Abstract: A vehicle for transferring multiple payloads from the trajectory of an earth-launch vehicle to another trajectory. The vehicle includes an engine module, to which one payload is directly attached. A carrier member extends forwardly, enclosing the first payload, which is detachably secured directly to the support frame and adapted to carry the second payload in tandem with and forward of the first payload. Cantilever and linear loads are transmitted directly by the second payload to the support frame of the engine module. The second payload, the carrier member and then the first payload are sequentially separated from the engine module after achieving another, e.g., geostationary, orbit. The vehicle may have dual-mode capability in which it can carry a single, relatively larger (heavier) payload or two, relatively smaller (lighter) payloads.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effect of at least one of a plurality of forces acting upon a structure. Structural moment detectors, combined with external signal and data-processing components or structural information detectors which are unitary devices which include the signal and data-processing functions, are employed as an integral component of these systems. These systems include basic measurement systems, structural integrity measurement systems, applied structural measurement systems, applied load measurement systems, applied communication-detection systems and additional miscellaneous systems.

Abstract: A self-contained, unitary device for collecting and interpreting data reflecting the effect of a force acting on a structure includes a housing adapted to be attached at spaced points to the surface of the structure, an optical sensor within the housing for detecting the relative orientation of spaced surface coordinate vectors of the structure, circuitry within the housing for converting signals from the optical sensor to a form usable by signal-processing electronics also located within the housing. The output of this structural information detector embodies useful information which directly indicates the effect of the force acting on the structure.

Abstract: Sensors are carried by structural components, such as floors, walls, etc., of the building within the secure area. The sensor detects deflections of the various structural members in response to changes of the loading of structural members caused by the intruder and generates signals which are transmitted to a control center which receives the intrusion signals and generates alarm signals.The intrusion signals are transmitted to the control center through the building structure as impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the secure area which are responsive to the signals generated by the sensors.The alarm signals generated in the control center are transmitted to security systems located in the control center, such as automatic door locking mechanisms, lights, audible alarms, disabling gas injecting systems, etc., by means of coded impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the control center which are responsive to alarm signals.

Abstract: Structural moment detectors are carried by structural components, such as floors, walls, etc., within a desired secure area of a building structure. The structural moment detector detects deflections of the various structural members in response to changes of the loading of structural members caused by the intruder and generates signals which are transmitted to a control center which receives the intrusion signals and generates alarm signals.The intrusion signals are transmitted to the control center through the building structure as impulsive loads applied to the building structure by transducers located in the secure area which are responsive to the signals generated by the structural moment detectors.The alarm signals generated in the control center are transmitted to security system located in the secure area, such as automatic door locking mechanisms, lights, audible alarms, disabling gas injecting systems, etc.