Abstract: A method of stabilizing a jet-powered tri-mode aircraft as the aircraft travels in a helicopter mode, a compound mode, and a fixed-wing mode is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of velocity vector component values and velocity vector commands derived from either (1) a number of pilot operated controllers or (2) a commanded array of waypoints, which are used for fully automated flights, and a rotor speed reference value, which is decreased with increasing forward speed to unload the rotor, thereby permitting conditions for stopping the rotor in flight. Stabilization of the commanded velocity vector is achieved in all modes of flight using blended combinations of rotor swashplate controls and aerodynamic controls such as elevons, canards, rudders, and a horizontal tail. Stabilization to the commanded velocity vector includes a plurality of control constraints applied to the pilot stick controllers that prevent penetration of envelope limits.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a jet-powered tri-mode aircraft as the aircraft travels in a helicopter mode, a compound mode, and a fixed-wing mode is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of velocity vector component values and velocity vector commands derived from either (1) a number of pilot operated controllers or (2) a commanded array of waypoints, which are used for fully automated flights, and a rotor speed reference value, which is decreased with increasing forward speed to unload the rotor, thereby permitting conditions for stopping the rotor in flight. Stabilization of the commanded velocity vector is achieved in all modes of flight using blended combinations of rotor swashplate controls and aerodynamic controls such as elevons, canards, rudders, and a horizontal tail. Stabilization to the commanded velocity vector includes a plurality of control constraints applied to the pilot stick controllers that prevent penetration of envelope limits.

Abstract: An improved blanket is provided having improved insulation, comfort, care and maintenance characteristics. The blanket is constructed of three layers of hydrophobic material which are secured together. Preferably, the layers of fabric are comprised of 100% polyester fleece fabric. The fixed proximity of three layers of polyester fleece fabric in a single blanket optimizes the extraordinary range of insulation capabilities of this unique, ultralight hydrophobic material.

Abstract: An improved blanket is provided having improved insulation, comfort, care and maintenance characteristics. The blanket is constructed of three layers of hydrophobic material which are secured together. Preferably, the layers of fabric are comprised of 100% polyester fleece fabric. The fixed proximity of three layers of polyester fleece fabric in a single blanket optimizes the extraordinary range of insulation capabilities of this unique, ultralight hydrophobic material.

Abstract: An improved blanket is formed from two pieces of 100% polyester fleece material. The two pieces of polyester fleece material are secured together by an outer overlock stitched edge and loosely sewn-in fold lines, so as to be easily folded into predetermined shapes, having approximately equal dimensions. The secured-together pieces of 100% polyester fleece material include soft velour outer surfaces, which are always on the exterior of the blanket whether it is folded or rolled.

Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface and method of providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The method includes applying a coating of a catalized resin material over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a catalized resin material and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalized resin material mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single, somewhat-resilient, weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.

Abstract: The present invention defines methods of forming a non-skid surface on a base member, wherein the base member may consist of a wood, plastic, metal or concrete surface structure. One method includes applying one or more coats or layers of epoxy resin to one surface of a wood base member. After the epoxy resin is set, a first coat of polyurethane is applied thereover at a thickness determined by the size of the grit material that is disseminated in the first coat of polyurethane, whereby the upper portion of the grit is exposed so as to be covered by a second polyurethane coat applied over the first coat of polyurethane, the grit being locked within and between the two coats of polyurethane. An additional method includes the step of affixing a fiber/cement panel to the base member and applying the first polyurethane coat to the surface of the fiber/cement panel, followed thereafter by the grit and the second coat of polyurethane, whereby a non-skid surface is established thereon.

