Abstract: A method for performing performance prediction with respect to a vertical flight plan. A system performs performance prediction with respect to a vertical flight plan of an aircraft that includes determining which vertical flight plan rules of a plurality of vertical flight rules that have been loaded in a predictions processor are active by monitoring for criteria that are used to initiate or terminate one or more of the vertical flight plan rules. Aircraft state is predicted at waypoints along a lateral flight path in view of active vertical flight plan rules, and the predicted aircraft state is updated within an integrated flight plan database that stores prediction performance data associated with the aircraft's flight.

Abstract: The accuracy of flight management systems, based on mathematical prediction models calculated from aircraft specific data, are improved by adding engine sensor data to the calculations, checking sensor and pilot entered data, and comparing data measured from redundant sensors. A thrust estimate, calculated from available engine sensors, is added to the thrust-minus-drag aircraft model allowing prediction parameters to be accurately calculated even in a cruise condition. Sensor data and pilot entered data used in calculating predication parameters are checked to improve accuracy. Redundant sensor data is compared to determine the level of agreement. Redundant sensor data is also compared with a valid data range to find the sensor with the most accurate data.

Abstract: A flight plan is modeled by a trajectory with a set of segments having finite lateral and altitude extents between nominal way points. A terrain database stores hierarchical patches with maximum and minimum altitudes and pointers or altitudes for subpatches. Linear-programming inequality constraints match segments with patches. A search finds any terrain locations that impinge upon the trajectory tube, indicating an error condition for the plan. Moving hazards are modeled with segmented trajectories. Conflict with a moving hazard occurs when moving bubbles within both of the trajectories overlap in both space and time.

Abstract: In a material transfer system, material from an excavation is drawn into a vessel by suction from a vacuum source. The vessel has discharge flaps at the bottom that are held closed by the suction. When the weight of the material in the vessel reaches a predetermined value, the flaps open and the material is discharged from the vessel. After the discharge, counterweights almost close the flaps and the suction seals the discharge flaps so that additional material is drawn into the vessel. The vessel includes a vibratory section and has sides that slope outwardly from top to bottom. The material entering the vessel contacts the vibratory section at a predetermined angle and is redirected to the discharge flaps without any caking on the vessel walls. The opening through the discharge flaps is larger than the inlet through which the material enters the vessel so that objects entering the vessel are discharged.