Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material, in particular a process for the production of fuel tanks of plastic material. In the process according to the invention preforms in web or band form of plasticised plastic material are shaped in a multi-part tool forming a mould cavity by expansion of the preforms and causing them to bear against the internal contour of the mould cavity. The process firstly includes the production of two mutually complementary intermediate products in the form of shell portions. Then respective built-in fitment components are secured to the respective insides of the shell portions, which face towards each other in the installation position, wherein at least some built-in fitment components of mutually complementary shell portions are respectively of mutually complementary configuration, in the sense that they can be joined to provide an assembled component or to provide a functional unit.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a heat sink plate and a heat generating electrical component mounted to a first side of the heat sink plate. Fins are connected and oriented perpendicular to a second side of the heat sink plate. The fins include a maximum height fin positioned proximate to the electrical component, and a minimum height fin spatially separated from the maximum height fin and the electrical component. A first group of fins is positioned between the maximum and minimum height fins. Each fin of the first group progressively decreases in height from a height of the maximum height fin to a height of the minimum height fin. A first spacing between the maximum height fin and a proximate one of the fins of the first group is less than a second spacing between any two consecutive ones of the first group of fins.

Abstract: A tiltrotor aircraft having a wing and a rotatable pylon carried by the wing is disclosed. The pylon is secured to a pylon support spindle that extends into the wing. A link connects a radial portion of the pylon support spindle to a radial portion of an actuator spindle, such that the pylon support spindle is rotated as the actuator spindle is rotated.

Abstract: A method for designing a flight vehicle includes determining a preferred aerodynamic shape of a structure of the vehicle; modifying the preferred aerodynamic shape based upon constraints; and determining, using aerodynamic computational fluid dynamics, limit loading conditions for the modified aerodynamic shape. A computer-implemented system for designing a flight vehicle includes at least one computer operable to determine a preferred aerodynamic shape of a structure of the vehicle; modify the preferred aerodynamic shape based upon constraints; and determine, using aerodynamic computational fluid dynamics, limit loading conditions for the modified aerodynamic shape.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of hollow bodies of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding. In the process according to the invention continuous extrusion of at least two preforms in web form of plasticized material is effected by means of a plurality of extrusion devices. The preforms are jointly shaped to form a hollow body in the still plastic condition, that is to say in the first heat, within a multi-part tool forming a mold cavity. In that case a wall thickness profile is imparted to at least one preform during the extrusion operation independently of the respective other preform by continuous nozzle gap adjustment during the extrusion operation.

Abstract: An eddy current probe adapted for detecting cracks in material directly beneath a raised-head fastener is disclosed. The probe comprises an eddy current coil and a support for carrying the coil in an orientation suitable for introducing eddy currents into material directly beneath a raised-head fastener.

Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus includes a fuel vapor storage canister, said fuel vapor storage canister comprising at least first and second vapor storage compartments filled with an absorbent material, for instance filled with activated carbon, at least a vapor inlet port, an atmospheric vent port and a purge port. Said fuel vapor storage canister defines an air flow path between said vapor inlet port and said atmospheric vent port during shut-off of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. During purging cycles there is defined an air flow path between said atmospheric vent port and said purge port wherein said first and second vapor storage compartments are arranged in concentric relationship and wherein said first and second vapor storage compartments in flow direction are separated from each other by an air gap diffusion barrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: The invention provides a functional laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such fabric. The functional laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. The functional laminate may include vias through which the functional element may be exposed. Generally, the functional laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.

Abstract: An arrangement of devices as well as a method for improving the aerodynamics of an aircraft wing are disclosed. In embodiments, a plurality of vortex generators are attached in span-wise alignment on an deice boot along the wing's leading edge. The vortex generators are, in embodiments, constructed of a flexible material such that they are able to be expanded along with the boot during inflation and deflation thus mechanically involving the aerodynamic devices in the ice-shedding process.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring blood pressure of a wearer has an inflatable arm cuff that is selectably inflatable to differing air pressures that incorporates a fabric having both a light transmission property and a light reflection property when the fabric is illuminated with light having wavelength(s) in the range from about 400 to about 2200 nanometers. A radiation source and a detector are attached to the fabric in relative positions such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric as the fabric stretches in response to motion in the body of a wearer due to changes in the flow of blood through an artery disposed beneath the fabric occurring in consonance with variations in the air pressure within the inflatable cuff.

