Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for mitigating undesired effects of a vehicle traveling at a speed greater than a critical Mach number for the vehicle. Ultraviolet energy is generated using a plurality of ultraviolet energy sources associated with an interior structure of the vehicle that travels at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle. The ultraviolet energy is transported from the plurality of ultraviolet energy sources past an exterior of the vehicle around a selected location of the vehicle. A plasma is created around the selected location to mitigate the undesired effects of the vehicle traveling at the speed greater than the critical Mach number for the vehicle.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system for an aircraft that includes leading surfaces is provided. The thermal insulation system includes a carrier and a container. The carrier has an interior surface that includes a first plurality of magnets that generate a first magnetic field, and an exterior surface that is thermally coupled to the leading surfaces of the aircraft. The container is surrounded by the interior surface of the carrier, has an exterior surface including a second plurality of magnets that generate a second magnetic field oriented opposite the first magnetic field, and has an interior that includes electronics. The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field generate a gap between the carrier and the container to reduce a heat transfer from the leading surfaces to the electronics during operation of the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for collecting a lighter fraction floatable liquid from a heavier fraction liquid, such as a lighter fraction floating oil from a heavier fraction water, the apparatus comprising: a floatable collecting container and a cover placed above the collecting container leaving a continuous passage slot free; wherein the opening of the passage slot is adjustable by an inlet adjustment ring. The invention also provides a method to operate such an apparatus.

Abstract: An acoustic metamaterial including cells to digitally process an incoming sound waveform, and to produce a corresponding response sound waveform as a function of a frequency and a phase of the incoming sound waveform, to produce a total response sound waveform that, when combined with the incoming sound waveform, modifies the incoming sound waveform.

Abstract: A light detection system may include a light detecting assembly including a plurality of light detectors. Each light detector may include a substrate, a mirror coupled to the substrate, and a light-receiving tube coupled to the substrate. The light-receiving tube may include a sensor positioned at a first end, a light-transmissive opening at a second end that is opposite from the first end, and a plurality of partitions that are configured to block transmission of light energy. A central light path extends through the light-receiving tube. The system may also include a control unit in communication with the light detecting assembly. The control unit is configured to determine one or more of a direction of light emitted from a light source, a position of the light source, or an intensity of light emitted from the light source based on one or more light detection signals received from the light detecting assembly.

Abstract: A method for detecting an icing condition using an apparatus comprising a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A high intensity light source blocking system for a vehicle operated by a crew member within a cockpit includes an crew member position or eye-position detection system, a transparent dynamic-darkening display covering a window in the crew member cockpit, and a scene imager configured to detect a presence of a high intensity light source and an emanation direction relative to the crew member cockpit. A computing device is connected to the position or eye-position detection system, the transparent dynamic-darkening display and the scene imager, and controls the darkening of a portion of the dynamic-darkening display upon the occurrence of either the high intensity light source having an intensity value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or the crew member position or eye-position being subject to either a direct portion of the high intensity light source or a substantial reflection thereof off a surface within the crew member cockpit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: An acoustic metamaterial including cells to digitally process an incoming sound waveform, and to produce a corresponding response sound waveform as a function of a frequency and a phase of the incoming sound waveform, to produce a total response sound waveform that, when combined with the incoming sound waveform, modifies the incoming sound waveform.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for electromagnetic projectile launching are described. In one example, a projectile for use with an electromagnetic launcher includes an armature configured to couple to a payload and configured for acceleration by the electromagnetic launcher. The armature includes a superconductor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for collecting a lighter fraction floatable liquid from a heavier fraction liquid, such as a lighter fraction floating oil from a heavier fraction water, the apparatus comprising: a floatable collecting container and a cover placed above the collecting container leaving a continuous passage slot free; wherein the opening of the passage slot is adjustable by an inlet adjustment ring. The invention also provides a method to operate such an apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing fault detection and management are disclosed. A system includes a web-based interface that allows a user to access all elements of a customer service network, which spans multiple networks, departments, and external partners. The system, and thereby the user, is able to manage almost all aspects of the network, thereby giving the user end-to-end customer experience issue management. Real time and archived events are utilized, in some embodiments, for root cause analysis and/or process and/or performance improvement. Events from differing transport, platform, technology and OSI model levels are correlated for optimal customer experience monitoring alarming and analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A system for determining ionization susceptibility including a sample, an x-ray generator configured to generate a pulsed x-ray beam, and focusing optics disposed between the sample and the x-ray generator, the focusing optics being configured to focus the pulsed x-ray beam into a spot on the sample.

