Abstract: An energy attenuating apparatus for use with a seat includes an elongated attenuator having a resistance to bending which varies along its length. A bending mechanism defining a nonlinear path receives the attenuator. Translation of the bending mechanism relative to the attenuator in a lengthwise direction of the attenuator produces bending of the attenuator to absorb energy applied to the energy attenuating apparatus.

Abstract: An energy attenuating apparatus for use with a seat includes an elongated attenuator having a resistance to bending which varies along its length. A bending mechanism defining a nonlinear path receives the attenuator. Translation of the bending mechanism relative to the attenuator in a lengthwise direction of the attenuator produces bending of the attenuator to absorb energy applied to the energy attenuating apparatus.

Abstract: A method and kit for retrofitting an inertia reel door onto the seat back of a pre-constructed ejection seat. The method includes removing existing rivets from the seat back exposing rivet holes. Alignment holes are then drilled into the seat back. An aperture is cut into the seat back along flanges of an upper support bracket and a drogue chute bracket. A doubler is aligned with the rivet holes and alignment holes in the seat back and then attached to the seat back. A track is attached to a wall of the aperture and an inertia reel is mounted to the track. An inertia reel door is attached to the doubler.

Abstract: A rider slides down an inlet slide to a low entrance opening of a separate exit slide. The exit slide has an inclined portion along which the rider decelerates from the entrance as he or she moves upward, followed by downward travel along a predetermined path of the separate exit slide from a high elevation, past the entrance, to a low elevation.

Abstract: A rider slides down an inlet slide to a low entrance opening of a separate exit slide. The exit slide has an inclined portion along which the rider decelerates from the entrance as he or she moves upward, followed by downward travel along a predetermined path of the separate exit slide from a high elevation, past the entrance, to a low elevation.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat back for supporting a back of a seat occupant and a shoulder harness including at least one shoulder strap for restraining a shoulder of a seat occupant. The shoulder strap has a rear portion anchored in a manner enabling it to move in a height direction of a seat occupant. When the seat occupant tightens the shoulder strap, the rear portion can move in response to the tension to a position in which the shoulder strap extends substantially perpendicular to the back tangent line of the seat occupant. In this manner the shoulder strap can be automatically be adjusted in position for a wide range of seat occupants of varying heights.

Abstract: An energy attenuating apparatus for use with a seat includes an elongated attenuator having a resistance to bending which varies along its length. A bending mechanism defining a nonlinear path receives the attenuator. Translation of the bending mechanism relative to the attenuator in a lengthwise direction of the attenuator produces bending of the attenuator to absorb energy applied to the energy attenuating apparatus.

Abstract: A method of assembling and installing a flip-up pitots system in an ejection seat. A flip-up pitot mount may be fastened to any existing recovery parachute container assembly. Mounting holes are created for the various parts that comprise the flip-up pitots system using the sub-parts as templates. The flip-up pitot system sub-parts are then easily installed on the recovery parachute container assembly irrespective of the make or model of the recovery parachute container assembly.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning system and process for cleaning critical application gas systems and components, critical application fluid systems, and cryogenic systems. The aqueous cleaning system comprises multiple cleaning and rinsing stations, and a water purification and recycling system to implement a multi-step aqueous cleaning process. The multi-step aqueous cleaning process includes a pre-cleaning step, a rinsing step, a final cleaning step, and a final rinsing step. The rinsing step includes primary and secondary rinsing stages. The aqueous cleaning system is portable and self-contained and the aqueous cleaning process may be utilized in batch or lot type cleaning as well as in situ system level cleaning.

Abstract: An energy attenuation system for absorbing at least a portion of the force impulse imparted to an occupant of an aircraft during a crash. The energy attenuation system comprises a seat and an air bag module. The air bag module includes an air bag positioned and deployable below the seat. The air bag allows the seat and its occupant to move in the direction of the applied impact forces under a controlled stroking force. Accordingly, the occupant may be exposed to a force having a magnitude substantially less than the magnitude of the force on the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a basic method for producing high purity silica and ammonium fluoride from silicon tetrafluoride-containing gas, particularly the gas generated by acidulation. The basic method comprises recovering silicon tetrafluoride-containing gas from the acidulation of a fluorine-containing phosphorus source, separating liquid entrainment from the gas, converting the gas recovered to an ammonium fluosilicate solution, and ammoniating said ammonium fluosilicate solution to produce high purity silica and ammonium fluoride.

