Abstract: Provided herein are an optical test platform and corresponding method of manufacturing the same. The test platform may include a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture of the shell may each be configured to optically couple the cavity with an exterior of the shell. The test platform may further include a first window and a second window embedded in the shell. The first window may seal a first aperture and the second window may seal a second aperture. The first window and second window may each permit the optical coupling of the cavity with the exterior of the shell. The first window and the second window may be optically coupled via the cavity, and the shell may prohibit optical coupling between the first window and the second window through the shell.

Abstract: A computer-implemented software system and method allows data-processing entities to visualize data as pseudo-three-dimensional objects dynamically and interact with and/or manipulate the objects.

Abstract: A computer-implemented software system and method allows data-processing entities to visualize data as pseudo-three-dimensional objects dynamically and interact with and/or manipulate the objects.

Abstract: A computer-implemented software system and method allows data-processing entities to visualize data as pseudo-three-dimensional objects dynamically and interact with and/or manipulate the objects.

Abstract: A computer-implemented software system and method allows data-processing entities to visualize data as pseudo-three-dimensional objects dynamically and interact with and/or manipulate the objects.

Abstract: A method of forming a three dimensional fiber structure is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) providing a starting material which comprises liquid carrier, fibers and binder; b) passing the starting material over a substrate so as to deposit fibers onto the substrate; c) forming a three dimensional fiber matrix; and d) curing the binder. The flow of material onto the substrate may be controlled such that the flow of a starting material over the substrate is chaotic and fibers are laid down in a three dimensional structure containing a high proportion of voids. The preform may be pressurized while moist and is cured under pressure. The fibers may comprise carbon fibers; recycled carbon fiber has been found to be particularly useful. The resulting preform may be stochastic and is suitable for use in ablative and braking applications.

Abstract: An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.

Abstract: A method of forming a three dimensional fibre structure is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) providing a starting material which comprises liquid carrier, fibres and binder; b) passing the starting material over a substrate so as to deposit fibres onto the substrate; c) forming a three dimensional fibre matrix; and d) curing the binder. The flow of material onto the substrate may be controlled such that the flow of a starting material over the substrate is chaotic and fibres are laid down in a three dimensional structure containing a high proportion of voids. The preform may be pressurised while moist and is cured under pressure. The fibres may comprise carbon fibres; recycled carbon fibre has been found to be particularly useful. The resulting preform may be stochastic and is suitable for use in ablative and braking applications.

Abstract: A method of forming a three dimensional fibre structure is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) providing a starting material which comprises liquid carrier, fibres and binder; b) passing the starting material over a substrate so as to deposit fibres onto the substrate; c) forming a three dimensional fibre matrix; and d) curing the binder. The flow of material onto the substrate may be controlled such that the flow of a starting material over the substrate is chaotic and fibres are laid down in a three dimensional structure containing a high proportion of voids. The preform may be pressurised while moist and is cured under pressure. The fibres may comprise carbon fibres; recycled carbon fibre has been found to be particularly useful. The resulting preform may be stochastic and is suitable for use in ablative and braking applications.

Abstract: An automated quilting and tufting system for application of tufts at selected locations along a web of material, including a sewing head receiving a series of tufts or rosettes from a supply. The tufts are removed from their supply and are placed at selected locations on the web of material for attachment to the web of material by the sewing head. Thereafter, the web of material can be cut to form a panel of a desired size.

Abstract: An interference cancellation (IC) system and method for use within a 1553 communication system comprising a data bus carrying primary signals having a 1553 component and a non-1553 component are provided. The IC system has an input port, a 1553 data extraction block and an interference cancellation circuit with an interference measurement and a cancellation block. The interference measurement block receives 1553 decoded data from the 1553 data extraction block and a sampled primary signal via the input port, and, within an impulse response block, produces an interference signal based on a 1553 impulse response system model. The cancellation block subtracts the interference signal from the sampled primary signal and produces an output signal with the 1553 component substantially cancelled. Furthermore, an IC system using adaptive filtering techniques within the impulse response block is provided. The Least Mean Squares (LMS) algorithm can be used as an adaptive filter technique.

