text:
The Boeing Company, US
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130014901 | CURE TOOL WITH INTEGRATED EDGE BREATHER AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing. | 01-17-2013 |
20130019036 | Expanded Electronic Bus Communication Capacity - In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a bus network having a set of lines, and a number of communication system devices associated with a number of electronics equipment connected to the bus in which each communication system device configures the electronics equipment to send and receive a plurality of signals on a line of the set of lines in a noise region of the set of lines. | 01-17-2013 |
20130020009 | ONE-PIECE INNER SHELL FOR FULL BARREL COMPOSITE FUSELAGE - A mandrel for manufacturing a unitary seamless section of an aircraft fuselage comprises a thin lay-up mandrel element disposed onto the outer shell surface of an inner mandrel shell, forming a mandrel with a substantially continuous lay-up surface. A unitary pre-cured section of an aircraft fuselage is formed by laying up a plurality of resin impregnated skin fibers onto the mandrel's lay-up surface while the mandrel rotates. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022702 | Collapsable Mandrel and Method for Producing Composite Laminates Using The Same - A collapsible bladder has flexible outer walls and at least one strut inside the enclosure. The strut is connected to the outer walls and controls the shape into which the enclosure may be collapsed. | 01-24-2013 |
20130029139 | Durable Transparent Coatings for Aircraft Passenger Windows - A duplex coating scheme and associated method of formation, which includes a siloxane based soft coating and a plasma based SiOxCy hard coating used in combination to improve the durability of acrylic substrates used in aircraft window applications. | 01-31-2013 |
20130032292 | Method and Apparatus for Low-Bulk Toughened Fabrics for Low-Pressure Molding Processes - A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a first porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The unidirectional lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape. A first plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a first layer from the unidirectional composite tape. A second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a second layer from the unidirectional composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer. At least one of the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape are slit while laying down the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape. A composite fabric is formed from the first and second layer. | 02-07-2013 |
20130037217 | COMPOSITE SECTIONS FOR AIRCRAFT FUSELAGES AND OTHER STRUCTURES, AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH SECTIONS - Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038473 | Securing Emergency and Safety Equipment on Aircraft - An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve. | 02-14-2013 |
20130040008 | Composite Sections for Aircraft Fuselages and Other Structures, and Methods and Systems for Manufacturing Such Sections - Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections, are disclosed herein. A method for manufacturing a shell structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes applying composite material to an interior mold surface of a tool to form a skin extending 360 degrees around an axis. The method can further include positioning a plurality of stiffeners on an inner surface of the skin. After the stiffeners have been positioned, a vacuum bag can be installed over the stiffeners and evacuated to press the stiffeners and the skin outwardly against the interior mold surface of the tool. Next, the skin/stiffener combination can be cocured to bond the stiffeners to the skin and harden the shell structure. | 02-14-2013 |
20130042978 | Compaction of Prepreg Plies on Composite Laminate Structures - A flexible compaction sheet is used to compact uncured composite plies onto the surface of a ply layup. The compaction sheet includes a peripheral seal that seals the perimeter of the sheet to the surface of the part layup and forms a vacuum chamber over the plies which is evacuated through the sheet to apply compaction pressure to the plies. | 02-21-2013 |
20130047810 | MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR PREDETERMINED ANGULAR CUTTING OF A PLURALITY OF PLY STRIPS - Apparatus for cutting plural aligned ply strips includes plural knife blades disposed in a spaced manner such that each knife blade is aligned with and in closely spaced relation to an associated ply strip. The knife blades are pivotally mounted in a common housing and are coupled to a single rotational drive for allowing each knife blade to assume the same predetermined cutting angle relative to its associated ply strip, where the cutting angle may be varied between ±45°. The plural knife blades are coupled to a rotational drive by means of plural circular drive gears and are connected to a linear drive for displacing the knife blades into contact with the ply strips for cutting the strips at the predetermined angle. The severed edges of the aligned ply strips are formed in mutual linear alignment and do not include projecting triangular patterns, or crenelations. | 02-28-2013 |
20130048786 | Reinforcement of Friction Plug Welds - A hole in a metal workpiece is filled by friction plug welding. The weld between the workpiece and the plug is reinforced by a weld land in the workpiece that surrounds one end of the plug. The weld land is formed by extruding a portion of the plug into a cavity in an anvil used in the welding process. | 02-28-2013 |
20130071612 | Method for Forming Bends in Composite Panels and Composite Panels Made Thereby - A composite panel with a bend therein is formed by first and second adjacent panel sections having a common facesheet forming an outer radius of the bend, and a substantially void-free joint between the adjacent panel sections. | 03-21-2013 |
20130081245 | VEHICLE BASE STATION - A vehicle base station comprises a platform on which a vehicle may be positioned, a first battery bay located on a first side of the platform, a battery replacement assembly to remove a battery from the vehicle and to replace the battery with a new battery, and a power source adapted to provide power to the vehicle while the vehicle is positioned on the platform. | 04-04-2013 |
20130082445 | TUBE COUPLING APPARATUS HAVING LIQUEFIABLE METAL SEALING LAYER - A method for forming a fluid tight seal is disclosed. The method may make use of a first component having a first sealing surface, and a second component having a second sealing surface. The method may further involve coating one of the first and second sealing surfaces with a metallic film layer adapted to transform into a liquefied metallic layer when a temperature of one of the first and second surfaces exceeds a melting temperature of a metal used to form the metallic film layer. Once it becomes liquefied, the liquefied metallic layer forms a pressure-tight seal between the sealing surfaces. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084032 | Bearing Housing for an Engine with Stress and Stiffness Control - An apparatus comprises a bearing section capable of receiving bearings, a base, and a plurality of members. The bearing section and the base have a cylindrical shape and are substantially aligned centrally along an axis. The plurality of members extend between the bearing section and the base and have a length and a width. Each of the plurality of members has a side that is substantially non-perpendicular with respect to the bearing section and the base. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084434 | CURVED COMPOSITE FRAMES AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A curved composite aircraft frame comprises a multi-ply composite laminate having a generally Z-shaped cross section. At least certain of the laminate plies include unidirectional reinforcing fibers that are substantially tangent at substantially all points along the curvature of the frame. | 04-04-2013 |
20130097847 | SELF EXPANDING FASTENER - A method to join a first structure to a second structure comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state. The method further comprises heating the fastener above an austenite start transition temperature. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098583 | HEAT PIPE DISSIPATING SYSTEM AND METHOD - In one embodiment of the disclosure, a heat pipe device for dissipating heat from a heat source includes a porous wick structure having a first porous wick portion disposed adjacent to a second porous wick portion. The first porous wick portion is defined by a first set of microgrooves. The second porous wick portion is defined by a second set of microgrooves disposed in non-parallel adjacent alignment to the first set of microgrooves. The heat pipe device may be disposed within a closed chamber enclosure to which the heat source is attached. In further embodiments, methods are disclosed for manufacturing devices for dissipating heat from a heat source, and for using devices to dissipate heat from a heat source. | 04-25-2013 |
20130099060 | Hinged Raked Wing Tip - A wing assembly comprises a raked wing tip having an outboard portion hinged to one of a main wing having at least one moveable control surface and an inboard raked wing tip portion. The outboard portion of the raked wing tip does not carry any moveable flight control surfaces. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101742 | WATER-ENTRAINED-POLYIMIDE CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPOSITE FABRICATION - Water-entrained compositions comprising colloidal or suspensoidal solutions comprising polyimide pre-polymers/oligomers are described. These compositions are obtained in water by initial dispersion of the resin constituents in water to from colloids or suspensoids. The water-entrained polyimide compositions can be applied to numerous surfaces or more beneficially used for composite fabrication. The coated surfaces or polyimide-pre-polymer impregnated reinforcing materials are subsequently cured and are ideal for providing thermal protection. | 04-25-2013 |
20130118000 | MODULAR VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION - A method of constructing a modular vehicle is provided. A modular vehicle includes a chassis and a plurality of docking fixtures carried by the chassis. The docking fixtures may include an electrical power connection, a fluid connection and a data communication connection. The modular vehicle may also include a plurality of modules removably connected to respective ones of the docking fixtures. The plurality of modules may include at least an energy supply module, such as a fuel cell, an energy storage module and a cooling module. At least one module may include an electrical power connection coupled to the electrical power connection of a docking fixture, at least one module may include a fluid connection coupled to the fluid connection of a docking fixture and at least one module may include a data communication connection coupled to the data communication connection of a docking fixture. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118683 | Composite Lamination Using Array Of Parallel Material Dispensing Heads - Aspects of the present disclosure include various exemplary methods relating to composite lamination using one or more arrays of parallel material dispensing heads. In one example, a method of fabricating a high aspect ratio composite article is disclosed which may involve applying a first strip material to a work surface datum at a first angle with a first material dispenser, and applying a plurality of second strip materials to a work surface datum each at a second angle with a plurality of rotatable parallel material dispensers. The method may also involve advancing the first material dispenser and the rotatable parallel material dispensers as a unit the width of the second strip material and continuing application of the first strip material by the first material dispenser and a plurality of second strip materials by the rotatable parallel material dispensers until a desired length is reached. | 05-16-2013 |
20130120216 | Broadband Multi-Tap Antenna - An antenna system comprises a plurality of conductors, a combiner, and a plurality of loads. The combiner has an output port. The plurality of loads connects the plurality of conductors to each other in line. The plurality of loads has an impedance equal to a desired impedance for the output port. The combiner combines power received by the plurality of loads at the output port of the combiner. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122236 | Composite Structures Having Composite-To-Metal Joints and Method for Making the Same - A composite structure comprises stacked sets of laminated fiber reinforced resin plies and metal sheets. Edges of the resin plies and metal sheets are interleaved to form a composite-to-metal joint connecting the resin plies with the metal sheets. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122764 | Apparatus for Resin Transfer Molding Composite Parts - A composite fabrication apparatus which may include a first tooling die and a second tooling die movable with respect to each other; a temperature control system having induction coils disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die; a first die susceptor provided on the first tooling die and a second die susceptor provided on the second tooling die and connected to the induction coils; and a cooling system disposed in thermal contact with the first tooling die and the second tooling die. A resin transfer system delivers resin from a resin source to the tooling dies to allow resin transfer molding. A composite fabrication method is also disclosed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130126076 | Method for Fabricating Thermoplastic Composite Parts - A fabrication method of forming thermoplastic composite laminate parts with tailored and varying thickness in a continuous process. Automated equipment or hand lay-up are used to collate parts or components into a multi-layer stack. Each stack contains all plies, including ply build-up areas, tacked in the proper location to maintain orientation and location. Ply consolidation tooling contains all necessary part features and is coordinated to the customized multiple ply stacks to form a single integrated thermoplastic composite laminate potentially having areas of differing thickness from the multiple ply stacks. | 05-23-2013 |
20130129185 | METHOD FOR DETECTING OPTICAL DEFECTS IN TRANSPARENCIES - A method of detecting optical defects in a transparency may comprise the steps of providing a digital image of the transparency having a plurality of image pixels and detecting at least one candidate defect. The candidate defect may be detected by determining a grayscale intensity of each one of the image pixels and calculating an intensity gradient across adjacent pairs of the image pixels. Each image pixel may be assigned a gradient value comprising a maximum of the absolute value of the intensity gradients associated with the image pixel. A gradient image may be constructed comprising the gradient values assigned to corresponding ones of the image pixels. Image pixels may be identified as candidate pixels if such image pixels have a gradient value exceeding a gradient threshold. The candidate pixels may comprise the optical defect. | 05-23-2013 |
20130129970 | Sandwich Structure Having Arrestment Feature - A composite sandwich structure comprises a core sandwiched between composite laminate facesheets. The core includes a plurality of core sections spliced together at joints that incorporate integral features for arresting the propagation of irregularities in the facesheets. | 05-23-2013 |
20130133202 | Fire Resistance For Optically Transparent Thermoplastics - A fire retardant, transparent panel and method of making the panel, that is especially well suited for use on mobile platforms, and particularly on aircrafts. The panel is a composite of a transparent matrix and a plurality of fire-retardant nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have a diameter less than the visible spectrum of light, and in one form between about 0.1 nm to about 400 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles may be arranged randomly or in predetermined patterns within the matrix during manufacturing of the panel. The panel is lightweight, transparent and yet highly fire retardant. | 05-30-2013 |
20130137365 | Content Delivery Coordinator Apparatus and Method - Apparatus and method for managing and coordinating the delivery of information content in a manner that makes efficient use of the bandwidth of satellite based transponders being used to relay the information content to the mobile platforms. The apparatus makes use of a content management coordinator system having a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI interfaces with one or more mobile platform operators to allow each of the operators to define the criteria by which various types of information content to be supplied to the mobile platforms. The apparatus further includes a file spaced storage monitoring subsystem which allows the file storage space available on each mobile platform to be monitored, and files deleted therefrom if necessary, to ensure that newly requested information content can be stored by the mobile platform. Information content is coordinated and aggregated as needed to ensure that transponder bandwidth is used most effectively for delivering various types of information content to each mobile platform requesting the content within each coverage region being controlled by the apparatus. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144795 | Hybrid Interactive Electronic Technical Manual - A method, apparatus, and computer program product of developing a hybrid interactive electronic technical manual. A set of sub-elements associated with core maintenance tasks is selected from a plurality of sub-elements in technical data for a device to form a set of core sub-elements. A cost-benefit analysis is performed on each sub-element in the set of remaining sub-elements to identify a sub-element benefit rating for the each sub-element. Sub-elements in the set of remaining sub-elements having a sub-element rating greater than or equal to a threshold benefit rating are selected to form a set of high benefit sub-elements. The set of core sub-elements and the set of high benefit sub-elements are converted from the non-interactive native file format to an interactive electronic technical manual database format. A set of links to the set of unconverted sub-elements is generated to form the hybrid interactive electronic technical manual. | 06-06-2013 |
20130153145 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING NOISE IN AIRCRAFT FUSELAGES AND OTHER STRUCTURES - Systems and methods for reducing noise in aircraft fuselages and other structures are described herein. A noise reduction system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an auxetic core, a damping layer, and a constraining layer. In this embodiment, the auxetic core is supported by a structural member, and the damping layer is sandwiched between the auxetic core and the constraining layer. A method for manufacturing a structural assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention includes forming a stiffener by positioning a first ply of composite material against a first tool surface, positioning damping material against the first ply, and positioning a second ply of composite material against the damping material to sandwich the damping material between the first and second plies. The method can further include forming a skin by positioning a third ply of composite material against a second tool surface offset from the first tool surface, and attaching the stiffener to the skin by co-curing the first, second and third plies of composite material. | 06-20-2013 |
