Abstract: A signal transmission system comprises an optical fiber cable, an electrical-to-optical signal converter, and an optical signal receiver. The optical fiber cable extending through a vehicle. The electrical-to-optical signal converter is connected to a first end of the optical fiber cable and is connected an antenna. The optical signal converter, when operating, receives a radio frequency signal from the antenna; modulates an optical signal using the radio frequency signal to create a modulated optical signal; and transmits the modulated optical signal through the optical fiber cable from the first end. The optical signal receiver is connected to a second end of the optical fiber cable, wherein the optical signal receiver, when operating, converts the modulated optical signal into a data signal.

Abstract: A signal transmission system comprises an optical fiber cable, an electrical-to-optical signal converter, and an optical signal receiver. The optical fiber cable extending through a vehicle. The electrical-to-optical signal converter is connected to a first end of the optical fiber cable and is connected an antenna. The optical signal converter, when operating, receives a radio frequency signal from the antenna; modulates an optical signal using the radio frequency signal to create a modulated optical signal; and transmits the modulated optical signal through the optical fiber cable from the first end. The optical signal receiver is connected to a second end of the optical fiber cable, wherein the optical signal receiver, when operating, converts the modulated optical signal into a data signal.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomous distress tracking of an aircraft. An automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transceiver is configured to transmit an automatic distress transmission. A system controller comprises a distress identifier that is configured to determine when the aircraft is in a distress condition. The system controller is configured to control the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transceiver to transmit the automatic distress transmission in response to a determination that the aircraft is in the distress condition. The automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transceiver and the system controller are contained within a housing attached to the aircraft on an outside of the aircraft.

Abstract: A projectile and deployment method ensures successful deployment of the projectile regardless of an external environment. Contacting engagement is maintained between a piston and deployable fins as the fins rotate from a folded position to a deployed position. The fins are pushed by the piston to rotate into a deployed position in which the fins are locked before the piston is able to eject from the assembly. Using the engaging tabs between the fins and the piston, and a modular pressure reservoir, the piston continues to push on the fins at least until the fins are deployed and locked. After locking, pressure in the projectile is equalized and the piston is launched off of the pressure reservoir. If the fins are not immediately deployed and locked, the piston will continue to push on the fins until the external environment enables full deployment or until the pressure is equalized.

Abstract: A projectile and deployment method ensures successful deployment of the projectile regardless of an external environment. Contacting engagement is maintained between a piston and deployable fins as the fins rotate from a folded position to a deployed position. The fins are pushed by the piston to rotate into a deployed position in which the fins are locked before the piston is able to eject from the assembly. Using the engaging tabs between the fins and the piston, and a modular pressure reservoir, the piston continues to push on the fins at least until the fins are deployed and locked. After locking, pressure in the projectile is equalized and the piston is launched off of the pressure reservoir. If the fins are not immediately deployed and locked, the piston will continue to push on the fins until the external environment enables full deployment or until the pressure is equalized.

Abstract: A wax composition is disclosed, comprising a hydrogenate natural oil with (i) at least about 50 wt % of a triacylglycerol component having a fatty acid composition from about 14 to about 25 wt % C16:0 fatty acid, about 45 to about 60 wt % C18:1 fatty acid and about 20 to about 30 wt % C18:0 fatty acid, (ii) a nickel content of less than 1 ppm, and (iii) a melt point of about 49° C. to about 57° C. The hydrogenated natural oil is filtered and/or bleached to obtain a nickel content of less than 0.5 ppm. A candle is also disclosed, comprising a wick and the above described wax.

Abstract: A system and method for autonomous distress tracking of an aircraft. An automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transceiver is configured to transmit an automatic distress transmission. A system controller comprises a distress identifier that is configured to determine when the aircraft is in a distress condition. The system controller is configured to control the automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transceiver to transmit the automatic distress transmission in response to a determination that the aircraft is in the distress condition. The automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transceiver and the system controller are contained within a housing attached to the aircraft on an outside of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for deploying flight data from an aircraft. A bag is stored in a deflated state on the aircraft. The flight data is stored on a memory device coupled to the bag. The bag is inflated from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a pressure level greater than a threshold pressure level to deploy the bag with the memory device coupled thereto from the aircraft.

Abstract: A receptacle in the body of a missile includes a plurality of electrical contacts connected to one or more electrically powered devices within the missile and configured to connect to an electrical power source. The receptacle receives a removable and reusable battery pack including connectors contacting the plurality of electrical contacts when the battery pack is mounted within the receptacle and one or more non-chemical, squibless batteries, preferably comprised of high power density primary cell lithium metal oxide cells. An interface circuit coupled to the squibless batteries initiates, terminates, and re-initiates delivery of electrical power from the squibless batteries to the plurality of electrical contacts based on a control input. Transportation, storage, and use risks associated with squibs in chemical batteries are avoided.

Abstract: An aircraft avionics unit that enhances the emergency location capability of existing Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). This aircraft avionics unit can be integrated with a wide range of existing ELTs and their existing aircraft interfaces by changes to a small number of the signal wires between the ELT and the aircraft systems and the addition of limited inputs from aircraft systems. This system requires no changes to either the current ELTs or the associated aircraft systems. The integrated system maintains the current ELT concept of operations while providing significantly enhanced ELT activation triggering with a low-impact, low-cost approach.

