Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hybrid actuation and suppressing vibration are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid actuator includes a first actuator and a second actuator linked to move a component a combined actuation distance. The first actuator may include a hydraulic piston, and the second actuator may include a piezo-electric actuator. In another embodiment, the first actuator is activated within a first frequency range, and the second actuator is activated within a second frequency range. In another aspect, a method is provided combining a first actuation movement and a second actuation movement. In another embodiment, a system is provided for suppressing movement of a component including a combination of actuators. In a further embodiment, an aircraft is provided with hybrid motion suppression including a first actuator and a second actuator linked to activate a control surface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the free play in aircraft control surfaces includes one or more accelerometers secured in or on the aircraft control surfaces and a computer system connected to the one or more accelerometers and to one or more control surface actuators to selectively activated to selectively activate a control surface and send a reading from the control surface to the computer system. The computer system includes means to plot the readings from the one or more accelerometers on the control surfaces to plot a curve of the free play in the selected control surface. The method of the invention utilizes the one or more accelerometers placed in or on the aircraft control surfaces and connects them to the aircraft's flight control computer or a similar computer to receive signals originated by vibrating the control surfaces and plotting curves of the free play measured in the control surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement fabric loop for a necktie. The replacement fabric loop includes an elongated transverse member having anchor sections located on opposing ends of the transverse member. Each anchor section has a non-marring adhesive on the bottom side of the anchor section. The anchor sections are attached on to the backside of the main section of a necktie. The tail section of the necktie may then be restrained under the transverse member. The replacement fabric loop may be positioned anywhere on the necktie to accommodate neckties of various lengths. The replacement fabric loop may be reusable, disposable, and temporary.

Abstract: A system and method of performing aeroelastic analysis using a neural network. Input parameters, such as mass and location, contributing to aeroelastic characterization are determined and constrained. A model of a structure to be analyzed can be constructed. The model can include a number of locations where the input parameters can be varied. The aeroelastic characteristic of the structure can be analyzed using a finite element model to determine a number of output characteristics, each of which can correspond to at least one of a plurality of input samples. A neural network can be generated for determining the aeroelastic characteristic based on input parameters. The input sample/output characteristic pairs can be used to train the neural network. The weights and bias values from the trained neural network can be used to generate a non-linear transfer function that generates the aeroelastic characteristic in response to input parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hybrid actuation and suppressing vibration are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid actuator includes a first actuator and a second actuator linked to move a component a combined actuation distance. The first actuator may include a hydraulic piston, and the second actuator may include a piezo-electric actuator. In another embodiment, the first actuator is activated within a first frequency range, and the second actuator is activated within a second frequency range. In another aspect, a method is provided combining a first actuation movement and a second actuation movement. In another embodiment, a system is provided for suppressing movement of a component including a combination of actuators. In a further embodiment, an aircraft is provided with hybrid motion suppression including a first actuator and a second actuator linked to activate a control surface.

Abstract: Circuits and methods for use on a mobile platform including a flight control system, a structure, an aerodynamic surface, and an actuator operatively coupled to the surface to control the surface. The circuit includes a first and a second input, a summing element, and an output. The first input accepts commands from the flight control system while the second input accepts a vibration signal from the structure. The summing element communicates with the inputs and sums the signal and the command. In turn, the summing element controls the actuator with the summed signal and command.

Abstract: A morphing airfoil system includes a first airfoil having a first root, first span, first chord, and first tip. The first airfoil is attachable to an aircraft near the first root. A second airfoil has a second root, second span, second chord, and second tip. The second airfoil is attachable to the aircraft near the first root. At least one moveable connection is attached to at least one of the first airfoil and the second airfoil near their respective roots. The moveable connection is arranged to permit movement of at least one of the first airfoil and the second airfoil from a first position with their tips near each other to a second position with their tips spaced apart from each other. An endplate may connect the two airfoils near their respective tips.