Abstract: A parachute cluster assembly includes a first round parachute having a first canopy of radially extending first gores, and a second round parachute having a second canopy of radially extending second gores. Adjacent ones of the first gores are joined along a line to adjacent ones of the second gores to fix the first canopy to the second canopy along the line. The first canopy defines a first slot spaced from but neighboring the first gores joined along the line, and the second canopy defines a second slot spaced from but neighboring the second gores joined along the line. The first and second slots are disposed on a same side of the cluster assembly.

Abstract: A parachute cluster assembly includes a first round parachute having a first canopy of radially extending first gores, and a second round parachute having a second canopy of radially extending second gores. Adjacent ones of the first gores are joined along a line to adjacent ones of the second gores to fix the first canopy to the second canopy along the line. The first canopy defines a first slot spaced from but neighboring the first gores joined along the line, and the second canopy defines a second slot spaced from but neighboring the second gores joined along the line. The first and second slots are disposed on a same side of the cluster assembly.

Abstract: An interactive data transfer system and method is provided. In embodiments of the invention, the data transfer system includes a computing device, and a data well for interfacing with an elongate instrument, the elongate instrument having a data transfer end with a data transfer tip. The data well has a housing with an opening for receiving the data transfer tip of the elongate instrument. The data well also has a communications port operatively coupled to the computing device to provide data to the computing device, and the data well has a data communication device contained in the housing for interfacing with the data transfer tip when the data transfer end of the elongate instrument is received in the opening The computing device is programmed to receive data from the data well. The received data includes data indicative of at least one address on a global communications network.

Abstract: A parafoil assembly includes a canopy having a plurality of generally parel inflatable cells and suspension lines extending from opposite sides of each of the cells toward a central area beneath the canopy when the canopy is fully deployed. At least one selected group of the suspension lines is reefed. A loop retains the reefed suspension lines and a cutter is mounted onto the loop and is adapted to cut the loop to release the reefed suspension lines. Upon initial deployment, non-reefed suspension lines are free to extend to permit full deployment of their respective cells, while the reefed suspension lines prevent full deployment of their respective cells. Upon activation of the cutter, the reefed suspension lines are released so as to disreef to permit extension thereof and full deployment of cells connected thereto.

Abstract: A friction supporting stay comprises a channel section track (10) and a slider (15) linked to a strut (24). At the upper and of track (10) is a cap (14) with internal surfaces (36) (37) engageable by one end of strut (24). A plastic nose member (35) is riveted to the end of strut (24) and is formed with surfaces (39) (40) shaped to engage the corresponding surfaces (36) (37).

Abstract: A friction supported stay comprising a track (10) secured vertically to a window frame with a slider (15) connected by link (18) to a strut (16) in turn connected to bar (24) which is also connected to slider (15) by a link (21). The bar, which is normally connected to the window has a nose member (35) which engages in a plastic, shaped cap member (14). The cap member (14) has internal cam surfaces (36) (37) which are asymmetrically disposed with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the track. One cam surface is at a greater angle to the axis than the other. The corresponding surfaces of the nose portion (35) of strut (24) are similarly inclined to each other and to the axis of strut (24).

Abstract: A friction stay includes a track 10 for attachment to a window frame. The track 10 has a nose portion 14 with a curved inner surface which receives the nose portion 28 of a bar 24. Bar 24 is pivotally attached to the track 10, by a link 16 joined to the bar 24 at rivet 25 and to track 10 at rivet 17. The bar 24 is also attached to a slider 15, engaged in track 10, by a link 21 pivoted on rivets 22, 23. A brace 18 extends from link 16 to slider 15 and is attached by rivets 19, 20. Optionally an extra link 26 may be included. To provide additional strength, in accordance with this invention, a link 31 is provided, pivoted to link 16 at 32 and to a second slider 35 to 34.