Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for alerting a user of a sequence of events that has occurred, based on data contained within messages occurring on one or more communications buses is described. The method includes entering, via a user interface, data defining a sequence of events for which an alert is desired, monitoring, with a unit coupled to the user interface, the messages occurring on the one or more communications buses for data indicative of an occurrence of the defined sequence of events, and providing an indication to the user that the sequence of events has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for validating the data defining an executable program prior to loading of the data for program execution is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for automatic control of an aircraft in event of flight crew incapacity may include determining any incapacity of the flight crew. The method may also include providing a message requiring acknowledgement from the flight crew in response determining incapacity of the flight crew. The method may additionally include commanding an auto pilot to control the aircraft in response to not receiving acknowledgement from the flight crew.

Abstract: A method for providing a backup capability for a plurality of units communicatively coupled to a communications bus, each unit assigned a unique address on the communications bus, is described. The method includes monitoring, with a monitoring unit, messages on the communications bus for an indication that at least one of the communicatively coupled units has failed, configuring the monitoring unit, upon receiving the indication of a unit failure, to assume the unique address associated with the failed unit, performing, within the monitoring unit, at least a portion of the functions of the failed unit in response to messages occurring on the communications bus that are addressed to the failed unit, and transmitting messages, from the monitoring unit to the communications bus, the messages including data generated by the performing of at least a portion of the functions of the failed unit by the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A method for correlating, in time, selected events that are memorialized as data within messages transmitted across disparate communications busses is described. The method includes receiving, with a referencing unit, the messages that are transmitted across the disparate communications busses, referencing, with the referencing unit, the content of a first selected received message to a master clock within the referencing unit, referencing, with the referencing unit, the content of a second selected received message to the master clock within the referencing unit, the second selected received message related to the first selected message, the second selected received message occurring on a communications bus disparate from the communications bus upon which the first received message occurred, and providing, based on operation of the master clock, a common time reference for the content of both the first selected received message and the second selected received message.

Abstract: A method for validating the data defining an executable program prior to loading of the data for program execution is described.

Abstract: A method for correlating, in time, selected events that are memorialized as data within messages transmitted across disparate communications busses is described. The method includes receiving, with a referencing unit, the messages that are transmitted across the disparate communications busses, referencing, with the referencing unit, the content of a first selected received message to a master clock within the referencing unit, referencing, with the referencing unit, the content of a second selected received message to the master clock within the referencing unit, the second selected received message related to the first selected message, the second selected received message occurring on a communications bus disparate from the communications bus upon which the first received message occurred, and providing, based on operation of the master clock, a common time reference for the content of both the first selected received message and the second selected received message.

Abstract: A method for automatic control of an aircraft in event of flight crew incapacity may include determining any incapacity of the flight crew. The method may also include providing a message requiring acknowledgement from the flight crew in response determining incapacity of the flight crew. The method may additionally include commanding an auto pilot to control the aircraft in response to not receiving acknowledgement from the flight crew.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing aircraft. Data about components for the aircraft is identified. Fuel efficiency of the aircraft is identified using the data about the components for the aircraft and a model of the aircraft. The model of the aircraft identifies fuel use. The aircraft is managed using the fuel efficiency identified for the aircraft.

Abstract: A system is provided that comprises a vehicle (e.g., aircraft) including a plurality of modules (e.g., line-replaceable units—LRU's) capable of communicating over a plurality of buses (e.g., Mil-Std-1553 buses). The system also includes an advanced wireless open data controller (AWOC) capable of receiving data output onto the buses of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle, such as during flight of an aircraft. The AWOC is also capable of comparing the output data to a database of known events of the modules. Then, when the output data matches a known event for at least one module, the AWOC is capable of identifying an event. The AWOC can package event data including the identified event. A data unit, also included within the system, is capable of transmitting the packaged event data external to the vehicle at least partially over a wireless communication link.

Abstract: A framing system for dependently supporting an object generally comprises a plurality of frame elements for perimetrically engaging the object to be framed and a plurality of securing members. The frame elements are defined one from another by a plurality of interiorly projecting slots in their outer perimeter. For engaging the frame elements to secure the object to be framed, the securing members each comprise an extended slot. Upon mating of the extended slot of a securing member with a one of the interiorly projecting slots, a distal portion of the securing member projects into the inner perimeter of the frame elements to engage the outer edge of the object to be framed. The frame elements may comprise a single structure or a plurality of structures. In the case of a plurality of structures, the framing system may be formed to have a unitary base and a unitary top. Framing of an object is thus simplified as the object need only be placed into the unitary base, whereafter the unitary top may be affixed.