Abstract: A hybrid-electric propulsion system is provided that includes a thermal engine, an electric motor, a battery, a battery management unit (BMU), an electrical distribution bus, an artificial intelligence (AI) model, and a monitoring system (MS) controller. The electrical distribution bus electrically connects the electric motor and the BMU. The MS controller is in communication with the AI model, the electric motor, the BMU, and a memory storing instructions. The instructions when executed cause the MS controller to: receive a first operational parameter from the BMU unit; control the AI model to produce a predicted first operational parameter utilizing at least one electric motor operating parameter; and determine the presence of series arcing within the electrical distribution bus using the first operational parameter and the predicted first operational parameter.

Abstract: A method of operation is provided. During this method, a first power system of an aircraft powerplant is operated to provide a first quantity of power and/or torque to drive rotation of a propulsor rotor. A second power system of the aircraft powerplant is tested during the operating of the first power system. The second power system is configured as or otherwise includes an electric machine. The testing of the second power system includes: signaling the second power system to use the electric machine to provide a second quantity of power and/or torque to further drive the rotation of the propulsor rotor; determining an operational parameter of the aircraft powerplant following the signaling; and evaluating operability of the second power system by comparing the operational parameter to a threshold.

Abstract: A method of operation is provided. During this method, a first power system of an aircraft powerplant is operated to direct a first quantity of fuel into a flowpath of the aircraft powerplant for combustion. A second power system of the aircraft powerplant is tested during the operating of the first power system. The testing of the second power system includes: signaling the second power system to direct a second quantity of fuel into the flowpath for combustion; determining an operational parameter of the aircraft powerplant following the signaling; and evaluating operability of the second power system by comparing the operational parameter to a threshold.

Abstract: A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a propulsor rotor and a powerplant configured to drive rotation of the propulsor rotor. The powerplant includes a turbine section, a flowpath, a first fuel system and a second fuel system fluidly independent of the first fuel system. The turbine section includes a turbine rotor. The flowpath extends through the turbine section from an inlet into the flowpath to an exhaust from the flowpath. The first fuel system is configured to direct first fuel into the flowpath between the inlet and the turbine rotor. The second fuel system is configured to direct second fuel into the flowpath between the inlet and the turbine rotor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an aircraft power plant including an electric motor configured to propel an aircraft are provided. The methods and systems are used to mitigate a fault associated with the electric motor. The method includes receiving a power request from a power lever of the aircraft and using a controller to control the electric motor according to the power request. After a fault associated with the electric motor has been detected, the method includes receiving a deactivation request from the power lever. After receiving the deactivation request, the electric motor is deactivated independently of the controller.

Abstract: A hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system includes both a turbine engine and an electric motor. A power management system controls operation of the electric motor and a pitch angle of a propeller associated with the propulsion system. A disconnect switch is provided to isolate the electric motor by mechanical decoupling the electric motor from the aircraft propulsion system.

Abstract: There are described systems and methods for annunciating engine lubricating fluid level. The system comprises a first fluid level sensor for a first engine; a first low-level detector coupled to the first fluid level sensor; a first low-level indicator coupled to the first low-level detector for annunciating a fluid level of the first engine below a minimum operating level; and an annunciation and display system coupled to the first low-level detector and configured for performing non-critical lubricant-related functions. The first fluid level sensor, the first low-level detector, and the first low-level indicator are composed of first components having a critical level of reliability, the annunciation and display system is composed of second components having a non-critical level of reliability.

Abstract: A coin funnel spinning well device includes upper and lower sections connected by a midsection suspension system configured for accommodating oscillating movement in three dimensions between the sections. The upper section includes an observation dome mounted on a funnel with a lower funnel discharge. A coin launch assembly is mounted in the observation dome and receives coins through a coin insert opening in the observation dome. A pair of handles are mounted on opposite sides of the upper section and enable an operator to manipulate movement of the upper section to maintain a coin on a spiral trajectory. The coin funnel spinning well device can be automated with a computerized control system for controlling Internet access, lighting, coin sensing, timer, and input and output device functions.

Abstract: There are described systems and methods for annunciating engine lubricating fluid level. The system comprises a first fluid level sensor for a first engine; a first low-level detector coupled to the first fluid level sensor; a first low-level indicator coupled to the first low-level detector for annunciating a fluid level of the first engine below a minimum operating level; and an annunciation and display system coupled to the first low-level detector and configured for performing non-critical lubricant-related functions. The first fluid level sensor, the first low-level detector, and the first low-level indicator are composed of first components having a critical level of reliability, the annunciation and display system is composed of second components having a non-critical level of reliability.