20130155299 | FREQUENCY SELECTIVE IMAGING SYSTEM - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective imager. In particular, the frequency selective imager includes an array of pixels arranged in a focal plane array. Each pixel includes at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction that is formed between nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective imager is a frequency selective optical imager that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the frequency selective imager is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te). | 06-20-2013 |
20130157052 | CONTINUOUS, HOLLOW POLYMER PRECURSORS AND CARBON FIBERS PRODUCED THEREFROM - The present invention relates to a continuous, multicellular, hollow carbon fiber wherein the fiber structure includes a substantially hollow fiber and multiple internal walls defining multiple integral internal hollow fibers such that the fiber structure comprises a honeycomb-like cross section. | 06-20-2013 |
20130167022 | LARGE COLUMNAR TEXT FILE EDITOR - The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for loading and editing text files. A text file is identified as input. A determination is made as to whether the text file is a columnar text file. If the text file is columnar, data information is retrieved for the text file. Pre-defined cache settings are identified. A determination is made as to whether the data information retrieved fits within the pre-defined cache settings. If the data information retrieved fits within the pre-defined cache settings, a determination is made as to whether the first row of the text file is a header row in a view. If the first row of the text file is not a header row, the text file is normalized. A view mode is selected for load and edit operations of the text file. | 06-27-2013 |
20130168022 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADHESIVE BOND CURING - Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller. | 07-04-2013 |
20130169514 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A VIRTUAL MISSION CONTROL STATION - A system, method and apparatus for configuring a dense pack of virtual mission control stations within a confined area. Information for a mission is received at a control station. The virtual mission control station includes a display system, a motion capture system, a number of input devices, a dense pack seat associated with the number of input devices, and a processor unit. The display system is configured to be worn on the head of an operator and to present a virtual display to the operator. The motion capture system is configured to track movement of the head. The processor unit is configured to execute program code to generate the display and adjust the display presented to the operator in response to detecting movement of the head of the operator. A mission is performed using the information and the virtual mission control station. | 07-04-2013 |
20130174397 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY - A guide assembly comprises a frame assembly, a plurality of clamping assemblies, and a head assembly. The clamping assemblies may be mountable to the frame assembly for attaching the frame assembly to a structure. The head assembly may be mountable to the frame assembly and may include a tool coupled to the head assembly. The tool assembly may be axially movable relative to the head assembly to cause the tool to exert a down force on the structure when the frame assembly is attached thereto. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174708 | CUTTING ANVIL AND METHOD - A cutting system includes a cutting assembly and an anvil. The cutting assembly includes an ultrasonic cutting tool having a stylus with a tip and an actuator to move the tip along a path. The path is oriented in a transverse manner relative to movement of a backed ply material. The anvil includes a rigid base for securing the anvil to the cutting assembly and a surface coinciding with the path. The system is configured to drive the tip into the surface and draw the tip along the path to generate a groove disposed upon the surface. The groove being in cooperative alignment with the tip. | 07-11-2013 |
20130186040 | Composite Tube Having Co-Bonded End Fittings - A structural member such as a strut includes a composite material tube having metal end fittings that are attached to the tube by co-bonded, double shear joints. The double shear bond joint construction reduces the residual stress on the bonds that result from mismatch of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the composite tube and the metal end fittings. The ends of the fittings that are bonded to the tube may include a stepped profile that functions to limit the peak stresses in the bonds. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186937 | Apparatus for Friction Stir Welding Using Spindle-in-Spindle - A spindle head for performing friction stir welding includes concentric spindle shafts driven by stacked, coaxial motors contained within a spindle housing. The coaxial arrangement of the motors results in a more compact package. Each of the motors is concentrically arranged around one of the spindles by directly connecting a rotor of the motor to a spindle shaft. The stators of the motors are mounted on the housing and are concentrically arranged around the concentric spindle shafts. | 07-25-2013 |
20130192805 | Twist Vane Counter-Parallel Flow Heat Exchanger Apparatus And Method - A method for forming a manifold for use with a heat exchanger is disclosed. The method may involve forming a plurality of vanes. Opposing surfaces of each of the vanes may define a pair of adjacent flow channels for receiving portions of first and second fluids to be flowed through the flow channels. Each of the flow channels may have a changing aspect ratio along its length. | 08-01-2013 |
20130193270 | STRUCTURALLY DESIGNED AERODYNAMIC RIBLETS - An array of aerodynamic riblets is formed with a surface layer for adhering to an aerodynamic surface and a plurality of riblet tips having a parabolic cross section extending from the surface layer. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197723 | INTEGRATED APPROACH NAVIGATION SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Systems, computer program products, and methods for displaying navigation performance based flight path deviation information during the final approach segment to a runway and during landing of non-precision flight modes are provided. Improved graphical depictions of navigation performance based flight path deviation information provide pilots and flight crew members with clear, concise displays of the dynamic relationship between ANP and RNP, mode and aspect of flight and related procedures, intersecting flight paths, and current actual flight path deviation from a predefined flight path during the final approach segment to a runway and during landing. For example, an enhanced IAN display may include NPS-type deviation scales to show RNP/ANP relationships and predetermined RNP markers to alert the pilots and flight crew members that the FMC has transitioned from an NPS display for RNAV (LNAV/VNAV) flight procedures to an enhanced IAN display for a non-precision (non-xLS) approach and/or landing. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197860 | Acquisition Channel Geolocation - A method and system are disclosed for providing an estimate of a location of a user receiver device. The method involves emitting, from at least one vehicle, at least one spot beam on Earth; and receiving, with the user receiver device, at least one spot beam. The method further involves calculating, with the user receiver device, the estimate of the location of the user receiver device according to the user receiver device's location within at least one spot beam. Each spot beam contains at least one acquisition signal, which may comprise at least one ring channel. Each ring channel comprises a frame count; a space vehicle identification (SVID); a spot beam identification (ID); and/or X, Y, Z coordinates of the vehicle emitting the spot beam relative to an Earth coordinate system. In one or more embodiments, at least one vehicle may be a satellite and/or a pseudolite. | 08-01-2013 |
20130203511 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND FORMATS FOR DATA, SUCH AS DATA USED IN LASER PROJECTION OF FASTENERS USED IN MANUFACTURING - A system and method provides data for a laser projection process used in manufacturing involving fasteners. For example, the laser projection process may include projecting a laser image associated with fasteners used to assemble objects. Fastener attribute data may be extracted from an engineer's design data and processed to generate a laser projection output file. This output file may include geometric data used to project a laser image associated with the fasteners. For example, this image may be an outline indicating the location, shape, and orientation of a fastener. The output file may also include non-geometric data associated with attributes of the objects to be assembled. Both the geometric and the non-geometric data can then be displayed in a user interface, such as a display screen of a laser projector control device, in addition to the display of the laser image in three-dimensional space. | 08-08-2013 |
20130289766 | Apparatus for Automated Maintenance of Aircraft Structural Elements - Automated apparatus for performing maintenance functions on airfoil-shaped bodies having short chord lengths, the apparatus being movable in a spanwise direction along the airfoil-shaped body. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a blade crawler capable of supporting any one of a plurality of end effectors for performing a set of maintenance functions on an airfoil-shaped body, such as a blade component. Included in these functions are multiple options for nondestructive inspection, drilling, grinding, fastening, appliqué application, scarfing, ply mapping, depainting, cleaning, and painting devices that are attached as the end effector for the blade crawler. As a whole, the blade crawler reduces maintenance time, labor hours and human errors when robotic maintenance functions are performed on blade components. | 10-31-2013 |
20140204439 | Fiber Stabilization of Optical Path Differences (OPD) Over a Wide Bandwidth Frequency Range for Extended Periods of Time - The disclosed method for fiber stabilization of optical path differences involves splitting a laser produced optical beam into a first and second optical beam. Further, the method involves circulating the first optical beam to an adjustable optical telescope, and circulating the second optical beam to a reference optical telescope. Also, the method involves splitting the first circulated beam into the first optical beam and the adjustable optical telescope beam, and splitting the second circulated beam into the second optical beam and the reference optical telescope beam. Additionally, the method involves inputting, into an interferometer, the first and second optical beams; and outputting, from the interferometer, a sinusoidal signal. Also, the method comprises filtering the sinusoidal signal to form a high frequency and low frequency signal. Further, the method involves controlling a translation stage by using the low frequency signal, and controlling a fiber stretcher by using the high frequency signal. | 07-24-2014 |
The Boeing Company, Seal Beach, CA US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130025765 | METHOD FOR JOINING COMPOSITE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS USING THERMAL SPREADER - An apparatus for forming a structural member includes a tool platform and a pressure platform that may be movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus may include a tool against which the member may be pressed. The tool may be supported by the tool platform and may have an inner surface. The apparatus may include a pressure bladder configured to be pressurized for applying pressure to the member. The pressure bladder may be supported by the pressure platform for pressing the member against the tool. Also included may be a heating system for heating the tool and a tool liner in thermal contact with the inner surface for distributing heat thereto. | 01-31-2013 |
20130043347 | Control System for Dimmable Windows - Electrically dimmable windows for aircraft are powered by energy harvesting devices on-board the aircraft. The harvested energy is stored and used to control the opacity of the windows based on individual window opacity settings selected either by passengers or a cabin attendant. Each window has an associated control circuit that controls the electrical power applied to the window based on the selected opacity setting. The control circuit includes a low energy usage processor that remains in a sleep mode until a change in the opacity setting is detected. Each control circuit may include a radio transceiver that receives control signals from a transmitter operated by the cabin attendant in order to simultaneously remotely control the opacity settings of multiple windows. | 02-21-2013 |
20130073698 | Method for Testing Connectivity of Software Applications Hosted on Networked Computers - A method for verifying the connectivity of software applications hosted on networked computers. The connectivity of hosted function applications to be loaded into networked computers is verified and validated using quasi-hosted function applications that simulate the communications functions (i.e., connectivity) of those hosted function applications. The quasi-hosted function applications are run on the same hardware that the real hosted function applications will be run on. Furthermore, the connectivity of a real hosted function application loaded into one computer can be verified and validated by simulating communications of that real hosted function application with a multiplicity of quasi-hosted function applications running on the networked computers. | 03-21-2013 |
20130111742 | Conductive Sleeved Fastener Assembly - A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116862 | AUTOBRAKING INTERLOCK FOR AN AIRCRAFT ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM - An electric autobrake interlock system for an aircraft includes an autobrake power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The autobrake power interlock removes operating power from the brake actuators whenever the autobrake actuation data does not indicate a legitimate autobrake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the autobrake command processing such that even if an inadvertent autobrake command is generated, the brake actuators will be enable to act upon the inadvertent autobrake command. In this regard, the brake actuators are unable to apply brakes automatically unless the following two actions happen concurrently: the operating power is provided to enable the electric brake actuators and autobrake actuation control is commanded in response to the legitimate autobrake application condition. | 05-09-2013 |
20130147636 | MULTI-FERROIC STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMS - A structural health monitoring system for multiple layer structures includes a plurality of strain-sensitive magnetic particles dispersed within a bonding area between at least two individual layers, at least one multiferroic sensor dispersed on a surface of the multiple layer structure, proximate to an area of the structure to be monitored, the at least one multiferroic sensor capable of monitoring strains experienced by the strain-sensitive magnetic particles, and analyzing changes in the strains experienced by said strain-sensitive magnetic particles that may indicate damage or degradation in the structure, and a controller configured for periodic interrogation of the at least one multiferroic sensor. | 06-13-2013 |
20130173087 | Self-Powered Dimmable Windows with Integrated Controls - An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is Integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver. | 07-04-2013 |
20140116597 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HEATING A MATERIAL - Methods and an apparatus are provided for heating a material. The apparatus includes a roller that includes at least one susceptor contained therein, and at least one induction coil coupled to the roller. The induction coil is configured to induce a magnetic field in the susceptor to facilitate increasing a temperature of the roller. | 05-01-2014 |
The Boeing Company, Chicgo, IL US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130034378 | BIPOD FLEXURE RING - A thermal coupling includes a first structure having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a second structure having a second coefficient of thermal expansion lower than the first coefficient of thermal expansion; a plurality of thermal expansion fingers provided in the first structure; a plurality of thermal expansion flanges extending from the plurality of thermal expansion fingers, respectively; and a flange extending from the second structure and attached to the plurality of thermal expansion flanges. | 02-07-2013 |
The Boeing Company US
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130206743 | BOND LINE HEATING PAD SYSTEM - A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207521 | SPRING DISC ENERGY HARVESTER APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for forming an energy harvesting device. The method may involve providing a disc spring and supporting an outer peripheral edge of the disc spring. A pre-load force may be applied to the disc spring which is directed along its axial center. While applying the pre-load force, a piezoelectric material may be fixedly secured to a surface of the disc spring. The disc spring may be supported from a peripheral edge thereof to allow oscillating motion thereof. The support element may be used to apply a predetermined preload force to the disc spring that reduces a stiffness of the disc spring. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211806 | COMPUTERIZED TOOL AND METHOD FOR THE AUTOMATED CREATION OF A CUTTER RAMP CURVE - An automated and computerized technique as disclosed herein can be utilized to generate a modeled cutter ramp curve for a flange component. The technique can be utilized in conjunction with any suitable CAD system to render a cutter ramp curve on the modeled flange component. The system obtains a selected amount of user inputs, verifies that the user inputs are consistent with the geometry of the flange component, and generates the cutter ramp curve in response to the user inputs and the flange geometry. | 08-15-2013 |
20130220018 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A LAMINATED STRUCTURE - Systems and methods for inspecting a hole in a laminated structure. An exemplary system includes a transducer assembly configured to direct sound waves substantially parallel to a surface of the hole. The system further includes a controller that collects A-scan data for multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly as the transducer assembly is rotated within the hole. The controller processes the A-scan data for the multiple rotational positions of the transducer assembly to generate B-scan data, and displays the B-scan data. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221160 | SPACECRAFT ACQUISITION MANEUVERS USING POSITION-BASED GYROLESS CONTROL - A system and a method for commanding a spacecraft to perform a three-axis maneuver purely based on "position" (i.e., attitude) measurements. Using an "inertial gimbal concept", a set of formulae are derived that can map a set of "inertial" motion to the spacecraft body frame based on position information so that the spacecraft can perform/follow according to the desired inertial position maneuvers commands. Also, the system and method disclosed herein employ an intrusion steering law to protect the spacecraft from acquisition failure when a long sensor intrusion occurs. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221210 | FREQUENCY SELECTIVE ELECTROMAGNETIC DETECTOR - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective electromagnetic detector. In particular, the frequency selective electromagnetic detector includes a nanowire array constructed from a plurality of nanowires of different compositions. At least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction is formed between the nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective electromagnetic detector is a frequency selective optical detector that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the nanowire array is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te). | 08-29-2013 |
