Abstract: A wing is presented that unfolds in a chordwise direction upon the launch of its aircraft at some velocity as it is projected into the air or launched from a moving craft at altitude. The wing is made up of two or more stiff, upper segments including the leading edge with foam used to complete the underneath wing shape. The foam is covered with a film of plastic or composite material to makeup the underneath shape of the wing as supported by the foam. The foam can be pressurized to enhance its final shape in support of the underneath film. The upper segments are joined by hinges using twisted, staked pins to provide force for the desired wing unfolding. Aerodynamic forces also enhance the unfolding motion. The wing can be used on a craft to be deployed at higher air speeds than any other type of folding wing of comparable stowing efficiency.

Abstract: The capture of payloads carried by a descending parafoil is facilitated by the use of a trailing line from the parafoil that is snagged by a hook on a recovery line from a helicopter. The trailing line can be more easily snagged by the use of a drogue at its end to facilitate the extension of the trailing line. The trailing line can take the form of a loop extending from the parafoil canopy. The trailing line can actuate a slider to collapse the parafoil's suspension lines and canopy for easier handling by the capturing helicopter. Cutters can be installed on the lines holding the load to cut those lines when the recovery line pulls to hoist the load, thus separating the parafoil from the load as the load is lifted by the helicopter.

Abstract: A method of gas tank ullage indication is designed to be made up of a coating or film attached to the surface of a tank for holding compressed gas. This is used normally when the tank is warm as is the case right after the tank is pressured with gas. The coating includes materials which change in appearance when various specific temperatures are reached. The changed appearance allows indications to be seen that tell the observer how the pressure will change after the tank has equilibrated to some specific temperature.

Abstract: To reduce the air drag on a moving truck-trailer a structure is mounted on the rear end of the trailer in a shape to encourage air penetration into the low pressure region behind the moving trailer by creating twin flows of air that fill the region directly behind the trailer. This inhibits the formation of vortices and reduces the severity of low pressure in the region. The basic form of the structure is a hollow pyramid with an open top and with its base against the rear trailer wall. There are two, open, side-by-side, deep, rectilinear cups with rounded bottoms facing rearward inside the hollow pyramid.

Abstract: A plastic, one-piece adapter for a printed circuit board (PCB) holds the PCB within a recessed area by means of a series of fixed, overhanging tabs and a series of snap latches, all of which are integrally molded as part of the one-piece adapter.

Abstract: A parachute has its suspension lines divided into groups, each group connected to the load through a linear actuator. During descent of the parachute, foreshortening of an actuator or of any group of adjacent actuators causes the parachute trajectory to move in the direction of the foreshortened actuator. Multiple parachutes connected to a single load, with each parachute being connected to the load through an actuator, can similarly have their trajectory controlled. The trajectory of the parachute can also be changed by a system of normally foreshortened actuators which lengthen by actuation. Simultaneous, rapid shortening of all actuators just before ground impact can be used to reduce the descent velocity at ground impact.

Abstract: An inflatable wing containing high pressure inflated spars incorporates open cell foam filling the space within the wing. The foam inflates to a shape in tension which defines the surface contour of the wing. An inflated tube, similar to the spars, is used as a torque tube to actuate the control surface of the wing.

Abstract: An automatic control of speed for a vehicle is based on using speed setting, actual speed, acceleration and the change of the slope of the road to set fuel flow for improved fuel mileage. The proposed system of sensors and a programmed computer automatically manages fuel flow to the engine as the truck moves in gusting winds and through transitions from one slope of the road to another. As the conventional cruise control operates to maintain or change speed according to a speed setting Vs the actual speed, the added control of this invention results in a modification of the signal to fuel flow depending upon what road slope change and acceleration is detected. The result is an improvement in fuel mileage.

Abstract: The ground impact velocity of a parachutist is reduced by a single, length-shortening, retraction device mounted between the parachute riser webbings. The gas generator-activated retraction device is activated by a ground proximity device based on electromagnetic or ultrsonic radiation reflected from the ground. The retraction device is fully integrated, eliminating any need for wires or connectors. An alternative design for the ground sensor is a wire-dangled mechanical ground sensor. The system allows steering of the descending parachute.

Abstract: An air beam made up of a cylindrical braid and lined with a gas-retaining bladder is improved in its resistance to wrinkling or buckling by incorporating linear bundles of fibers extending parallel to the axis of the cylindrical braid within the cylindrical weave and spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical weave. Another implementation is used when the required strength of the axial bundles implies that they will not fit within the braid, in which case, the bundles are made up into external straps retention means is a coating applied to the braided fibers.

Abstract: An inflated tube for use as a structual element has the distinction of using spiralling, high strength ribbons mounted on a fabric skin containing a bladder. Ribbons are also mounted on the outside of the skin parallel to the axis of the tube to reinforce the tube against bending forces. The use of ribbons provides a less expensive structural element than that made of woven fibers. The application is for only moderate loads and moderate spans compared to the those made of woven fibers.

Abstract: An amusement device comprises six rigid bodies permanently connected via six pivots in a closed loop, each body containing a track segment or track segments bearing game pieces movable in the track segments. Axes of the pivots form a symmetrical pattern around a line of symmetry, and as a consequence, the pivots allow the rigid bodies to be reoriented by a player, so as to align different track segments end to end. Game pieces can then be moved from one track segment to another. The object of play is to arrange game pieces in a specific pattern among the six bodies.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the maintenance of pressure within a vehicle wheel tire to a pre-set level with the air supply being produced by a pump which is driven by centrifugal force, i.e., the wheel rotation creates a centrifugal force which activates a weight to move a piston which pumps the tire inlet air. The pump can be mounted outside or inside the tire volume. Another pump uses the impetus from bumps encountered by the wheel to drive the pump.

Abstract: A radial internal combustion engine with a rotatable cam unit. A cam follower is attached to the end of each rod connecting rod for engagement with the cam unit. Rod guide means is provided to maintain alignment of the connecting rods. A further embodiment also provides that three rollers, which rotate about a common axis, provide engagement with the cam unit.

Abstract: A split keyboard adjustment system for left hand and right hand keyboards which can be separated allows each to be rotated independently about three axes. The purpose is to allow the operator a maximum of flexibility in setting the positions of his keyboards for his comfort or for a change of position of his arms, wrists and hands.