Abstract: A system and method for refurbishing and processing parachutes is disclosed including an overhead monorail conveyor system on which the parachute is suspended for horizontal conveyance. The parachute is first suspended in partially open tented configuration wherein open inspection of the canopy is permitted to remove debris and inspect all areas. Following inspection, the parachute is transported by the monorail conveyor to a washing and drying station with the parachute canopy mounted on the conveyor in a systematic arrangement which permits water and air to pass through the ribbon-like material of the canopy. Following drying of the parachute, the parachute is conveyed into an interior space where it is finally inspected and removed from the monorail conveyor and laid upon a table for folding. Following folding operations, the parachute is once again mounted on the conveyor in an elongated horizontal configuration and conveyed to a packing area for stowing the parachute in a deployment bag.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus delivering an extinguishing agent through a barrier surrounding a structure into the interior thereof. The apparatus includes an elongated tubular nozzle body which has a pointed penetrating head carried on one end of the tubular body. A source of extinguishing agent is coupled to the opposite end of the tubular body and is fed therethrough and passes through passages adjacent the head for delivering the extinguishing agent to the interior of the structure. A slidable mass is carried on the tubular body on a remote end of the tubular body from the penetrating head. By manipulating the slidable mass and bringing such in contact with an abutment the force imparted to the tubular body causes the head to penetrate the structure.

Abstract: A coupling for use in an apparatus for connecting a prosthesis to the bone of a stump of an amputated limb which permits a bio-compatible carbon sleeve forming a part of the prosthesis connector to float so as to prevent disturbing the skin seal around the carbon sleeve. The coupling includes a flexible member interposed between a socket that is inserted within an intermedullary cavity of the bone and the sleeve. A lock pin is carried by the prosthesis and has a stem portion which is adapted to be coaxially disposed and slideably within the tubular female socket for securing the prosthesis to the stump. The skin around the percutaneous carbon sleeve is able to move as a result of the flexing coupling so as to reduce stresses caused by changes in the stump shape and/or movement between the bone and the flesh portion of the stump.

Abstract: A telephone multiline signaling system using a common signal pair of lines for transmitting coded electrical signals for selectively connecting one or more of a plurality of telephone lines to a telephone line or channel located at an operator's console. The operator can rapidly and automatically produce coded electrical signals by manipulating mechanical thumb wheel switches so as to instruct a service center to connect any one or more of a plurality of telephone lines to the console so as to enable the operator to listen and/or talk over a plurality of lines simultaneously. The system includes an on-site console having a plurality of mechanically operated thumb wheel switches provided thereon on which the desired lines to be connected thereto can be dialed in. Electrical coded signals are fed to a plurality of banks of line AND gates representing units, tens and hundreds, a group of channel gates and a command gate.

Abstract: Illumination control apparatus for supplementing light from solar radiation with light from an artificial light source to compensate for periods of insufficient levels of solar light to maintain a desired illumination level within an interior space comprising an artificial light source connected to an electrical power source with switch means for selectively energizing said light source, actuator means for controlling the on-off operation of the switch means, a light sensor connected to the actuator means for controlling the actuator means in response to the illumination level of the interior space, and a limit switch carried adjacent the actuator for limiting the movement of the actuator within a predetermined range so as to prevent further movement thereof during detection of erroneous illumination conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the intensity of current produced in an elongated electrical conductive member by a lightning strike for determining the intensity of the lightning strike. The apparatus includes an elongated strip of magnetic material that is carried within an elongated tubular housing. A predetermined electrical signal is recorded along the length of said elongated strip of magnetic material. One end of the magnetic material is positioned closely adjacent the electrically conductive member so that the magnetic field produced by current flowing through said electrically conductive member disturbs a portion of the recorded electrical signal directly proportional to the intensity of the lightning strike.

Abstract: A cable fault locator for sensing faults such as short circuits in power cables. The apparatus includes a plurality of current transformers strategically located along said cable. Trigger circuits are connected to each of the current transformers for placing a resistor in series with a resistive element responsive to an abnormally high current flowing through that portion of the cable. By measuring the voltage drop across the resistive element, the location of the fault can be determined.

Abstract: A circuit for adjusting the amplitude of a reference signal to a predetermined level so as to permit subsequent data signals to be interpreted correctly. The circuit includes an operational amplifier having a feedback circuit connected between an output terminal and an input terminal; a bank of relays operably connected to a plurality of resistors; and a comparator comparing an output voltage of the amplifier with a reference voltage and generating a compared signal responsive thereto. Means is provided for selectively energizing the relays according to the compared signal from the comparator until the output signal from the amplifier equals to the reference signal. A second comparator is provided for comparing the output of the amplifier with a second voltage source so as to illuminate a lamp when the output signal from the amplifier exceeds the second voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring, analyzing and accurately determining the value of peak current, the peak rate of change in current with respect to time and the rise time of the electrical currents generated in an electrical conductive mast that is located in the vicinity where lightning is to be monitored. The apparatus includes an electrical coil for sensing the change in current flowing through the mast and generating a voltage responsive thereto. An on-site recorder and a recorder control system records the voltages produced responsive to lightning strikes and converts the voltage to digital signals for being transmitted back to the remote command station responsive to command signals. The recorder and the recorder control system are carried within an RFI proof environmental housing into which the command signals are fed by means of a fiber optic cable so as to minimize electrical interference.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring current waveforms produced by lightning strikes which generate currents in an elongated cable. These currents are converted to voltages and to light waves for being transmitted over an optical cable to a remote location. At the remote location the waves are reconstructed back into electrical waves for being stored into a memory. The information is stored within the memory with a timing signal so that only different signals need be stored in order to reconstruct the wave form.

