Abstract: A knowledge driven composite design optimization process for designing a laminate part includes steps for generating a globally optimized 3-D ply definition for a laminate part, and modifying the 3-D ply definition to include features of the laminate part, where the generating and modifying steps are parametrically linked to one another and are performed in the recited order. Preferably, the generating step includes substeps for determining connectivity between a plurality of regions defining the laminate part, subsequently generating ramp features detailing interconnection of the regions defining the laminate part, and displaying views and corresponding tabular data describing the laminate part and illustrating both inter-region connectivity and the ramp features as specified by a user. A knowledge driven composite design optimization system and associated computer memory for operating a general purpose computer as a knowledge driven composite design optimization system are also described.

Abstract: A wing fold (50) for an aircraft has inner wing (74) connected to the aircraft and an outer wing (76) connected to the inner wing (74) by a hinge (72). An actuator (72) is capable of rotating the outer wing (76) over ninety degrees with respect to the inner wing (74). A first reinforced elastomer panel (54) is connected between a lower surface (52) of the inner wing (74) and a lower surface (58) of the outer wing (76).

Abstract: An absolute pressure regulator valve assembly for controlling the absolute pressure (P.sub.C) of a fluid source. The absolute pressure regulator valve assembly includes a hollow housing having an inlet port and a discharge port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The discharge port is associated with a valve seat. A bellows assembly is positioned within the housing. The bellows assembly has an open first end and a closed second end. The first end is gas-tight sealed to the housing and is in fluid communication with a means for providing a reference pressure (P.sub.R) within the bellows assembly. A valve closure element is attached to the closed end of the bellows assembly. The valve closure element is positioned relative to the valve seat wherein motion of the bellows assembly provides opening and closure of the discharge port.

Abstract: A compensation design allows for use of a generic servoamplifier for multiple types of actuator Direct Drive Valves (DDV). Cost savings can be realized by using common electronics applied to multiple actuator types. The implementation allows for design of the compensation directly from experimentally or analytically derived frequency performance curves of the generic servoamplifier resulting in the performance comparable to a custom servoamplifier for the direct drive valves.

Abstract: An instruction flow monitoring mechanism performs control flow error detection in a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor using signature monitoring. The signature monitoring is integrated into the RISC processor such that the instruction set of the RISC processor is enhanced to perform signature checking under all execution conditions. A signature monitor instruction causes the instruction flow to be checked for errors by comparing a pre-computed reference signature with a current signature and raising an error condition if the two signatures are unequal. The instruction also initializes the current signature.

Abstract: A high efficiency environmental control system uses air exhausted from a pressurized cabin to cool compressed air entering the cabin. Air exhausted from the cabin may flow directly from the cabin through a heat exchanger which cools the compressed air entering the cabin. Alternatively, air exiting the cabin may flow through a turbine which expands and cools the air prior to passing through the heat exchanger. The turbine may be used to drive a compressor to provide the compressed air to the cabin. Supplemental power to drive the compressor may be provided by a second turbine driven by bleed air from one or more turbine engines, or by an electric motor. Bleed air may also be mixed with air from the compressor to provide fresh air to the cabin. To further increase efficiency and meet the cooling requirements of the cabin on the ground and at altitude, switch dampers may be employed to selectably vary the flow path of air supplied to the cabin.

Abstract: Currently, fiber/metal laminate sheets are limited in width due to restrictions in the width of thin metal sheets available. This invention solves that problem by providing an integral splice concept and a method for manufacturing a laminate employing the inventive concept. Specifically, a fiber/metal laminate sheet is provided having at least two metal plies and at least one fiber layer. Each of the metal plies comprises at least two metal sheets which are arranged side-by-side and have sheet metal breaks therebetween. All of the sheet metal breaks lie within the integral splice. An important feature of the invention is that the sheet metal breaks in each metal ply are staggered widthwise across the laminate with respect to the sheet metal breaks in the remaining metal plies, in accordance with a predetermined metal break staggering pattern, thereby maximizing the bond engagement of the discontinuous metal plies with the adjacent fiber layers.

