Abstract: A system and method for exiting an overhead area in an aircraft. An egress apparatus is automatically moved from a closed state to an open state in response to opening a hatch that closes an opening in an overhead area in an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a platform attached to a substantially vertical structure by a first hinge structure. A guide panel is attached to the platform by a second hinge structure. The apparatus is configured to be moved from a closed state to an open state. The platform extends outward from the substantially vertical structure and under the opening in an overhead area in an aircraft when the apparatus is the open state. The guide panel extends upward from the platform when the apparatus is in the open state.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable geometry aircraft that is capable of morphing its shape from a symmetric cross-section buoyant craft to an asymmetric lifting body and even to a symmetric zero lift configuration. The aircraft may include variable span, length, and camber. The variability of the structure and the flexible envelope allows the aircraft to adjust its aspect ratio along with the camber of the upper and/or lower surfaces to achieve varying shapes. This transformation changes both the lift and drag characteristics of the craft and may be accomplished while the craft is airborne.

Abstract: Milk meter (10) for milking plants comprising an upper collecting chamber (30) delimited at the top by a covering membrane (33), a first discharge opening (22) connectable to a milk passage manifold of a milking plant, said first discharge opening (22) being adapted to put in communication the milk passage manifold with the upper collecting chamber (30), a lower measuring chamber (40) connected to the upper collecting chamber (30) and communicating with it by means of a second discharge opening (32), a shutter (31) comprising a central portion (36), adapted to open and/or close the second discharge opening (32), and an upper portion (37) connected to the central portion (36) and associated with the covering membrane (33), wherein the central portion (36) of the shutter (31) comprises a chimney (51) to discharge upwards, that is towards the upper collecting chamber (30) and towards the first discharge opening (22), the air rising from the lower measuring chamber (40) when the latter chamber becomes filled with

Abstract: An aeroponic root system comprises a plant cell having a first root chamber coupled to a second root chamber. A perforated divider may be disposed between the first root chamber and the second root chamber. In some examples, a fluid delivery system may convey water, nutrients, oxygen (e.g., purified oxygen gas), and/or carbon dioxide to the plant according to corresponding delivery schedules. For instance, water and oxygen may be conveyed into the first and second root chambers via a main supply line. Carbon dioxide may be conveyed to a base of the plant via a carbon dioxide delivery ring. In some instances, the delivery schedules may be determined by a type of the plant and/or a growth stage of the plant.

Abstract: A method of securing a split winglet to a wing tip of an aircraft includes fastening an upper winglet to an upper winglet attachment portion of a wing attach fitting having a wing attachment portion. The method further includes fastening a lower winglet to a lower winglet attachment portion of the wing attach fitting. The method additionally includes fastening the wing attachment portion to the wing tip using tension fasteners installed from an inboard side of the wing tip to secure the split winglet to the wing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to agricultural canopies used primarily to control the amount of light, moisture and heat reaching growing plants within the canopy footprint. More specifically, it relates to mechanisms for pulling a flexible canopy over a support structure and then for removing the canopy to uncover the structure and the plants below. The mechanisms include an arm mounted rotationally on a base. When the arm is rotated in one direction the canopy is pulled over the support structure and when the arm is rotated in the other direction the canopy is pulled off the support structure.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to deliver packages between an initiation point and multiple delivery points at a raised elevation. The UAV flies between points in an organized manner, using logistical, maintenance and safety software, commands from a delivery organization, and guidance tools to coordinate deliveries. One advantage of the system is that the UAV engages the delivery points at a raised elevation, rather than the ground level. The UAV docks through an elevated structure at the delivery point for delivering the package and replenishing a power source. The package is conveyed from a docking end and through a central shaft of the elevated structure by means of an elevator. The package then travels to a lower structure, such as a house or office, for pickup. After completion of the delivery, the UAV replenishes its power source and/or continues on the delivery route.

Abstract: Fishing rod holders with an upper orthogonal coupling and a lower orthogonal coupling, which allow for adjustment of angle and height without using tools (e.g., screwdriver, wrench, etc.).

Abstract: Disclosed is a garden planting guide/irrigation system. It serves as simple planting guide assembled in a grid formation creating individual squares to allow planting of one or several plants per square, while surrounding and irrigating plants at their base. This pre-assembled, ready-to-use system connects to an existing pressurized fluid source, and then irrigates by delivering fluid to various points throughout the grid patterned tubing which have a plurality of fluid distribution openings spaced in pre-defined intervals surrounding each planting.

Abstract: An aerodynamic body of an aircraft with an air outlet opening and an air intake opening that communicates with the air outlet opening via an air conduit is described. A flow delivery driver device for influencing the flow within the air conduit is integrated into the air conduit. The surfaces of the aerodynamic body in the body chord direction include at least one air outlet opening in the front region of the aerodynamic body, and at least one air intake opening on the upper surface of the aerodynamic body and in the rear region of the aerodynamic body and/or on the upper surface of the aerodynamic body in the trailing edge region and/or on the lower surface of the aerodynamic body in the trailing edge region. Arrangements of a main wing and an adjustable flap, and an aircraft with such an aerodynamic body are also described.

