Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a method for fine-tracking operator assistance for controlling movement of an object toward a target combines an operator input for guiding the object toward the target with a sensor-derived input from sensor measurement of the object's position relative to the target's position. The combined input is separated into low and high frequency content, and a Low Frequency Authority Limit component applies a pre-determined gain over a selected range to the low frequency content, while a High Frequency Authority Limit component applies a pre-determined gain over a selected range to the high frequency content. The low-frequency gain output is combined with the high-frequency gain output as a total control input for control of the object relative to the target.

Abstract: A method of operating a production line comprises the steps of supporting equipment in the production line on a plurality of crawlers comprising at least one rolling track and a structural support for supporting the equipment. A first plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an interior surface of said at least one rolling track is configured to oppose a second plurality of lifting magnets coupled to an exterior surface of said structure support to lift the structural support, such that the structural support floats between and within said at least one rolling track. The magnetic fields experienced by the first and second plurality of lift magnets are adjusted to translate the at least one rolling track, such that the crawlers move along the production line.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for powdering highly unsaturated fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid which are pasty and problematic in physical properties by a simple and easy means; highly unsaturated fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid which are improved in stability by powdering; and compositions containing the powdered highly unsaturated fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid. Specifically, a process for powdering a highly unsaturated fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid as represented by the general formula (I): RCO-A [wherein RCO— is acyl derived from a highly unsaturated fatty acid; and A is an ascorbic acid residue bonded through an —O— linkage resulting from an hydroxyl group of ascorbic acid], characterized by mixing a highly unsaturated fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid as represented by the general formula (I) with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble filler to form an emulsion and dehydrating and drying the emulsion by a spray drying method.

Abstract: An air pump positioned within a hollow space in an aerodynamic structure for controlling the flow over an aerodynamic surface thereof, includes a movable member linearly displaced by a very low friction piston mechanism and a compression chamber open to the exterior of the aerodynamic surface through an orifice. Reciprocal displacement of the very low friction movable member changes the volume of the compression chamber to alternately expel fluid (e.g., air) from and pull fluid into the compression chamber through the orifice. The movable member includes a piston oscillating within a piston housing each having an ultra-low friction coating for improved thermal performance and reduced maintenance. Fluid intake to the compression chamber may be increased through the use of a one-way valve located either in the aerodynamic surface, or in the piston. Multiple flapper valves may surround the orifice in the aerodynamic surface for increased fluid control.

Abstract: A storage system comprising: an evacuable and reclosable bag comprising a wall made of a flexible material and a one-way valve attached to said wall of said bag; a container having walls made of a material less flexible than the flexible material; and an attachment device that attaches the bag to the container such that at least a portion of the bag resides within the container. To use this storage system, compressible articles are placed inside the evacuable bag. Then the bag is hermetically sealed and evacuated. During evacuation, the shape of the compressible articles inside the bag conform to the shape of the container interior volume. In one embodiment, when the bag with compressed articles is removed from the container, its shape facilitates stacking. In another embodiment, the storage bag with compressed articles remains inside the container.

Abstract: A method of constructing, assembling and disassembling a mandrel for fabricating a monolithic composite nacelle panel for use on an airplane comprises attaching a first fairing bar including an exposed ball roller assembly to a tilting plate; attaching a first outer section to said first fairing bar; attaching a second outer section to said first fairing bar; attaching a center section to said first outer section and said second outer section; attaching a nozzle section to said first fairing bar and positioned adjacent an inner wall of said first outer section, an inner wall of said center section, and an inner wall of said second outer section; attaching a second fairing bar to said first outer section, said center section, and said second outer section; and attaching a cavity section to said second fairing bar.

Abstract: An airport security system includes a scanner scanning and time stamping an article of identification of an individual passing into a secure terminal area. The system further includes security cameras generating respective video signals of overlapping zones of coverage of the secure terminal area. The video signals are recorded and received in a controller generating a seamless video signal therefrom. Reversing of the seamless video signal allows visual tracking of a security breach in the secure terminal area from the time of breach identification scan and time stamp. Faster than real time forwarding of the seamless video signal allows tracking of the security breach from the time stamp to the breacher's present location within the secure terminal area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating erectile dysfunction by using a pulsating, ultraweak, magnetic field. A transducer generates an ultraweak, pulsating magnetic fields which is applied to the penis, which as a result of the magnetic field causes the erection of the penis. Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus and method for treating medical conditions in women by using a pulsating, ultraweak, magnetic field.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical modulator which is capable of adjusting optical intensity of optical signals which contains non-desired components so that the intensity of the components become at a similar level, whereby the optical modulator is capable of effectively suppressing the non-desired components when the optical signals are combined.