Abstract: A system for determining ionization susceptibility including a sample, an x-ray generator configured to generate a pulsed x-ray beam, and focusing optics disposed between the sample and the x-ray generator, the focusing optics being configured to focus the pulsed x-ray beam into a spot on the sample.

Abstract: A blade pitch indicator is releasably secured to a linear actuator in the form of a turnbuckle. The blade pitch indicator comprises a cover having protrusions forming arrow points that line up with a line of demarcation on the linear actuator. Indicia is associated with the protrusions to provide blade pitch positioning information to the operator. The turnbuckle is provided with two moveable yokes and a stationary threaded shaft. The threaded shaft is rotated to extend and retract the yokes, thereby adjusting the pitch position of the bulldozer blade. The threaded shaft is provided with a multifaceted nut in the form of a hexagonal nut that is engaged by a wrench to rotate the threaded shaft. The hexagonal nut is provided with an aperture through which a pin is inserted releasably securing the cover to the turnbuckle. The arrow points of the protrusions line up with the base end of the yokes to indicate the bulldozer blade's pitch position.

Abstract: A brake apply system having both a mechanical system and a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system will supply the majority of braking effort. It is desirable to initiate the mechanical system slightly before the fluid brake system. If only light braking pressure is engaged upon the brake system of the operator, the brake system control valve will reduce the amount of flow to the brake apply piston. To provide for a more rapid filling, and therefore more consistent brake reaction times within the system, a valve mechanism responsive to the reaction torque within the locating brake members is provided to establish a direct fluid connection between the brake apply piston and the line pressure or main pressure of the transmission control.

Abstract: A brake apply control system for a vehicle. The control system has a selectively operable mechanical brake apply portion and a selectively operable hydraulic brake apply portion. The mechanical brake apply portion includes an operator linkage for connecting the operator with a mechanical brake apply mechanism and a hydraulic piston and valve combination for providing a hydraulic feedback force to the operator. The hydraulic brake apply portion includes a source of hydraulic pressure, a brake apply valve for supplying a selective brake signal of variable intensity in response to operator input, a conduit system which connects the source of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic piston and valve combination and which communicates the brake signal to the hydraulic piston and valve combination.

Abstract: A brake cooling system for applying a pre-cooling bath to the brake packs of a vehicle through a brake coolant valve having an actuating piston chamber. The brake cooling system is responsive not only to the application of operating pressure to the brake pedal but also to release of the throttle. To operate the brake cooling system in response to the throttle setting, the brake cooling system utilizes a cut-off valve having a transfer chamber. A signal feed conduit communicates between the transfer chamber and the actuating piston chamber in the brake coolant valve. A computerized control member provides pressurized control fluid to the actuating chamber of a modulator control valve. The pressure of the control fluid is established in response to the throttle setting. A hydraulic timer is provided to interrupt the entry of the signal pressure into the transfer chamber after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A self-adjustment mechanism for a brake system includes a first sprag clutch seated in a support. An eccentric serves as an inner race for the first sprag clutch and as an outer race for a second sprag clutch. A timing assembly serves as an inner race for the second sprag clutch and includes first and second spaced-apart pins projecting from a surface. An arm is pivotally connected to the timing assembly and positioned between the pins. A brake apply cam engages a first end of the arm so that it pivots with respect to the timing assembly. As the arm pivots, a brake apply piston is engaged. A pivot center of the arm is selectively rotated by the eccentric to maintain the phase relationhip of the cam and the brakepack as the plates wear.