20130227024 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLABORATION OVER SHARED STORAGE - In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein enable synergy among a group of users by providing a real-time, secure collaboration environment that allows for cooperative interaction and decision making and provide the ability for users to simultaneously view, revise, and review a document or multimedia file that resides in a shared data storage location. Real-time, low latency, rich collaboration between producers and consumers provides organization efficiency, and this collaboration provides real-time, low latency transmission of data. | 08-29-2013 |
20130293415 | CORRECTING FOR TIME DELAY VARIATION IN A SATELLITE FOR POSITIONING, NAVIGATION OR TIMING APPLICATIONS - A method for correcting for time delay variations between a plurality of signal paths from a signal source to at least one transmit antenna of a satellite may include measuring a time delay for each of the plurality of signal paths. The method may also include correcting a signal for the time delay variation based on the time delay for the signal path that is currently being used by the satellite, the corrected signal being usable for at least one of navigation, determining a geographic location and determining time. | 11-07-2013 |
20130304307 | PLATFORM HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM - A platform health monitoring system including an associative memory. The associative memory stores a plurality of known health profiles for a platform. The platform health monitoring system also includes an input device in communication with the associative memory. The input device is configured to receive a current health profile of the platform. The platform health monitoring system also may include a comparator configured to compare, in conjunction with the associative memory, the current health profile with the plurality of known health profile to generate a comparison. The comparator is further configured to generate, based on the comparison and in conjunction with the associative memory, a report on a current health of the platform. | 11-14-2013 |
20130305357 | Context Aware Network Security Monitoring for Threat Detection - The disclosed method involves monitoring behavior of at least one node, associated with at least one user, in a network to generate a behavior profile for the user(s). The method further involves comparing the behavior profile for at least one user with a baseline behavior profile for the user(s). Also, the method involves determining when there is a difference between the behavior profile for at least one user and the baseline behavior profile for the user(s). Further, the method involves flagging an event associated with the difference: when the difference exceeds a baseline threshold level, does not exceed a baseline threshold level, meets at least one criterion, and/or does not meet at least one criterion. Additionally, the method involves classifying the event to an event classification. Further, the method involves transmitting the event to at least one other node in the network and/or a network operations center. | 11-14-2013 |
20130306788 | UNMANNED AIR SYSTEM (UAS) - An unmanned air system and method with blown flaps are presented. Air is guided to a fuel cell carried by the unmanned air system. The fuel cell is ventilated by the guided air such that the air is heated by the fuel cell to provide heated air. The heated air is routed from the fuel cell to one or more high lift devices on a lift device of the unmanned air system to provide routed air. The routed air is blown across the high lift devices. | 11-21-2013 |
20140019034 | VEHICLE-BASED AUTOMATIC TRAFFIC CONFLICT AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE - Systems and methods for providing vehicle-centric collision avoidance are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first flight trajectory for a first aircraft, determining a second flight trajectory for a second aircraft, determining a predicted first distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft at a first closest point of approach based on the first and second flight trajectories, comparing the predicted first distance to a first separation perimeter layer, the first separation perimeter layer defining a first three-dimensional perimeter based on the first aircraft, determining a first adjustment having a first magnitude from the first flight trajectory when the predicted first distance is within a first perimeter, determining a second adjustment having a second magnitude from the first flight trajectory when the predicted first distance is within a second perimeter different from the first perimeter, and altering the first flight trajectory based on the first or second adjustment. | 01-16-2014 |
20140023837 | AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES BONDED WITH ADHESIVE INCLUDING MAGNETOSTRICTIVE MATERIAL - First and second aircraft structures are bonded together with an adhesive including strain-sensitive magnetostrictive material. The magnetostrictive material has a magnetomechanical coefficient greater than e−5. | 01-23-2014 |
20140026741 | BLAST LOAD ATTENUATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An apparatus may comprise an outer skin having an exterior side and an interior side, an internal structure positioned relative to the interior side of the outer skin, and an inner skin. The internal structure may be capable of absorbing a blast load applied to the exterior side of the outer skin. The internal structure may be located between the outer skin and the inner skin. | 01-30-2014 |
20140027569 | WING-TO-BODY FARING WITH SPRAY-ON FOAM AND NOISE REDUCTION METHOD - A fairing includes a fairing body having a fairing interior and an interior surface and a spray-on insulation foam layer provided on the interior surface of the fairing body. | 01-30-2014 |
20140050921 | METHOD OF REINFORCEMENT FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING - Materials and methods is present for manufacturing fiber reinforced parts. A powder material comprising a matrix material of a size particular distribution comprising substantially oriented fiber of a predetermined length distribution and diameter (L/D). A manufactured part that has substantially randomly oriented fiber is provided using an energy delivery system and the powder material. | 02-20-2014 |
20140060741 | CONFIGURABLE TOOLING AND MOLDING METHOD USING THE SAME - Configurable layup tooling used to fabricate reinforced composite parts having a common shape but varying features are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a common tool body. A first mandrel is received by the common tool body to form at least a first portion of a common shape and a first profile of a first part to be formed via the common tool body. A second mandrel is received by the common tool body to form the first portion of the common shape and a second profile of a second part that is different from the first part. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061386 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING PROPULSION OPERATIONS USING ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a frame, a power source coupled to the frame and a payload coupled to the frame, the payload to receive or transmit data. The apparatus also includes an electric propulsion system coupled to the frame. The electric propulsion system is to enable attitude control, momentum control, and orbit control of the apparatus. | 03-06-2014 |
20140065354 | Method of Fabricating a Curved Composite Structure Using Composite Prepreg Tape - A method is provided of fabricating a composite stiffener having a curved web and at least one curved flange. A substantially straight length of unidirectional prepreg tape is placed on a carrier. The at least one curved flange is formed by using the carrier to steer a first portion of the tape onto a first curved tool surface. The curved web is formed by using the carrier to form a second portion of the tape onto a second curved tool surface. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067168 | Horizontal Tail Load Alleviation System - A method for controlling control surfaces. A position limit is identified for movement of a control surface based on a load limit set for the control surface and a number of vehicle current operation parameters to form an identified position limit. Responsive to receiving a command to move the control surface on a vehicle to a new position, the control surface is commanded to move to a position within the identified position limit. | 03-06-2014 |
20140074339 | Network of Unmanned Vehicles - The present invention provides a co-operative network of unmanned vehicles that participate in co-operative task allocation. Each unmanned vehicle comprises a computer system with an executive level configured to control motion of the unmanned vehicle and an automatic decision level configured to communicate with other unmanned vehicles, to receive task descriptions, to participate in task allocation, and to provide descriptions of tasks to be performed to the executive level for execution. Each unmanned vehicle submits a bid for each task it can perform, the bid reflecting an execution cost for the task. The bids are compared and the task effectively auctioned to the unmanned vehicle with a lowest execution cost. Each unmanned vehicle builds a task plan from its allocated tasks, decomposes the associated task descriptions into elementary task descriptions and forwards the elementary task descriptions in a format suitable for the executive level to execute. | 03-13-2014 |
20140076479 | METHOD OF FORMING A TUBE FROM A THERMOPLASTIC SANDWICH SHEET - A method of forming a structural tube may include urging a substantially flat thermoplastic sandwich sheet against a mandrel and heating the thermoplastic sandwich sheet to a temperature below a glass transition temperature. The method may further include allowing the thermoplastic sandwich sheet to cool and removing the mandrel, thereby forming a tube portion. | 03-20-2014 |
20140077434 | EDGE STABILIZING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPOSITE BARREL SEGMENTS - An edge stabilizer for a composite structure includes an elongate edge support segment, defining a geometric shape of an edge of the composite structure, and a connector, configured to attach the edge support segment to the edge of the composite structure. The edge support segment comprises first and second halves configured to attach together around the edge, each half including a shoulder, opposing mating relationship of the shoulders defining a slot for receiving the edge. The edge stabilizer can be part of a system for stabilizing an edge of a composite barrel section. The system can also include a moveable cart, the barrel section being supportable upon the cart. | 03-20-2014 |
20140077969 | Forest Sensor Deployment and Monitoring System - A method and apparatus for managing a location. Soil sensor units are deployed in the location in a forest from a group of aerial vehicles. Information is generated about a number of soil conditions in the location in the forest using the soil sensor units in the location. The information is transmitted from the soil sensor units to a remote location for analysis. | 03-20-2014 |
20140084110 | Wing Root Insert System for an Aircraft Family - A single, common, fuselage and wing design of an aircraft structure provides for two different aircraft models or configurations. A fuselage ( | 03-27-2014 |
20140089773 | Panoptic Visualization Document Differencing - A system includes a differencing engine and a layout engine of the differencing engine or coupled to the differencing engine. The differencing engine is configured to direct comparison of two or more document components each of which includes respective media content, and each of which has associated metadata providing information about the respective document component. The layout engine is configured to generate a layout of a panoptically-arranged visual representation of the document components or a comparison thereof according to a layout model, and according to the associated metadata. And the differencing engine is configured to communicate the layout. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089888 | Modernization Of Legacy Software Systems Based On Modeled Dependencies - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are described herein for migrating a non-object-oriented application to an object-oriented platform. The non-object-oriented application may be received. The non-object-oriented application may be parsed into elements of the non-object-oriented application. A design structure matrix (DSM) representation of the elements may be generated. A final object model may be generated based on the DSM representation. The final object model may be mapped to a code skeleton representation of an object-oriented development environment. | 03-27-2014 |
20140090252 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A WING PANEL - A system and method are provided to automate the assembly of a wing panel, such as utilized by commercial aircraft. In the context of a system, a tacking cell is provided that is configured to tack one or more stringers to a skin plank. The system also includes a riveting cell configured to receive a tacked plank from the tacking cell and to rivet the one or more stringers to the skin plank. The system also includes a splicing cell configured to receive a plurality of riveted planks from the riveting cell and to attach one or more splice stringers to the plurality of riveted planks. Further, the system includes a side of body cell configured to receive a spliced panel from the splicing cell and to attach a side of body chord thereto to produce a wing panel. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090670 | Cleaning Apparatus and Method of Cleaning a Contaminated Surface - A cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a first nozzle configured to direct a cleaning jet towards a contaminated surface at a pressure sufficient to remove contaminants from the surface. At least one second nozzle is configured to direct a rinsing jet towards the contaminated surface to remove cleaning fluid therefrom, wherein the rinsing jet is directed at a pressure sufficient to isolate the cleaning jet from an ambient environment. | 04-03-2014 |
20140091953 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPRESSION OF GENERALIZED SENSOR DATA - Methods and apparatus for compression of generalized sensor data are described. One example method for use in compression of generalized sensor data at a first location for transmission to a second location includes analyzing the sensor data to identify high interest data and low interest data, and compressing the high interest data with a lossless compression algorithm. | 04-03-2014 |
20140092804 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROUTING IP PACKETS IN MULTI-BEAM SATELLITE NETWORKS - An example system for satellite payload communications includes a digital channelizer and a regenerative communications subsystem (RCS). The digital channelizer includes a plurality of inputs for receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of uplink beams and a plurality of outputs for outputting the plurality of signals. The RCS includes a plurality of inputs selectably coupled to the digital channelizer outputs to receive signals from selected ones of the digital channelizer outputs and a plurality of outputs selectably coupled to the digital channelizer inputs to transmit the processed signals to selected ones of the digital channelizer inputs. The RCS is configured to process selected ones of the plurality of signals to produce processed signals. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094143 | PASSENGER MOBILE STATION REGISTRATION WITH A PASSENGER COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM USING NEAR FIELD COMMUNICAITONS - A method for registering a mobile station of a passenger may include receiving a message from a near field communications (NFC) module of the mobile station by an NFC terminal of a passenger communications system, the message comprising information for registering the mobile station with the passenger communications system. The method may also include registering the mobile station with the passenger communications system based on the message. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095987 | Panoptic Visualization Document Access Control - A panoptic visualization system includes an enforcer and a layout engine coupled thereto. The enforcer is configured to identify a restricted document component of a panoptic visualization document collection having a plurality of document components each of which includes respective media content and has associated metadata providing information about the respective document component. The associated metadata for the document components may further include information identifying links between the respective document components. The layout engine is configured to generate a layout of panoptically-arranged visual representations of the document components according to the document components and associated metadata. For the restricted document component, the layout engine is configured to generate the layout according to the associated metadata for the restricted document component, but the generated layout includes a visual representation of the restriction in place of the restricted document component. And the layout engine is configured to communicate the layout. | 04-03-2014 |
20140096794 | Methods for Cleaning a Contaminated Surface - A method for cleaning a contaminated surface is provided. The method includes covering at least a portion of the contaminated surface with an absorptive medium. At least a portion of the absorptive medium is saturated with a cleaning solution before the portion of the contaminated surface is covered with the absorptive medium, or at least a portion of the absorptive medium is saturated with a cleaning solution after the portion of the contaminated surface is covered with the absorptive medium. Steam is applied to the saturated absorptive medium for a period of time to facilitate removing contaminants from the contaminated surface and to facilitate transferring the contaminants to the absorptive medium, wherein the saturated absorptive medium is substantially stationary relative to the contaminated surface as steam is applied to the saturated absorptive medium | 04-10-2014 |
