Abstract: A system includes an endcap configured to be fitted on a distal end of an endoscope having a forward-looking camera and a forward-facing working port. The endcap includes a body configured to fit onto the distal end of the endoscope and a reflective surface supported by the body. The reflective surface is configured so that the forward-looking camera visualizes a workspace that is lateral of both the endcap and the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A snare tool manipulator system includes an elongated flexible device having a length and including a distally mounted end effector configured to perform a task. The flexible device is operable to manipulate the end effector in order to perform the task. The system also includes an elongated snare tool including a distally mounted snare device configured for grasping the flexible elongated member at a position along its length. The snare tool is operable robotically to manipulate the flexible device which in response manipulates the end effector.

Abstract: An automated rivet measurement system comprises a number of end effectors, a number of cameras, a processor, and a comparator. The number of end effectors is configured to perform drilling and riveting on a structure. The number of cameras is connected to the number of end effectors. The number of cameras is configured to take a first image of a hole in the structure and a second image of a rivet in the hole. The processor is configured to process the first image and the second image to identify a number of reference points in the first image and the second image. The comparator is configured to determine a rivet concentricity using the hole in the first image and the rivet in the second image, in which the first image and the second image are aligned using the number of reference points.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating various decision opportunities faced by a person, where the person has the opportunity to take different actions over time, where the state of affairs in each time period and the action taken affect the reward or benefits received by the person at that time and the action is likely to affect the state of affairs in the next time period.

Abstract: An automated rivet measurement system comprises a number of end effectors, a number of cameras, a processor, and a comparator. The number of end effectors is configured to perform drilling and riveting on a structure. The number of cameras is connected to the number of end effectors. The number of cameras is configured to take a first image of a hole in the structure and a second image of a rivet in the hole. The processor is configured to process the first image and the second image to identify a number of reference points in the first image and the second image. The comparator is configured to determine a rivet concentricity using the hole in the first image and the rivet in the second image, in which the first image and the second image are aligned using the number of reference points.

Abstract: A snare tool manipulator system includes an elongated flexible device having a length and including a distally mounted end effector configured to perform a task. The flexible device is operable to manipulate the end effector in order to perform the task. The system also includes an elongated snare tool including a distally mounted snare device configured for grasping the flexible elongated member at a position along its length. The snare tool is operable robotically to manipulate the flexible device which in response manipulates the end effector.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating sequential decision problems that have multidimensional states. The system and method maximizes the value, as defined by the value functional equation, received by the user, for both finite and infinite horizon decision problems and provides decision making advice to the user based upon input actions, states, rewards and transition probabilities.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing management of a network by transforming the network into some or all of the elements of a sequential decision problem, then composing a sequential decision problem; error and convergence checking the sequential decision problem; and solving the sequential decision problem. The solution to the sequential decision problem is provided to a user as decision advice or automatically implemented. The network may be a website designed for access by users of mobile or other devices, or a logistics network for the distribution of goods, or a utility network for communications, energy, roads or other services. The decision advice allows the user to optimize the network to improve an aspect of the network, such as the amount of time spent traveling through the network (for roads) or the total-value derived from visitors (for a website selling products).

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating sequential decision problems that have multidimensional states. The system and method maximizes the value, as defined by the value functional equation, received by the user, for both finite and infinite horizon decision problems and provides decision making advice to the user based upon input actions, states, rewards and transition probabilities.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection device employs a transducer incorporating an ultrasonic array and a positioner/holder having abase with a rail extending from the base to support the transducer in at least two lateral positions. A guide extends from the base for contact with a web of a composite shape, the guide maintaining the rail substantially perpendicular to the web. An encoder supported by the base and contacts a flange of the composite shape. The Positioner/holder is adapted for longitudinal motion along the composite shape to create C-scans with the transducer.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for slitting composite material int1aaaaaaaaaaao tape and for measuring the width of the slit tape as the tape is being reeled onto take up rolls. The tape width is measured by an optical micrometer. The optical micrometer includes a transmitter for directing radiant energy over the tape and, a receiver for receiving radiant energy from the transmitter that passes across an edge of the tape and for producing a signal related to the width of the tape.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus operable within a channel associated with a structure is described. The apparatus includes at least one transducer and a holder. The holder includes a material having a flexibility and tensile strength such that a spring force is provided for maintaining a position of said holder within the channel of the structure. The holder includes a plurality of transducer indexing nodes therein for mounting of the transducers, and each node provides a single point of contact between the holder and the transducer. The transducer indexing nodes are fabricated having a material flexibility and tensile strength with respect to a remainder of the holder for positioning of the transducers along surface variances that define the channel.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating various decision opportunities faced by a person, where the person has the opportunity to take different actions over time, where the state of affairs in each time period and the action taken affect the reward or benefits received by the person at that time and the action is likely to affect the state of affairs in the next time period.

