Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured.

Abstract: A 3D food printing system, which can deposit macro- and micro-nutrients in an additive process to prepare a wide variety of different types of food. According to embodiments described herein, a 3D printed food system can be used to rapidly and efficiently prepare meals on demand, rather than in advance, while also allowing nutritional content, flavor, and taste to be customized for individual crew members. In some embodiments, the food can also be prepared in a largely or even completely automated fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and using a fastener suitable for use in airplane manufacture or repair that is coated with a pre-mixed moisture cure sealant. The sealant layer is coated with a frangible moisture barrier that will break apart when the fastener is installed, thus exposing the sealant to a moisture source. Once exposed to moisture, the sealant will begin to cure. Preferred embodiments also provide a premature cure indicator that provides a visual indication that the outer moisture resistant layer has been damaged.

Abstract: A fastener suitable for use in airplane manufacture or repair that is coated with a pre-mixed moisture cure sealant. The sealant layer is coated with a frangible moisture barrier that will break apart when the fastener is installed, thus exposing the sealant to atmospheric moisture. Once exposed to moisture, the sealant will begin to cure. Preferred embodiments also provide a moisture indicator that provides a visual indication that the outer moisture resistant layer has been damaged.

Abstract: A method for rapidly adhering thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material to a void in a metallic surface, the method comprising placing a solid volume of a TPU over metallic surface; directing a laser toward the TPU; applying pressure on the TPU; and irradiating the TPU material until the material melts and adheres to the metallic surface. Some embodiments make use of a hand-held near-infrared radiation laser tool to irradiate the TPU material, the laser tool comprising a laser optics and fiber; a housing for holding said laser optics and fiber and maintaining a desired distance and orientation of the laser relative to the fastener to be filled; electronics for controlling said laser; a collimator; a beam expander; a laser shield; and a conformal dome or a flat pressure head for holding a solid portion of a filler material in place while the beam is used to melt the material and for applying pressure to the melted filler material.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and using a fastener suitable for use in airplane manufacture or repair that is coated with a pre-mixed moisture cure sealant. The sealant layer is coated with a frangible moisture barrier that will break apart when the fastener is installed, thus exposing the sealant to a moisture source. Once exposed to moisture, the sealant will begin to cure. Preferred embodiments also provide a premature cure indicator that provides a visual indication that the outer moisture resistant layer has been damaged.

Abstract: A non-contact, distance traveled measurement system (DTMS) to calculate speed and distance traveled by a vehicle over rails—more specifically, by trains traveling on standard railroad tracks. Preferably, a pair of short range (near field) microwave-based transmitters/sensors (transceivers) are mounted on the underside of the train and used to key on rail-bed features such as cross ties or tie plates. Preferred embodiments also include infrared sensors as a redundant channel that is less sensitive to moisture in the track bed. Data from the sensors is correlated to determine the time delay between the first and second sensors' passage over objects on the rail bed such as cross-ties or tie-plates. From this time delay, nearly instantaneous velocity can be computed at each given target such as a tie plate (metal target) or a tie (dielectric contrast target). Velocity versus time curves can be integrated over time to derive distance traveled.

Abstract: A non-contact, distance traveled measurement system (DTMS) to calculate speed and distance traveled by a vehicle over rails—more specifically, by trains traveling on standard railroad tracks. Preferably, a pair of short range (near field) microwave-based transmitters/sensors (transceivers) are mounted on the underside of the train and used to key on rail-bed features such as cross ties or tie plates. Preferred embodiments also include infrared sensors as a redundant channel that is less sensitive to moisture in the track bed. Data from the sensors is correlated to determine the time delay between the first and second sensors' passage over objects on the rail bed such as cross-ties or tie-plates. From this time delay, nearly instantaneous velocity can be computed at each given target such as a tie plate (metal target) or a tie (dielectric contrast target). Velocity versus time curves can be integrated over time to derive distance traveled.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured.

Abstract: Wet and dry film thickness can be measured non-invasively on structures, such as surfaces associated with vessels, aircraft and buildings, using calibrated microwave sensors. The film is measured by directing microwave energy toward the film. The microwave energy passes through the film and is reflected by a reflective or semi-reflective substrate surface below the film. Properties of the reflected wave are compared with properties of reflected waves that were passed through calibration samples of known thicknesses to determine the unknown thickness of the film. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the conductive/semi-conductive substrate for measurement, and in other embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the film.

Abstract: Wet and dry film thickness can be measured non-invasively on structures, such as surfaces associated with vessels, aircraft and buildings, using calibrated microwave sensors. The film is measured by directing microwave energy toward the film. The microwave energy passes through the film and is reflected by a reflective or semi-reflective substrate surface below the film. Properties of the reflected wave are compared with properties of reflected waves that were passed through calibration samples of known thicknesses to determine the unknown thickness of the film. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the conductive/semi-conductive substrate for measurement, and in other embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the film.

Abstract: Wet and dry film thickness can be measured non-invasively on structures, such as surfaces associated with vessels, aircraft and buildings, using calibrated microwave sensors. The film is measured by directing microwave energy toward the film. The microwave energy passes through the film and is reflected by a reflective or semi-reflective substrate surface below the film. Properties of the reflected wave are compared with properties of reflected waves that were passed through calibration samples of known thicknesses to determine the unknown thickness of the film. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the conductive/semi-conductive substrate for measurement, and in other embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the film.