Abstract: A constrained damping layer assembly includes a first constraining layer adapted for being secured to a first portion of an aircraft frame, and a second constraining layer adapted for being secured to a second portion of the aircraft frame. A damping material is sandwiched between the first constraining layer and the second constraining layer. The damping material includes a first side, which is adapted for slidably contacting the first constraining layer, and further includes a second side, which is adapted for slidably contacting the second constraining layer. The first constraining layer is adapted for sliding in a first direction upon introduction of a sheer load onto the interior panel, and the second constraining layer is adapted for sliding in a second direction upon introduction of a sheer load onto the interior panel.

Abstract: Substrates suitable for being marked by light energy from a laser are disclosed. Such substrates include a base substrate component and a filler pigment component coupled to the base substrate component and including a combined metal component and a glass forming component other than the combined metal component. The filler pigment component is present in an amount effective to, as a result of exposing the substrate to light energy from a laser, produce a colored glass-like pigment component coupled to the base substrate component having a contrasting color relative to the filler pigment component. Markings, for example, on electrical wire insulation, having higher contrast and greater durability are advantageously provided.

Abstract: The passive damping wedge for reducing sound radiation from reinforced structures excited by fluid flow over the outer surface of the structure. The damping wedge is generally attached at the trailing edge of the skin structure on the inner surface. The unique three-dimensional design of the damping wedge provides increased damping which absorbs vibrational energy in the structure. The wedge is made of viscoelastic material with a high damping capacity to maximize the ability to reflect vibrations within. The wedge generally has an elongated base which extends upwards from a flat lower surface. An upper surface tapers downwards from the base into a plurality of spaced apart front end members which extend away from the base. The wedge also has a plurality of pairs of sides, with each pair of sides tapering inwardly to generally define each of the front end members.

Abstract: A ground floodlight for an aircraft having a fuselage including a forward cargo door includes a generally flat lens having a first region for directing light toward the front cargo door and a second region for directing light generally forward to illuminate ground in front of the aircraft. The lens is generally flat and smooth and is adapted for flush mounting in the fuselage. A corresponding method for improving ground floodlight illumination includes directing light generated from a lamp within the fuselage in an outward direction and then redirecting first and second portions of the light toward the front cargo door and the ground in front of the aircraft, respectively.

Abstract: A cleaning plug for cleaning and preventing contamination from entering the interior of a piece of tubing. The cleaning plug is compressible such that it may be compressed to a size smaller than the interior of the tubing and inserted into the tubing without abrading or otherwise leaving contamination on the interior walls of the tubing. The cleaning plug is then allowed to expand such that it contacts and forms a seal with the interior wall of the tubing. The cleaning plug is made from a material which is nonabrasive, non-contaminating and nonreactive with liquids to be passed through the tubing. When used for preventing contamination from entering the tubing, the cleaning plug is inserted adjacent to the opening of the tubing. When used for cleaning, the cleaning plug is inserted into the tubing and moved longitudinally along the inside of the tubing to mechanically remove any contamination.

Abstract: A passive porosity airfoil lift management device employed on a leading edge region of said airfoil whereby the lift on said airfoil may be varied and controlled by passively transferring air pressure between the upper surface and lower surfaces of said leading edge region of the airfoil through upper and lower porous skin regions, upper and lower plenum cavities disposed in said airfoil, and controllably monitoring and regulating said passive air pressure transference with at least one valve and a microprocessor.

