Abstract: A speed reduction system for decreasing the speed of a moving craft has a craft engaging device, a control mechanism, and a hydraulic energy transfer system adapted to transmit energy from the craft engaging device to the control mechanism. The control mechanism is adapted to actively control release of energy from the hydraulic energy transfer system during the decrease of the speed of the craft. A method of controlling the operation of a valve includes adjusting the valve during the operation of the valve after comparing a condition to a desired condition determined by a profile. A hydraulic valve has a valve member defining passages arranged to balance the force of the fluid pressure acting on the valve member and an actuator connected to the valve member. A valve control system includes a controller and a driver arranged with the controller. The position of the valve is adjusted during a predetermined cycle to control the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated ejection rack system for an aircraft includes a storage tank for storing a pressurized gas at or above a first pressure level and a pressure reducer positioned downstream from the storage tank. The pressure reducer is adapted to reduce the pressure level of the pressurized gas so as to receive the pressured gas at the first pressure level and discharge the pressurized gas at a second pressure level lower than the first pressure level, whereby the second pressure level is sufficient to operate a firing mechanism of the ejection rack system.

Abstract: A speed reduction system for decreasing the speed of a moving craft has a craft engaging device, a control mechanism, and a hydraulic energy transfer system adapted to transmit energy from the craft engaging device to the control mechanism. The control mechanism is adapted to actively control release of energy from the hydraulic energy transfer system during the decrease of the speed of the craft. A method of controlling the operation of a valve includes adjusting the valve during the operation of the valve after comparing a condition to a desired condition determined by a profile. A hydraulic valve has a valve member defining passages arranged to balance the force of the fluid pressure acting on the valve member and an actuator connected to the valve member. A valve control system includes a controller and a driver arranged with the controller. The position of the valve is adjusted during a predetermined cycle to control the operation of the valve.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved poppet-type relief-valve construction which features an inlet-port configuration at upstream offset from the valve-closed seat region of the valve. To open the valve, a valve member must be moved by upstream pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold. This valve member integrally carries a specially profiled formation that (a) is upstream from the seat region and (b) coacts with a specially profiled region of inlet port. This action necessarily takes place upstream from the seat region and is such as to provide control of valve operation especially during that fraction of valve-member displacement that spans the "cracking" phase of valve operation. The net result is to avoid development of the "chatter" which customarily characterizes the "cracking" phase of valve operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part casing for a multistage valve, itself configured for noise-reduction. Further noise reduction is achieved by complaint suspension of the valve in a two-part casing wherein separable parts of the casing define a cavity for containing nested stages of the valve. Provision is made for selective adjustment of compressional loading of the compliant suspension.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a valve construction which provides a radially stacked succession of mutually fitted concentric annuli fitted to an inner tubular member which is open at one end for accommodating inlet fluid flow and which is adapted along its bore and at the opposite end to guide a poppet member that is axially positionable in the bore. The tubular member has a circumferentially and axially distributed plurality of like radial passages adapted to be opened and closed in accordance with the guided position of the poppet member. Progressively increasing pluralities of such radial passages characterize each successive annulus, and all annuli are circumferentially channeled to define a manifolded relation between the plural passage discharges from one annulus and the plural passage inlets of the next annulus. Outlet or downstream flow from the valve is taken from a circumferential manifold around the outermost multiple-ported annulus.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a threaded neck of a container includes an inner threaded cap which fits closely within an outer cap that is rotatable about the inner cap within defined limits. The outer cap includes a transparent window through which means are displayed to provide a positive indication of a prior usage or tampering. In one embodiment, a drive bar and a series of breakable fins on the outer cap seen through the window are moved into contact with a break and open bar on the inner cap. After the fins are broken, the drive bar engages the break and open bar to permit rotation of the inner cap with the outer cap and removal of the assembly to open the container. Replacement in the opposite direction causes the drive bar to engage a close bar on the inner cap to reseal the container while the broken fins remain visible. A second embodiment has an indicator sleeve instead of fins with a second drive bar to move a SAFE indicia in view of the window during the opening rotation.