Abstract: A system for managing collection of data and remote operation of fielded remote units is disclosed. The remote units may be incorporated in automatic meter reading systems, capacitor bank switching systems, power line fault detection units, power recloser units, surveillance systems, railroad switch heaters, or any of a multitude of systems wherein widely scattered devices require monitoring and/or operational commands. Each remote unit is provided with a CELLEMETRY™ transceiver, allowing the unit to receive commands from and pass data to a data center via the cellular control channel network and the Internet. The data center is organized to provide data related to a particular service to an associated customer user via the Internet, the customer users being utility companies, railroad companies, surveillance companies, and the like.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sensor or switch for operation is disclosed. The switch or sensor is coupled to a CELLEMETRY™ transmitter for sending electronic serial numbers (ESNs) encoded with information, and receiving mobile identification numbers (MINs), also encoded with information, in accordance with the CELLEMETRY™ protocol. A microprocessor controls operation of the combination of the radio and sensor or switch. A computerized control center coupled to the Internet provides a connection medium between the cellular system and the control center. When a sensor or switch so connected operates, the radio sends an ESN via the control channels of the cellular system to the Internet, where the ESN is relayed to the control center. There, processing occurs that provides notification to an entity associated with the sensor or switch. Communications from the control center to the radio associated with a sensor are via MIN numbers, and may initiate operation of a device coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: An explosive-type cable cutter assembly which includes a breech housing having a central passageway formed in it and a first slot extending from the exterior surface of the breech housing and opening into the passageway and a second slot extending from the exterior surface of the breech housing and opening into the passageway. The slots are each elongated in the direction of the central axis of the breech and each include a forwardmost edge and a rearwardmost edge. The cable cutting assembly also incldues a threadable plug with an impact wall positioned forward of the slots and radial ports extending from the exterior surface of the breech housing into the passageway between the impact wall and the slots. The cable cutter assembly further includes a piston cutter assembly having a piston cutter adapted for travel within the passageway in the breech housing. The piston cutter assembly includes an explosive cartridge with attached piston cutter. The piston cutter includes a cutting edge and a base end.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target system having a visual augmenter release which includes a detention member that is moved to enable a spring biased rod to shift forward. The rod moves a pivoting contact member received within a bracket assembly extending from an end cap secured to the aft end of a towed forebody. The shifting of the rod causes the contact member to pivot so as to move the swivel connector of the visual augmenter from a position fixed within the bracket assembly to a position where the swivel connector is free to slide off. A deployment mechanism is also provided which includes a cutting assembly designed to cut a retention line extending about an end cap formed at the aft end of the forebody and about a two segment visual augmenter cover. A transient force absorbing adaptor is connected between the tow cable and forebody. A cone shaped ballast member redirects projectiles so as to protect the scoring sensor.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target which is towed behind a towing aircraft. The gunnery target includes an extension device that separates a forebody assembly from a visual augmenter. The target also includes a vented inflator positioned at the forward end of the visual augmenter. The vented inflator maintains the front end of the visual augmenter open during towing. The visual augmenter is generally cylindrical in shape with an open aft end and an adjustment device for varying the size of the aft opening. In addition, the visual body is comprised of a mesh netting which preferably includes a plurality of interconnected strands joined together to form a plurality of diamond shaped openings. The inter-connected strands are each formed of a plurality of knitted threads and the strands are preferably joined together by knitting some or all of threads of one strand with some or all of the threads of an interconnecting strand.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target which is towed behind a towing aircraft. The gunnery target includes an extension device that separates a forebody assembly from a visual augmenter. The target also includes a vented inflator positioned at the foreward end of the visual augmenter. The vented inflator maintains the front end of the visual augmenter open during towing. The visual augmenter is generally cylindrical in shape with an open aft end and an adjustment device for varying the size of the aft opening. In addition, the visual body is comprised of a mesh netting which preferably includes a plurality of interconnected strands joined together to form a plurality of diamond shaped openings. The interconnected strands are each formed of a plurality of knitted threads and the strands are preferably joined together by knitting some or all of threads of one strand with some or all of the threads of an interconnecting strand.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target system having a visual augmenter release which includes a detention member that is moved to enable a spring biased rod to shift forward. The rod moves a pivoting contact member received within a bracket assembly extending from an end cap secured to the aft end of a towed forebody. The shifting of the rod causes the contact member to pivot so as to move the swivel connector of the visual augmenter from a position fixed within the bracket assembly to a position where the swivel connector is free to slide off. A deployment mechanism is also provided which includes a cutting assembly designed to cut a retention line extending about an end cap formed at the aft end of the forebody and about a two segment visual augmenter cover A transient force absorbing adaptor is connected between the tow cable and forebody. A cone shaped ballast member redirects projectiles so as to protect the scoring sensor.