Abstract: Various methods and devices for touch screens using topological insulators are provided. One of the touch screen devices includes a touch sensor layer including a three-dimensional “3D” topological insulator that maintains an electric charge over opposing outer surfaces of the 3D topological insulator. The touch screen device also includes electrodes electrically connecting the opposing outer surfaces of the 3D topological insulator. The touch screen device also includes a controller that determines a position at which an object touches the touch screen device based on a change in the electric charge over the opposing outer surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an inductive coil anti-icing and noise absorption system. In certain versions, the inductive coil anti-icing and noise absorption system may include an inductive coil and a skin. The inductive coil may generate electromagnetic fields and may electromagnetically couple with the skin. The skin, upon electromagnetically coupling with the inductive coil, may increase in temperature and the increase in temperature may melt or prevent the formation of ice on the skin. The skin or a portion of the skin may be porous and may allow incorporation of a sound absorbing liner. The sound absorbing liner may attenuate noise generated by the aircraft (e.g., noise generated by the aircraft engine). Certain versions may include a plurality of inductive coils and a plurality of skins.

Abstract: A gas delivery system and method for delivering reactants such as a first gas through a first conduit and a second gas through at least one second conduit, for example, through a plurality of second conduits. The plurality of second conduits may each have a length, wherein at least a portion of the length is entirely disposed within the first conduit. In an implementation, the first conduit may deliver carbon monoxide and the one or more second conduits may deliver carbon monoxide doped with a catalyst such as iron pentacarbonyl. The first and second gases may be introduced into a reaction vessel such as a reactor chamber and used to form carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A multi-functional composite structure has a modular design that can be altered depending on an extreme environment in which the structure will be exposed such as hazardous radiation, micro-meteoroid and orbital debris impacts, extreme temperature changes, etc. The material combinations employed in the multi-functional composite structure provide a supporting structure with low weight and maximum protection from radiation, debris impacts and temperature variations.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a network service exchange system, a request from a device. The request indicates one or more service parameters. The method includes, in response to receiving the request, validating the device and the one or more service parameters. A reverse auction is performed to select a service provider from among a plurality of candidate service providers. The service provider is selected based on the one or more service parameters. The method further includes, after selecting the service provider, performing an over-the-air provisioning process to enable the device to communicate using a network associated with the service provider.

Abstract: A bidirectional, multi-wavelength fiber optical network that enables communication between electrical components (such as line replaceable units) at high data transmission rates. The proposed fiber optical network in accordance with some embodiments comprises a single plastic or glass optical fiber capable of transmitting data at rates faster than 1 Gbits/sec. In accordance with some embodiments, the number of fiber cables between line replaceable units onboard an airplane can be reduced by a factor of eight or more by substituting one gigabit plastic or gigabit glass optical fiber for four or more plastic or glass optical fibers.

Abstract: A moisture diversion system of an aircraft for capturing moisture from at least one internal aircraft structure or at least one gap, the moisture diversion system comprising: a drip shield with an upper surface having a concave shape, at least one moisture channel disposed in the upper surface of the drip shield, the drip shield being in a moisture capturing orientation under the at least one internal aircraft structure or the at least one gap.

Abstract: An underwater communications system includes a network communication interface, one or more computer processors, and a memory containing computer program code that, when executed by operation of the one or more computer processors, performs an operation. The operation includes storing a plurality of data packets to be transmitted to a destination device, determining that data communications over the network communication interface have become available for a first network node, and determining that the first network node has a valid security credential that has not been revoked by an access granting authority. Additionally, the operation includes, upon determining that the first network node has the valid security credential, transmitting the stored plurality of data packets over the network communication interface to the first network node. The first network node is configured to employ store-carry-and-forward data messaging techniques to transmit the plurality of data packets towards the destination device.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical energy from wind are described. In an example, a method includes capturing wind in an intake on an exterior surface of a structure. The method also includes directing, via a duct, the wind from the intake to a centrifugal fan and, while directing the wind from the intake to the centrifugal fan, compressing and accelerating the wind in the duct. The method further includes receiving, in the centrifugal fan, the wind from the duct and rotating, via the received wind, a fan blade assembly in the centrifugal fan. The method still further includes generating electrical energy, via a generator, based on the rotation of the fan blade assembly.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag system includes a first portion that is configured to be secured to a component, and a second portion that removably couples to the first portion. The RFID tag system is active when the first portion is coupled to the second portion. The RFID tag system is deactivated when the first portion is uncoupled from the second portion.

