Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for universal aircraft broadband control within an aircraft flight deck. In one example, a system includes a control panel and a switch coupled to the control panel. The system further includes a controller coupled to the switch and configured to determine a switch position based on a switch position signal associated with a position of the switch, receive a conditioned aircraft signal associated with parameters of an aircraft, and provide a controller control signal to control whether transmissions occur from an aircraft antenna based on at least one of the switch position signal and the conditioned aircraft signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of a simplified model. A computer system comprises a simplification system. The simplification system receives a plurality of components from a complex model, determines a number of moments of inertia for each component of the plurality of components, and creates a simplified model using the number of moments of inertia for the each component of the plurality of components, wherein the complex model is a three-dimensional computer model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for changing the orientation of information displayed on a display device mounted on a control pedestal at a position between two seats. One method involves changing the orientation of information displayed on a display device located on a control pedestal of an aircraft so that, instead of sub-optimal joint viewing of the displayed information by two pilots, an individual pilot may be able to read the displayed information more easily. The system enables either pilot to select a respective more optimal orientation for the displayed information for individual viewing. Each pilot may separately then quickly switch the display mode back to the “up is forward” orientation for joint viewing. Returning to the “up is forward” orientation may also be set to occur as a function of time.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) printed circuit board (PCB) including a ground plane, a microstrip transmission line, a patch antenna element, a waveguide, and a dielectric lens. The RF PCB includes a first substrate having a top surface on which the patch antenna element is disposed, the patch antenna element including a slot aperture. The microstrip transmission line is disposed between the first substrate and a second substrate, and is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the patch antenna element through the slot aperture. The ground plane is disposed on a third substrate and is electromagnetically coupled to the microstrip transmission line. The waveguide includes an aperture attached to the top surface and encloses the patch antenna element. The waveguide is configured to be electromagnetically coupled to the patch antenna element. The dielectric lens is disposed on the patch antenna element and extends into the aperture of the waveguide.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a machine and process that include a computer code specially programmed for creating a runway extension speed for an aircraft taking off. The process may include sensing current location, current acceleration, and current speed, for the aircraft during takeoff roll; receiving, in a ROTTOWIRE, the current speed and the current acceleration for the aircraft; creating in the ROTTOWIRE an actual speed profile; creating, using a specially coded program in the ROTTOWIRE and the current acceleration, the runway extension speed via determining, for a current location of the aircraft, a distance from a departure end of the runway and a terminating distance required to terminate the takeoff to a stop of the aircraft on the runway, a distance until the aircraft reaches a designated height; and when the terminating distance equals the distance from the departure end of the runway; and presenting the runway extension speed.

Abstract: An example test fixture includes a lower frame having a first rocker rail and a second rocker rail coupled to the first rocker rail, wherein each of the first rocker rail and the second rocker rail has a respective curved surface that allows the lower frame to tilt about a first axis; a rotatable base coupled to the lower frame; an upper frame having a mounting system configured to couple a transmission of an aircraft to the upper frame; a support frame that couples the upper frame to the rotatable base; and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the rotatable base, the support frame, and the upper frame about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for monitoring a vehicle. Optical signals are sent into a fiber optic mesh covering a region of the vehicle. Response optical signals occurring in response to optical signals sent into the fiber optic mesh are detected. Sensor data is generated from the response optical signals detected. A determination is made as to whether a group of nonconformances is present in the vehicle using the sensor data. A group of actions is performed when the group of nonconformances is present.

Abstract: A laser shearography testing system for non-destructively testing a component includes a component heating sub-system coupled to the component. The component heating sub-system excites the component into a loaded state by passing an electric current through the component. A resistivity of the component causes the component to internally and uniformly heat as the electric current passes through the component.

Abstract: A floor panel connection system for attaching a floor panel to an airframe is disclosed. The connection system includes an offset flange insert comprising a base portion, a flange portion, and an interconnect portion. The base portion of the insert is configured to be received in a hole in an edge region of the floor panel and includes an opening that is sized to receive a fastener. The interconnect portion extends laterally from the base portion such that when the edge portion of the floor panel is overlapping a lateral edge portion of the airframe, the flange portion of the insert is beyond the lateral edge portion. The flange portion is also configured to be bonded to a bottom surface of the floor panel beyond the lateral edge portion of the airframe.

