Abstract: Aircraft control surface operating systems and apparatuses, and associated methods of use. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes an actuator operably coupled to a control surface in one-to-one correspondence. The actuator can include at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port. A first fluid circuit can be configured to provide pressurized working fluid from a fluid source to the first fluid port on the actuator to retract the actuator. A second fluid circuit can be configured to similarly provide pressurized working fluid from the fluid source to the second fluid port on the actuator to extend the actuator. The aircraft system can further include an accumulator configured to store pressurized working fluid for actuator operation in the event of a pressure drop in the fluid source.

Abstract: The system (1) comprises a control surface (2) which comprises at least two control surface elements (14, 15, 16) mounted to rotate about an axis (Z-Z) on a stabilizer element (4) of the aircraft, an actuator (13) which comprises at least two actuating means (17, 18, 19) able to move the control surface elements (14, 15, 16) according to individual turn commands received, first means (20) for determining a particular phase of flight of the aircraft, and second means (21) which, when said particular phase of flight is determined by the first means (20) generate, according to an overall turn command received from a control unit (9), differentiated individual turn commands for the actuating means (17, 18, 19) for example so as to control, as a matter of priority, the control surface element that generates the lowest force on the stabilizer element (4).

Abstract: Process for countering the vibrations induced in an aircraft by the windmilling of a fan and system of electric flight controls implementing this process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface temperature control is provided. Surface temperature control is achieved by flowing coolant in and then out of a low strength porous layer attached to a structural plenum. A semi-permeable layer may be attached to the outer surface of the porous layer to prevent erosion of the porous layer and to facilitate surface film cooling.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen supply system for an aircraft provides that oxygen may be made available additionally to the breathing gas supply which is brought along on board the aircraft. A gas distribution system supplies breathing masks with oxygen from one of a first oxygen source in the form of a pressurized gas source or a chemical oxygen generator. A second oxygen source is in the form of a molecular sieve bed arrangement. A change-over device selectively connects the gas distribution system to the first oxygen source or to the second oxygen source. A measurement probe delivers a status signal corresponding to a predefined flight altitude. A control unit delivers a change-over signal from the first oxygen source to the second oxygen source to the change-over device given the presence of the status signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulation package to reduce the transmission of heat and/or noise between the outer skin and the cabin lining of an aircraft composed of an insulating material enclosed by an encapsulating membrane. The encapsulating material has a vapor diffusion resistance (sd value) at least partially dependent on the ambient humidity, and for a gradient of relative humidity across the encapsulating membrane of 3% to 50% it has a vapor diffusion resistance (sd value) of at least 0.8 m and for a gradient of relative humidity across the encapsulating membrane of 50% to 93% it has a maximum vapor diffusion resistance (sd value) of 0.3 m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type aircraft. The aircraft includes the airframe and wing, characterized in that the transverse section of airframe has an oblate (oval) profile with corrugated area on the ventral of airframe; the aircraft has uneven friction areas on the underside surface of wing; there are fireproof & anti-wear layers on the envelopes of airframe ventral and friction areas; the said fireproof & anti-wear layers have tire rubber material. When the aircraft is in motion with high velocity, the friction with air is increased, which produces bigger lift with more aircraft load and shortened takeoff & landing distance of aircraft, meanwhile the safe peril to aircraft caused by the shear transformation of wind in flight is prevented effectively; the fireproof & anti-wear layers on the envelopes of airframe ventral and friction areas have an effect on higher anti-wear proof and longer aircraft life.

Abstract: A micro air vehicle having a bendable wing enabling the micro air vehicle to fly. The bendable wing may be bent downwards so that the wingspan may be reduced for storing the micro air vehicle. The bendable wing may be formed from one or more layers of material, and the wing may have a camber such that a concave surface of the wing faces downward. The wing may substantially resist flexing upwards and may transfer uplift forces to a central body of the micro air vehicle. In addition, the wing may be bent severely downwards by applying a force to tips of the wing. The micro air vehicle is capable of being stored in a small cylindrical tube and may be deployed from the tube by simply releasing the micro air vehicle from the tube.

