Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for optimizing the aerodynamic effect of the airfoil of an aircraft by defined changes in camber. The method includes the following steps:a. determining the flow for the flight condition caused by the change in camber,b. comparing the ascertained characteristic values with stored nominal reference values for an optimal flow,c. forming differential values between the characteristic values and the stored nominal reference values,d. deriving actuator signals from the differential values, ande. changing the camber by motor, based on the actuator signals, for minimizing the differential values.The optimum wing flow is thereby maintained more exactly. For transonic wings, the position and strength of compression shocks is also effectively controlled, which leads to a reduction of the direct shock induced separation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for optimizing the aerodynamic effect of the airfoil of an aircraft by defined changes in camber. The method includes the following steps:a. determining the flow for the flight condition caused by the change in camber,b. comparing the ascertained characteristic values with stored nominal reference values for an optimal flow,c. forming differential values between the characteristic values and the stored nominal reference values,d. deriving actuator signals from the differential values, ande. changing the camber by motor, based on the actuator signals, for minimizing the differential values.The optimum wing flow is thereby maintained more exactly. For transonic wings, the position and strength of compression shocks is also effectively controlled, which leads to a reduction of the direct shock induced separation.

Abstract: In a digital computer with multiprocessor arrangement, each processor is a highly integrated computer chip on a semiconductor basis connected to the other processors in the arrangement, which are of same design, via highly meshed management system composed of meshes and nodes for transmitting digital signals. Peripheral devices such as keyboards, memories, monitors, image sensors, speech analysis units, speech synthesis units as well as transmitters are connected to the computer. According to the invention, the management system is a beam waveguide network. Each node is associated with a processor to which it is coupled via an optical emitter and an optical receiver. The new types of chip interconnection which result and hence the high packing density of the chips and large number of cross-connections obtained are particularly advantageous. The computer network has a high functional density and the computer and peripherals are unaffected by electromagnetic influences.

Abstract: The present apparatus is used for ascertaining the individual weight of any ype of load including that of passengers and of hand baggage, that is added to the total payload of an aircraft. Each individual weight is ascertained and, if desired, displayed and added up to ascertain the total weight. For this purpose a weight sensing device such as a group of load cells or the like including a platform is arranged at the entrance to the freight or baggage compartment and, in a passenger aircraft at each passenger entrance door inside the aircraft. The weight sensing device provides an electrical signal for each weight unit that passes the platform into the aircraft. The weight representing electrical signal is supplied to an adder and to a display unit where the individual weights are displayed as well as the total weight.

Abstract: An arrangement for the self-wiping of contacts in multidigit interrogatory counters where the data are read through code wheels to contact wheels and to mechanical sliding contacts which sense the contact wheels. The improvement includes the arranging of the rotatably-mounted contact wheels to be mounted, independently from the frictional effect caused by the counting procedure during rotation on a movable shaft. Eccentrics control the movement of the movable shaft which make it possible to move the contact wheels in an oscillating manner against contact springs. This is accomplished in the overlap region for sensing the individual numbers.

Abstract: A measuring device, particularly for the measurement of force, has a tilt-invariant interferometer attached to a bifurcated deformation body which consists of a base with one or several diaphragms attached thereon. The interference fringes are counted photoelectrically.