Abstract: A control line kite has a flexible cover over a framework of spars including a longitudinal spar and a transverse spar. The longitudinal spar carries a weight which is adjustable along the length of the spar between the nose of the kite and the point of intersection between the spars.

Abstract: A flap assembly attached to the undersurface of a wing of an aircraft. The size of the flap has been precisely designed in view of the size of the wing of the aircraft and also precisely located relative to the wing of the aircraft so that the flap can be used as an air brake to substantially slow the speed of the aircraft when landing without loss of lift thereby utilizing substantially less runway during landing. Also, the flap assembly can be deployed to increase lift for the purpose of utilizing substantially less runway during take-off.

Abstract: A shutter arrangement for closing an aperture formed in the fixed leading edge of an aircraft wing when a track supported slat moves from a stowed, cruise configuration in which it lies adjacent the fixed wing portion to a high light configuration in which it is spaced from the wing to define a slot. The aperture, which exist to accommodate the slat to track attachment `knuckles`, may induce undesirable flow disturbance in the slot formed between the slat and the fixed leading edge. The present invention provides a hinged retractable shutter for closing off the aperture when the slat is deployed. In the preferred arrangement the shutter is of multi-panelled hinged configuration and, in one described arrangement is of one-piece moulded composite rubber construction.

Abstract: A cargo handling system has a main drive panel and fore and aft end panels for driving cargo in one direction or the other in the cargo compartment of a vehicle such as an aircraft. The main drive panel is driven in either direction on a plurality of toothed belts which are anchored to the system floor panels, the teeth of such belts engaging the teeth of trolley wheels which are rotatably driven by the motor. The main panel is thus driven in trolly-like fashion along the drive belts in loading cargo. Each end panel is attached to a separate endless chain drive. The chain drives are selectively attached to the main drive panel and one or the other of the end panels drawn along with the main drive panel in the unloading of cargo.

Abstract: An electroexpulsive separation apparatus suitable for deicing of the leading edges of aircraft includes a pair of sheet-like arrays each containing in spaced-apart relationship a plurality of parallel ribbon-shaped electrically conductive members. The electrically conductive members are electrically interconnected such that any electrical current flowing in the conductive members flows in the same direction in adjacent electrically conductive members in the first sheet like member and also flows in adjacent electrically conductive members of the second sheet-like array in a direction opposite. The first and second sheet-like arrays are coextensive and superposed proximate to each other such that the electrically conductive members of the first and second sheet-like members are substantially parallel. The electrically conductive members are electrically insulated from one another.

Abstract: A steerable kite is disclosed that has lateral members, a cross-strut, a covering and a kite controlling apparatus. The lateral members are secured to each other at adjacent ends, and the cross-strut's opposing ends are each attached to a lateral member. The kite controlling apparatus is fastened at the connecting points of the lateral members and the cross-strut and lateral members. This arrangement of elements provides a kite with a single-chamber system that is operationally stable at various wind intensities.

Abstract: An escutcheon plate assembly that provides partial support for flexible sprinkler piping systems and the anchoring of sprinkler heads in ceiling and wall. The plate assembly also provides proper alignment to the attachment surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a discharge trough for use in combination with a discharge gate of a railroad hopper car. The discharge gate has slanted side walls terminating in spaced, longitudinally extending lips which define a longitudinal discharge opening. The longitudinal trough has a somewhat rounded or circular cross section and merges with the lips of the slanted side walls to define the discharge opening. The slanted side walls are generally flat in the area adjacent the lips, with the lips having a rounded contour merging into the somewhat rounded inner wall of the trough. There is a rod-like discharge valve positioned within the trough adjacent and slightly below the lips to control the flow of material through the discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a release device for a secondary parachute canopy intended to operate when during a descent after a main parachute canopy should have been opened by normal operation, the rate of descent exceeds a chosen value indicating some form of failure of the main canopy, comprising a negative rate diaphragm arranged to experience atmospheric pressure on a first side and a reference pressure on the opposite side, an operating member which is movable between a canopy retaining position and a canopy releasing position by movement of the diaphragm, a valve arranged to selectively open the chamber to atmospheric pressure to inhibit operation of the diaphragm, an air bleed arranged to allow air to enter the chamber during a descent to balance the atmospheric pressure on the diaphragm, and a float valve sensitive to rate of descent arranged to close the bleed when a chosen rate of descent is exceeded, thus to trap the reference pressure in the chamber and to apply operating differential pressure to the