Abstract: The technology relates to payload separation during descent of an aerial vehicle. A flight termination system (FTS) for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle can include a first, a second, and a third mechanical actuation system. The first mechanical actuation system can be triggered in a first stage, causing an envelope and a payload of the LTA vehicle to separate. The second mechanical actuation system can be triggered in a second stage, causing a parachute to deploy from a component coupled to the payload. The third mechanical actuation system can be triggered in a third stage, causing a parachute to deploy from the envelope. In some cases, one or more of the mechanical actuation systems comprises a squib.

Abstract: The technology relates to techniques for an aquatic energy discharge system for an energy storage system of an aircraft. An aquatic energy discharge system can include an energy storage system, a pair of electrodes coupled to the energy storage system, and a water detection system configured to detect a water landing. The electrodes can be configured to submerge in a body of water after the aircraft has landed in the body of water, and cause a hydrolysis reaction that drains energy from the energy storage system in response to the water detection system detecting the water landing. A method of discharging an energy storage system of an aircraft can include detecting that an aircraft (or portion thereof) has landed in a body of water, and discharging the energy storage system by powering a hydrolysis reaction using a pair of electrodes.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to flight termination systems for aerial vehicles having envelopes. For instance, a flight termination system may include one or more heat sources mounted on the top plate and oriented towards envelope material of the envelope. The one or more heat sources may each include a gas generator configured to generate gas of sufficient temperature to melt the envelope material and vent lift gas from the envelope. The flight termination system may also include a drag device arranged at the top plate which may be being configured to provide stability to the envelope during descent.

Abstract: Self-steaming benefit compositions for treating fabrics. The present invention relates to compositions which are both self-steaming and include one or more benefit agents to provide benefits to fabrics. The present invention also relates to a method for treating fabrics utilizing the self-steaming benefit compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for removing particulate soils from a compressible resilient surface is provided. The cleaning implement includes a ramp for pressing particulates against the compressible resilient surface and a collection member for collecting the particulates which are projected away from the compressible resilient surface when the cleaning implement is moved across the compressible resilient surface.