Abstract: An apparatus for powder-based additive manufacturing of an object is provided. The apparatus includes a powder delivery mechanism, a powder recoating mechanism, an irradiation beam directing mechanism and a temperature control mechanism that at least measures a real-time temperature of at least one growing part of a built object. The apparatus includes a build unit, a positioning mechanism, and a rotating mechanism. The build unit attaches to the positioning mechanism providing the build unit with independent movements in at least two dimensions. The build unit also attaches to the rotating mechanism and rotates around and above a build platform during production. A method of manufacturing the object using the apparatus includes repetitive cycles of depositing powder onto a build platform, irradiating at least one selected portion of the powder to form at least one fused layer, and measuring a real-time temperature of at least one selected portion of the at least one fused layer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger core, a header defining a header manifold, and a transition portion that provides fluid communication between the heat exchanger core and the header manifold. The transition portion includes a transition tube extending between the header and the heat exchanger core, a header junction where the transition tube joins the header, and a splitting junction that splits the transition tube into the plurality of heat exchange tubes. The header junction may define elliptical inlet apertures, a large filleted joint, and a junction thickness that is greater than a header wall thickness.

Abstract: A slip joint assembly for joining multiple pipes is provided. The slip joint assembly includes a flow expander that is connected to a downstream pipe and is tapered toward a forward end. An inlet bellmouth is coupled to the forward end of the flow expander and defines a flared inlet positioned within an upstream pipe. An annular seal assembly is coupled to the upstream pipe and includes a ball seal positioned around and forming a seal with the flow expander to operably couple the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe. An internal diameter of the annular seal assembly is smaller than a diameter of the flared inlet.

Abstract: A generator system includes an electrical generator; a generator casing disposed around the electrical generator; at least one rail structure axially disposed on an outer surface of the generator casing; at least one adaptor plate coupled to the rail structure, the adaptor plate including a substantially rectangular shape. The adaptor plate includes: at least one rabbet feature; and a plurality of bolt holes disposed therethrough. The generator system includes at least one structural foot coupled to the adaptor plate.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes: a build drum, the build drum having a peripheral wall defining a worksurface, the build drum being mounted for rotation about a central axis; a drive mechanism operable to rotate the build drum about the central axis, to hold a solidifiable material on the worksurface by centrifugal force; and a material deposition and solidification apparatus, including: a material depositor operable to deposit the solidifiable material on the worksurface; and an apparatus operable to selectively solidify the solidifiable material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that enable drying and curing a plurality of specimens carried by a plurality of microscope slides. Slide carriers are positioned at a first position while the slide carrier holds the microscope slides. Each of the specimens can be carried by one of the microscope slides. The slide carrier can be robotically moved to move the slide carrier into a circulation loop defined by a heater apparatus. The specimens and/or microscope slides can be convectively heated while the slide carrier is located in the circulation loop.

Abstract: Various methods and assemblies are provided for producing composite components having formed in features. For example, a method may comprise depositing a composite material on a base tool; bringing a feature forming tool into contact with the composite material; and processing the composite material with the feature forming tool in contact with the composite material. The processed composite material forms a green state composite component. The feature forming tool comprises a sheet having one or more elements for interacting with one or more elements of the base tool to form one or more features of the composite component. In some embodiments, the method also may comprise sealing a bag around the feature forming tool and the composite material after bringing the tool into contact with the composite material and removing the bag and the feature forming tool from the green state composite component after processing.

Abstract: A power release latching system includes a gear and a pawl release lever. The gear is adapted to rotate about a rotation axis, and includes a serpentine cam component. The pawl release lever is adapted to pivot about a pivot axis spaced from and disposed parallel to the rotation axis. The pawl release lever includes a serpentine cam portion in camming contact with the serpentine cam component. The camming contact is configured to change from a low-speed-high-torque condition to a high-speed-low torque condition as the pawl release lever pivots from a neutral position to an end high position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a motor vehicle includes a latch body, a claw rotatably mounted in the latch body and operable to selectively retain a hood latch element, and a motor operatively connected to the claw. The motor is operably to rotate the claw to selectively release the hood latch element. A latch controller is operatively connected to the motor, and a speed sensor operatively connected to the latch controller. The speed sensor detects a speed of the motor vehicle. The latch controller operates the motor to rotate the claw based on the speed of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A two-pull, automatic reset, latch system is configured to operate during a no-power scenario and a power scenario. The latch system includes a release system, a release lever, and a coupling lever. The manual release lever is pivotally engaged to a stationary structure about a first axis. The coupling lever pivots about a second axis offset from the first axis, and is adapted to couple the release lever to the release system during a no-power scenario and upon two manual actuations of the release lever. The coupling lever is further adapted to maintain decoupling of the release lever from the release system during a power scenario.

Abstract: Machine vision apparatus tracks a distinctive object in relation to a hazardous location on a work surface of a modified band saw in two, three, or four (3-D+T) dimensions, and calculates whether to send an “immediate shut-down signal” to the band saw. Cameras and an image processor are mounted on the band saw. The signal causes an integrated blade-arresting or stopping mechanism to immediately shift the idler wheel, removing blade tension and disconnecting the blade which is then braked to a complete, safe stop before an approaching blue-gloved hand can touch the blade.

