Abstract: A tensioning device and method of use is disclosed, the tensioning device helps tighten a rotationally free screw including a head and an expanding nut, wherein the screw retains an article to a surface through an aperture in the surface. The tensioning device includes an extension and an arcuate element, wherein a user grasps the extension and positions the arcuate element about the screw and underneath the screw head then manually exerting an axial force to tension the screw causing frictional contact of the expanding nut to an opposing hidden surface thereby allowing the screw to be tightened as against the nut and securing the article to the surface.

Abstract: A tensioning device and method of use is disclosed, the tensioning device helps tighten a rotationally free screw including a head and an expanding nut, wherein the screw retains an article to a surface through an aperture in the surface. The tensioning device includes an extension and an arcuate element, wherein a user grasps the extension and positions the arcuate element about the screw and underneath the screw head then manually exerting an axial force to tension the screw causing frictional contact of the expanding nut to an opposing hidden surface thereby allowing the screw to be tightened as against the nut and securing the article to the surface.

Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.

Abstract: Printable elastomer materials that are conductive or insulating and that may be printed in three dimensions (3D) for use in applications, including for example fabrication of actuators such as dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs).

Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.

Abstract: By rotationally casting soft robots, no bonding of different material layers is required. Soft robots including one or more integrated enclosed compartments are constructed from fibers that are embedded directly into the mold prior to adding elastomeric precursors.

Abstract: One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.

Abstract: A method for mapping a two-dimensional image data onto a three-dimensional graphic model of an object includes taking a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. Each two-dimensional image has data, such as temperature data, which is desired to be represented on the three-dimensional graphic model. The three-dimensional model of the object is viewed on a graphic user interface. The three-dimensional model has a plurality of facets, each facet being configured for selectively receiving the data from the two-dimensional images, so that the two-dimensional images are mapped onto the facets of the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model can then be analyzed.

Abstract: A method for interacting with a user, comprising communicating with at least one cooperative server through a normal browser; automatically receiving encrypted data having an associated received type code indicative of a requirement for a secure browser having restricted functionality with respect to a functionality of the normal browser; selectively and automatically invoking the secure browser for handling of the received encrypted data based on the received type code associated with the received encrypted data; receiving the encrypted data with the invoked secure browser for handling thereof, wherein the received encrypted data is not available for use by the user in the normal browser and the invoked secure browser imposes restrictions on availability outside of the secure browser of decrypted data derived from the encrypted data; and communicating an input from the user, through the secure browser, to the at least one cooperative server.

Abstract: Manipulation of flames is described using electric fields. In those instances in which electric fields are used, the electric fields may be time-varying gradient electric fields, and in some instances may be oscillating electric fields. The manipulation may include extinction, suppression, control of mixing of the flame, concentration, and/or bending, among other types.

Abstract: A method for measuring an infrared signature of a moving target includes: tracking the moving target with a tracking system along a path from a start position to an end position, measuring infrared radiation data of the moving target along the path, repositioning the tracking system to the start position, retracing the path to measure the infrared radiation data of the background, and determining the infrared signature of the moving target by comparing the infrared radiation data of the moving object with the infrared radiation data of the background without the moving object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a method of determining a position of a node, comprising receiving a communication from the node; determining a timing of the receiving; and calculating a position of the node from the timing.

Abstract: A method for mapping a two-dimensional image data onto a three-dimensional graphic model of an object includes taking a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. Each two-dimensional image has data, such as temperature data, which is desired to be represented on the three-dimensional graphic model. The three-dimensional model of the object is viewed on a graphic user interface. The three-dimensional model has a plurality of facets, each facet being configured for selectively receiving the data from the two-dimensional images, so that the two-dimensional images are mapped onto the facets of the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model can then be analyzed.

Abstract: A method for measuring an infrared signature of a moving target includes: tracking the moving target with a tracking system along a path from a start position to an end position, measuring infrared radiation data of the moving target along the path, repositioning the tracking system to the start position, retracing the path to measure the infrared radiation data of the background, and determining the infrared signature of the moving target by comparing the infrared radiation data of the moving object with the infrared radiation data of the background without the moving object.

Abstract: A brake mechanism comprises a housing, a first handle, a first shaft mounted in the housing having at least one gear rotationally fixed thereon, a second gear rotatably mounted in the housing in operative engagement with the first shaft, a locking mechanism, and a clutch operatively disposed between the first handle and the second gear. The locking mechanism comprises a second shaft mounted in the housing, a second handle rotationally fixed to the second shaft, a first pawl rotatably received on the second shaft and in operative engagement with the first shaft at least one gear, and a second pawl having a first portion in operative engagement with the first pawl and a second portion. The clutch is in engagement with the second pawl second portion and is moveable between a first position in which the first shaft is rotationally coupled to the second gear and a second position in which the second gear rotates with respect to the first shaft.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for activating the brake rigging of a railway car, the brake mechanism comprising a shaft having axial splines formed on one end thereof, a handle rotatably coupled to the shaft so that the handle is rotationally fixed to the shaft in a first direction and rotates relative to the shaft in an opposite second direction. A first gear is connected to the railway car brake rigging, a second gear is in operative engagement with the shaft splines, and a clutch is operatively disposed between the first gear and the second gear, the clutch having a coupler for rotationally coupling the first gear and the second gear and at least one spring operatively disposed intermediate the first gear and the second gear for biasing the coupler into engagement with the second gear. The coupler is moveable between a first position in which the first gear is rotationally coupled to the second gear, and a second position in which the first gear rotates with respect to the second gear.

Abstract: A method for interacting with a user, comprising communicating with at least one cooperative server through a normal browser; automatically receiving encrypted data having an associated received type code indicative of a requirement for a secure browser having restricted functionality with respect to a functionality of the normal browser; selectively and automatically invoking the secure browser for handling of the received encrypted data based on the received type code associated with the received encrypted data; receiving the encrypted data with the invoked secure browser for handling thereof, wherein the received encrypted data is not available for use by the user in the normal browser and the invoked secure browser imposes restrictions on availability outside of the secure browser of decrypted data derived from the encrypted data; and communicating an input from the user, through the secure browser, to the at least one cooperative server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a method of determining a position of a node, comprising receiving a communication from the node; determining a timing of the receiving; and calculating a position of the node from the timing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight structure for simultaneously providing a reduced infrared and radar signature, while adding little or no weight to a vehicle. As such, the present invention allows for substantial improvements over prior systems. An example of the type of vehicle able to make use of the present invention is a military helicopter, but there is nothing within the spirit and scope of the present invention limiting it to any particular vehicle. The teachings of the present invention are useful with any vehicle for which a reduction in infrared emissions and microwave reflections is desired.