Abstract: A riding stirrup (10) includes a hanger rod (11) for connecting the stirrup to a saddle, and a stirrup loop (12) connected to the hanger rod. The stirrup loop (12) defines a stirrup opening (14) through which a rider may extend their foot when the rider is sitting in the saddle. The stirrup loop (12) also includes an elongated base support tread (17) positioned generally at the bottom of the loop. The base support tread (17) extends at a slant with respect to a stirrup centerline (CL) which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hanger rod (11), through a midpoint of the rod, and through the base support tread. This slant places the distance between an outer tread section (21) and the hanger rod (11) greater than the distance between an inner tread section (20) and the hanger rod.

Abstract: A food dish separable into two parts and having a central tapered post construction that provides a secure, self-adjusting, and non-wobbling fit of upper and lower members together while they are connected, but which permits easy separation thereof when needed to clean the upper food-holding member. The upper and lower members are substantially similar in diameter dimension so that animals do not have access to the contents of the lower member. It is contemplated for the lower member to hold a fluid or viscous material that prevents crawling insects, particularly ants, from gaining access to food in the upper member. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use with cat food, dog food, and food for puppies and other animals that is made continuously available for on-demand consumption, and to keep crawling insects out of food scraps and residue left in food dishes after an animal has eaten.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10). One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom ( 11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10). One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing odors of livestock confinement operations which utilizes a V-shaped filter of wood chips disposed in front of exhaust fans from manure pits under a livestock confinement building and a method of cleaning the wood chips involving spraying them with a solution.

Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles used in equestrian sports (e.g. curb bits) has a first chain element and a second chain element. The first element has members formed of loops that are twisted in one direction, and the second element has members formed of loops that are twisted in the opposite direction. The first element and the second element are linked by at least one connecting ring and are capable of being connected to the bridle.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the performance of a foil (100) by using tip droop (102) having an inward directed camber capable of generating an inward directed lifting force on the tip droop (102) in order to control spanwise flow conditions adjacent the tip (112) of a foil (100). Methods for varying the inward lifting shape of a tip droop (102) are provided along with methods for varying the angle of attack and camber of the tip droop (102) as the angle of attack of the foil (100) is changed and as spanwise flow conditions vary.

Abstract: An apparatus warns of differential pressure during the opening of a pressure-loaded door that closes an opening in an aircraft fuselage. An air guide passage extends from the side with higher pressure to the side with lower pressure. The air guide passage is closeable by a valve that is controllable with a control lever operatively Connected to a door opening mechanism. When there is a differential pressure between the two sides, upon opening of the valve the apparatus produces an acoustic signal as a differential pressure indication that is independent of a supply system and serves as a warning signal for the operator of the aircraft door.

Abstract: An aquarium water changing and stabilization system consists of an initial tank designed to stabilize and condition water before it is entered into a subsequent tank that contains live aquatic animals such as fish. This system has a cabinet that is designed to aesthetically enclose, protect and support the components of the aquarium while providing access to the system. Water is introduced into the system from existing hot and cold water plumbing which is connected to this system. Water exits from this system into existing sewerage plumbing which is also connected to this system. Conditioned water from the conditioning tank enters the main fish tank via plumbing from one tank to the other. In case too much water is introduced to either tank, overflow drains in both tanks prevent water from overflowing over the top of either tank. Plumbing check valves and ball valves create safe and easy plumbing.

Abstract: A cruise missile recovery system, for capturing a flying cruise missile and for guiding the cruise missile to a landing spot. The cruise missile recovery system has an intercept device for capturing the flying cruise missile, a radio-controlled parafoil connected to the intercept device for allowing the intercept device and cruise missile to be guided to the landing spot during descent of the intercept device and cruise missile, after capture of the flying cruise missile by the intercept device, and a position-stabilized suspension vehicle for suspending the radio-controlled parafoil device and the intercept device at a stable location above the earth, prior to capture of the flying cruise missile by the intercept device.

Abstract: A method of forming ablative insulation coatings on aerospace structures and articles produced thereby. The method includes forming a mold having a cavity configured to complementarily receive at least a portion of the structure and directly molding the ablative coating to a surface of the structure by introducing a prepared ablative mixture, such as an epoxy resin, into the mold. The process may desirably include curing at atmospheric pressures to reduce the expense and equipment required in carrying out the process. The method of applying the ablative coating further includes features such as varying the thickness of the ablative coating from one portion of the component to another. Control of the thickness may be effected through use of spacers embedded into the ablative coating and formed of the same or similar material previously cured prior to placement in the mold.

