Abstract: A threat detection system and method protects an object of interest (such as, but not limited to, manned and unmanned aircrafts, vehicles, vessels, and buildings) from potential weapons (such as, but not limited to, a missile, an aircraft, a vehicle, a vessel, or the like). The threat detection system transmits a hi-powered, extremely short-pulsed non-directional laser signal. Because the pulse time of the laser signal is so short (a few tenths of a nanosecond), the laser signal is substantially only reflected off optics that are pointed or aimed at the object to be protected. The reflected laser signals are received by the threat detection system and are then compared with the transmitted laser signals to determined the direction, speed, distance and potentially identity of the potential weapon. Because the threat detection system is not based on movement alone, it is capable of detecting a potential weapon while in flight or prior to launch.

Abstract: A pluggable conductor terminal includes a plug connector (6) with a pin guide (8) emptying into a contact space (5) and a conductor guide channel (24) with a conductor connection aperture (25) that is transformed into a central clamping space (19) in the clamp housing. The conductor guide channel (24) is inclined toward the pin guide (8). A contact piece (3) with a contact part (4) for the contact pin (7) is mounted in the contact space (5) with a clamp spring (15) for the conductor (33) in the clamping space (19). For the sake of simpler manufacture, the contact piece (3) and the clamp spring (15) are of one piece, and consist of an elongated, flat band (2) bent exclusively crosswise to its longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: A machine-tool turret-type unit includes a turret disk that is free to rotate about a rotational axis, and a housing on which to mount the turret disk is provided. The housing includes at least one securing device to be secured to the securing section of the machine tool. The securing device includes at least one securing surface to rest against the securing section of the machine tool. The rotational axis lies within a first plane defined by the securing surface(s).

Abstract: A method of processing and sorting aggregate materials includes providing an aggregate material processing device which has aggregate material holding region having an opening over which may be pivotably and removably placed an aggregate material sorting device. The method involves causing the aggregate material processing device to engage with a supply of unsorted aggregate material such that the unsorted aggregate is forced over the aggregate material sorting device thereby causing some of the unsorted aggregate material to fall through the sorting device and into the aggregate material holding region while some of the unsorted aggregate material remains on a top region of the aggregate material sorting device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a speed monitor apparatus for monitoring speed and acceleration of rotating turbine equipment (turbomachinery) and for operating an overspeed trip to shut down the equipment in the event that the speed or acceleration exceed predetermined thresholds. The invention provides a speed monitor module having an output switch comprising a plurality of armature clamped relays such that first armatures form a first electrical path only when both first armatures are open or when both first armatures are closed and second armatures provide a second electrical path when either or both second armatures are open or closed such that the second electrical path is discontinuous when either first armature is stuck in an open or closed position causing either second armature to remain floating between an open and closed position.

Abstract: A CNC machine for automatically re-indexing and machining multiple faces of a workpiece includes a traditional three-axis CNC machine and a gripper tool. A bar stock defining a first and at least a second workpiece is loaded within a first and a second vice on the table such that the first workpiece is disposed within the first vice and at least a portion of the second workpiece is disposed within the first and the second workpiece. The CNC machine machines the first face of the workpiece within the first vice. Next, the CNC machine grasps the first workpiece using the gripper tool removably disposed within the spindle. The first workpiece is re-indexed and is loaded into a third vice disposed on the table and the next face of the first workpiece is machined. A support rack is preferably used to support a portion of the bar stock overhanging the table.

Abstract: The present invention features a system and method for securely holding a fiber optic drop cable splice in place and for creating a watertight splice by encapsulating two or more fiber optic cables having one or more spliced fiber optic strands in an enclosure with an encapsulant to create a permanent, watertight fiber-optic splicing system and method.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed to improve the ability of a machine vision system to distinguish desired features of a target by taking images of the target under different one or more lighting conditions and using image analysis to extract information of interest about the target. Ultraviolet light is used alone or in connection with direct on-axis and/or low angle lighting to highlight different features of the target. One or more filters disposed between the target and the camera help to filter out unwanted light from the one or more images taken by the camera. The images may be analyzed by conventional image analysis techniques and the results recorded or displayed on a computer display device.

Abstract: A navigational computer design for high altitude and other similar navigational needs includes a processor, which receives as input signals from navigational and navigational related sensors such as a GPS, compass, inertial measurement unit and sensors. Processor utilizes the navigational information to provide a display to the user indicating present navigational positional information as well is providing a flight path to follow to the target. The navigational computer includes a device that enables it to operate in a peer-to-peer network with other similar navigational computers such that during use, users may track one another. Once on the ground, the navigational computer may be used to continue navigation.

Abstract: A multimodal vehicle includes a ground based vehicle with an attached high-capacity airfoil parachute for deployment. The ground based vehicle includes a drive system for use on either land, water or both. Furthermore, the ground based vehicle is sized and dimensioned for transport of multiple vehicles in a cargo plane. The high-capacity airfoil parachute allows high-altitude deployment of the multimodal vehicle. The risers to the parachute may be adjusted for powered parachute flight rather than free fall flight. The ground based vehicle may include a propeller for powered flight.

Abstract: A securing device for rear walls set in grooves of cabinet furniture exhibits at least one support element that can be placed in the angle area between the rear wall and a grooved sidewall and at least one other support element that can be placed in the angle area between the rear wall and a grooved shelf and/or top board. The support elements (10) exhibit contact sides that are each at a right angle to one another and diagonal to these contact sides a throughhole (12) for receiving a setscrew or a set pin. For purposes of easier handling and more reliable securing of the cabinet furniture elements, which are to be connected to one another in the corner area at an angle of 90 degrees, the at least two support elements (10) are integrated in one piece into the two legs (2) of a corner angle piece. At least one of the support elements (10) is formed at each of the legs (2) of the corner angle piece.

Abstract: An automobile seat with supporting frame, upholstery, and seat cover includes a seat body and a seat back, as well as at least one seat back region, such as a side wing on the seat back, whose height and shape in its use position extends forward over the central shape of the seat back. An elastic adjustment element and actuation medium for the adjustment element are positioned within the seat back or the side wing. The adjustment element and the deformed region in the seat back such as the side wing are so deformed by the actuation medium when the seat back is tilted forward from the use position into the tilted-forward position that the height of the seat back portion, such as the side wing, extending over the central shape is less than when in the use position.