Abstract: A bi-swing warehouse door latch system installs an electro-mechanical lock horizontally in the door casings overhead. Each has two catches to drop down on either side of the door. The doors are allowed to swing open when the respective catches are unlatched by a solenoid. The doors are not allowed to swing open when the respective catches are held latched by another solenoid and a teeter arm. Battery powered models produce brief pulses to put the catches in their locked states or unlocked states using a capacitor to store enough energy after power is lost to kick the solenoids. Utility powered versions can be configured to automatically relax into locked or unlocked states when power is lost. The doors are controlled to unlock when those with authorized access are recognized.

Abstract: A device for lifting a person from a supine position into a raised supine position or sitting posture. The device comprises at least one U-shaped inflatable structure which defines a hollow and a flexible membrane which is attachable to the device. The membrane is extendable over at least a portion of the hollow to provide a support surface for the person.

Abstract: An attachment for a heavy equipment vehicle, which comprises four different functions. The attachment can serve as a box blade, grapple, ripper, or bucket with front cutting edge. It is highly convenient for a user who wishes to accomplish multiple tasks without having to change the attachment on the vehicle, thus saving time and money on the worksite. The attachment is hydraulically controlled, similar to any other vehicle attachment.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) includes a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, and a starter-generator unit all integrated within a single containment housing. The turbine has an output shaft on which the compressor is mounted, and the starter-generator unit is coupled to the turbine output shaft without any intervening gears. The rotating components are all rotationally supported within the containment housing using bearings that do not receive a flow of lubricating fluid.

Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) includes a rotary fuel slinger, and a single-spool, two-stage turbine. The rotary fuel slinger receives a rotational drive force from the turbine, and a supply of fuel from a fuel source. The rotary fuel slinger injects the fuel into a combustor as a continuous “fuel sheet.” As a result, fuel mixing and atomization inside the combustor is improved, which reduces emissions and pattern factor, which in turn increases turbine life.

Abstract: The spindle assembly is self-centered on the end of the cylindrically shaped cartridge filter by a three-point grip on the perimeter. A similar spindle assembly is attached to the other end of the cartridge filter such that its axis of rotation is the same as the axis of rotation for the first spindle assembly. The tip of one spindle assembly is rested on the ground while the tip of the other spindle assembly is held by a user's hand. A pressurized stream of air or water is directed at the cartridge filter with the user's other hand such that the stream causes the whole to rotate. The speed of rotation is brought high enough to fling debris from the filter and thus clean it.

Abstract: A handicapped-entrance gate for retrofitting a train-station comprises a door panel that forces itself normally closed, but can be pushed open from either side. A closing mechanism is fully contained within a cap rail along to top edge of the door and operates in either direction to close the gate slowly after it has been opened. Fixed axles enter the gate panel from above and below on the pivoting side. The closing mechanism is geared to at least one of these fixed axles to allow the gate to be opened easily and to self-close over a period of time. Springs are used in opposition to hydraulic dampers such that the springs close the gate and the dampers delay the closing.

Abstract: A method of using vacuum-cleaner filters includes mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Then air is drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Air flow is selectively drawn or pushed radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle is used to periodically spin the cartridge filter on the spindle to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Preferably, a motor that can be run in either a forward direction or a reverse direction is used.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a closed-end cartridge filter begins by mounting a spindle assembly to one end of a cartridge filter. The spindle assembly is self-centered on the end of the cylindrically shaped cartridge filter by a three-point grip on the perimeter. A similar spindle assembly is attached to the other end of the cartridge filter such that its axis of rotation is the same as the axis of rotation for the first spindle assembly. The tip of one spindle assembly is rested on the ground while the tip of the other spindle assembly is held by a user's hand. A pressurized stream of air or water is directed at the cartridge filter with the user's other hand such that the stream causes the whole to rotate. The speed of rotation is brought high enough to fling debris from the filter and thus clean it.

