Abstract: A bracket molding formed on a bottom rail assembly of a trailer coupled to a sandwich panel sidewall, the bracket molding including: a sloped top surface configured to create a space below a bottom surface of the sandwich panel sidewall to allow contaminants to drain from beneath the sandwich panel sidewall; and a dam formed on the sloped top surface, the dam configured to seal out the contaminants from accumulating in the space below the bottom surface of the sandwich panel sidewall.

Abstract: A structural body of differing thicknesses are provided that is made of resin, and a method of manufacturing thereof, that can improve quality in a case in which plate thickness changing portions extend in plural directions. A first panel portion and a second panel portion are connected by a first gradually changing portion. The first panel portion and a third panel portion are connected by a second gradually changing portion. The second panel portion and the third panel portion are connected by a third gradually changing portion. Further, an opening portion is formed to pass-through a door inner panel at a position where respective extensions of the first gradually changing portion, the second gradually changing portion and the third gradually changing portion intersect one another as seen in a plate thickness direction.

Abstract: A vehicle with a manual controlled hydrostatic pump and a pod that can be rotated between an open position and closed position without disconnecting operator controls in the pod from the manual controlled hydrostatic pump. The pod may also be physically isolated form the vehicle frame.

Abstract: The panel housing for an aerodynamic fairing assembly using inflatable panels that deploy from the panel housing where the panel housing uses “shaft-less” spring hinges to pivotally connect a pair of gates that partially enclose the deflated panels within the panel housing. The spring hinges are constructed from a wire rod of spring steel bent to a pair of axially aligned spring coils, a central U-shaped neck that bolts to the gate and a pair of end arms that bolt to the end plate of the panel housing. The spring hinges functions as both a hinge mechanism and a torsion spring to normally bias the gate towards its closed orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a front spoiler with at least one spoiler lip made available in a front area of the vehicle and a spoiler lip drive by means of which the at least one spoiler lip may be displaced such that the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle can be changed in the front area by displacement of the at least one spoiler lip, wherein the spoiler lip drive of the at least one spoiler lip is electro-mechanical.

Abstract: A crawler track includes a link and is driven in a direction of travel by a sprocket having a plurality of teeth. The link includes a pad, a first grouser, and a second grouser. The pad defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end, and a second end spaced apart from the first end along the direction of travel. The pad defines at least one opening extending through the pad between the first surface and the second surface, and the opening is operable to receive a sprocket tooth. The first grouser is positioned on the first surface proximate the first end of the pad, while the second grouser is positioned on the first surface proximate the second end of the pad. The first grouser and the second grouser extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the track.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a robotic device with at least two legs. Each leg includes a foot including a first sole and a second sole perpendicular to the first sole. Each leg additionally includes an ankle joint configured to rotate the foot from a first position in which the first sole is contacting a ground surface to a second position in which the second sole is contacting the ground surface. The robotic device includes a control system. When the foot of a given leg of the at least two legs is in the first position, the control system may determine to cause the foot of the given leg to switch from the first position to the second position, and may cause the ankle joint of the given leg to rotate the foot of the given leg from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal is provided with a pedal spindle, a pedal body, a first shear force sensor, a second shear force sensor, a first bending force sensor and a second bending force sensor. The pedal spindle includes a crank arm mounting part. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle about a center spindle axis. The first and second shear force sensors are arranged relative to the pedal spindle to detect first and second shear components of a pedaling force with respect to the center spindle axis. The first bending force sensor is arranged relative to the pedal spindle to detect a first bending component of the pedaling force with respect to the center spindle axis. The second bending force sensor is arranged relative to the pedal spindle to detect a second bending component of the pedaling force with respect to the center spindle axis.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an up-side-down suspension and a wheel speed sensor and a sensor wire. A left lower restrictor is fixed to a left inner connector or a member that is displaced relatively together with the left inner connector in association with the operation of a left shock absorber above a left wheel speed sensor as seen from the direction of a left wheel axis. At least a portion of the left wheel speed sensor is situated farther inwards than an outer edge of a left front inner tube in relation to a left-and-right direction, is situated below a left lower imaginary line when the left shock absorber extends to its maximum extent, and is provided on the left inner connector between a left front imaginary line and a left rear imaginary line when seen from the direction of the left wheel axis. The left sensor wire extends so as to intersect the left lower imaginary line when seen from the direction of the left wheel axis.

