Abstract: The present invention relates to articulating spacecraft chassis and methods of making and using same. The present invention relates to spacecraft chassis and methods of making and using same. Such spacecraft chassis have a dynamic movement capability that allows the spacecraft to alter its structure while still maintaining industry volumetric launch standards. This capability increases opens up a wide range of achievable volumetric states and increases the ability to meet mission requirements by introducing a new tunable parameter. In addition, the judicious selection of certain dynamic movement parameters can result increased payload capabilities and improved maneuverability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articulating spacecraft chassis and methods of making and using same. The present invention relates to spacecraft chassis and methods of making and using same. Such spacecraft chassis have a dynamic movement capability that allows the spacecraft to alter its structure while still maintaining industry volumetric launch standards. This capability increases opens up a wide range of achievable volumetric states and increases the ability to meet mission requirements by introducing a new tunable parameter. In addition, the judicious selection of certain dynamic movement parameters can result increased payload capabilities and improved maneuverability.

Abstract: A tool for removing the lid of a metal drum wherein the lid is clamped over the drum rim without protruding edges, the tool having an elongated handle with a blade carried by an angularly positioned holder affixed to the midsection of the handle, the blade being of selected width to slice between lid lip and the drum rim and, when the blade is so positioned, upward motion of the blade handle will cause the blade to pry the lip from the rim and allow the lid to be removed.

Abstract: A tool for removing the lid of a metal drum wherein the lid is clamped over the drum rim without protruding edges, the tool having an elongated handle with a blade carried by an angularly positioned holder affixed to the midsection of the handle, the blade being of selected width to slice between lid lip and the drum rim and, when the blade is so positioned, upward motion of the blade handle will cause the blade to pry the lip from the rim and allow the lid to be removed.

Abstract: A game transporting system for providing a stable transporting structure for easily hauling game, stands, equipment, firewood and other objects. The inventive device includes a V-shaped frame structure, an axle with a pair of wheels rotatably attached thereto wherein the wheels converge inwardly and upwardly wherein the upper portion of the wheels are disposed in closer relation that the lower portions of the wheels, a handle removably attached to the V-shaped frame structure, a pair of angled members attached to the frame in front of the wheels for deflecting grass, trees and bushes, and a pair of support members attached to the upper portion of the handle for receiving the head and neck of a game animal such as a deer. The converging wheels provide increased stability while transporting heavy game animals upon uneven terrain. An optional boat support members each having a side rod and a plurality of connectors for attaching to the V-shaped frame structure.

Abstract: A cart for the transport of a workload over rough terrain. The cart has a low center of gravity, to make heavy loads easier to carry, a bumper that protects the cart against obstacles, a waistband extending between handlebars to provide for increased user comfort in pushing the cart, and diagonally inclined struts interconnecting the handlebar portion of the frame with the top and bottom load carrying elements of the frame.

Abstract: A retainer for holding and protecting an optical disk is molded from plastic, to form a thin, flat, rectangular base member having a shallow rectangular cavity in the front surface thereof. A shallow circular cavity is centrally located within the rectangular cavity. The disk is resiliently held within the circular cavity, and can be removed by finger lifting. The retainer's top edge includes a hook recessed into its flat top edge. This hook allows the retainer to be vertically hung from, and perpendicular to, a horizontal storage rod. The retainer includes short, spaced posts located within the top portion of the rectangular cavity. A flat storage envelope mounts on these posts, to overlay the disk's exposed surface. The two external, vertically extending side walls of the base each include a flat, protruding, label surface located at the center of the side wall. Two flat box shaped containers are provided. One container holds a single retainer.

Abstract: A solar collector is disclosed which collects radiant energy for transfer as thermal energy to a fluid with high efficiency. An energy absorbing structure is mounted between a transparent front panel and opaque back panel of a housing. The energy absorbing structure comprises a plurality of open-ended cells having parallel axes which are oriented at right angles to the transparent panel for receiving the radiant energy. Pairs of adjacent cells share common sidewalls to achieve a high surface area to frontal area ratio. The surfaces of the sidewalls have a high absorbtivity coefficient for efficiently absorbing the radiant energy, and the sidewalls have a high thermal conductivity for efficiently transfering thermal energy to a fluid which is directed through the cells. In one embodiment the cells are polygonal in cross-section to form a honeycomb structure, and in another embodiment the cells are substantially circular in cross-section.

Abstract: A device for collecting radiant energy is disclosed in which a conical surface is formed so as to convergently reflect rays toward an elongate energy absorbing structure which is disposed along a central focal axis. The conical surface has a relatively high reflectivity (.rho.) coefficient while the outer surface of the energy absorbing structure has a relatively high absorbtivity (.alpha.) coefficient and also is formed of a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity (k) for efficiently transferring thermal energy by convection to a heat exchange fluid. In one embodiment the energy absorbing structure comprises a hollow tube which is coiled in a helix about the focal axis, with a transparent cover enclosing the helix. In another embodiment the absorbing structure comprises an open ended hollow enclosure containing a porous filler having a relatively high thermal conductivity (k).