Abstract: A coin funnel spinning well device includes upper and lower sections connected by a midsection suspension system configured for accommodating oscillating movement in three dimensions between the sections. The upper section includes an observation dome mounted on a funnel with a lower funnel discharge. A coin launch assembly is mounted in the observation dome and receives coins through a coin insert opening in the observation dome. A pair of handles are mounted on opposite sides of the upper section and enable an operator to manipulate movement of the upper section to maintain a coin on a spiral trajectory. The coin funnel spinning well device can be automated with a computerized control system for controlling Internet access, lighting, coin sensing, timer, and input and output device functions.

Abstract: A field-programmable operation array includes an interconnect network and a plurality of operation blocks, including a first operation block and a second operation block, electrically connected to the interconnect network. Each operation block includes an arithmetic logic unit and a plurality of logic gates. A pass signal output by the arithmetic logic unit of the first operation is received by the arithmetic logic unit of the second operation block.

Abstract: A generic template node for developing and deploying model software packages made up of interconnected working nodes derived from modifying copies of a generic template node. In one embodiment, a generic template node comprises: a plurality of definable input and output channels; at least one modifiable process routine capable of executing instructions for integrating into the generic template node at least one of, (i) a custom process, (ii) a canned common function, e.g., Sum and/or Average, and (iii) a third-party software package; a setup routine; and a plurality of definable output channels. The setup routine is operably linked to a host process to perform setup initialization of the generic template node. The generic template node is executable using at least one processor in communication with at least one memory having instructions to modify the generic template node in response to user requests.

Abstract: A generic template node for developing and deploying model software packages made up of interconnected working nodes derived from modifying copies of a generic template node. In one embodiment, a generic template node comprises: a plurality of definable input and output channels; at least one modifiable process routine capable of executing instructions for integrating into the generic template node at least one of, (i) a custom process, (ii) a canned common function, e.g., Sum and/or Average, and (iii) a third-party software package; a setup routine; and a plurality of definable output channels. The setup routine is operably linked to a host process to perform setup initialization of the generic template node. The generic template node is executable using at least one processor in communication with at least one memory having instructions to modify the generic template node in response to user requests.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling variation in dimensions of patterned features across a wafer are provided. One method includes measuring a characteristic of a latent image formed in a resist at more than one location across a wafer during a lithography process. The method also includes altering a parameter of the lithography process in response to the characteristic to reduce variation in dimensions of patterned features formed across the wafer by the lithography process. Altering the parameter compensates for non-time varying spatial variation in a temperature to which the wafer is exposed during a post exposure bake step of the lithography process and an additional variation in the post exposure bake step.

Abstract: A system and method for providing visibility to dynamic webpages may include a static content database and a processor configured to, responsive to a request from a terminal for a dynamic webpage: generate the dynamic webpage; provide a static copy of the dynamic webpage for storage in the static content database; and transmit the dynamic webpage to the terminal. The processor is further configured to provide the static copy of the dynamic webpage to a webcrawler.

Abstract: A method for adding user defined metadata to digital files (eg images, video music, etc) is disclosed. The input method for the user-defined metadata consists of using speech to text conversion technology where the user speaks a description of the content, which is then included as metadata with the digital file that was intended. Through the invention described, the metadata is added to the appropriate metadata field(s) of the intended digital content file(s). The addition and editing of metadata can happen before, during or after the digital content capture and/or during the content review process. This functionality allows for a quick, intuitive and user friendly way for users to add specific self-generated metadata content to digital content files (eg digital images). Results include more efficient and enhanced sorting, storing and searching of digital content as well as attaching notes to better describe an image, akin to writing on the back of printed photos.

Abstract: A method of joining or repairing metal surface structures. Joinder and/or repair of metal or metal-polymer laminate panels may be carried out using so-called “cold metal transfer” gas metal arc welding techniques. Moreover, suitable zinc-copper-aluminum alloys may improve weldability, durability and strength. The reduced thermal input permits effective weld formation at the metal sheet layers without giving rise to temperature gradient sufficient to significantly damage the interior elements.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a brake rotor assembly. The brake rotor assembly includes a generally annular rotor having a frictional surface and a radially inner rotor flange defining a plurality of rotor teeth. The brake rotor assembly also includes a hub section integrally formed onto the rotor. The hub section has a peripheral hub flange configured to engage the plurality of rotor teeth and thereby prevent rotation of the hub section relative to the rotor. The rotor is preferably composed of a first material such as steel or cast iron, and the hub section is preferably composed of a second material such as aluminum or magnesium that is lighter by volume than the first material. Accordingly, the overall weight of the rotor assembly is less than that of a comparable rotor assembly composed entirely of steel or cast iron.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a powertrain component enclosure member, including the steps of: (A) positioning at least one insert into a mold, wherein the insert is provided with a coating to prevent bonding between the insert and the casting material; and (B) casting a wall of the powertrain component enclosure member in the mold around the insert such that a major portion of the insert is substantially non-bonded with the casting material to provide a proper interfacial boundary with the casting material for damping.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use.