Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing multi-objective optimizations with a relatively large number of objectives to which optimization is to be performed. The objectives of the optimization problem may be partitioned to two or more subsets (e.g., overlapping or non-overlapping subsets) of objectives, and partial optimization(s) may be performed using a subset or combination of subsets of the objectives. One or more of the partial optimizations may use one or more pareto-optimized chromosomes from a prior partial optimization. A final full optimization may be performed according to all of the objectives of the optimization problem and may use one or more chromosomes of any preceding partial optimization as a starting point for finding a final solution to the optimization problem. Any variety of processes may be employed to mitigate archive explosion that may be associated with relatively large objective sets.

Abstract: A thermal cart for in-flight distribution of consumables. An enclosure is formed by thermally insulating material, including a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one door frame, and a door in each at least one door frame. A rear panel is provided in half-size carts where only one door frame and door are provided. Full size carts ae provided where a rear door frame and rear door are provided instead of a rear panel as used in the half-size cart. The thermally insulating material may include a thermoplastic inner lining, at least one vacuum insulated panel, and an outer structural panel. A plurality of rods is provided, each having end of rod tooling. Complementary tooled structures such as binding barrels, or sleeves, or threaded holes, are provided for joining with ends of the rods. Joints may be provided and secured to locate and provide resistance for securing the rods in tension.

Abstract: A method of checking accuracy of an air data probe system onboard a vehicle is disclosed. An embodiment of the method involves: calculating airspeed measurements from air data provided by the probe system; calculating vehicle speed measurements based on sensor data collected from at least one sensor system onboard the vehicle, wherein the vehicle speed measurements are distinct and independent of the airspeed measurements, and the vehicle speed measurements are calculated without using the air data; comparing a calculated airspeed measurement against a calculated vehicle speed measurement to obtain a speed difference, wherein the calculated airspeed measurement and the calculated vehicle speed measurement correspond to a measurement time during which the vehicle is moving forward; and initiating at least one corrective action onboard the vehicle when magnitude of the speed difference exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A reclining seat including, but not limited to, a seat bottom. The reclining seat further including, but not limited to, a seat back having an upper segment and a lower segment, the lower segment pivotally coupled with the seat bottom via a first pivotal coupling, and the upper segment pivotally coupled with the lower segment via a second pivotal coupling.

Abstract: Cell-based space systems with nested-ring structures that interlock and can change configuration to support a mission are provided. The cells may self-assemble into a larger structure to carry out a mission. Multiple rotatable rings may be included in a cell, with a payload/control section in the center. The rings may provide power and/or data to trams that move about the rails. Trams may interlock with other cells, carry sensors or other devices, etc. Cells may be stowed in a cell stack that is deployable. Such cell-based systems may have various applications in space, on Earth, other celestial bodies, and underwater.

Abstract: Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT)-based spectrum analyzers and spectrum analysis techniques are disclosed. Rather than using the standard Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), the FrFT may be used to view the signal content contained in a particular bandwidth. Usage of the FrFT in place of the frequency or time domain allows viewing of the signal in different dimensions, where “spectral” features of interest, or signal content, may appear where they were not visible in these domains before. This may allow signals to be identified and viewed in any domain within the continuous time-frequency plane, and may significantly enhance the ability to detect and extract signals that were previously hidden under interference and/or noise, provide or enhance the ability to extract signals from a congested environment, and enable operation in a signal-dense environment.

Abstract: A system onboard an aircraft includes: a proximity sensor to detect users within an area; a display monitor in the area; a processor; and a processor-readable medium storing executable instructions to perform a method that involves: detecting presence of a user within the area, based on output of the sensor; causing display of an animated digital representation of an assistant on the monitor; controlling the animated digital representation of the assistant to react to speech input; processing speech input of the user to identify at least one action to be carried out onboard the aircraft; controlling the animated digital representation of the assistant to respond to the identified at least one action; and issuing at least one command, instruction, or control signal to the component onboard the aircraft, to initiate the identified at least one action.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder includes, but is not limited to, a bladder body having a wall, a longitudinal dimension, and a lateral dimension. The wall defines an interior volume enclosing a fluid. The wall further defines an opening in fluid communication with the interior volume. The bladder body is fluid tight when the opening is closed. The wall is configured to facilitate an expansion of the longitudinal dimension during an ingress of the fluid into the interior volume and a contraction of the longitudinal dimension during an egress of the fluid from the interior volume. The wall is further configured to maintain a constant lateral dimension during the ingress of the fluid into the interior volume and a constant lateral dimension during the egress of the fluid from the interior volume.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a two-stage blending filter that blends the measurements from two angular sensors to form a single superior high bandwidth measurement for improved disturbance rejection in a satellite systems for increased accuracy in satellite pointing, orientation, and attitude control. Embodiments of the present invention can include a satellite system including a first sensor including or defining a first measurement bandwidth; a first filter connected to the first sensor; a second sensor including or defining a second measurement bandwidth; a second filter connected to the second sensor; and a third filter connected to the first filter and the second filter. The third filter blend the first signal and the second signal into a third signal; and transmit the third signal to a flight controller configured to adjust an orientation of the satellite, a satellite subsystem, or both, relative to a target in response to the third signal.

