Abstract: A stereoscopic camera and associated method for capturing a stereoscopic image pair are provided. As an example, a stereoscopic camera includes first and second lenses defining parallel optical axes. The stereoscopic camera also includes first and second image sensors for receiving optical signals from the first and second lenses. The first and second fields of view are defined so as to overlap to define a first area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by a first distance. The first and second lenses are configured to be repositioned to be spaced apart by a second distance with the first and second image sensors being correspondingly repositioned to alter a space therebetween such that the first and second fields of view overlap to define a second area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by the second distance.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus comprising an articulated arm mounted to a chassis and having an end effector capable of inspecting the root and tip, as well as the length between the root and tip, of an airfoil-shaped body (such as a rotorblade). The robotic apparatus has means for propelling the chassis in a spanwise direction. The chassis-mounted articulated arm facilitates the scanning of sensors over the root or tip of the airfoil-shaped body without repositioning the chassis.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a solar cell device that a first Bragg reflector disposed below a first solar cell and a second Bragg reflector disposed below the first Bragg reflector, wherein the first solar cell comprises a dilute nitride composition and has a first bandgap, wherein the first Bragg reflector is operable to reflect a first range of radiation wavelengths back into the first solar cell and the second Bragg reflector is operable to reflect a third range of wavelengths back into the first solar cell, and the first Bragg reflector and the second Bragg reflector are operable to cool the solar cell device by reflecting a second range of radiation wavelengths that are outside the photogeneration wavelength range of the first solar cell or that are weakly absorbed by the first solar cell.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for brake load alleviation amongst at least one first brake and at least one second brake is disclosed. The method involves sensing an amount of brake pedal application in response to engagement of at least brake pedal. The method further involves determining whether the amount of brake pedal application is greater than a brake pedal application threshold value. Also, the method involves generating a brake application profile, when it is determined that the amount of brake pedal application is greater than the brake pedal application threshold value. The brake application profile indicates that actuation of at least one first brake is delayed by a first time delay, and that actuation of at least one second brake is delayed by a second time delay. Further, the method involves actuating at least one first brake and at least one second brake according to the brake application profile.

Abstract: An elongated structure comprising a web extending along a length of the elongated structure and a flange comprising a first flange portion, the first flange portion extending away from an area of the web. The first flange portion comprises a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The first flange portion of the elongated structure may comprise the variable width the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a constant width along at least a portion of the length of the elongated structure. The elongated structure may further comprise a second flange portion. The second flange portion may comprise a variable width along at least a portion of the length of the elongate structure. The first flange portion may comprise a first top flange portion.

Abstract: A communication system including a communication platform, and a downlink communication module connected to the communication platform and having a matrix power amplifier, the matrix power amplifier including an input hybrid matrix, an output hybrid matrix, a bank of high power amplifiers disposed between and in communication with at least the input hybrid matrix and the output hybrid matrix, and a bank of adjusters disposed between and in communication with at least the input hybrid matrix and the output hybrid matrix. The communication system further includes a driver circuit connected to each adjuster in the bank of adjusters, the driver circuit being configured to command each adjuster to modify communication signals, passing through the matrix power amplifier, at time division multiple access rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a structure. Electromagnetic radiation is sent to a surface on a structure from an electromagnetic radiation emission system. A response is filtered to the electromagnetic radiation using a filter located inside of a borescope inspection housing. The filter is configured to pass a number of wavelengths in a response to the electromagnetic radiation directed at the surface on the structure. Data is generated from the number of wavelengths from the number of wavelengths passed through the filter using a sensor array. A two-dimensional image of the surface on the structure is generated with a group of graphical indicators indicating a group of inconsistencies not visible to a naked eye. The two-dimensional image is generated using data from a sensor array.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a transport aircraft employs a gas turbine core coupled to a wing. A ducted fan is coupled to the core gas turbine extending downstream from and integrated in a trailing edge of the airplane wing.

Abstract: Sealant injection systems for injecting sealant into a cavity, the sealant injection systems including a sealant dispensing tip having a proximal end portion, a body portion, and a distal end portion that define a continuous channel to an aperture in the distal end portion for dispensing sealant material into a cavity, where the aperture is surrounded by a compressible material. The distal end portion may have a linear ridge defined on an end face, the aperture being asymmetrically provided relative to the ridge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to solution processed nanomaterials, and methods for their manufacture, with activity in the infrared (IR) region for a variety of commercial and defense applications, including conformal large-area IR coatings, devices and pigments that necessitate an absorption band edge in the MWIR or LWIR.