Abstract: A cruise control for a vehicle having a mounted rotatable accelerator sleeve and throttle housing which is mounted to a handlebar. The cruise control mounts entirely to the accelerator sleeve and rotates in perfect unity with the throttle when it is rotated. The cruise control is mounted between the throttle housing and the rubber/plastic grip's inner end, directly onto the accelerator sleeve. When the single button of the cruise control is pressed, the cruise control engages and uses friction against the surface of the throttle housing to hold the throttle in place. The operator can force the throttle to rotate by overpowering the friction caused by the cruise control, or preferably, they can disengage the cruise control by pressing the single button again, resetting the cruise control to be engaged again by pressing the single button.

Abstract: A pair of left and right vertical frame pieces 1b, 1b constituting a part of a vehicle body frame FR extend in a vertical direction. A pair of left and right swingarm brackets 9L, 9R are fixed to the left and right vertical frame pieces 1b, 1b, respectively. A pivot 16 is supported by the swingarm brackets 9L, 9R swingably supports a swingarm 12 outward of the swingarm brackets 9L, 9R in a vehicle widthwise direction. Each of the left and right swingarm brackets 9L, 9R includes left and right opposing portions 320, 340 disposed so as to be spaced apart in the vehicle widthwise direction. The pivot 16 is supported by the left and right opposing portions 320, 340 of each of the swingarm brackets 9L, 9R.

Abstract: A crank arm fixing ring is basically provided with a cylindrical mounting portion and a contact portion. The cylindrical mounting portion includes an external thread configured to screw into a crankshaft. The contact portion extends radially outwardly from the cylindrical mounting portion. The contact portion is configured to contact a crank arm upon attachment of the crank arm with the crank arm fixing ring. The contact portion includes at least one cutout extending radially outwardly from the cylindrical mounting portion. The at least one cutout is configured to receive a transmission line extending through the cylindrical mounting portion.

Abstract: A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a first pedal body, a second pedal body, a first cleat engagement member, a second cleat engagement member, a gripping member, and a biasing member. The gripping member is configured to be movably coupled to the first pedal body. The gripping member includes a first gripping portion configured to protrude from a first surface when viewed from an axial direction parallel to a rotational axis in a first state where the second pedal body is positioned at a first position relative to the first pedal body. The biasing member is configured to bias the gripping member such that, in response to a pivotal movement of the second pedal body from the first position to a second position, a tip end of the first gripping portion is moved toward the first surface when viewed from the axial direction.

Abstract: A bicycle drive unit is basically provided with an assist motor and a housing such that the distance between a crankshaft and a rear end of the housing is prevented from becoming long. The assist motor is configured to apply an assisting force to a manual drive force, which is inputted from a crankshaft. The housing is provided to the assist motor and at least a part of the crankshaft. The housing is disposed around the crankshaft. The housing is formed so that, when the bicycle drive unit is attached to a bicycle frame, the minimum distance from a center axis of the crankshaft and the rear end surface of the frame on the rear end side of the housing is equal to or less than 50 mm and greater than the radius of the crankshaft, as viewed from parallel to the center axis of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A sprocket is engageable with a chain having rollers. The sprocket includes a body and a tooth portion. The tooth portion has front and rear surfaces, a drive side surface and a non-drive side surface. The rear and front surfaces face in opposite axial directions. The drive side surface axially connects the front and rear surfaces on a downstream side. The non-drive side surface axially connects the front and rear surfaces on an upstream side. One of the front and rear surfaces has a first chamfered portion, which is formed in a radially outer portion of at least one tooth portion and tapered radially outward in the axial direction. The drive side surface has a first protrusion, which protrudes downstream in the drive rotation direction and is located radially outwardly from a contact position where the drive side surface contacts each of the rollers when the chain is driven.

Abstract: A watercraft with a rigid outer hull having a substantially circular shape in plan view and a rounded bottom surface for contacting a body of liquid, and a rigid top surface disposed opposite said bottom surface and integrally formed with the outer hull, the top surface having an annular stability portion with convex walls in cross-section and a recessed flat-bottomed deck portion adapted to receive a person, and an edge of the recessed deck portion being disposed inwardly from an outermost edge of the top portion by a distance, and a method for using same.