Abstract: A self-regulating battery may generate a basis state for one or more modules using one or more system inputs. The system inputs comprise current, voltage, and battery degradation. The battery generates a family of weighted forecasts for future bus demands using usage and performance based weights. The battery generates one or more plans to support demand from the battery using the weighted forecasts. The battery scores the one or more plans based on efficiency of power extraction from the battery, and combines the scored one or more plans with an updated SoH value based on induced degradation from a usage plan. The battery generates the combined scored for each of the one or more plans, and transmits one of the combined scored to the battery management unit for execution.

Abstract: Vehicles and multi-place dining tables for vehicles are provided. In one example, the vehicle includes a vehicle structure having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a floor disposed therebetween. The vehicle structure at least partially surrounds an interior area that has an aisleway extending therethrough. A multi-place dining table is disposed in the interior area and includes a first table section that is disposed between the first sidewall and the aisleway. The first table section includes a first tabletop. A second table section is disposed between the second sidewall and the aisleway and includes a second tabletop. The second tabletop is movable between a stowed position where the first and second tabletops are spaced apart from each other by at least the aisleway and a deployed position where the second tabletop extends across the aisleway and is coupled to the first tabletop.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for identifying and tracking objects (e.g., debris, particles, space vehicles, etc.) using one or more light detection and ranging (LIDAR)-based sensors are disclosed. Such systems, apparatuses, and methods may be particularly beneficial for detecting millimeter scale and/or sub-millimeter scale objects. Such systems, apparatuses, and methods may be used for detection of objects in space, in the atmosphere, or in the ocean, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in a battery includes a plurality of cells, each which include a pair of conductive leads bracketing a polymer seal, and a wireless measurement and communication chip (“chip”) configured to perform capacitive measurement, showing a change in capacitance when bridged by ionically conductive species or when a wick is suffused with an electrolyte.

Abstract: A seat system includes a base support structure having at least one flat seat support surface, a seat pan support structure movably coupled to the base support structure and having at least one contoured seat support surface, and a back rest support structure movably coupled to the base support structure. The back rest support structure includes a primary frame having at least one flat back support surface, and an articulating frame movably coupled to the primary frame and having at least one contoured back support surface. The seat system also includes a back rest cushion having an occupant-facing back rest surface, and an articulating arrangement of back rest cushion support members movably coupled together to define a bottom surface of the back rest cushion opposing the occupant-facing back rest surface.

Abstract: A display system is provided for a vehicle having a windshield and vehicle structure outside the windshield. The vehicle structure is visible within a field of view defined by the windshield. Certain embodiments of the display system include: a camera to capture image data for a visually obstructed portion of an environment outside the vehicle, wherein the visually obstructed portion of the environment is hidden by the vehicle structure; a controller configured to process the image data captured by the camera into a head-up display (HUD) image that represents the visually obstructed portion of the environment; a HUD element configured to present projected images that are visible to an occupant of the vehicle; and a projector coupled to the controller and configured to project the HUD image toward the HUD element, such that the HUD image is visible overlying the vehicle structure.

Abstract: Vertical resolution and/or vertical accuracy of terrain elevation data near an aircraft runway is adjusted by obtaining local terrain data, yielding a first elevation value for a query location. A processor receptive of the first elevation value computes plane equations based on a predetermined standard model adapted to geometrically conform to the aircraft runway, yielding a second elevation value for the query location. The processor selectively uses the first and second elevation values to generate an adjusted elevation value that is supplied to a terrain avoidance and warning system.

Abstract: A non-contact angular motion measuring device includes a mirror configured to move or rotate about a pivot axis. The device also includes a curved target, circularly symmetric around an axis normal to the mirror. The device further includes at least one pair of sensors configured to emit fields towards the curved target rather than the mirror.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include modular solar power cells, arrays, and power management systems for use in satellite systems and constellations. In one embodiment, a solar cell module can include: a module substrate including a high-emissivity side and a mounting side; a power management circuit mounted to the mounting side of the module substrate; a battery arranged adjacent to the power management circuit; a solar cell substrate arranged adjacent the battery and including an embedded battery heater; and a solar cell mounted directly to the solar cell substrate and connected to the battery.

Abstract: An assembly comprises an exposure chamber configured to receive a structure and identify at least one portion of the structure for further processing. The exposure chamber is further configured to expose the at least one portion of the structure to radiation such that a high cure state and a low residual stress are achieved for the structure. A dosage level of the radiation is determined based, at least in part, on the composition of the structure.