Abstract: A wire-based heating element is provided having first and second portions twisted about each other such that magnetic flux emitted from one portion is substantially cancelled by magnetic flux emitted from the other portion. A bonding material that fixedly connects the two portions of the heating element and restricts their movement relative to each other to thereby maximize the cancellation of magnetic flux. A substrate-based heating element is also provided having traces on opposed sides of a substrate and overlying each other to cancel magnetic flux. Electrical connection pads are located on the same side of the substrate, and the second trace extends passed the first trace to connect to the second connection pad. A lead connected to the first connection pad overlies the portion of the second trace that extends to the second connection pad to thereby cancel magnetic flux emissions from this portion of the second trace.

Abstract: An intruder-resistant latch useful for latching an aircraft flight deck door includes a damper for reducing noise while the door is being operated. The latch also includes a driver member having coated pins that reduce noise while the latch is in operation. The latch allows a flight deck door to be operated with minimal disturbance to a flight crew at work and/or crew members who may be resting. The latch is fabricated of ballistic impact-resistant material(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally encompass a digital, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has been designed to perform excitation of a selected mode within a vibratory rate gyroscope, damping, or “force-rebalance,” of other modes within the sensor, and signal demodulation of the in-phase and quadrature components of the signal containing the angular rate information. The ASIC filters dedicated to each channel may be individually programmed to accommodate different rate sensor designs/technology or variations within the same class of sensors. The ASIC architecture employs a low-power design, making the ASIC, particularly suitable for use in power-sensitive applications.

Abstract: A pressure clamp assembly for clamping a plurality of overlapping members together. The pressure clamp includes a pair of compression members attached to a clamp body and driven together by a power source. The power source includes a fluid pressure cylinder that repeatably produces high clamping forces so as to inhibit the production of inter-laminate burrs during drilling. The compression members each include an elongated compression foot that distributes the clamping pressure over a wide area to allow drilling in a relatively wide range of locations. In addition, each compression foot defines a drill bit assembly guide that facilitates accurate hole drilling through multiple overlapping parts.

Abstract: A recessed p-type region cap layer avalanche photodiode (12) is provided. The photodiode (12) includes a semiconductor substrate (30) and a semiconductor stack (32), which is electrically coupled to the substrate (30). A cap layer (34) is electrically coupled to the stack (32) and includes a recessed p-type region (36). The recessed p-type region (36) forms a p-n junction (38) with the stack (32). A method of forming the photodiode (12) is also provided. The method includes forming the substrate (30), the stack (32), and the cap layer (34). The cap layer (34) is selectively etched to expose the stack (32) and form a cap layer opening (42). Dopant is diffused through the cap layer opening (42) into the stack (32) to form the p-n junction (38).

Abstract: An automated parts storage and retrieval method is provided. The method includes a frame, a plurality of trays configured to hold a plurality of parts, and a movement method attached to the frame and arranged to move the plurality of trays in a serpentine pattern for retrieval and storage of the plurality of parts. The movement method includes a plurality of sprockets arranged within the frame in a zigzag pattern, at least one chain toothedly engaged within the plurality of sprockets, and a drive motor configured to drive one of the plurality of sockets. The plurality of trays are rotatably attached to the at least one chain. The method includes a computer method for controlling the drive motor based on a selection using a parts selection component and position information sent by a position sensor.

Abstract: A retractable restraint device is provided for restraining cargo pallets within a fuselage of an aircraft during flight. The device includes a lock mechanism having a base that is fixedly secured within a channel in a floor of the fuselage. Two parallel channels are typically used which each contain a plurality of the locking mechanisms spaced apart therealong. Each locking mechanism includes a guide having a lock hook and a lock catch member pivotally secured thereto. The lock hook is moveable from an unlocked position into a lock position relative to the pallet by releasing the lock catch member. A biasing spring urges the lock hook into engagement with the pallet. The lock hook is retained in its unlocked position by the lock catch member, which is also spring biased and which can be engaged with a foot to release the lock member into the locked position.

Abstract: A method for producing stable atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasmas using RF excitation and the use of said plasmas for modifying the surface layer of materials. The plasma generated by this process and its surface modification capability depend on the type of gases used and their chemical reactivity. These plasmas can be used for a variety of applications, including etching of organic material from the surface layer of inorganic substrates, as an environmentally benign alternative to industrial cleaning operations which currently employ solvents and degreasers, as a method of stripping paint from surfaces, for the surface modification of composites prior to adhesive bonding operations, for use as a localized etcher of electronic boards and assemblies and in microelectronic fabrication, and for the sterilization of tools used in medical applications.

Abstract: A method for leaving a multicast computer network is disclosed. The method allows for the disconnection of a first computer from a second computer. When the first computer decides to disconnect from the second computer, the first computer sends a disconnect message to the second computer. Then, when the second computer receives the disconnect message from the first computer, the second computer broadcasts a connection port search message to find a third computer to which it can connect.