Abstract: A multi-washer function box defines an interior space for accommodating a pet. A drying hood with an air blowing unit is attached to the box for drying of a pet. The pet is prevented from coming into contact with the air blowing unit by a mesh that covers and air blowing unit. The user can control the delivery of air by opening one side of the washing chamber, or by positioning the drying hood in various partially open positions. An accessory table is attached to the box with hinges, and can be used for grooming Stretchable water-proof cords are attached to the box for holding a pet A water-proof accessory kit protects the air-blowing unit from contact with water during washing.

Abstract: A manual wing-fold mechanism provides a means by which to reconfigure the wing of an aircraft between a flight configuration and one that can be easily stowed and transported. The folding mechanism includes an extension tube that enables the outboard portion of the wing to be extended away from the inboard section of the wing, rotated about the lateral axis of the aircraft and then pivoted rearward so that the wing is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft along side the fuselage. The wing-fold mechanism is independent of the structural components of the wing used to convey aerodynamic loads during flight and provides a means for the user to bring the outboard wing section into a near alignment position while the wing-fold mechanism thereafter assists to refine the alignment into its final flight configuration.

Abstract: A retractable leash and collar/harness assembly. The assembly includes a hub that contains a spring member and leash line coiled and enclosed within the hub. The spring member and leash line remain in constant communication with each other. The hub contains an aperture through which the leash line can flow. Extending outwardly from the hub are snap buckles, one of which is structured to have a channel formed therein. The leash line can flow through the channel to a handle, which is contained within a pouch formed on the attached collar. When the leash is pulled, the handle separates from the pouch, followed by the leash line. Thus, when in use, the leash line follows a path of travel from the hub, through the snap buckle, through the pouch and into the external environment. In an alternative embodiment, the current invention may be a leash and harness assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle which can travel on land, in water, or through air has a body like that of an automobile with powered wheels for providing propulsion on land. The vehicle also has rotors for providing propulsion in air and wings for providing lift. Storage compartments conceal the rotors during land operation, and in this mode the wings are folded down against the body, over the compartments. The wings and the rotors can be deployed to convert the vehicle to flight mode.

Abstract: A termite barrier seal including a hollow seal body having a wall surrounding an axial bore extending from an insertion end to a surface end. A closure formation is located about the surface end for engagement with a closure for the orifice of the bore at the surface end of the seal body. A one-way valve at or intermediate the insertion end and the surface end of the seal body, the one-way valve arranged to permit liquid flow through the axial bore, but to prevent liquid flow to the surface end. An external seal about the seal body for sealing the wall of the seal body against the internal surface of a hole drilled through a concrete slab. An internal seal engages the seal body for sealing the wall against an external face of an injector when inserted into the bore of the seal body.

Abstract: A hermetically sealing, enclosure-type mousetrap is provided having a reusable housing and a disposable cartridge that contains an internal high voltage killing mechanism. Upon entry of a mouse into the cartridge through a rodent access opening, the opening is closed and the mouse is killed using the high voltage mechanism. Closure of the door hermetically seals the cartridge with the dead mouse inside, after which the cartridge can be disposed of without any contact between the user and the carcass along with any parasites and pathogens associated therewith.

Abstract: An improved electrofishing apparatus incorporates a system for generating the power transfer for a targeted fish species, a method for monitoring the power output of the electrofishing apparatus; a system to adjust the voltage, current, and frequency settings of the pulsator in the electrofisher in response to conductivity and temperature measurements.

Abstract: The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and is attached to an extension mechanism providing a tandem extension spring configuration attached to a pair of pulleys, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan, pivotally connected to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means, has a trigger mount to engagingly receive the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A control system for a missile includes a plurality of control surfaces that can be arrayed across a surface of the missile body, and a controller connected to the control surfaces to selectively move the control surfaces between an aerodynamic stowed position where the control surfaces conform to the surface of the body, and a deployed control position removed from the aerodynamic stowed position where the control surfaces extend from the surface of the body to interact with airflow over the body. The control surfaces are made of a material that includes a shape-memory alloy. Heating the control surfaces causes the shape-memory alloy to move the control surfaces from the aerodynamic stowed position to the deployed control position. By selectively extending and retracting the control surfaces, the control system provides the ability to control the missile's direction of travel or to reduce roll about a longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A claw (C) for a milking machine includes an enclosure having an upper part (1) and a lower part (2) and enclosing an inner space (3) for a milk flow during a milking operation. The lower part includes a bottom surface (4) facing the inner space. An outlet nipple (12), connected to a long milk conduit (13), extends outwardly from the upper part. A suction tube (20) connects the inner space to the outlet nipple, and includes a lower tube section close to the bottom surface. Three support legs extend from the lower tube section and abut the bottom surface, thereby forming a gap between the lower tube section and the bottom surface. Each support leg has an end point, which end points are located in a common lower plane. The common lower plane is inclined to the center axis.