Other

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

James E Walton

Eric N Anderson

Timothy R Fannin

Keith A Stover

Andrew R Markofski

A system and related method operates to receive autopilot selection and monitor aircraft systems to control which autopilot is actively flying the aircraft. During certain flight operations in which a single autopilot is in use, the system reverts to the next available autopilot should the active and selected autopilot disconnect for any reason (e.g., faults and/or failures). The system maintains a redundant ability for pilot use of each pilot selectable mode of each autopilot channel including altitude hold, speed hold, heading hold, etc. For an indication to a pilot or remote operator that the system has reverted to a second autopilot, the system commands a momentary aural warning and a visual message/lights. For failures resulting in timely but necessary maneuver requirements, the system maintains autopilot control laws, control authority and roll authority.

Autopilot availability for reduced crew operations system and method

A tool is used to limit the torque applied to tighten the threaded connection of prosthesis components placed in skeletal bones, for example dental implants. The device had a handle, a retaining screw, a single use torque limiting shear pin and a drive shaft. The handle has a tapered counter sunk cross bore with left handed threads to allow installation of a drive shaft which engages a torque limiting shear pin which, in turn, engages a left hand threaded retaining screw. The drive shaft extends from the handle to engage any threaded fastener that has a head that corresponds to the drive shaft end. The drive shaft and the shear zone of the shear pin are completely isolated within the wrench handle so that all rotational force is utilized in the actual shearing of the shear pin to a torque accuracy of &#xb1;0.3 Ncm, approximately.

Dental tool with shear pin handle

A charcoal igniter which has a thermal barrier attached to the top of the charcoal ignition chamber. The thermal barrier restricts airflow though the charcoal chamber and retains heat within the chamber to accelerate the burning process. The thermal barrier is perforated to allow air to flow through at a reduced rate to retain hot gas from ignition within the charcoal chamber. The thermal barrier may contain thermally resistive material, such as granulated or crushed lava roc which both retains heat to accelerate the ignition and improves safety by filtering exhaust gases to prevent ash and sparks from escaping. The thermally resistive material also acts to re-radiate heat back into the charcoal chamber to further accelerate the ignition of the charcoal. The charcoal igniter has a central charcoal chamber to hold charcoal and a top mounted thermal barrier to prevent heat from escaping. Optional primary ignition heat sources include a lower chamber for holding kindling such as paper, etc, and input ports for injection of ignited gases from sources such a propane gas supply. The thermal barrier may be attached via hinge, handle, etc. Optionally, a cooking surface may be integrated into the thermal barrier.

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Lake Worth, FL, United States of America

James E Walton