Abstract: An aircraft cockpit training simulator includes a plurality of aircraft cockpit simulation panels and power over Ethernet (POE) cabling extending therebetween. Each panel includes a simulator user interface device, an input circuit or an output circuit, a POE interface circuit, and a distributed controller coupled to the input circuit or output circuit and POE interface device and asynchronously communicating with other controllers using a publish/subscribe protocol. A host controller is coupled to the distributed controllers via the POE cabling and operates the aircraft cockpit simulation panels using a host computer model. The distributed controllers may operate independent of the host computer model.

Abstract: An example method of initiating a maintenance action on a component includes monitoring an electrical current required to maintain a steady state position. The method then initiates a maintenance action on the component based on the monitored current.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole and an upper extending from the sole. The upper having an eyelet which carries a strap. The strap extends between a first end and a second end. The second end is attached to the upper and the first end includes a catch. The catch is adapted for manipulation with a dressing stick, such that the dressing stick enables a user to fasten the shoe with the aid of the catch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a current speed of a wrist-worn mobile electronic device. In some configurations, a wrist-worn mobile electronic device is provided that includes a motion sensor configured to sense motion of the user's wrist and generate acceleration data, a position determining module, a non-transitory memory configured to store scale factors corresponding to a plurality of average acceleration points, and a processor operable to determine a cadence for the user, an average acceleration of the user's wrist, select a scale factor and compute a current speed for the mobile electronic device based on the cadence, determined average acceleration and selected scale factor.

Abstract: An example method of initiating a maintenance action on a component includes monitoring an electrical current required to maintain a steady state position. The method then initiates a maintenance action on the component based on the monitored current.

Abstract: An actuator control system is disclosed that includes an actuator continuously movable between multiple positions. The controller is configured to command the actuator to a desired actuator position and to apply the command to an actuator model. The controller is configured to compare the modeled and actual actuator positions to determine if the position difference exceeds a fault detection accommodation limit and if the position difference is within a band that is different than the fault detection accommodation limit. The controller is configured to calculate a threshold, which is based upon an estimated load on the actuator. The controller is configured to calculate a band comprised of the threshold applied to the modeled position and to determine if the actual actuator position is within the calculated band. The threshold is calculated at regular intervals, and a fault is declared if the actual actuator position is outside the band for a number of consecutive intervals.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging, shipping, and distributing personalized books is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a container having a plurality of wall panels attached to one another to define a central space within the container. One or more of the wall panels of the container comprise an access portion that may be readily displaced to provide access to the central space. A plurality of personalized books, each having an associated identification structure, are positioned in the container such that upon displacement of the access portion the identification structure is at least partially visible to a user.

Abstract: An actuator control system is disclosed that includes an actuator continuously movable between multiple positions. The controller is configured to command the actuator to a desired actuator position and to apply the command to an actuator model. The controller is configured to compare the modeled and actual actuator positions to determine if the position difference exceeds a fault detection accommodation limit and if the position difference is within a band that is different than the fault detection accommodation limit. The controller is configured to calculate a threshold, which is based upon an estimated load on the actuator. The controller is configured to calculate a band comprised of the threshold applied to the modeled position and to determine if the actual actuator position is within the calculated band. The threshold is calculated at regular intervals, and a fault is declared if the actual actuator position is outside the band for a number of consecutive intervals.

Abstract: A target-backing plate assembly for use in physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. The lower curved surface of the target of the assembly is received in a conformingly-shaped backing plate, while a planar upper surface is presented for PVD. The shape of the target increases the amount of material dissipated and the quality of the film and reduces the amount of necessary machining in production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing reference information in a non-volatile memory unit when a power loss to a vehicle detector is imminent. A power monitor circuit senses an impending power loss. In response, the vehicle detector transfers reference information, including a reference count and the number of loop cycles over which the reference count was accumulated, as well as optional detector status information, from the vehicle detector volatile memory (typically RAM) to the non-volatile memory unit. When power is resumed, the information stored in the non-volatile memory unit is restored to the vehicle detector. The restored information prevents improper and potentially dangerous vehicle detector operation caused by the loss of reference information during unpredictable power losses. The transfer operation is not performed if the power loss is due to a mechanical disconnection of power.

Abstract: A sport grip cleaning unit to be used at the location of the sporting activity. The cleaning unit consists of a vending operation under the control of the user. The unit consists of a two compartment cabinet whereby the user is able to control the cleaning action of the unit by the insertion of the sporting apparatus handle into the unit whereby the grip handle butt depresses a micro-switch activating the cleaning brushes. This action also causes the cleaning fluid pump to activate whereby the cleaning fluid floods the cleaning area to lubricate and flush accumulated grime, grit, and oils into the drain system where it is filtered and recycled. Thus the grip is restored to its desired tacky, firm hold condition. The sport grip cleaning unit includes a cleaning fluid reservoir that is removable from the unit for replacement with a new reservoir of cleaning fluid. In this manner, the cleaning unit is self-contained and can be easily serviced.