Abstract: An automated carrier-based pest control system including a substantially automated sprayer. The system also includes a container in fluid communication with the substantially automated sprayer for holding a mixture of carrier-based ingredients, including one or more forms of wax, for discharge from the substantially automated sprayer. Also includes is one or more discharge control units operably connectable to the substantially automated sprayer and to the container for regulating discharge of the mixture of carrier-based ingredients.

Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes a guide line supported by a support body. Wind driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The guide lines add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more tow lines connected from the driven elements to power generation devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus. The method includes changing the driven elements between high and low force configurations for downwind and upwind operation, and flying the driven elements in a selected pattern perpendicular to the tow line.

Abstract: A momentum-control system comprising a plurality of momentum actuators and a platform upon which the plurality of momentum actuators are mounted. The momentum control system further comprises a plurality of active struts mounted on the bottom side of the platform. The active struts are configured to produce a force to steer the plurality of momentum actuators and the platform to produce forces and moments for spacecraft attitude control and disturbance suppression.

Abstract: A passenger accommodation cabin for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft includes a wall defining a passenger accommodation area; a plinth disposed substantially at floor level and adapted to support a mattress within the accommodation area to provide at least one substantially flat bed; a false floor that is selectively movable between a deployed position in which the false floor at least partially covers the mattress and a retracted position for allowing use of the bed; and a seating system having at least one seat and associated supporting structure for supporting the seat within the accommodation area generally above the mattress.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for more reliably transferring operational control for various aircraft flight control surfaces from a first sub-system to a second sub-system. The present invention provides an Actuator Control Electronics (ACE) wrap-back module that monitors the output of the normal mode control module and switches control to the direct control module based upon the detection of an error condition. The switching function is controlled by a monitoring system that monitors the output from an integrated heartbeat module that emits a pre-programmed signal. The pre-programmed signal is encoded and sent over a communication bus where it is then decoded and validated by comparing the decoded signal to the expected results. Any irregularity in the heartbeat signal automatically triggers a change of control from the first flight control sub-system to the second flight control sub-system.

Abstract: The present invention is a two part horse cover comprising a saddle pad and detachable quarter sheet providing protection of the large muscles of the horses hind quarters while riding in cold or foul weather, and straps for holding the quarter sheet to the saddle pad in a rolled up position and a tail strap for keeping the quarter sheet in place.

Abstract: A saddle tree including a progressive flex headplate, and a saddle constructed therewith, which are capable for properly fining a variety of different size horses. The headplate assembly is constructed of a plurality of flexible, and resilient overlapping layers which increase in length from top to bottom and which are secured together at the center point of the layers. The configuration supplies the headplate assembly with non-linear resistance, permitting progressive flexure of the legs of the headplate assembly while providing resistance in response to flexure of each leg, providing the headplate assembly with points that flex to properly fit horses of varying widths.

Abstract: A saddle pad apparatus constructed from a first non-slip top layer which is stitched or welded to a second non-slip bottom layer with a stiffening layer contained between the top and bottom layers. Each layer is constructed from a poly vinyl chloride impregnated scrim. Each scrim is constructed with ventilation openings to allow for proper ventilation between the load being carried and the animal. The scrims are manufactured by applying a poly vinyl chloride material onto a fiber network with fibers areas and open areas to create a scrim with appropriate stiffness, softness, and ventilation while maintaining other appropriate characteristics.

Abstract: A pet toy product for holding one or more animal treats has a body member having an outer surface with one or more recesses for removably holding one or more animal treats. The recesses may be of varying depth so that the treats in the deeper recesses are more difficult for the animal to extract then are the treats in the shallower recesses. The recesses may be circular, triangular, irregular, in the form of a groove or any other suitable configuration. The outer surface of the toy may be raised to accommodate the recesses or the recesses may extend into the surface. The pet toy may have recesses forming openings which extend through the pet toy product for receiving treats. With the structure recited, the pet owner can replenish the treats as often as necessary to maintain the pet's interest in the toy. Different treats can be provided with different nutritional values and tastes.