Abstract: An acousto-optic modulator system for protecting a photoreceptor from an incident laser beam from a laser source includes a transducer array that is connected to a glass portion. The glass portion is arranged in a predicted path of the laser beam between the laser source and the photoreceptor. An electronic control unit (“ECU”) selectively energizes the transducer array and causes the transducer array to emit sound pressure waves into the glass portion. The sound pressure waves have predetermined oscillation characteristics that change a refractive index of the glass portion to diffract the beam. A camera system includes the transducer array, the ECU, and a camera having an image sensor and an external lens positioned in the predicted path. A host aircraft includes the photoreceptor, fuselage, one or more wings, the glass portion, the transducer array, and the ECU.

Abstract: A surge control system and method include a valve assembly located along a fluid conduit downstream of one or more compressors in a flow circuit, and configured to receive a fluid stream from the one or more compressors. The valve assembly includes a valve body, a pitot tube integrated onto the valve body, and a pressure sensor device operably connected to the pitot tube. A controller of the surge control system receives pressure measurements generated by the pressure sensor device. The pressure measurements represent pressure in the pitot tube over time. The controller analyzes at least one of (i) the pressure measurements or (ii) flow velocity values derived from the pressure measurements, and detects a surge condition in the flow circuit based on oscillations in the at least one of the pressure measurements or the flow velocity values.

Abstract: A seat system is configured to be within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The seat system includes a backrest, and a seat support moveable between a seating position and a standing position. The backrest and the seat support are configured to support an individual in a seated orientation when the seat support is in the seating position. Further, the backrest and the seat support are configured to support the individual in a standing orientation when the seat support is in the standing position.

Abstract: An example method for determining space availability in an aircraft includes receiving outputs from a plurality of laser sensors positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall face each other. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container and detect reflected responses to generate the outputs. The example method also includes receiving images from a camera positioned on a third wall of the baggage container, wherein the third wall differs from the first wall and the second wall, mapping contents of the baggage container based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, based on said mapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggage container, and associating the images from the camera with the contents of the baggage container.

Abstract: An article comprising additively manufactured metal portions is described. The article comprises a first additively manufactured metal portion, and a second additively manufactured metal portion coupled to the first additively manufactured metal portion at a welded joint. The article further comprises a resistive heating material disposed within an interior of the welded joint, the resistive heating material comprising a different material than the first additively manufactured metal portion and the second additively manufactured metal portion.

Abstract: An example system includes: an apparatus comprising: a temporary fastener having a stem configured to be inserted through as assembly and be retained to the assembly, and a spring mounted about the stem. The system also includes a linear actuator configured to apply a force on the spring, thereby causing the spring to be compressed against the assembly and apply a predetermined clamping force to the assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assembling an aircraft. The method includes receiving a lower half barrel section of fuselage that is inverted to a keel-up orientation; and installing a floor grid into the lower half barrel section while inverted.

Abstract: A public transportation vehicle comprises a passenger cabin, comprising a cabin floor, and a plurality of seating tracks, fixed to the cabin floor at locations along the passenger cabin. The public transportation vehicle further comprises a plurality of passenger seats selectively releasably fixed to at least one seating track of the plurality of seating tracks. The public transportation vehicle additionally comprises at least one cargo cart that is selectively releasably fixable to at least one seating track of the plurality of seating tracks.

Abstract: A reflector for an antenna includes a first shaped region, wherein a curvature of the first shaped region is defined by a corresponding scan angle, and a second shaped region, wherein a curvature of the second shaped region is based on a corresponding scan angle. The curvature of the first shaped region is different than the curvature of the second shaped region.

Abstract: An example method of forming a composite structure includes applying a laminated charge onto an expandable pallet, moving the expandable pallet in a linear motion relative to a plurality of rollers, and progressively urging the laminated charge into a continuously expanding recess defined by the expandable pallet using the plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers are oriented in a serial configuration so as to shape the laminated charge into at least part of a shape of the composite structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a composite article includes adding an upper skin at least partially over a failsafe torque tube. The failsafe torque tube includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The method also includes adding a lower skin at least partially under the failsafe torque tube. The upper skin, the lower skin, and the outer tube are made of a composite material. The method also includes co-curing the upper skin, the lower skin, and the outer tube together to produce the composite article.

Abstract: An aircraft including a fuselage having a side wall at least partially defining a passenger cabin and a crown section of the aircraft. The passenger cabin includes an overhead zone, a passenger zone, and a floor zone. An air supply duct is positioned within the crown section, and the air supply duct is configured to pressurize the crown section with air. At least one return air outlet is defined in the floor zone. An interior structure is coupled to the side wall and extends between the passenger cabin and the crown section. The interior structure includes a plurality of nozzles oriented to discharge the pressurized air from the crown section along an airflow path that extends downward through the overhead zone, downward through the passenger zone, and then towards the at least one return air outlet.

Abstract: Implementations are provided for fabricating a finished workpiece having a shaped portion. One implementation includes: a superplastic formation diffusion bonding (SPFDB) component; a cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) component; and a mold having a concavity. Various configurations can operate on a workpiece with the SPFDB and CSAM components in different orders. An implementation is configured to cold spray (with the CSAM component) an additive material onto the workpiece; and perform superplastic forming (with the SPFDB component) on the workpiece with the mold, thereby rendering the workpiece into the finished workpiece having the shaped portion. The shaped portion conforms to a shape defined by the concavity. Cold spraying results in an increased thickness of the finished workpiece in a target region, which can provide structural reinforcement, and which can have a tapered edge. The workpiece can be a metal substrate made of titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, or another material.

Abstract: Within examples, a system is described that includes a control lever for controlling operation of a device, a first actuator coupled to the control lever via a rod, and a resettable frangible link coupling a second actuator to the control lever via the rod. The resettable frangible link enables separation of coupling of the second actuator from the control lever based on an applied force to the rod by the first actuator.

Abstract: Multi-ply composite charges are laid up by a multi-head laminator in a single pass, enabling high rate production of composite laminate structures such as stringers.

Abstract: An enclosed space, such as a lavatory within an internal cabin of a vehicle, includes one or both of: (a) a toilet moveably secured to one or both of a floor or one or more walls, wherein the toilet is configured to be moved between a toilet deployed position and a toilet retracted position, and/or (b) a sink moveably secured to one or both of the floor or the one or more walls, wherein the sink is configured to be moved between a sink deployed position and a sink retracted position.