Abstract: A system for measuring total operating deflection shapes of a structure includes one or more imagers, each including two cameras spaced apart from one another and each oriented and positioned to have corresponding fields of view of a different corresponding section of the structure, with the corresponding sections that may include overlap area of the structure within each of the different sections of the structure. Each of the cameras generates a corresponding data stream, which is communicated to a controller, which is configured to measure the response of the structure to an excitation, such as a vibration or an impulse. The system is configured to convert time-domain data from each of the data streams to the frequency-domain data using a Fourier Transform algorithm and stitching the shapes to obtain the total operating deflection shapes of the structure by scaling and stitching together the frequency-domain data.

Abstract: A system for measuring total operating deflection shapes of a structure includes one or more imagers, each including two cameras spaced apart from one another and each oriented and positioned to have corresponding fields of view of a different corresponding section of the structure, with the corresponding sections that may include overlap area of the structure within each of the different sections of the structure. Each of the cameras generates a corresponding data stream, which is communicated to a controller, which is configured to measure the response of the structure to an excitation, such as a vibration or an impulse. The system is configured to convert time-domain data from each of the data streams to the frequency-domain data using a Fourier Transform algorithm and stitching the shapes to obtain the total operating deflection shapes of the structure by scaling and stitching together the frequency-domain data.

Abstract: In general, coated fibers, methods of bonding a coating to fibers, and composite materials prepared from coated fibers are provided. The coated fiber is created with a surface that is compatible with and bonds to the polymer resin used in composite materials. In another aspect, the coating may exhibit additional functionality, such as water repellency, fire resistance, or odor control. More specifically an atmospheric pressure plasma process is applied to the fibers to bond coating materials to the fiber surface and to cure the coating surrounding the fiber surface. Optionally, radiation is used in the process to cure the coating. Finally, composite materials and parts may be made from the coated fibers that exhibit high strength and improved mechanical properties over composites made with uncoated fibers. Alternatively, a natural fiber reinforced composite material is made from coated natural fibers that has improved mechanical properties and decreased water absorption.

Abstract: A method of forming a biocompatible or biologically inert article for use in an application in which the article will make contact with at least one tissue, organ, or fluid within a human or animal body is provided. The method generally comprises providing an article having an external surface; selecting chemical precursors; using a means to direct one or more chemical precursors towards or to apply such chemical precursors to the external surface; activating the chemical precursors by exposing said precursors to atmospheric pressure plasma; and grafting and/or cross-linking the chemical precursors to form a solid coating adjacent to the external surface of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: A fiber-optic force and displacement sensor includes a mirror comprising a plurality of sectors extending from a center point to a peripheral edge. Each of the sectors has a high reflectance corresponding to only one of a plurality of single wavelength light beams having different wavelengths transmitted from a laser light source. A method of measuring force and displacement includes measuring the radiant flux between each of a plurality of reflected single wavelength light beams that change as the area of the sectors are displaced towards and away from a center of projection of a combination light beam that comprises the plurality of single wavelength light beams projected towards the center point of the mirror when the mirror is in a rested position. Forces acting upon the mirror are measured as a function of the displacement of the mirror and the transverse and the axial stiffness of a connector.

Abstract: A power transfer system and method are provided for transferring power from an AC supply outputting a first AC voltage. The system includes a controller and a matrix converter coupled to the AC supply for converting the first AC voltage to a second AC voltage. A primary coil is connected to the matrix converter and a secondary coil is in communication with the primary coil for producing an induced AC voltage. A secondary rectifier is connected to the secondary coil for rectifying the induced AC voltage to produce a secondary DC voltage. A sensor is coupled to the secondary rectifier and to the controller for monitoring the secondary DC voltage and outputting a proportional signal. The controller is configured to control the matrix converter producing a desired second AC voltage at a desired operating frequency and maintain a predetermined secondary DC voltage in response to the signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for synchronous rectification control (SRC) of a DC-DC converter in an electrified vehicle (EV) can include determining a required output current for the DC-DC converter based on a secondary voltage of a secondary battery system of the EV, the DC-DC converter being configured to convert a primary voltage from a primary battery system of the EV to the secondary voltage. The techniques can include determining, at the controller, a switching frequency for the DC-DC converter that causes the DC-DC converter to output the required output current. The techniques can include determining turn-on and turn-off delays of the DC-DC converter based on the required output current and the switching frequency using one or more look-up tables. The techniques can also include controlling the DC-DC converter efficiency based on the turn-on and turn-off delays.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) are presented. In an exemplary implementation, phase current ripple estimation techniques are utilized for variable frequency switching pulse-width modulation control of the IPMSM. In one implementation, the method includes controlling a three-phase inverter based on an initial switching frequency to generate a three-phase alternating current (AC) voltage for the IPMSM. Transformed voltages are determined in a rotating reference frame based on the three-phase AC voltage in the stationary reference frame. Current ripples are determined in the rotating reference frame based on the transformed voltages. Phase current ripples are determined in the stationary reference frame based on the current ripples in the rotating reference frame. A modified switching frequency for the three-phase inverter is determined based on the initial switching frequency and the phase current ripples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a biocompatible or biologically inert article for use in an application in which the article will make contact with at least one tissue, organ, or fluid within a human or animal body is provided. The method generally comprises providing an article having an external surface; selecting chemical precursors; using a means to direct one or more chemical precursors towards or to apply such chemical precursors to the external surface; activating the chemical precursors by exposing said precursors to atmospheric pressure plasma; and grafting and/or cross-linking the chemical precursors to form a solid coating adjacent to the external surface of the article.