20140096896 | SHAPE-DISTORTING TOOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CURING COMPOSITE PARTS - A tooling system may include a cure tool and a biasing element. The cure tool may have a cure tool coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and may be configured for curing a composite article formed of two or more components having dissimilar component CTEs. The biasing element may be fixedly attached to the cure tool and has a biasing element CTE that may be different than the cure tool CTE. The biasing element may be configured such that a combination of the cure tool CTE and the biasing element CTE causes a heat-up displacement in the cure tool when heated and the composite article is cured in a distorted shape. When the cured composite article is cooled, the cured composite article may substantially assume an as-designed shape. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096898 | Method of Composite Tape Lamination Over Convex Radii - A tape laminating machine having a compaction roller lays up composite tape over a substrate having a convex radius. The compaction roller folds the tape as it moves over the convex radius, while simultaneously pivoting about a trailing edge of the tape to prevent the compaction roller from lifting off the tape laid just before the convex radius. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096902 | Method and Apparatus for Fabricating an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polymer Structure - A polymer laminate is fabricated by laying down layers of an ultra-high molecular weight polymer material on top of each other, and fusing the layers to each other by cross-linking molecular chains of adjoining layers. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096903 | Method and Apparatus for Co-Curing Composite Skins and Stiffeners in an Autoclave - A composite skin and composite stiffeners are co-cured in an autoclave. Uncured stiffeners are placed in channels of a tool, and an uncured skin is placed on the tool contacting the stiffeners. The vacuum bag is sealed over the tool. Bladders placed in the stiffeners are exposed to autoclave pressure through a manifold system employing vent tubes that pass through the vacuum bag along a side of the tool. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097294 | AIRCRAFT LAVATORY AND GALLEY SEPARATED BY AN INTERNAL WALL HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE NOTCH THAT IMPROVES THE LAVATORY ENVIRONMENT - An internal wall in an aircraft cabin separates a lavatory and a galley of the aircraft. The internal wall has an intermediate notch that increases a lateral width dimension of the lavatory above the notch and thereby improves the spatial environment of the lavatory. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097296 | Aircraft Cargo Compartment Container Crane System - An aircraft cargo compartment container crane system including an aircraft having an upper passenger compartment and at least one lower cargo compartment, wherein the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment are separated by a floor and a crane assembly connected to a structural element of the cargo compartment beneath the floor, wherein the crane assembly is configured to lift and move a cargo container within the cargo compartment along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098936 | NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION OF STRUCTURES HAVING EMBEDDED PARTICLES - A system comprises a structure having particles embedded at a level within the structure, and X-ray imaging apparatus for capturing images of the particles at the level. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098990 | Distributed Position Identification - A method and apparatus for identifying a position of a mobile platform. Images are provided by a camera system on a first mobile platform. The images include images of a second platform. An identified position of the first mobile platform is generated using the images and the position information for the second platform. The position information for the second platform identifies a location of the second platform. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100695 | C FRAME STRUCTURE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE DEFLECTION COMPENSATION AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A C frame structure, a robotic system and an associated method are provided respond to and accommodate the loads placed upon the C frame structure during actuation of a working tool. The C frame structure includes a plurality of links and a plurality of pins interconnecting the links to form a pinned truss configuration. The pinned truss configuration is responsive to loads imparted in response to actuation of the tool such that each link is placed in compression or tension. The C frame structure also includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders connected to the links such that each hydraulic cylinder extends in parallel to a respective link. A first hydraulic cylinder operates in a compression mode in response to strain attributable to actuation of the tool. A second hydraulic cylinder operates in an extension mode in response to the first hydraulic cylinder operating in the compression mode. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100831 | Float Remaining Volume Identification - A method and apparatus for identifying a potential movement of a part containing features. First lines are formed by a computer system on a plane extending from a rotation point on the plane to centers of the features in a feature pattern. Second lines are formed by the computer system on the plane extending from the centers of the features in which the second lines are substantially perpendicular to corresponding first lines. Third lines are formed by the computer system extending from ends of the second lines in which the third lines are substantially perpendicular to the plane. Elongate volumes are formed by the computer system extending from the centers of the features to ends of the third lines. An intersection of the elongate volumes is formed by the computer system. The potential movement of the part containing the features is identified using the intersection. | 04-10-2014 |
20140102542 | Flow Control Actuator with an Adjustable Frequency - A method and apparatus comprising a structure and a chamber within the structure. The structure has an input port and an output port. The chamber is configured to channel a fluid from the input port to the output port of the structure. A volume of the chamber is configured to change such that a frequency at which the fluid flows out of the output port changes at the output port. | 04-17-2014 |
20140102578 | Thermoplastic Composite Tubular Structures and Methods of Fabricating the Same - A method of fabricating a thermoplastic composite tubular structure provides a mandrel of a soluble, expandable material. The method overbraids the mandrel with a continuous fiber thermoplastic composite material to form an overbraided mandrel. The method installs the overbraided mandrel into a matched tooling assembly. The method heats in a heating apparatus the matched tooling assembly with the installed overbraided mandrel at a specified heating profile in order to consolidate the thermoplastic composite material and form a thermoplastic composite tubular structure. The method cools the matched tooling assembly with the formed thermoplastic composite tubular structure at a specified cooling profile. The method removes the formed thermoplastic composite tubular structure from the matched tooling assembly. The method solubilizes the mandrel to permanently remove the mandrel from the formed thermoplastic composite tubular structure. | 04-17-2014 |
20140102781 | High Power, High Frequency Power Cable - The present disclosure provides a power cable apparatus that comprises an elongated thermal conductor, and an electrical conductor layer surrounding at least a portion of the elongated thermal conductor. In one or more embodiments, heat generated in the power cable is transferred via the elongated thermal conductor to at least one end of the power cable. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an electric insulation layer surrounding at least a portion of the electrical conductor layer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a thermal insulation layer surrounding at least a portion of the electric insulation layer. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103134 | Externally Driven Flow Control Actuator - A method and apparatus for managing a flow of a fluid. The fluid is received at an input port of a structure. The fluid is sent through a chamber in communication with the input port. The fluid is caused to flow from the chamber and out of an output port in a direction that changes with a frequency based on an application of pressure pulses in the chamber. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103162 | Method And Apparatus For Attaching An Aircraft Fuselage Frame To A Wing Box - The present disclosure is generally directed to an aircraft body including a fuselage skin on an outboard member of the aircraft body and a wing box extending through a member of the aircraft body. The wing box being enclosed and capable of being pressurized is fixedly attached at an outer surface to at least one pair of an attachment member and an attachment link member that is fixedly attached to the aircraft body. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103164 | SPACECRAFT PROPELLANT TANK MOUNT - A spacecraft having a primary structural frame and a propellant tank, in which the spacecraft may include a tank mount adopted to engage a portion of the propellant tank, the tank mount being configured to transfer launch loads directly from the propellant tank to a lunch vehicle interface ring. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103585 | Method and Apparatus for Forming Fuselage Stringers - A composite part, such as a stiffener is formed in place. A composite charge is placed on a tool spanning a mold cavity, with the centerline of the charge offset from the centerline of the mold cavity. Opposite sides of the charge are held against the tool as the charge is formed into the mold cavity. One side of the charge is held against movement on the tool while the other side of the charge is allowed to slip over the tool toward the mold cavity. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103990 | Fault Tolerant Fail-Safe Link - The present disclosure is generally directed to a plurality of solid state switches of varying periphery sizes connected in series between a power source and a load. A built-in test circuit senses an overvoltage condition across one or more of the varying periphery sizes and opens or closes the one or more of the varying periphery sizes in accordance with a measured voltage across at least one solid state switch of the plurality of solid state switches. | 04-17-2014 |
20140104079 | Fuel Tank Monitoring System - A method and apparatus for monitoring an interior of a fuel tank. Information about a fuel level and moisture in the interior of the fuel tank of a platform is generated using a fuel sensor unit in the interior of the fuel tank. The fuel sensor unit comprises a sensor configured to be located in the interior of the fuel tank and generate information about the fuel level in the fuel tank and the moisture in the fuel tank and a wireless unit electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless unit is configured to receive the information from the sensor and transmit the information using wireless signals. A number of actions is identified based on the information about the interior of the fuel tank. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106616 | Electrical Connector for Reduction of Fluid-Induced Electrical Shorting - Technologies for reducing the risk of fluid-induced electrical shorting in electrical connectors are provided. An electrical connector comprises a non-conductive member interposed between a first end and a second end of the connector that supports electrical contacts configured to conduct an electrical signal through the non-conductive member. The non-conductive member further has one or more peaks disposed on a surface of the non-conductive member between adjacent contacts. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107987 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONAL PLANNING IN A DATA-DEPENDENT CONSTRAINT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method of determining a conditional computational plan for a data dependent constraint network represented by a bipartite graph containing input variable nodes, output variable nodes, and relation nodes, may include specifying, using a variable node specifier, at least one output variable node for which a plan is desired. The method may further include determining, using a plan determiner, a plan from the input variable nodes to the output variable node using a backward chaining search of the bipartite graph. | 04-17-2014 |
20140109549 | THRUSTER GRID CLEAR CIRCUITS AND METHODS TO CLEAR THRUSTER GRIDS - Thruster grid clear circuits and methods to clear thruster grids are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a low voltage grid clear circuit to apply first energy to a grid at a first voltage, and a high voltage grid clear circuit to detect a failure of the applied energy to clear a short circuit condition of the grid and to apply second energy to the grid at a second voltage higher than the first voltage. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110158 | CARBON FIBER SPACECRAFT PANEL WITH INTEGRAL METALLIC FOIL POWER RETURN - An aerospace structure that includes a composite member and a conductive element attached to the composite member wherein the conductive element is configured to conduct electricity across at least a portion of the composite member is provided. The aerospace structure may also include a power distribution system and the conductive element is a part of the power distribution system for the aerospace structure. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110402 | Methods and Apparatus for Reducing the Occurrence of Metal Whiskers - Methods and apparatus for reducing the occurrence of metal whiskers on surfaces are disclosed herein. In particular, the present disclosure teaches providing at least one source of electromagnetic energy to emit energy to reduce the occurrence of metal whiskers on a surface. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110528 | AIRCRAFT FUSELAGES - Aircraft fuselages are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a fuselage of an aircraft having a first section and a second section to which a tail assembly is to be coupled. The second section is aft of the first section and is to extend to at least a trailing edge of a horizontal stabilizer of the tail assembly. A first width of the first section decreases from a front to a rear of the first section, and a second width of the second section is substantially constant. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110531 | Spacecraft with Anti Nadir Battery Radiator - According to an embodiment, a satellite is disclosed comprising an anti-nadir panel having a first side and a second side. In one or more embodiments, the first side of the anti-nadir panel is mounted to an anti-nadir side of the main body of the satellite. The satellite further comprises at least one battery pack mounted to the second side of the anti-nadir panel, where at least one battery pack comprises at least one battery cell. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111332 | Water Area Management System - A method and apparatus for managing a recreational water area. A recreational water area management system comprises a water area manager. The water area manager is configured to receive information about a recreational water area from a group of autonomous vehicles, analyze the information to identify an event, and coordinate the group of autonomous vehicles to perform a mission in the recreational water area based on the event. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111533 | REAL TIME INTERVISIBILITY ANALYSIS - A method comprises supplying textures and location information to a graphics processing unit. The textures represent elevation data of obstructions in an environment. The location information indicates locations of an object in the environment and a reference point. The method further comprises using a plurality of shader units of the graphics processing unit in parallel to process the texture to determine intervisibility between the object and the reference point. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111789 | Optical Fiber Coupled Photonic Crystal Slab Strain Sensor, System And Method Of Fabrication And Use - The present disclosure is generally directed to a strain sensor, system and method of fabrication and use that includes an optical fiber, an optical signal generator that transmits an optical signal through the optical fiber, at least two photonic crystal slabs within the optical fiber separated by a first segment of optical fiber, a photo-detector that detects a reflected optical signal from the at least two photonic crystal slabs, and a processor that computes a mechanical strain over the first segment of optical fiber based on the reflected optical signal detected by the photo-detector. | 04-24-2014 |
20140112588 | Real-Time Image Reconstruction - An apparatus is provided that includes a processor (e.g., FPGA) configured to cause the apparatus to perform a number of operations. The apparatus may be caused to receive input data for a digital image represented by point samples at respective sample locations, reconstruct the digital image from the input data for presentation by a display including display pixels, and output the reconstructed digital image. The reconstruction may include a number of operations for each of at least some of the display pixels. In this regard, the apparatus may be caused to perform a convolution-based, point-sample encoding of a selected display pixel to generate an encoding that identifies point samples of the digital image nearby the selected display pixel. And the apparatus may be caused to interpolate a value of the selected display pixel from at least some of the identified point samples using the generated encoding. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114442 | REAL TIME CONTROL SYSTEM MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods for real time control system management in networked environments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-based system for real time embedded control system behavior monitoring and anomaly detection comprises a processor and logic instructions stored in a tangible computer-readable medium coupled to the processor which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to generate a behavior training set for the embedded control system, wherein the behavior training set correlates inputs to the embedded control system with outputs from the embedded control system during a training process to define behavior fingerprints for the embedded control system monitor inputs to the embedded control system and outputs from the embedded control system in real time during operation of the embedded control system, and generate an alert when one or more of the inputs into the embedded control system or the outputs collected from the embedded control system in real time operation represent an anomaly. | 04-24-2014 |
20140115869 | Apparatus and Method for Remote Fastener Installation - A tool configured to install and torque multiple fasteners, such as nuts and/or bolts, positioned in confined and/or hard to reach areas. The tool includes a body portion, a plurality of fastener retainers, and a structure which permits both the remote tightening and torquing of such fasters. The tool also provides an actuator for the remote release of torque loads which may build up in the fastener retainers during such torquing of the fasteners. The actuator includes a lever arm pivotally connected to the body portion and a cam that is rotatable between a first position and a second position. A linkage is engaged by the cam and urges the lever arm to a torquing position upon the cam being in the first position and to a torque release position upon the cam being in the second position. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116146 | System and Method for Testing a Composite Structure Using a Laser Ultrasound Testing System - A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116610 | Composite Tool Having Vacuum Integrity and Method of Making the Same - A composite tool for vacuum bag processing composite parts comprises a plurality of laminated composite plies, including a facesheet adapted to have a composite part placed thereon. A gas impermeable barrier layer sandwiched between the composite plies prevents air leaks through the tool. | 05-01-2014 |
