Abstract: Methods and systems for a full-scale vertical takeoff and landing manned or unmanned electric aircraft, having an all-electric, non-hydrocarbon-powered lift and propulsion system, an integrated avionics system for navigation and guidance, and simple joystick and throttle controls to provide the operator with ‘drive by wire’ style direction control. The vehicle employs counter-rotating sets of propellers and lift is provided by multiple pairs of small electric motors driving directly-connected, counter-rotating sets of propellers. Automatic computer monitoring by one or a plurality of programmed redundant digital motor management computer or autopilot controls each motor-controller and motor to produce pitch, bank and elevation, while simultaneously restricting the flight regime that the pilot can command. Sensed multi-axis information and parameter values about vehicle state are used to provide stable vehicle control and to detect when stable vehicle operating limits are about to be exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a full-scale vertical takeoff and landing manned or unmanned electric aircraft, having an all-electric, non-hydrocarbon-powered lift and propulsion system, an integrated avionics system for navigation and guidance, and simple joystick and throttle controls to provide the operator with ‘drive by wire’ style direction control. The vehicle employs counter-rotating sets of propellers and lift is provided by multiple pairs of small electric motors driving directly-connected, counter-rotating sets of propellers. Automatic computer monitoring by one or a plurality of programmed redundant digital motor management computer or autopilot controls each motor-controller and motor to produce pitch, bank and elevation, while simultaneously restricting the flight regime that the pilot can command. Sensed multi-axis information and parameter values about vehicle state are used to provide stable vehicle control and to detect when stable vehicle operating limits are about to be exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aircraft engine trend monitoring include periodically recording the outputs of engine-condition sensors and analyzing the results to examine piston-engine performance trends and predict the need for engine maintenance. Various analyses can be performed, separately or in parallel, including comparing the current parameter values with values recorded for that parameter in previous instances of similar operating conditions; comparing parameter values to predetermined nominal ranges; and detecting parameter values that exhibit trends over time that if followed would result in out-of-bound readings. Sensed parameter values can also be used to detect when recommended engine operating conditions are being exceeded.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a network that includes at least two microprocessor-controlled devices that include a first microprocessor-controlled device and a distinct second microprocessor-controlled device, and at least two bi-directional fiber optic cables to provide a communicative ring amongst the at least two microprocessor controlled devices by connecting the at least two microprocessor-controlled devices in a daisy-chain, where the first microprocessor-controlled device and the distinct second microprocessor-controlled device communicate via at least two of the bi-directional fiber optic cables.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesives that contain an N-alpha olefin wax have substantially improved open times.

Abstract: A low application temperature hot met adhesive composition and its use in carton, case or tray formation comprising from about 5 to about 60 weight percent ethylene vinyl acetate with about 30 to about 50 weight percent VA content and having a melt index of about 700 to about 4,000 dg/min; a tackifier; and wax with a melting point of about 125 to about 180° F.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a plug portion with first and second ends, the first end receiving a first fiber optic cable(s) providing optical energy and a second fiber optic cable(s) for bi-directional optical data communications. The connector also includes a receptacle portion having first and second ends, the first end for mating with the second end of the plug portion, and the second end having a first pin(s) corresponding to the first fiber optic cable(s), and, a second pin(s) corresponding to the second fiber optic cable, where the receptacle portion further includes a first photodiode(s) corresponding to the first fiber optic cable(s) for converting the received optical energy digital electrical energy for output on the first pin(s), and, a second photodiode(s) corresponding to the second fiber optic cable(s) for converting received optical data communications to digital electrical data communications for output on the second pin(s).

Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a plug portion with first and second ends, the first end receiving a first fiber optic cable(s) providing optical energy and a second fiber optic cable(s) for bi-directional optical data communications. The connector also includes a receptacle portion having first and second ends, the first end for mating with the second end of the plug portion, and the second end having a first pin(s) corresponding to the first fiber optic cable(s), and, a second pin(s) corresponding to the second fiber optic cable, where the receptacle portion further includes a first photodiode(s) corresponding to the first fiber optic cable(s) for converting the received optical energy digital electrical energy for output on the first pin(s), and, a second photodiode(s) corresponding to the second fiber optic cable(s) for converting received optical data communications to digital electrical data communications for output on the second pin(s).