Abstract: Combustor assemblies are provided. For example, a combustor assembly includes a combustor liner defining a combustion chamber and an annular combustor dome positioned at a forward end of the combustor liner that defines a plurality of dome apertures. The combustor assembly further includes an annular heat shield positioned between the combustor dome and the combustion chamber, a plurality of adapters positioned forward of the heat shield, and a plurality of collars. The heat shield defines a plurality of heat shield apertures that are aligned with the dome apertures. One adapter is attached to the combustor dome at each dome aperture, and the adapters are. One collar extends through each heat shield aperture to couple the heat shield to the combustor dome. Further, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) heat shields are provided that may include an annular body defining a plurality of heat shield apertures, as well as inner and outer wings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging using a plurality of light sources is provided. An imaging device comprises a housing, a lens within the housing, a plurality of light source sets attached or integrated into the housing, a two-dimensional pixelated detector within the housing in optical communication with the lens, memory and a controller. Each respective light source set comprises a plurality of lights uniformly radially distributed about the lens. A first light source set in the plurality sets emits light substantially limited to a first spectral range. A second light source set in the plurality of sets emits light substantially limited to a second spectral range other than the first range. At least one program non-transiently stored in the memory and executable by the controller sequentially and independently fired each light source set while collecting light using the pixelated detector. An imaging device can be integrated with a mobile device.

Abstract: An override mechanism for a cinching latch assembly includes a claw rotatable between open and closed positions, the claw spring biased toward the opened position to allow opening of a latch. Also included is a cinch drive link rotatable between an override and non-override positions, the cinch drive link in operative contact with the claw in the non-override position and disengaged from the claw in the override position, wherein operative contact between the claw and the cinch drive link biases the cinch drive link toward the override position. Further included is a guide surface. Yet further included is a cinch override lever defining an opening, the bearing of the cinch drive link disposed within the opening and moveable within the opening. Also included is a cinch override pawl rotatable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition, the engaged condition locking the cinch override lever.

Abstract: A double pull mechanism of a vehicle latch is disclosed herein. The double pull mechanism including: a release link; a cable lever pivotally mounted to a portion of the vehicle latch; a manual release pawl pivotally mounted to the cable lever; a lock spring mounted to the release link; a cable secured to the cable lever, wherein pivotal movement of the cable lever via actuation of the cable a first time causes movement of the lock spring such that a protrusion of the manual release pawl is received in an opening of the release link and wherein actuation of the cable a second time causes movement of the release link via engagement of the protrusion in the opening.

Abstract: An additively manufactured fastener and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The fastener includes a shank defining an internal passageway and a head defining a distribution plenum in fluid communication with the internal passageway. The head further defines a cooling face defining a plurality of cooling holes for receiving a flow of cooling air from the internal passageway and the distribution plenum. In addition, an impingement baffle is positioned in the distribution plenum and defines impingement holes for directing the flow of cooling air onto the cooling face.

Abstract: Combustor assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a combustor assembly comprises a combustor dome, a first heat shield having an edge, a second heat shield having an edge, and a seal extending from the edge of the first heat shield to the edge of the second heat shield such that the seal spans a gap between the first heat shield and the second heat shield. In another embodiment, the seal has a first contact portion contacting the edge of the first heat shield, a second contact portion contacting the edge of the second heat shield edge, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first contact portion and the second contact portion project away from the connecting portion. Methods for sealing between adjacent heat shields of a combustor assembly also are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a sealing system for a turbine engine including an engine component, the engine component defining an oblique sealing surface defining an annular shape. The oblique sealing surface defines an oblique angle with a centerline of the engine component. The sealing system includes a seal housing and a seal ring. The seal housing is annular and includes a groove that is defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an end wall connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The seal ring is positioned at least partially within the groove in the seal housing. The seal ring defines a seal contact surface for forming a seal with the oblique sealing surface of the engine component.

Abstract: Various methods and assemblies are provided for producing composite components having formed in features. For example, a method may comprise depositing a composite material on a base tool; deploying a feature forming tool to press the composite material into one or more recesses; and processing the composite material with the feature forming tool pressing the composite material into the one or more recesses. The processed composite material forms a green state composite component. The feature forming tool comprises one or more forming members, supported by a frame, for forming one or more features of the composite component. The method also may include sealing a bag around the composite material before deploying a feature forming tool and removing the feature forming tool and the bag after processing the composite material.

Abstract: Combustor assemblies are provided. For example, a combustor assembly includes a combustor liner defining a combustion chamber and an annular combustor dome positioned at a forward end of the combustor liner that defines a plurality of dome apertures. The combustor assembly further includes an annular heat shield positioned between the combustor dome and the combustion chamber, a plurality of adapters positioned forward of the heat shield, and a plurality of collars. The heat shield defines a plurality of heat shield apertures that are aligned with the dome apertures. One adapter is attached to the combustor dome at each dome aperture, and the adapters are. One collar extends through each heat shield aperture to couple the heat shield to the combustor dome. Further, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) heat shields are provided that may include an annular body defining a plurality of heat shield apertures, as well as inner and outer wings.