Abstract: A twist capsule rotary joint system for passing a fluid through a pressure hull without a dynamic seal. A rotating cylindrical drum positioned outboard of the pressure hull is adapted to be driven in a reciprocating manner through an angle and backward through the same angle. At least one outboard pressure line or hose has a first end attached to a fixed connector that extends through the pressure hull near and radially outward of the rotating cylindrical drum. A second end of the outboard pressure line or hose is attached to a connector that extends through the top outboard surface of the drum. As the drum rotates, the pressure line wraps around the drum, or unwraps from the drum. In an exemplary embodiment, two pressure lines carry two-phase coolant through the pressure hull of a spacecraft in support of a rotating radiator that is adapted to rotate to present a minimum surface area toward the sun.

Abstract: Data can be stored in unencrypted form in an electronic device such as a smart card. The data will only be made available in response to successful execution of a mutual authentication process. Subsequently, when mutual authentication has been successfully completed, the data is made available to the host.

Abstract: An authentication system incorporates pluralilty of fused biometric modalities which are combined with quality indicia of the biometric samples. Fusion processing maps individual modality data along with one or more quality measurements to a fused score for purposes of making an authentication decision.

Abstract: A two-part connector (1) is provided for use in connecting and disconnecting fluid carrying conduits. The connector comprises lower and upper parts (2, 3) each having four fluid carrying duct (15) therethrough, and a valve member (17) for each duct. Each duct in the lower part (2) is aligned with its respective duct in the upper part (3) when the two connector parts are connected together. The connector has clamps (24) for retaining the lower and upper parts (2, 3) together in sealing engagement. The clamps are mounted on the upper connector part (3) and are pivotable thereabout. Hydraulic pistons are used to move the clamps, the clamps being located in a first position pivoted away from the connector whilst the lower and upper parts (2, 3) are being aligned relative to each other.