Abstract: An inductive coupling system including a mandrel and an inner sleeve and outer housing that surround and rotate relative to the mandrel the system also includes a mandrel electronics system and a housing electronics system that communicate electronically using a mandrel inductive coupler and a housing inductive coupler. The mandrel electronics system may also communicate with equipment on the surface. Alternatively, the system may include a mandrel and first and second mandrel electronics systems in different mandrel sections. The first and second mandrel electronics systems communicate electronically using a mandrel inductive coupler. Also alternatively, the system may include a mandrel and an inner sleeve and outer housing that surround and rotate relative to the mandrel. The system also includes a mandrel electronics system and a housing electronics system that communicate electronically using a housing inductive coupler.

Abstract: A reusable spacecraft system having two substantially identically reusable return flight space vehicles, one of which is preferably a booster and the other an orbiter, each of which have identical flight control and propulsion systems and have identical but selectably installable components, such as thermal protection disposed on the orbiter but not on the booster. Each vehicle further includes identical payload bays for receiving mission specific payloads, that may be for example, a propellant tankage payload for the booster and a manned mission payload for the orbiter. The use of identical booster and orbiter vehicles reduces costs of development, production and reusable missions.

Abstract: A simple and compact tool for use with aircraft spark plugs to reset the spark gap, which enables a person to hold the spark plug to the tool, hold a gauge to the spark plug, and squeeze the electrodes of the spark plug to set the gap, all under field conditions. The tool includes a pair of bars pivotally connected at one end and a nut fixed to a first of the bars to loosely hold a spark plug, the nut having a cut-away portion to permit the second bar to move over a spark plug held by the nut, and the second bar having a recessed edge which can move against an electrode of the spark plug to bend it.