Abstract: A composite structure and method of assembling a composite structure is provided. The composite structure includes a base member having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface defines a channel therethrough. The composite structure further includes a support member coupled to the outer surface. A fabric overwrap is coupled to the support member.

Abstract: A Radar Calibration Processor (“RCP”) for calibrating the phase of a stepped-chirp signal utilized by a synthetic aperture radar (“SAR”) is disclosed. The RCP includes a periodic phase error (“PPE”) calibrator, first non-periodic phase error (“NPPE”) calibrator in signal communication with the PPE calibrator, and a second NPPE calibrator in signal communication with the first NPPE calibrator.

Abstract: A system includes a chamber to receive a powdered material to be used to form an object. The system includes actuators coupled to the chamber. The actuators apply pressure waves to the powdered material in the chamber. The system also includes a controller to activate a plurality of the actuators in a sequence. Activation of the plurality of actuators in the sequence converges pressure waves on a particular volume of powdered material in the chamber to compress the particular volume and to transform at least a portion of the powdered material in the particular volume to solid material of the object.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling an aircraft structure assembly composed of a plurality of sections, and doing so without use of any shimming, locating fixtures or final-hole-size drill jigs. The method includes supporting the first and second frame sections on respective adjustable supports, and positioning the interconnecting frame section therebetween. The method includes aligning first pre-drilled mating holes in the interconnecting frame section with first pre-drilled mating holes in the first and second frame sections, and installing fasteners through the aligned, first pre-drilled mating holes. The method includes positioning a structural mating section relative to the first and second frame sections and interconnecting frame section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a dual function inrush limiting circuit (ILC). The systems and methods may include a level shift circuit (LSC). The LSC may include a Zener diode, a block diode and a capacitor. The Zener diode being in anti-series with respect to the block diode. The ILC may further include a switch electrically coupled to the LSC, an input terminal and an output terminal. The LSC may be configured to activate the switch such to electrically couple the input terminal to the output terminal. The ILC may include a direct current (DC)-DC converter electrically coupled to the output terminal. The DC-DC converter being electrically coupled to the input terminal when the switch is activated.

Abstract: A compartment door of a galley within an internal cabin of a vehicle (such as an aircraft) includes a front panel having a front outer surface, and a footstep system secured to the front panel. The footstep system is moveable between a retracted position and an extended support position. The footstep system is vertically oriented in the retracted position. The footstep system outwardly extends and folds to provide a step surface in the extended support position.

Abstract: A temporary microwave horn antenna coupling device is configured for collecting or injecting quantifiable samples of RF energy. The device comprises single electric field probe mounted at the radiating aperture of a radiating payload. The electric field probe can be oriented at 45 degrees to the horizontal and vertical electric fields of a linearly polarized antenna, or oriented for a single linear polarization to the electric field in a circular polarized antenna. The electric field probe is connected to an attenuator and/or lossy cable for reduced reflections and gradient thermal dissipation.

Abstract: Provided are methods for cleaning processing tools from residue using laser ablation. Also provided are processing tools comprising non-metal base portions and protective optical layers that cover and shield these base portions from laser ablation. For example, a protective optical layer may reflect a laser beam used for ablating the tool. Methods of forming these protective optical layers on non-metal base portions are also provided. In some embodiments, this protective optical layer is the outermost layer exposed to the environment. Alternatively, the protective optical layer may be covered by a release layer. The release layer may be retained or removed during laser ablation. In some embodiments, light emitted by a processing tool during laser ablation is analyzed to determine performance of its protective optical layer. This feedback may be used to control the laser ablation such as to control orientation of the laser beam relative to the processing tool.

Abstract: A system for monitoring maintenance for manufacturing apparatuses in a facility is provided. The system includes at least one manufacturing apparatus, the manufacturing apparatus including an RF identification tag and a module, and a control system.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to baffle fuel dams and tank boundary fuel dams having a single-piece or two-piece construction. In one example, a baffle fuel dam is a single piece having slotted holes sized and spaced to accommodate for tolerance variations during installation. The baffle fuel dams also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations. The disclosure also relates to tank boundary fuel dams that include a two-piece configuration which incorporates slotted holes to accommodate tolerance variations and that are sized/spaced for different installation locations. The tank boundary fuel dams may also include a base angle that allows installation at multiple locations.