Abstract: A selectively engageable and interlocking cupholder assembly, which may be used an aircraft or vehicle interior while in movement.

Abstract: A selectively engageable and interlocking cupholder assembly, which may be used an aircraft or vehicle interior while in movement.

Abstract: A selectively engageable and interlocking cupholder assembly, which may be used an aircraft or vehicle interior while in movement.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) lamp is operable as a stroboscopic light source by reducing power and maintaining constant polarity at the lamp for a period of dimmed operation and exciting the lamp with aperiodic polarity reversals for a run up period before returning the lamp to steady state operation.

Abstract: A system for optically detecting an object comprises a light source associated with the object and operated to produce a temporal pattern of emissions and a detector, synchronized to the operation of the light source by signals from a global positioning system, to identify light emissions according to the temporal pattern.

Abstract: A hazard avoidance system for a vehicle utilizes data related to a location of a collision threat, conditions at the location, and vehicle operating parameters to select a light illumination routine that is optimal to attract the attention of and repel a collision hazard.

Abstract: An anti-collision system is provided to enhance the conspicuousness of an aircraft to a second aircraft presenting a collision threat. When the computer of an airborne Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) designates a second proximately located aircraft as a collision threat a traffic advisory is issued. A light controller responds to a traffic advisory signal from the TCAS computer by illuminating one or more of the aircraft's external lighting systems. TCAS II systems can also issue resolution advisory when the intruder poses a more immediate threat. A resolution advisory signal from the TCAS computer can be used to alter the lighting systems being activated or the rate of flashing to make the aircraft more noticeable. Alternating illuminating and obscuring of landing lights, taxi lights, deicing lights, strobe lights or rudder illumination lights enhances the conspicuousness of the aircraft to the crew of a second aircraft seeking to avoid a collision.

Abstract: The speedbrake of the present invention is comprised of a housing which can be stored in a faired surface of an aircraft which is not within the aerodynamic envelope of its wing. The housing is associated with a track system which permits it to be translated between a retracted position, where it is located inside of the faired surface, and an extended position, where it protrudes into the airstream to create drag when the aircraft is in flight. Pivotally mounted in the housing are plates which rotate up into the housing when the speedbrake is retracted and extend downwardly from the housing when the speedbrake is extended. The speedbrake is installed in pairs with one being located on each side of the aircraft. One of the speedbrakes is moved between its extended and retracted positions by a motor and the other speedbrake is connected to the motor-powered one by cables.

Abstract: A motor includes a pair of linear actuators having a rack connected to their actuation elements. The linear actuators are powered in a manner which causes them to oscillate. A pair of sector gears which mesh with the rack are rotatably mounted on individual shafts to rotate clockwise when the rack moves in one direction and counterclockwise when the rack moves in the opposite direction. One of the sector gears is coupled to its associated shaft through a counterclockwise one-way clutch and the other sector gear is coupled to its shaft through a clockwise one-way clutch. The shafts have intermeshing drive gears mounted on them and thereby rotate counter to one another. An output gear can be coupled to either drive gear through an idler gear which is engaged with the appropriate drive gear by a solenoid-operated carriage. When the rack is moving in a first direction one of the sector gears is coupled to its shaft through its one-way clutch to rotate the drive gears.

Abstract: A system for altering the lift/drag characteristics of powered general aviation aircraft whereby flight path control may be exercised. The control device operates in conjunction with such lift/drag altering devices, spoilers, dive brakes and the like, and is physically unitary with the pilot's operation of the throttle control. Utilizing a single control, the pilot may selectively maintain the craft without lift/drag modification, with automatic lift/drag modification at lower power settings such as under landing approach conditions and lift/drag modifications at higher power settings and without modifying the power setting. A vacuum operated valve having simple selectable operational modes provides flight path control desired. Vacuum distribution means, i.e., vacuum lines are provided from a vacuum source, to the vacuum valve and to the spoilers and dive brakes for bellows actuation of the lift/drag altering devices.