Abstract: An aircraft configuration that may reduce the level of noise, infrared radiation, or combination thereof directed towards the ground from an aircraft in flight. An embodiment of an aircraft includes a fuselage, two forward swept wings, at least one engine mounted to the aircraft and higher than the wings, and vertical stabilizers mounted on each wing outboard of the outermost engine. The leading edge of the wing may extend forward of the leading end of the engine, and the trailing edge of the aft deck may extend aft of the trailing end of the engine. The aft deck may include an upwardly rotatable pitch control surface at the trailing edge of the deck. Engine types may vary, including but not limited to turbofans, prop-fans, and turbo-props. Main wings may be mounted above the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and canards may likewise be mounted above or below the axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an aircraft configuration that provides for increased engine noise shielding for community noise reduction, while still providing desirable aerodynamic attributes such as good spanwise lift distributions and good structural integration without excessive wing surface area. Specifically, the aircraft is configured to have a longer-chord inboard wing portion and a shorter-chord outboard wing portion. The aircraft engines are positioned in major part over the longer-chord inboard wing portions such that communities below the wing are at least partially shielded by the inboard wing portion from the engine noise. Embodiments of the invention also strategically position fowler flaps or other chord-increasing devices in the region of the wing proximate the engine. Since the fowler motion increases the effective chord of the wing as the flaps are extended, the flaps may be deployed to increase the shielding characteristics of the wing.

Abstract: An aircraft configuration that may reduce the level of noise, infrared radiation, or combination thereof directed towards the ground from an aircraft in flight. An embodiment of an aircraft includes a fuselage, two forward swept wings, at least one engine mounted to the aircraft and higher than the wings, and vertical stabilizers mounted on each wing outboard of the outermost engine. The leading edge of the wing may extend forward of the leading end of the engine, and the trailing edge of the aft deck may extend aft of the trailing end of the engine. The aft deck may include an upwardly rotatable pitch control surface at the trailing edge of the deck. Engine types may vary, including but not limited to turbofans, prop-fans, and turbo-props. Main wings may be mounted above the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and canards may likewise be mounted above or below the axis.

Abstract: An air vehicle propulsion system incorporates an engine core with a power shaft to drive an outer blade row. The power shaft is extends through and is supported by a counter rotation transmission unit which drives an inner blade row in counter rotational motion to the outer blade row. The counter rotation transmission unit exchanges power from the engine core with the shaft. An actuator engages the shaft for translation from a first retracted position to a second extended position.

Abstract: An aircraft includes at least one turbofan engine assembly having a shrouded core engine, a short nacelle surrounding a fan and a forward portion of the core engine, and a fan exhaust duct through the nacelle. A mixer duct shell is positioned substantially coaxial with the engine shroud and extends forwardly into the fan duct to provide an interstitial mixer duct between the mixer duct shell and the core engine shroud. The aft portion of the mixer duct shell extends over a turbine exhaust frame, an attached mixer (if included), and a tail cone exhaust plug. The mixer duct shell can reduce noise and plume exhaust heat radiated from aircraft turbofan engines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an aircraft configuration that provides for increased engine noise shielding for community noise reduction, while still providing desirable aerodynamic attributes such as good spanwise lift distributions and good structural integration without excessive wing surface area. Specifically, the aircraft is configured to have a longer-chord inboard wing portion and a shorter-chord outboard wing portion. The aircraft engines are positioned in major part over the longer-chord inboard wing portions such that communities below the wing are at least partially shielded by the inboard wing portion from the engine noise. Embodiments of the invention also strategically position fowler flaps or other chord-increasing devices in the region of the wing proximate the engine. Since the fowler motion increases the effective chord of the wing as the flaps are extended, the flaps may be deployed to increase the shielding characteristics of the wing.

Abstract: An aircraft includes at least one turbofan engine assembly having a shrouded core engine, a short nacelle surrounding a fan and a forward portion of the core engine, and a fan exhaust duct through the nacelle. A mixer duct shell is positioned substantially coaxial with the engine shroud and extends forwardly into the fan duct to provide an interstitial mixer duct between the mixer duct shell and the core engine shroud. The aft portion of the mixer duct shell extends over a turbine exhaust frame, an attached mixer (if included), and a tail cone exhaust plug. The mixer duct shell can reduce noise and plume exhaust heat radiated from aircraft turbofan engines.

Abstract: An aircraft configuration that may reduce the level of noise, infrared radiation, or combination thereof directed towards the ground from an aircraft in flight. An embodiment of an aircraft includes a fuselage, two forward swept wings, at least one engine mounted to the aircraft and higher than the wings, and vertical stabilizers mounted on each wing outboard of the outermost engine. The leading edge of the wing may extend forward of the leading end of the engine, and the trailing edge of the aft deck may extend aft of the trailing end of the engine. The aft deck may include an upwardly rotatable pitch control surface at the trailing edge of the deck. Engine types may vary, including but not limited to turbofans, prop-fans, and turbo-props. Main wings may be mounted above the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, and canards may likewise be mounted above or below the axis.

Abstract: Each table in a restaurant has a switch coupled to a wireless transmitter. When the switch is activated, the transmitter broadcasts a vacant table signal. The vacant table signal is received by a receiver that is coupled to a computer system. The computer responds to a vacant table signal by identifying a particular table as being vacant, and therefore ready for seating of a party. The computer is programmed to represent each table in the restaurant with an icon. The computer may be programmed to present a table as being in one of three states: (1) vacant; (2) occupied; and (3) anticipated to be vacant soon. When a party is seated at a particular table, this fact is entered into the computer, and the computer presents the table as occupied. The table is regarded as occupied until one of two events occurs. If the party leaves, the table will be bussed, and thereafter, the switch/transmitter circuit at the table will be activated.

Abstract: A method of measuring dynamic air pressure on a ground surface beneath a negative air system which is comprised of a rotatable negative air pressure element with a deck unit having a top with side walls and an open bottom involves placing the system on an elevated horizontal platform located in spaced relation to the deck. The system is then made operative. Measurements are then made of the air pressure at a plurality of locations adjacent the platform to determine if the air pressure at such locations is such that predetermined values are met. The apparatus for performing the aforesaid method has a horizontal platform with a plurality of apertures therein. The platform is adapted to support the negative air system. A plurality of air pressure sensors are mounted in spaced locations on the platform and are located in the lower end of hollow extending tubular pressure taps.

Abstract: A method of measuring dynamic air pressure on a ground surface beneath a lawn mower system which is comprised of a rotatable horizontal blade with a deck unit having a closed top with side walls and an open bottom involves placing the mower on an elevated horizontal platform located in spaced relation to the deck. The blade is then rotated at a speed at which the blade normally would cut grass. Measurements are then made of the air pressure at a plurality of locations adjacent the platform to determine if the air pressure at such locations is such that a blade of grass at each location would be lifted or depressed with respect to the platform. The apparatus for performing the aforesaid method has a horizontal platform with a plurality of apertures therein. The platform is adapted to support a lawn mower deck with a rotatable horizontal blade mounted therein.