Abstract: Derivative aircraft and methods for their manufacture. In one embodiment, a derivative aircraft having a derivative wing is derived from a baseline aircraft having a baseline wing. In one aspect of this embodiment, the baseline wing can include an outboard wing portion and an inboard wing portion, the inboard wing portion having a forward inboard wing portion and an aft inboard wing portion. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the derivative wing can include a wing insert having a spanwise wing insert portion and a chordwise wing insert portion, the chordwise wing insert portion of the wing insert being interposed between the forward inboard wing portion and the aft inboard wing portion of the baseline wing, and the spanwise wing insert portion being interposed between the outboard wing portion and the forward and aft inboard wing portions of the baseline wing.

Abstract: An ice-protection system comprising a heater element, an electrically and thermally insulating medium that at least partially surrounds the heater element, an ice-adhesion-reducing coating, and an outermost surface to which the coating is applied. The coating reduces the ice adhesion of the outermost surface by at least about 30% when compared to an uncoated version of the outermost surface.

Abstract: A process for loading of fuel into an aircraft on the ground, wherein an optimal position Cgt of the center of gravity of the aircraft is aimed for by adjusting the weight of fuel poured into the tail tank of the aircraft.

Abstract: A single transportation platform system capable of interfacing with standardized ISO containers, PLS truck-and-trailer systems, HSVs Fast Sealift Ships, and cargo aircraft's 463L rail and pallet locking systems. The system can be handled by a LHS equipped vehicle as a joined platform or separated into individual pallets and handled like a 463L pallet. The platform provides a pallet system that eliminates the need for a married pallet system to be used in the process of loading and supporting loads normally transported on standard CROPs when being transported on a cargo aircraft. The platform can be positioned directly on the roller assembly of a loading ramp of a cargo aircraft, such as a C-17 by a LHS equipped vehicle, so as to facilitate loading and unloading from the aircraft without the need for large cranes or K-loaders. The platform also permits combat offloads to be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to improve the safety of static line parachute jumping are disclosed. According to the method, a safety device situated on a jumper continuously or periodically senses the distance of the jumper from the jumping platform (e.g. an aircraft). The safety device compares this distance to a predetermined distance threshold. When the distance between the jumper and the jumping platform reaches or exceeds the predetermined distance threshold, the safety device enables the reserve parachute deployment device which automatically deploys the reserve parachute if at such time the jumper's rate-of-descent is at or greater than a predetermined rate-of-descent threshold. Thus, the apparatus enables its reserve parachute deployment portion when the jumper is at least a predetermined distance from the jumping platform.

Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.

Abstract: This device is an inflatable elbow strut for a kite that becomes substantially rigid when inflated, and pliable when deflated. This elbow strut is integrally formed with an inflatable leading edge of the kite and extends rearwardly towards the trailing edge of the kite. This inflatable elbow strut increases kite steering responsiveness which providing a safer design than a fixed rigid structure.

Abstract: A flying device and control mechanism provides the capability for controlling two-line steerable kites by removing the need for physical strength to control the two-line steerable kite; providing the capability to adjust the flying lines to control the kite; and providing the capability to follow the flight of the kite, left, right, up, and down to control the kite.

Abstract: Foldable and deployable assembly of elements mounted on board a spacecraft.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating a control function for a structural system (10) that can be used to determine an appropriate control force to apply to an active member (18) within a stationary member (12) on the structural system (10). An active member (18) and a stationary member (12) are defined as a two-mass system in which the active member (18) and the stationary member (12) move in opposite directions. The stationary member (12) is mounted to an isolation subsystem (14) that is composed of six isolators (28) at multiple degrees of freedom. The isolation subsystem (14) is softer than the stationary member (12), active member (18) and a spacecraft surface (16) due to a damping element (32) of the isolation subsystem (16). The isolation subsystem (16) is mounted to the spacecraft (16) and decouples the spacecraft (16) from the stationary member (12) and thus the active member (18). An accurate control force for the active member (18) can be determined based upon the above structure (10).

