Abstract: A system for loading pellets into clips includes a clip plate defining a plurality of clip openings; a pellet plate with pellet openings; a loading plate with loading pegs; and a base with a base plate surrounded by a base wall, the base plate and base wall defining a base cavity constructed to accept the clip plate, the pellet plate, and the loading plate in more than one axial orientation.

Abstract: A system for loading pellets into clips includes a clip plate defining a plurality of clip openings; a pellet plate with pellet openings; a loading plate with loading pegs; and a base with a base plate surrounded by a base wall, the base plate and base wall defining a base cavity constructed to accept the clip plate, the pellet plate, and the loading plate in more than one axial orientation.

Abstract: A method for making an object (e.g., a projectile) includes preparing a premixture of a first metal powder having a first particle size, a second metal powder having a second particle size, and a polymer binder; compressing the premixture in a mold at a pressure of about 75 psi to about 500 psi and a temperature of about 15° C. to about 40° C. to form a projectile preform; and heating the projectile preform at a temperature of about 80° C. to about 350° C. for about 0.5 minutes to about 30 minutes. The polymer binder may include a dry powder coat. The object may have a density between 1 and 4 g/cm3.

Abstract: An automatic recycling ice detector includes a sensor for sensing the formation of ice on an aircraft surface and a heater for melting the detected ice. The detector also includes a timing circuit for indicating the time to melt any detected ice and automatically recycling the detector when the ice is melted. A computer including a look up table or the like are provided for measuring and indicating the thickness of the accumulated ice based on a relationship between melting time and thickness.

Abstract: A method and system for aiding a helicopter pilot to avoid being struck by a heat seeking missile includes the steps of providing a mass of water and a missile detector for detecting an incoming heat seeking missile. The water is contained in a tank that extends around an exhaust housing and is adapted to eject water onto and into the housing. The cooling water is ejected out of the tank and into the exhaust housing to thereby cool the exhaust and disrupt the guidance system of an incoming missile.

Abstract: A method for aiding a helicopter pilot to avoid a heat seeking missile includes the step of detecting a threat from a missile. The method also includes the step of reducing heat emanating from the helicopter's engine and rapidly reducing altitude. Then, when the threat has passed flight is resumed. A system for accomplishing the above is also described which simultaneously reduces engine temperature, deflects the exhaust gases, injects water into the exhaust gases, reduces altitude and launches a countermeasure.

Abstract: A method and system in an airborne aircraft to evade a heat seeking missile includes the steps of detecting the launch or “lock on” of a heat seeking missile and reducing the radiation from the aircraft's engine by reducing the engine speed to idle. The method may also include the steps of shutting down and restarting an engine and taking countermeasures to distract the missile or distorting its tracking system. In addition, a method and system for automatically shutting down an engine and/or injecting cooling water into the engine's exhaust port are disclosed.

Abstract: An airborne windshear detection and warning system includes a pitot tube for detecting the airspeed of an aircraft and an angle of attack vane for detecting an aircraft's angle of attack. Signals are generated and fed to a signal processor for determining a relationship between the airspeed and the aircraft's angle of attack. A signal indicative of the aircraft's normal relationship plus or minus a preselected value is also input into the signal processor. Then when the actual relationship exceeds the normal value plus or minus the preselected value for a preselected period of time, a signal is generated by the signal processor and is an indication of a hazardous windshear. A warning is then given to the pilot to take immediate corrective action.

Abstract: An aircraft's brake temperature monitoring system for determining when the brake has cooled sufficiently for a safe take-off includes an aircraft brake and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the brake. The system also includes a timer and indicator for indicating the brake temperatures at two different times. A computer or circuit for calculating the rate of cooling is provided and determines the time until the brakes reach a preselected temperature. An electronically stored temperature profile and ambient temperature sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A take off ground effects compensated angle of attack system includes a radio altimeter and/or timer, a pitch angle system and a flight control computer. The radio altimeter generates a signal which is indicative of the aircraft's altitude from 0 i.e., weight off wheels to an altitude of ½ the wing span of the aircraft. The angle of attack system simultaneously generates a signal which is indicative of the aircraft's angle of attack without compensation for ground effects. Therefore, a ground effects signal of from 1½° to 0° is generated and added to the angle of attack signal as the aircraft climbs from 0 ft. to an altitude which is equal to ½ the wing span of the aircraft. The ground effects signal is added to the angle of attack signal to provide a ground effects compensated angle of attacks signal which is then fed to the flight control computer or display.

Abstract: A helicopter having a helicopter turbine engine disposed therein includes an over-stress protection system. The over-stress protection system includes a computer for storing data and an input such as a keyboard for inputting a safe temperature profile for starting the turbine engine. A temperature sensor is provided for measuring the actual turbine outlet temperature during the start up of the helicopter turbine engine. The actual engine temperature is then compared with the safe engine temperature profile and water and/or alcohol is injected into the engine when an actual temperature exceeds the safe temperature. The use of a ground based tank for use during start up and an airborne tank for in flight use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spacecraft having a fuselage, a severely swept back fixed wing and an extendible wing panel is disclosed. The extendible wing panel is rotatably extended after reentry into the atmosphere and is free of heat resistant tiles. Sensors and an algorithm are provided for preventing extension of the wing panels until after reentry.

Abstract: A helicopter having a helicopter turbine engine disposed therein includes an over-stress protection system. The over-stress protection system includes a computer for storing data and an input such as a keyboard for inputting a safe temperature profile for starting the turbine engine. A temperature sensor is provided for measuring the actual turbine outlet temperature during the start up of the helicopter turbine engine. The actual engine temperature is then compared with the safe engine temperature profile and water and/or alcohol is injected into the engine when an actual temperature exceeds the safe temperature. The use of a ground based tank for use during start up and airborne tank for in flight use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A holder for long slender implements such as pencils and pens is disclosed. The holder comprises a support member which is preferably a thin web having opposed side surfaces. The web includes at least one opening that communicates with each of the side surfaces. Each side of the opening is surrounded by a plurality of flexible fingers which extend away from each side surface in a converging relationship so that the flexible fingers form a hollow frusto-conical shape that is preferably divided into equal segments. A long slender implement inserted through an opening in an outer end of the frusto conical shape forces the outer ends of the flexible fingers outward. The pressure exerted by the flexible fingers holds the long slender implement securely. The holder may be provided with a resilient clip, an adhesive or a magnetic base for attaching the holder to a variety of suitable surfaces.