Abstract: A method is provided for detecting flow bifurcation during sonic flow conditions to identify shock location. The method includes setting the initial test conditions, either by setting up an altitude and airspeed in a test aircraft or by setting up an initial flow condition in a wind tunnel. The method for detecting flow bifurcation during sonic flow conditions to identify shock location requires an array of hot films be attached to an aerodynamic surface where shock is expected to impinge. These hot-films are connected to a bank of Constant Voltage Anemometers (CVA), one CVA for each hot film. After reaching the altitude where the testing is to be done, (or attaining the reference condition in a wind tunnel), a pilot initiates an auto-initializing sequence before the onset of a shock, typically at a low speed condition. This sets the current in each sensor to identical values and sets the sensor temperature above ambient temperature of the reference conditions.

Abstract: Arrays of microslats operating within the boundary layer of an aircraft wing or other surfaces are provided. The arrays consist of rows of microslats, staggered between rows, and shaped so that the trailing edge of the microslat is normal or perpendicular to the direction of expected reverse flow on the surface. For flow regions having directionally stable flow, the microslats are rectangular. Where the direction of the expected reverse flow is variable, the trailing edge of the microslats is triangular, thereby accepting an angular range of reverse flow. Each microslat operates independently through a hinge on its leading edge and an individual spring which holds the microslat flush to the aerodynamic surface until actuated by reverse flow. Where the boundary layer is expected to thicken, i.e., downstream along a surface, the arrays are formed with two layers of microslats, smaller microslats in a top layer and larger in a bottom layer.

Abstract: A broad-range, multi-directional aircraft airspeed measuring system is provided. The airspeed measuring system has multiple vortex generating probes located within a venturi section. At least one rearward facing probe and one forward facing probe are included. Additional probes can be added to extend the high speed range of the airspeed indicator. A splitter plate or plates separate flow channels from each other to provide a separate flow channel for each vortex probe. Each vortex probe has a hot film sensor and anemometer.

Abstract: An acoustic enclosure system for a loudspeaker includes a central chamber and two end chambers. The central chamber is separated from each of the end chambers by a common wall. Two loudspeakers are mounted in the central chamber such that one speaker is mounted in each of the horizontal walls and the speakers face away from each other. The central chamber has a port in a side wall that is open to the outside of the enclosure. Each of the end chambers contains a fluid chamber with a flexible bladder that is filled with fluid and maintained in the end chamber a given distance from the corresponding loudspeaker. Each of the bladders contacts the interior surfaces of the side walls and end piece that form the fluid chamber. A flexible support is provided underneath each of the bladders so that the bladders are each substantially maintained a specified distance from the horizontal walls.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle system for ocean science measurement and reconnaissance is about six feet long and 13 inches in diameter and includes various improvements which make turn-key, networkable, autonomous or tethered operation in aquatic environments possible.

Abstract: An acoustic enclosure system for a loudspeaker includes a vent chamber adjacent to and spanning at least one chamber assembly. A loudspeaker is mounted in each of the chamber assemblies such that the speakers face away from each other when there are more than one speaker. The vent chamber has a port in a side wall that is open to the outside of the enclosure. Each chamber assembly has a port opening to the vent chamber and contains a fluid chamber with a flexible bladder that is filled with fluid and maintained in the chamber assembly a given distance from the corresponding loudspeaker. Each bladder contacts the interior surfaces of the side walls that form the fluid chamber. A flexible support is provided underneath each bladder so that the bladder is substantially maintained a specified distance from the wall supporting the speaker.

Abstract: A stringed instrument of the violin or viol family is provided having an improved bassbar. The bassbar is elongated and has an attachment surface adapted to conform to the interior surface of the top face of the violin. The bar has a generally constant traverse width along the bottom length of the bar at the attachment surface. In an intermediate region of the bar, the transverse width of the bar increases from the attachment surface to the top region of the bar. The height of the bar in the intermediate region is greater than the height of the bar at the end segments, thus resulting in a convex area along the length the bar in the intermediate region. Thus, mass is added to the top region of the bassbar in an intermediate portion of the bar.

Abstract: A guide and other tools for cutting a bone graft from, e.g., the patella. The guide includes a guiding portion configured to engage a bone cutting instrument (such as a saw with a curved cutting surface), and a bone-engaging portion insertable into a cut in the surface of the bone to position the guiding portion in a selected orientation with respect to the bone. During use, the guiding portion directs the bone cutting instrument to cut the graft in the selected orientation. One of the other tools used with the guide is a spacer which has a bone-engageable portion insertable into the cut in the bone surface, and a surface arranged with respect to the bone-engageable portion and configured to guide a saw in making a second cut in the bone surface parallel to the first-mentioned cut. The guide includes a housing that supports the guiding portion, and arms secured to the housing and on which the bone-engaging portions of the guide are disposed.