Abstract: The invention provides a fuel-tank system with an ultrasonic fuel-gauging system for an aircraft. The fuel-tank system includes a fuel tank, a transducer carrier tape covered with a separation barrier, and coupled to a surface of the fuel tank, and at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the transducer carrier tape. An ultrasonic signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer is reflected from a fuel-air surface and a reflected signal is received by at least one ultrasonic transducer to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel-tank system with an ultrasonic fuel-gauging system for an aircraft. The fuel-tank system includes a fuel tank, a transducer carrier tape covered with a separation barrier, and coupled to a surface of the fuel tank, and at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the transducer carrier tape. An ultrasonic signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer is reflected from a fuel-air surface and a reflected signal is received by at least one ultrasonic transducer to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method of heating or cooling an element which comprises providing a fluid circulation circuit within a Z-pin reinforced sandwich panel, the panel having fiber-reinforced resin composite face sheets separated in selected locations with a core so as to form a channel, said Z-pin being present both in the core and the channel; and transporting a heat exchange fluid through the channel forming said circulation circuit to provide heating or cooling for the element. The method can be employed in the leading edge for an airfoil for deicing.

Abstract: A method of forming a pin-reinforced foam core sandwich structure (10) including placing first and second face sheets (12), (14) on opposite sides of a foam core (16), the foam core (16) having at least one low density sublayer (28), an optional high density foam sublayer (26), and a plurality of Z-pins (20) positioned therein. The combination of the foam core (16) and face sheets (12), (14) forming a preliminary structure. Autoclave curing the preliminary structure according to a particular temperature and pressure regime, to crush the at least one low density sublayer (28) and to force the plurality of Z-pins (20) into the first and second face sheets (12), (14). Also provided is a pin-reinforced foam core sandwich structure (10) formed by the above process. In a second embodiment, all, or a portion, of the foam core (16) is removed using a solvent to dissolve the foam core (16), but not the Z-pins, to create a column structure (40).

Abstract: I improve the impact shock resistance of bonds between composite elements by including Z-pin reinforcement. I prepare stubbled composite structure by using peel plys over the appropriate surface of the composite during pin insertion using conventional processes. I then use the stubbled composite structure with padups, as necessary, to produce the Z-pin reinforced joint or bond between composite elements using any of adhesive bonding, cocuring, or thermoplastic welding.

Abstract: A double shear lap join is formed between metal and composite structure by welding Z-pins in the composite in the joint area to the metal tangs on the metal structure. The joint has modest strength but is less susceptible to shock damage than an adhesive bond or to notch effect crack propagation damage associated with fastened metal/composite joints.

Abstract: I improve the impact shock resistance of bonds between composite elements by including Z-pin reinforcement. I prepare stubbled composite structure by using peel plys over the appropriate surface of the composite during pin insertion using conventional processes. I then use the stubbled composite structure with padups, as necessary, to produce the Z-pin reinforced joint or bond between composite elements using any of adhesive bonding, cocuring, or thermoplastic welding.

Abstract: A method of forming a pin-reinforced foam core sandwich structure (10) including placing first and second face sheets (12), (14) on opposite sides of a foam core (16), the foam core (16) having at least one low density sublayer (28), an optional high density foam sublayer (26), and a plurality of Z-pins (20) positioned therein. The combination of the foam core (16) and face sheets (12), (14) forming a preliminary structure. Autoclave curing the preliminary structure according to a particular temperature and pressure regime, to crush the at least one low density sublayer (28) and to force the plurality of Z-pins (20) into the first and second face sheets (12), (14). Also provided is a pin-reinforced foam core sandwich structure (10) formed by the above process. In a second embodiment, all, or a portion, of the foam core (16) is removed using a solvent to dissolve the foam core (16), but not the Z-pins, to create a column structure (40).

Abstract: Improved pin-reinforced sandwich structure ties the face sheets (typically on opposite sides of a foam core) together with a plurality of Z-pins that extend into each face sheet (through the core). The pins are arranged in a an interlaced configuration off-normal to provide crack resistance around fasteners for connecting the composite structure to other structural elements in aerospace applications.

Abstract: The strength of composite patches is improved over conventional bolted or bonded patches by including Z-pins in the patch/parent structure interface to provide a mechanical link with small stress concentration between the patch and the parent structure. In some cases, we achieve a stronger repair removing the pins to leave holes that fill with resin from the patch during the curing or bonding operation.

Abstract: The strength of composite patches is improved over conventional bolted or bonded patches by including Z-pins in the patch/parent structure interface to provide a mechanical link with small stress concentration between the patch and the parent structure. In some cases, we achieve a stronger repair removing the pins to leave holes that fill with resin from the patch during the curing or bonding operation.

Abstract: I improve the impact shock resistance of bonds between composite elements by including Z-pin reinforcement. I prepare stubbled composite structure by using peel plys over the appropriate surface of the composite during pin insertion using conventional processes. I then use the stubbled composite structure with padups, as necessary, to produce the Z-pin reinforced joint or bond between composite elements using any of adhesive bonding, cocuring, or thermoplastic welding.

Abstract: A double shear lap joint is formed between metal and composite structure by welding Z-pins in the composite in the joint area to the metal tangs on the metal structure. The joint has modest strength but is less susceptible to shock damage than an adhesive bond or to notch effect crack propagation damage associated with fastened metal/composite joints.

Abstract: Improved pin-reinforced sandwich structure ties the face sheets (typically on opposite sides of a foam core) together with a plurality of Z-pins that extend into each face sheet (through the core). The pins are arranged in a an interlaced configuration off-normal to provide crack resistance around fasteners for connecting the composite structure to other structural elements in aerospace applications.

Abstract: A video game user interface device that allows the user to play standard video games using realistic arm, leg and body movements which relate to the various activities portrayed in the video game being played. The device is sensitive to acceleration and outputs a signal to the video game controller when an acceleration is detected.

Abstract: A plurality of resilient bladders filled with an inert gas line the walls of a fuel tank to protect fuel in the tank from explosion or leakage in the event that the tank is punctured by a ballistic projectile. The thickness of the bladders is controlled by a plurality of cords extending from one side of each bladder to the other. The inert gas is continuously supplied to the bladders so that the gas escaping from a puncture in a bladder prevents fuel from leaking from the tank through the puncture. During normal operation, the gas is vented into the tank to fill the ullage space of the tank with the insert gas. A conduit extends into the tank through the bladder. The walls of the bladder are sealed to each other around the conduit, thereby making it unnecessary to seal the walls of the bladder to the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid connection for a container and a method of making the connection is escribed. The connection is provided subsequent to the manufacture of the container according to the teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: A ballistic damage tolerant, lightweight hydraulic actuator has a cylindrl liner with opposite open ends each surrounded by conical, outwardly extending projections of the liner. Each end receives a head which is detachably connected to the liner centrally of the projections by an element circumscribing the head. Resin impregnated filaments are wrapped about and extend between the projections at the opposite liner ends so that the filament reinforce the liner against axial forces but do not impede removal of the heads.