Abstract: Stray light in a metering structure is controlled by surrounding with a rigid shield an elongated length of a strut and supporting on the rigid shield a surface finish which is highly absorptive of light. The strut is thermally decoupled from the rigid shield using a plurality of insulating web layers comprising a multi-layer insulation (MLI) system disposed between the strut and the rigid shield. The MLI in such scenarios (1) thermally isolates the strut from the shield (2) serves as a support structure to support the rigid shield on the strut, and (3) absorbs thermally induced mechanical stresses as between the rigid shield and the strut.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk includes a housing and an imaging device in a key fob receptacle in the housing. The imaging device captures an image of a master key fob placed in the receptacle. The kiosk includes a key fob dispenser having a dispensing slot to receive a duplicated key fob and a dispensing mechanism to dispense the duplicated key fob into the dispensing slot. The kiosk also includes a processor that receives an image from the imaging device, and detects a presence of the master key fob in the key fob receptacle based on an analysis of the received image. Upon detecting the presence of the master key fob, the processor reads codes stored on the master key fob, writes the codes on a blank key fob to generate the duplicated key fob, and causes the dispensing mechanism to dispense the duplicated key fob in the dispensing slot.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed for use in identifying and duplicating objects, particularly access devices such as house keys, office keys, automobile keys, and RFID key fobs. Within a singular housing, the customizable systems may include any or all of a key identification system, a key duplication system, an automobile key identification system, and/or an RFID key fob duplication system. Unique capabilities of the systems include the ability to verify that an existing automobile key matches data input by the user pertaining to the associated automobile. Further, the systems reduce frustration, error, and waste by programming a duplicate blank RFID key fob in a fully automated manner within the housing of the machine. To facilitate this process, blank RFID key fobs may be stored inside of the housing within RFID key fob containers that are readily stacked and dispensed.

Abstract: A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.

Abstract: A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.

Abstract: A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.

Abstract: A glass fiber reinforced metal matrix composite is described. The composite includes glass fibers distributed in a metal matrix body. The fibers may be uniformly distributed in the metal matrix and may include continuous lengths of the glass fibers. The glass fibers may be glass fibers, S-glass, E-glass fibers, soda-lime-silica fibers, basalt fibers, quartz fibers, or other similar glassy fibers. The metal matrix may include aluminum or alloys of aluminum as well as other metals and alloys.

Abstract: Two or more flow control valves may be used to provide redundant flow control for a hydraulic actuator or servoactuator. The flow control valves include a sleeve, a bypass control spool, and a primary control spool. Under normal operating conditions, each bypass control spool is stationary relative to the sleeve and the flow control valve functions as a four-way hydraulic flow control valve. Each flow control valve is connected to a bypass-shutoff valve including a bypass spool that is moveable from a shut-off position to a bypass position. Upon supply pressure failure to one flow control valve, the bypass spool moves to the bypass position, reducing pressure in the corresponding actuator piston chambers. When a primary control spool becomes jammed, the corresponding bypass control spool moves within its sleeve allowing a bypass groove to port control pressure to the return line, thereby reducing pressure in the corresponding actuator piston chambers.