Abstract: An airborne vehicle having a wing-body which defines a wing-body axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the wing-body axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends. A propulsion system is provided comprising one or more pairs of propulsion devices, each pair comprising a first propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a first side of a plane including the wing-body axis, and a second propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a second side of the plane including the wing-body axis. A direction of thrust of the first propulsion device can be adjusted independently of the direction of thrust of the second propulsion device and/or a magnitude of thrust of the first propulsion device can be adjusted independently of the magnitude of thrust of the second propulsion device.

Abstract: A deep water system to control oil leakage on the ocean floor consists of two main parts. The two parts are common geometric shapes. The shapes are a torus and a sphere. A torus is placed on the ocean floor, enclosing the drill entry site (or leak area) within its inner perimeter. A sphere is placed and seated in the torus opening thus sealing the open area above the drill site. The torus, of course, by its weight, shape and mass, seals the area upon which it sits on the sea floor.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle having an outer hull which defines a hull axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the hull axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends so that when the vehicle is submerged in a liquid, the liquid floods the duct. At least part of the outer hull is swept with respect to the hull axis. A buoyancy control system may be provided. Various methods of deploying and using the vehicle are described.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle having an outer hull which defines a hull axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the hull axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends so that when the vehicle is submerged in a liquid, the liquid floods the duct. The vehicle further comprising means for rolling the vehicle about the hull axis. A buoyancy control system may be provided, and the outer hull may be swept with respect to the hull axis. Various methods of deploying and using the vehicle are described.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle having an outer hull which defines a hull axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the hull axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends so that when the vehicle is submerged in a liquid, the liquid floods the duct. At least part of the outer hull is swept with respect to the hull axis A buoyancy control system may be provided. Various methods of deploying and using the vehicle are described.

Abstract: By creating a package (MVLC) that has a redundant set of pins, twice as many points of contact are generated. More contacts create more routing and component placement options. Incorporating slots on the underside of the MVLC will promote radiation under the MVLC. By creating a mating piece (a Saddle) discrete components can be moved to a more desirable area of the main printed circuit board or placed in and on the Saddle itself. A Saddle may or may not require a flex circuit. A Saddle could be no more than a flex circuit. Positioning capacitors in particular on the Saddle makes a supply current become more effective, which improves performance. All of the Saddle layers are designed to enhance performance and/or reduce the member of discrete components required on the main printed circuit board near the MVLC. In general, creating more usable room on the main printed circuit board promotes a better design and invites circuit expansion.

Abstract: An airborne vehicle having a wing-body which defines a wing-body axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the wing-body axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends. A propulsion system is provided comprising one or more pairs of propulsion devices, each pair comprising a first propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a first side of a plane including the wing-body axis, and a second propulsion device mounted to the wing-body and positioned on a second side of the plane including the wing-body axis. A direction of thrust of the first propulsion device can be adjusted independently of the direction of thrust of the second propulsion device and/or a magnitude of thrust of the first propulsion device can be adjusted independently of the magnitude of thrust of the second propulsion device.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle having an outer hull which defines a hull axis and appears substantially annular when viewed along the hull axis, the interior of the annulus defining a duct which is open at both ends so that when the vehicle is submerged in a liquid, the liquid floods the duct. The vehicle further comprising means for rolling the vehicle about the hull axis. A buoyancy control system may be provided, and the outer hull may be swept with respect to the hull axis. Various methods of deploying and using the vehicle are described.

Abstract: An improved rotor retainer housing for a rotatable rotor body and a relief sealing mechanism for a gas flow rate regulator. The retainer housing having structural features equivalent to the essential corresponding features of a conventional metal part is formed of molded plastic. A thin metallic layer is provided on the exposed surfaces of the molded plastic part to enhance surface conditions for maintaining an effective seal between the retainer housing and associated parts. The relief sealing mechanism utilizes a separate relief valve and relief valve seal to prevent premature failure of the seal during normal operating pressures. The seal is a metal retaining ring having a polymer O-ring integrally formed within the retaining ring. The O-ring provides sealing surfaces between the relief valve and the gas inlet on the regulator.

Abstract: An elongated tubular body is provided into which a lighter is adapted to be received either (a) with its flame-producing parts exposed beyond the tubular body when there is no wind or (b) received within the tubular body when there is wind, the tubular body being provided, for the latter situation, with an opening through which the flame producing mechanism is manually accessible and another opening through which the produced flame is accessible.

Abstract: A leak detection system and method of detecting leaks are disclosed for detecting leaks in a dispensing system having a pump, dispenser, conduit connecting the pump and dispenser and a valve to isolate the pump from the dispenser when a fluid is not being dispensed. The leak detection system includes a leak detector including an enclosure in fluid flow communication with the portion of the conduit downstream from the valve, a member responsive to the fluid condition within the enclosure and signal means responsive to the fluid condition responsive member for indicating the existence of a predetermined fluid condition.A valve seating means which is pressure activated to forceably seat the valve also is provided.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing nozzle, e.g., a nozzle for a gasoline station filling pump, is provided with a trigger retaining mechanism which allows an operator to retain the nozzle trigger member in its operative position by exerting a continuous relatively low manual force in contrast to the relatively high manual force required to operate the trigger member. The trigger member automatically returns to its inoperative position immediately upon release of the manual force on the trigger retaining mechanism. The fluid dispensing nozzle is particularly suitable for use in self-service gasoline filling stations.