Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing symbol detection on a plurality of mutually interfering information streams transmitted in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a detector configured to receive an input signal comprising a plurality of mutually interfering information streams, and to detect a transmitted symbol for one of the plurality of mutually interfering information streams by searching for a vector solution to an optimization problem, and a detection evaluation module configured to classify the detected symbol as reliable or unreliable, and/or to determine whether current system conditions permit reliable symbol detection and to take a predetermined action to improve the detection reliability according to a result of the determination. In some embodiments a decoding algorithm is then applied to the plurality of detected symbols to recover information from said one of the mutually interfering information streams.

Abstract: Mating air ducts may be joined to each other via an integrally formed protrusion on male air duct and an integrally formed groove on a female air duct for effecting linear and angular alignment of the mating air ducts. The integrally formed protrusion and groove may be formed on the air ducts via a process known as selective laser sintering or stereo lithography. Further, more than one groove and protrusion may be formed on the air ducts in an uneven manner such that the protrusions fit within the grooves in only one angular orientation. The protrusion may be a nub or a thread. Also, the groove may be a channel aligned to a central axis of the female air duct or a helical groove. The male air duct is linearly aligned and/or angularly aligned to the female air duct when the protrusion engages a distal portion of the groove or an abrupt change of the groove.

Abstract: A self-adjusting masking plug is provided which is adapted to be received in a region of a complex part intended to be masked. The plug has a body adapted to be received within a region of the part intended to be masked. The body includes a first body half having at least one first perimeter wall conforming to a first portion of the intended region to be masked; a second body half having at least one second perimeter wall conforming to a second portion of the intended region to be masked; and a wishbone spring formed internally within the body such that it interconnects the first and second body halves. The wishbone spring includes a first half inner wall transversely spanning and interconnecting portions of the at least one first perimeter wall; a second half inner wall transversely spanning and interconnecting portions of the at least one second perimeter wall; and a common rib interconnecting the first and second inner walls.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided for enhancing density of a three-dimensional object defining at least one or more substantially flat surfaces. The method comprises the steps of: (a) applying a layer of powder at a target plane; (b) completely melting selected locations of the layer corresponding to a cross sectional slice of the object, the cross sectional slice defining a portion of the flat surface; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) to create successive layers to form the flat surface of the object in layerwise fashion, wherein at least one flat surface is oriented at an angle with respect to the target plane to mitigate against “burn through,” warping, and “swelling” of the object. The complete melting of the powder and the orientation of the flat surface tend to provide dimensional accuracy, homogenous microstructure, and enhanced strength characteristics for the object.

Abstract: A method of assembling a first part and a second part. The method may comprise the step of integrally forming an attachment device and a first part. For example, the attachment device may be a nut plate operative to retain a nut therein, and the first part may be an air duct. The nut plate and the air duct may be integrally formed via selective laser sintering or stereo lithography such that the nut plate is an integral feature of the air duct. A nut may be retained in the nut plate, and a mating bolt may engage the nut to attach the air duct (i.e., the first part) to the second part.