Abstract: Each of a pair of composite structures includes at least one tubular member that is at least partially conductive and defines an electrical port. Each tubular member is electrically connected at a first end to a respective electrical lead and has a second end opening through an edge surface of the composite structure. A method for establishing electrical contact between the electrical leads includes electrically engaging the tubular member that defines the electrical port of each composite structure with a respective electrical contact device. The electrical contact device comprises an electrical contact pad and a conductive pin connected to and extending outwardly from the electrical contact pad such that engaging the tubular member includes inserting the conductive pin into the tubular member. Then, corresponding electrical contact pads are at least partially aligned to thereby establish electrical contact between corresponding electrical leads embedded within the pair of composite structures.

Abstract: The electrical contact device establishes electrical contact with a tubular electrical port that opens through an edge surface of a composite structure. The electrical contact device includes a contact pad having opposed inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface is formed of an electrically conductive material, while the inner surface is formed of an insulating material. The electrical contact device also includes an electrically conductive pin attached to and extending outwardly from the electrical contact pad such that the pin is in electrical contact with the outer surface of the pad. Upon insertion within a tubular electrical port, the pin serves to establish electrical contact between the tubular electrical port and the conductive outer surface of the contact pad, while the insulative inner surface serves to insulate the electrical contact device from the composite structure.

Abstract: A sensor system for a reinforced elastomer panel (100) has an optical source (104) emitting an optical signal. An optical strain sensor (102) is embedded in an elastomer sheet (40) of the reinforced elastomer panel (100) and receives the optical signal. A strain processing system (108) is optical coupled to the optically strain sensor (102).

Abstract: A microactuator for precisely positioning an optical fiber, such as in alignment with an optical device, includes an alignment support structure, a carrier movably mounted on the alignment support structure and at least one actuator which bends or deflects in response to a predetermined stimuli to thereby controllably position the carrier and, in turn, an optical fiber mounted on the carrier relative to the alignment support structure. The actuator can include a bimorphic actuator, an asymmetric monomorph, a diaphragm or a comb structure, for example. As a result, the actuator typically deflects in response to electrical or thermal stimuli. The carrier can include the actuator such that upon deflection the actuator is urged against a portion of the alignment support structure and the carrier is correspondingly moved relative to the alignment support structure.