Abstract: A method for monitoring remaining useful life (RUL) of an actuation system in a vehicle that includes receiving position data of the actuation system from a position sensor, maintaining a total distance traveled for the actuation system, and calculating the RUL of the actuation system. The calculating includes estimating force data using an output variable estimator, determining motor torque, weighing the estimated force data using a confidence level, predicting a total life of the actuation system based on the weighted force data, and comparing the predicted total life with the total distance traveled to determine the remaining useful life.

Abstract: A method for monitoring remaining useful life (RUL) of an actuation system in a vehicle that includes receiving position data of the actuation system from a position sensor, maintaining a total distance traveled for the actuation system, and calculating the RUL of the actuation system. The calculating includes estimating force data using an output variable estimator, determining motor torque, weighing the estimated force data using a confidence level, predicting a total life of the actuation system based on the weighted force data, and comparing the predicted total life with the total distance traveled to determine the remaining useful life.

Abstract: Systems for compensating for force fighting in multi-actuator systems are provided. A drive controller unit comprises a first feedforward controller in communication with a first actuator and configured to receive a drive command signal. A first feedback regulator is configured to output a first feedback input into the first feedforward controller, and to receive as input a first actuator position and a first actuator force. The drive controller unit further comprises a second feedforward controller in communication with a second actuator and configured to receive the drive command signal. A second feedback regulator is configured to output a second feedback input into the second feedforward controller, and to receive as input a second actuator position and a second actuator force. The drive controller unit utilizes both feedforward controllers and both feedback regulators to minimize force fighting while driving a common aileron.

Abstract: Systems for compensating for force fighting in multi-actuator systems are provided. A drive controller unit comprises a first feedforward controller in communication with a first actuator and configured to receive a drive command signal. A first feedback regulator is configured to output a first feedback input into the first feedforward controller, and to receive as input a first actuator position and a first actuator force. The drive controller unit further comprises a second feedforward controller in communication with a second actuator and configured to receive the drive command signal. A second feedback regulator is configured to output a second feedback input into the second feedforward controller, and to receive as input a second actuator position and a second actuator force. The drive controller unit utilizes both feedforward controllers and both feedback regulators to minimize force fighting while driving a common aileron.

Abstract: A de-icing system and method. An electromechanical actuator heat sink is operable to receive heat from an electromechanical actuator, and a heat distribution element is operable to distribute heat to a surface. A heat transportation device is operable to transport heat from the electromechanical actuator heat sink to the heat distribution element.

Abstract: Described herein are refuse collection systems for removing, collecting and extracting refuse from water run-off.

Abstract: A de-icing system and method is disclosed. An electromechanical actuator heat sink is operable to receive heat from an electromechanical actuator, and a heat distribution element is operable to distribute heat to a surface. A heat transportation device is operable to transport heat from the electromechanical actuator heat sink to the heat distribution element.

Abstract: An improved imaging technique involving nuclear magnetic resonance. Known drug or neurotransmitter receptor ligands are covalently bound to magnetic resonance image enhancing spin label compounds, such as sterically hindered free radical nitroxide compounds, with the resulting adduct being administered to a patient, and thereafter when the ligand is bound to specific receptor sites in the soft tissue such as the brain, regional tissue area is assessed with nuclear magnetic resonance, allowing diagnostic discrimination.