Abstract: Methods of improving the wear resistance of a cemented carbide are provided. The methods include using fracture toughness as a selection criterion and selecting a cemented carbide which has a fracture toughness between about 6 and about 15 MPa·m1/2. Cutting tools and/or cutting tool inserts prepared using methods of the disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of improving the wear resistance of a cemented carbide. The method includes using fracture toughness as a selection criterion and selecting a cemented carbide which has a fracture toughness between about 6 and about 15 MPa·m1/2. The method further includes applying a sacrificial coating to the cemented carbide and increasing the fracture toughness of the cemented carbide by creating a toughened surface layer using laser shock peening, thereby increasing its fracture resistance to fatigue and stress corrosion cracking. The invention also concerns a cutting tool or a cutting tool insert made from a cemented carbide and treated using the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a system for performing Laser Shock Peeing on a target (100). The system includes a device (10) for generating and transmitting a laser pulse to the target (100) and a fluid source for supplying a fluid into a fluid flow path arranged between an inlet (20) and an outlet (22.1, 22.2). A solid medium (14), which is transparent to incident laser light (12), is located in the laser path so as to allow the laser pulse to pass through it. In use, the fluid flow path is sandwiched between the solid medium (14) and the target (100) during the laser shock peening process so that the fluid is in direct contact with the solid medium (14) and the target (100), thereby eliminating any air-fluid interface in the travel path of the laser pulse. The fluid is also supplied into the fluid flow path having a constant thickness such that a second shock event through cavitation in the fluid layer occurs upon the collapse of a plasmalvapor bubble generated after the laser pulse striking the target.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a system for performing Laser Shock Peeing on a target (100). The system includes a device (10) for generating and transmitting a laser pulse to the target (100) and a fluid source for supplying a fluid into a fluid flow path arranged between an inlet (20) and an outlet (22.1, 22.2). A solid medium (14), which is transparent to incident laser light (12), is located in the laser path so as to allow the laser pulse to pass through it. In use, the fluid flow path is sandwiched between the solid medium (14) and the target (100) during the laser shock peening process so that the fluid is in direct contact with the solid medium (14) and the target (100), thereby eliminating any air-fluid interface in the travel path of the laser pulse. The fluid is also supplied into the fluid flow path having a constant thickness such that a second shock event through cavitation in the fluid layer occurs upon the collapse of a plasmalvapour bubble generated after the laser pulse striking the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor network in an aircraft, which comprises several sensor nodes that communicate with a central data collection and evaluation unit via a radio transmission path. Data transmission can take place in various ways. For example, different frequency ranges are provided, from which the respective frequency range enabling the best data transmission quality is selected.

Abstract: A layout apparatus for communicating includes, but is not limited to, a structural device, a first signal adjustment device and a radio device. The structural device is designed for configuring the layout of a room, and the first signal adjustment device is adapted for the electrical-optical conversion of an antenna signal. Furthermore, the first signal adjustment device and the radio device are arranged in the structural device, and the radio device is connected to the first signal adjustment device in such a manner that the antenna signal can be transmitted and/or received as a radio signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor network for determining the position of devices and gear in an aircraft. The sensor network exhibits several sensor nodes, which have an autonomous power supply. The sensor nodes can communicate wirelessly with each other and with a central processing unit. The position of each individual sensor node can be determined by evaluating high-frequency signal parameters.

Abstract: The idea of the present invention is that an airfreight container according to the invention, which is designed especially for an unpressurized cargo hold of an aircraft, comprises an airtight and pressure-tight container housing with a container interior space for accommodating airfreight goods. This airfreight container furthermore comprises an internal compressed air generating device which is designed for independently generating compressed air for supplying the container interior space with compressed air. The concept according to the invention of an at least partly autonomous airfreight container, which is created as a result, provides that the airfreight container according to the invention, in addition to the pure bundling of goods, now provides, moreover, different supply systems, such as the device for compressed air generation and compressed air provision, corresponding to the specific requirements.