20140116616 | Composite Layer Forming System - A method and apparatus for forming a stack of composite layers into a desired shape is present. The stack of composite layers may be positioned on a tool and a number of compressible supports such that the stack of composite layers may be substantially flat on the tool and the stack of composite layers may be substantially flat on the number of compressible supports. A flexible sheet may be placed on top of the stack of composite layers. A vacuum load may be applied on the stack of composite layers on the tool and the number of compressible supports using the flexible sheet such that consolidation of the stack of composite layers occurs to form a desired shape on the tool and the number of compressible supports compress during forming of the desired shape. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117022 | Composite Structures Having Bondlines with Matched Electrical Conductivity - Two composite laminates are joined together by a bondline having portions exposed to the ambient environment. The bondline contains scrim having an electrical conductivity and impedance matched to that of the laminates in order to mitigate effects of lightning strikes. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117106 | THRUST REVERSERS AND METHODS TO PROVIDE REVERSE THRUST - Thrust reversers and methods to provide reverse thrust are disclosed. An example thrust reverser includes a cascade to direct air from an interior volume of an engine nacelle to generate reverse thrust with respect to a direction of travel, and an air extractor to extract a portion of air approaching the cascade from within the interior volume. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117113 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING VARIABLE AREA FAN NOZZLES OF JET ENGINES - Methods and apparatus for sealing variable area fan nozzles of jet engines are disclosed. An apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a frame and a seal to be coupled to the frame. The seal to enclose petals of a variable area fan nozzle to substantially prevent airflow between the petals. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117155 | TEMPORARY CLAMP-ON LANDING GEAR WHEEL SAFETY ZONE FENCE - A safety device to separate personnel from landing gear tires which incorporates a clamping collar configured to wrap around a landing gear post. A support frame extends outward from the clamping collar and defines a perimeter around the landing gear. A mesh skirt extends downward from the support frame. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117156 | SINGLE AISLE AIRCRAFT LAVATORY WITH OPTIMIZED USE OF FLOOR SPACE FOR WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY - An aircraft cabin has a lavatory that is accessible from a cross-aisle of the aircraft and in which the toilet is moved from the typical outboard location to an inboard location where increased head room enables the toilet to be positioned in tight proximity to a back wall of the lavatory directly behind the toilet and thereby increases an open area of floor surface in front of the toilet for wheelchair access to the lavatory. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117157 | Circumference Splice for Joining Shell Structures - The disclosed shell structure splice and method may include a first panel having a first edge, a second panel having a second edge, the second edge being positioned in edgewise alignment with the first edge to form a splice joint, a strap bridging the splice joint and attached to the first panel and the second panel, the strap having a first tapered region and a second tapered region, a first fitting having a tapered section and a flat section, the tapered section being attached to the first tapered region of the strap, and a second fitting having a tapered section and a flat section, the tapered section being attached to the second tapered region of the strap. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117160 | DECORATIVE RING DEVICE FOR FREE-FLOATING INTERFACE OF AIRCRAFT INTERIOR SIDEWALL WINDOW LINING - An interior lining interface incorporates a decorative interface ring having a substantially flat flange with multiple bearing ring bosses on an inner surface of the flange for engagement of an inner surface of a rim of a window ring. Multiple friction fit legs extend from the flange and are received within and constrained by the interface ring to the widow ring rim. A window reveal has a mating surface contacting the flange. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117166 | NATURAL LAMINAR FLOW WINGTIP - An aircraft wing tip device may include a unitized, monolithic leading edge torque box that may be formed of polymer matrix fiber-reinforced material. The leading edge torque box may include a skin that may define a continuous, uninterrupted outer mold line surface extending aftwardly from a winglet leading edge by a distance of at least approximately 60 percent of a local chord length. The leading edge torque box may further include at least one internal component extending between opposing inner surfaces of the skin and being integrally formed therewith. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117582 | Method and Apparatus for Forming Thick Thermoplastic Composite Structures - A method and apparatus are used to pre-consolidate and de-bulk a thermoplastic composite ply stack prior to full consolidation and forming to the final part shape. Pre-consolidation and de-bulking is achieved by heating the ply stack to a temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic in order to soften the plies, and then compress the ply stack. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117593 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING FLUID MOVEMENT IN CLOSE-MOLDED COMPOSITE PARTS - A vacuum bagging system may include a layer assembly defining a fluid flow channel. The layer assembly may include a contact layer mounted to a composite part positionable within an outer mold line (OML) tool. The contact layer may have a contact layer width defined by opposing contact layer side edges. The layer assembly may further include an inner layer mounted to the contact layer and having inner layer side edges located between the contact layer side edges. The fluid flow channel may extend along at least a portion of the composite part to at least one part end. The vacuum bagging system may include an internal vacuum bag positionable against the inner layer. An inner mold line (IML) tool may support the internal vacuum bag. The contact layer width may be less than an IML tool width. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118357 | Virtual Reality Display System - A method and apparatus for displaying a virtual environment. First eye position information for a first eye in a head of a person and second eye position information for a second eye in the head of the person is received. A first image of the virtual environment for the first eye is generated based on the first eye position information. A second image of the virtual environment for the second eye is generated based on the second eye position information for the second eye. The first image and the second image for display are sent to the person. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118530 | Thermal Sound Inspection System - A method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. Images of heat generated by an inconsistency in the structure are received. A final image is generated from the images using portions of the images having a greatest amount of heat. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118718 | Modulated Laser Range Finder and Method - A laser range finder including a laser configured to project a laser beam onto a target object thereby causing a target beam to be reflected from the target object, wherein the laser beam has a frequency, and wherein the frequency is modulated at a known rate, a first beam splitter positioned to split a reference beam from the laser beam, a second beam splitter positioned to receive the target beam and the reference beam, wherein the target beam and the reference beam are coherently combined, the coherently combined beams establishing a difference frequency, and a detector configured to measure the difference frequency. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119385 | Satellite Communications Data Processing - An apparatus comprising a backplane and a number of transponder slices connected to the backplane to form a transponder. The number of transponder slices comprise an analog front end configured to receive an analog input comprising a first plurality of bandwidths and a first plurality of interface frequencies, analog to digital converters configured to convert the analog input to digital signals, a digital channelizer configured to process the digital signals to generate a plurality of frequency slices, a digital combiner configured to assemble the plurality of frequency slices to form output sub-bands, a digital switch configured to route the plurality of frequency slices from the digital channelizer to the digital combiner, digital to analog converters configured to convert the output sub-bands to an analog output, and an analog back end configured to transmit the analog output comprising a second plurality of bandwidths and a second plurality of interface frequencies. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119813 | Exposing Fibers in Composite Laminates - Fibers in a fiber reinforced resin laminate are exposed by placing a gel in contact with the resin laminate, forcing the fibers of the resin laminate into the gel, and using the gel to displace the resin surrounding the fibers being forced into the gel. The gel is removed to expose the fibers. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122000 | Apparatus And A Method For Measuring In-Plane Elastic Constants For A Laminate - An apparatus is provided that includes a wave generator, plurality of transducers and processing device. The wave generator may be configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of acoustic waves that propagate through a laminate along a plurality of in-plane directions. The transducers may be spaced apart from one another and positionable at one or more known distances from the wave generator along respective in-plane directions. The transducers may be configured to detect acoustic waves propagating through the laminate along the respective in-plane directions. The processing device may be coupled to the transducers and configured to simultaneously calculate a plurality of elastic constants of the laminate as a function of velocities of the acoustic waves detected by the transducers. And the processing device may be configured to calculate the velocities as a function of the known distance(s) and arrival times of the acoustic waves at the transducers. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122050 | Electrical Power System Stability Optimization System - A method and apparatus for electrical power system stability optimization. An electrical power system comprising source elements and load elements is simulated to generate impedance data, wherein the impedance data identifies an impedance of the electrical power system. A stability profile of the electrical power system is characterized as a function of the impedance data, wherein the stability profile identifies the source elements and load elements to control power generation by the electrical power system to optimize stability of the electrical power system. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122736 | Time-Locked Network and Nodes for Exchanging Secure Data Packets - A method and apparatus for transmitting secure data packets through a node network. Unsecure data packets are received at a set of unsecure inputs and secure data packets are received at a number of secure inputs in a node in the node network. The secure data packets are authorized to be sent to a number of secure destination devices. The unsecure data packets are not authorized to be sent to the number of secure destination devices. The secure data packets and the unsecure data packets are integrated to form a number of output data streams based on a predetermined schedule. The number of output data streams is sent to a number of next nodes in the node network. | 05-01-2014 |
20140124120 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTING A MISSING TOW IN A COMPOSITE LAYUP - A system for detecting a missing tow in a tow band may include a fiber placement head for applying a tow band to a substrate forming a composite layup. The system may further include a heating device for preheating the substrate prior to application of the tow band. The system may additionally include an infrared camera mounted to the fiber placement head and configured to generate a real-time thermal image of the composite layup during the application of the tow band to the substrate. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124622 | AIRCRAFT HAVING A RECESSED CAVITY IN AN AFT PRESSURE BULKHEAD WALL SURFACE AND A GALLEY MOVED REARWARDLY INTO THE RECESSED CAVITY INCREASING FLOOR SPACE IN FRONT OF THE GALLEY - An aircraft cabin has been reconfigured with a rear fuselage galley and a modified aft pressure bulkhead that enables the galley to be moved rearwardly to provide additional floor space in the aircraft cabin. | 05-08-2014 |
20140127473 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING WRINKLES IN COMPOSITES - A wrinkle mitigation system may include at least one tooling rod disposed against a tool surface at a location on the tool where a composite ply is configured to overlap the tooling rod. The tooling rod may have an elongated shape and may be generally oriented along a direction of wrinkle formation in the composite ply. The tooling rod may have a rod width that results in the composite ply assuming a corrugated shape when compaction pressure is applied to the composite ply. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129056 | UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE - The present disclosure relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) able to harvest energy from updrafts and a method of enhancing operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle with a gliding capability comprises a generator arranged to be driven by a rotor, and a battery, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle can operate in an energy harvesting mode in which the motion of the unmanned aerial vehicle drives the rotor to rotate, the rotor drives the generator, and the generator charges the battery. In the energy harvesting mode regenerative braking of the generator reduces the forward speed of the unmanned aerial vehicle to generate electricity and prevent the unmanned aerial vehicle from flying above a predetermined altitude. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129059 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING THE OPERATION OF AN UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE - A method of extending the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The method comprises detecting that an energy storage device on board the UAV is depleted below a threshold level, landing the UAV at a base station, and initiating operation of the base station to cause a replacement mechanism thereof to remove the energy storage device on board the UAV from the UAV and to replace this with another energy storage device. | 05-08-2014 |
20140130335 | STRUCTURAL BLIND FASTENER AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION - A two-piece, one-sided-installation fastener system may have an internally-threaded sleeve having a shank and a sleeve head. The fastener system may include an externally-threaded core bolt having a frangible driving provision and a core bolt head. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130910 | BUSHING ASSEMBLIES, BUSHING ASSEMBLY KITS, APPARATUSES INCLUDING BUSHING ASSEMBLIES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Bushing assemblies include a first tubular end portion, a second tubular end portion, and a middle tubular portion. The middle tubular portion has a longitudinal compressive strength that is less than that of the end portions. In some embodiments, the middle tubular portion is constructed of braided sleeving. Also disclosed are bushing assembly kits, apparatuses that include bushing assemblies, such as aircraft, and associated methods of utilizing bushing assemblies. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131518 | JOINT FOR COMPOSITE WINGS - A wing joint including a T-chord and a splice plate for connecting an inboard wing panel assembly and an outboard wing panel assembly. The wing panel assemblies include a stringer co-bonded or co-cured with a wing skin. The webbing and cap of the stringer may be trimmed to expose a noodle and base flange. The noodle and base flange interface with the bottom of the T-chord and the wing skin interfaces with the splice plate. The exposed noodle may be non-flush with the base flange of the trimmed stringer. The bottom of the T-chord may include a groove to accommodate a non-flush noodle so that a gap does not exist between the T-chord and the base flange. Alternatively, shims may be used to compensate for a non-flush noodle or the base flange and web may include sacrificial plies permitting the base flange and web to be trimmed flush with the noodle. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132332 | INTERLEAVED TRANSIENT FILTER - An interleaved filter circuit has a delay element configured to receive an input signal. An interleaved output buffer has a first input which receives the input signal and a second input which receives the output of the delay element. An output of the interleaved output buffer is driven when the first input and the second input are at a same logic level. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132427 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING IN-FLIGHT NAVIGATION PROCEDURES - A computing device for displaying procedures for an aircraft is provided. The computing device includes a presentation interface, a user input interface, and a processing device coupled to the presentation interface and to the user input interface. The processing device is configured to cause the presentation interface to display an initial procedure display, and in response to a triggering event, cause the presentation interface to display an adjusted procedure display that emphasizes a predetermined portion of a procedure. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132733 | Backfilling Points in a Point Cloud - An apparatus, system, and method for increasing points in a point cloud. In one illustrative embodiment, a two-dimensional image of a scene and the point cloud of the scene are received. At least a portion of the points in the point cloud are mapped to the two-dimensional image to form transformed points. A fused data array is created using the two-dimensional image and the transformed points. New points for the point cloud are identified using the fused data array. The new points are added to the point cloud to form a new point cloud. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133993 | Apparatus and Method for Tuning a Vibratory Response of a Rotor Blade - A method and apparatus for reducing a vibratory response in a structure using a tuning object. A selected mass may be identified for the tuning object. A plurality of channels may be formed in a workpiece having a mass greater than the selected mass to form the tuning object having the selected mass. The tuning object may be bonded to the structure using an adhesive bond to reduce the vibratory response of the structure. | 05-15-2014 |
20140134578 | Tailored Airline Training - A method and apparatus for identifying training for a flight crew member. The flight crew member is identified. Information for a flight to which the flight crew member is assigned is identified. Training for the flight crew member is identified using the flight information. | 05-15-2014 |
20140136972 | Panoptic Visualization Document Printing - A panoptic visualization document support system includes a request interface and support engine. The request interface is configured to receive a request for printout(s) of selected document component(s) of a layout of document components of a panoptic visualization document collection. The collection has a plurality of document components each of which includes respective media content and has associated metadata providing information about the respective document component. The layout includes a panoptic arrangement of visual representations of the document components of the layout according to the associated metadata of the respective document components. The support engine is configured to retrieve and prepare the selected document component(s) for printing according to at least a selected print layout style. Preparation of the selected document component(s) includes generation of one or more printable document components for respective ones of the printout(s). And the support engine is configured to communicate the printable page(s). | 05-15-2014 |
