Abstract: A cargo barrier net (10) is preferably made of a high-strength, lightweight, low-elongation material such as a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR®, and includes straps (11, 13) intersecting at intersections (15) at varying angles. A stitching pattern (20) is applied at each intersection (15) which is configured so that it will not fail irrespective of the direction of the force applied to the intersection (15). A hook (16) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. A bracket (17) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach other portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. At least some of the straps (11) are interrupted and a link (18) is provided to selectively join the interrupted ends of the straps (11). The net (10) may thus be quickly removed to load and unload the cargo by releasing the hooks (16) and operating the links (18) to interrupt the net (10).

Abstract: A cargo barrier net (10) for retaining cargo within an aircraft fuselage in the event of a hard landing, crash landing, or in-flight turbulence is provided having a net structure made from Kevlar.RTM. or other materials having a high strength-to-weight ratio and end loops (20) made from straps of nylon or other materials having the ability to elongate and distend under an applied load. The end loops (20) attach the net structure to the tie-down frame within the aircraft's cargo compartment and, in the event of a hard landing or in-flight turbulence, the end loops (20) function to absorb forces placed upon the cargo barrier net (10) by elongating and distending under the shifting load. The cargo barrier net (10) also provides the advantage of being light weight due to the ability to use light weight, high strength materials such as Kevlar.RTM.

Abstract: A rescue ramp (10) for use by a watercraft (11) includes a laterally extending first inflatable tube member (14) attachable to the watercraft (11). Second spaced inflatable tube members (15) are connected at one end to and extend longitudinally from the ends of the first tube member (14). A third inflatable tube member (16) is connected between the second tube members (15) near the other end thereof and is adapted to be positioned in the water. A ramp (17) is connected to the first and second tube members (14, 15) so that when the rescue ramp (10) is inflated and attached to the watercraft (11), a person may traverse from the water to the watercraft (11) or from the watercraft (11) to the water. The first tube member (14) is attached to the watercraft (11) by means of a girt bar (23) releasably mounted on the watercraft (11). The girt bar (23) is connected to a first flap (26) which is detachably connected to a second flap (20) attached to the first tube member (14).

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly (10) is provided around the doors (11) of adjacent railway cars (12) and together adjacent diaphragm assemblies (10) enclose the passageway between adjacent railway cars (12). Each diaphragm assembly (10) includes a mounting plate (15) having vertical sections (17, 18) at the side of door (11) and an arch portion (19) above door (11) mounted to a car (12). The mounting plate (15) is of a predetermined lateral width and carries side portions (22) of a flexible membrane (21). A bridge portion (23) of flexible membrane (21) extends between side portions (22) and is attached to a face plate (25) which has vertical sections (26, 27) at the side of door (11) and an arch portion (28) above door (11). The face plate (25) has a predetermined lateral width greater than the width of mounting plate (15). Face plates (25) of adjacent cars ( 12) are adjacent to each other and a seal assembly (40) may be provided between the arch portions (28) thereof to prevent liquid from entering the passageway.

Abstract: A portable inflatable shelter (10) for temporarily covering a portion of an object, such as an aircraft engine (12), while partially resting on another portion of the object, such as an aircraft wing (13), includes a plurality of inflatable interconnected tubes (15-25) which carry fabric (26) extending therebetween. When the tubes (15-25) are inflated, the shelter formed thereby includes a roof section over the portion of the object, side sections on each side of the portion of the object, a front access opening, and an overhang section resting on the other portion of the object. The shelter (10) is erected by positioning the uninflated shelter adjacent to the portion of the object to be covered with the front access opening facing the ground. Guy lines (31,33) are then attached from one of the side sections of the shelter to a first point (32) on the ground. Additional guy lines (34,36) are attached from the other side section to a second point (35) on the ground.