Abstract: A vessel is provided herein which comprises a primary hull and at least two hull members capable of being deployed from or retracted into tunnels or underneath overhangs in the primary hull. In various embodiments, the vessel comprises a means for controllably deploying and retracting the hull members. These members may further comprise a propulsion means capable of propelling the vessel. In other embodiments the vessel comprises a failsafe mode allowing the hull members to fully retract into the vessel during times of destress. In various embodiments, the vessel is a landing craft capable of loading and unloading cargo without the burden of an overhang cross beam.

Abstract: A suction anchor for a remotely operated vehicle comprising a frame attachable to a remotely operated vehicle, anchor cans beneath the frame beneath and connectable to a pump. In particular the anchor can be deployed as part of a method for sampling or measuring the seabed comprising the steps of attaching a frame to the remotely operated vehicle, the frame having one or more downwardly mounted anchor cans and a mast to which sampling and/or measuring equipment is attached, placing the anchor cans on an underwater floor, and, at least in partially, evacuating the cans of water embedding them in part into the underwater floor, sampling and/or measuring the underwater floor using the sampling and/or measuring equipment. It can be used to mount other sensor equipment requiring a stable platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a pressure tolerant energy system. The pressure tolerant energy system may comprise a pressure tolerant cavity and an energy system enclosed in the pressure tolerant cavity configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle. The energy system may include one or more battery cells and a pressure tolerant, programmable management circuit. The pressure tolerant cavity may be filled with an electrically-inert liquid, such as mineral oil. In some embodiments, the electrically-inert liquid may be kept at a positive pressure relative to a pressure external to the pressure tolerant cavity. The energy system may further comprise a pressure venting system configured to maintain the pressure inside the pressure tolerant cavity within a range of pressures. The pressure tolerant cavity may be sealed to prevent water ingress.

Abstract: A stabilizer that extends from the hull of a watercraft below the waterline when needed is disclosed. The stabilizer produces added drag on the watercraft's counteracting a tendency to change bearing. Stabilization chambers of the stabilizer hold semi contained water to produce an extended drag effect by adding lateral weight due to the water that is semi contained within the chamber during use. The restricted flow of water into and out of the stabilizer and the outer dimensions of the stabilizer provides lateral drag to mute any ambient drift.

Abstract: A terminal device stores ship characteristic data that indicates a relationship between rotation speed and ship speed, and rotation speed and fuel consumption when a ship is navigated under various navigation conditions. If a user inputs data that indicates draft state and wind and wave state on a performance display screen displayed on the terminal device, the terminal device generates relationship data that indicates a relationship between rotation speed and ship speed, and rotation speed and fuel consumption when a ship is navigated under wind and wave states corresponding to the input data and each of a plurality of Beaufort states that are set in the terminal device in advance on the basis of the ship characteristic data. The terminal device displays a graph that displays the relationship between rotation speed, ship speed and fuel consumption for each of a plurality of navigation conditions using the relationship data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for underwater use. In one example the system includes an autonomous mother unmanned underwater vehicle (AMUV) and one or more auxiliary unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV). The AMUV is configured for autonomously searching for and detecting undersea objects potentially present in an undersea region of interest (ROI), for generating object information relating to the objects detected thereby to enable identification of at least one object of interest (OOI) among the detected objects, and for selectively transporting the UUV to at least within a predetermined distance from a location of the OOI. The UUV is configured for interacting with the OOI at least within the predetermined distance. Such a system is further configured for providing verification information indicative of the interaction between the UUV and the OOI. The AMUV includes a communications system at least configured for transmitting at one or both of the verification information and the object information.

Abstract: An underwater watercraft including a passenger compartment and an ingress egress port in which the watercraft has buoyancy and center of gravity adjusted to maintain a generally level or other desired attitude when submerged, and an angled attitude at a water surface for ingress/egress. The attitude also is adjustable via the placement of ballast and optionally including a movable ballast that adjusts the location of the center of gravity as desired. The ingress-egress port optionally includes an entry elevated from a main passenger compartment, that has an angled orientation in a submerged mode, and an optional orientation generally parallel to the water surface in a surface mode.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle may include a buoyancy control system configured to use a dual-internal-reservoir configuration to enhance efficiency of changing buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. The buoyancy control system may utilize an incompressible fluid (e.g., oil or water) that is transferred between a first internal reservoir and an external chamber to affect buoyancy of the underwater vehicle. In exemplary implementations, a compressible fluid (e.g., air) may be used to inflate or deflate a second internal reservoir. The second internal reservoir may be disposed within the buoyancy control system so that it can act on the first internal reservoir by applying a compressive force or a tensive force on the first internal reservoir, depending on the pressure differences between the two reservoirs.

