Abstract: A method of identifying the position of an opening, for example a door or a cargo bay, or the like of an aircraft, said opening having a predetermined perimeter, said method comprising: i) providing at least one passive target means (10, 11) proximate the perimeter of said opening and preferably being disposed proximate the perimeter of said opening, and when said opening is a door proximate the four corners of said door, and in another embodiment said target means is provided as a cluster of targets for example, at least one target located proximate each corner of said door; ii) directing a preferably pulsing lighting means (30) on said target (10, 11), preferably a passive reflective target such as that manufactured by the 3M company under the trademark Scotchlite® in one embodiment being in the invisible spectrum such as infrared or the like; iii) providing a target identification means and preferably at least one camera (20) and preferably a digital camera synchronized with said lighting means (30) and pr

Abstract: A method of identifying the position of an opening, for example a door or a cargo bay, or the like of an aircraft, said opening having a predetermined perimeter, said method comprising: i) providing at least one passive target means (10, 11) proximate the perimeter of said opening and preferably being disposed proximate the perimeter of said opening, and when said opening is a door proximate the four corners of said door, and in another embodiment said target means is provided as a cluster of targets for example, at least one target located proximate each corner of said door; ii) directing a preferably pulsing lighting means (30) on said target (10, 11), preferably a passive reflective target such Passenger Bridge as that manufactured by the 3M company under the trademark Scotchlite® in one embodiment being in the invisible spectrum such as infrared or the like; iii) providing a target identification means and preferably at least one camera (20) and preferably a digital camera synchronized with said lighting

Abstract: An improved system is provided suitable for use in landing an aircraft (for example, helicopter, RPV, VTOL) on shipboard comprising a support, base, platform or housing, reciprocal from remote a landing area on the deck of a ship to a position proximate the landing area, the housing carrying an upwardly directed light sensor comprising a lens system and a pair of band-pass filters, one filter before the lens system of the sensor and one after the lens system, the filters each passing the identical wavelength of light at its center but which each need not have the same band width as the other, a pulse detector in close proximity to the upwardly directed light sensor, and means for securing the aircraft to the support, housing, base or platform.

Abstract: An improved system is provided suitable for use in landing an aircraft (for example, helicopter, RPV, VTOL) on shipboard comprising a support, base, platform or housing, reciprocal from remote a landing area on the deck of a ship to a position proximate the landing area, the housing carrying an upwardly directed light sensor comprising a lens system and a pair of band-pass filters, one filter before the lens system of the sensor and one after the lens system, the filters each passing the identical wavelength of light at its center but which each need not have the same band width as the other, a pulse detector in close proximity to the upwardly directed light sensor, and means for securing the aircraft to the support, housing, base or platform.

Abstract: A system for capturing a remotely piloted vehicle, the remotely piloted vehicle including a snagging line having a mechanism to be snagged at the end thereof. The system includes a snag mechanism for snagging the line of the remotely piloted vehicle, and a mechanism which funnels or guides the snag line on the remotely piloted vehicle to the snag mechanism of the system.

Abstract: An RPV, comprising means for engaging a snag line carried as part of a securing system which "snags" means (for example hook) on an RPV and assists the RPV to a safe landing, the snag line extending from a winch unit proximate the proposed landing area of the RPV to a position on the ship to which it is removeably secured and the end thereof carrying means to be secured to means on the RPV.

Abstract: An RPV for use on shipboard, the RPV having a lower support (for example a plurality of legs) comprising a plurality of broad pads at the lower end, a downwardly extending probe (or finger) extending from each pad, the lower end carrying wings within the probe that may be extended from the probe to extend laterally for securing below a grid through which each probe (or finger) may extend.

Abstract: A helicopter rapid securing and traversing system for securing a helicopter upon landing on the deck of a ship for subsequently traversing it from its landing position, the system comprising a housing reciprocal from a position remote the landing area to a position adjacent the landing area of the helicopter, the housing carrying a shock absorber and sensing structure extending across the housing for contacting a probe or other projection extending from the helicopter on the exterior of the helicopter when the helicopter has landed on the deck of the ship and the housing is brought to engage the probe or other projection, the shock absorbing bar and sensing structure for slowing and stopping the movement of the housing when the probe or projection is engaged and for cushioning the engagement and for sensing the position of the probe or projection, a carrier on the housing extending across the housing and carrying a securing structure thereon for securing the housing to the probe or projection on the helicopte

Abstract: Wind turbines, improved gear box assemblies, sub-assemblies and components therefor, and a braking system adaptable for use with such wind turbines and improved gear box assembly.

Abstract: Wind turbines, improved gear box assemblies, sub-assemblies and components therefor, and a braking system adaptable for use with such wind turbines and improved gear box assembly.

Abstract: An improved gear box assembly is provided for a vertical axis wind turbine, the vertical axis wind turbine having a rotor having a centrally disposed axis oriented in the vertical direction, a bull gear supporting the rotor, a base below the bull gear, the bull gear being adapted to rotate above the base, the bull gear and base presenting a hollow housing and shaft terminating in an inner end wall and end surface respectively, the housing for receiving the shaft, one of the said hollow housing or shaft being stationary and the other being rotatable with respect thereto and secured to the bull gear, the shaft and housing when secured together presenting a space between the inner end wall and end surface, bearings supported between the housing and shaft, and sealing means for sealing the space between the housing and shaft, a fluid passageway extending into the space created between the inner end wall and end surface for feeding hydraulic fluid under pressure into the space for hydraulically elevating the bull

Abstract: An upper head assembly for the top of a wind turbine comprising a guy wire coupling vertically displaceable by fluid below the coupling.