USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Jeffrey A Bradel

Dominic S Cusanelli

Each guidance structure has two orthogonal surfaces (a horizontal surface and a vertical surface) which define the insides of an &ldquo;L&rdquo;-shaped profile. A first pair of guidance structures is positioned on a loading platform so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are parallelly facing either toward each other or away from each other. Alignedly therewith, a second pair of guidance structures is positioned on an ingress-egress platform (connected to the loading platform) so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are obliquely facing either toward each other or away from each other. Vehicular cargo travels the ingress-egress platform so as to be &ldquo;funneled&rdquo; by the back pair onto the loading platform. The front pair's horizontal surfaces operate as tracks for the cargo's wheels, thereby more widely distributing the loading associated with the cargo. The vertical surfaces of both pairs operate as lateral barriers for the cargo's wheels.

Modular, multi-function vehicle interface system

A towing post provides a floating transducer platform on a carriage which arranged for motion in a vertical direction above the center of pressure of a model being tested, for example, by towing across or through a towing basin. Linear bearings are attached to a carriage and engage vertical tracks extending between top and bottom fixed plates of the towing post. One or more transducers may be attached, one above the other, between the floating platform and the model and thus extend through an aperture in the lower plate. Attachment to the model through a gimbal located at the center of pressure of the model allows separation of a measurement, such as of drag, from effects of position and, if desired, a wide range of motion through one or more degrees of freedom, such as pitch and roll. Effects of towing post effects on trim are also eliminated and improved restraint of other motions is achieved. By accommodating more than one force transducer additional measurements can be made for calibration and/or adjustment which, for example, allow effects of yaw to be completely separated from drag measurements.

Growing community of inventors

Centreville, VA, United States of America

Jeffrey A Bradel