Abstract: A small, substantially spherical, free-flying utility platform for use in space can be docked, inspected and serviced in an apparatus including a container with a chamber therein mounted on the outside of a space vehicle or space station. A motorized closing mechanism drives a door to selectively open or close an opening of the container into the chamber, and another mechanism automatically latches and locks the door. The door operations can be automatically triggered as the platform breaks the beams of light beam devices arranged in the container. The proper positioning of the platform in the container can be detected by a photoelectric switch. Capture and docking of the platform is facilitated by sloping funnel-shaped interior walls of the container, and properly shaped cushions and/or a docking cradle. When docked, the platform has its batteries recharged, its fuel tank refueled, and its electronics evaluated and diagnosed.

Abstract: This invention solves problems associated with prior-art soft-dock mechanisms by placing all active components of a soft-dock system on the chaser side of the mechanism, leaving the target side of the mechanism completely passive (i.e., requiring no power expenditure or self-actuated moving parts to operate). In particular, the active components are supported on the end of a flexible cable attached to the probe, or chaser, side of the device. These components act as a sort of spring-loaded “trap.” Once the end of the probe passes into a receptacle on the target side, the mechanism is triggered, engaging it in such a way that it can no longer be pulled out of the receptacle until it is reset. The soft-docking cable may be replaced with a rigid, semi-rigid or jointed post that is used to bring a capture mechanism into engagement with its corresponding receptacle or receiving structure.

Abstract: A thruster for providing thrust for spacecraft positioning, which has a propellant reservoir for storing propellant, a reaction chamber for discharging a vapor for providing thrust, a pump module comprising one or more micropumps for drawing propellant from the reservoir and for systematically metering propellant to the reaction chamber in a controlled manner, and a controller for actuating the pump module.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: Method and device to assist in the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase.

Abstract: A method and system for alerting an aircrew of terrorist activity in a cabin of an aircraft. When a terrorist or emergency situation is detected by a flight attendant, the flight attendant speaks an activation word, which turns the personal alert unit to an active mode. The flight attendant then says one or more specific words stored as a vocabulary within the personal alert unit. Upon recognition of a spoken word stored in the personal alert unit, the personal alert unit converts the recognized word or words into a signal sent to the cockpit via the ASU to the CDU. The CDU provides an indicator to the cockpit crew of the recognized words spoken by the flight attendant.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for managing an operation of a locomotive as a function of a location of the locomotive. The system comprises a location unit for determining the location of the locomotive and a control unit for controlling an operation of the locomotive as a function of the determined location. In another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method for receiving a security authorization input from an operator of the locomotive, comparing the received operator security authorization input to a security authorization parameter, and restricting an operation of the locomotive when the received operator security authorization input does not match the security authorization parameter. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes a system and method of sending a control command from a remote system, receiving the control command at the locomotive, and controlling an operation of the locomotive responsive to the received control command.

Abstract: A modular cable support system in a modified “J” or a modified “G” shape which forms a continuous pathway and bearing surface for the distribution of voice and data cables. The design of which allows shorter lengths to be cut off and used for cable hook applications. Longitudinal wires are welded perpendicularly to a multitude of cross wires forming a universal fastening aperture at the top and the bottom portion of the vertical member. Attachment to walls, ceilings, and under raised computer room floors are accomplished by using the universal fastening aperture eliminating the need for additional mounting accessories or supports.