Abstract: A targeting jig apparatus for targeting interlocking holes of an intramedullary nail. The targeting jig includes a support-arm extending substantially parallel to the intramedullary nail. A targeting mechanism including a pair of targeting mechanism drill-guide orifices is adjustably disposed on the support arm for aligning the targeting mechanism drill-guide orifice with the interlocking holes of the intramedullary nail. The targeting mechanism includes a saddle having a U-shape including a base and parallel legs that are slidable along the support-arm. A connection mechanism includes a horizontal slot on the support-arm aligned with a vertical slot on the targeting mechanism and a pivot screw extending through the slots for facilitating adjustment of the targeting mechanism relative to the support arm.

Abstract: A haptic assembly configured to control a plurality of windows on a vehicle. The assembly includes a haptic device configured to provide haptic feedback to a user when switching between the plurality of windows, and when moving a selected window of the plurality of windows between an open position and a closed position. The assembly can also include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display icons that represent each of the plurality of windows, and display a position of the selected window, wherein either the haptic device or the GUI can be used to switch between each of the plurality of windows to be controlled.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail (20) defining a bore (34) is inserted into a medullary canal (26) of a bone (24). A threaded fastener (22) has a compression portion (48) presenting a compression portion diameter (DCP) and a threaded portion (50) presenting a threaded portion diameter (DTP). The fastener (22) extends through a near cortex hole (40) and/or a far cortex hole (42), and the threaded portion (22) threadedly engages the bore (34). A compression transmission device (54) is disposed between a head (44) of the fastener (22) and the intramedullary nail (20) for transmitting the compressional load of the threaded fastener (22) to the intramedullary nail (20). An interior space of the compression transmission device (54) is greater than the compression portion diameter (DCP) providing space about the threaded fastener (22) for allowing the fastener axis (A) to be variously disposed relative to the interior space.

Abstract: A haptic assembly configured to control a plurality of windows on a vehicle. The assembly includes a haptic device configured to provide haptic feedback to a user when switching between the plurality of windows, and when moving a selected window of the plurality of windows between an open position and a closed position. The assembly can also include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display icons that represent each of the plurality of windows, and display a position of the selected window, wherein either the haptic device or the GUI can be used to switch between each of the plurality of windows to be controlled.

Abstract: A compression transmission collar apparatus (20) for implantation into a bone (22) with a hole (28) having a hole wall (32) comprising an intramedullary nail (34) defining a bore (40) and a threaded fastener (42) and a compression transmission collar (58) including an exterior face (64) and a top edge (60) and a bottom edge (62) and a first end (70) intersecting the top edge (60) at an acute angle (?1) and the bottom edge (62) at an obtuse angle (?2) and a second end (72) intersecting the top edge (60) at an obtuse angle ?2) and the bottom edge (62) at an acute angle ?1) and the first end (70) partially overlapping and opposing the second end (72) to define a slit (74) such that applying a compressional load to the top edge (60) causes the first end (70) to slide relative to and along the second end (72) causing the compression transmission collar (58) to compress axially and expand radially pressing the exterior face (64) against the hole wall (32).

Abstract: An intramedullary nail (20) for insertion into the medullary canal (26) in a bone (24) surrounded by the cortex (28) and defines a bore (34) extending transverse to the intramedullary nail (20). A threaded fastener (22) extends along a fastener axis (A) and has a compression portion (48) having a compression portion diameter (DCP), and a threaded portion (50) having a threaded portion diameter (DTP) extending through a near cortex hole (40) and a far cortex hole (42), both holes (40, 42) radially overlapping the bore (34) and the threaded portion diameter (DTP) threadedly engaging the bore (34). A compression transmission device (54) has an exterior (56) and an interior (58) and defines an interior space for transmitting the compressional load of the threaded fastener (22) to the intramedullary nail (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical power conversion and more specifically to a high power direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) power converter. The DC-DC converter includes a plurality of input ports for receiving a plurality of inputs, each having current, voltage, and power, which can be selectively configured by a user. The DC-DC converter further includes a plurality of output channels for outputting current, voltage, and power, which may be selectively configured by a user. By allowing a user to configure both the inputs and outputs, the DC-DC converter may be utilized with wide variation of power conversion applications.