Abstract: A high voltage waveform is generated that is similar to a low voltage input waveform. The high voltage waveform is a series of pulses that are applied directly to the device. An error signal controls the frequency, magnitude, and duration of the pulses. A feedback signal derived from the high voltage waveform is compared with the input waveform to produce the error signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target.

Abstract: Holonomic-motion ground vehicles (i.e., mobile platforms) that are capable of controlled movement across non-level surfaces, while carrying one or more non-destructive inspection sensors or other tools. The mobile platform comprises a frame having four (or a multiple of four) Mecanum wheels, each wheel driven by a respective independently controlled motor, and further having a plurality (e.g., two) of independently controlled suction devices. The Mecanum wheels enable holonomic motion, while the suction devices facilitate sufficiently precise control of motion on non-level surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.

Abstract: A high voltage waveform is generated that is similar to a low voltage input waveform. The high voltage waveform is a series of pulses that are applied directly to the device. An error signal controls the frequency, magnitude, and duration of the pulses. A feedback signal derived from the high voltage waveform is compared with the input waveform to produce the error signal.

Abstract: A signal for controlling output voltage from the driver is modulated by the input signal to the driver, whereby the output voltage tracks the input signal, matching power to demand. The output storage capacitor can be reduced in size because the amount of energy that needs to be stored is reduced. In addition, feedback transistors are paired on the same substrate and cause opposite changes in response to changes in temperature, thereby automatically compensating for changes in temperature without the use of additional components.

Abstract: A non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine assembly includes an auxiliary gas turbine engine and a mixing damper. The auxiliary engine and the mixing damper are installable in an aircraft having at least one aircraft-propelling main gas turbine engine. The auxiliary engine includes a compressor having a compressor inlet. The mixing damper has first and second inlets and has an outlet. The outlet is fluidly connectable to the compressor inlet. The first and second inlets are adapted to receive first and second gas streams which have been compressed by at least one main engine. An aircraft component includes a mixing damper. A controller includes a program which instructs the controller to increase/decrease a first gas stream in response to increasing/decreasing electrical demands on an electric generator operatively connected to an auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft.

Abstract: An in-situ double vacuum debulk (DVD) composite repair system designed to produce partially or fully cured autoclave-quality hot-bond composite repairs on contoured structures. The system provides vacuum pressure for hot bond repairs to be performed on flat and contoured structures using one set-up capable of debulking (partially curing) and then fully curing composite repairs on composite and metallic aircraft structures. The use of in-situ DVD also eliminates handling of the patch/adhesive when transferring from an off-aircraft DVD chamber to the repair site on the aircraft. This can increase the probability of successful repairs because the possibility of contaminating and misaligning the adhesive and repair patch are eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling rotating bladed machinery by using a source of pressurized gas is disclosed. The source of pressurized gas, such as air, imparts braking torque on a turbomachinery component through the use of one or more impinging orifices or jets. The orientation of the jets is such that the transfer of momentum from the pressurized gas results in a force substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the turbomachinery component. This transfer of momentum from the pressurized gas allows for a controlling torque to be applied to the turbomachinery component without the need of mechanical and/or electrical devices applying torque to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A package for the safe storage and transportation of munitions comprising at least one insert provided with a recess to receive each munition separately such that in use the munitions are separated by the insert material and one or more labyrinthine paths exist between the munitions. The moulds may be made of blast mitigating material for the effective dissipation of energy on unintentional detonation of a munition.

Abstract: An electrical power feed thru for thin-walled vessels such as aircraft fuselages is disclosed which allows high electrical current power lines, and their associated high operating temperatures, to transition from the inside to the outside of the aircraft. The feed thru includes sealing surfaces, anti-rotation features and safety covers. This low-profile configuration permits the attached cables to run close to the fuselage walls, permitting easier routing and clamping. The feed thru has a variable geometry which permits alternate spacing of the end terminations in reference to the fuselage while maintaining the same parts. Installation is simplified through a single fuselage wall mounting hole design that can be done with a standard punch. The feed thru exceeds the shock and vibration environments of various aircraft such as a military aircraft.

Abstract: A non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine installable in an aircraft having a cabin adapted to be pressurized. The auxiliary gas turbine engine includes an auxiliary-gas-turbine-engine compressor having an inlet, wherein the inlet is adapted to receive pressurized air from the cabin. A method for operating a non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes providing pressurized air from the cabin of the aircraft to an inlet of a compressor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine. The method includes providing compressed air from the compressor to a combustor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine and includes providing combustion gases from the combustor to a turbine of the auxiliary gas turbine engine, wherein the turbine is mechanically coupled to the compressor.

Abstract: An embodiment of the technology described herein is an auxiliary power unit assembly. The auxiliary power unit assembly includes an auxiliary power unit being installable in an aircraft having a cabin, a duct connecting the cabin and the auxiliary power unit, and an airflow management feature in the duct.

Abstract: A system for providing air to a compressor of an auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft. A system turbine has an inlet adapted to receive compressed air from the aircraft. A system compressor is mechanically coupled to the system turbine and has an inlet adapted to receive atmospheric air. The outlets of the system turbine and the system compressor are fluidly connectable to the inlet of the compressor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine. A method includes providing compressed air from an aircraft to an inlet of a system turbine mechanically coupled to a system compressor. The method includes providing atmospheric air to an inlet of the system compressor. The method includes providing the inlet of the compressor of an auxiliary gas turbine engine with air from an outlet of the system turbine and with air from an outlet of the system compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling rotating bladed machinery by using a source of pressurized gas is disclosed. The source of pressurized gas, such as air, imparts braking torque on a turbomachinery component through the use of one or more impinging orifices or jets. The orientation of the jets is such that the transfer of momentum from the pressurized gas results in a force substantially opposite the direction of rotation of the turbomachinery component. This transfer of momentum from the pressurized gas allows for a controlling torque to be applied to the turbomachinery component without the need of mechanical and/or electrical devices applying torque to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for managing power consumed by an RFID reader are described. Such methods, systems and apparatuses can include, for example, controlling RFID reader power levels by detecting proximity to an RFID tagged object, by motion detection of RFID readers and tags. Using internal and/or external sensor modules, power management capabilities of the RFID reader are enhanced leading to less frequent recharging of the RFID reader.

Abstract: Described is system and method for controlling power of a computing terminal with an external power source. In particular, a voltage is measured within a system using a voltage detector of a computing terminal. The system includes a battery which provides power to the system and the terminal. When the measured voltage changes to a first level, a first procedure is initiated to monitor the voltage for a time period. Upon expiration of the time period, if the monitored voltage has not changed to a second level, a second procedure is initiated to power off the terminal.

Abstract: An electrical power feed thru for thin-walled vessels such as aircraft fuselages is disclosed which allows high electrical current power lines, and their associated high operating temperatures, to transition from the inside to the outside of the aircraft. The feed thru includes sealing surfaces, anti-rotation features and safety covers. This low-profile configuration permits the attached cables to run close to the fuselage walls, permitting easier routing and clamping. The feed thru has a variable geometry which permits alternate spacing of the end terminations in reference to the fuselage while maintaining the same parts. Installation is simplified through a single fuselage wall mounting hole design that can be done with a standard punch. The feed thru exceeds the shock and vibration environments of various aircraft such as a military aircraft.

Abstract: An embodiment of the technology described herein is an auxiliary power unit assembly. The auxiliary power unit assembly includes an auxiliary power unit being installable in an aircraft having a cabin, a duct connecting the cabin and the auxiliary power unit, and a noise reduction feature in the duct.