Abstract: One piece, multifunctional window assemblies for use in vehicles, equipment, or structures and methods for making them is provided. The disclosed window assembly can include a protection panel and a structural panel each formed of a plurality of nanolaminated layers. The nanolaminated window assembly is self-supporting and does not need a frame. For particular applications, such as in an aircraft, the one piece, multifunctional, nanolaminated window can be directly attached to the fuselage to provide load bearing capability, a larger window area, impact protection, ice buildup prevention, and/or electromagnetic effect protection.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for robot control. An example apparatus includes a command generator to instruct a robot to move an end effector from a staging position to an estimated pre-task position to perform a first task based on a first pose of the robot, the first pose based on a model, adjust the robot to a first actual pre-task position to perform the first task when the robot is to move to a second actual pre-task position, the first actual pre-task position proximate the estimated pre-task position, and direct the robot to perform a second task based on a correction factor, the correction factor is to be determined by determining a second pose of the robot, the second pose corresponding to position information associated with a post-task position, and calculating the correction factor based on the first pose and the second pose.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a model in a wind tunnel is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors attached to a model in a wind tunnel. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an attribute of the model. The system also includes a computing device in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computing device is programmed to receive a plurality of signals from the plurality of sensors, store a first threshold and a second threshold based on normalized alarm limits associated with at least one of the plurality of sensors, analyze the plurality of signals based, at least in part, on the first threshold and the second threshold, determine that a potentially negative condition is occurring based on the analysis, and alert a user to the potentially negative condition.

Abstract: A susceptor wire array. The array includes a first susceptor wire comprising an alloy having a first Curie temperature point and a second susceptor wire comprising an alloy having a second Curie temperature point, the second Curie temperature point is different than the first Curie temperature point of the first susceptor wire. In one susceptor wire arrangement, the second Curie temperature point of the second susceptor wire is lower than the first Curie temperature point of the first susceptor wire. In another susceptor wire arrangement, the array further comprises a third susceptor wire, the third susceptor wire comprising an alloy having a third Curie temperature point. The third Curie temperature point of the third susceptor wire may be different than the first Curie temperature point of the first susceptor wire.

Abstract: Jamming systems uses wireless signals (e.g., radio waves) to deliberately prevent a target from accurately receiving desired wireless signals. The examples herein disclose an anti-jamming system that mitigates an effect that jamming signals have on a radio receiver. To do so, the anti-jamming system generates a plasma shield in a region of space between the target and the jamming system. Plasma is opaque to electromagnetic energy meaning that radio signals, lasers, microwave energy, and the like are unable to pass through the plasma, and instead, are absorbed by the plasma. As such, the jamming signals emitted by the jamming system are absorbed by the plasma shield and do not interfere with the target's radio receiver.

Abstract: A carpet display system includes a plurality of carpet modules. Each of the plurality of carpet modules includes a translucent support panel, a carpet layer secured to the support panel, and a light-emitting element coupled to the support panel. The light-emitting element is configured to emit light through the support panel to provide lighting effects through the carpet layer.

Abstract: Various techniques provide systems and methods for facilitating truly random bit generation. In one example, a method includes receiving a first truly random bit stream in a first memory that includes a plurality of memory cells. Each of the plurality of memory cells stores a respective one bit of the first truly random bit stream. The method further includes generating, by a logic circuit, each bit of a second truly random bit stream based on a respective pair of bits of the first truly random bit stream. The method further includes storing the second truly random bit stream in a second memory. Related methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are aircraft configured to perform tethered and untethered flights as well as methods of operating such aircraft. During a tethered flight, the aircraft is connected to a power line using its connecting module. While tethered, the aircraft can receive electrical energy from the power line and use this energy for propulsion and/or storage. The aircraft comprises a propulsion module for providing vertical and horizontal thrusts. In some examples, the aircraft comprises a transport module. The transport module may be removably attached to the propulsion module and be replaceable with another transportation module. During an untethered flight, the electrical energy is supplied to the propulsion module from a battery and/or a generator on board of the aircraft. The untethered flight capability can be used for landing and takeoff, flying away from power lines or when the power line is not operational, and other like examples.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ultrasonic inspection. One embodiment is a method for ultrasonic inspection. The method includes selecting an ultrasonic probe having an array of transducers arranged in an arc, placing the ultrasonic probe atop a surface of a part having a first radius of curvature, dynamically aligning the transducers of the array with respect to the surface, forming an ultrasonically conductive pathway between the transducers and the part, and inspecting the part via ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for real-time fusion of data acquired using ultrasonic and eddy current area sensors during nondestructive examination. The ultrasonic data is acquired using an array of ultrasonic transducer elements configured to enable the production and display of a C-scan of a small area. The ultrasonic transducer array may be one- or two-dimensional. The eddy current sensor can be a single pair of induction coils, a multiplicity of coil pairs, or a coil configuration in which the numbers of drive coils and sense coils are not equal. The eddy current sensor is able to provide data about the test material, such as material thickness or conductivity, to complement the ultrasonic data or enable auto-setup of the ultrasonic inspection device.