Abstract: A method, preferably including: sampling inputs, determining aircraft conditions, and/or acting based on the aircraft conditions. A method, preferably including: sampling inputs, determining input reliability, determining guidance, and/or controlling aircraft operation. A method, preferably including: operating the vehicle, planning for contingencies, detecting undesired flight conditions, and/or reacting to undesired flight conditions. A system, preferably an aircraft such as a rotorcraft, configured to implement the method.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes inner and outer rings, a plurality of rolling elements between the rings and first and second lubricant retainers. Each one of the first and second retainers includes an annular body having an outer radial end coupled with the outer ring and an inner radial end spaced radially and/or axially outwardly from the inner bearing ring such that an annular gap is defined between the inner radial end of each retainer and the bearing inner ring. The first retainer is disposed at least generally adjacent to a first axial end of the outer ring and the second retainer is disposed at least generally adjacent to a second axial end of the outer ring. The first and second retainers retain a quantity of liquid lubricant within the bearing annular space and the annular gap is sized to permit lubricant to be directed into the bearing annular space.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing a user's sustained attention comprises at least one stimulus-provider and a controller for controlling the stimulus-provider to provide at least one target stimulus, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one operating procedure and the or each operating procedure comprises controlling the stimulus-provider to provide a sequence of target stimuli to the user.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing a user's sustained attention comprises at least one stimulus-provider and a controller for controlling the stimulus-provider to provide at least one target stimulus, wherein the controller is configured to perform at least one operating procedure and the or each operating procedure comprises controlling the stimulus-provider to provide a sequence of target stimuli to the user.

Abstract: The pointing device is used in connection with a computer system, and has a sensor for sensing data representing a displacement information in at least two spatial coordinates. The device is capable of toggling between a first and a second mode of operation, and also adjusting the displacement information referring to a first of the two spatial coordinates (i.e. first displacement information) in view of a second of the two spatial coordinates (i.e. second displacement information) when the second mode of operation is activated.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque from a transmission assembly between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line, the power transfer unit includes a housing, non-parallel gear set located in the housing and including a ring gear, and a parallel gear set including an idler, and an idler shaft secured to and supported on the housing. The idler shaft, which extends through the idler gear and supports the idler gear for rotation, includes an interior chamber, an outer surface, and a wall. A portion of the outer surface is formed with a clearance space, into which space a portion of the ring gear extends and rotates. The clearance space communicates through the wall to the chamber, the wall being formed with a hydraulic passage, which carries lubricant from the chamber to the outer surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque from a transmission assembly between a front wheel drive line and a rear wheel drive line, said power transfer unit includes a housing, non-parallel gear set located in the housing and including a ring gear, and a parallel gear set including an idler, and an idler shaft secured to and supported on the housing. The idler shaft, which extends through the idler gear and supports the idler gear for rotation, includes an interior chamber, an outer surface, and a wall. A portion of the outer surface is formed with a clearance space, into which space a portion of the ring gear extends and rotates. The clearance space communicates through the wall to the chamber, the wall being formed with a hydraulic passage, which carries lubricant from the chamber to the outer surface.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque from a transmission assembly between a front wheel drive line and rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes a housing that encloses a parallel gear set and a non-parallel gear set, which are coupled between an input portion and an output portion of the power transfer unit. The parallel gear set includes a driving gear, and idler gear and a driven gear and the idler gear is rotatably supported on a non-rotating support member that extends through the idler gear. Constructed in this manner, reduced lateral compactness of the power transfer unit is achieved.

Abstract: The pointing device is used in connection with a computer system, and has a sensor for sensing data representing a displacement information in at least two spatial coordinates. The device is capable of toggling between a first and a second mode of operation, and also adjusting the displacement information referring to a first of the two spatial coordinates (i.e. first displacement information) in view of a second of the two spatial coordinates (i.e. second displacement information) when the second mode of operation is activated.

Abstract: A power transfer unit includes a non-parallel gear set and a parallel gear set integrally packaged within a housing. The housing includes an extension portion that connects the power transfer unit to a transmission assembly. The extension portion is formed having a structural web with one or more cavities. These cavities include inner cavities that define a portion of the interior volume of the housing and may also include outer cavities that open to the outer side of the housing. The web between cavities provides structural rigidity for the power transfer unit, while the cavities minimize the weight of the power transfer unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power transfer unit for distributing torque from a transmission assembly between a front wheel drive line and rear wheel drive line. The power transfer unit includes a housing that encloses a parallel gear set and a non-parallel gear set, which are coupled between an input portion and an output portion of the power transfer unit. The parallel gear set includes a driving gear, and idler gear and a driven gear and the idler gear is rotatably supported on a non-rotating support member that extends through the idler gear. Constructed in this manner, reduced lateral compactness of the power transfer unit is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power transfer unit with a non-parallel gear set and a parallel gear set integrally packaged within a housing. The non-parallel gear set is coupled to the rear wheel drive line, and the parallel gear set is coupled between the non-parallel gear set and a transmission assembly. The housing includes an extension portion that connects the power transfer unit to the transmission assembly. The extension portion is formed having a structural web with one or more cavities. These cavities include inner cavities that define a portion of the interior volume of the housing and may also include outer cavities that open to the outer side of the housing. The web between cavities provides structural rigidity for the power transfer unit, while the cavities minimize the weight of the power transfer unit.

Abstract: An adjustable ratchet retractor support apparatus includes in one aspect a rotatable locking mount having first and second surfaces and an axis of rotation perpendicular to the surfaces. First and second rotatable pivot members are disposed respectively on the first and second surfaces for rotation around the axis of rotation. Each of the pivot members include ratchet teeth. First and second curved arm members are mounted respectively on and associated respectively with the first and second pivot members. Each of the arm members is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the locking mount. Each arm member has mounted thereon a ratchet pawl for engagement with the ratchet teeth of the associated pivot member. First and second rotatable clamps are disposed respectively on the first and second pivot members for restraining rotation of the pivot members.

Abstract: A laparoscopic retractor comprises a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a channel extending longitudinally from the distal end to the proximal end, and a handle connected to the proximal end of the shaft and having a longitudinal channel therethrough. There are a plurality of links pivotally connected in a linear arrangement, with one of the links connected to the distal end of the shaft. Each link has a longitudinal channel therethrough. The shaft and links form a continuous line terminating in a tip formed by an end link. There is a cable extending from the tip through the channels in the links, shaft and handle and an adjustment mechanism connected to the handle opposite the shaft and connected to the cable. There is spring mounted between the handle and adjustment mechanism to bias movement of the adjustment mechanism relative to the handle.

Abstract: A surgical hand drill for inserting orthopedic screws and for drilling holes in the fixing of fractures and bone grafts employing a pair of bushings at opposite ends of a double-helix spiral drive shaft to maintain concentricity of rotation when transferring a squeeze hand motion to a pistol grip handle to a rotating drive motion for the screw and for the twist drill, with a compression-type return spring to return the drive shaft to its quiescent position, while providing a tactile feel to the surgeon as to the success in setting the screw into the bone, or drilling a hole, and which includes a quick disconnect adapter for accepting orthopedic screw driver tips of square, hexagonal and/or cross-fit end shank or other configurations, or twist drills.