Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of network issues and health reporting to ground-based stakeholders are described herein. In exemplary embodiments, a system includes multiple aircraft, wherein an aircraft in the multiple aircraft communicates through one or more communication links. The aircraft includes processors that compile network event information related to degraded communication link events. Further, the aircraft includes memory units that store a degraded link event report and a configuration database, wherein the degraded link event report stores the network event information related to the degraded communication link events as directed the configuration database.

Abstract: A motorized cervical traction device comprises an inferior base configured to attach to a patient support (such as an operating table or gurney), a superior base spaced apart from the inferior base along a cranial/caudal direction, and a set of linear actuators extending between the inferior base and the superior base. The superior base includes an attachment point configured to enable mechanical coupling of a load sensor and a patient head attachment (e.g., Gardner-Wells device or Mayfield skull clamp) to the superior base. In use, the device provides real-time load sensing capability and can apply distraction via extension of the linear actuators to a preset load (force control) or displacement (position control). The device also includes a flexion/extension mechanism that enables rotational positioning of the linear actuators relative to the inferior base along and enables control of the flexion/extension angle of the applied traction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of network issues and health reporting to ground-based stakeholders are described herein. In exemplary embodiments, a system includes multiple aircraft, wherein an aircraft in the multiple aircraft communicates through one or more communication links. The aircraft includes processors that compile network event information related to degraded communication link events. Further, the aircraft includes memory units that store a degraded link event report and a configuration database, wherein the degraded link event report stores the network event information related to the degraded communication link events as directed the configuration database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating remote databases are provided. In certain embodiments, a method includes determining an installed version for a remote database stored on a vehicle computer. Further, the method includes identifying an incremental update for the remote database, wherein the incremental update contains differences between a desired version for the remote database and the installed version. Additionally, the method includes providing the incremental update to the vehicle computer. Also, the method includes updating the remote database with the incremental update.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating remote databases are provided. In certain embodiments, a method includes determining an installed version for a remote database stored on a vehicle computer. Further, the method includes identifying an incremental update for the remote database, wherein the incremental update contains differences between a desired version for the remote database and the installed version. Additionally, the method includes providing the incremental update to the vehicle computer. Also, the method includes updating the remote database with the incremental update.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating remote databases are provided. In certain embodiments, a method includes determining an installed version for a remote database stored on a vehicle computer. Further, the method includes identifying an incremental update for the remote database, wherein the incremental update contains differences between a desired version for the remote database and the installed version. Additionally, the method includes providing the incremental update to the vehicle computer. Also, the method includes updating the remote database with the incremental update.

Abstract: A method comprises: determining if a personal computing system in a vehicle is authentic using a radio system in the vehicle, where the radio system is configured (a) to communicate with at least one ground system and (b) to be coupled to a vehicle system; if the personal computing system is authenticated, creating a link between the personal computing system and the radio system; and at least one of: restricting data routing to and from at least one of: (a) vehicle system type(s), and (b) application program(s) of at least one of the vehicle system and the personal computing system; restricting data type(s) transmitted between the personal computing system and the vehicle system; and routing data between the personal computing system, and at least one of (a) at least one ground system not through a communications management system and (b) the vehicle system.

Abstract: A sump assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes a housing and a shaft assembly. The housing is arranged about a central axis of the sump assembly to define a cavity configured to house oil and high-pressure gasses. The shaft assembly is mounted to rotate about the central axis and to direct the high-pressure gasses into the housing.

Abstract: A method comprises: determining if a personal computing system in a vehicle is authentic using a radio system in the vehicle, where the radio system is configured (a) to communicate with at least one ground system and (b) to be coupled to a vehicle system; if the personal computing system is authenticated, creating a link between the personal computing system and the radio system; and at least one of: restricting data routing to and from at least one of: (a) vehicle system type(s), and (b) application program(s) of at least one of the vehicle system and the personal computing system; restricting data type(s) transmitted between the personal computing system and the vehicle system; and routing data between the personal computing system, and at least one of (a) at least one ground system not through a communications management system and (b) the vehicle system.

Abstract: A sump assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes a housing and a shaft assembly. The housing is arranged about a central axis of the sump assembly to define a cavity configured to house oil and high-pressure gasses. The shaft assembly is mounted to rotate about the central axis and to direct the high-pressure gasses into the housing.

Abstract: A robotic system includes an end-effector, an input device, and a controller. The input device is operable for collecting data defining a position and a velocity of a dynamic obstacle in an environment of the end-effector. The dynamic obstacle has an arbitrary shape. The controller is in communication with the end-effector and is programmed to execute a method and thereby receive a set of inputs via the input device, including the position and velocity of the dynamic obstacle. The controller computes a contour function defining the closest allowed distance and direction between the end-effector and the dynamic obstacle using the Gilbert-Johnson-Keerthi algorithm, and controls the end-effector via an output command to thereby avoid contact between the end-effector and the dynamic obstacle.

Abstract: A robotic system includes an end-effector and a control system. The control system includes a processor, a dynamical system module (DSM), and a velocity control module (VCM). Via execution of a method, the DSM processes inputs via a flow vector field and outputs a control velocity command. The inputs may include an actual position, desired goal position, and demonstrated reference path of the end-effector. The VCM receives an actual velocity of the end-effector and the control velocity command as inputs, and transmits a motor torque command to the end-effector as an output command. The control system employs a predetermined set of differential equations to generate a motion trajectory of the end-effector in real time that approximates the demonstrated reference path. The control system is also programmed to modify movement of the end-effector in real time via the VCM in response to perturbations of movement of the end-effector.

Abstract: A robotic system includes an end-effector, an input device, and a controller. The input device is operable for collecting data defining a position and a velocity of a dynamic obstacle in an environment of the end-effector. The dynamic obstacle has an arbitrary shape. The controller is in communication with the end-effector and is programmed to execute a method and thereby receive a set of inputs via the input device, including the position and velocity of the dynamic obstacle. The controller computes a contour function defining the closest allowed distance and direction between the end-effector and the dynamic obstacle using the Gilbert-Johnson-Keerthi algorithm, and controls the end-effector via an output command to thereby avoid contact between the end-effector and the dynamic obstacle.

Abstract: A robotic system includes an end-effector and a control system. The control system includes a processor, a dynamical system module (DSM), and a velocity control module (VCM). Via execution of a method, the DSM processes inputs via a flow vector field and outputs a control velocity command. The inputs may include an actual position, desired goal position, and demonstrated reference path of the end-effector. The VCM receives an actual velocity of the end-effector and the control velocity command as inputs, and transmits a motor torque command to the end-effector as an output command. The control system employs a predetermined set of differential equations to generate a motion trajectory of the end-effector in real time that approximates the demonstrated reference path. The control system is also programmed to modify movement of the end-effector in real time via the VCM in response to perturbations of movement of the end-effector.