Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an image of a software model that was generated using proprietary, licensed software, and that comprises one or more components defined by descriptive data. The generated software model is received and parsing the descriptive data representative of each component. A software license independent image of the one or more components is generated using the parsed descriptive data, and a software license independent image of the generated software model is generated using each of the generated software license independent images. The system and method may also be used to generate dataflow diagrams and signal lists.

Abstract: A vertical non-bladdered fuel tank for a ducted fan vehicle comprising: a pod that releasably connects to a core vehicle of a ducted fan vehicle, a vertical fuel tank contained by the pod, wherein the vertical fuel tank is centered between the fore and aft sides of the pod, an outlet in a floor of the vertical fuel tank located adjacent to a sidewall on the fore side of the vertical fuel tank, wherein the outlet is coupled to a draw tube contained by the core vehicle, and a pressure release vent located at the highlight of the pod's duct.

Abstract: A direction finding antenna system for determining the relative bearing of a second aircraft from a first aircraft in conjunction with Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). The system includes a first antenna and a second antenna located on a top surface of the first aircraft, spaced apart along a first axis, as well as a third antenna and a fourth antenna located on a bottom surface of the first aircraft, spaced apart along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The system further includes a transmitting, receiving, and processing system coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth antennas, wherein the transmitting, receiving, and processing system is configured to transmit DME interrogations, receive DME replies, and process the DME replies to determine the relative bearing of the second aircraft from the first aircraft.

Abstract: A method for collision avoidance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with other aircraft such as manned aircraft or another UAV is provided. The method comprises detecting an aircraft approaching a flight path of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and estimating a position, range, and velocity of the aircraft. An estimated path of the aircraft is determined from the position, range, and velocity. A new flight path is then calculated for the unmanned aerial vehicle to a waypoint to avoid the estimated path of the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for displaying streaming video on a display device of a control unit associated with a surveillance module. A method comprises buffering a video data stream captured by the surveillance module to obtain a buffered video data stream and displaying a first segment of the buffered video data stream in a viewing area on the display device. The first segment corresponds to content captured at a first time. The method continues by receiving a notification signal from the unmanned vehicle that is indicative of a triggering event, and in response to the notification signal, displaying a second segment of the buffered video data stream in the viewing area.

Abstract: A hybrid actuator assembly includes an actuator housing, an electromechanical actuator, and a hydraulic actuator. The electromechanical actuator is disposed at least partially within the actuator housing and is adapted to be controllably energized. The electromechanical actuator is configured, upon being controllably energized, to supply a first drive force. The hydraulic actuator is disposed at least partially within the actuator housing and is adapted to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic actuator is configured, upon receipt of pressurized hydraulic fluid, to supply a second drive force.

Abstract: An improved type of cooled component is disclosed. The cooled components, such as turbine airfoils and combustors, have a base metal structural member, including a metal sheet or blank, with a featured surface. The features, such as fins, pins, and other protrusions, as well as divots, indentions, slots, channels, and holes, are formed by lithographic processes. The protrusions can be formed from a different material than the metal sheet or blank, preferably one with superior heat-conductive or oxidation properties. A related method of manufacturing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A display system for an aircraft includes a processing unit configured to receive data related to an aircraft profile and to supply display commands with symbology based on the aircraft profile; and a display device coupled the processing unit and configured to receive the display commands and operable to render a three-dimensional view with the symbology based on the aircraft profile. The symbology may include slope symbology.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes obtaining at least one measurement in a spectral domain of a sample and computing one or more measurements of the salient features in the spectral domain. The salient features correspond to at least one peak within the spectral domain. This method also includes classifying the computed salient features against a feature signature of nitric acid. In addition, this method includes determining if the chemical is present in the sample.

Abstract: A high voltage FET and process for fabricating such an FET are provided. An extended drain and thick gate oxide device design is implemented in a basic CMOS structure to enable higher operating voltages. The basic concept of the invention is well suited for the body-tie architecture often utilized in this technology and is also applicable to other SOI processes using similar isolation schemes.