Abstract: Aircraft tracking and emergency location avionics architectures that integrate existing fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installations, their associated aircraft avionics systems and existing flight deck interfaces with an Autonomous Distress Tracker (ADT) transceiver unit in a coupled configuration. Some of the architectures allow the ADT unit and its advanced distress detecting and reporting capabilities to monitor the activation control path for the ELT and the associated ELT activation outputs. Other architectures place the ADT unit and its advanced distress detection capabilities and ground-controlled capabilities in the activation control path for the ELT. Additional architectures entail the connection of an ADT unit to an ELT remote panel on the flight deck of an aircraft.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for deploying flight data from an aircraft. A bag is stored in a deflated state on the aircraft. The flight data is stored on a memory device coupled to the bag. The bag is inflated from the deflated state to the inflated state in response to a pressure level greater than a threshold pressure level to deploy the bag with the memory device coupled thereto from the aircraft.

Abstract: Lipid-based wax compositions and their methods of making are provided for compositions substantially free of fat bloom. The compositions comprise 0.1-10 percent by weight triacylglycerides, 30-95 percent by weight monoacylglycerides and diacylglycerides combined, and 0.1-65 percent by weight fatty acids. The methods comprise blending the monoacylglycerides, diacylglycerides, triacylglycerides, and fatty acids by heating the lipid-based wax composition at a sufficiently high temperature to destroy substantially all crystal structure within the lipid-based wax composition. The methods further comprise pouring the lipid-based wax composition into a mold or a container having a surface and a core, wherein the pouring is conducted at a temperature at least 15° C. greater than the congeal point of the lipid-based wax composition. The methods further comprise cooling the lipid-based wax composition under conditions sufficient to cool the core to at least 5° C.

Abstract: Aircraft tracking and emergency location avionics architectures that integrate existing fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installations, their associated aircraft avionics systems and existing flight deck interfaces with an Autonomous Distress Tracker (ADT) transceiver unit in a coupled configuration. Some of the architectures allow the ADT unit and its advanced distress detecting and reporting capabilities to monitor the activation control path for the ELT and the associated ELT activation outputs. Other architectures place the ADT unit and its advanced distress detection capabilities and ground-controlled capabilities in the activation control path for the ELT. Additional architectures entail the connection of an ADT unit to an ELT remote panel on the flight deck of an aircraft.

Abstract: Disclosed are petrolatum-like compositions that include metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. Also disclosed are emulsions that include metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. The petrolatum-like compositions may be used as substitutes for petroleum-based petrolatum. The emulsions may be water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions and may be suitable for a variety of end uses.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for refining natural oils and for producing high-weight esters, high-weight acids, and/or high-weight derivatives thereof, wherein the compositions are made by cross-metathesizing low-weight unsaturated esters or low-weight unsaturated acids having hydrocarbon chain lengths less than or equal to C24 with an olefin feedstock, thereby forming a metathesized product composition including high-weight esters or high-weight acids having hydrocarbon chain lengths greater than C18, wherein at least a portion of the hydrocarbon chain lengths in the metathesized product are larger than the hydrocarbon chain lengths in the starting feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed are petrolatum-like compositions that include metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. Also disclosed are emulsions that include metathesized unsaturated polyol esters. The petrolatum-like compositions may be used as substitutes for petroleum-based petrolatum. The emulsions may be water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions and may be suitable for a variety of end uses.

Abstract: A wax composition is disclosed, comprising a hydrogenate natural oil with (i) at least about 50 wt % of a triacylglycerol component having a fatty acid composition from about 14 to about 25 wt % C16:0 fatty acid, about 45 to about 60 wt % C18:1 fatty acid and about 20 to about 30 wt % C18:0 fatty acid, (ii) a nickel content of less than 1 ppm, and (iii) a melt point of about 49° C. to about 57° C. The hydrogenated natural oil is filtered and/or bleached to obtain a nickel content of less than 0.5 ppm. A candle is also disclosed, comprising a wick and the above described wax.

Abstract: An aircraft avionics unit that enhances the emergency location capability of existing Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). This aircraft avionics unit can be integrated with a wide range of existing ELTs and their existing aircraft interfaces by changes to a small number of the signal wires between the ELT and the aircraft systems and the addition of limited inputs from aircraft systems. This system requires no changes to either the current ELTs or the associated aircraft systems. The integrated system maintains the current ELT concept of operations while providing significantly enhanced ELT activation triggering with a low-impact, low-cost approach.

Abstract: Aircraft tracking and emergency location avionics architectures that integrate existing fixed Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) installations, their associated aircraft avionics systems and existing flight deck interfaces with an Autonomous Distress Tracker (ADT) transceiver unit in a coupled configuration. Some of the architectures allow the ADT unit and its advanced distress detecting and reporting capabilities to monitor the activation control path for the ELT and the associated ELT activation outputs. Other architectures place the ADT unit and its advanced distress detection capabilities and ground-controlled capabilities in the activation control path for the ELT. Additional architectures entail the connection of an ADT unit to an ELT remote panel on the flight deck of an aircraft.