer coated fabric (87).