Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a joint. A composite insert may be placed into a joint region for a first structure. The composite insert may comprise a structure having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion all extending from a junction; and a resin impregnated into the structure to form the composite insert. The second structure may be laid up. The composite insert may be bonded to the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: The thermal protection system disclosed herein is suitable for use with a spacecraft such as a reentry module or vehicle, where the spacecraft has a convex surface to be protected. An embodiment of the thermal protection system includes a plurality of heat resistant panels, each having an outer surface configured for exposure to atmosphere, an inner surface opposite the outer surface and configured for attachment to the convex surface of the spacecraft, and a joint edge defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The joint edges of adjacent ones of the heat resistant panels are configured to mate with each other to form staggered joints that run between the peak of the convex surface and the base section of the convex surface.

Abstract: A composite resin tank includes a wall joined to a dome along a joint. A softening strip is located in the joint.

Abstract: A composite resin tank includes a wall joined to a dome along a joint. A softening strip is used to control stress in the joint.

Abstract: In an embodiment there is provided a fluid separation assembly. The assembly has a hollow fiber bundle with a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. The assembly further has a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet encapsulating respective ends of the hollow fiber bundle, wherein one of the tubesheets has a plurality of radial through openings formed in the tubesheet. The assembly further has a housing surrounding the hollow fiber bundle and the first and second tubesheets, the housing having a feed inlet port, a permeate outlet port, and a non-permeate outlet port. The feed gas, permeate gas, or non-permeate gas are introduced into or removed from the hollow fiber membranes via the plurality of radial through openings formed in the tubesheet, such that the radial through openings of the tubesheet intersect each or substantially each of the hollow fiber membranes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a joint. A composite insert may be placed into a joint region for a first structure. The composite insert may comprise a structure having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion all extending from a junction; and a resin impregnated into the structure to form the composite insert. The second structure may be laid up. The composite insert may be bonded to the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: A composite truss structure employs a sandwich-in-sandwich construction in which a composite fluted core is sandwiched between two facesheets, and at least one structural foam stiffener is sandwiched within the core or between the facesheets and/or the core.

Abstract: A composite truss structure employs a sandwich-in-sandwich construction in which a composite fluted core is sandwiched between two facesheets, and at least one structural foam stiffener is sandwiched within the core or between the facesheets and/or the core.

Abstract: A gateway 11 for using non-IP digital telephone handsets 10 with an IP call controller (“PBX”) 12, 24, 42. The gateway may be implemented to work with any non-IP digital telephone handset and any IP call controller. The call controller may be a public protocol IP Centrex call controller 24 or a proprietary protocol call controller 12, 42. The gateway is programmable so that a single hardware unit can be programmed after it is plugged in to work with any such devices. The programming is accomplished via IP download from a server on the global IP network 23. The gateway may be implemented as a plug in card 40 for an IP call controller 42 that accepts plug in cards. Alternatively, it may be implemented to work with remote IP call controllers 12, 42. In this latter configuration, the gateway may include a router for other IP devices which is designed to give voice quality preference to the telephone handsets over other IP devices.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely delivering customized content to children using a series of private libraries of digital content files (music files, video files, pictures, digital storybooks, and so on) stored on one or more servers, where the private libraries of digital content are managed by certain individuals (presumably adults) for the benefit of other individuals (presumably young children of the adults). This private library, called a “soundtrack” is then delivered to the recipient person for their listening and viewing by a variety of possible means, and ideally via a special purpose hand held media player which is specifically adapted to synchronize with the private library content on the server(s).

Abstract: A merchandiser (10) is disclosed having a main body (20), top shelf (110) and bottom shelf (31). A slidable graphics panel (90) with a bumper (100) formed in the back thereof is positioned such that the interlocking channels (60,61) permit the graphics panel (90) to move between upper and lower positions relative to the main body (20). When the graphics panel (90) is in the upper position, the wares (200) on the bottom shelf (31) are viewable to potential purchasers and when the graphics panel (90) is in the lower position, the wares (200) on the upper shelf are viewable to potential purchasers. A sample opening (80) is also constructed in the body (20) wherein a product sample (200) may be conveniently removed, tested or demonstrated and returned to the merchandiser (10).

Abstract: A composite truss structure employs a sandwich-in-sandwich construction in which a composite fluted core is sandwiched between two facesheets, and at least one structural foam stiffener is sandwiched within the core or between the facesheets and/or the core.