20140137537 | Rotary Switch Assembly for Ion Propulsion System - A gridded ion propulsion system comprising two power controllers, four ion thrusters, and two switch assemblies. One switch assembly is connected to the two power controllers and to two of the four ion thrusters. The other switch assembly is connected to the two power controllers and to the other two ion thrusters. Each switch assembly has first and second switching states which can be selected to enable either power controller to supply power to any one of the four ion thrusters. Each switch assembly comprises a respective movable body and a respective multiplicity of switches which change state in unison when the movable body changes position. For example, the movable body may be a rotatable hollow shaft driven by a stepper motor. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141234 | Composite Joining System and Method - A joining surface formed of a composite structure having at least one ply and a peel ply cured to an outer surface of the composite structure, the peel ply including a plurality of microcapsules each filled with a joining material, wherein upon removal of the peel ply from the outer surface of the composite structure, the microcapsules fracture and release the resin to form an uncured surface for joining. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141257 | THERMAL SPRAY COATED REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES - Forming and depositing a high temperature inorganic coating on a polymeric composite substrate surfaces having deposited thereon an interlayer, and articles produce therefrom. Methods of providing functional properties to said composites are also disclosed. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141264 | INTERLAYER COMPOSITE SUBSTRATES - An interlayer configured for a composite substrate surface, the interlayer having a higher concentration of at least one first chemical element at the interface of the substrate surface and the innermost interlayer surface and a higher concentration of at least one second chemical element at the outermost interlayer surface is disclosed. Methods of forming the interlayer and providing functional properties to said composites are disclosed. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142787 | Determination of Flight Path for Unmanned Aircraft in Event of In-Flight Contingency - An enhanced control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle adds constraints to the process of choosing a flight path in the event of an in-flight contingency, such as engine out or an encounter with jamming, which forces a diversion or unplanned landing. The constraints are: (1) ensure communications are available when needed during contingency operations; and (2) ensure signals from a global positioning system (or other navigation system) are available when needed during contingency operations. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142840 | POSITION/TIME SYNCHRONIZATION OF UNMANNED AIR VEHICLES FOR AIR REFUELING OPERATIONS - A system and methods for coordinating positioning of vehicles in motion is disclosed. The method graphically presents displayed synchronization parameters on a display screen such that a user determines a planned position of a first vehicle on a planned path in order to arrive at a predetermined position at a correct time. The method further synchronizes the first vehicle with the planned position on the planned path using the displayed synchronization parameters and performs a rendezvous between the first vehicle and a second vehicle. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142896 | System and method of refining a topological indexed mesh - A method of refining a mesh includes selecting an existing coarse element having existing nodes and existing indices, inputting a quantity of refined elements to be created along an element edge, and generating a parametric grid on the existing coarse element. The method may further include placing refined nodes at parametric grid locations wherein the refined nodes have subindices linked to the existing indices. The method may additionally include deleting the existing coarse element, and creating refined elements having subindices linked to the existing indices of the existing coarse element. | 05-22-2014 |
20140144002 | Zero-Moment Fitting - Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a zero-moment fitting for securing a fluid conduit to a structure. According to various embodiments, a fitting may include a spherical bearing and a bearing housing. The spherical bearing may include a conduit aperture for receiving a fluid conduit through the spherical bearing. The bearing housing may be configured to encompass and retain the spherical bearing within the bearing housing, allowing for rotation of the spherical bearing within the bearing housing. The bearing housing may be fixedly attached to the structure to secure the fitting to the structure. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144740 | Energy Absorbing Device - An energy absorbing device including a housing having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposed from the first end, a crushing member positioned proximate the first end, a stopping member longitudinally spaced apart from the crushing member, an energy absorbing member positioned between the crushing member and the stopping member, and a linking member connected to the crushing member. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145031 | Vertically Integrated Stringers - Apparatus and methods provide for the reinforcement of various components of an aircraft utilizing vertically-oriented circumferential stringers. According to embodiments described herein, barrel skin of an aircraft fuselage may be reinforced using stringers that are vertically-oriented and circumferential. According to additional embodiments, the wing stringers of a wing can be aligned with circumferential stringers. According to further embodiments, the wing may also have one or more wing spars having an elliptical aperture. The shape of the elliptical may be configured for attachment to a fuselage so that an outer surface of the aperture is disposed proximate to an inner surface of the fuselage. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145032 | Multi-Box Wing Spar And Skin - Apparatus and methods provide for the construction of wing sections having multi-box wing spars. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an aircraft wing may be constructed by applying one or more layers of composite material onto a plurality of wing mandrels. The wing mandrels, when placed together, form the shape of the wing. After the layers of composite material are applied to each individual mandrel, the mandrels are abutted together. Thereafter, the mandrels are compressed using wing surface tooling applied to the plurality of wing mandrels. The composite material is thereafter cured. After curing, the wing surface tooling and mandrels are removed, resulting in a wing having multi-box wing spars and skin. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145035 | Aircraft Bird Strike Prevention - An aircraft comprises an aircraft body, and apparatus, carried by the body, for discharging a persistent vapor of bird repellant into an elevated airspace. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145039 | Hinged Panel Operation Systems and Methods - A hinged panel operation system is provided having a mechanical linkage assembly coupled between a fixed structure and a trailing edge device. The mechanical linkage assembly has a first link operatively coupled to the trailing edge device, a second link pivotably connected at a first end to the first link and pivotably connected at a second end to a third link, and an eccentric attachment connecting the second link to the third link. The hinged panel operation system further has a hinged panel positioned forward of the trailing edge device and being operatively coupled to the mechanical linkage assembly. The hinged panel is movable by the mechanical linkage assembly between a stowed position and a drooped position. The mechanical linkage assembly provides a load path to the hinged panel. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145040 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING WAVE DRAG THROUGH BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC DESIGN - An air vehicle having a bilaterally asymmetric configuration may include a body having a longitudinal axis. The air vehicle may further include longitudinally offset engine nacelles, asymmetrically lengthened engine nacelles, and/or longitudinally offset protruding aerodynamic surfaces. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145427 | BUSHINGS, APPARATUSES INCLUDING BUSHINGS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Bushings include a tubular body that defines a through-bore for receiving a fastener for mounting a component to an object. The tubular body includes end regions and a plurality of spring elements spaced circumferentially around the tubular body and extending longitudinally along the tubular body between the end regions. Also disclosed are apparatus that include bushings, such as aircraft, and associated methods of utilizing bushings and of manufacturing bushings. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145882 | GEOLOCATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method for locating an interferer is provided. The method includes determining, from a time delay of arrival (TDOA) signature between signals received from the interferer at two satellites, a first curve on which the interferer lies, determining, from direction of arrival information generated using signals received from the interferer at a plurality of elements of a linear array, a second curve on which the interferer lies, and determining, based on an intersection between the first and second curves, the location of the interferer. | 05-29-2014 |
20140146323 | Angular Resolution of Images Using Photons Having Non-Classical States - A method, apparatus, and system for improving the angular resolution of an image. A plurality of photon beams originating from a scene are received at a sensor system. Each of the plurality of photon beams is interfered with a corresponding source photon beam in a plurality of source photon beams to form a plurality of interference beams. Each of the plurality of source photon beams has a non-classical state. Fluctuations in a photon-number of the each of the plurality of source photon beams are reduced to within selected tolerances. An output signal is formed based on the plurality of interference beams. The output signal is configured for use in generating an image of the scene. | 05-29-2014 |
20140146853 | Device for Emulating Temperature of a Composite Structure Through a Thermal Cure Cycle - A temperature emulator may include a stack assembly having a pair of end plates positioned at an uppermost and lowermost location of the stack assembly, a plurality of heat sink plates disposed between the pair of end plates, each of the heat sink plates having a plurality of heat sink cutouts, a plurality of shim plates separating adjacent pairs of the end plates and the heat sink plates, each of the shim plates having a shim cutout, an open cavity formed by a plurality of adjacent heat sink cutouts and shim cutouts, thermal insulation disposed within the cavity, and at least one temperature sensor coupled to at least one of the plurality of heat sink plates. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149074 | SHIELDING EFFECTIVENESS DETERMINATION - In one embodiment a method to evaluate a shielding effectiveness of an enclosed structure, comprising collecting synthetic aperture data from an electromagnetic transmission originating from within the enclosed structure to generate a synthetic aperture dataset, performing angular spectrum processing on the synthetic aperture dataset to generate an angle of arrival dataset and determining a shielding effectiveness parameter from the angle of arrival dataset. Other embodiments may be described. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149436 | System and Method of Reduction of Irrelevant Information during Search - A system including a context-entity factory configured to build a data model defining an ontology of data objects that are context-aware, the model further defining metadata tags for the data objects. The system further includes a storage device storing the data objects as stored data objects, the device further storing associated contexts for corresponding ones of the stored objects. The system further includes a reduction component configured to capture a current context value of a first data object defined in the ontology, the component further configured to compare the current context value of the first data object with stored values of the associated contexts, and wherein when the current context value does not match a particular stored value of a particular associated context, the component is further configured to remove a corresponding particular stored data object and the particular associated context from the stored data objects. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149655 | Narrowing Comparison Results of Associative Memories - A system including an associative memory. A first input device in communication with the associative memory is configured to receive comparison criteria associated with a first entity stored in the associative memory. A search engine is configured to acquire, using a processor in conjunction with the associative memory and also using the comparison criteria, an attribute category of the first entity and an attribute value of the first entity. A second input device is configured to input, using the processor in conjunction with the associative memory, the attribute category and the attribute value into a worksheet of the associative memory. A comparator is configured to compare, using the processor in conjunction with the associative memory, the first entity and a second entity. The comparator is further configured to apply the worksheet as part of comparing the first entity and the second entity. | 05-29-2014 |
20140150526 | Electrodynamic Modal Test Impactor System and Method - There is provided an electrodynamic modal test impactor system and method. The system has a controller device and an impactor assembly coupled to the controller device. The impactor assembly has a housing and a permanent magnet positioned within the housing. The impactor assembly further has a voice coil positioned within the housing in a magnetic gap of a magnetic yoke housing. The voice coil is driven by the controller device. The impactor assembly further has a drive shaft supported by two or more support elements. The drive shaft is attached to the voice coil and is driven by the voice coil. The impactor assembly further has a load cell attached to a free end of the drive shaft and a biasing device positioned within the magnetic yoke housing. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150814 | SURFACE MATERIALS FOR DECONTAMINATION WITH DECONTAMINANTS - Reversibly switchable (transformable) surface layer changeable from (super)hydrophobic to (super)hydrophilic surface states are described. Methods of decontamination of surfaces exposed to contaminate are provided. The reversibly switchable properties of the surface layer can be controlled by an external stimulus. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150955 | LINEAR FRICTION WELDING MACHINE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A linear-friction-welding machine and a method of linear friction welding are provided which permit continuous clocking or angular positioning between a pair of workpieces without the complexity and cost associated with making either the weld head or the table of the friction-stir-welding machine rotatable. The linear-friction-welding machine may include a stationary or a movable table, a weld head, and a tapered cylindrical collet, adapted to engage a tapered cylindrical opening of a socket. The socket is either supported by the table or retained by the weld head, to permit controlled, continuous clocking of one of the workpieces, retained by the collet, relative to the other workpiece, which is either supported by the table or retained by the weld head such that the workpieces may be mutually biased and linearly oscillated relative each other. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150964 | Method and Apparatus for Applying Film Material to Elongate Members - Film material is applied to a surface of an elongate structural member. A carriage moved along the structural member dispenses, compacts and cuts the film material in a single pass along the structural member. | 06-05-2014 |
20140151507 | Split Resistant Composite Laminate - A composite laminate, method of forming same, and use for same are disclosed. One example of a composite laminate has multiple layers or plies ( | 06-05-2014 |
20140154074 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Pitching and Twisting a Blade of a Rotorcraft - A method and apparatus for moving a blade of a rotorcraft. The method comprises operating the rotorcraft and applying a torque to an elongate member connected to a tip portion of the blade during operation of the rotorcraft using a tip actuation mechanism that is external to the blade and associated with the elongate member such that the tip portion of the blade rotates about an axis through the blade. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156047 | Manufacturing Process Monitoring and Control System - A method and apparatus for controlling a manufacturing process. Statistical correlations between a plurality of tasks comprising the manufacturing process are identified. The manufacturing process is controlled using the statistical correlations. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156109 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLABORATIVELY CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE AIRCRAFT - An unmanned vehicle management system includes an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) control station controlling one or more unmanned vehicles (UV), a collaborative routing system, and a communication network connecting the UAS and the collaborative routing system. The collaborative routing system being configured to receive flight parameters from an operator of the UAS control station and, based on the received flight parameters, automatically present the UAS control station with flight plan options to enable the operator to operate the UV in a defined airspace. | 06-05-2014 |
20140157417 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ARCHITECTURE-CENTRIC THREAT MODELING, ANALYSIS AND VISUALIZATION - Methods and systems for use in architecture-centric threat modeling are described. One example system includes a display device, a memory device for storing a plurality of attributes for each of a plurality of network objects, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device. The processor is programmed to receive a user selection of at least a first network object and a second network object from the plurality of network objects; create a network architecture including the first network object and the second network object; associate the stored plurality of attributes with the selected network objects in the network architecture; display, on the display device, a graphical representation of the created network architecture; receive, from the user, at least one dataflow attribute associated with at least one of the first and second network objects; and store the at least one dataflow attribute to said memory device as an attribute of at least one of the plurality of network objects. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158310 | DIVIDER CURTAIN - A curtain divider for an aircraft interior containing pivot stow bins includes a first fabric curtain, having an outboard end and an inboard end, which is attachable to the aircraft interior only at the outboard and inboard ends. The first fabric curtain includes a vertical portion, and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion has a substantially straight bottom edge, and an arcuate top edge defining a space sufficient for opening the pivot stow bins. The horizontal portion is flexibly attached to the vertical portion along the top edge and extends from the outboard end to the inboard end, having a substantially continuous curvature. The horizontal portion is adapted to impart forward and aft stability to the curtain support member at the top edge. | 06-12-2014 |
