Abstract: A system includes an optical ice detection (OID) sub-system optically coupled to light collection optics. A water vapor differential absorption LIDAR (WV-DIAL) sub-system is optically coupled to the OID laser source or light collection optics. The OID sub-system and the WV-DIAL sub-system share at least a portion of an optical path of the light source or through the light collection optics. The OID sub-system, the WV-DIAL sub-system, and the illumination and light collection optics can all be aboard an aircraft. A method includes using a set of illumination and light collection optics aboard an aircraft to obtain data indicative of optical ice detection (OID) and water vapor differential absorption LIDAR (WV-DIAL), e.g. to detect contrail forming conditions for the aircraft and/or predict persistence of contrails from the aircraft.

Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport vehicle, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a lift system configured to raise and lower the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift system may include a screw drive system or a winch and cable system to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The lift system may pivot or rotate the hay pod over the top of the trailer for transportation purposes. The deployable hay pod elevator system can be fitted to a truck, a van, or other types of vehicles and can be configured to store and transport various materials, such as hay, tools, or livestock tack.

Abstract: Unstrapping apparatus for removing a strap (2) from a pack of sheets (1) initially contained in the strap is described. The apparatus comprises an input station including a blade (31) for cutting the strap (2) and a hook (59) for engaging the cut strap and carrying the strap to an association station (72). A feed transfer module (79) passes the unstrapped sheets to a doubles detect system and an authentication system (81, 83) for sorting the sheets into acceptable and unacceptable sheets. Unfit sheets, as determined by the doubles detect and authentication systems (81, 83) are transported to the association station (72) where they are stapled by a stapler (73) with the strap (2).