Abstract: Self-leveling legs are used to accommodate landing a ducted fan hovercraft on a sloped surface such as a roof-top. These legs move to accommodate a variation of slope within their range of motion irrespective to the azimuth of the vehicle body. The configuration and operation of the landing legs allow the hovercraft to land in a stable fashion with the hovercraft vehicle body maintained in a vertical orientation. The basic kinematics of the present invention is the displacement of one landing leg upwards is connected by a horizontal member to the opposite leg and displaces it downwards, and visa-versa. Planar surface contact is accomplished by the unique curvature of the legs and the splay of the legs from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A Micro Air-Vehicle (MAV) starting system that provides the combined functions of: packing protection of sensitive vehicle components, a mechanical starting assembly, and a launch pad. The preferred embodiment comprises a container and a container lid with the MAV clamped to the lid. Also disposed on the container lid is a starting assembly. The lid which doubles as a launching pad with the attached MAV is removed from the container, placed on the ground, the MAV is started with the starting mechanism and launched. The arrangement minimizes the physical risk to the operator, minimizes weight of the total MAV system, consumes minimum space in the operators transport system, and eliminates dependence on supply lines for battery replacement or charging.

Abstract: A Micro Air-Vehicle (MAV) starting system that provides the combined functions of: packing protection of sensitive vehicle components, a mechanical starting assembly, and a launch pad. The preferred embodiment comprises a container and a container lid with the MAV clamped to the lid. Also disposed on the container lid is a starting assembly. The lid which doubles as a launching pad with the attached MAV is removed from the container, placed on the ground, the MAV is started with the starting mechanism and launched. The arrangement minimizes the physical risk to the operator, minimizes weight of the total MAV system, consumes minimum space in the operators transport system, and eliminates dependence on supply lines for battery replacement or charging.

Abstract: A means to utilize conduction-cooled VME electronics modules in an air cooled system is provided. Such means comprises a modified convection-cooled VME compatible chassis that includes a convection bridge thermally interfaced with a VME electronics module just as a conduction chassis would. The convection bridge is clamped between the VME electronics module and the modified chassis, requiring no modifications to the VME electronics module. For enhanced performance, additional features may include having any individual or combination of fin orientation on the convection bridge, interstitial material such as grease or indium foil can be inserted between the convection bridge and the VME electronics module, and compatible air-moving appliances such as a fan as part of the modified VME chassis.

Abstract: An isolation system for a sensitive component or apparatus affixed to a mortar tube comprising a barrel mount assembly which supports two parallel shafts. A plate parallel with each axis of the two shafts positions four bearing carrier blocks, two each containing a sleeve bearing which rides on each of the shafts to allow the plate assembly to slide freely along the length of the shafts and support an isolated cage. During firing, the travel vector is decoupled from the cage by the shafts as they move with the barrel through the bearings leaving the cage assembly in free space. The cage then accelerates under the force of gravity over the distance of the displaced travel of the shafts back to its rest position landing on steel springs or dampers, each on a shaft and seated against the lower flange end of the barrel mount assembly.

Abstract: Self-leveling legs are used to accommodate landing a ducted fan hovercraft on a sloped surface such as a roof-top. These legs move to accommodate a variation of slope within their range of motion irrespective to the azimuth of the vehicle body. The configuration and operation of the landing legs allow the hovercraft to land in a stable fashion with the hovercraft vehicle body maintained in a vertical orientation. The basic kinematics of the present invention is the displacement of one landing leg upwards is connected by a horizontal member to the opposite leg and displaces it downwards, and visa-versa. Planar surface contact is accomplished by the unique curvature of the legs and the splay of the legs from the vehicle body.

Abstract: An isolation system for a sensitive component or apparatus affixed to a mortar tube comprising a barrel mount assembly which supports two parallel shafts. A plate parallel with each axis of the two shafts positions four bearing carrier blocks, two each containing a sleeve bearing which rides on each of the shafts to allow the plate assembly to slide freely along the length of the shafts and support an isolated cage. During firing, the travel vector is decoupled from the cage by the shafts as they move with the barrel through the bearings leaving the cage assembly in free space. The cage then accelerates under the force of gravity over the distance of the displaced travel of the shafts back to its rest position landing on steel springs or dampers, each on a shaft and seated against the lower flange end of the barrel mount assembly.