20140160279 | Multiple-Scale Digital Image Correlation Pattern and Measurement - A method and apparatus for digital image correlation. A camera system is used to obtain larger scale images of a larger scale dot pattern on a surface of a workpiece and smaller scale images of a smaller scale dot pattern on the surface of the same workpiece. The smaller scale dot pattern forms a larger dot in the larger scale dot pattern in the larger scale images. The larger scale images and the smaller scale images may be used to determine a measurement of the workpiece. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163772 | Aerial Forest Inventory System - A method and apparatus for generating information about a forest. A number of locations in the forest are identified over which an electromagnetic energy sensor system in an unmanned aerial vehicle generates the information about the forest by generating a point cloud with a resolution that meets a point cloud threshold. A route is generated for the unmanned aerial vehicle to move to the number of locations and generate the information about the forest in the number of locations. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163781 | Tree Metrology System - A method and apparatus for identifying a number of diameters for a group of trees. An unmanned aerial vehicle moves on a route through the group of trees at a height that is configured to allow measurement of the number of diameters for the group of trees by a sensor system associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle. Information is generated about the number of diameters for the group of trees using the sensor system associated with the unmanned aerial vehicle. | 06-12-2014 |
20140164555 | MONITORING SYSTEMS OF A VEHICLE BY GENERATING AND TRANSMITTING CUSTOMIZED INFORMATION MESSAGES TO WIRELESS NETWORKED COMPUTERS - A method for monitoring systems of a vehicle may include determining relevant information used by at least one of a plurality of wireless networked computers based on at least a function performed by the at least one wireless networked computer with respect to an associated one of a multiplicity of components of the systems of the vehicle. The method may also include formulating a customized information message for the at least one of the plurality of wireless networked computers based on at least the relevant information used and the function performed by the at least one wireless networked computer. The method may further include transmitting the customized information message to the at least one of the plurality of wireless networked computers. | 06-12-2014 |
20140170601 | Data Sharing System for Aircraft Training - A method and apparatus for managing data in a platform. A first permission level is identified for first data in the data generated by a source in the platform. A second permission level is identified for an intended recipient of the first data. The first data is modified to form second data in the data in which the second data has the second permission level. The second data is distributed to the intended recipient. | 06-19-2014 |
20140183261 | PASSIVE RFID ASSISTED ACTIVE RFID TAG - A radiofrequency identification (RFID) device includes an active RFID tag that includes a power source and a passive RFID tag reader, the passive RFID tag reader electrically coupled to the power source of the active RFID tag. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183784 | FABRICATION OF REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE PARTS - A method of fabricating a reinforced thermoplastic composite part comprises moving a laminate of reinforcing fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix for sequential operations through a heating station and then a forming station. The heating station is used to soften the thermoplastic matrix in a portion of the laminate while the forming station is used to impart a geometry to a portion of the laminate whose thermoplastic matrix had just been softened. The softening and the forming are performed simultaneously on different portions of the laminate. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183879 | ANTI-SKID SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE TIRES ON ICY ROAD CONDITIONS AND METHOD THEREFOR - A method of increasing the friction between a tire of a vehicle and an icy surface includes dispensing a cooling agent such that at least a portion of the dispensed cooling agent is distributed between the tire of the vehicle and the icy surface. | 07-03-2014 |
20140184605 | BOWTIE CHARTS FOR IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS IN A COMPLEX MECHANICAL SYSTEM - A method comprises characterizing a complex mechanical system in terms of functions, and using a computer system to display and fill in bowtie charts to identify problems and solutions with respect to the functions. | 07-03-2014 |
20140184789 | Automated Water Drop Measurement and Ice Detection System - A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a sensor system and an icing condition detector. The sensor system is configured to collect drops of water from air on an exterior of an aircraft and generate a number of images of the drops of water collected. The icing condition detector is configured to detect a presence of a number of types of icing conditions for the aircraft using the number of images from the sensor. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189078 | Locating And Addressing Communication Devices - A system is provided that includes first- and second-network subsystems. The first-network subsystem includes a first-network device with knowledge of its physical location and assigned logical address within the first-network subsystem. The second-network subsystem includes a second-network device initially without knowledge of its physical location and assigned logical address within the second-network subsystem. The second-network device has a known spatial relationship with the first-network device. The first-network device is configured to communicate its physical location to the second-network device, which is configured to derive at least partially its physical location based on the physical location of the first-network device, and the known spatial relationship between the first- and second-network devices. The second-network device is further configured to receive an assignment of its logical address within the second-network subsystem using its derived physical location. | 07-03-2014 |
20140189986 | Composite Clamp - A composite clamp including a continuous metallic spine having a first end bending back upon a second end forming a loop, a first arm, and a second arm approximately parallel to the first arm, and a polymer casing surrounding the metallic spine from proximate the first end to proximate the second end. | 07-10-2014 |
20140190954 | DISTRIBUTED TRANSISTOR-BASED POWER SUPPLY FOR SUPPLYING HEAT TO A STRUCTURE - A heating system includes a structure to be heated, and a heating apparatus disposed to heat the structure. The heating apparatus includes a housing member, a plurality of resonant frequency power sources, and a plurality of associated controls. The plurality of resonant frequency power sources are attached to the housing member. The plurality of associated controllers is configured to separately operate the plurality of resonant frequency power sources at resonant frequencies matching heating requirements of the structure. | 07-10-2014 |
20140191078 | Airplane Emergency Supplemental Braking System And Method - A system, an apparatus, and a method for an aerospace vehicle braking system for decelerating an aerospace vehicle on a landing surface. An arm is provided having a first portion connected to the aerospace vehicle and a second portion generally distal to the first portion. The second portion of the arm includes an engagement portion configured to engage the landing surface. The arm is movable between a first position, wherein the engagement portion is substantially disengaged from the landing surface, and a second position, wherein the engagement portion engages the landing surface with a force sufficient to significantly decelerate the aerospace vehicle. The engagement portion is configured to pivot with respect to the arm in response to the direction of travel of the aerospace vehicle upon the landing surface. An actuator is connected to the arm to selectively move the arm between the first position and the second position. | 07-10-2014 |
20140192367 | Laser Detection and Warning System - A laser detection and warning system and associated methods of warning a pilot of an aircraft of incoming laser radiation and determining a location of a source of laser radiation including a detector configured to be mounted to an aircraft, the detector having an optical subsystem, a detector subsystem, and a processor subsystem to determine characteristics of incoming laser radiation and transmit a laser warning output signal, wherein the laser warning output signal may include wavelength characteristics of the laser radiation, corresponding protective eyewear type, and location of the source of the laser radiation. | 07-10-2014 |
20140193618 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCURATE REGISTRATION OF COMPOSITE LAMINATES - Methods, systems and apparatuses for dimensionally registering composite laminates are disclosed, wherein readable elements acting as alignment and identification features are incorporated integrally in laminates. | 07-10-2014 |
20140194129 | Staggered Cells For Wireless Coverage - A relay and distribution apparatus is provided for a cellular communication system. The relay and distribution apparatus includes an antenna system configured to lay down beams in overlapping first and M second N-cell frequency reuse patterns. The first frequency reuse pattern may be for communication of control channels of a cellular communication system, and the second frequency reuse patterns may be for communication of traffic channels exclusive of control channels of the cellular communication system. The second frequency reuse patterns may be staggered with one another. And cells of the second frequency reuse patterns may have a size only a fraction of which is for transmission of traffic channels any of which may be assignable through a control channel of the first reuse frequency pattern. | 07-10-2014 |
20140195148 | Augmented Mobile Platform Localization - A system includes a transformation module, alignment module and aligned localization module. The transformation module is configured to receive first and second pose estimates of a mobile platform movable within an environment. The first and second pose estimates are relative to different, respective first and second digital maps of the environment in different, respective first and second coordinate systems. The transformation module, then, may be configured to calculate a geometric transform between the first and second digital maps based on the first and second pose estimates. The alignment module may be configured to align the first and second digital maps based on the geometric transform, and thereby generate an aligned digital map. And the aligned localization module may be configured to localize the mobile platform relative to the aligned digital map, and thereby calculate an aligned pose estimate of the mobile platform. | 07-10-2014 |
20140196372 | APPARATUS FOR A NO TOUCH LAVATORY DOOR - A no touch lavatory has a first sensor outside the lavatory that is operable to cause a motor assembly to open the door of the lavatory in response to a person making a motion in close proximity to the first sensor, a second sensor inside the lavatory that causes the motor assembly to close the door and causes a lock to lock the door in response to the second sensor detecting the person entering the lavatory, and a third sensor inside the lavatory that causes the lock to unlock the door and causes the motor assembly to open the door in response to the third sensor detecting a motion made by the person inside the lavatory. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196790 | ANTIVORTEX DEVICE FOR MULTI-OUTLET LIQUID RESERVOIR - A liquid reservoir with a sump includes at least two outlet ports in fluid communication with a fluid conduit. An anti-vortex device includes a first plate extending across the at least two outlet ports and a second plate coupled to the first plate and extending substantially perpendicular to the first plate. The anti-vortex device is configured to disrupt formation of a vortex formed by liquid passing from the reservoir through said outlet ports. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197278 | AIRPLANE SIDEWALL ATTACHMENT DEVICE - A system for attaching an aircraft wall panel to an airframe member includes a top support bracket having a mating member, a lower support bracket having a mating pin, and an aircraft wall panel having a first stabilizing attachment and a first securing attachment. The first stabilizing and securing attachments are arranged on a rear surface of the aircraft wall panel. The first stabilizing attachment is configured to connect to the mating member of the top support bracket and retain the aircraft wall panel in proximity to the airframe member. The first securing attachment is configured to connect to the mating pin of the lower support bracket to (a) engage the lower support bracket and facilitate horizontal and vertical adjustments of the aircraft wall panel in relation to the airframe member, and (b) lock a position of the first securing attachment relative to the lower support bracket. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197723 | Rotating Luggage Bin - An apparatus comprising a structure having a cavity with an opening configured to receive a piece of baggage and a flange configured to retain the piece of baggage when the structure is in an open state, wherein the structure is configured to move between the open state and a closed state about an axis of rotation for the structure, and wherein the opening has a horizontal position when the structure is in the closed state and the opening has a vertical position when the structure is in the open state. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199542 | Graphene Coated Optical Elements - In one aspect, coated optical elements are described herein. In some implementations, a coated optical element comprises an optical element and a graphene coating layer disposed on a surface of the optical element. The graphene coating layer, in some implementations, has a thickness of about 100 nm or less. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199953 | ACTIVE WAVEFORM SHUTTERING FOR ROTORCRAFT - In one embodiment a communication system comprises a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter, an antenna communicatively coupled to the RF transmitter to direct an RF signal in a first direction, a laser ranger mounted to the antenna to direct a pulsed laser signal in the first direction and receive reflected laser signals from a rotorblade, and logic to determine a measure of interference resulting from a rotorblade, provide the measure of interference to a radiofrequency (RF) transmitter, and shutter an RF transmission signal from the RF transmitter in response to the measure of interference. Other embodiments may be described. | 07-17-2014 |
20140202539 | DUAL DOOR FAN AIR MODULATING VALVE - A fan air modulating valve (FAMV) employs a pair of doors rotatably attached at the fan bypass air exit of a precooler. An actuator engages the doors for simultaneous rotation through a range of motion from a first closed position to a second open position, wherein trailing edges of said doors sealingly engage an exit plenum extending from the precooler in the first closed position and fan bypass air flow is modulated by positioning the doors within the range of motion between the first and second positions. | 07-24-2014 |
20140202615 | Apparatus and Method for Associating the Edge of a Composite Object with Another Object - A method and apparatus for associating an edge of a first object with a second object. An insert comprising a structure holding a fastener element may be positioned within a hollow portion at the edge of the first object. The structure may be configured to span an entire thickness of the first object at the edge of the first object. The structure may be adhesively bonded to the first object. The second object may be attached to the edge of the first object using the fastener element. | 07-24-2014 |
20140202718 | Aircraft Fire Suppression - An aircraft comprises a fuselage having a compartment, and a fire suppression system for delivering fire suppressant to the compartment. The system includes at least one suppressant concentration sensor located in the compartment, a valve for regulating flow of the fire suppressant to the compartment, and a controller, responsive to the sensor, for controlling the valve to maintain fire suppressant concentration within the compartment at a target concentration. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203145 | Variation Compensating Assembly - An apparatus comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a first channel with an inner wall with a first number of substantially planar surfaces. The inner sleeve has a second channel and an outer wall with a second number of substantially planar surfaces. The outer wall is configured to be received within the first channel. At least one of the second number of substantially planar surfaces on the outer wall of the inner sleeve is configured to slide against at least one of the first number of substantially planar surfaces. | 07-24-2014 |
20140205364 | Multi-Directional Elastomeric Dampened Ball Joint Assembly - A method and apparatus for reducing a force. An apparatus comprises a multi-directional joint assembly and a damper associated with the multi-directional joint assembly. The multi-directional joint assembly has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end move relative to each other. The damper is comprised of a number of elastomeric layers and a number of rigid layers interspersed with each other reducing at least one of a force and a moment. | 07-24-2014 |
20140208592 | Method and Apparatus for Automated Multi-Drilling and Multi-Rivet Machine - Method and apparatus for assembling, with fasteners, components of a structure having an outboard side, an inboard side, and a supporting frame. The components are placed together on the frame. An electromagnet having a core with multiple openings is positioned on the outboard side. A magnetically attractive member is placed against the inboard side opposite and aligned with the electromagnet. When activated, the electromagnet is attracted towards the magnetically attractive member and the two hold the components together. Multiple drill members pass through the openings in the core of the electromagnet and multiple openings are drilled simultaneously through the components. Subsequently, multiple rivets or huck bolts are simultaneously inserted into the drilled openings. Finally, fasteners are hammered through the drilled openings and rivets are secured by bucking bars provided on the magnetically attractive member. Alternatively, openings are provided in the magnetically attractive member for manually securing huck bolts to the components. | 07-31-2014 |
20140208761 | BI-DIRECTIONAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH AIRCRAFT AND RELATED METHODS - Bi-directional nacelle ventilation and cooling systems for use with aircraft and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a passageway to fluidly couple an opening formed in a nacelle of an aircraft engine and an engine compartment of the nacelle. The opening provides an inlet into the engine compartment when passive airflow is available to vent or cool the engine compartment and the opening to provide an outlet from the engine compartment when forced air is needed to vent or cool the engine compartment. A fan is positioned in the passageway to provide the forced air when the passive air is unavailable. | 07-31-2014 |
