Abstract: A wireless dual flight data recorder apparatus and wireless network method using satellite communications for providing remote data redundancy, location accuracy, and real-time access to live flight data contained in the black box of an aircraft. An integrated GPS receiver uses the NAVSTAR GPS Precise Position Service allowing emergency responders immediate access to exact location of the device. A data collection algorithm streams flight data to a remote data center, performs data compaction for decreasing bandwidth, and data encryption for security prior to transmission to a remote data center. An ejection sensor system signals a second unit to eject milliseconds before impact reducing shock to the recorder. A flotation system allows the device to float on water, a solar panel extends the life of the batteries, and VoIP video camera recorder allows remote surveillance. The invention protects critical flight data and passengers ensuring expeditious rescue missions for survivors and investigators.

Abstract: A method for changing a set point of a system where period of a dominant resonance of the system is determined, a change profile for the set point change is processed; a time period for the set point change based on the period of the dominant resonance in order to minimize excitation of the dominant resonance is also processed; and the set point change is actioned according to the processed change profile and the time period.

Abstract: The all-directional fall sensor of the present invention includes a first casing defining a first interior space filled with a liquid and a floater buoyed by the liquid inside the first casing. The floater includes an indicator having indicative materials therein. The indicator includes a body defining a chamber, which is divided into at least a first portion and a second portion with a first sealing member located therebetween. The indicative materials are contained in the second portion of the chamber and are sealed therein with the first sealing member. When the all-directional fall sensor is applied with a force, the first sealing member would be dislocated and thus the indicative materials are dispersed within the chamber.

Abstract: A suspension mass is mounted for swinging movement relative to, and extends between, a pair of fixed posts spaced apart from each other on an annular support mounted in a portable electronic device. The mass is connected to the posts through a pair of breakable links.

Abstract: Microfluidic fraction collectors fractionating a sample stream into discrete sample volumes are provided. Fluid flow control mechanisms divert selected portions of a sample stream from an inlet channel into one or more branch channels. The fluid flow control mechanisms may be passive, relying on sample volume and fluidic impedance to establish the sample collection sequence. Alternatively, active fluid flow control mechanisms may be controlled, with or without feedback, to establish the sample collection sequence.

Abstract: Light source 1 is mounted to camera body 10 via supporting member 2. The image from optical system 11 is recorded on the film inside photo-taking frame 12. The light beam from the light source is recorded in an area outside the photo-taking frame as its brightness or wavelength or both are made to change over time. Image processing is conducted at the time of development based on this recorded data in the area outside the photo-taking frame so that the information pertaining to shaking may be canceled out.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which records the information necessary for a determination of the pre-impact speeds and the impact speed of a motor vehicle involved in a collision. Following an accident, the unit may be removed and connected to a personal computer as a reader. With entry of the proper access code, the data pointer outputs the stored information in the correct sequence for analysis.

Abstract: A miniature device for indicating if an airbag inflator for a vehicle was set off in an accident. The device records the movement of a ball in an enclosed tube. The record is made when the tube is collapsed around the ball in response to pressure or heat from the activated primer.

Abstract: A device for recording directly the strain or distortion of a structural space as caused by an earthquake. Two similar light, flat rigid A-frame-like members are attached to points near the floor and ceiling, e.g., of a room, with their apex portions facing each other and overlapping. A displacement recorder is mounted in the overlap region. Earthquake distortion or strain in buildings occurs commonly as relative lateral displacement between a floor and a ceiling; the A-frame members transmit such displacement directly to the recorder. The installation may lie flat against a wall and be enclosed by a shallow cover.

Abstract: A mechanical seismic instrument for recording relative horizontal displacements between the base and foundation of base-isolated buildings or other large structures during earthquakes. A rigid tripod-like arm is connected to the base of the structure; on the other end of the arm is a marking stylus. A record plate is connected to the foundation. When base and foundation move relative to one another, the stylus scribes a record trace on the record plate. Arm and record plate are mounted respectively on mounting plates which are connected and covered by a flexible enclosure. Timing marks on the record trace may be made by striking devices which tap against the shank of the stylus.

Abstract: A three-axis scratch-recording accelerograph of the type installed in large structures to record peak magnitudes of earthquake or like motion. Hard styli coupled to seismometer elements scratch or engrave record lines on small stationary metallic record plates, which are suitably coated. No standby power is required and the records are resistant to heat, liquids, and mechanical damage. The instrument embodies various improvements over that in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,504 respecting the reed spring suspension of the proof mass; transit clamping; the magnifying lever system; and electrical status indication.