Abstract: A system for inductively heating a workpiece may include an induction coil, at least one susceptor face sheet, and a current controller coupled. The induction coil may be configured to conduct an alternating current and generate a magnetic field in response to the alternating current. The susceptor face sheet may be configured to have a workpiece positioned therewith. The susceptor face sheet may be formed of a ferromagnetic alloy having a Curie temperature and being inductively heatable to an equilibrium temperature approaching the Curie temperature in response to the magnetic field. The current controller may be coupled to the induction coil and may be configured to adjust the alternating current in a manner causing a change in at least one heating parameter of the susceptor face sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an automated validation of a condition of assembly for a structure. A plurality of images of the structure are registered to a computer model of the structure in which an image in the plurality of images captures a portion of the structure. Each image in the plurality of images is segmented based on registration of the plurality of images to the computer model to form a plurality of image sections. A final score is generated for the condition of assembly of the structure based on whether each image section in the plurality of image sections meets a corresponding condition in which the final score indicates whether the condition of assembly is valid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acoustic paneling. One embodiment is a method for fabricating an acoustic panel. The method includes receiving a sheet of thermoplastic paper, stamping/conforming the sheet into rows that each comprise a three dimensional shape, and transforming the sheet into a multi-celled core. Transforming the sheet includes identifying fold lines separating the rows, folding the sheet at the fold lines in a pleat fold, thereby uniting upper surfaces of adjacent rows and uniting lower surfaces of adjacent rows; and compressing the rows of the folded sheet together in the presence of heat, causing adjacent rows to fuse together into cells. The method further includes applying a backing sheet to the core, and applying a facesheet to a surface of the core that includes openings which direct a portion of airflow across the facesheet into the cells, resulting in acoustic control.

Abstract: A fastening system having differentiable components includes a first fuse pin with a first mating figure and being configured to shear upon the application of a first predetermined load and a first receiver with a second mating feature. The first and second mating features correspond and permit the insertion of the first fuse pin into the first receiver to selectively connect components. The system may include a second fuse pin having a third mating feature and being configured to shear upon the application of a second predetermined load, which may differ from the first predetermined load. The second fuse pin having a third mating feature that prevents the insertion of the second fuse pin into the first receiver. The first fuse pin may be configured to connect together components of a first aircraft and the second fuse pin may be configured to connect together components of a different aircraft.

Abstract: A thermal protection system comprises a ceramic panel, a plurality of apertures, and a fastener system within each of the plurality of apertures. The ceramic panel has a plurality of attachment points to a structure. The plurality of apertures extends through the ceramic panel, each aperture of the plurality of apertures located at an attachment point of the plurality of attachment points. Each fastener system comprises a fastener having a head with a spherical underside and a ceramic bushing with a mating surface configured to mate with the spherical underside of the head of the fastener.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of satellites including respective antennas and circuitry. The satellites form a satellite constellation and revolve around a rotating astronomical object from which a source radiates interference toward a target satellite for at least some period of time as the target satellite revolves in a target orbit. The satellites' respective antennas may capture the interference when the satellite constellation is substantially in-line between the source and target satellite, and their circuitry may generate respective measurements based thereon. The circuitry may geolocate or cause transmission of the respective measurements for geolocation of the source based on the respective measurements to thereby identify a location of the source on the astronomical object.

Abstract: A tool including a tool body, the tool body including a substrate having a tool-side surface, an intermediate layer positioned over the tool-side surface, and an outer layer positioned over the intermediate layer, the outer layer including a metallic material.

Abstract: A cutting tool may include a cutter body, and a cutting insert group coupled to the cutter body, wherein the cutter body includes a working length, wherein the cutting insert group forms a continuous cutting edge, and wherein the continuous cutting edge extends continuously through the working length of the cutter body.

Abstract: Systems, computer readable media, and method concern determining operational parameters of an inventory of components to be included in a battery. The method further includes determining an initial working solution for a battery design layout for the battery. The method also includes determining, based on the initial working solution, one or more possible solutions for the battery design layout utilizing a local search algorithm. The local search algorithm iteratively generates the one or more possible solutions from the initial working solution by swapping components from one or more components assigned to locations in the battery design layout with at least one of other components assigned to locations in the battery design layout and other components remaining in the inventory. The swapping of components is limited by a tabu list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a structure. The apparatus may comprise a support, a load-balancing structure associated with the support, and a set of connection devices associated with the load-balancing structure. The set of connection devices may be configured to connect to the structure to form a set of control points. Each of the set of connection devices may be configured to independently control a location of a corresponding control point in the set of control points.