Abstract: A method of using vacuum-cleaner filters includes mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Then air is drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Air flow is selectively drawn or pushed radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle is used to periodically spin the cartridge filter on the spindle to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Preferably, a motor that can be run in either a forward direction or a reverse direction is used.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and associated method for impeding the motion of a land vehicle travelling along a pathway on a terrain surface. First and second supports are positioned at first and second sides of the pathway, respectively, each capable of being actuated from a compressed condition to an extended condition. A propulsion system is effective to actuate the supports. A barrier extends between the supports at a mean first height that is effective to permit passage of a vehicle when the supports are compressed and supported by each support at a mean second height effective to impede passage of the vehicle when the supports are extended. When the supports are compressed, vehicles pass over the barrier unimpeded. When the supports are extended, the barrier impedes the motion of a vehicle travelling along the pathway. At least one deceleration cable mechanically couples the barrier to a brake system.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a housing with a self-rewinding spool of cord. The cord is threaded out between a pair of inner wedgeblocks that can move together and pinch the cord. The amount of pinch applied determines how much resistance will be applied when the user exercises by pulling out the cord on handles. The inner wedgeblocks are disposed between a pair of outer fixed wedgeblocks. Facing channels in the interfaces between the inner and outer wedgeblocks have ball bearings that run on inclined ramps. When the inner wedgeblocks are pulled by the cord out of alignment with the outer wedgeblocks, the inclined ramps and ball bearings press the inner wedgeblocks together. The more they press together, the more the cord resists being pulled out. An adjustment limits how far the inner wedgeblocks can move out of alignment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transportable device and associated method for impeding the motion of a land vehicle travelling along a pathway on a terrain surface. First and second supports are positioned at first and second sides of the pathway, respectively, each capable of being actuated from a compressed condition to an extended condition. A propulsion system is effective to actuate the supports. A barrier extends between the supports at a mean first height that is effective to permit passage of a vehicle when the supports are compressed and supported by each support at a mean second height effective to impede passage of the vehicle when the supports are extended. When the supports are compressed, vehicles pass over the barrier unimpeded. When the supports are extended, the barrier impedes the motion of a vehicle travelling along the pathway. At least one deceleration cable mechanically couples the barrier to a brake system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transportable device for non-destructively impeding the motion of a land vehicle travelling along a pathway. First and second telescoping devices located on either side of the pathway support a barrier. When the telescoping supports are compressed, the vehicles pass over the barrier unimpeded. When the telescoping supports are extended, the barrier impedes the motion of a land vehicle. At least one deceleration cable mechanically couples the barrier to a braking system. The braking system applies a continuous deceleration force to the vehicle of typically less than 2 g, bringing the vehicle to a stop without damaging either the vehicle or vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An armor penetrator projectile is disclosed that has an elongated rod penetrator core. The core has a central bore therein extending from a rear portion to a front end portion of the core. The front end portion is preferably conically shaped for impact with an armor plate. A self igniting pyrotechnic material such as thermite is packed within the rear portion and in the bore. The thermite is ignited by the frictional heat and pressure generated during projectile impact with a target armor plate. The ignited thermite ejects a molten jet of material through the bore and forwardly out through the impacting front end thus further melting the armor plate about the point of impact and enhancing the behind armor destructive effects of the projectile.

Abstract: A long rod penetrator projectile comprises an elongated main penetrator body, a stabilizing fin assembly attached to the rear of the main body, and a perforated canister carried within the fin assembly. A pyrotechnic material such as pyronol is contained within the canister. The pyronol ignites during impact. The burning pyrotechnic material spews forth through the perforations in the canister to provide improved after armor effects.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of charging and hermetically sealing a small pressure vessel for confining therein a highly pressurized gas for a shelf life of several years. The vessel has a boss or neck with a very small opening extending longitudinally therethrough defining a fill connection which terminates in a small sharp edged cylindrical lip at its outer extremity into and around which a ductile metal is extruded under pressure for establishing a seal.

Abstract: An annular impact switch for activating the electrical firing circuit of a uided projectile. An annular base member formed from thermoplastic is fixedly secured within the nose of the guided projectile. An annular crushable member formed from thermoplastic is mated to the annular base member. Both members are selectively coated with a multi-layered electrically-conductive film; a spatial separation between the electrically-conductive films coating the annular base member and the annular crushable member maintains the electrical firing circuit in an open state. Upon impact with a target the annular crushable member is deformed into contact with the annular base member such that their respective electrically-conductive films are in electrical contact to close the electrical firing circuit of the projectile, detonating the projectile explosive.