Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system for generating trajectory predictions for a flight comprising a flight object manager and a trajectory predictor. The flight object manager is configured to generate flight information using a number of flight plans, a number of flight schedules, and flight status information. The trajectory predictor is configured to receive flight information from the flight object manager and use the flight information to generate the trajectory predictions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sensor network system provide surveillance capabilities in multiple contexts/environments (e.g., military, commercial, scientific, civic, urban, wilderness, etc.). Network nodes may include devices such as sensors, network routers, network controllers, etc. Network sensors may be configured so that power management objectives are maximized. Network sensors (both individually and as a group) may be capable of intelligent and cooperative information gathering, so that the output of the sensor network does not contain high levels of irrelevant information. The network nodes may communicate among one another via one or more communication links, and in some cases, multiple routes between any two network nodes may be available. The sensor network may include aspects of both high data rate and low data rate network features.

Abstract: A blind fastener employs a split bolt element having two symmetrical half sections split at mating separation faces and cooperatively displaceable between a first collapsed position and a second expanded position. A capture portion split bolt has a substantially circular plan form in the fist collapsed position with a diameter which is received through an attachment hole in a structural member. A bearing section and a threaded portion both have a substantially circular plan form in the second expanded position while the capture portion has compression surfaces extending with an elliptical major axis greater than the hole diameter in the extended second position to engage a bottom surface surrounding the attachment hole. The bearing section closely engages the attachment hole in the expanded position. A wedge separator element is insertable between the half sections to expand them from the first collapsed position to the second expanded position.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method for coordinating power usage of electrical devices on a power bus. In an embodiment, the system includes a power bus, a first electrical device that is able to intermittently draw power from the power bus, a second electrical device that is able to intermittently draws power from the power bus, and a means for sensing when the second electrical device is intermittently drawing power. When the second electrical device is intermittently drawing power, the first electrical device is inhibited from drawing power from the power bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. In response to a presence of the object in an inspection area, a volume containing the object is identified. The volume has a plurality of portions. A number of sensor systems is assigned to the plurality of portions of the volume. Each sensor system in the number of sensors systems is assigned to a number of portions in the plurality of portions of the volume based on whether each sensor system is able to generate data with a desired level of quality about a surface of the object in a particular portion in the plurality of portions. Data about the surface of the object is generated using the number of sensor systems assigned to the plurality of portions of the volume. A determination is made as to whether a number of inconsistencies is present on the surface of the object using data.

Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for generating an integrated aircraft clearance. Flight information, preference information, environmental information, and constraints are retrieved from a number of sources. The flight information includes at least one of flight plan information, flight scheduling information, flight status information, and environmental information. The flight information is processed against the preference information, the environmental information, and the constraints. A clearance solution is generated for an aircraft based on the flight information, the preference information, the environmental information and the constraints.

Abstract: A filter includes a metallocene for removing oxygen from a gas stream. The filter further includes a support for the metallocene.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention offers a light weight and comfortable seat cushioning system that also provides energy-absorption and enhanced passenger maneuverability in extreme conditions such as may be experienced in a hard landing situation. The cushioning system includes a crushable, energy-absorbing layer, a main cushioning layer, a smaller ishial insert layer which may be the same as the main cushioning material and a semi-dynamic pneumatic cell which uses a dual action breather valve to vary its inflation with changes in cabin pressure. The seat cushion may be finished with a covering of cloth or upholstery.

Abstract: To fabricate a composite item, a first end effector is selected from a plurality of end effectors to apply tows to a form. The first end effector includes an integrated creel configured to store spools of the tow on an assembly of spindles. The assembly of spindles is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first integrated creel. The first end effector is secured to a positioning device. The tows are applied to the form and the tows are compacted on the form with a compaction device. The assembly of spindles are disposed circumferentially about the compaction device.

Abstract: A fastener may include a shaft and a head. The shaft may have first and second opposing ends and a first surface having a first diameter. The head may be attached to the first opposing end of the shaft. The head may have a second surface comprising a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. The head may have a third surface extending between the second surface and the first surface. The third surface may be defined by a relief slot extending from the second surface to at least one of near and to the first surface. The relief slot may be for providing a relief path to reduce pressure during installation, using a viscous compound, of the fastener to a member.