Abstract: A desktop electronic device translates on a desktop from a first position to a second position through use of at least one mobility assembly. The mobility assembly(s) may be integral with the desktop electronic device, connected to the desktop electronic device, or integral with a platform that supports the desktop electronic device. The mobility assembly(s) include at least one primary revolving element and optionally includes at least one secondary revolving element in contact therewith. The primary and secondary revolving elements may be spherically or cylindrically shaped in any combination. A spherical primary revolving element allows the desktop electronic device to translate linearly or non-linearly. Brakes or disengaging mechanisms may be combined with the desktop electronic device, mobility assembly(s), or platform to resist or prevent movement of the desktop electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a product display. The product display can hold printed materials, literature, and other goods. The product display is a one-piece construction that is flat when it is in an unassembled position. In the assembled position, the product display includes a front panel section, a bottom section connected to the front panel section, and a back section connected to the bottom section. The front panel section connects to the back section either directly or by way of a brace section on the front panel. The product display includes an opening in the panel that holds products in an upright manner. Preferably, one of the bottom panel, back panel or brace section includes a flap. The present product display does not require an added on or formed pocket that extends outwardly from the panel.

Abstract: A fixing device which can be fixed to a surface such as a ceiling and receive a perforated section comprises a plate for fixing it to the surface and a support for receiving the perforated section. The support has a wall substantially perpendicular to the plate and at least two claws with the same orientation which cooperate with corresponding perforations of the perforated section. The wall includes a precut locking lug which can be bent into another perforation and cooperate with an edge of that perforation to immobilize the perforated section against movement in translation.

Abstract: A magnetic holder for objects which comprises a hollow cylindrical elastic body and a magnetic strip attached to inwardly facing side of a elastic body. A thin coat of latex material is applied onto the magnetic strip so that the magnetic strip is tightly adhered to the elastic body. The magnet exerts a sufficient amount of magnetic attraction through the elastic body to hold the object to any metallic surface. The elastic body can be constructed from rubber or similar materials. The location of the magnetic strip in inward facing side of the elastic body is designed to prevent the magnetic strip from direct contact with metallic surfaces and minimize the possibility of scratching. This magnetic holder can hold a variety of objects and can be used during activities. This holder is as small as a rubber band, soft, and very convenient, It can be stored in a purse, a pocket or can be attached to any metallic surface so it does not take up space. The holder is lightweight and very easy to use.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for pivotally mounting a workpiece holder to a support structure includes a mounting member having an opening at least partially therethrough and a swivel member. The swivel member has a generally cylindrical passageway therethrough for at least partially receiving a support structure. The swivel member defines a truncated, generally spherical shaped swivel member having a curved outer surface for engaging an inner surface of the opening of the mounting member. The swivel member includes a reduced diameter or chamfered portion at the outer surface to facilitate insertion of the swivel member into the opening of the mounting member, whereby the swivel member is substantially retained within the opening after insertion therein. The mounting member may be a mounting bracket for adjustably mounting to a workpiece holder or may be a mounting block which is attachable to a workpiece holder.

Abstract: The support for a radiator of the mobile type comprises ja frame which has means for connecting to said radiator ahd retractable means for supporting the radiator on a floor. The support means are suitable for taking up a working position outside of the shape of said frame or else a low encumbrance position inside the shape of said radiator. The procedure for mounting or dismounting a support for a radiator of the mobile type to allow its use or else its suitably packaged transportation, respectively, comprises the steps of moving the bases, which carry wheels connected so that they can rotate, with respect to the frame, taking them into a working position outside of the shape of said frame or else into a low encumbrance position inside the frame of said radiator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a curb and cap mounting assembly for installation on the roof or wall of a structure. The assembly comprises a curb member that includes a planar flashing portion with a central housing portion extending upwardly forming an enclosed space. The central housing portion has top and bottom openings. A cap member includes a planar top portion and a peripheral edge portion extending downwardly therefrom, the cap member is sized to fit over the top opening of the central housing portion and is reversibly fastened thereto. The cap member has a plurality of linear fasteners secured to the planar top portion. The curb and cap mounting assembly receives a communications cable from interior the structure through the bottom opening of the central housing portion into the enclosed space therein. The cable extends through the top opening of the central housing portion of the curb member and under the downward extending peripheral edge portion of the cap member and extends exterior the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a load is disclosed. A support arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of present invention comprises a first strut, a second strut, a proximal link, and a distal link. A proximal portion of the first strut is pivotally coupled to the proximal link at a first proximal joint. Additionally, a proximal portion of the second strut is pivotally coupled to the proximal link at a second proximal joint. A distal end of the second strut is pivotally coupled to the distal link at a second distal joint. A distal end of the first strut is pivotally coupled to the distal link at a first distal joint. The support arm also includes a cam mechanism comprising a cam and a cam follower.

