Abstract: A method and a system for digital image correlation and thermal monitoring during directed energy deposition are provided. The method and the system include global off-axis 3D mapping of surfaces features at high frame rates using the natural surface roughness of the additive build. Infrared thermography is projected onto these surface features to record the thermo-mechanical history of the finished component. As set forth herein, the method and the system provide a low-cost solution to monitoring and optimizing the unique temporal artifacts induced by complex scan strategies.

Abstract: A small-footprint level wind system enabling a winch to accept and operate tension members of differing sizes, simplifying the system, and reducing the system weight. Comprising an elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. In many embodiments more than one component share the same longitudinal axis. Another aspect is providing direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide. Another embodiment provides a load-bearing leadscrew without an additional support, instead having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.

Abstract: A method and a system for digital image correlation and thermal monitoring during directed energy deposition are provided. The method and the system include global off-axis 3D mapping of surfaces features at high frame rates using the natural surface roughness of the additive build. Infrared thermography is projected onto these surface features to record the thermo-mechanical history of the finished component. As set forth herein, the method and the system provide a low-cost solution to monitoring and optimizing the unique temporal artifacts induced by complex scan strategies.

Abstract: A small-footprint level wind system enabling a winch to accept and operate tension members of differing sizes, simplifying the system, and reducing the system weight. Comprising an elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. In many embodiments more than one component share the same longitudinal axis. Another aspect is providing direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide. Another embodiment provides a load-bearing leadscrew without an additional support, instead having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.

Abstract: A lightweight winch has the motor assembly centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing level wind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum. And a small-footprint level wind system having elongate support, a leadscrew, a guide substantially supported by the support, the guide adapted to accept a tension member. The guide designed to move along the support and to transfer tension member forces onto the support. Further comprising a motor, adapted to apply a motive onto the leadscrew, a shuttle connected the guide and leadscrew and adapted to transfer the motive force to the guide, moving the guide along the support. Also provides direct tension member metering and load sensing within the guide, and a load-bearing leadscrew having a direct connection between guide and leadscrew.

Abstract: A lightweight winch suitable for industrial applications has the motor assembly self-centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch drum is supported by a bearing means capable of bearing heavy loads in addition to contributing to a compact profile of the winch. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing levelwind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an indirect motor drive train for RC vehicles. Example embodiments include RC vehicles such as helicopters (and more specifically quadcopters) with a housing and housing arms that extend radially from the housing. Protected within each housing arm is a motor and indirect drive train. In operation, the drive train may include a first gear and a second gear with corresponding teeth that mesh together to translate motion from the motor axis to a propeller axis.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, and low relief profile turntable is equipped for the universal mounting of different winches and winch-type apparatus suitable for use on the deck of a ship or other surface. The turntable is capable of mounting to an increased number of potential locations on deck where it may be easily manipulated to achieve a useful direction and an optical fleet angle.

Abstract: A radio-controlled (RC) aircraft has a wing lock and disconnect mechanism. The RC aircraft has a structural member and a wing that disconnects from a fuselage. The RC aircraft has a lock mechanism, a wing structural member recess, a fuselage structural member recess, a lock recess, and an aperture. The lock mechanism couples to the wing and is adapted to fit within the lock recess of the fuselage. The wing structural member receives the structural member. The fuselage structural members recess corresponds to the wing structural member recess. The lock recess receives the lock mechanism. The wing disconnects from the fuselage by unlocking the lock mechanism. The structural member fits within the wing structural member recess and the fuselage structural member recess.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to an RC vehicle with a receiver and an inertial measurement unit. In particular, the RC vehicle may include vehicle controller circuitry that works together with the inertial measurement unit to instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is rotated, oriented, or positioned in a certain way. In an example embodiment, the RC vehicle may instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is first powered on and is rotated 180 degrees in a certain direction, such as from upright to upside-down.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining the retraction rate of a coring bit based on sensed environmental factors associated with coring operations. In certain embodiments, a downhole tool is positioned in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, coring operations are commenced by rotating a coring bit of the downhole tool and extending the rotating coring bit into a first location along a sidewall of the wellbore, a first environmental factor associated with the coring operations at the first location is sensed, and a rate of retraction of the coring bit at the first location is determined based on the first sensed environmental factor.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to an RC vehicle with a receiver and an inertial measurement unit. In particular, the RC vehicle may include vehicle controller circuitry that works together with the inertial measurement unit to instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is rotated, oriented, or positioned in a certain way. In an example embodiment, the RC vehicle may instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is first powered on and is rotated 180 degrees in a certain direction, such as from upright to upside-down.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to an RC vehicle with a receiver and an inertial measurement unit. In particular, the RC vehicle may include vehicle controller circuitry that works together with the inertial measurement unit to instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is rotated, oriented, or positioned in a certain way. In an example embodiment, the RC vehicle may instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is first powered on and is rotated 180 degrees in a certain direction, such as from upright to upside-down.

Abstract: A lightweight winch suitable for industrial applications has the motor assembly self-centered with a housing within the winch drum where it may be easily accessed and removed from the winch drum. The winch drum is supported by a bearing means capable of bearing heavy loads in addition to contributing to a compact profile of the winch. The winch comprises an improved, non-load bearing levelwind mechanism for evenly winding cable about the winch drum.

Abstract: Remote control aircraft may benefit from airframes with components that are easy to connect and disconnect. For example, during repair, storage, or transport, it is beneficial to disconnect a wing from a fuselage of a remote controlled aircraft. Systems and methods for connecting and disconnecting airframe components are described herein. For example, a snap-fit mechanism is used in some instances to provide a solid connection during operation or flight, and also to quickly and easily disconnect components at various times, such as during repair, storage, or transport. The snap-fit mechanism allows for a quick disconnect without the use of tools and without causing any loose parts.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an indirect motor drive train for RC vehicles. Example embodiments include RC vehicles such as helicopters (and more specifically quadcopters) with a housing and housing arms that extend radially from the housing. Protected within each housing arm is a motor and indirect drive train. In operation, the drive train may include a first gear and a second gear with corresponding teeth that mesh together to translate motion from the motor axis to a propeller axis.