Abstract: An image capturing device assembly for use with a test probe and a testing system. The image capturing device assembly including an image capturing device module configured for coupling to an external surface of the test probe and having an image capturing device housed within. The image capturing device is configured to generate a digital output video signal or the analog output video signal of a testing site. A digital monitor is coupled to the image capturing device via a wired or wireless link and configured to receive the digital output signal and generate a display of the testing site on the display monitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining center of gravity for an aircraft. An example system includes one or more load measurement devices that generate one of nose gear or main gear weight information and a processing device that determines center of gravity of the aircraft based on previously received gross weight information and the generated nose or main gear weight information. The number of gear sets with load measurement devices is one less that the total number of gear sets having distinct longitudinal positions along a fuselage of the aircraft. The processing device further determines center of gravity based on temperature and/or pitch attitude information. The system includes a user interface that allows a user to enter the gross weight information that might be included in a flight manifest or a load and trim sheet and/or a communication component that receives the gross weight information from a ground-based system.

Abstract: Provided are azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1243zf), as well as methods for producing and using the same.

Abstract: A method for combining range information with an optical image is provided. The method includes capturing a first optical image of a scene with an optical camera, wherein the first optical image comprising a plurality of pixels. Additionally, range information of the scene is captured with a ranging device. Range values are then determined for at least a portion of the plurality of pixels of the first optical image based on the range information. The range values and the optical image are combined to produce a 3-dimensional (3D) point cloud. A second optical image of the scene from a different perspective than the first optical image is produced based on the 3D point cloud.

Abstract: A dead-reckoning sensory system includes a receiver unit and a transmitter unit in wireless communication with the receiver unit. The transmitter unit is operable to be mounted to a wheel of a vehicle, determine information characterizing the heading and distance traveled by the vehicle, and transmit the information to the receiver unit.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic measurement method to detect microbridge null drift and performance. An ASIC can be designed to include a self-diagnostic feature that automatically occurs at start up or upon command in Normal Operation whereby the temperature compensated microbridge null can be measured in a state of very low thermal energy and allows for the tracking of microbridge null stability versus time. An Airflow Combi-Sensor ASIC (Heimdal) with its strategic partner ZMD can be developed and can be implemented in the form of a self-diagnostic feature that occurs when power is first applied to the ASIC or upon command. When the self-diagnostic is initiated, power is removed and after the electronics have settled, a small power can be applied to the microbridge to measure the bridge null with reduced sensitivity to flow due to self-heating.

Abstract: Improved portable power sources such as batteries, fuel cells, power generators and the like can include structure or apparatus that are adapted to provide an indication of the power capacity remaining within the portable power source. In some cases, these power sources may be configured to accommodate remote communication regarding their remaining power capacity.

Abstract: Combining one or more spatio-temporal sensors with a personal digital assistant or similar small electronic device and with sliding window (roaming and stabilization) software and memory management and user interface functions, to enable a user to see documents and objects that appear to be fixed in space. This may allow the user to navigate using his or her eidetic memory. Navigation of images, documents or other objects substantially bigger than the display is made easier and faster. Using the invention, the user scrolls and views larger documents or objects as if they were affixed in space to a selected viewing platform. The viewing platform can correspond to, for example, the ground, a building, a wall, an arbitrary reference point, or any other suitable fixed or substantially fixed position or object. The invention uses and adjusts for the body-arm-hand-finger motion of the user so that the imagery appears affixed to the selected reference platform.

Abstract: A false lock filter circuit for a pulsed altimeter is provided. The circuit includes a low pass filter having a relatively low bandwidth (LBW LPF), a low pass filter having a relatively high bandwidth (HBW LPF) and a false lock controller. The LBW LPF has an input that is coupled to receive a detector output. The HBW LPF has an input that is coupled to receive the detector output. The false lock controller is coupled to receive outputs from the LBW LPF and HBW LPF. Moreover, the false lock controller is configured to sample an output of the HBW LPF and apply a statistical analysis on the samples to determine if a valid target has been detected.