Abstract: A mobile platform is provided. The mobile platform includes a interior overhead structure and at least one compartment rotatably coupled to the interior overhead structure. The compartment is rotatable into an opened position and a closed position. The mobile platform further includes a pivot system coupled to the interior overhead structure and the compartment to enable the compartment to rotate into the opened position and the closed position. The pivot system comprises a first fitting that defines a raceway and a second fitting that defines a hub and a guide. The hub of the second fitting is for engagement with the raceway and the guide directs the first fitting into the second fitting to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing composite aircraft wings and other structures are disclosed herein. A tool assembly for use in manufacturing composite laminates in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a tool plate carried by a movable support system. The tool plate includes a tool surface configured to support fiber-reinforced resin material and define an outer mold line (OML) of the fiber-reinforced resin material. The movable support system is configured to respond to signals from a controller to automatically change the shape of the tool surface and alter the OML of the finished part to suit the particular application. In one embodiment, the movable support system can include a plurality of telescoping actuators operably coupled to the tool plate.

Abstract: A system for identifying events includes a memory capable of storing a compressed event table including a number of events, the event table having been compressed by reducing the number of events in the event table without reducing the number of events represented by the event table. Each event of the event table includes a set of state parameters, and may also be associated with an output. The system also includes a processor capable of operating a fast state recognition (FSR) application. The FSR application, in turn, can receive a plurality of inputs, and identify an event of the compressed event table based upon the plurality of inputs and the state parameters of the compressed event table, event being identified in accordance with a state recognition technique.

Abstract: A device locates an apparatus to the center of a hole in a structure. The device includes a hub adapted to have the apparatus mounted thereon and a plurality of locator elements spaced around the hub which extend at least partially into the hole. Means coupled with the locator elements and the hub are used to displace the locator elements outwardly into engagement with the edges of the structure and to move the hub into axial alignment with the center of the hole.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method for verifying the authenticity of a part using non-destructive backscattered X-rays. The method uses an identification tag embedded in the part that when illuminated by X-rays returns backscattered radiation that is detected and used to authenticate the part. The system comprises a source of low energy X-rays that irradiate a part, a detector for detecting backscattered radiation returned from the part, and a means for determining the presence of an authentication tag in the part. In embodiments, the system and method use a tag made of a material that returns a high amount of backscattered radiation thereby providing a high level of contrast in comparison with the part. In embodiments, the placement of the tag in the part, the geometry of the tag, and coding in the tag are used to authenticate the part.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product for monitoring a tire are provided. An apparatus comprises a laser system comprising a number of lasers configured to identify a radius of a tire of a vehicle located on a ground, wherein a laser in the number of lasers is associated with an axle of the tire. The apparatus also comprises a tire monitoring system configured to identify a set of acceptable radii for the tire using a weight of the vehicle and information about the tire, determine whether the radius of the tire is within the set of acceptable radii, and generate an indication that the radius of the tire is not within the set of acceptable radii comprising the radius of the tire responsive to an absence of a determination that the radius of the tire is within the set of acceptable radii.

Abstract: A voice radio communication system prioritizes radio voice communications so that higher priority voice transmission is given precedence. The communication system comprises a transmitter that inserts a digital watermark into a voice communication. Software in a receiver decodes the digital watermark to determine a priority requested by the sender, and other information about the sender and the message. The software determines the message priority based on multiple factors. Voice transmissions are digitally recorded and played in order of priority. Options exist for the user to control the playback.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus and method for identifying an airspeed for an aircraft. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus consists of a plurality of pitot-static probes. The plurality of pitot-static probes generate a first data. The apparatus also consists of a plurality of angle of attack sensor systems. The plurality of angle of attack sensor systems generate a second data. The apparatus also consists of a plurality of light detection and ranging sensors. The light detection and ranging sensors generates a third data. The apparatus also consists of a signal consolidation system configured to detect errors in the first data generated by the plurality of pitot-static probes, the second data generated by the plurality of angle of attack sensor systems, and the third data generated by the plurality of light detection and ranging sensors.

Abstract: A method for depositing a substance on a real surface of a real object comprises tracking position of an output device on the real surface as the output device is being moved over the real surface. The output device includes a substance-depositing device. The method further comprises using a computer-generated representation of the real surface and extruded surfaces normal to the representation surface at locations where the substance should be deposited; indicating a corresponding tracked position of the output device on the representation surface; and commanding the output device to deposit a substance on the real surface whenever the tracked position on the representation surface crosses an extruded surface.