Abstract: An ocean thermal plant consisting of a floating energy converter utilizing large volumes of sea water to produce electrical power. In this plant, a fluid working medium is pumped to an evaporator where it is heated by a flow of warm surface sea water. The fluid in liquid form boils to a pressurized gas vapor which is routed to drive a turbine that, in turn, drives a generator for producing electricity. The gas vapor then enters a condenser immersed in cold sea water pumped from lower depths. The gas vapor condenses to its original liquid form and is then pumped to the evaporator to repeat the cycle. Modular components can be readily interchanged on the ocean thermal unit and inlet pipes for the sea water are provided with means for maintaining the pipes in alignment with the oncoming current. The modular construction allows for the testing of various components to provide a more rapid optimization of a standardized plant.

Abstract: A computerized field meter calibration system which includes an apparatus for testing the calibration of field meters normally utilized for measuring electromagnetic field potential. A reference voltage is applied to the field meter for causing signals to be produced on the output terminals thereof. A bank of relays is provided for selectively connecting output terminals of the field meter to a multiplexer by means of a digital voltmeter and an oscilloscope. A frequency-shift-keyed receiver is also connected to one of the terminals of the field meter for transmitting and converting a frequency shift keyed signal to a digital signal which is, subsequently, applied to the multiplexer. A microprocessor is used for generating coded command signals to the bank of relays and also to the multiplexer for controlling the comparison of the output signals with information stored within the microprocessor to determine if the field meter is properly calibrated.

Abstract: An electronic hearing aid device for enabling persons having loss of hearing due to a nonfunctioning inner ear (Cochlea), but have a responsive auditory (acoustic, or eighth cranial) nerve, to hear by way of an electronic device including a microphone for receiving audio signals connected to an amplifier for converting the audio signal into an analog voltage signal. The analog voltage signal is filtered by a series of filter networks which separate the analog voltage signal into a plurality of frequency component signals each having a predetermined frequency range within the audio spectrum. The component analog voltage signals are then converted into digital pulse signals having the same frequency as the component voltage signal which are fed to the auditory nerve by way of implanted platinium (or other) wires wherein the digital pulse signals more accurately simulate the natural sound signals transmitted to the brain for interpretation.

Abstract: A multiplex optical transmission system for simultaneously transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals while minimizing external interference. The system includes a plurality of subgroup mixers wherein video signals, digital data signals, and audio signals are supplied to the respective subgroup mixers for being blocked into respective frequency ranges. The output of the subgroup mixers are, in turn, fed to a master mixer that produces a composite electrical signal therefrom. An optical transmitter is connected to the master mixer for converting the composite signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal over a fiber optic cable. An optical receiver is connected to the other end of the fiber optic cable for receiving the optical signal and converting such back into a composite electrical signal. A de-multiplexer is coupled to the output of the optical receiver for separating the composite signal back into a composite video, data, and audio signals.

Abstract: A rotational joint assembly for a prosthetic leg which enables an artificial foot to rotate slightly when a person is walking, running or turning. The prosthetic leg includes upper and lower tubular members with the rotational joint assembly interposed therebetween. The rotational joint assembly includes a restrainer mechanism which consists of a pivotably mounted paddle element engaging a resilient device for applying a limiting force to control the rotation of the foot and also restoring torque to return the foot back to its initial position.

Abstract: A biomedical percutaneous connector for providing electrical connection between electrical conductors carried externally of a patient's body and electrical conductors implanted within the body of the patient. The connector includes a socket having an enlarged disk shaped base portion for being implanted below the patient's skin. A cylindrical portion is integral with the base portion and extends outwardly of the skin. A conical recess is provided in an upper end of the cylindrical portion and has a magnet located in the base thereof. Inclined conductive strips are carried on an upper end of the cylindrical portion adjacent the conical recess to which electrical conductors are attached and extend into the patient's body. A complementary shaped plug which also has electrical contacts provided thereon is adapted to fit within the conical recess of the socket. Guide grooves and protrusions are provided on the socket and plug for aiding in positioning the plug relative to the socket.

Abstract: A percutaneous connector device for facilitating the passage of electrical signals from an external source through the skin of a patient to internal portions of the body such as muscles and nerves. The connector device includes a bio-compatible shell having an enlarged disk shaped portion for being implanted below the skin of the patient. The shell has a first and second electrically conductive post carried therein upon which a plug can be readily connected and disconnected therefrom. A modified form of the invention utilizes a unipolar connector that is adapted to be plugged into a shell implanted below the skin of a patient. Both of the connector devices are designed so as to be separated when a predetermined force is applied thereto in order to prevent excessive force from being applied to the implanted bio-compatible shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a prosthesis to a bone of a stump of an amputated limb such as the arm or leg of a person. The apparatus includes a tubular female socket adapted to be inserted within an intermedullary cavity of the bone. The tubular socket has an open lower end with a sleeve of bio-compatible material permitting access through the skin of the amputee's stump. The prosthesis has a contoured support for receiving the stump of the amputee. A quick disconnecting lock pin is carried adjacent the center of the contoured support. The lock pin is adapted to be received within the female socket for securing the prosthesis to the tubular female socket carried within the bone. The mounting for the lock pin is adjustable so that the degree of support provided through the bone as compared to the degree of support provided through the flesh of the stump engaging the wall of the prosthesis can be varied.