Abstract: A system for quilting fabric materials includes a quilter unit having a reciprocating needle bar with a series of needles spaced therealong and carrying a series of threads for forming quilted patterns in fabric materials passing below the needles. The quilted fabric materials then can be collected on a supply roll or fed to a panel cutter downstream from the quilter unit. The panel cutter can include a panel cutting blade for cutting the quilted material in different panel lengths or sizes, as well as a series of slitting blades that can be moved into engagement with the quilted material for forming strips of the quilted material in desired widths.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a gusset to a panel includes a gusset folder that receives and folds a gusset material to form the gusset. The panel is supported by a sewing table. A sewing machine is positioned relative to the sewing table so as to be able to sew the gusset to the panel. A gusset guide guides the gusset toward a selected edge of the panel so that the gusset is held in substantial alignment with the edge of the panel. An edge detector detects when a next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine. A turning mechanism is positioned along the sewing table and is moveable into engagement with the panel. The turning mechanism turns the panel relative to the sewing machine when the edge detector detects the next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine.

Abstract: An interference cancellation (IC) system and method for use within a 1553 communication system comprising a data bus carrying primary signals having a 1553 component and a non-1553 component are provided. The IC system has an input port, a 1553 data extraction block and an interference cancellation circuit. The interference cancellation circuit has an interference measurement and a cancellation block. The interference measurement block receives 1553 decoded data from the 1553 data extraction block and a sampled primary signal via the input port, and, within an impulse response block, produces an interference signal based on a 1553 impulse response system model. The cancellation block subtracts the interference signal from the sampled primary signal and produces an output signal with the 1553 component substantially cancelled. Furthermore, an IC system using adaptive filtering techniques within the impulse response block is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a gusset to a panel includes a gusset folder that receives and folds a gusset material to form the gusset. The panel is supported by a sewing table. A sewing machine is positioned relative to the sewing table so as to be able to sew the gusset to the panel. A gusset guide guides the gusset toward a selected edge of the panel so that the gusset is held in substantial alignment with the edge of the panel. An edge detector detects when a next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine. A turning mechanism is positioned along the sewing table and is moveable into engagement with the panel. The turning mechanism turns the panel relative to the sewing machine when the edge detector detects the next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a gusset to a panel includes a gusset folder that receives and folds a gusset material to form the gusset. The panel is supported by a sewing table. A sewing machine is positioned relative to the sewing table so as to be able to sew the gusset to the panel. A gusset guides the gusset toward a selected edge of the panel so that the gusset is held in substantial alignment with the edge of the panel. An edge detector detects when a next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine. A turning mechanism is positioned along the sewing table and is moveable into engagement with the panel. The turning mechanism turns the panel relative to the sewing machine when the edge detector detects the next edge of the panel is approaching the sewing machine.

Abstract: An automatic border sewing system having a pre-feed assembly for feeding a length of material for forming a mattress border. A feed and cut assembly feeds the border material into a sewing station for forming mitered corners in the border material and thereafter cuts the border material to form a border of a desired length. The mitered border is moved to a closer station for closing the leading and trailing edges of the border.

Abstract: An automatic border sewing system having a pre-feed assembly for feeding a length of material for forming a mattress border. A feed and cut assembly feeds the border material into a sewing station for forming mitered corners in the border material and thereafter cuts the border material to form a border of a desired length. The mitered border is moved to a closer station for closing the leading and trailing edges of the border.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides an impact-absorbing unit comprising an outer wear-resistant casing (10) and one or a plurality of inner stress resistant envelopes (20) containing impact absorbing material. The outer envelope is provided with a plurality of interconnection means (65, 70) on at least one surface thereof, whereby a plurality of such units can be connected together in a closely adjacent relationship to define a substantially continuous surface. In another embodimentthe compressible elements are directly enclosed within the casing (10).In another embodiment the loose fill of compressible elements is replaced by at least one open cell foam element and valve means are provided for evacuating air from the foam, whereby to compress the foam and allow subsequent expansion thereof by exposure to ambient air pressure.