Abstract: A method including executing a logical computing element (LCE) on a server. Worker LCEs are executed on the server. A first electronic file comprising geometry data in a first data structure is received at the controller LCE. An available worker LCE is identified, by the controller LCE, as an in-use worker LCE from among the worker LCEs. The geometry data is imported by the in-use worker LCE. A job instance is established by the in-use worker LCE. A rendering engine is launched by the in-use worker LCE. The rendering engine generates, for the job instance and using the geometry data, a dataset file in a second data structure different than the first data structure. The dataset file is returned by the in-use worker LCE to the controller LCE. The dataset file is returned by the controller LCE to a remote computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.

Abstract: A substantially strong, lightweight load bearing window for use in a mobile platform, for example, an aircraft. The window includes a rim portion having a carbon reinforced resin structure and a transparent portion having a fiberglass reinforced resin structure. A plurality of holes are formed in the rim portion for enabling a plurality of connectors to be inserted therethrough. The rim portion has a smaller cross sectional area (i.e., thickness) than the transparent portion such that the rim portion is adapted to fit behind a skin of an aircraft, the transparent portion is adapted to be flush with the skin of the aircraft. The connectors fix the window to the skin of the aircraft. The window effectively forms a strong, structurally integral portion of the skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating an aircraft nose portion. The aircraft can have a longitudinal axis and a pitch axis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The fuselage can include a pressure bulkhead and a pressurized payload portion aft of the pressure bulkhead. The nose portion can be positioned forward of the pressure bulkhead and can be changeable from a first configuration to a second configuration while the pressurized payload portion is capable of being pressurized relative to a region external to the aircraft. For example, the nose portion can be inclined upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis when pivoted from a first position to a second position. Accordingly, the length of the aircraft can be reduced, for example, to accommodate the aircraft at a loading gate or other ground support area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating an aircraft nose portion. The aircraft can have a longitudinal axis and a pitch axis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The fuselage can include a pressure bulkhead and a pressurized payload portion aft of the pressure bulkhead. The nose portion can be positioned forward of the pressure bulkhead and can be changeable from a first configuration to a second configuration while the pressurized payload portion is capable of being pressurized relative to a region external to the aircraft. For example, the nose portion can be inclined upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis when pivoted from a first position to a second position. Accordingly, the length of the aircraft can be reduced, for example, to accommodate the aircraft at a loading gate or other ground support area.