Abstract: A guidance mechanism for an elevator car is constructed and arranged to move along a lane defined at least in-part between two opposing first and second lane structures of a stationary structure. The guidance mechanism includes a first support structure supported by the first lane structure. The first support structure includes a first retainer face disposed between the elevator car and the first lane structure that substantially faces the first lane structure, and is spaced from the first lane structure. A first retention device of the mechanism is disposed, at least in part, between the first retainer face and the first lane structure. The first retention device is supported by the elevator car and is constructed and arranged to contact the first retainer face for limiting lateral movement of the elevator car away from the first lane structure and toward the second lane structure.

Abstract: A linear propulsion machine and system (10) is disclosed that includes a stator (30) having a plurality of teeth (34) and a mover (32) moveable in a linear direction along the stator (30). The mover may include a plurality of spaced apart ferromagnetic strata (40), a plurality of slots (42), a plurality of wire coils (44), and a plurality of magnet layers (46). Each of the slots (42) may be adjacent to at least one of the strata (40). Each coil (44) may be disposed in a slot (42). Each magnet layer (46) may be sandwiched between strata (40) and disposed inside one of the plurality of coils (44). Each coil (44) is disposed perpendicularly to the direction of magnetic flux of the magnet layer (46) around which the coil (44) is wound. In an embodiment, the teeth (34) or the magnet layer (46) may be disposed at an angle.

Abstract: A shock damper is disclosed. The shock damper may have a shear control apparatus through which a shear-thickening fluid may flow. In this manner, the shock damper may compress at different rates for different applied impulse forces, in response to the changing viscosity of the shear-thickening fluid.

Abstract: A shock damper is disclosed. The shock damper may have a shear control apparatus through which a shear-thickening fluid may flow. In this manner, the shock damper may compress at different rates for different applied impulse forces, in response to the changing viscosity of the shear-thickening fluid.

Abstract: A shock damper is disclosed. The shock damper may have a variable shear control apparatus through which a shear-thickening fluid may flow. In this manner, the shock damper may compress at different rates for different applied impulse forces, in response to the changing viscosity of the shear-thickening fluid.

Abstract: A shock damper is disclosed. The shock damper may have a variable shear control apparatus through which a shear-thickening fluid may flow. In this manner, the shock damper may compress at different rates for different applied impulse forces, in response to the changing viscosity of the shear-thickening fluid.

Abstract: A runway traction estimation and reporting method and computer readable medium is provided. Upon detection of a landing event, a runway traction estimation and reporting method provides for various measurements and calculations to estimate the traction of the runway and create a traction map of the runway. A computer readable medium may contain instructions for a runway traction estimation and reporting processor directing the processor to perform various measurements and calculations to estimate the traction of the runway. The processor may communicate with a ground station or with other aircraft to produce collaborative results.

Abstract: A runway traction estimation and reporting method and computer readable medium is provided. Upon detection of a landing event, a runway traction estimation and reporting method provides for various measurements and calculations to estimate the traction of the runway and create a traction map of the runway. A computer readable medium may contain instructions for a runway traction estimation and reporting processor directing the processor to perform various measurements and calculations to estimate the traction of the runway. The processor may communicate with a ground station or with other aircraft to produce collaborative results.

Abstract: An exemplary flexible conduit (26) for use in a fire suppression system (20) includes a core layer (30) that establishes interior surface (32) of the flexible conduit that is configured to contact fire suppression fluid. A jacket layer (36) surrounds the core layer. The jacket layer establishes an exterior surface (38) of the flexible conduit. A reinforcing layer (34) is situated between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

Abstract: An exemplary sprinkler system includes a liquid supply conduit and a gas supply conduit. A mixing device is coupled to the liquid supply conduit and the gas supply conduit. The mixing device is configured to establish a mixture of liquid from the liquid supply conduit and gas from the gas supply conduit. The mixture has a selected gas-to-liquid ratio. A sprinkler supply conduit is coupled with the mixing device for carrying the mixture downstream from the mixing device. A sprinkler coupled with the sprinkler supply conduit is configured to receive the mixture and to discharge a fire suppression mist.

Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler assembly coupled to a mounting surface includes a sprinkler having a heat responsive element arranged adjacent a first end. A cover plate is positioned adjacent the heat responsive element and includes a thermally conductive cover layer. A reflective shield has a reflective interior surface. The reflective shield is positioned substantially opposite the cover plate adjacent the first end of the sprinkler such that heat reflects from the top plate towards the heat responsive element.

Abstract: An exemplary sprinkler system for use within a building includes a plurality of conduits within the building. A plurality of fixtures within the building are coupled with the conduits for providing water from the conduits to at least one individual for personal use. A plurality of sprinkler heads within the building are coupled to the conduits for selectively introducing water from the conduits into at least one portion of the building for fire suppression. A gas source is associated with the sprinkler heads for supplying gas to the sprinkler heads to achieve a fire suppression discharge from the sprinkler heads.

Abstract: An electrically assisted or actuated continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a first pulley having a first pulley portion for fixed connection to an engine shaft and an axially movable second pulley portion for placement about the engine shaft. A mechanism for assisting a mechanically-actuated CVT includes a nut connected to the movable portion and an electric motor having a screw that is engaged with the nut. The nut is moved axially by rotation of the screw with respect to the nut, assisting mechanical actuators in changing axial spacing between the pulley portions. A variable actuator for actuating a CVT includes a pair of disks coaxially enagaged with the pulley portions, and a roller for contacting the disks at varying inclinations. An electric motor tilts the roller along the axis of rotation, causing the disks to rotate at differing rates to effect a change in axial spacing between the pulley portions.