Abstract: An aircraft tank system includes a tank cell for receiving fuel, a fuel line that connects the tank cell to a fuel inlet connection, and an aeration/deaeration device that for aeration/deaeration of the tank cell connects the tank cell to the environment. A shut-off valve of the aeration/deaeration device is adapted in an open position to open a connection between the tank cell and the environment and in a closed position to interrupt the connection between the tank cell and the environment. The aircraft tank system further includes an exhaust air outlet connection, which is connected to the aeration/deaeration device and which is adapted during filling of the tank cell with fuel to be connected to an aeration/deaeration connection of a storage tank of a refueling unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor network in an aircraft, which comprises several sensor nodes that communicate with a central data collection and evaluation unit via a radio transmission path. Data transmission can take place in various ways. For example, different frequency ranges are provided, from which the respective frequency range enabling the best data transmission quality is selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor network for determining the position of devices and gear in an aircraft. The sensor network exhibits several sensor nodes, which have an autonomous power supply. The sensor nodes can communicate wirelessly with each other and with a central processing unit. The position of each individual sensor node can be determined by evaluating high-frequency signal parameters.

Abstract: A layout apparatus for communicating includes, but is not limited to, a structural device, a first signal adjustment device and a radio device. The structural device is designed for configuring the layout of a room, and the first signal adjustment device is adapted for the electrical-optical conversion of an antenna signal. Furthermore, the first signal adjustment device and the radio device are arranged in the structural device, and the radio device is connected to the first signal adjustment device in such a manner that the antenna signal can be transmitted and/or received as a radio signal.

Abstract: An aircraft tank system (10) comprises a tank cell for receiving fuel, a fuel line (12) that connects the tank cell to a fuel inlet connection (14), and an aeration- and/or deaeration device (16) that for aeration and/or deaeration of the tank cell connects the tank cell to the environment. A shut-off valve (18, 20) of the aeration- and/or deaeration device (16) is adapted in an open position to open a connection between the tank cell and the environment and in a closed position to interrupt the connection between the tank cell and the environment. The aircraft tank system (10) further comprises an exhaust air outlet connection (24), which is connected to the aeration- and/or deaeration device (16) and which is adapted during filling of the tank cell with fuel to be connected to an aeration- and/or deaeration connection (32) of a storage tank (28) of a refueling unit (26).

Abstract: The idea of the present invention is that an airfreight container according to the invention, which is designed especially for an unpressurized cargo hold of an aircraft, comprises an airtight and pressure-tight container housing with a container interior space for accommodating airfreight goods. This airfreight container furthermore comprises an internal compressed air generating device which is designed. for independently generating compressed air for supplying the container interior space with compressed air. The concept according to the invention of an at least partly autonomous airfreight container, which is created as a result, provides that the airfreight container according to the invention, in addition to the pure bundling of goods, now provides, moreover, different supply systems, such as the device for compressed air generation and compressed air provision, corresponding to the specific requirements.

Abstract: Described is a modeling and analysis design environment allowing the specification of an architectural lighting system, composed of both natural and artificial lighting elements and lighting controls. The modeling environment allows users to create 3D models through a series of plan and section drawings. Its glyph language also provides for quick specification of elements such as windows, luminaires, and control systems. The analysis workbench provides both visual and robust way of analyzing multidimensional data, characteristic of lighting simulation. One aspect of the invention is a method for evaluating combinations of artificial and natural lighting to optimize lighting quality and energy cost. This method includes using integrated Plan/Section approach for specification of 3D lighting models, glyph language for quick specification of geometry in Plan/Section, a calculation manager, and visual, spreadsheet-like language for managing spatial and temporal data.

Abstract: A frame is provided for relieving stress on a cable splice. The frame includes a pair of rails spaced apart to accommodate a splice enclosure. At least one mounting plate is coupled to spaces of the rails for detachably mounting the splice enclosure. A strain relief is coupled to the rails for receiving a cable and isolating the weight of the cable from a splice of the cable disposed within the splice enclosure.