Abstract: An arrangement includes a housing defining a first and second ports. A first passageway provides communication between the ports; a second passageway provides communication with the first port. An element is disposed in the housing and positioned by a balance of forces, the element is positionable to throttled positions for controlling flow through the first passageway in a first direction and to an open position to permit unrestricted flow in a second direction. A check valve is disposed in the second passageway for preventing flow therein from the first port when pressure in the first port is greater than pressure in the second port, and permitting flow through the second passageway to the first port when pressure in the first port is less than the pressure in the second port thereby affecting the balance of forces acting on the element so the element is urged toward the fully open position.

Abstract: An automated process uses a local positioning system to acquire location (i.e., position and orientation) data for one or more movable target objects. In cases where the target objects have the capability to move under computer control, this automated process can use the measured location data to control the position and orientation of such target objects. The system leverages the measurement and image capture capability of the local positioning system, and integrates controllable marker lights, image processing, and coordinate transformation computation to provide tracking information for vehicle location control. The resulting system enables position and orientation tracking of objects in a reference coordinate system.

Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a pest from the Lepidoptera order, they are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides target polynucleotides encoding polypeptides from specific protein families and various target polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 or active variants and fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity).

Abstract: A microvalve includes a base plate having a surface defining an actuator cavity. A venting groove extends from a first cavity portion of the actuator cavity having a dead end region to a second cavity portion of the actuator cavity having a structure that can vent air from the microvalve. A cover plate includes a surface having an actuator cavity provided therein that includes a first cavity portion having a dead end region and a second cavity portion having a structure that can vent air from the microvalve. An intermediate plate includes a displaceable member that is disposed within the actuator cavity for movement between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member prevents fluid communication through the microvalve, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not prevent fluid communication through the microvalve.

Abstract: A microvalve includes a base plate including a surface, a recessed area provided within the surface, a first fluid port provided within the recessed area, and a first sealing structure extending about the first fluid port. The microvalve also includes a cover plate including a surface, a recessed area provided within the surface, a second fluid port provided within the recessed area, and a second sealing structure extending about the second fluid port. An intermediate plate is disposed between the base plate and the cover plate and includes a displaceable member that is movable between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member cooperates with the sealing structures to prevent fluid communication between the fluid ports, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not cooperate with at least a portion of the sealing structures to prevent fluid communication between the fluid ports.

Abstract: An automated process uses a local positioning system to acquire location (i.e., position and orientation) data for one or more movable target objects. In cases where the target objects have the capability to move under computer control, this automated process can use the measured location data to control the position and orientation of such target objects. The system leverages the measurement and image capture capability of the local positioning system, and integrates controllable marker lights, image processing, and coordinate transformation computation to provide tracking information for vehicle location control. The resulting system enables position and orientation tracking of objects in a reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for adhering a vacuum to a surface is provided. A seal is positioned relative to a surface. The seal is associated with a structure and is in communication with a channel within the structure. The seal is rotated relative to the structure such that the seal at least partially conforms to the surface. Air is drawn into the channel within the structure through the seal such that the seal adheres to the surface.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a pest from the Lygus genus, they are capable of decreasing the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides from specific polypeptide families as disclosed herein, and further provides target polynucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-21 or active variants thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is Lygus Hesperus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DC tool cable reel apparatus. The DC tool cable reel includes a cord reel assembly for supporting a DC tool, and a side plate assembly attached to the cord reel assembly. The DC tool cable reel further includes a bracket assembly, wherein the side plate assembly and cord reel assembly are rotatably mounted on the bracket assembly, and a control assembly having a control cable that is electrically connected to a DC tool.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for adhering a vacuum to a surface is provided. A seal is positioned relative to a surface. The seal is associated with a structure and is in communication with a channel within the structure. The seal is rotated relative to the structure such that the seal at least partially conforms to the surface. Air is drawn into the channel within the structure through the seal such that the seal adheres to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.

Abstract: Devices for enabling navigation of a crawler vehicle along an airfoil-shaped body, such as a helicopter blade, in a low-cost fashion with high reliability, especially for swept configuration blades. Using the natural tendency of vacuum adherence devices to adhere to changing surface contours, the crawler vehicle can adhere itself to airfoil-shaped structures in a way that allows the crawler vehicle to easily translate along an airfoil-shaped body while accommodating extreme variations along the surface of the airfoil-shaped body. The crawler vehicle can be designed to eliminate any trailing edge follower wheel, which simplifies the crawler's ability to accommodate trailing edge protrusions, such as trim tabs.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that may include a spool valve having a first connector and a second connector and a spool movable for controlling flow between the first connector and the second connector, regardless of direction of flow through the spool valve. A pilot valve having an inlet and an outlet develops a command pressure. A feedback circuit having an inlet and an outlet develops a feedback pressure. The spool valve may be responsive to the command pressure and the feedback pressure. A fluid rectifier circuit is provided to connect the higher pressure of the first connector and second connector to the pilot valve inlet and feedback circuit inlet, and connect the other of the first connector and second connector to the pilot valve outlet and feedback circuit outlet.

Abstract: Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hydraulic system having at least an implement pump, a fan-steering-braking (FSB) pump, a valve assembly, a fan drive system and one or more accumulators. The method may determine an operational state of a power source associated with the hydraulic system, actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the FSB pump charges the accumulators and operates at least the fan drive system if the power source is operating at less than maximum power, and actuate one or more valves of the valve assembly such that the accumulators operate at least the fan drive system and such that the FSB pump supplements the implement pump as needed if the power source is operating at maximum power.