Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically aligning and connecting a passenger boarding bridge (PBB) with the passenger door of an aircraft or other vessel. A sensory suite module includes cameras and sensors to scan the apron for obstacles and identify an aircraft based on external features. The sensory suite module also includes one or more high-precision active laser line profilers to detect the vertical and lower edges of an aircraft door. A controller module provides precise control and movement of the distal end of the PBB and guides the distal end of the PBB to the passenger door. The system can be activated by a remote triggering panel module.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for automatically aligning and connecting a passenger boarding bridge (PBB) with the passenger door of an aircraft or other vessel. A sensory suite module includes cameras and sensors to scan the apron for obstacles and identify an aircraft based on external features. The sensory suite module also includes one or more high-precision active laser line profilers to detect the vertical and lower edges of an aircraft door. A controller module provides precise control and movement of the distal end of the PBB and guides the distal end of the PBB to the passenger door. The system can be activated by a remote triggering panel module.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a watercraft to approach the sailing vessel and secures itself to one side of the sailing vessel's hull. Preferably, a second watercraft is secured to the other side of the vessel's hull. At least one of the watercrafts is then operated to direct propulsion thrust to yaw the vessel in a desired direction. Preferably still, the first and second watercrafts are each secured respectively to the right and left sides of the vessel's hull proximate to the stem or bow end. The first (right side) watercraft then operates a fluid propulsion which thrust is directed away from the vessel's right side while the second (left side) watercraft's propulsion is on standby. As a result, the vessel is turned rightward or clockwise.

Abstract: An apparatus for retarding and/or changing the direction of travel of a sailing vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a watercraft (10) with moveable flaps (12A, 12B, 12C) internal ballast tanks, solenoid banks (20) and explosive activated nut and bolt clamps. The watercraft (10) is manually navigated or navigated by remote control. A method of utilizing the watercraft (10) to retard and/or change the direction of travel of the sailing vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a pair of watercraft to approach said sailing vessel, providing a tow rope to be secured at one end to first watercraft and the other end to second watercraft. The tow rope is brought to extend between the first and second watercrafts over the hull of said sailing vessel. The first watercraft is then secured to one side of said sailing vessel's hull, while second watercraft pulls the tow rope away from the direction of sailing on the other side of said vessel's hull. In an alternative embodiment, the tow rope end held by the first watercraft may be secured directly to the vessel's hull, thus freeing the first watercraft to evacuate crew from the vessel to a safer distance.

Abstract: A method for diverting a sailing vessel is disclosed. A watercraft equipped with a harpoon having a hull-piercing head and a tail attached to a cable may swiftly approach the vessel in the aft position. Upon piercing the hull, an extraction-preventing means, such as spokes unfolded from the head, latching it in the hull and preventing the harpoon's withdrawal. Via a cable attached to the tail of the harpoon the watercraft may use low-speed high-traction propulsion means such as Voith-Schneider Propulsion (VSP) to pull and divert the vessel at the stern to a desired course. The watercraft may preferably have a combination of lifting hydrofoils with propellers and VSP propellers to provide the respective low-traction high-speed and high-traction low-speed modes of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism (10), wherein said driving mechanism (10) further comprises of a plurality of sections such as a nose section (12), a propulsion section (14), a drag chute section (16) and a cutting section (18), and wherein said sections are integrally connected with one another in a tight and secure manner. The driving mechanism (10) is capable to be launched from an aircraft or a surface craft towards a target and wherein upon launch said driving mechanism (10) is capable of steering itself on its own towards its target and thereafter attaching itself to the target and wherein by using the drag chute section (16).

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a pair of watercraft to approach said sailing vessel, providing a tow rope to be secured at one end to first watercraft and the other end to second watercraft. The tow rope is brought to extend between the first and second watercrafts over the hull of said sailing vessel. The first watercraft is then secured to one side of said sailing vessel's hull, while second watercraft pulls the tow rope away from the direction of sailing on the other side of said vessel's hull. In an alternative embodiment, the tow rope end held by the first watercraft may be secured directly to the vessel's hull, thus freeing the first watercraft to evacuate crew from the vessel to a safer distance.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a watercraft to approach the sailing vessel and secures itself to one side of the sailing vessel's hull. Preferably, a second watercraft is secured to the other side of the vessel's hull. At least one of the watercrafts is then operated to direct propulsion thrust to yaw the vessel in a desired direction. Preferably still, the first and second watercrafts are each secured respectively to the right and left sides of the vessel's hull proximate to the stem or bow end. The first (right side) watercraft then operates a fluid propulsion which thrust is directed away from the vessel's right side while the second (left side) watercraft's propulsion is on standby. As a result, the vessel is turned rightward or clockwise.

Abstract: An apparatus for retarding and/or changing the direction of travel of a sailing vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a watercraft (10) with moveable flaps (12A, 12B, 12C) internal ballast tanks, solenoid banks (20) and explosive activated nut and bolt clamps. The watercraft (10) is manually navigated or navigated by remote control. A method of utilizing the watercraft (10) to retard and/or change the direction of travel of the sailing vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism (10), wherein said driving mechanism (10) further comprises of a plurality of sections such as a nose section (12), a propulsion section (14), a drag chute section (16) and a cutting section (18), and wherein said sections are integrally connected with one another in a tight and secure manner. The driving mechanism (10) is capable to be launched from an aircraft or a surface craft towards a target and wherein upon launch said driving mechanism (10) is capable of steering itself on its own towards its target and thereafter attaching itself to the target and wherein by using the drag chute section (16).

Abstract: A portable enclosure for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, comprising, a flexible and vacuous arrangement that forms into an inflated arcuate framework having arched ceiling and side supports. The arcuate framework embodies a plurality of vertical arcuate structural members that are separated from one another and held in place by a multiplicity of vacuous and inflatable horizontal support members attached and pneumatically communicative to the vertical arcuate shaped members. After the flexible and vacuous structure is inflated, the arcuate framework is secured to the ground by means of guy-storms that are attached to each side of the plurality of vertical arcuate structural members. A flexible and conductive, two layered main shroud for covering the arched ceiling and side support areas that are defined by the inflated arcuate framework. A similar constructed two layered first and a second end capping shroud for covering, respectfully, front and rear openings of the arcuate framework.