Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 30 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for a spacer for a manufactured structure. A spacer includes a plurality of legs where each leg includes an elongate member that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end of each leg is connected to one another at a central point such that the legs are spaced radially about the central point and substantially equidistant from one another. The distal ends of the legs include a material that has a predefined melting point such that the distal ends attach to a surface in contact with the distal ends responsive to the predefined melting point being reached during a molding process.

Abstract: A modular system of fencing components that can simulate the appearance and texture of traditional fencing materials is provided having novel connection and support components and systems to accommodate for thermal expansion while remaining strong, lightweight, easy to install and repair, and cost effective.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for a spacer for a manufactured structure. A spacer includes a plurality of legs where each leg includes an elongate member that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end of each leg is connected to one another at a central point such that the legs are spaced radially about the central point and substantially equidistant from one another. The distal ends of the legs include a material that has a predefined melting point such that the distal ends attach to a surface in contact with the distal ends responsive to the predefined melting point being reached during a molding process.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for providing information to a pilot of a receiver aircraft during a refueling operation are described. The refueling operation includes a tanker aircraft with a hose for supplying fuel to the receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose. One example method includes, receiving at a first transceiver located at the receiver aircraft refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, receiving from a vision system located at the receiver aircraft image information indicative of the hose and the refueling coupler, and displaying, on a head up display (HUD) of the pilot of the receiver aircraft a visual representation of one or more of the refueling information and the image information.

Abstract: An example indication system for use with a refueling system including a hose for supplying fuel from a tanker aircraft to a receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose is described. The indication system includes a first transceiver located at the refueling coupler and configured to receive refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, a plurality of light sources located at the refueling coupler, and a processor in communication with the first transceiver to receive the refueling information, and in communication with the plurality of light sources to operate the plurality of light sources based on the refueling information.

Abstract: A modular system of fencing components that can simulate the appearance and texture of traditional fencing materials is provided having novel connection and support components and systems to accommodate for thermal expansion while remaining strong, lightweight, easy to install and repair, and cost effective.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for providing information to a pilot of a receiver aircraft during a refueling operation are described. The refueling operation includes a tanker aircraft with a hose for supplying fuel to the receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose. One example method includes, receiving at a first transceiver located at the receiver aircraft refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, receiving from a vision system located at the receiver aircraft image information indicative of the hose and the refueling coupler, and displaying, on a head up display (HUD) of the pilot of the receiver aircraft a visual representation of one or more of the refueling information and the image information.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for providing information to a pilot of a receiver aircraft during a refueling operation are described. The refueling operation includes a tanker aircraft with a hose for supplying fuel to the receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose. One example method includes, receiving at a first transceiver located at the receiver aircraft refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, receiving from a vision system located at the receiver aircraft image information indicative of the hose and the refueling coupler, and displaying, on a head up display (HUD) of the pilot of the receiver aircraft a visual representation of one or more of the refueling information and the image information.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for providing information to a pilot of a receiver aircraft during a refueling operation are described. The refueling operation includes a tanker aircraft with a hose for supplying fuel to the receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose. One example method includes, receiving at a first transceiver located at the receiver aircraft refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, receiving from a vision system located at the receiver aircraft image information indicative of the hose and the refueling coupler, and displaying, on a head up display (HUD) of the pilot of the receiver aircraft a visual representation of one or more of the refueling information and the image information.

Abstract: An example indication system for use with a refueling system including a hose for supplying fuel from a tanker aircraft to a receiver aircraft and a refueling coupler coupled to an end of the hose is described. The indication system includes a first transceiver located at the refueling coupler and configured to receive refueling information from a second transceiver located at the tanker aircraft, a plurality of light sources located at the refueling coupler, and a processor in communication with the first transceiver to receive the refueling information, and in communication with the plurality of light sources to operate the plurality of light sources based on the refueling information.

Abstract: A system and method for actively controlling a structure is disclosed. At least one non-optimal event is identified in real-time based on at least one real-time elasticity measurement, if an event threshold exceeds a predetermined value. In response to an active control command, a control mechanism is then activated in real-time to compensate for the non-optimal event.

Abstract: A system and method for actively controlling a structure is disclosed. At least one non-optimal event is identified in real-time based on at least one real-time elasticity measurement, if an event threshold exceeds a predetermined value. In response to an active control command, a control mechanism is then activated in real-time to compensate for the non-optimal event.

Abstract: A system and method for actively controlling a structure is disclosed. At least one non-optimal event is identified in real-time based on at least one real-time elasticity measurement, if an event threshold exceeds a predetermined value. In response to an active control command, a control mechanism is then activated in real-time to compensate for the non-optimal event.

Abstract: An active wing and lift surface control system for an aircraft is described. The wing and lift surface control system includes an aeroelasticity measurement system configured to provide at least one of real time wing twist measurements and real time measurements of aircraft body bending, at least one actuator mechanically coupled to a control surface of the aircraft, and a control system communicatively coupled to the aeroelasticity measurement system and to the at least one actuator. The control system is operable to receive the measurements from the aeroelasticity measurement system and generate control signals, based on the real time measurements, to operate the at least one actuator to adjust a drag associated with one or more of the wing and the aircraft body.

Abstract: A system and method for actively controlling a structure is disclosed. At least one non-optimal event is identified in real-time based on at least one real-time elasticity measurement, if an event threshold exceeds a predetermined value. In response to an active control command, a control mechanism is then activated in real-time to compensate for the non-optimal event.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aeroelasticity measurement and vehicle structural health analysis and monitoring are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer based system to monitor structural integrity of an aircraft comprises a processor and a memory module coupled to the processor and comprising logic instructions stored on a computer readable medium which, when executed by the processor, configures the processor to receive a plurality of aeroelasticity measurements and associated flight parameters collected in real time during a flight operation, store the plurality of aeroelasticity measurements and associated flight parameters in a persistent storage medium, and generate an alert when one or more aeroelasticity parameters exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the system may be implemented in a computing system or as logic instructions recorded on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An active wing and lift surface control system for an aircraft is described. The wing and lift surface control system includes an aeroelasticity measurement system configured to provide at least one of real time wing twist measurements and real time measurements of aircraft body bending, at least one actuator mechanically coupled to a control surface of the aircraft, and a control system communicatively coupled to the aeroelasticity measurement system and to the at least one actuator. The control system is operable to receive the measurements from the aeroelasticity measurement system and generate control signals, based on the real time measurements, to operate the at least one actuator to adjust a drag associated with one or more of the wing and the aircraft body.

Abstract: A highly stable peanut paste for use particularly as an extender to bakery and marzipan products is produced by first pressing blanched peanuts to remove a substantial portion of the natural oil. The pressed nuts are then roasted in a first oil bath to reconstitute them and then drained. While still hot, the roasted nuts are transferred to a second quenching bath of a high stability oil. The nuts are then milled to a paste, degassed and cooled and then mixed with bakery products or marzipan products.