Abstract: A system containing a sensor suitable for pilot respiration inhalation gas data collection and a sensor suitable for pilot respiration exhalation gas data collection can be interfaced to a host computer or operate autonomously. The system or sensor components thereof can be used as a research tool for in-flight monitoring of physiologic effects on pilots' performance caused by the unique conditions faced during flight, in addition to human factors engendered during the course of their duty (fatigue, sleep loss, etc.).

Abstract: A pressure vessel including a boss, liner, and shell to create a vessel capable of storing high-pressure fluids with minimal weight. The boss includes a through aperture and at least one recess to receive at least one fastener. The liner includes an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an annular insert to receive the fastener(s). The interior surface defines an interior cavity of the pressure vessel. The liner is configured to secure the boss to its exterior surface using the fastener(s) and the annular insert. After securing the boss to the liner, the composite wrap is applied to the boss and liner so as to surround the liner and at least a portion of the boss.

Abstract: A pressure vessel including a boss, liner, and shell to create a vessel capable of storing high-pressure fluids with minimal weight. The boss includes a through aperture and at least one recess to receive at least one fastener. The liner includes an interior surface, an exterior surface, and an annular insert to receive the fastener(s). The interior surface defines an interior cavity of the pressure vessel. The liner is configured to secure the boss to its exterior surface using the fastener(s) and the annular insert. After securing the boss to the liner, the composite wrap is applied to the boss and liner so as to surround the liner and at least a portion of the boss.

Abstract: A water activated restraint release that is designed to be retrofitted onto an existing restraint system. The water activated restraint release includes a buckle and a tang to be secured to the buckle. The buckle includes a release mechanism and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly causes the release mechanism to release the tang in the presence of water, thereby releasing a passenger.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflator assembly. The assembly operates by puncturing a diaphragm of an associated container to thereby releasing a volume of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas, in turn, is used to inflate an article, such as a life raft. The inflator assembly is adapted to be either manually or automatically actuated. The various details of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable article that is designed to be launched to an intended target. The article is launched by a gun in an un-inflated state and inflates upon contacting water. The target can be, for example, a person being rescued. The article is initially stored in an outer layer of material. The outer layer of material may be shrink-wrap or a foam layer. The outer layer permits the article to be retained in a compact configuration prior to being launched. This, in turn, allows the article to be launched over great distances. The outer layer is designed to rupture upon inflation of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multipart valve assembly. The assembly can be used in selectively coupling two vehicles. The assembly includes inter-fitting male and female components and associated control valves. Coupling the male and female components establishes media (fluid or gas), communications, and electrical paths between space vehicles. This permits the passage of media from one vehicle to the other and likewise enables one vehicle to operate the control valve of the other vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for generating a volume of gas from solid and liquid generates. In one particular embodiment, a volume of nitrogen gas is generated by combining the output of Sodium Azide and liquid nitrogen. A vacuum is initially maintained about the liquid nitrogen container by way of a dewar jacket. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the disclosed gas generating device.

Abstract: The present invention of one embodiment includes a combined microclimate, thermal management, life-support system for care of patient and system for measurement of vital signs. The system of one embodiment, provides active external heating and simultaneously provides active internal heating.

Abstract: The present invention of one embodiment includes a combined microclimate, thermal management, life-support system for care of patient and system for measurement of vital signs. The system of one embodiment, provides active external heating and simultaneously provides active internal heating.

Abstract: A non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve under the control of a controller comprising a motor in rotational communication with a lead screw. The lead screw advances or retracts a valve stem connected to a valve stem cap. The valve stem cap has a valve stem cap passage. A valve end cap having a valve seat is provided and receives the valve stem cap such that the valve stem cap can contact the valve seat. A pressure relief device or shuttle assembly is positioned internal to the valve stem cap. The shuttle assembly is used for venting build-up downstream pressure through the non-magnetic latching servo actuated valve outlet, through the valve stem cap passage, around the shuttle assembly, through passages, into a pressure chamber, and to the nonmagnetic latching servo actuated valve exit where the fluid vents until the system is in balance.

Abstract: An adapter for converting a full size aircraft bomb rack into a rack capable of supporting reduced size bombs or stores. The full size bomb rack includes a bomb ejection mechanism capable of delivering an ejection force to a full size bomb. The adapter includes an elongated plate having a body portion defining a planar center portion and end portions. The end portions include laterally extending sway braces for reducing lateral swaying of the reduced size store or bomb. The adapter plate is mounted between the reduced size store and the full size adapter rack. The body portion of the adapter rack includes apparatus for ejecting a reduced size store from the elongated plate. A first opening is arranged adjacent to one end portion of the elongated plate for receiving fasteners carried by the reduced size store which attach the store to the full size bomb rack. These fasteners are passed through an opening in the elongated plate.

Abstract: A Regulator-Oxygen (ROX) Unit for regulating oxygen flow in an emergency oxygen distribution system in passenger aircraft initially allows unregulated surge of oxygen to purge ambient air from the system. After sufficient pressure is achieved in the system, the ROX unit regulates oxygen flow mechanically with a diaphragm engaging a regulator valve that responds to the pressure of the oxygen under the diaphragm to reduce the flow of oxygen through the ROX unit, which accounts for altitude changes by communicating the inlet pressure to the chamber above the diaphragm. A bleed exit allows the oxygen to escape to the ambient air. One or more aneroid valves serve to adjust the amount of oxygen allowed to exit through the bleed exit, allowing less oxygen to escape with increasing altitude. An increase in pressure above the diaphragm allows more oxygen to flow through the regulator valve.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve assembly for controlling oxygen flow from a compressed oxygen source in an aircraft includes: a valve housing, an inlet, an outlet, a passageway allowing flow of oxygen from the inlet to the outlet, a spring-biased conical poppet movable within the passageway; a spring-biased pressure regulating piston engagable with the conical poppet to maintain it in an open position, a push rod engagable with the conical poppet to maintain it in a closed position, and a movable seat in the passageway that engages the conical poppet to regulate gas flow through the passageway. Actuation of an electric motor assembly to cause the seat to move upward results in closing of the valve assembly and shutting off of the oxygen flow. Actuation of the motor assembly to cause the seat to move downward results in opening of the valve assembly and regulation of the oxygen flow.

Abstract: The present invention is a centralized flow control unit (CFCU) for regulating oxygen flow in a multiple user emergency oxygen distribution system in passenger aircraft. Upon activation, the CFCU initially allows unregulated flow of oxygen to surge into the distribution system to thereby purge the ambient air out of the system. After a sufficient pressure is achieved in the distribution system, the CFCU regulates the flow mechanically with a diaphragm engaging a regulator valve. The pressure of the oxygen under the diaphragm causes the regulator valve to reduce the flow of the oxygen through the CFCU. The CFCU accounts for changes in altitude by including a bleed passageway in the diaphragm. A small amount of the oxygen under the diaphragm bleeds to the chamber above the diaphragm then a bleed exit allows the oxygen to escape to the ambient air.

Abstract: A temperature compensation valve is hereby provided wherein the inner cavity of the valve comprises a puck, a metal piston (gas control device), and a spring. The spring serves to bias the piston towards the puck, and the puck expands and contracts proportionately in response to increases and decreases in temperature of the upstream gas. Furthermore, the piston will move accordingly, wherein an increase in temperature causes the expansion of the puck directing the piston in such a way to obstruct the orifice that allows the gas to pass through the valve, thereby controlling the gas flow to compensate for the pressure variations.