Abstract: A system and method for providing a network that includes at least two microprocessor-controlled devices that include a first microprocessor-controlled device and a distinct second microprocessor-controlled device, and at least two bi-directional fiber optic cables to provide a communicative ring amongst the at least two microprocessor controlled devices by connecting the at least two microprocessor-controlled devices in a daisy-chain, where the first microprocessor-controlled device and the distinct second microprocessor-controlled device communicate via at least two of the bi-directional fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive that exhibits distinct gellation properties at application temperatures at some time following application to a substrate. Adhesive having gellation properties are particularly useful in the manufacture of pleating articles, such as pleated filters.

Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.

Abstract: A cigarette filter, process to manufacture, wherein a low application temperature ethylene copolymer based hot melt adhesive is applied to porous and/or nonporous plugwrap paper. As used herein, low application temperatures are temperature between 200° F. and 300° F. (93° C. and 149° C.), preferably, 240° F. to 275° F. (115° C. to 135° C.).

Abstract: A cigarette filter, process to manufacture, wherein a low application temperature ethylene copolymer based hot melt adhesive is applied to porous and/or nonporous plugwrap paper. As used herein, low application temperatures are temperature between 200° F. and 300° F. (93° C. and 149° C.), preferably, 240° F. to 275° F. (115° C. to 135° C.).

Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.

Abstract: A fuel measuring system includes a package adapted for mounting to a fuel storage vessel. The package includes an electro-statically shielded enclosure. A processor element is disposed in the enclosure and is adapted for coupling to a fuel sensor disposed in the storage vessel. A communication interface is provided for coupling data through the enclosure between the processor and a processor external to the package through a dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure. A power supply for the processor element disposed in the enclosure, such power supply being adapted to generate power for the processing element in response to input energy. An energy interface is provided for coupling the input energy from a source external to the enclosure through dielectric transmission media passing through the enclosure.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly for mating an optical fiber to a receptacle includes an adapter and a plug separably coupled to the adapter. The adapter has a first end coupled to the receptacle with a first surface of the adapter contacting a surface of a housing wall through which the receptacle projects. A sealing member is disposed between the first surface of the adapter and the surface of the housing wall. In one embodiment the sealing member includes an O-ring groove provided in the first surface of the adapter and an O-ring disposed in the O-ring groove. The plug has an external surface with an alignment band formed on the external surface thereof. A first end of the plug is separably coupled to the second end of the adapter and a second end of the plug is adapted to receive the optical fiber. The connector assembly further includes a locking mechanism to prevent the plug from separating from the adapter in response to a vibration force.

Abstract: A fault tolerant distributed intelligence control system for sensing and control across fault tolerant fiber optic communication media interconnecting a plurality of intelligent nodes. Each intelligent node comprises a digital control and communication processor (DCCP) operating autonomously in relation to DCCPs at other nodes, and a transceiver for interfacing with the communication media. The fiber optic communication media comprises bi-directional serial data buses. The combination provides a low cost highly reliable distributed control system particularly applicable to primary and secondary aircraft control systems, as well as to other vehicle and control systems.

Abstract: An intelligent voting node for a multiple node, fault tolerant, distributed intelligence control system having a plurality of optically isolated relays for connecting a power source to a load device and providing total optical isolation for processors of the voting node from faults occurring in the power source. The voting node includes triple redundant two-out-of-three voters each coupled to one of three redundant digital communication and control processors within the node. Built-in-self-test capability using optically isolated receiver devices provides for avoidance of latent failures.

Abstract: A deterministic network protocol for connecting critical sensors, actuators and computing elements on a bi-directional, time-multiplexed, fiber optic or other media data bus, such that critical messages have concisely bounded latency and non-critical messages may be sent without impacting critical messages. It is a unique combination of a time-slot allocation protocol and a contention-based protocol in which global synchronization information is passed on the data media via a synchronization beacon.

Abstract: A very high density, multiple contact connector has low-inductance power and ground planes and gold dot contacts for providing a controlled impedance environment to a module assembly by minimizing undesirable effects such as ground-noise and reflections while assuring operation at interconnect bandwidths up to 6 GHz. The controlled impedance connector connects two printed wiring boards (PWBs) comprising surface mounted devices to a motherboard. The PWBs are bonded to opposite sides of a central heat frame. The connector has two flexible circuits containing a total of 460 gold dot signal connections plus a plurality of separate gold dot power and ground connections. Signal runs between the PWBs and the connector flexible circuits are interconnected using copper fingers soldered to pads on the PWBs. Power and ground planes connect to the PWBs via gold dot contacts on the inside of the flexible circuit surface to pads on the PWBs. The connector is a true zero insertion force design.