Abstract: An improved floating dock/marina system having a monocoque-type frame structure. The embodiments disclosed include a dock structure defined by a main walkway section and a plurality of extended finger sections which are formed having longitudinal side-beam members, known as walers, that are interconnected by a plurality of spaced, transverse, beam members and a longitudinal center-beam structure. Various arrangements are provided for the beam structure, the transverse beam members and/or the longitudinal center-beam structure being formed having a height greater than the height of the waler side-beam members, whereby a crowning arrangement is defined. A decking is employed which comprises sheets of plywood which are attached to the framework. The crowning arrangement creates a central raised portion in the deck, the opposite sides of the deck being sloped downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A floor tile having a non-skid surface and a method of forming same that includes a base member formed from a fiber/cement mixture that is fireproof, waterproof and will not corrode, wherein at least one surface of the base member is coated with a first layer of bonding material that is impregnated with a selective size of grit particles, and is then covered with a second layer of bonding material to fixedly secure the grit particles within the first bonding layer, the grit particles having a size greater than the thickness of the first bonding layer so as to protrude therefrom.

Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The structure is formed by applying a coating of a polyester or epoxy resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester or epoxy resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester or epoxy resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single, somewhat-resilient, weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.

Abstract: The present invention defines two methods of forming a non-skid-surfaced wood panel, preferably plywood, which is treated with various coats or layers of epoxy resin, together with a finished surface coat of polyurethane combined with a hard-grit abrasive material evenly spread within the surface coat, so as to provide the non-skid substance that establishes a unique and wear-resistant structure for areas subjected to heavy foot traffic, the invention being particularly suitable for use on decking in marine environments.

Abstract: A fiber-cement/plywood surface and method of providing a preformed surface material for flooring, decking, walkways and roadways, more particularly for use with marine dock structures. The method includes applying a coating of a polyester resin over one surface of a sheet of plywood substructure so as to seal the substructure as the resin hardens, and also coating one surface of a fiber-cement sheet with a polyester resin and allowing it to harden. A bonding agent, which comprises a catalyzed polyester resin mixed with a thickening agent such as mill fibers or finely chopped fiberglass strands, is applied between the two facing resin surfaces of the respective plywood sheet and the fiber-cement sheet, whereby the two sheets are bonded together so as to form a single somewhat-resilient weatherproof and wear-resistant structure or panel. An alternative arrangement is also provided wherein the substructure is a thick plastic foam core encased in a fiberglass and polyester resin.

Abstract: A method of assembling a floatation unit wherein the unit is formed of a monolithic cell including a plurality of support rods passing therethrough to support the framework of a floating structure. The supporting rods are installed after the sealed unit is formed, by threading the elongated rods from one side to the other of the cell walls. This is accomplished by use of a guide rod, a threaded support rod which is threaded between oppositely disposed, bushing members adapted to receive the support rod. The guide rod is first passed through opposing bushings engaging the support rod as it is fed back through the bushing members, the guide rod providing a means by which the support rod can freely enter the oppositely disposed, bushing member positioned within the sealed wall of the cell.

Abstract: A support structure in combination with a flotation cell adapted to support a floatable marine dock or the like, wherein the cell comprises a buoyant, rectangular, hollow, box-shaped housing formed as a thin-walled float provided with oppositely disposed, threaded bushings molded therein in such a manner as to threadably receive a continuously threaded rod that extends across the entire width of the float, thereby rigidly interconnecting the oppositely disposed side walls thereof. The rods are positioned to protrude on each side of the float to additionally support and mount the dock frame structure, whereby stresses placed on the dock are transmitted to the rod and absorbed thereby.

Abstract: An improved two feeder tray bulk weighment control system of the vernier operating type is disclosed. During an initial portion of the operating cycle of the device and while the weighment from the previous cycle is being dumped, a first feeder tray is driven to deliver a preliminary bulk target of 80-98% of the desired final weighment into a second feeder tray. During the conveying portion of the operating cycle both trays are driven at a rate inversely proportional to the difference between the actual weighment and a target weighment signal in an underdamped manner. As the final weighment is approached, improved circuitry prevents scale overshoot due to the underdamped rate controllers from causing premature dumping. A servo loop is also provided to cause the feed controller in operation during the dumping portion of the operating cycle to deliver the 80-98% of desired final weighment based on its actual delivery on the previous cycle of operation.