Abstract: An automotive safety system that will automatically activate hazard warning lights under circumstances of hard braking or sudden stoppage. The system incorporates an accelerometer which measures the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle and a microcontroller which processes the acceleration readings. When a series of deceleration values in excess of a predetermined threshold is detected, the microcontroller transmits an activation signal and the hazard warning lights are activated to warn other motorists. The hazard lights, when activated, remain active until they are either manually reset by the vehicle operator or automatically reset by the microcontroller when it detects a series of positive acceleration values consistent with normal vehicle operation. The hazard warning lights of this system are activated independently of the brake lights such that, in an accident situation, the hazard lights will activate even if the vehicle operator has not pressed the brake pedal.

Abstract: A runway collision avoidance system having warning devices is provided for the safety of aircraft taxiing, taking off, and landing. The system is capable of detecting ground traffic and obstacles including aircraft, maintenance vehicles and wildlife that may encroach upon an active runway during low visibility conditions or when visual observation is impaired. The system includes an electromagnetic transmitter positioned beyond one end of a runway which directs a continuous beam of high frequency radio signals, for example microwaves, longitudinally along the full length of the runway. A plurality of electromagnetic receivers positioned beyond the other end of the runway pick up the transmitted signals and apply them to a balance circuit and then to a comparator circuit. With a clear runway, the transmitted signals are received without interruption and the receiver outputs remain balanced or equal.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining minimum aircraft fuel consumption per unit of time by flying at the minimum drag speed. The computation of the minimum drag speed is based on the principle that in an aircraft in level flight with a constant power setting, wherein a differential exists between thrust and drag, the resultant longitudinal acceleration will exhibit an increasing magnitude when the aircraft is below minimum drag speed and a decreasing magnitude when the aircraft is above minimum drag speed. Accordingly, longitudinal accelerations are induced in an aircraft through the use of incremental thrust changes, and the rate of change of said accelerations are compared with airspeed in order to determine the minimum drag speed in accordance with said principle. The aircraft is then maintained at the minimum drag speed which permits it to stay aloft at minimum fuel consumption rates.

Abstract: A sole for running shoes which utilizes detachable tread elements. The main sole contains perforations consistent with the pattern and number of tread elements. Integral with the elements are shafts which fit into the perforations. This arrangement allows the user to replace worn treads and this greatly extends the usable life of the shoe.

Abstract: A molding system for large-scale containers using closely-spaced bladders, one inside the other, to contain a resinous material that will harden to form a rigid container. The bladders float in a liquid of the same specific gravity as that of the resinous material, and the inner bladder is filled with a liquid of the same specific gravity. The inner bladder may be filled first to establish the size or volume of the container, and then the resinous material may be filled between the inner and outer bladder layers whereat it will harden to form the container.