Abstract: An electromagnetically formed fluid circuit joint (150) includes a tubular conduit (58) that has an outer surface (154) with a groove (72). A hollow fitting (56) is mechanically separate from and received over the tubular conduit (58). The hollow fitting (56) includes an electromagnetic field formed wall deformation (165) that extends into the groove (72).

Abstract: An optical modulator achieving high extinction ratio and an optical modulator system. By a control system performing an adjustment method comprising predetermined steps by applying a bias voltage daringly to a modulation electrode for switching the USB signal and LSB signal of an established optical SSB modulator or optical FSK modulator, a means for adjusting bias voltage applied to each bias electrode preferably automatically is provided and a bias point where the extinction ratio of an optical modulator is maximized can be obtained.

Abstract: A thermal bonding pattern for nonwoven fabric possessing improved abrasion resistance while retaining softness, comprising a basket-weave pattern or other pattern having a transition area (2) equal to at least 10% of bonding spot area (1) in FIG. 3, more preferably a transition area (2) equal to at least 50% of bonding spot area (1), and most preferably a transition area (2) equal to at least 100% of bonding spot area.

Abstract: A determinant assembly feature for a joint assembly and a method of assembly therefor. The joint assembly includes a structure and a web connected thereto. The structure includes a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel, and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg. The web includes a thickness control element and one or more location control elements correspondingly matched to the location control receiving elements. The method includes providing a structure comprising a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg; providing a web comprising one or more location control elements and a thickness control element; and inserting the web into the structure, wherein the one or more location control elements is correspondingly matched to the one or more location control receiving elements.

Abstract: An aircraft stringer lay-up assembly is provided comprising a contoured curing block and a first mandrel element positioned thereon. The first mandrel assembly includes a first bar assembly having a plurality of rigidity reducing first slots formed along a first mandrel length. The plurality of rigidity reducing first slots protruding partially through a first mandrel depth of the first mandrel element to allow the first bar assembly to conform to the contoured curing block. A composite ply assembly is laid up onto the first mandrel element and cured while conformed to said contoured curing block such that a contoured composite stringer element is generated.

Abstract: A system and a method for ensuring that the initiation of mobile platform operations using maintenance terminals or other tools is prohibited when maintenance activities are not intended to be performed. The solution involves the incorporation of a manual interlock switch (accessible only to authorized personnel) that blocks activation of certain functions during times when such activation would be hazardous and when no properly authorized person has authorized such activation. No system for performing such a function will respond to a request unless the interlock is enabled. Should such a request be received, the system is required to report a fault, so that an investigation can be made as to the cause of the invalid request.

Abstract: A method of making a tailored blank comprising the following steps: (a) friction welding first and second structural members together at a substantially right angle with respect to each other to form an intersection comprising a first joining surface formed by adjoining bottom faces of the first and second structural members, and a second joining surface formed by an angled face of the first structural member that is disposed at a first oblique angle relative to the bottom face of the first structural member; (b) friction welding the first joining surface of the intersection to a first portion of a surface of a base member; and (c) concurrently linear friction welding first and second joining surfaces of a third structural member to the second joining surface of the intersection and to a second portion of the surface of the base member respectively.

Abstract: A secure network server having an embedded Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) server that is not within its trusted security functionality and that is used to configure the SNS security and networking features.

Abstract: A device for stowing and deploying a handheld device such as a telecommunications handset within an aircraft or other vehicle has a housing, a pivoting cradle attached to the inner surface of the housing, means for limiting the range of permitted pivoting motion of the cradle within the housing, optional biasing means such as a coil spring between the housing and the pivoting cradle, and means for mounting the housing to a secure place in the aircraft. The cradle has an elongate base with a handset receiving section, and a pivoting mount affixed or integrally molded on each side of the housing. The symmetrical pivoting mount may be a series of at least two slots arrayed in a radius from the geometric pivot point, i.e., the axis of rotation of the handset cradle.