Abstract: An RJ modular connector is provided that has wire channels that slope downward and end at openings in the bottom of the connector through which the stripped wires extend. In use, the outer jacket insulation is removed from an end portion of the cable, leaving lengths of exposed wires. The length of the exposed wire is unimportant. The wires are arranged in an essentially flat configuration and inserted longitudinally into the connector and then directed downward by the downward slope of the channels, so that the distal ends of the respective wires extend through the bottom of the connector. The protruding wire ends are then compared with a standard to confirm the correct color identification pattern for them and corresponding wire position. After the comparison is made, the protruding wire ends are crimped/secured and sheared off. Conductive contact blades are inserted, and pierce the wires.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic debulking a composite laminate (105) includes the steps of defining a path (115) across the laminate, the path having a starting location and an ending location and applying a force (109) to and transmitting ultrasonic vibration (111) into the laminate along the path, beginning at the starting location and ending at the ending location. The method further includes determining a temperature of a surface (103, 123) of the laminate proximate to the path and varying at least one of an amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration, the applied force, a feed rate at which the force and the ultrasonic vibration are applied along the path, an angle at which the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the laminate, and an interval at which plies of the laminate are processed, based upon the determined temperature of the surface of the laminate.

Abstract: A dynamic tactical feedback system for a turf maintenance vehicle includes an input device that detects a steering angle and/or a ground speed of the turf maintenance vehicle. The input device transmits an input signal correlative to the steering angle and/or ground speed of the turf maintenance vehicle. The system also includes an output device that affects a steering resistance, a turning ratio, a speed limit, the ground speed and/or a turning angle limit of the turf maintenance vehicle. The system additionally includes a controller that receives the input signal and outputs a control signal to the output device based on the input signal so as to change the steering resistance, the turning ratio, the speed limit, the ground speed and/or the turning angle limit of the turf maintenance vehicle based on the input signal. A method of controlling the turf maintenance vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical flight control system for a rotary-wing aircraft is disclosed. The flight control system comprises an upstream portion, a downstream portion, and an assembly for connecting the upstream portion to the downstream portion. The assembly may comprise dual concentric valve actuators and/or a variety of system load limiting features.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container for receiving liquid fuel. The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container is a delivery pump for emptying it into the delivery volume of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A housing assembly for use in a rotorcraft includes a housing having an opening, a bearing configured to radially and/or axially support a shaft that is adapted to rotate, the bearing disposed within the opening of the housing, and a liner arranged between the housing and the bearing. The liner is made of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic material, ceramic coated material, ceramic and metallic hybrid material, lightweight metallic material, lightweight metallic alloy material and lightweight metallic coated material.

Abstract: A collaborative virtual reality system includes a first motion capture system and a second motion capture system. The first motion capture system and the second motion capture system configured to interact over a network to produce a single virtual reality environment.

Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed including a flow control surface over which fluid is designed to flow in a predetermined direction. Vortex generators are associated with the flow control surface. Each respective vortex generator has a pivot axis that forms an acute angle with respect to the predetermined direction and is capable of being positioned in both of an extended state, in which the respective vortex generators function to create a swirling fluid flow, and a retracted state, in which the respective vortex generators are pivoted via the pivot axis so as to lie adjacent to the flow control surface. An actuator is associated with each of the vortex generators, each actuator adapted to position the associated vortex generator between the extended and retracted states. The flow control device is disclosed to be used in tiltrotor vehicles.

Abstract: A circular knit tubing adapted for making a wearable article has a first knitted single layer tubular portion and a second knitted single layer tubular portion separated by a junction portion. The second tubular portion is folded over the first tubular portion at a fold line in the junction portion. The first and second tubular portions are then joined together, whereby the junction portion forms a band or welt. After the band is formed, the second tubular portion is folded back to cover the band. The wearable article may be a shirt having single layer top and bottom portions with a central double welt portion for physical contact around the wearer's chest or torso. The junction portion forming the band or welt preferably is integrally knitted with the first and second tubular portions. The band or welt defines a central opening to receive an electronic or electrical device or other component.