Abstract: An aquatic jet propulsion device basically includes a portable main control module, a plurality of submersible propulsion units and a sub-two-way communication device. The portable main control module includes a main controller and a main two-way communication device. Each of the submersible propulsion units includes a motor, a battery electrically connected to the motor and a motor controller operatively connected to the motor to control a speed of the motor. The sub-two-way communication device is configured to communicate with the main two-way communication device. The main controller is programmed to individually control the speed of the motors of the submersible propulsion units via the motor controllers.

Abstract: A method for a trimmable marine device includes determining a target trim position of the marine device. A trim actuator is activated for an activation time that is calibrated to move the marine device from a current trim position to the target trim position. After activating the trim actuator for the calibrated activation time, a difference between an actual trim actuator condition and a desired trim actuator condition is calculated. An activation-time adapt value is determined based on the difference. The calibrated activation time is adjusted using the adapt value, and the trim actuator is activated for the adjusted activation time in response to subsequent changes in the target trim position. The adapt value is configured such that activating the trim actuator for the adjusted activation time moves the marine device closer to the target trim position than does activating the trim actuator for the calibrated activation time.

Abstract: A joystick device for controlling propulsion and steering of a marine vessel has a handle configured to be moveable by an operator to provide propulsion and steering control commands for a marine vessel, and a housing at the base of the handle such that the handle extends out of the housing. The joystick device also has an adjustable display thereon that adjusts based on at least one of a control mode and a movement of the handle.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system for controlling a marine vessel includes an electrical power steering unit coupled to a mechanical control system, the mechanical control system including a steering wheel connected by a shaft to a mechanical cable assembly, the mechanical cable assembly configured to be actuated by the steering wheel to control a steering mechanism of the marine vessel. The electrical power steering unit includes an electric motor configured to apply a torque to the mechanical cable assembly. The system also includes a processor configured to control the electrical power steering unit to provide at least one of steering assist and control of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A moving body control device includes a moving body direction sensor, a position sensor, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry estimates a direction of disturbance. The processing circuitry sets a target position and a starting position. The processing circuitry controls a propulsion generator and a movement direction adjuster such that a heading direction sensed by the moving body direction sensor is opposite to the direction of the disturbance estimated by the processing circuitry, and when the moving body has been drifted at least a specific distance from the target position, the moving body returns to the starting position, and the heading direction at the starting position is opposite to the direction of the disturbance. The processing circuitry changes the starting position based on a distance between the target position and a position of the moving body sensed by the position sensor.

Abstract: A door construction for an airborne vehicle includes a door, a door frame, with the shape of door frame forming a gap between the door and the door frame in the outer surface of the door and the door frame when the door is closed, and a gap sealing device comprising an inflatable tube positioned in the gap with at least one tube inlet, the inflatable tube being configured to be inflated through the at least one tube inlet and to at least partially seal the gap between the door and the door frame when inflated.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an insulation system comprising one or more insulation blankets, wherein each of said multilayer insulation blankets comprises: —a core consisting of an insulation material [material (I)], and —a shell encapsulating said core, said shell comprising at least one multilayer assembly comprising: (1) an outer layer [layer (L1)] consisting of a composition [composition (C1)] comprising, preferably consisting of, at least one thermoplastic polymer [polymer (1)] having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of at least 20% by volume, wherein at least one surface, preferably the inner surface, of said layer (L1) comprises one or more grafted functional groups [surface (L1-f)], (2) directly adhered to said at least one surface (L1-f), a layer consisting of at least one metal compound (M1) [layer (L2)], and (3) optionally, directly adhered to the opposite side of the layer (L2), a layer consisting of at least one metal compound (M2) [layer (L3)], said metal compound (M2) being equal to or diffe