20140208948 | Gas Separation Modules and Methods for Forming - A gas separation module includes at least one inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, and a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Individual fibers have a feed end and a product end with a retentate interior side and a permeate exterior side. The module includes a feed tubesheet within the shell segregating the at least one inlet port and the permeate side of the fibers. The feed tubesheet includes a matrix and at least one segment joint. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another. A formation method includes positioning a hollow fiber membrane material in association with at least one tubesheet segment joint and applying a matrix. The method includes forming a feed tubesheet from cured matrix and the segment joint and forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes from the fiber material. The segment joint separates segments of the feed tubesheet from one another. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209468 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TIN ANTIMONY PLATING - Systems and methods for tin antimony plating are provided. One plating method includes doping a tin (Sn) plating solution with antimony (Sb). One method also includes electroplating a component using the antimony-doped tin plating. The antimony-doped tin plating formed by one method includes between about 1% and about 3% antimony. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209744 | Box Structures for Carrying Loads and Methods of Making the Same - There is provided a box structure for carrying load having upper and lower composite integrated sandwich panels. The panels have facesheets sandwiching one or more core portions and adjacent dense packs oriented in an axial direction. The box structure further has a plurality of spars. Each spar has a web and web attachments and has a spar length in the axial direction. The plurality of spars are connected to the panels with the web attachments located at the dense packs. The facesheets are configured to carry primarily torsion and pressure loads in shear and no significant axial loads. The dense packs are configured to carry all significant box bending in axial tension and compression loads. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210165 | Surface Sealing System - A method and apparatus comprising a sealing member, an integral structure associated with the sealing member, and an engagement section extending from the sealing member. The sealing member is configured to be attached to a surface of an object. The sealing member is consolidated with the integral structure. The engagement section is deformable and configured to engage a receiving structure in the object. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210598 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RFID INSPECTION - A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is provided. The RFID reader includes a transmitter/receiver module configured to transmit a radio signal at a plurality of different power levels, and a control module coupled to the transmitter/receiver module and configured to control the power level at which the radio signal is transmitted based on a number of RFID tags detected when transmitting the radio signal at an initial power level. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210824 | Panoptic Visualization Of A Three-Dimensional Representation Of A Complex System - A system is provided for panoptic visualization of a 3D representation of a complex system. The system includes a visualization engine configured to receive a digital 3D model of a complex system and produce a plurality of electronic document components including 2D images depicting elements of the complex system. The system also includes a data extractor configured to generate 2D derivatives of the 3D model, and communicate the 2D derivatives for inclusion in a panoptic visualization document collection. The data extractor may be configured to receive a document component including a 2D image depicting an element of the complex system, and extract from the 3D model, information identifying a spatial, design or functional relationship between the respective element and one or more other elements of the complex system. The data extractor may then be configured to provide the extracted information in metadata associated with the document component. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210986 | Tracking-Enabled Multi-Axis Tool for Limited Access Inspection - A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210997 | System and Method for Automated Crack Inspection and Repair - A system for automated inspection of a surface; the system may include a self-propelled, steerable carriage capable of traversing the surface, the carriage having a camera positioned to view an object on the surface, and at least of one of a sensor capable of detecting a defect in the surface, a tool for treating the defect, and a sensor for inspecting a repair of the defect; and a computer controller connected to receive image data from the camera, communicate with and selectively actuate the at least of one of a sensor capable of detecting a defect in the surface, a tool for treating the defect, and a sensor for inspecting a repair of the defect, and control the carriage to move on the surface along one or more of a pre-set path and a path to one or more pre-set locations. | 07-31-2014 |
20140212620 | Conductive Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composition - A conductive fiber reinforced polymer composition may include a composite structure having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a through axis, the composite structure including a polymer matrix, a conductive filler incorporated into the polymer matrix, and a reinforcing material incorporated into the polymer matrix. | 07-31-2014 |
20140212847 | Pilot Assessment System - A method and apparatus for assessing performance in operating an aircraft. Information for assessing a performance of a group of operations performed by a number of crew members of the aircraft is displayed on a display system during operation of the aircraft by the number of crew members for which the group of operations is assessed. User input assessing the performance of the group of operations by the number of crew members is received through an input system. The user input is stored. A report on the performance of the group of operations performed by the number of crew members using the user input is generated. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214184 | Position Control for a Positioning System Comprising Larger Scale and Smaller Scale Positioning Mechanisms - A method and apparatus for controlling a positioning mechanism comprising a smaller scale positioning mechanism for moving a tool within a smaller scale work space and a larger scale positioning mechanism for changing a position of the smaller scale work space within the larger scale work space. A commanded position for the tool is received by a processor unit. An error component is determined using a difference between the commanded position and a current position of the tool in the larger scale work space. A restoring component configured to move the tool toward a selected position in the smaller scale work space is determined. Control signals for controlling the smaller scale positioning mechanism and the larger scale positioning mechanism together to move the tool from the current position to the commanded position are generated using the error component and the restoring component. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214243 | FORMATION FLIGHT CONTROL - An apparatus for controlling the formation flight of a trailing aircraft relative to a vortex generated by a leading aircraft includes a position module, peak-seeking module, limiter module, and control module. The position module is configured to determine a position of the vortex relative to the trailing aircraft. The peak-seeking module is configured to determine a desired position of the trailing aircraft for providing desired vortex-induced aerodynamic benefits based on the position of the vortex relative to the trailing aircraft and a mapping function of an individual performance metric. The limiter module is configured to modify the desired position of the trailing aircraft to avoid unintended crossings of the trailing aircraft into the vortex. Finally, the control module is configured to control flight of the trailing aircraft based on one of the desired position of the trailing aircraft and modified desired position of the trailing aircraft. | 07-31-2014 |
20140215317 | Panoptic Visualization Of Elements Of A Complex System Using A Model Viewer - A system is provided that includes a model viewer configured to receive selection of a point on a visual presentation of a digital 3D model of a complex system, and translate the point to a location within a coordinate system of the complex system. A search engine configured to identify a document component that depicts an element of the complex system at or within a volume about the location. The document component is from a collection for which at least some components depict elements of the complex system and have associated metadata that includes information reflecting the 3D geometry of at least some depicted elements. A layout engine configured to generate a layout of panoptically-arranged document components including the identified document component and other document component(s) identified according to the associated metadata for the identified document component, which further includes information identifying a link between the respective document components. | 07-31-2014 |
20140215318 | Panoptic Visualization Of Elements Of A Complex System Using Localization Of A Point On A Physical Instance Of The Complex System - A system is provided that includes a localization module configured to receive and process range measurements and odometry data relative to a physical instance of a complex system to calculate an unknown location within a coordinate system of the complex system. A search engine configured to identify a document component that depicts an element of the complex system at or within a volume about the location. The document component is from a collection for which at least some components depict elements of the complex system and have associated metadata that includes information reflecting the 3D geometry of at least some depicted elements. A layout engine configured to generate a layout of panoptically-arranged document components including the identified document component and other document component(s) identified according to the associated metadata for the identified document component, which further includes information identifying a link between the respective document components. | 07-31-2014 |
20140215546 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIDEO DISTRIBUTION - Systems and methods for use in distributing video are provided. A first video distribution node includes a video processor configured to receive a video stream from a second video distribution node, and send the video stream to a third video distribution node, such that the video stream is sent substantially near real-time. | 07-31-2014 |
20140216070 | BLANKET FOR CRYOGENICALLY COOLING AT LEAST A PORTION OF A WORKPIECE - A blanket for cryogenically cooling at least a portion of a workpiece is provided. The blanket includes a body having an interior surface configured to face the workpiece. The blanket also includes a plurality of nozzles located on the interior surface of the body. The blanket further includes one or more tubes configured to deliver cryogenic liquid to the plurality of nozzles for spraying upon at least a portion of the workpiece. A method and system for cryogenically cooling at least a portion of a workpiece utilizing a blanket are also provided. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216290 | Projectile-Deployed Countermeasure System - Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from rocket-propelled grenades and other incoming threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an interceptor vehicle configured to stow and launch an expandable countermeasure. The countermeasure may have a flexible body with attached deployment mechanisms that expand the flexible body into the path of an incoming threat to capture the threat. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216634 | Method and Apparatus for Reworking Structures - An area of a structure is reworked from one side of the structure using resin infusion of a dry fiber patch. Entrapped air and excess resin is removed from the patch during the infusion process by inserting a vacuum device into the patch, and forcing the area resin through the vacuum device. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216638 | Method and System of Making Composite Structures Having Gap Fillers with Chopped Fiber Material - There is provided in an embodiment a method of making a composite structure. The method includes the step of applying chopped fiber material in varying thicknesses onto a first ply surface of a first composite charge to form a layered composite charge. The method further includes the step of folding the layered composite charge. The method further includes the step of assembling a second composite charge and the folded layered composite charge to form a composite structure. The chopped fiber material forms a gap filler in the composite structure. The gap filler conforms to a shape of the composite structure surrounding the gap filler. The method further includes processing the composite structure. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216642 | Laminate Compaction Using Magnetic Force - A device uses magnetic force generated by a magnet to intensify compaction pressure applied to a composite laminate. | 08-07-2014 |
20140218215 | Flight Deck Lighting for Information Display - A method and apparatus for lighting a flight deck on an aircraft. A status of the aircraft is identified by a processor unit. The processor unit controls the lighting on the flight deck in response to the status of the aircraft to indicate the status of the aircraft. | 08-07-2014 |
20140218257 | RADIO FREQUENCY GROUNDING SHEET FOR A PHASED ARRAY ANTENNA - A method includes coupling a printed circuit board (PCB) and a first conductive sheet to a pressure plate to form an antenna sub-assembly. The first conductive sheet defines a first plurality of openings and includes a first plurality of bumps. At least one opening of the first plurality of openings is surrounded by a set of bumps of the first plurality of bumps. The method includes coupling the antenna sub-assembly to a cover to form an antenna assembly. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219744 | CONDUCTIVE SLEEVED FASTENER ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a fastener, a fastener sleeve, a nut, and a lubricant coating. The lubricant coating is deposited on a distal portion of a fastener shank and is omitted from the rest of the fastener. To overcome the stresses placed on the fastener sleeve by the insertion of the fastener shank largely devoid of a lubricant coating, the fastener sleeve is reinforced by one or more of an increased thickness, a high-strength alloy, and a soft metal coating. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219745 | SLEEVED FASTENER ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure describes a conductive fastener assembly, system, and method, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a nut having a counterbore formed therein. The counterbore is formed to maintain a sufficient gap between the nut and the protruding end of a fastener sleeve. The nut with the counterbore improves the conductive fastener system such that the need for a solid copper grid and a cap seal is reduced or eliminated. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219854 | Method of Consolidating/Molding Near Net-Shaped Components Made from Powders - A method for consolidating a pre-form made of powder, comprising: (a) placing the pre-form between smart susceptors; (b) heating the smart susceptors to a leveling temperature by applying a varying low-strength magnetic field having a magnetic flux that passes through surfaces of the smart susceptors; (c) applying consolidation pressure to the pre-form at least during a time period subsequent to the temperature of the smart susceptors reaching the leveling temperature; and (d) while consolidation pressure is being applied, applying a pulsed high-strength magnetic field having a magnetic flux that passes through a surface of the pre-form. The strength and pulse rate of the high-strength magnetic field are selected so that the crystallographic phase of the pre-form will rapidly oscillate at a substantially constant temperature. The pulsed high-strength magnetic field is applied sufficiently long that superplasticity of the pre-form is attained during phase oscillation. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222337 | Route Modeler for Improving Desired Environmental and Economic Flight Characteristics - A method and apparatus for processing routes is disclosed. An area of interest associated with a number of routes for a number of aircraft and an identification of a number of weightings for a number of characteristics for the number of routes are identified. The number of characteristics includes at least one of a number of environmental characteristics or a number of economic characteristics. A number of new routes are generated based on information about the number of routes associated with the area of interest. Values are identified for characteristics in the number of characteristics for each new route in the number of new routes and for each route in the number of routes based on the information. A performance value is identified for the each new route and for the each route based on the values and the number of weightings for the number of characteristics. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222487 | Total-Ordering In Process Planning - A method is provided that includes receiving process-related information describing a hierarchical process for production of a product. The process may include segments each of at least some of which include segment components. The method also includes determining an instance in which the segment components are total-ordered, which may include determining an instance in which the segments are total-ordered. For the total-ordered segments, the segment components may be partitioned by disjoint collections based upon earliest availability to produce earliest-available partitions, and separately based upon latest availability to produce latest-available partitions. Order flexibility may be identified for each segment component based upon membership in both earliest-available and latest-available partitions, and an instance in which each partition in both the earliest-available and latest-available partitions contains only one order-inflexible segment component may be determined. In this instance, the segment components may be total-ordered. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222492 | Alpha-Chain Constraints For Process Planning - A method is provided that includes receiving process-related information describing a process for production of a product, including a logical sequence of tasks to produce respective internal products of the process. The method also includes constructing a schedule for the process based on the process-related information, with the process schedule being for execution of at least some of the tasks each of which utilizes or requires inputs including temporally a last input. Construction of the process schedule includes separating each of at least some of the respective tasks into a closure portion that requires availability of the last input of its task before being initiated, and a distinct precursor portion capable of being initiated before the respective last input is available. The closure portions of the respective tasks may be temporally sequenced without intervening precursor portions, and the precursor portions may be prepended to respective, temporally-sequenced closure portions. | 08-07-2014 |