Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of tracking multiple objects with a probabilistic hypothesis density filter is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of intensities. The plurality of intensities are pruned based on their respective weight to remove lower weighted intensities and produce a first set of intensities. Intensities in the first set of intensities that are identified as corresponding to the same object are then merged to produce a second set of intensities. The second set of intensities is then pruned again to produce a final set of intensities, wherein pruning the second set of intensities includes in the final set of intensities, up to a threshold number of intensities having the largest weights in the second set of intensities and excludes from the final set of intensities any remaining intensities in the second set of intensities.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one of position and attitude in relation to an object is provided. The method includes capturing at least two images of the object with at least one camera. Each image is captured at a different position in relation to the object. The images are converted to edge images. The edge images of the object are converted into three-dimensional edge images of the object using positions of where the at least two images were captured. Overlap edge pixels in the at least two three-dimensional edge images are located to identify overlap points. A three dimensional edge candidate point image of the identified overlapped points in an evidence grid is built. The three dimensional candidate edge image in the evidence grid is compared with a model of the object to determine at least one of a then current position and attitude in relation to the object.

Abstract: A system may include a laser source, an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) coupled to the laser source, an atom trap, and at least one optical medium coupled between the AOM and the atom trap. Furthermore, at least one piezoelectric transducer may be coupled to the at least one optical medium, and a beam polarization controller may be coupled to the at least one piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided which is, in part, formed of a low coefficient of thermal expansion material. The assembly includes a nozzle fairing formed of the low coefficient of thermal expansion material and includes a metallic strut extending radially through the nozzle fairing. Load is transferred from the nozzle fairing to a static structure in either of two ways: first, the strut may receive the load directly and/or second, load may be transferred from the nozzle fairing to at least one of the inner and outer support rings. Further, the nozzle fairing and strut may allow for internal airflow for cooling.

Abstract: A turbine inlet cooling method and system is disclosed that takes advantage of chilled fuel gas from one or more turbo-expanders, while taking advantage of the power generated from this process for refrigerant compression. In particular, mechanical work from the pressure drop of fuel gas through the turbo expanders will allow power generators to provide electricity to turn a refrigeration compressor's electric motor. In addition, the temperature drop of the fuel gas can operate as a first stage of cooling for a refrigeration medium returning from a turbine inlet cooler housing, among other advantages.

Abstract: A resistance trainer that provides for rotational movement, balance training and strength building. The device is an integral one-piece fabricated from wood or plastic that includes a deck that is detachable from the base. The base in includes two separate dome-shaped reservoirs wherein the domes provide instability when in contact with the ground due to the curved surface. Inside of the domed reservoirs is space to add a weighted component, such as standard plate weights or sand or water or other replaceable means of weighting the device. The user can rotate the board using the torso muscles used when surfing or snowboarding and can also balance in a heel to toe direction or a front to back direction for balance and strength building.

Abstract: Flow path assemblies of gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a flow path assembly comprises an inner wall and a unitary outer wall that includes a combustor portion extending through a combustion section of the gas turbine engine and a turbine portion extending through at least a first turbine stage of a turbine section of the gas turbine engine. The combustor portion and the turbine portion are integrally formed as a single unitary structure. The flow path assembly further comprises a plurality of nozzle airfoils, each nozzle airfoil having an inner end radially opposite an outer end. The inner wall or the unitary outer wall defines a plurality of openings therethrough, and each opening is configured for receipt of one of the plurality of nozzle airfoils. Methods of assembling flow path assemblies also are provided.

Abstract: A method for compressing three-dimensional data points is disclosed. The method includes measuring a plurality of three-dimensional data points using one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the computing device, where each three-dimensional data point represents a point in a three-dimensional environment. The method also includes dividing the three-dimensional environment into a plurality of spatial cubes, wherein each three-dimensional data point is mapped to one spatial cube. The method also includes, for each spatial cube, converting the three-dimensional data points in the respective spatial cube to a two-dimensional plane based on a number of three-dimensional data points in the respective spatial cube. The method also includes, for each two-dimensional plane, determining polygon vertices of a planar polygon at points where an edge of an associated spatial cube intersects the respective two-dimensional plane.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a cascade array may comprise an actuator, a first cascade having a first integral flange, and a second cascade having a second integral flange, wherein the first cascade and the second cascade are operatively coupled to one another via the first integral flange and the second integral flange to form a cascade assembly, and the actuator is disposed between the first cascade and the second cascade.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing and forms a clearance space between the nacelle and a leading edge slat of the wing. A portion of an outlet cowling moves longitudinally aft when a reverse thrust configuration is activated and the leading edge slat is deployed toward the nacelle. The outlet cowling also includes another portion located adjacent to the leading edge slat that does not move when the reverse thrust configuration is activated and thus maintains its clearance space from the leading edge slat.

