Abstract: Situational Awareness and Guidance Reference (SAGR) and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display system utilized for a traffic application and an SAGR associated with the own-ship symbol providing longitudinal and lateral guidance reference. In a manual implementation, the SAGR aids human operators achieve required longitudinal and lateral spacing from selected traffic by depicting a small operating region on a navigational map display within which an aircraft will have achieved the required spacing. Such depiction of the deviation guidance may be with respect to time or distance relative to selected traffic aircraft or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode.

Abstract: Secure communication of information is effected from a first party to a second party when the first party knows its own global location and the global location of the second party, and employs what essentially is an undiscoverable code signal that is broadcast to, and received by, both the first and the second parties. The first party securely communicates information to the second party by modifying the code signal with the information that is to be communicated and sends the modified code signal to the second party. Illustratively, the code signal is related to the Y component of a GPS signal.

Abstract: A joint apparatus and method of assembly is disclosed for connecting building components such as panels, door jamb assemblies, windows and other structures. The apparatus includes an engagement structure with retaining elements that couple building components without the need for mechanical fasteners. The retaining element may contain serrations on which an adhesive is applied before a panel or other building component is secured to the joint apparatus. Other building components such as hinge assemblies include coupling members with a flange. The slots along a retaining element allows coupling members to snap fit into the joint apparatus once a flange is secured into the slots in order to lock the components.

Abstract: Approach Decision Display and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A method and system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display of operationally-relevant information for final approach and landing on a cockpit graphical display. Approach Decision Display System (ADDS) provides, in a graphical display, dynamic decision parameters as a function of the health of required equipment for the selected approach and the aircraft's ability to execute the approach and landing.

Abstract: Context-Sensitive Reference (CSR) for situational awareness, and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment includes an aircraft display system having a traffic application with traffic symbols representing traffic aircraft and a CSR associated with traffic aircraft displayed proximate to the respective traffic symbol. The CSR improves situational awareness of the traffic scenario by further refining the depiction of actual traffic on a traffic display relative to own-ship suitable to the traffic situational awareness need at hand. Such depiction may be in time or distance relative to own-ship or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode.

Abstract: Situational Awareness and Guidance Reference (SAGR) and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a display system utilized for a traffic application and an SAGR associated with the own-ship symbol providing longitudinal and lateral guidance reference. In a manual implementation, the SAGR aids human operators achieve required longitudinal and lateral spacing from selected traffic by depicting a small operating region on a navigational map display within which an aircraft will have achieved the required spacing. Such depiction of the deviation guidance may be with respect to time or distance relative to selected traffic aircraft or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode.

Abstract: An device, method, and aircraft are provided for illuminating an in-flight operation, the device, method, and aircraft generating an electromagnetic radiation within the far-violet and ultraviolet spectrum, and thus being imperceptible to the naked eye, compatible with night vision equipment, and undetectable by night vision equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second coupling devices each having a lever end, a gripping end, and an elongated slot: an axle disposed within the elongated slot of each coupling device where the coupling devices may pivot relative to each other about the axle: a threaded shaft operatively attached to both a bushing pivotally disposed at the first coupling device lever end and a threaded seat pivotally disposed at the second coupling device lever end and configured to advance the lever ends toward each other as the threaded shaft is rotated in a first direction; and a pair of latches rotatably attached to a respective gripping end of a respective coupling device, each latch having a distal toe plate configured to engage a circumference of one of a pair of washers, the apparatus configured to tighten or loosen the pair of washers by imparting opposite rotational forces to the washers.

Abstract: A method and system of determining the physical dimensions and configuration of a structure or system as a precursor to the design of modifications of the structure or system by analyzing hidden objects within the structure or system is provided. The method includes accessing the structure or system prior to the modification for preparation of the modification; scanning the structure or system with an x-ray backscatter unit; collecting data from the x-ray backscatter unit and combining and reconstructing the data into a 2-D, 2-D panoramic or 3-D data set; producing surfaces and structures of the hidden objects from the data set; and tying the surfaces and structures of the hidden objects into a pre-existing coordinate system of the structure or system creating a 3-D model.

Abstract: A system and method for knowledge based development of interior models for configurable spaces, including passenger vehicles includes a database containing rules and parameters, a computer-aided design system, a user interface, and programmatic logic allowing aspects of the vehicle to be automatically changed upon a change initiated by a user, to maximize space and maintain compliance with the rules and parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for varying a wall skin to alter airflow over the skin. The apparatus has a first and second end-plates, a plurality of flexible rods are arranged substantially parallel to substantially define a plane, each flexible rod has a mid-point and first and second ends secured to the first and second end-plates respectively. Each mounting structure is slidingly attached to the flexible rods between the mid-point and each end-plate, proximate to the end. An elastomer envelops the rods to form a flexible skin. A plurality of shape memory alloy rods are arranged parallel to and define a plane and having each end secured to an end-plate, the plurality of shape memory alloy rods being contractible when heated such that upon contraction the plurality of shape memory allow rods will buckle the plurality of flexible rods and the flexible skin to alter airflow over the skin.

Abstract: A decompression panel assembly (12) for use in an aircraft separation structure (14). The panel assembly includes a support pan (26) having an opening (28), a bull nose (64) extending outwardly from the support pan at the opening's edge, and a recess (62) surrounding the bull nose. An inner seal (70) is sized and located within the recess (62). A retaining ring (22) is provided and includes a number of fingers (84) formed from spaced-apart slits (86) extending into the retaining ring (22) from the ring's inner edge. The assembly (12) further includes a pressure relief panel (24) shaped similar to the support pan opening shape, though sized slightly larger. The pressure relief panel (24) is held between the support pan bull nose (64) and the retaining ring (22) during non-decompression use. A number of index pins (94) interconnect between the retaining ring and the support pan. A grill (30) is attached to the support pan to protect the pressure relief panel.