Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated analysis of a load of a robotic vehicle. In one embodiment, a method (e.g., a computer-implemented method) includes lifting a load via a lifting mechanism of a robotic vehicle and applying a first pulse of force to the load. The method further includes obtaining, from one or more sensors, first sensor data related to movement of the load responsive to the first pulse of force applied to the load and determining one or more parameters related to the load based on the first sensor data. The method further includes performing one or more actions based on the one or more parameters related to the load. In this manner, the load is analyzed in an automated manner and appropriate action(s) (e.g., not moving the load because it is unstable, restricting acceleration/deceleration of the robotic vehicle while moving the load, etc.) can be taken.

Abstract: An attachment root for a blade includes a symmetric serration profile with multiple lobes. Contact surfaces of each lobe form equal contact angles with a line normal to a symmetry plane of the serration profile. Non-contact surfaces of lobes form angles greater than three degrees relative to the line that increase in a radially inward direction.

Abstract: A method of aircraft propulsion and control more specific to rotorcraft propulsion and control using forward, neutral and aft thrust in addition to forward/aft thrust coupling from the propulsive tail assembly through cyclic and collective pitch of the non-flapping, ridged propeller/fan blades and/or from a turbojet/turbofan vectored thrust system. The cyclic blade pitch induces a drive shaft bending moment that is used to provide aircraft directional control and also provides anti-torque control for a single rotor head helicopter. The forward/reverse collective thrust actuator, phase lag elevator effect cyclic actuator and phase lag rudder/anti-torque effect cyclic actuator do not require complex control mixing. The vectored thrust system also provides aircraft directional control and anti-torque control individually or combined with the propeller/fan assembly.

Abstract: A proportional pressure control valve particularly for electro-hydraulic transmissions. The valve includes a cage having pump, clutch, and tank port openings. A spool is received within the cage for controlling flow between the clutch port and the pump and tank ports of the system. The spool has a feedback pressure surface responsive to an applied feedback fluid pressure urging the spool to move towards a first position allowing flow between the clutch and tank ports. A feedback pressure chamber is defined within the cage for developing the feedback fluid pressure. A clutch port pressure feedback passage couples the clutch port with the feedback pressure chamber for admitting flow from the clutch port into the feedback pressure chamber to develop the feedback fluid pressure. The clutch port pressure feedback passage is formed within the cage wall to couple the control pressure chamber in fluid communication with the system clutch port.

Abstract: An anti-theft system (1) for a motor vehicle detects movement in the motor vehicle, while at the same time avoiding false alarms. A movement detector (2) comprises a transmitter circuit (3) which transmits a microwave signal in bursts of around six nanoseconds duration and a receiver circuit (4) which receives the transmitted signals and reflected signals. The transmitted and reflected signals are mixed, and envelope detected in an envelope detector (22). The signals from the envelope detector (22) are passed through three filters, namely, a low pass filter (25) which passes low frequency signals in the range of 1 Hz to 40 Hz, a high pass filter (26) which passes high frequency signals of greater than 100 Hz and a band pass filter 15 (27) which passes intermediate frequency signals in the range of 40 Hz to 80 Hz. The signals from the filters (25,26,27) are analysed in a microprocessor (28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysing a signal from a movement detector for determining if movement has been detected in an area under surveillance, and an anti-theft system” An anti-theft system (1) for a motor vehicle detects movement in the motor vehicle, while at the same time avoiding false alarms. A movement detector (2) comprises a transmitter circuit (3) which transmits a microwave signal in bursts of around six nanoseconds duration and a receiver circuit (4) which receives the transmitted signals and reflected signals. The transmitted and reflected signals are mixed, and envelope detected in an envelope detector (22). The signals from the envelope detector (22) are passed through three filters, namely, a low pass filter (25) which passes low frequency signals in the range of 1 Hz to 40 Hz, a high pass filter (26) which passes high frequency signals of greater than 100 Hz and a band pass filter 15 (27) which passes intermediate frequency signals in the range of 40 Hz to 80 Hz.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low-pressure actuator, for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized gas, liquid fire control and suppression sprinkler system, with a pneumatic/electric double interlock mechanism, which requires that two separate events, such as discharging air pressure from the sprinkler system, and an electrical detection, must occur in order for the sprinkler check valve to be activated, thereby allowing water into the sprinkler system, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a low-pressure actuator is utilized in series with a liquid flow valve equipped with a solenoid and an electrical detector/sensor for detecting an event such as the occurrence of smoke, heat, or a high rate of temperature rise. In alternative embodiments, the low-pressure actuator itself is equipped with the solenoid and detector/sensor.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low-pressure actuator, for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized gas, liquid fire control and suppression sprinkler syatem, with a pneumatic/electric double interlock mechanism, which requires that two separate events, such as discharging air pressure from the sprinkler system, and an electrical detection, must occur in order for the sprinkler check valve to be activated, thereby allowing water into the sprinkler system, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a low-pressure actuator is utilized in series with a liquid flow valve equipped with a solenoid and an electrical detector/sensor for detecting an event such as the occurrence of smoke, heat, or a high rate of temperature rise. In alternative embodiments, the low-pressure actuator itself is equipped with the solenoid and detector/sensor.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: A low pressure actuator for use in a dry, low-pressure, pressurized-gas, fire control and suppression sprinkler system for delivering an extinguishing liquid to a fire, wherein there is a system gas pressure of up to about 20 psi and an extinguishing liquid supply pressure of up to about 160 psi is disclosed. When actuated by a rapid fall in the system gas pressure, the device allows liquid to flow through to a sprinkler check valve, which, in turn, is actuated and provides liquid flow for distribution through a piping system to a plurality of interconnected sprinklers.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for a check valve, having particular utility in a dry fire control system. The check valve is responsive to a drop in the system air pressure occasioned by opening of one or more sprinkler heads in the fire control system. The movement of the actuator to its open position, establishes a water drain line therethrough, while advantageously also opening a previously sealed vent outlet for the pressurized air within the actuator. The seal for the vent outlet may be manually adjustable to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The actuator may respond to either the magnitude of system air pressure drop, or the rate of system air pressure drop.

Abstract: A caster with a stem extending upwards from a base and defining a stem axis and wherein the stem has a hole having a circumference defined by an internal threading for fastening to a correspondingly externally threaded fastener; a bearing for interconnecting said base and said stem such that said base is free to rotate about said stem axis; wherein at least a part of the external surface of the upper end of said stem has a shape that inhibits rotation of the stem when inserted into a correspondingly shaped bore hole, wherein said shape is defined by a curved surface or planar surface or a combination thereof; and wherein the curve or planar surface does not intersect the circumference defined by the internal threading.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for a check valve, having particular utility in a dry fire control system. The check valve is responsive to a drop in the system air pressure occasioned by opening of one or more sprinkler heads in the fire control system. The movement of the actuator to its open position, establishes a water drain line therethrough, while advantageously also opening a previously sealed outlet for the pressurized air within the actuator. The actuator may respond to either the magnitude of system air pressure drop, or the rate of system air pressure drop.

Abstract: A low differential check valve is provided for a fire control system, having particular adaptability in a dry system. The check valve is maintained in its closed position by a latch which is controlled by a plunger. The plunger is activated, and moved to release the latch, upon the sensing of drop in system air pressure by a higher differential mechanism external of the check valve. The check valve may then be reset, with its clapper moved to its closed condition, without requiring internal access of the check valve to release a clapper latch.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly, subject to high vibration and shock induced loading, providing both axial and radial motion restraint of critical valve structures as economical means for achieving structural integrity.