Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: An in-flight charging system includes a first electric air vehicle, a second electric air vehicle, an elevated power supply system (EPSS) and a flexible tension member coupled to the first electric air vehicle and coupled to the second electric air vehicle. The flexible tension member provides power from the second electric vehicle to the first electric vehicle. The EPSS further includes one or more current carrying conductors, wherein the second electric air vehicle travels along the one or more current carrying conductors and receives power transferred from the one or more current carrying conductors.

Abstract: System for transmitting energy to a moving vehicle. The system includes at least one moving vehicle; at least one energy source to supply energy toward the at least one moving vehicle; and a receiver that is movable relative to the at least one energy source, that receives the supplied energy from the at least one energy source and converts the received energy to at least one of charge a battery or to impart thrust to the at least one moving vehicle.

Abstract: System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement and power conversion system movable within a waveguide. System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement includes a structure having an elongated tubular interior; a movable vehicle structured and arranged to move through the elongated tubular interior; at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the elongated tubular interior to transmit energy; and a receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, configured to receive the transmitted energy from the at least one energy source and to convert the received energy into at least one of electrical power and thrust for moving the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component to determine if the vehicle is experiencing a free-fall, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a soft mode and to provide a cushioned landing for the vehicle, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: Method for controlling a dynamic linear motor. Method includes defining a path over which a rotor is to travel, placing stator segments at least along portions of the path where the rotor may be one of accelerated and decelerated and supplying a variable amplitude and frequency of voltage to power the stator segments in a synchronized manner so that, as the rotor approaches stator segments, the stator segments are powered and, as the rotor departs stator segments, the stator segments are depowered.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper includes: a cylinder and a piston assembly, wherein the piston assembly includes a piston; a working fluid within the cylinder; a bypass cylinder surrounding the cylinder and defining a cylindrical bypass channel; an adjustable bypass port fluidly coupling an interior of the cylinder and the cylindrical bypass channel; and an active bypass valve coupled with the cylindrical bypass channel, the active bypass valve configured to adjust a working size of the adjustable bypass port to modify a flow of said working fluid through the adjustable bypass port.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: An in-flight charging system includes a first electric air vehicle, a second electric air vehicle, an elevated power supply system (EPSS) and a flexible tension member coupled to the first electric air vehicle and coupled to the second electric air vehicle. The flexible tension member provides power from the second electric vehicle to the first electric vehicle. The EPSS further includes one or more current carrying conductors, wherein the second electric air vehicle travels along the one or more current carrying conductors and receives power transferred from the one or more current carrying conductors.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement and power conversion system movable within a waveguide. System for converting transmitted energy to vehicle movement includes a structure having an elongated tubular interior; a movable vehicle structured and arranged to move through the elongated tubular interior; at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the elongated tubular interior to transmit energy; and a receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, configured to receive the transmitted energy from the at least one energy source and to convert the received energy into at least one of electrical power and thrust for moving the vehicle.

Abstract: A power supply system and method for a vehicle movable within a structure is provided. The power supply system includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to electrical power and/or thrust.

Abstract: Method for controlling a dynamic linear motor. Method includes defining a path over which a rotor is to travel, placing stator segments at least along portions of the path where the rotor may be one of accelerated and decelerated and supplying a variable amplitude and frequency of voltage to power the stator segments in a synchronized manner so that, as the rotor approaches stator segments, the stator segments are powered and, as the rotor departs stator segments, the stator segments are depowered.

Abstract: A dynamic linear motor is controlled by determining a relative proximity of a moving rotor of the linear motor to a fixed stator segment of the linear motor using a current location of the moving rotor. A current driving characteristic of the linear motor at the current location of the moving rotor is determined. Settings for the fixed stator segment when the moving rotor reaches the fixed stator segment are identified based on the current driving characteristic. The fixed stator segment is driven based on the settings when the moving rotor reaches the fixed stator segment.

Abstract: A power supply system and method for a vehicle movable within a structure is provided. The power supply system includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to electrical power and/or thrust.

Abstract: A dynamic linear motor is controlled by determining a relative proximity of a moving rotor of the linear motor to a fixed stator segment of the linear motor using a current location of the moving rotor. A current driving characteristic of the linear motor at the current location of the moving rotor is determined. Settings for the fixed stator segment when the moving rotor reaches the fixed stator segment are identified based on the current driving characteristic. The fixed stator segment is driven based on the settings when the moving rotor reaches the fixed stator segment.

Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert is mounted on a flexure member that is mounted on the end of a boring bar. The construction of the flexure member is such that it is compliant along a radial axis perpendicular to the direction of tool advancement, but relatively stiff along a feed axis in the direction of tool feed, and along a cutting axis in the direction of tool rotation. Any displacement of the flexure member and cutting tool insert as a result of workpiece engagement or boring bar deflection is sensed by laser detectors. Signals from the laser detectors are coupled to a computer that rotates with the boring bar and are used to provide feedback signals to an actuator in contact with the flexure member. The actuator displaces the flexure member to correct the position of the tool insert.

Abstract: A programmable weld and machine controller for use in controlling a welding machine. The controller includes a central processing unit containing a stored control program connected to a memory which operates both the welding operation of the machine as well as the operation of the machine itself. The controller receives inputs from the machine in its various operational states as well as a data entry and display unit and a current monitor of the welding operation which generates outputs through a heat controlled output to activate a firing circuit to control the welding operation. Back-up of the memory program may be attained through an accessory port to a memory back-up storage unit.