Abstract: Awing box of an aircraft with a stiffened shell structure, consisting of fiber reinforced material includes a skin for absorbing shear loads, and several stringers arranged on the inner side of the wing box for absorbing axial loads, in which at least 60% of the mass of the stiffened shell structure is concentrated in the stringers, wherein the stringers provide at least 80% of the axial stiffness of the stiffened shell structure. In the specific case of wing structure, this embodiment allows the use of unbalanced laminates for the skin to induce higher nose-down twist of the wing box without any loss in bending stiffness and so envisaging higher weight saving capability.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a transitional element that bridges a gap between an edge of a flight control surface and an edge of a non-movable portion of an airframe. In one embodiment, a transitional element bridges a gap between an edge of a flight control surface and an edge of a non-movable portion of an airframe. The transitional element includes a plurality of ribs that span the gap. Each of the plurality of ribs has a contour that corresponds to the flight control surface and is configured to pivot a portion of a rotated angle of the flight control surface to generate a transitional surface across the gap.

Abstract: An aircraft hybrid flight control system comprising a manual control element, a mechanical transmission interposed between the manual control element and a control surface, an electromechanical actuator and a coupling unit configured to connect selectively the control surface to the mechanical transmission in a manual control mode and to the electromechanical actuator in a fly-by-wire control mode; the coupling unit is configured to maintain the mechanical transmission in a condition of substantial continuity with said control surface even in fly-by-wire mode, but for a freedom of relative motion of pre-set amplitude.

Abstract: The present application relates to a pushing device, a moving mechanism and an aircraft. According to an aspect of the present application, a pushing device for a moving mechanism of an aircraft is provided, the moving mechanism including a primary moving device and an auxiliary moving device assisting the primary moving device, the pushing device including a support member and a pushing assembly supported by the support member, and the pushing assembly including a pushing element and an energy storage element. The pushing element is adapted to push a broken part of the auxiliary moving device to an offset position from a normal working position by means of energy from the energy storage element when the auxiliary moving device breaks. According to the present application, it is possible to provide an effective fault protection to the moving mechanism of the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for promoting laminar flow. The apparatus includes a panel extending between an interior surface and an exterior air flow surface. The panel includes a plurality of macro apertures and a plurality of micro apertures. A first one of the macro apertures extends into the panel from the interior surface. A first one of the micro apertures extends into the panel from the exterior air flow surface and is fluidly coupled with the first one of the macro apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a landing gear (1) of an aircraft (5), comprising: a strut assembly (10) including a first end (10a) designed to be mounted on the aircraft (5) and a second end (10b) opposite the first end (10a); a rod (14) slidably mounted on the second end (10b) of the strut assembly (10), said rod (14) being translationally movable in relation to the strut assembly (10); and at least one obstacle detector (2) secured to the landing gear (1), the landing gear (1) being characterized in that the obstacle detector (2) is secured in a zone adjacent to the second end (10b) of the strut assembly (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for retractable landing gear. A landing gear arrangement may comprise: a trailing arm; a shock strut; a link rotatably coupled to a first end of the shock strut and rotatably coupled to the trailing arm, the link including a pivot; a rotatable latch rotatably coupled to the link; and an actuator coupled between the rotatable latch and the trailing arm, the rotatable latch configured to rotate about the pivot, the pivot located between a first end and a second end of the rotatable latch, the rotatable latch configured to rotate in a first direction in response to the actuator extending and configured to rotate in a second direction in response to the actuator compressing.

Abstract: A device for mounting an aircraft tail wheel includes a support plate having, on the one hand, an articulation shaft with an arm and, on the other hand, an articulation shaft with a fork receiving the freely rotating tail wheel, while the articulation shaft of the plate is positioned near a rotation shaft of the tail wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method for inflating at least one float of a buoyancy system. During a mode (MOD1) of automatic inflation in flight, calculation means determine whether a predetermined ditching condition is true during a step (STP1) of predicting a forthcoming impact. During a step (STP2) of characterizing said impact, at least one predicted component of a ditching speed is determined. During an automatic inflation step (STP3), each float is automatically inflated in flight when at least said ditching condition is true and when each determined predicted component is less than a corresponding speed threshold.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly includes a mechanical structural linkage having a shock absorber and a linkage abutment which are biased apart by a mechanical spring. The force required to deform the spring sufficiently to place the linkage abutment at a predefined distance with respect to the shock absorber abutment is less than the breakout force of the shock absorber.

