Abstract: A modular slider feeder tube system comprising first and second feeder tubes having respective ends that are coupled by a tube coupling device. Each of the first and second feeder tubes is made of resilient material and comprises a respective channel having a profile that is asymmetric and substantially constant along the lengths of the channels. The tube coupling device also comprises a channel, via which channel the channel of the first feeder tube communicates with the channel of the second feeder tube. Each of the channels maintains the orientation of each slider passing therethrough so that the same end of the slider is always in the lead.

Abstract: A flexure plate accelerometer system includes a flexure plate and two fixed plates on either side of the flexure plate. The flexure plate generates a flexure plate signal as a function of reference signals received in the fixed plates. A precision transformer generates the reference signals from a precision sine wave generated by a symbol generator controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the symbol generator and activates an analog-to-digital converter in response to a signal coincident with a positive and negative peak of the precision sine wave. The analog-to-digital converter generates a digital word from the flexure plate signal, which is processed further in the microprocessor.

Abstract: An architectural archway for an aircraft. The archways can be positioned individually, or in pairs or other sets along the length of an aircraft fuselage. The archways are used to run or connect various transport elements, such as electrical wiring, water lines, and environmental control system conduits, between the upper crown, lower bay and passenger cabin of the aircraft. The invention simplifies installation complexity and eliminates the installation and variability associated with running transport elements between the various sections of the aircraft.

Abstract: A crewmember rest support system (10) includes a berth mattress (32). A support structure (34) is coupled to and supports the berth mattress (32). A pneumatic system (36) is coupled to the support structure (34). The pneumatic system (36) includes an inflatable member (100) that has one or more inflatable states. A pump (102) actuates the inflatable member (100) and articulates a portion of the support structure (34).

Abstract: A force control system (50, 300) for actuation of a test object (54, 304) includes a force actuator (52, 356) that is coupled to and applies a force on the test object (54, 304). A velocity signal generator (124, 310) is in a feedback configuration relative to the force actuator and generates a velocity signal (150, 324) that is indicative of the velocity of the test object (54, 304). A controller (62, 302) is coupled to the force actuator (52, 356) and to the velocity signal generator (124, 310) and generates a desired applied force signal (130, 380) compensated by the velocity signal (150, 324).

Abstract: A self-transpiring hot skin for a hypersonic or reusable space vehicle that can provide protection to the vehicle during short periods of abnormally high heat flux (either planned in the flight profile or an off-nominal event). The hot skin includes a ceramic composite structure having an internal cavity that is coupled either to the insulating layer or directly to the support structure of the hypersonic vehicle. The internal cavity includes a material system that vaporizes, sublimes or decomposes into a gas when the temperature exceeds the upper temperature capability of the composite material. The gas transpires through the outer layer of the composite material to provide cooling to the outer layer below the upper temperature capability. Cooling may occur both by conduction of heat from the composite material to the transpiring gas and by the interaction of the transpiring gas with the boundary layer of hypersonic flow over the outer surface, leading to a reduction of the heat flux entering the surface.

Abstract: A method for selecting images for coronary analysis using time stamps to correlate cardiovascular images to corresponding physiological or hemodynamic monitoring, e.g., ECG, data. The method uses time stamps that are intrinsic to a distributed network clock synchronization protocol for correlation of images and data. A coronary analysis system is employed to correlate images with physiologic data, e.g., using time stamp data as well as offset data derived using the distributed network clock synchronization protocol.

Abstract: An integrated operational ground mobility and support system (10) that includes an aircraft (12) having one or more service openings on a side of the aircraft (12). The integrated support system (10) may have an airport interface terminal docking port (14) that has a ground support service sub-system. The docking port (14) mates with the aircraft (12) at the service openings and has multiple service levels. The ground support service sub-system provides services to the aircraft (12) through the service openings and on the service levels. The integrated support system (10) may have in addition to or in replacement of the interface terminal docking port an aircraft loader/unloader. The loader/unloader has ground support service sub-systems and mates with the aircraft (12) at one or more of the service openings. The service sub-systems of the loader/unloader include a passenger ingress/egress system (62) and provide services to the aircraft (12).

Abstract: A first subarray beamformer for a multi-beam phased array antenna (12) used in a receiving mode includes multiple phased array antenna beamforming layers. The beamforming layers include a first beamforming layer (90) that may have a first series of combiners in a first orientation. The first series of combiners combine a first set of signals to form a second set of signals. A second beamforming layer (110) may have a second series of combiners in a second orientation that are coupled to and oppose the first series of combiners. The second series of combiners combine the second set of signals to form a first combined signal. A second subarray beamformer for a multi-beam phased array antenna used in a transmitting mode that has a similar configuration as that of the first subarray beamformer, but includes dividers rather than combiners.

Abstract: A communication device and method for operating the same includes a GPS receiver that periodically generates a position signal, a wireless modem transmitting or receiving messages and a controller that is coupled to the receiver and the modem. The controller discontinues operating the wireless modem when the GPS signal generates the position signal and vice versa to reduce interference with the other device.

Abstract: A rotor system (12) for a helicopter (10) includes a rotating shaft (82). A gimbaled hub assembly (56) is coupled to the rotating shaft (82). Rotating blades (24) and non-rotating blades (33) are coupled to the gimbaled hub assembly (56). The non-rotating blades (33) provide lift for the helicopter (10) in forward flight unloading the rotating blades. The rotating and non-rotating blades (24, 33) provide equal and opposite rolling moments for lift offset operation.

Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is a variable-duct support assembly (14) for mounting one or more ducts (12a-12c) thereon. This variable-duct support assembly (14) includes one or more rails (18) each having a groove (40). Each groove (40) has one or more pairs of support brackets (20) positioned therein for supporting a proximal surface (22) of the ducts (12a-12c). The support brackets (20) are coupled to one or more flexible bands (24) and utilized for clamping the duct (12a-12c) between the support brackets (20) and the flexible bands (24). The flexible bands (24) are intended to contact and wrap around a distal surface (26) of the duct (12a-12c) so as to distribute a load substantially across the distal surface (26). Likewise, the support brackets (20) each include support portions (28) for distributing the load substantially across the proximal surface (22) of each duct (12a-12c).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is provided with virus protection. Each file that enters the system (via the hard disk or the networking port) is scanned to detect the presence of any virus in the file. Before each file is written to the hard disk of the scanner, the Checksum and Size of the file are verified, along with other virus-identifying attributes, to determine if the file is infected with a virus or if the file itself is a virus. If there is a discrepancy in either the Checksum or Size, then a dialogue box appears, warning the system operator that the file being installed may contain a virus. In order to provide additional protection for the ultrasound scanner, all processes starting to run on the scanner are monitored. Each time a new process is started on the scanner, virus protection monitoring software will suspend the process and search for encrypted data identifying the starting process in a Registry table.

Abstract: A central service facility is connected via a network and a uniform service interactive platform to a multiplicity of remotely located medical diagnostic systems. The interactive platform includes a video/audio plug-in application which can be used to access a library of videos via a network. The video library is stored at the central service facility or on a local area network at the remote facility. The interactive platform of the medical diagnostic system comprises a web browser which enables the end-user to search and select a training video from the database, and a video/audio player for viewing the selected video directly from the operator's console. Depending on bandwidth availability, the video file can be downloaded to the remotely located medical diagnostic equipment prior to display or streamed in real-time.

Abstract: An architectural archway for an aircraft. The archways can be positioned individually, or in pairs or other sets along the length of an aircraft fuselage. The archways are used to run or connect various transport elements, such as electrical wiring, water lines, and environmental control system conduits, between the upper crown, lower bay and passenger cabin of the aircraft. The invention simplifies installation complexity and eliminates the installation and variability associated with running transport elements between the various sections of the aircraft.

Abstract: A dual-band multiple beam antenna system for a communications satellite sharing a set of reflector antennas for the transmit and receive frequencies. One set of reflectors is common to both the downlink and uplink frequencies. The feed horns are diplexed and exhibit frequency-dependent radiation patterns that separate the phase centers over the downlink and uplink frequency bands to obtain dual-band performance. The focal point of the reflector is in close proximity to the phase center corresponding to the downlink frequency band. The phase center for the uplink frequency band is spaced a predetermined distance from the phase center of the downlink frequency band. According to the present invention, the uplink frequencies are defocused and the downlink frequencies are focused thereby creating identical radiation patterns at both frequency bands and over the coverage region of the communications satellite.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for securing a closure 2 in an aperture 3 of a container 4 comprises a securing cap 5 adapted to engage the closure 2 and the container 4 to secure the closure 2, and fittings to provide for generation and release of a vacuum or partial vacuum between the securing cap 5 and the closure 2 to move the securing cap 5 into a securing position.

Abstract: A dehumidifying radome vent in open communication between a radome and the external environment for passively ventilating and dehumidifying the radome. The dehumidifying radome vent is a duct receiving a water aerosol comprised of air and water. The duct passively decreases a flow rate of the water aerosol so as to remove water from the air and ventilate the radome. To this end, the duct defines two or more cross-sectional flow areas along a predetermined flow path. These cross-sectional flow areas include a first cross-sectional flow area and a second cross-sectional flow area. The second cross-sectional flow area is larger than the first cross-sectional flow area for passively decreasing the flow rate and dehumidifying the aerosol.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding slider-zipper assemblies to a station where the slider-zipper assemblies can be attached to bag material such as thermoplastic film. The apparatus includes a slider guide having a channel running the length thereof. The channel has a cross section that allows passage therethrough of sliders slidably mounted to a tape of connected slider-zipper assemblies. A tape drive mechanism is located at the outlet of the slider guide. The tape drive mechanism includes a pair of rollers that form a nip therebetween. The zipper flanges of the tape are threaded through the nip. The rollers have respective grooves that form a space for passage of the sliders as the tape is advanced by the rollers.

Abstract: A vehicle (12) including a control system (18) is used for controlling vehicle attitude or angular velocity (38). The processor (24) is coupled to a star sensor or tracker (22) and a memory (30) that may include a star catalog (32), and an exclusion list (36). The exclusion list (36), a list of stars to be temporarily excluded from consideration when determining attitude or angular velocity or relative alignment of star sensors or trackers, is calculated on board. Such a calculation prevents the necessity for a costly, periodic, ground calculation and upload of such data. By manipulating the star catalog, or sub-catalogs derived from said catalog, based upon the exclusion list (36), measurements of such excluded stars are prevented from corrupting the attitude or angular velocity or alignment estimates formulated on board. The system uses multiple stayout zones for excluding stars from the exclusion list.