Abstract: A satellite communication system includes a constellation of non-geostationary orbiting satellites following a fixed ground track on the earth, and ground terminals having substantially continuous visibility to at least one of the satellites in a single ground track. Each of the satellites in the constellation follows a single substantially linear track across the sky when observed from the earth. In a preferred embodiment, the system can also include ground terminals which have an antenna with a single axis of scanning motion. In this embodiment, satellites have repeating ground tracks wherein a satellite completes n orbital revolutions each time the earth rotates through 360 degrees, wherein n is an integer between 2 and 15, inclusive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for minimizing undesirable gaps in riveted assemblies. The method includes the steps of selecting a rivet having a head and a tail with identical forming characteristics, positioning the selected rivet in an assembly that is countersunk on one of two sides, and applying a force over time to the head of the rivet and a force over time to the tail of the rivet that are equal and opposite, compensating for force unbalancing characteristics of the countersink.

Abstract: A low-noise air delivery system including a nozzle plate having a plurality of tubes. Each tube acts as an independent nozzle with an external diameter (d). Each tube is spaced approximately two external diameters (2d) apart from an adjacent tube. The system also includes a hand-held portion coupled to the nozzle plate engageable to and in communication with an air supply.

Abstract: A method of prescoring foam board for making composite panels includes impressing a pattern of ridges projecting from a surface of a die into at least one face surface of the foam board. The pattern of ridges on the die forms a pattern of indentations having three series of parallel linear indentations, each series being angularly offset from each series other by 60°. The ridges on the embossing die are pressed into the foam sufficiently deep that the the pattern of indentations impressed in the board surface after whatever springback occurs remain deep enough to enable volatiles generated in an interior zone of a panel to escape when drawn out by a vacuum pump when the foam board is heated under pressure between two face sheets of resin-preimpregnated fabric to form a composite panel.

Abstract: A masking device that masks the fitting on a tube assembly. The masking device includes a clamping assembly that supports the fitting of the tube assembly once it is inserted into the device. The masking device also includes an extension assembly that moves relative to the clamping assembly and has a plurality of stretching members that stretch an elastic sleeve to a diameter equal to or greater than the fitting. The masking device also has a drive assembly that moves the extension assembly relative to the housing and the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A quick release panel assembly comprising a panel which is releasably fastened to a structure by a release and locking assembly. The release and locking assembly includes a driver element and four actuating arms that are pivotally connected to the driver element, the cover, and to four respective locking mechanisms located at each edge of the panel. The driver element moves the actuating arms between first and second positions to move the locking mechanisms between a locking position to fasten the cover to the structure and an unlocking position.

Abstract: A thermal insulating blanket for insulating a surface from extreme external temperatures. The blanket includes ceramic fiber batting that insulates the surface from the external temperatures, a frame for supporting the ceramic fiber batting and preventing the ceramic fiber batting from sagging, and a ceramic fabric cover enclosing the ceramic fiber batting and the frame. The ceramic fabric cover defines a first side of the blanket facing externally, and a second side opposite the first side and facing the surface. The blanket also includes a low profile fastener for coupling the blanket to the surface. The fastener is coupled and decoupled from the surface by applying pressure to the first side of the blanket proximate the fastener.

Abstract: Slotted cruise airfoil technology allows production of a substantially unswept wing that achieves the same cruise speed as today's conventional jet airplanes with higher sweep. This technology allows the wing boundary layer to negotiate a strong recovery gradient closer to the wing trailing edge. The result is about a cruise speed of Mach=0.78, but with a straight wing. It also means that for the same lift, the super velocities over the top of the wing can be lower. With very low sweep and this type of cruise pressure distribution, natural laminar flow will be obtained. In addition, heat is transferred from the leading edge of the wing and of the main flap to increase the extent of the natural laminar flow. The slotted cruise wing airfoil allows modularization of the wing and the body for a family of airplanes. The unsweeping of the wing significantly changes the manufacturing processes, reduces manufacturing costs and flow time from detail part fabrication to airplane delivery.

Abstract: A fluid applicator used to apply an even coat of fluid to a surface which is not accessible along a longitudinal axis of the applicator. The applicator includes a fluid delivery system that delivers the fluid under low pressure, and has a distal end bent 30° to 60° from the applicator's longitudinal axis. The applicator also has an air delivery system with a distal end bent at an angle identical to the distal end of the fluid delivery system. The air delivery system delivers a high pressure jet of air 90° relative to the fluid, thereby aspirating the fluid and ejecting it onto the inaccessible surface.