Abstract: A mounting system for an interface such as a flat panel display such as a computer monitor or television allows the display to be pivoted about a virtual pivot axis which passes through a center of gravity of the display. The system includes a support which is connected directly or indirectly to a support surface and a mount which is connected to a back side of the display. The support and the mount are slidable with respect to one another through an arc which has the virtual pivot axis as its center.

Abstract: A holding device includes a backing member and first and second projections extending from the backing member for insertion into first and second objects. A divider may extend from the backing member between the first and second projections.

Abstract: A tissue box holder includes a frame composed of a generally planar base and a normally upstanding sidewall attached to, and surrounding, the base within which a tissue box can be seated. A gripping device is provided for gripping the tissue box mounted on the sidewall. At least one portion of the sidewall is hingedly coupled to the planar base for movement between a open position, in which the at least one portion is pivoted away from adjacent portions of the sidewall of the frame, and a closed position, in which the at least one portion is pivoted to an upright position abutting the adjacent portions of the upstanding sidewall of the frame.

Abstract: The Table Ring is a holder designed to place on table top around a center post or umbrella. The ring would then hold any item from candles, cutlery, swim oil, or even plants. The ring will be made of any material from metal, plastic, glass, pottery, or even ceramic. There is no item as such on the market to compare this item to.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device (1) for attaching objects of daily use hanging on a suspension system in such a way that they do not fall off. Said device comprises a fastening loop (5) which can be looped around a rod (3) pertaining to the suspension system in order to be connected to said suspension system. The fastening loop (5) is wider (22) at the ends thereof (21), said widened ends penetrating openings (19) formed in a retaining body (6). The fastening device (1) also comprises a main body (9) which can be connected to a fastening rod (17) of a connection element (10) by means of a fastening pin (12), said connection element being fixed to the object of daily use.

Abstract: A substantially planar substrate (10), typically constituting a part of a hybrid electro-optical device, has a portion (12) defining a mounting location for optoelectronic components (14) such as laser sources, photodetector diodes, LEDs, requiring local hermetic protection of the bare chips. A planar lightwave circuit (PLC) waveguide structure formed on the substrate (10) extends to the mounting location (12) to define an optical signal feed-through for the device. At least one electrode (20) is associated with the planar lightwave circuit waveguide structure (18) and extends said mounting location (12) to define an electrical signal feed-through for the device (14). A ring-like structure (26) continuously surrounds said mounting location (12). The ring-like structure (26) is hermetic with respect to the planar substrate (12), and a continuous cover member (28) is arranged to cover the mounting location (12) and having a peripheral rim portion (32) co-extensive with the ring-like structure (26).

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for mounting and securing pictures, frames, and other objects onto a surface, such as a wall or other support, which device is made up of a tool by which the object can be placed in level position against the surface and a tool by which the object can be securely fastened to the surface. This device can be removed and reused in the event the object is moved to another location.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vibration isolating mount used to mount a furring channel to a mounting surface wherein the furring channel comprises a channel portion and two opposing furring channel flanges. The vibration isolating mount comprises a vibration isolator of a size and shape to fit snugly around the furring channel flanges, wherein the vibration isolator has opposing flanges extending away from the furring channel flanges; and mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets wrap around the vibration isolator flanges, and wherein the mounting brackets are isolated from the furring channel by the vibration isolator.

Abstract: Adjustable pin mold systems are provided, which include features specifically suited for injection molding of foamed polymers and for high-pressure injection molding of plastics.

