Abstract: An aerial device can be configured to fly above a route during movement of a vehicle along the route, such as for purposes of capturing image data of the route. The aerial device may include a microstrip antenna. The antenna includes a radiating patch layer, an aperture layer, a first insulator layer, a feed line, and a second insulator layer, all of which are parallel to and stacked on top of one another. The aperture layer is conductive and defines an aperture. The first insulator layer is sandwiched between the radiating patch layer and the aperture layer; thereby, the radiating patch layer and the aperture layer are spaced apart from one another by at least a thickness of the first insulator layer. The first insulator layer has a low dielectric constant. The second insulator layer is sandwiched between the aperture layer and the feed line.

Abstract: An aerial system and method use a distance sensor to measure spatial distances between the distance sensor and plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the vehicles operably coupled with each other during relative movement between the distance sensor and the vehicle system. The spatial distances measured by the distance sensor are used to determine a size parameter of the vehicle system based on the spatial distances that are measured.

Abstract: An aerial camera system includes an aerial device disposed onboard a non-aerial vehicle as the non-aerial vehicle moves along a route. The aerial device also can be configured to fly above the route during movement of the vehicle along the route. The camera unit is configured to be disposed onboard the aerial device and to generate image data during flight of the aerial device. The one or more image analysis processors are configured to examine the image data and to identify a hazard disposed ahead of the non-aerial vehicle along a direction of travel of the non-aerial vehicle based on the image data. A method for identifying route-related hazards using image data obtained from a camera unit on an aerial device.

Abstract: The coupler is mounted on the end of the boom of a boom-tractor, and provides secure locking-in of a bucket. The coupler having been set to its latched-open condition, the tractor is driven to the bucket so that a bottom-lug of the bucket enters the coupler, whereupon the bucket is picked up and is automatically securely locked into coupler, without any manipulation of the coupler being required of the tractor-driver other than manipulation of the boom. For setting the bucket down on the ground, after use, the driver manually pulls out a slider of the coupler. That action sets the coupler into its slider-held condition, whereby when the tractor is driven away from the bucket, the coupler is automatically left set in the said latched-open condition.

Abstract: The coupler is mounted on the end of the boom of a boom-tractor, and provides secure locking-in of a bucket. The coupler having been set to its latched-open condition, the tractor is driven to the bucket so that the bottom-lug of the bucket enters the coupler, whereupon the bucket is picked up and is automatically securely locked into coupler, without and manipulation of the coupler being required of the tractor-driver other than manipulation of the boom. For setting the bucket down on the ground, after use, the driver manually pulls out a slider of the coupler. That action sets the coupler into its slider-held condition, whereby when the tractor is driven away from the bucket, the coupler is automatically left set in the said latched-open condition.

Abstract: A system for providing regenerative power for an aircraft to sustain flight includes multiple energy cells disposed within the aircraft, the energy cells being configured to supply power to a propulsion motor and electronics of the aircraft, a fan generator harnessing propeller blast created by an aircraft propeller and converting kinetic energy of the propeller blast into electrical energy, a charger receiving the electrical energy generated by the fan generator and using the electrical energy to recharge one or more of the energy cells, and a power transfer switch selectively connecting one of the energy cells to the propulsion motor and electronics of the aircraft, such that the energy cells are rotated one at a time to power the propulsion motor and electronics. During recharging, the one or more of the energy cells are disconnected by the power transfer switch.

Abstract: A system for providing regenerative power for an aircraft to sustain flight includes multiple energy cells disposed within the aircraft, the energy cells being configured to supply power to a propulsion motor and electronics of the aircraft, a fan generator harnessing propeller blast created by an aircraft propeller and converting kinetic energy of the propeller blast into electrical energy, a charger receiving the electrical energy generated by the fan generator and using the electrical energy to recharge one or more of the energy cells, and a power transfer switch selectively connecting one of the energy cells to the propulsion motor and electronics of the aircraft, such that the energy cells are rotated one at a time to power the propulsion motor and electronics. During recharging, the one or more of the energy cells are disconnected by the power transfer switch.

Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover consisting of a cover plate removable caps to cover and prevent access by children to underlying electrical outlets. The cover plate replaces a standard electrical cover plate on an electrical outlet and secures to the electrical outlet with an attachment screw. A rear side of the cover plate is provided with slots on each side of each electrical socket access opening into which tabs provided on sides of the child proof safety caps insert as a means of removably securing the caps over the electrical outlets. A tab housing surrounds each slot to prevent the tabs from inserting too far inwardly when inserting or removing the caps from the cover plate. The caps are sufficiently large to cover the attachment screw and to prevent choking by a child.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a multi-component composition comprising a housing (1) in the form of an elongate sleeve. The housing has a first end for receiving a compression device (3) and a second end defining an outlet (7) from which a supply of components housed within the housing are dispensed. Each component is retained within a compartment (21, 22) of a collapsible bag (2; 9, 10) prior to being dispensed. The collapsible bag compartments each have a sealed end for receiving pressure from the compression device and a dispensing end for dispensing a component via an outlet (23). The dispensing device is provided with a closure device (4) through which the dispensing ends of the collapsible bag compartments extend. The closure device (4) is adapted to apply a clamping force on the dispensing ends to seal off the supply of the components and to release the clamping force when required to allow the components to be dispensed.

Abstract: An aerial system and method use a distance sensor to measure spatial distances between the distance sensor and plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the vehicles operably coupled with each other during relative movement between the distance sensor and the vehicle system. The spatial distances measured by the distance sensor are used to determine a size parameter of the vehicle system based on the spatial distances that are measured.

Abstract: The disclosed lightweight portable ladder provides a stable platform that can nest in close proximity to helicopters, aircraft and other machines to facilitate enhanced access for inspection and maintenance. The ladder consists of a stepped unit connected by hinged means located near the top a support unit and means to hold the units in a fixed orientation. The distance from the hinge point to the bottom of the support unit is longer than from the hinge point to the bottom of the stepped unit. The hinge point may be located some distance below the top of the stepped unit, in which case the upper portion of that unit will be cantilevered with respect to the hinge point. The location of the hinge point can be tailored for specific aircraft and applications so as to provide an optimized fit when the ladder is positioned for use.

Abstract: An aerial camera system includes an aerial device disposed onboard a non-aerial vehicle as the non-aerial vehicle moves along a route. The aerial device also can be configured to fly above the route during movement of the vehicle along the route. The camera unit is configured to be disposed onboard the aerial device and to generate image data during flight of the aerial device. The one or more image analysis processors are configured to examine the image data and to identify a hazard disposed ahead of the non-aerial vehicle along a direction of travel of the non-aerial vehicle based on the image data. A method for identifying route-related hazards using image data obtained from a camera unit on an aerial device.

Abstract: An ostomy stoma waste overflow control method and ostomy bag which allows human waste to flow from one ostomy bag to another ostomy bag via a one directional flow valve, which has the ability to automatically open when the stoma waste pressure within the first, or primary, bag reaches a pressure near, but under, the pressure that would cause the primary bag to leak stoma body waste onto the person wearing it. Present ostomy bags can leak onto the person wearing it if the bag's stoma waste pressure increases by over filling, or by being physically bumped or squeezed (such as when a person is sleeping on it). This new invention prevents an ostomy bag from breaking the ostomy seal (which seals the ostomy body flange to the person's skin) and leaking human waste material onto the person wearing it. Leaking can cause great embarrassment and pain since human waste will burn the skin where the ostomy flange is attached to the user.