Abstract: Elastomeric bearings exhibit a reactive positive spring effect, i.e., they produce an opposing torque or force when angular displacement or translation is applied upon them, due to shear stress developed within their elastomer parts. The present invention incorporates a device that exhibits an increasingly strong torque or force in the same direction as the displacement, i.e., a negative spring, under similar conditions of movement. When properly calibrated, the subject type of device can be used in paralleled motion with the ordinary reactive elastomeric bearing to produce a combined effect in which at least a part of the torque or force of the elastomeric bearing is compensated or minimized over a range of movement, particularly in helicopter rotor blade retention applications.

Abstract: The disclosed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a buoyant airbag, a drive unit, a retention feature, and an onboard control module that can be configured to cause the drive unit to displace the UAV, cause the retention feature to retain one or more items for transport, and receive instructions to transfer items from one location to another. For example, a UAV can be controlled to obtain an item at one location in a warehouse such as a first floor, lift said item to a second location in the warehouse such as a second floor, and deposit the item at the second location.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting and correcting errors when picking up and lowering a payload coupled to a tether of a winch system arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, the winch system may include a motor for winding and unwinding the tether from a spool, and the UAV's control system may control the motor to lower the tether and monitor an electric current supplied to the motor to determine whether a payload has detached from the tether. This process of lowering the tether and monitoring the motor current may be repeated up to a predetermined number of times, at which point the control system may operate the motor to detach the tether from the spool, leaving both the tether and the payload behind.

Abstract: An aircraft storage bin that includes an upper housing, a bucket that cooperates with the upper housing to define a bin interior and is pivotally connected to the upper housing, and at least a first assist spring having a spring force. The bucket is pivotable downwardly between a closed position and an open position and also can be positioned in an intermediate open position between the open and closed positions. The first assist spring is configured to maintain the bucket in the intermediate open position. When a downward force greater than the spring force is placed on the bucket, the bucket is configured to move from the intermediate open position to the open position.

Abstract: An aircraft overhead stowage system for a cross-aisle galley complex. The aircraft overhead stowage system includes a stowage compartment housing disposed above a ceiling of the galley complex that is supported above the ceiling by a stowage support structure. A first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment are each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing, and each stowage compartment is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the stowage compartment housing using a vacuum system. A vacuum generator that creates a vacuum force is mounted on the stowage compartment housing, and a plurality of vacuum bellows connected to each stowage compartment are in fluid communication with the vacuum generator. The vacuum system causes the stowage compartments to move between the stowed position and the deployed position. Vacuum-driven and manually-driven latching assemblies and removable extensions for each stowage compartment are also provided.

Abstract: A laterally and recline adjustable aircraft passenger seat assembly including a seat, spaced forward and rear rails, a seat recline motion assembly attached to the seat and slidable along the length of the spaced forward and rear rails and including a first actuator dedicated for seat recline motion, and a lateral seat motion assembly disposed between the spaced forward and rear rails and including a second linear actuator dedicated for driving lateral motion of the seat recline motion assembly.

Abstract: A temperature control gasper apparatus for vehicle interiors such as aircraft cabins. Airflow temperature, volume and orientation are integrated and controlled by the gasper apparatus—at the point of use of the gasper apparatus. The temperature control gasper apparatus includes a mixing chamber, a temperature control dial, and an airflow control nozzle assembly. The temperature control gasper apparatus provides airflow output control with rotation of a grip member of the nozzle assembly relative to a ball portion of the mixing chamber, temperature control by rotation of a handle portion of the temperature control dial relative to the ball portion of the mixing chamber, and airflow direction control by movement of the ball portion of the mixing chamber relative to a socket portion of the mixing chamber fixed to the vehicle interior.

Abstract: Apparatuses for and methods of deicing aircraft surfaces, engine inlets, windmill blades and other structures. Deicing apparatuses can comprise at least one standoff coupled with an actuator and a first region of an inner surface of a skin. A standoff can act as a moment arm and can create efficient, tailorable skin bending and acceleration, breaking an ice to skin bond. Integral as well as modular leading edges can comprise deicing apparatuses.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, disclosed is a slide configured to be supported on a ground surface at a slide angle, comprising a support structure, a sliding surface supported by the support structure, and a weakened support region in the support structure, wherein the weakened support region enables the slide to buckle and the slide angle to change in response to a bending load imposed on the slide. According to various embodiments, the slide is an aircraft evacuation slide.