Abstract: An ignition isolating interrupt control circuit (52) includes a main transition circuit (90) isolating a first activation circuit (84) from an ignition circuit (114). The main transition circuit (90) includes a source terminal (93) that is electrically coupled to and receives a first source power from the first activation circuit (84). An input terminal (106) is electrically coupled to a second activation circuit (88) and receives an activation signal. An output terminal (138) is electrically coupled to the ignition circuit (114) and receives and supplies the first source power to the ignition circuit (114) in response to the activation signal. A power source monitor cutoff circuit (112) including a comparator is electrically coupled to the first activation circuit (84) and to the ignition circuit (114) and disables the ignition circuit (114) when a source voltage level is less than a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A system for providing cutting and orbitally welding thin-walled tubing. The system includes a plurality of clamping blocks that hold the tubing while the tubing is trimmed and orbitally welded. The system further includes at least one tooling plate to which the clamping blocks can be mounted such that the tubing is attached to the tooling plate and properly aligned for net length trimming. The system further includes a welding cassette for retaining the clamping blocks and properly aligning the tubing during orbital welding.

Abstract: A method for rapidly identifying which one of a plurality of mobile radio frequency (RF) terminals on-board a corresponding plurality of mobile platforms, such as aircraft, accessing a target transponded satellite, is causing interference with one or more non-target satellites orbiting in proximity to the target satellite. The method involves dividing the plurality of mobile RF terminals into two groups and commanding one group of terminals to stop transmitting. A check is then made to determine which group of terminals is causing the interference. That particular group is then subdivided successively by a factor of 2 and alternately checked to see if it is still causing the interference until a single mobile terminal is identified as the source of the interference.

Abstract: A method of creating a program management chart comprising the steps of displaying a plurality of tasks within a selected set of data as a first part of the program management chart; and displaying a task that is outside of the selected set of data but that is associated with at least one of the plurality of tasks within the selected set of data as a second part of the program management chart. A method of creating a program management chart comprising the steps of displaying a work breakdown structure tree associated with a project without accessing project data; selecting a subfolder within the work breakdown structure tree; and accessing task data associated with the selected subfolder within the work breakdown structure tree without accessing all of the project data.

Abstract: A method of reducing propagation of threading dislocations into active areas of an optoelectronic device having a III-V material system includes growing a metamorphic buffer region in the presence of an isoelectronic surfactant. A first buffer layer may be lattice matched to an adjacent substrate and a second buffer layer may be lattice matched to device layers disposed upon the second buffer layer. Moreover, multiple metamorphic buffer layers fabricated in this manner may be used in a single given device allowing multiple layers to have their band gaps and lattice constants independently selected from those of the rest of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making large spin blanks out of pieces of aluminum sheet or plate joined by friction stir welding to provide plate blank sizes greater than 156 inch (396 cm) in diameter. Blank sizes greater than 209 inch diameter enable manufacturing possibilities for large one-piece spun parts instead of constructing large structures from pieces. This also applies to sheet, except that the maximum width obtainable is 139 inches (353 cm). The availability of large blank sizes, particularly for sheet, permits the use of traditional spinning where bending is the predominant method of metal movement rather than stretching and spinning. As the present invention is a very cost effective approach, it provides a method for producing significantly more economical spin blanks between 156 and 209 inches in diameter than are obtainable for a single piece blank.

Abstract: A communications system and method for transmitting data to a mobile platform is provided. The communications system comprises a forward link assignment manager in communication with a route server and a router, wherein the router selects from paths of forward link equipment chains to transmit data to the mobile platform. Generally, the forward link assignment manager assigns a cost to the path of each chain such that the more available the chain, the lower its cost, and the router always selects the lowest cost path. If a chain of forward link equipment fails, the forward link assignment manager increases its cost above that of a spare chain, which results in the router selecting the spare chain. Further systems are provided that inform the forward link assignment manager of a failed chain of forward link equipment, in addition to systems that remove a failed chain from the network topology.

Abstract: A system for moving a load toward a setpoint includes an actuator connected to the load and a controller capable of controlling the operation of the actuator. The actuator can generate an input energy that is transferred to the load to move the load toward the setpoint, and the controller can control the operation of the actuator to move the load. The controller is also capable of determining a command distance based upon the setpoint and a current position of the load. Based upon the command distance, then, the controller can determine a pulse duration based upon the command distance. The controller can then apply an input pulse to the actuator for the pulse duration such that the actuator generates the input energy. Advantageously, the input pulse is applied such that the input energy equals an amount of energy lost by the load in moving the load toward the setpoint.

Abstract: The apparatus for operating on a workpiece includes a die defining first and second apertures and an interior therebetween. The first aperture and the interior of the die are structured to receive the workpiece. The interior of the die can be structured to shape the workpiece into a predetermined configuration. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable pin extending at least partially into the interior of the die. The pin is structured to at least partially stir the workpiece as the workpiece moves through the interior of the die to thereby refine the grain structure of the workpiece.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for aircraft wing panels and the like includes one or more positioners movable along a bed above which the panel is supported, each positioner carrying a tool-supporting frame on which assembly tools are mounted for performing assembly operations on the panel. The tool-supporting frame is releasable from the positioner, and the apparatus includes a frame changer that travels to the positioner, removes the tool-supporting frame, installs a replacement frame into the positioner, and carries the removed frame to a remote service station where servicing operations are performed on the frame.

Abstract: Boeing achieves satellite diversity by having a large discrimination angle for a MEO constellation of communications satellites to limit interference in the Ku-band with GSO communications systems. Each satellite entering an exclusion zone over a GSO ground station terminates all transmissions to provide EPFD within acceptable limits. The Boeing MEO constellation preferably comprises 20 satellites, 5 in each orbit. The four orbits are inclined at about 57° with respect to the equator. Services include an Integrated Digital Service (IDS) and Backhaul Data Service (BDS) to accommodate the needs of different users.