Abstract: Aircraft-vision systems and methods for maintaining situational awareness and spatial orientation are described. In one aspect, a holographic image with visual cues is projected into a peripheral area—from the pilot's perspective—of an aircraft cockpit, such that visual cues stimulate the pilot's peripheral vision. These visual cues help the pilot to maintain spatial orientation in visually deficient flight conditions without increasing pilot workload.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing or eliminating Coriolis-tumbling sensations on a trainee in a centrifuge-based simulator is described. In one example methodology, a simulator transitions its rate of rotation to replicate flight conditions in which G-forces are unloaded on a trainee from a first-G-force value to a nominal-G-force value. Before reaching the nominal-G-force value, an intermediate-G-force value—which is more than the nominal-G-force value, but less than the first-G-force value—is imparted and maintained on the trainee for a suitable duration of time. This intermediate-G-force value may be determined based on several factors including: (i) the angle of rotation of a gondola at during the first-G-force value, and/or (ii) the first-G-force value. After the intermediate-G-force value is imparted and maintained for a suitable duration of time, the G-forces imparted on the trainee may be further unloaded till the nominal-G force value is reached.

Abstract: A hyperbaric apparatus with storage compartment is provided comprising a chamber for housing a patient and administration of hyperbaric therapy, a moveable patient support platform for receiving the patient and for transferring the patient into and/or out of the chamber, and a base comprising a storage compartment for stowing a patient transport device. The storage compartment conveniently stows the patient transport device, excluding it from the space surrounding the hyperbaric chamber, thereby freeing-up floor space surrounding the hyperbaric treatment area, while keeping the transport device close-at-hand for removal of the patient upon the conclusion of hyperbaric treatment.

Abstract: A process for providing upset recovery training (URT) includes using a sustained-G multi-axis platform (e.g., a centrifuge-based simulator). Various embodiments of the present invention address an important aspect of URT that is not present in the prior art, namely the placing of physiological stresses on the trainees during URT, such as sustained motions including, but not limited to, sustained, elevated G-forces and continuous rotational cues. Elevated, sustained, G-forces and continuous rotational cues can create many physiological challenges to aircrew. These challenges can include motion discomfort, disorientation, and visual disturbances. Embodiments of the present invention provide URT that includes physiological stresses on the pilot. If a pilot learns the correct procedures for recovery from an upset, as in the prior art URT programs, but cannot execute the procedures in the real world because he or she has not been prepared for the physiological environment to be faced, then safety is compromised.

Abstract: Some implementations include a method for operating a centrifuge-based-flight simulator in at least one of several different modes: a heightened G-force mode, a normal G-force mode; and transition modes (i.e., ramp-up or ramp-down modes) between the heightened G-force and normal G-force modes. During the normal-G-force mode the simulator ceases planetary motion altogether or substantially decreases rotations to replicate a plurality of flight conditions that physically imparts, on the trainee during operation of the simulator, a G-force that is not greater than approximately one (1) G. The reduction of planetary motion while maintaining realistic motion and force sensations that are appropriate for the virtual-flight conditions being experienced allows realistic flight simulation experience for the trainee and reduces the negative effects of constant planetary motion.

Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.

Abstract: A robust, lightweight g force trainer having low moment of inertia is powered by a relatively low horsepower motor. The trainer has an onset rate of 6 g/sec. or more and idle speed of approximately 13 rpm. The natural frequency of the trainer arm is in excess of 6 hz. The trainer includes a computerized target tracking and missile avoidance system, including a heads up display field at the pilot gondola, and a computerized medical monitor.

Abstract: A chamber door lock for a roller lock system wherein a vertically reciprocable locking bar is provided with a series of rollers and a vertically reciprocable chamber door is provided with spaced block weldments. The chamber door lock includes a cam beam pivotably mounted on the chamber and coupled to the locking bar. Upward movement of the locking bar to its uppermost position clears the rollers from the door block weldments and swings the cam beam away from the top of the door to a clearance position whereby the chamber door can be raised and swung to an open position. Downward movement of the locking bar to its lowermost position moves the rollers into engagement with striker plates on the door block weldments thereby urging the door against the chamber face so as to compress the door gasket and seal the chamber face.

Abstract: Spatial disorientation trainer-flight simulator wherein a cockpit is gimballed on three independently-controlled axes, i.e., pitch, roll and yaw, which revolve about a planetary axis. Rotation of the cockpit about the planetary axis is controlled by a remote console computer. Rotation of the cockpit about the pitch and roll axes is controlled by an on board cockpit computer alone or in combination with the console computer. Rotation of the cockpit about the yaw axis is controlled by the console computer alone or in combination with the cockpit computer. Slip rings are employed at the planetary and yaw axes so as to provide 360.degree. cockpit rotation about each axis. Rotation about each of the pitch, roll and yaw axes is effected by a high torque direct drive dc motor under control of the computers. Smooth, continuous motor operation is possible over a wide range of speeds, including sub-threshold speeds not detectable by the pilot.

Abstract: A digital IR gas analyzer comprises a sample cell having a conical shaped interior wall and a filter wheel provided with HC, CO and CO2 interference filters. The filter wheel and IR detector are temperature stabilized. The HC, CO and CO2 gas samples are normalized to a precision reference voltage. The normalized samples are digitized and processed, i.e., for linearization, cross-talk correction and zero drift temperature compensation, by a digital processor. The processed samples are then converted to analog to drive HC, CO and CO2 meters. HC, CO and CO2 gas channels are zeroed simultaneously and calibrated automatically in response to control panel switches.

Abstract: A plurality of valves, including ball valves, regulates the flow of a sterilizing agent to and from a sterilizing chamber. Rotary means connected to a ball valve regulates the flow of the sterilizing agent through the valve. Driving means cause the rotary means to rotate, thereby opening or closing the ball valve at predetermined times. A plurality of switches regulate the driving means, and circuit means connected to the switching means regulate the temperature and pressure in the chamber in timed relation with the driving means. Camming means coupled to the driving means operate the switching means in timed relation with the driving means.