Abstract: A projectile detection system, and method of detecting a projectile (for example a bullet), for use on a vehicle (100) (for example a helicopter), the projectile detection system comprising: a radar antenna array (4) arranged to transmit and receive microwave signals so as to provide a plurality of detection segments (40, 42, 44, 46) of a volume of airspace (38); one or more processors (3) arranged to: determine which segments (40, 42, 44, 46) microwave signals reflected by a projectile (10) are received from; determine timing information relating to a time order in which the received microwave signals are received; and determine directional information relating to a direction of travel of the projectile (10) using the determined segments (40, 42, 44, 46) and the determined timing information; wherein the microwave signals have a frequency between 1 GHz and 30 GHz.

Abstract: The coupler is mounted on the end of the boom of a boom-tractor, and provides secure locking-in of a bucket. The coupler having been set to its latched-open condition, the tractor is driven to the bucket so that a bottom-lug of the bucket enters the coupler, whereupon the bucket is picked up and is automatically securely locked into coupler, without any manipulation of the coupler being required of the tractor-driver other than manipulation of the boom. For setting the bucket down on the ground, after use, the driver manually pulls out a slider of the coupler. That action sets the coupler into its slider-held condition, whereby when the tractor is driven away from the bucket, the coupler is automatically left set in the said latched-open condition.

Abstract: An ostomy system and adaptor which allows human waste to flow from one ostomy bag to another ostomy bag via a one directional flow valve which has the ability to automatically open when the stoma waste pressure from the first, or primary, bag reaches a waste pressure near, but under, the pressure that would cause the primary bag to leak onto the person wearing it. Present ostomy bags can leak onto the person wearing it if the bag stoma waste pressure increases by over filling, or by being physically bumped or squeezed (such as when a person is sleeping on it). This new invention prevents an ostomy bag from breaking the ostomy seal (which seals the ostomy body flange to the person's skin) and leaking human waste material onto the person wearing it. Leaking can cause great embarrassment and pain since human waste will burn the skin where the ostomy flange is glued to the user. Leaking can also greatly stain the bed, sheets and blankets where a person is sleeping.

Abstract: A method for cleaning tanks and other containers including, but not necessarily limited to, tanks associated with land-based drilling rigs and/or used in connection with hydraulic fracturing operations. Recoverable liquids and associated solids are first removed from a tank to be cleaned. A cleaning solution is prepared in a weir tank and sprayed into a tank to be cleaned. Sprayed cleaning solution, together with any debris or residue from the tank being cleaned, is pumped back to the weir tank and recycled for further cleaning.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a multi-component composition comprising a housing (1) in the form of an elongate sleeve. The housing has a first end for receiving a compression device (3) and a second end defining an outlet (7) from which a supply of components housed within the housing are dispensed. Each component is retained within a compartment (21, 22) of a collapsible bag (2; 9, 10) prior to being dispensed. The collapsible bag compartments each have a sealed end for receiving pressure from the compression device and a dispensing end for dispensing a component via an outlet (23). The dispensing device is provided with a closure device (4) through which the dispensing ends of the collapsible bag compartments extend. The closure device (4) is adapted to apply a clamping force on the dispensing ends to seal off the supply of the components and to release the clamping force when required to allow the components to be dispensed.

Abstract: A projectile detection system, and method of detecting a projectile (for example a bullet), for use on a vehicle (100) (for example a helicopter), the projectile detection system comprising: a radar antenna array (4) arranged to transmit and receive microwave signals so as to provide a plurality of detection segments (40, 42, 44, 46) of a volume of airspace (38); one or more processors (3) arranged to: determine which segments (40, 42, 44, 46) microwave signals reflected by a projectile (10) are received from; determine timing information relating to a time order in which the received microwave signals are received; and determine directional information relating to a direction of travel of the projectile (10) using the determined segments (40, 42, 44, 46) and the determined timing information; wherein the microwave signals have a frequency between 1 GHz and 30 GHz.

Abstract: A chord bar system for stringed musical instruments. The chord bar system enables a single finger movement pattern may be used in pressing the buttons to play each I-IV-V chord progression in each different key.