Abstract: A method of mitigating filter inconsistency of a heading estimate in an inertial navigation system is provided.

Abstract: A substantially dry product is produced by a process comprising the steps of: removing moisture from a raw material having a first moisture content to produce the substantially dry final product having a final moisture content; (b) advancing the raw material longitudinally along and between at least a first screw and a second screw comprising at least a compression zone and a dehydrating zone which are arranged successively within the first and second screws; and (c) entrapping and removing a predetermined percentage of moisture as the raw material moves through the compression zone and dehydrating zone.

Abstract: A method for compressing three-dimensional data points is disclosed. The method includes measuring a plurality of three-dimensional data points using one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the computing device, where each three-dimensional data point represents a point in a three-dimensional environment. The method also includes dividing the three-dimensional environment into a plurality of spatial cubes, wherein each three-dimensional data point is mapped to one spatial cube. The method also includes, for each spatial cube, converting the three-dimensional data points in the respective spatial cube to a two-dimensional plane based on a number of three-dimensional data points in the respective spatial cube. The method also includes, for each two-dimensional plane, determining polygon vertices of a planar polygon at points where an edge of an associated spatial cube intersects the respective two-dimensional plane.

Abstract: A method and device for sensing a temperature of a battery. A temperature of a power supply in an electronic device is monitored. One or more heat producing components of the electronic device are disabled when the monitored temperature of the power supply is higher than a first temperature. The one or more disabled heat producing components are restarted to restore electronic device functionality in an ordered manner when the monitored temperature of the power supply reaches a second temperature that is less than the first temperature.

Abstract: A virtual reality experience is provided to one or more users by a computing system through the use of a special-purpose virtual reality mat. The computing system receives image data from an optical sensor imaging a physical environment. The mat includes one or more fiducial markers that are recognizable by the computing system. A presence of these fiducial markers is detected based on the image data. An activity region within the physical environment is defined based, at least in part, on the detected fiducial markers. A positioning of a physical subject is identified within the physical environment relative to the activity region. The virtual reality experience is selectively augmented based on the positioning of the physical subject identified relative to the activity region.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component including a subcomponent, such as a band flowpath, a load bearing wall and a wall support, each comprised of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix. The CMC component further including at least one mechanical joint joining the subcomponent, the load bearing wall and the wall support to form the CMC component. The reinforcing fibers of the load bearing wall are oriented substantially normal to the reinforcing fibers of the subcomponent and the wall support. Methods are also provided for joining the subcomponent, the load bearing wall and the wall support to form a mechanical joint.

Abstract: One variation of a method—for controlling a breathing mask comprising a flow control module configured to mate to nostrils of a user and comprising an actuator configured to adjust obstruction to airflow out of the flow control module—includes: accessing a wake alarm time; accessing a sleep delay duration; at a first time, receiving an indicator that the user is preparing for sleep; in response to receiving the indicator, triggering the actuator to transition from a minimum-restriction position toward a maximum-restriction position at a second time succeeding the first time by the sleep delay duration, the actuator minimally obstructing airflow out of outlet port in the minimum-restriction position and maximally obstructing airflow out of outlet port in the maximally—restriction position; and, prior to the wake alarm time, triggering the actuator to transition back to the minimum-restriction position.

Abstract: A nozzle including a vane and a band, each having defined therein interlocking features. The vane and the band are each formed of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix. The vane and the band include one or more interlocking features. The nozzle further including an interlocking mechanical joint joining the vane and the band to one another. Methods are also provided for joining the vane and the band at the interlocking features to form an interlocking mechanical joint.

Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing and forms a clearance space between the nacelle and a leading edge slat of the wing. A portion of an outlet cowling moves longitudinally aft when a reverse thrust configuration is activated and the leading edge slat is deployed toward the nacelle. The outlet cowling also includes another portion located adjacent to the leading edge slat that does not move when the reverse thrust configuration is activated and thus maintains its clearance space from the leading edge slat.

Abstract: A virtual reality experience is provided to one or more users by a computing system through the use of a special-purpose virtual reality mat. The computing system receives image data from an optical sensor imaging a physical environment. The mat includes one or more fiducial markers that are recognizable by the computing system. A presence of these fiducial markers is detected based on the image data. An activity region within the physical environment is defined based, at least in part, on the detected fiducial markers. A positioning of a physical subject is identified within the physical environment relative to the activity region. The virtual reality experience is selectively augmented based on the positioning of the physical subject identified relative to the activity region.