Abstract: A method of aligning an aircraft with a landing platform in motion comprises measuring a GPS heading with at least one GPS sensor positioned at a known location relative to the landing platform while the landing platform is in motion, measuring an orientation of the aircraft with an orientation sensor fixed relative to the aircraft, calculating an orientation of the landing platform from the GPS heading, calculating an orientation offset between the measured orientation of the aircraft and the calculated orientation of the landing platform, and changing an orientation of the aircraft or the landing platform to reduce the orientation offset. A system for landing and securing an aircraft in an enclosure, a system for disconnecting a tether from an aircraft, and a system for landing an aircraft in an enclosure are also described.

Abstract: A composition for making a cast, thermoformable sheet or slab, comprising: a syrup comprising: about 30-40% SSI—acrylic pre-polymerized syrup by weight at 20% solids; about 30-40% MMA—methyl methacrylate by weight; about 2-3% BA—Butyl acrylate by weight; about 1-15% by weight acrylic chips; and about 1-15% by weight rigid particles with a mean diameter of about 0.5-2000 ?m. The rigid particles may preferably comprise a polymeric material such as poly allyl diglycol carbonate particles. A method for producing a thermoformed article having a textured surface comprising mixing the syrup as above; swelling the acrylic chips; degassing the syrup; heating the syrup; casting the syrup into a sheet; and thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold.

Abstract: A composition for making a cast, thermoformable sheet or slab, comprising: a syrup comprising: about 30-40% SSI—acrylic pre-polymerized syrup by weight at 20% solids; about 30-40% MMA—methyl methacrylate by weight; about 2-3% BA—Butyl acrylate by weight; about 1-15% by weight acrylic chips; and about 1-15% by weight rigid particles with a mean diameter of about 0.5-2000 ?m. The rigid particles may preferably comprise a polymeric material such as poly allyl diglycol carbonate particles. A method for producing a thermoformed article having a textured surface comprising mixing the syrup as above; swelling the acrylic chips; degassing the syrup; heating the syrup; casting the syrup into a sheet; and thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold.

Abstract: A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.

Abstract: A composition for making a cast, thermoformable sheet or slab, comprising: a syrup comprising: about 30-40% SSI—acrylic pre-polymerized syrup at 20% solids; about 30-40% MMA—methyl methacrylate; about 2-3% BA—Butyl acrylate; about 1-15% acrylic chips; and about 1-15% rigid particles with a mean diameter of about 0.5-2000 ?m. The rigid particles may preferably comprise a polymeric material such as poly allyl diglycol carbonate particles. A method for producing a thermoformed article having a textured surface comprising mixing the syrup as above; swelling the acrylic chips; degassing the syrup; heating the syrup; casting the syrup into a sheet; and thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold.

Abstract: A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.

Abstract: A fuel system damper for damping fuel pressure pulsations in a fuel rail includes a solid, flexible diaphragm which separates an upper chamber from a lower chamber. The upper chamber is sealed and contains a spring which is biased against the diaphragm. The lower chamber has an outlet to permit fuel to communicate with the diaphragm. The upper flange of the lower chamber extends inward at an angle to form a radial shoulder, and the diaphragm rests against and is supported by the shoulder. An attachment clip is fixedly attached between the upper and lower chambers and is positioned to securely engage the damper to a fuel injector cup.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel unsymmetrical dithiol ketals which are useful in the treatment or prevention of hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, and atherosclerosis.