Abstract: The thermal protection system disclosed herein is suitable for use with a spacecraft such as a reentry module or vehicle, where the spacecraft has a convex surface to be protected. An embodiment of the thermal protection system includes a plurality of heat resistant panels, each having an outer surface configured for exposure to atmosphere, an inner surface opposite the outer surface and configured for attachment to the convex surface of the spacecraft, and a joint edge defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The joint edges of adjacent ones of the heat resistant panels are configured to mate with each other to form staggered joints that run between the peak of the convex surface and the base section of the convex surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing vibration rectification error (VRE) for a closed-loop accelerometer. In one embodiment, the method includes applying a known vibration signal to the closed-loop accelerometer along a first axis and adjusting a feedback gain setting until VRE is below a first threshold value. After the feedback gain setting has been adjusted, applying a random vibration signal to the closed-loop accelerometer along the first axis and adjusting a servo system proportional gain value until VRE is below a second threshold value.

Abstract: A gateway 11 for using non-IP digital telephone handsets 10 with an IP call controller (“PBX”) 12, 24, 42. The gateway may be implemented to work with any non-IP digital telephone handset and any IP call controller. The call controller may be a public protocol IP Centrex call controller 24 or a proprietary protocol call controller 12, 42. The gateway is programmable so that a single hardware unit can be programmed after it is plugged in to work with any such devices. The programming is accomplished via IP download from a server on the global IP network 23. The gateway may be implemented as a plug in card 40 for an IP call controller 42 that accepts plug in cards. Alternatively, it may be implemented to work with remote IP call controllers 12, 42. In this latter configuration, the gateway may include a router for other IP devices which is designed to give voice quality preference to the telephone handsets over other IP devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an auto attendant system to allow a called party to monitor a screening name left by a caller while the called party is on the telephone with a third party. If the called party wishes, the system can place the third party on hold and connect the caller. Alternatively, the system can redirect the caller to another line or ask the caller to hold. The system is implemented with a second communication channel from the telephone switch system to the called party so that the called party can monitor the screening name left by a caller without first putting the third party on hold or disconnecting from the third party. The system can be configured to automatically monitor each screening name as it is left without intervention by the called party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephone user with automated attendant functions with numerous selectable options. The options include selecting one of many greetings to be given to the caller before putting the caller on hold or sending the caller to voice mail, recording a new greeting for the caller after learning the caller's identity, re-routing the call and adding an audio message to be delivered to the substitute called party before the call is connected. A display screen with a cursor is used to facilitate presentation of information and options to the telephone user and selection of options by the telephone user.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for the display of voice mail message information and playing voice mail messages through a computer speaker. Using a mouse, the messages can be manipulated individually or in groups. Using the mouse or the keyboard, the sender of a message can add textual copy or addressing to a message. The display also includes, merged into a single list, e-mail messages and fax messages for the user. The interface includes a facility for exporting voice mail messages into multimedia documents and importing sound clips from multimedia documents into voice mail messages. If the sender of a message does not want the recipient to copy the message for further distribution to others, the sender may designate the message as "Private", and the system will not allow the message to be copied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephone user with information concerning a caller. The call by the caller causes information concerning the caller to be transferred over a communication channel, separate from the one used by the telephone user, connected to a PC located near the telephone user. The information is displayed in the form of symbols on a PC display, and the telephone user can respond to the information without having to answer the call. If desired, the telephone user can cause the PC to play an audio record concerning the caller. The information displayed can be developed from the caller or from a database, or both.

Abstract: An electromagnetically-excited silicon micromachined vibrating beam accelerometer includes a proof mass or pendulum attached to an outer casing by way of a pair of flexures defining a hinge axis HA. A double-ended tuning fork (DETF) is connected between the proof mass and the casing along an axis generally perpendicular to the hinge axis (HA) defining a sensitive axis SA such that forces applied along the hinge axis HA will cause the DETF to go into either compression or tension. Electromagnetic excitation causes the vibrating beams to vibrate at a resonant frequency when the proof mass is at rest. In response to a force along the sensitive axis SA, the vibrating beams go into either tension or compression resulting in a change in the resonant frequency which, in turn, is used as a measure of the force. The excitation includes a magnetic field B, applied in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the DETF and perpendicular to the sensitive axis SA.