Abstract: A thrusting rail-joint assembly for joining and rapidly separating two host structures is disclosed. Each of the two host structures may include a fairing structure, and is connected to a latching member, which may include a rail segment. An outer latching member, having a first joining end and a first latching end, is secured to the first host structure at the first joining end. The outer latching member includes a number of latching arms at the first latching end. The latching arms extend from the outer latching member in a direction from the first joining end to the first latching end. An inner latching member has a second joining end and a second latching end. The inner latching member is secured to the second host structure at the second joining end, and has a number of recesses at the second latching end. The recesses are adapted to receive the latching arms when the outer latching member is latched onto the inner latching member.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a perimeter wall having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion. An inner surface of the upper portion of the perimeter wall forms a receiving aperture, and an outer surface of the lower portion of the perimeter wall forms a protrusion. Electrical contacts are located on the inner surface of the upper portion of the perimeter wall, and are also located on the outer surface of the lower portion of the perimeter wall. Each electrical contact runs from the outer surface of the lower portion, to the inner surface of the upper portion, and then to a connection point on the printed circuit board. A flange contacts and surrounds the intermediate portion of the perimeter wall. The electrical contacts from the inner surface of the upper portion pass through apertures in the flange before being connected to the connection points on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Digital information is convolved with a pseudorandom code and then transmitted at radio frequency in a spread spectrum signal to a receiver also containing the same pseudorandom code. Since the transmitted signal is below the noise floor for that bandwidth, it is virtually unjammable and undetectable without possession of the pseudorandom code. Successful extraction of the transmitted information depends upon precise matching of the transmitted frequency and the exact phase matching of the pseudorandom code at the receiver with the convolved pseudorandom code in the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A utility loop includes a loop of fiber which forms the loop core. The loop of fiber is made from a thread wrapped into a plurality of loops. The two loose ends of the thread can then optionally be tied together to form the loop of fiber. The outer loop cover of the utility loop is a tube of braided material, which surrounds loop of fiber. The tube of braided material has a tube axis running along a length of the tube of braided material. The tube of braided material includes a relatively small number of relatively large-diameter monofilament fibers, which are braided together in a tubular form. All of the relatively large-diameter mono-filament fibers are oriented to form acute angles with the tube axis. The two loose ends of the tube of braided material are connected together to form the utility loop. Specifically, a first opposing end of the tube of braided material is slipped over a second opposing end of the tube of braided material to thereby form an overlap.

Abstract: A method for producing aluminum matrix composites containing refractory aluminide whiskers or particulates which are formed in-situ is disclosed. Aluminum and refractory metal materials are blended in powder form and then heated to a temperature above the melting point of aluminum. A solid/liquid reaction between the molten aluminum and solid refractory metal provides a desired volume fraction of refractory aluminide reinforcement phase (in situ whiskers or particulates). Upon cooling the molten, unreacted portion of aluminum solidifies around the in situ reinforcements to create the improved composite material.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed for ejecting space vehicles from a launch vehicle. The dispenser includes an inverted outer truncated cone and an upright inner truncated cone positioned within the outer cone and connected thereto at lower end portions thereof. The cones are mounted on the launch vehicle. The dispenser also includes a mounting platform secured to the outer cone and inner cone at upper end portions thereof. Hinges detachably pivotally mount the space vehicles on the mounting platform, and separation nuts and bolts releasably secure the vehicles to the platform. Spring actuators mounted in the platform provide pivoting of all or any individual vehicle relative to the mounting platform resulting in separation and ejection of the vehicles from the launch vehicle.

Abstract: An aircraft head-up display with a combiner using a thin film dielectric reflector with a contoured reflectance spectrum of a narrow bandwidth that matches the spectrum of the light output of a cathode-ray tube whose phosphors produce a narrow bandwidth light output used to create visual data for display to the pilot. The dielectric combiner is constructed with a dielectric coating made up of ion deposited layers, with alternate layers having different indices of refraction and possibly different thicknesses near one quarter wavelength thick. The resultant combiner transmits ambient light essentially without attenuation at all visible light frequencies except those frequencies of the visual data produced by the CRT phosphors, which are reflected into superposition with the background viewable through the combiner.