Abstract: A foam board, for fabrication of sandwich panels made of a face sheets bonded over each side of the foam board, has two opposed planar faces having an embossed pattern in the faces. The embossed pattern has three series of parallel linear indentations, each of the series intersecting the other two series at an angle of 60°, such as a series of interlinked equilateral triangles angularly offset from the other two series. The indentations into the surface of the foam boards are sufficiently deep and close together to provide escape paths for volatiles generated during the bonding. In this way, the face sheets may be bonded over the foam board and the escape paths vent the volatiles and prevents the development of excessive pressure between the face sheets that otherwise would interfere with the bonding.

Abstract: A controller, for use with a fastener installation apparatus having a primary turret tooling head and an opposed reactionary tooling head, includes a data acquisition computer and several servomotors controlled by the computer for operatively connecting the computer to the primary tooling head turret for rotatably positioning the turret, and actuating the tools. The servo operated drive systems are computer operated and numerically controlled to position the turret relative to the work piece for accurate and repeatable positioning of the tools on the turret over the desired location of the hole without sacrificing desirable machine rigidity for some fastening operations. The system includes programming means operable to cause the computer to rotate the primary turret tooling head and actuate the tools using the computer numerically controlled servo motors for remotely controlling both the linear carriage position, the turret angular rotation, and actuation of the tools.

Abstract: An apparatus that dispenses material stored in a soft packet. The apparatus includes a barrel sized to contain the soft packet. The barrel has a front end and a back end. The apparatus also includes a cap removably engaged to the front end of the barrel. The cap has an orifice through which the material may flow. The cap also has inner dimensions sized to form a seal with a top portion of the soft packet to minimize any extraneous air trapped therebetween. The apparatus further includes a plunger positioned within the barrel. The plunger applies pressure to the soft packet when the plunger moves from the back end of the barrel toward the front end of the barrel to force the material out from the packet and through the orifice.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high speed milling tool for deburring or edge radiusing of machine parts. This tool comprises a plurality of cutter inserts having corresponding edges whereby each edge mills only a portion of the machine part radius. This requires a full revolution of the tool producing a faceted approximation of the cut radius to make a complete cut. The tool offers significant improvement in part feedrate in high speed milling applications requiring either a longer tool reach or set length or parts having taller or thinner edges without effects of deflection or chatter between the part and tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure foot that applies a clamping pressure to an area undergoing drilling or fastening operations on a joint formed by a first panel and a second panel. The pressure foot includes a front clamp for pressing against a front side of the area undergoing the drilling or fastening operations, and a carriage for moving the front clamp along a length and width of the joint formed by the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for minimizing undesirable gaps in riveted assemblies. The method includes the steps of selecting a rivet having a head and a tail with identical forming characteristics, positioning the selected rivet in an assembly that is countersunk on one of two sides, and applying a force over time to the head of the rivet and a force over time to the tail of the rivet that are equal and opposite, compensating for force unbalancing characteristics of the countersink.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing privacy for seated airplane passengers also serves to provide support for passengers walking about the airplane cabin. In a first embodiment, the apparatus is positioned behind and adjacent to the seat. The apparatus includes a side wall that is aligned with the side of the seat along the cabin aisle, and a pedestal that is perpendicular to the aisle and which is mounted to the cabin floor. In a second embodiment, the apparatus includes a rear wall that is mounted to the pedestal in a manner perpendicular to the side wall and that is integrally connected to the side wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool position detection assembly that aligns a tool relative to a feature within a lap joint of a first panel and a second panel. The detection assembly includes an indexing device engageable to the feature. The indexing device includes a reflecting member having a width. The assembly also includes an end-effector movable along at least one axis parallel to the lap joint for positioning the tool. The end-effector has a dual laser device for detecting when the device is aligned with the reflecting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum fastened guide that supports and facilitates movements of a machining device along at least one component to be operated upon. The guide includes a primary rail that is vacuum coupled to the component. The primary rail includes a primary tube portion for slideable engagement with the machining device, and a primary contact platform coupled to the primary tube portion for forming a vacuum between the primary rail and the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar that upsets a shank of a rivet. The bucking bar includes an L-shaped bucking die having a wide section and a thin angular section capable of sliding between an obstacle and the shank. The L-shaped bucking bar consists of Tungsten Carbide. The bucking bar also includes a bucking bar arm coupled to the wide section of the L-shaped bucking die for positioning the thin angular section of the bucking die between the obstacle and the shank of the rivet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bucking bar assembly that positions a bucking bar for clamping a first panel and a second panel along a lap joint and upsets a rivet to fasten the first panel to the second panel at the lap joint. The assembly includes a lateral carriage system for moving the bucking bar along a length of the lap joint, and a rotational carriage system for rotating the bucking bar relative to the lateral carriage.