Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for tracking the movement of an operator's eyes in order to determine the real-time gaze angle of the eyes of the operator. In one embodiment, the invention may utilize an eye camera and a processing device. A frame by frame image of the eye may be captured utilizing the camera and the processing device, and a custom template resembling the operator's eye may be created utilizing the image produced by the eye camera. The custom template may be substantially the shape and size of the pupil of the eye of the operator, or may also represent additional features of the eye of the operator, such as the iris, sclera, cornea, or eye-lids. A tracking algorithm may determine a substantially real-time gaze angle of the eye.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a spray booth comprising a first enclosure for applying spray material and a second enclosure for drying spray material. An exhaust system is in fluid connection with the first and second enclosures. A fire suppression system is in fluid connection with at least one component chosen from the first enclosure, the second enclosure and the exhaust system. A processor is in data communication with at least one component chosen from the spray enclosure, the drying enclosure, the exhaust system and the fire suppression system.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate, such as a metallic interleaved composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness, at least one metallic shim, and at least one mesh. A plurality of metallic shims and meshes may be disposed in alternating layers within the member. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. Use of the mesh may produce a standard which transmits ultrasonic energy, with the mesh scattering and attenuating the energy. Use of the metallic shim may aide in modeling a metallic laminate.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for identifying changes on navigation procedure charts. A processing system is coupled with a user interface and a display device for access and display of old and new navigation procedure charts from different revision cycles. A computer software-based differences engine of the processing system obtains an old navigation procedure chart from an old chart storage memory and a new navigation procedure chart from a new chart storage memory. The differences engine determines changes in information from the old navigation procedure chart to the new navigation procedure chart. The navigation procedure charts may, for example, be aeronautical charts. The changes in information are visually identified such that the user can easily determine the changes that have been made from an old chart to a corresponding new chart.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for preparing a cassette spool. The apparatus includes: a supply reel for supplying and unrolling tape material on original backing paper; at least one cutting member for cutting unrolled tape material while on original backing paper; at least one removing member for removing uncut unrolled tape material from original backing paper; an identification member for identifying on unrolled original backing paper a start of unrolled cut tape material; and a cassette spool for rolling up unrolled cut tape material on original backing paper. In further embodiments, methods are provided for preparing a cassette spool with cut tape material on original backing paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness and at least one mesh. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. Use of the mesh produces a standard which transmits ultrasonic energy, with the mesh scattering and attenuating the energy. The manufactured reference standard may replace more costly porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for moving cargo. In one embodiment, such an apparatus may have a plurality of torque tubes. Each of the torque tubes may comprise a member in the shape of a continuous, closed loop defining a hole extending along the member. Rollers may be attached between torque tubes to move cargo disposed on the rollers. The apparatus may be used in the cargo hold of an aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to composites having increased distortional deformation, and/or decreased dilatation load, as expressed within the von Mises strain relationship, which provide increased von Mises strain results. These composites may provide enhanced composite mechanical performances.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having bodies of different thermal expansion rates comprises a first body, a second body having a different thermal expansion rate than the first body, and a plurality of high conductivity members attached to both the first and second bodies. The high conductivity members are more flexible than the first and second bodies in order to allow for varied thermal expansion of the first and second bodies. The assembly may comprise a solar collector assembly, wherein the first body is a solar cell attached to a substrate, and the second body is a heat sink.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for covering and uncovering a flap opening in an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a door member, a torque tube roller member, at least one roller member, and a biasing member. The door member may be adapted to cover and uncover a flap opening. The torque tube roller member may be attached with the door member, and may be adapted to be pushed by a torque tube member attached with a flap of an aircraft. The door member may be adapted to be driven from a closed position covering a flap opening into an open position uncovering a flap opening. The roller member may be attached with the door member and may be adapted to follow at least one track member. The biasing member may be attached with the door member for biasing the door member towards a closed position covering a flap opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time determination of an angle and range to a surface are provided. In one embodiment, such a system may include a transmitter for producing an output beam, a scanner for redirecting the output beam into a scan pattern towards a surface, a receiver for receiving a beam scattered from the surface, and a processor adapted to receive continuous tangential angle data from the scanner, and range data from the receiver, in order to determine a real-time angle and range to the surface.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a process for forming a machined part. The process comprises providing a substrate and depositing a rough part on the substrate. One or more sacrificial supports are deposited adjacent to the rough part on the substrate. All or a portion of the one or more sacrificial supports and a portion of the rough part are removed. Additional embodiments are directed to aircraft part assemblies, and aircraft parts made by the above process.

Abstract: One embodiment of a fastening apparatus may include at least one of a fastener and a collar having a code with information regarding the fastener and/or collar. The code may be communicated to one or more databases of a computer. The fastener and/or collar may be tightened, located, maintained, and/or inspected according to the code and/or database information.

Abstract: Under one step of one embodiment of a solid state method for joining structures, angled edges of at least two structures are disposed adjacent to one another. In another step, a plurality of angled joining members are disposed adjacent to one another between the adjacent angled edges of the at least two structures. In still another step, the angled joining members are welded between the adjacent angled edges of the at least two structures. In yet another step, at least one hole is formed into and extended between adjacent edges of the welded angled joining members. In an additional step, a plug member is forced at least partially into the at least one hole.

Abstract: The present application discloses a thermally conductive panel having a honeycomb core interior portion and a non-metallic thermally conductive face sheet. The honeycomb core interior portion extends between a first end portion and a second end portion of the panel. The face sheet extends across a surface of the honeycomb core interior portion. In operation, the panel is in thermal communication with a heat source.

Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of thermal control coatings, spacecraft components having coatings, and methods for controlling the temperature of a component. In one embodiment, a thermal control coating under the invention may include one or more thermochromic multi-layer coatings and one or more solar rejection multi-layer coatings. The thermal control coating may have one or more transition temperatures at which the solar absorptance of the solar rejection coating substantially stays the same, while a thermal emittance of the thermochromic coating substantially changes.