Abstract: A tamper proof, economically constructed, easily installed, drive recorder or instrument for making a permanent record of the manner in which a vehicle is driven is provided, and comprises an instrument which may be located in and secured to the vehicle of a driver whose driving habits are to be recorded. The recorder preferably has two compartments each having inclined bottom surfaces to normally position a heavy ball by gravity. The inclined bottom surfaces are provided with recording paper, and the vehicle's acceleration, braking or cornering causes the heavy balls to move from their normal positions up the inclined surfaces and the heavy balls to leave a track on the recording paper to make a permanent recording of the drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for registering accelerations and retardations includes a basic structure (1,2) on which an inertial mass is suspended in spring means and adapted to guide a writing means (C) coacting with a web (80) of registering medium, which is arranged for running substantially transverse the direction of movement of the writing means (C).

Abstract: A seismic instrument or accelerograph for recording the spectra of strong earthquake shocks or the like, having a series of mechanically-resonant recording units which trace or "scratch" linear records with styli on metallic record plates. No electrical or other power source is needed to make the records, so that the instrument may stand by for many years without attention. The case has, typically, about sixteen separate compartments with a recording unit installed in each. Each unit has a different natural (resonant) frequency, in the range between about 1 to 32 Hz. The record plates are all alike, except for keying or locating grooves, and all the recording units are made to have about the same sensitivity in terms of stylus deflection per unit acceleration. A problem addressed here is that in any simple linear mass-spring system, the static sag (deflection of the mass at 1 g) is inherently related to the natural frequency by an inverse square law.

Abstract: An instrument attached to a workpiece at two separated locations or between two members to record movement. It is a mechanical strain or motion recorder. It is driven by the strains or movements being recorded. The record of the movements is made on a cassette type tape. The movements on the tape are modified. Likewise, the motion that advances the tape may also be modified. When these movements are magnified it permits using shorter gage lengths for a given magnitude of movement or unit strain. Enlarging the recorded data simplifies digitizing the record. The unit may be advanced either by one stroke or by both strokes of the strain cycle. The invention includes an arrangement of tape spools and a recording back-up disc or plate which gives a low profile. The tape is guided against a fixed reference side but an added scribe or marker is provided for use with equipment which employs an additional base line for digitizing the recorded data.

Abstract: An earthquake recording device in which magnetically damped compound pendulums support smoked glass lenses. The natural frequencies of the pendulums are different. The points of stylus arms rests upon the smoked glass lenses and trace the pattern of movement produced by earthquake shocks on the lens surfaces. A timing device lifts the stylus arms periodically so that a time scale is provided on the tracing on the smoked glass.

Abstract: A recorder-indicator which mechanically magnifies strain or movement using special flex pivots. The lever system is activated by the motions being recorded or observed. A pointer indicates the strain or movement. It also marks or scribes a record of maximum movement on a recording medium having a scale. The recording media may be placed in a slide for projecting the recorded data and scale on a screen for enlargement.The recording media may be moved in the "Y" direction by one of several means to separate events recorded in the "X" direction.One of the features of the invention is the type of flex pivots that are suitable for small angular motion with minimum distorsion under high load. These pivots may be placed close to each other without interference. Other species of flex pivots are inexpensive to manufacture and still other flex pivots are suitable for relatively large loads and angular movements.The amplified motion is also used to activate limit switches.

Abstract: A scratch strain gauge has an annular target removably supported on a first plate, which is fixed to a first area of a structure that is to have its strains recorded. The target, which has a groove in its periphery, is driven by flat springs, supported on a second plate, which is fixed to a second area of the structure and longitudinally spaced from the first area. The plates have an interlocking relationship for temperature compensation. A dust seal cover is disposed over the space between the plates and the target. A door is pivotally mounted on the cover and closes an opening formed between the cover and the first plate and through which the target can be inserted and removed. One of the supports for supporting the target is mounted on the door and engages the bottom of the groove. A resiliently mounted support on the first plate also engages the bottom of the groove as does a third support fixed to the first plate. The opening of the door enables the target to be easily removed.

Abstract: A three-axis instrument for recording peak accelerations in earthquakes and like kinds of shocks. Recording is by scratches made by hard styli on small metal record plates. No power source and no maintenance are required. The seismic recording elements have novel configurations of mass, spring, and lever arm which permit improved combinations of sensitivity and natural frequency for any given magnitude of stylus friction. For example, a sensitivity of 0.25 cm per g with a natural frequency of 32 Hz may be attained, where error due to a stylus frictional force of 70 mg is less than 1 percent of full-scale. Both hydraulic and magnetic dampers are employed. The latter also provide motional electrical signals for use in calibration.