Abstract: A mold equipment for casting block bricks includes a lower part with casting cells corresponding to shapes of the blocks brick and upper part with foot plates projecting downward on carrier tubes with thrust plates mainly corresponding to the shape of the molding cells, the undersides having thrust plates. The mold equipment is made of cut-out, welded steel parts that eventually form main parts of the mold equipment by welding and bolting. ?A method for making a mold equipment has in its individual part, or more thereof, shaped as the upper part, or large single parts thereof, such as carrier tubes, pressing feet, thrust plates, and the mold lower part has a mold table and the mold insert, all of which are cast in at least one casting process. This avoids some work operations and material in the form of steel is saved.

Abstract: Provided is an autofocus control apparatus in an image sensing apparatus which includes: an optical system including a focus lens; a solid-state image sensing device that photoelectrically converts light incident via the optical system into image signals and outputs the image signals; and a focus drive motor that drives the focus lens to adjust a focus position, the autofocus control apparatus comprising: a light-emitting section; and a focus position detector that performs focus position detection according to an active system and focus position detection according to a passive system on the basis of the image signals obtained from the image sensing unit.

Abstract: The device for the acquisition and automatic processing of data obtained from optical codes comprises a CMOS optical sensor; an analog processing unit connected to the optical sensor; an analog/digital conversion unit connected to the analog processing unit; a logic control unit connected to the CMOS optical sensor, the analog processing unit and the analog/digital conversion unit; and a data-processing unit connected to the logic control unit and the analog/digital conversion unit. The CMOS optical sensor and at least one of the analog processing, analog/digital conversion, logic control and data processing units are integrated in. a single chip. The data processing unit processes the digital signals corresponding to the image acquired by the CMOS sensor and e the optically coded data.

Abstract: (1) A two-photon absorbing polymerization method comprising a first step of irradiating light absorbable by two-photon absorption to form a latent image and a second step of exciting the latent image to cause polymerization, and (2) A two-photon absorbing optical recording method comprising a first step of forming a latent image of a color-forming material by two-photon absorption, a second step of irradiating light on the latent image of a color-forming material to cause polymerization based on the linear absorption of the color-forming material, and thereby forming difference in the refractive index to perform a recording, are provided.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes at least one pixel block. The at least one pixel block includes a plurality of light receiving sections for generating charges by opto-electric conversion of incident light; an optical signal detection section, provided commonly to the plurality of light receiving sections, for outputting a signal in accordance with the amount of charges generated by each of the plurality of light receiving sections; and a charge transfer control section for controlling a flow of the generated charges to the optical signal detection section.

Abstract: An image sensor capable of arbitrarily outputting initialization potential from an output terminal of a light receiving device is provided. The electric potential of an external control signal of one chip out of plural linear image sensor ICs is arbitrarily fixed to make the first or last sensor IC chip alone output a dark level all the time, or an external control signal is driven to select some from all sensor IC chips and make the chosen ones output, or a differential between a signal of a sensor IC chip that always outputs the dark level and a signal of a sensor IC chip that outputs an image signal is outputted, for correction of the dark level.

Abstract: An image detection processor arranges a plurality of image detection processing elements 1-1 to 1-64 on a plane. Each image detection-processing element includes an adder circuit 15 that converts an output of a photoelectric conversion part 5 into digital signals and can receive the digital signals as an input in a matrix form. Connecting the adder circuit 15 for respective rows constitutes cumulative adders. Series adders 2-1 to 2-8 which are connected in series respectively receive outputs of final stages of cumulative adders of respective rows as input and can cumulatively add these outputs. The digital signals are selectively inputted to the cumulative adders using a row decoder 3 and a column decoder 4 and processed data of an image detected by photoelectric conversion parts 5 of a plurality of image detection processing elements are outputted from the series adder 2-8. Processed data from the series adder 2-8 are inputted to an edge coordinate detection means 70 or a status judgment means.