Abstract: An inflatable life raft which forms a passenger receptacle, has a removable canopy for covering the passenger receptacle and is formed from a flexible walled housing which includes inner and outer walls, with a plurality of chambers being formed between the walls. A bleeder mechanism, in the form of a plurality of cords disposed in the chambers keep substantially all of the areas of the chambers in communication with each other so that inflation and more especially deflation, can be readily accomplished without forming air pockets caused by the inner and outer chamber walls sticking together precluding the free flow of air.

Abstract: A drain assembly for aircraft which is operable to provide a drainage outflow course for discharge of cabin collecting liquids in an aircraft to the outside environment when the aircraft is at ground level or operating at altitudes up to a certain height but which is operable to seal tight that drainage course when the aircraft is operating above that certain height so that cabin depressurization cannot occur through the drainage course.

Abstract: A container and method for compression packaging a compressible article which includes use of a container having two rigid sides each connected to the other at a first end establishing a spaced-apart, parallel, and substantially co-extensive relationship between the sides. The container also includes closure means at the other end of each side for releasably holding the sides in the relationship established by the first end against the face of the compressible article held therebetween, and retaining mean fixed along the sides of the container. The retaining means has an open condition which permits compression packaging of the article and a closed condition which retains the compressible article under pressure in the container until released by the closure means.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen system for use on aircraft in conjunction with an on-board primary oxygen supply system is designed to supply oxygen to aircraft personnel in the event that the on-board oxygen supply system fails. Additionally, if the aircraft personnel is forced to eject from the aircraft, the emergency oxygen system automatically activates to provide oxygen and simultaneously disengages all electrical connections from the aircraft frame. The system includes an emergency oxygen supply which is coupled to a differential pressure activated valve through an oxygen release valve, the oxygen release valve having the capability of being manually or automatically triggered.

Abstract: A mobile maintenance stand for servicing and transporting ejection seats utilized in aircraft includes a mobile platform having disposed thereon upright arms adapted to encompass an ejection seat and rotatable to expose the various portions thereof for servicing and maintenance of the wiring, electronics, etc. disposed therein. The platform is rotatable 360 degrees in a horizontal plane with the upright arms rotatable 270 degrees in a vertical plane and is mounted on a lower portion provided with wheels disposed at the distal ends of outwardly extending arms. The arms may be extended to provide additional stability and removable screw jacks are attachable on the arms to provide a rigid stable platform. Additionally included on the rotating base platform is a removable telescoping crane assembly that may be attached to an ejection seat disposed in an aircraft for removing the seat therefrom and placing it in position to be retained by the pair of servicing arms.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for applying equal force to opposite sides of a workpiece including an arm mounted on a frame for movement in a plane to be rotated into alignment with the workpiece. The arm is moveably connected to the frame and is guided into position to engage the workpiece by tracks and followers. The workpiece is engaged on opposite sides by a tool and an anvil which perform an operation thereon. The forces applied by the tool and the anvil are equalized by a pivotable member to prevent distortion of the workpiece while performing the operation. The pivotable member engages a biasing spring which is connected to the frame on its lower end and engages the arm on its upper end to urge the arm in one direction relative to the frame.

Abstract: A fluid hose connector capable of resisting transverse forces to avoid inadvertent disconnection from a mating connector includes an elongated hollow body which includes a first portion that provides an extending collar to restrain the lateral movement of a mating connector and a second portion which provides for connection to a source of fluid. The body portion includes a hollow coupling for removably retaining a mating connector and a hollow plunger which is adapted to be slidably received within the coupling. The plunger is provided with a first disconnect position which prevents fluid flow through the body and a second position which permits fluid to flow therethrough. A spring disposed within the body urges the plunger to the first or disconnect position so that when the connector is not mated, it prevents fluid flow therethrough as well as providing a dust cover for the connector opening.

Abstract: A restraining fitting suitable for use with a mating track member affixed to a flat surface includes an upper portion having a ring affixed thereon suitable for receiving restraining straps or, alternatively, may include a bracket for receiving other mechanisms such as seat legs, shelves, etc., on its upper surface. The lower portion includes depending protrusions adapted to be received into and cooperate with bore holes provided in the track member. A lower member formed to be slidably retained by the upper member provides displacement of the depending protrusions locking the restraining fitting in the mating track member without requiring movement of the upper member from its initial position.

Abstract: An anti-exposure jacket for covering the torso and arms of the user as well as the user's crotch incorporates insulation material and a removable inflatable bladder disposed between two layers of fire-resistant material. The bladder may be inflated either by a gas-powered valve assembly or by exhalation of the user into an oral valve. Fasteners are provided to store the crotch portion when not in use so that the jacket can be used for routine as well as emergency wear.