Abstract: A method for determining the positional laydown accuracy of an automated lamination machine during fabrication of a multiple layered part is described. The method includes measuring a position of a placement head of the lamination machine in a coordinate system, determining a location of a ply edge with respect to the placement head, transforming the location of the ply edge into the coordinate system, based on the measured head position, transforming the location of the ply edge from the coordinate system into a second coordinate system that is associated with the part being fabricated, and comparing actual ply edge location in the second coordinate system to an expected ply edge location defined in the second coordinate system, the second coordinate system associated with the part being fabricated, to determine the laydown accuracy of the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for slitting composite material into tape and for measuring the width of the slit tape as the tape is being reeled onto take up rolls. The tape width is measured by an optical micrometer. The optical micrometer includes a transmitter for directing radiant energy over the tape and, a receiver for receiving radiant energy from the transmitter that passes across an edge of the tape and for producing a signal related to the width of the tape.

Abstract: A method for determining the positional laydown accuracy of an automated lamination machine during fabrication of a multiple layered part is described. The method includes measuring a position of a placement head of the lamination machine in a coordinate system, determining a location of a ply edge with respect to the placement head, transforming the location of the ply edge into the coordinate system, based on the measured head position, transforming the location of the ply edge from the coordinate system into a second coordinate system that is associated with the part being fabricated, and comparing actual ply edge location in the second coordinate system to an expected ply edge location defined in the second coordinate system, the second coordinate system associated with the part being fabricated, to determine the laydown accuracy of the machine.

Abstract: A measuring instrument and method for measuring paint and coating thickness on conductive and poorly conductive substrates. The instrument uses a microwave amplifier, a measurement cavity, and a reference cavity with supporting electronics to measure the apparent changes in the length of the measurement cavity due to the changes in the paint and coating thickness. The measurement cavity resonates when the measurement cavity is set upon the test surface. The oscillating signal is sent through a reference cavity tuned to give the desired filtered response to cover the paint and coating thickness range allowed. The filtered response of the reference cavity is converted to a dc level signal that serves as input to a data acquisition circuit. The data acquisition circuit converts the input signal to digital form so that the calibration method may be used to associate a given response with the corresponding paint and coating thickness.

Abstract: A distance-measuring apparatus for measuring the distance between a capacitance-type sensing probe (60) and a nearby surface of a conductive body is provided. A probe (60) includes a plurality of measuring electrodes (56.sub.l -56.sub.n) and a grounding electrode (58). The grounding electrode protrudes from the probe and grounds the nearby surface of the conductive body. A control system (10) is connected to the probe (60). A processor (12) issues control instructions, S.sub.CTL, to a selector (16). The selector (16) selects one of a plurality of measuring electrodes (56.sub.l -56.sub.n) and connects the selected electrode to a converter (14). A charging circuit (18) applies a charging voltage to the selected electrode, causing a capacitor formed by the selected electrode and the nearby surface of the conductive body to charge up. A timing circuit (22) starts a counter (32) when one of the measuring electrodes (56.sub.l -56.sub.n) is selected and stops the counter (32) when a capacitor charge voltage, V".sub.

Abstract: A probe (20) that inspects a countersunk hole (21) in a conductive body, such as an aircraft part (22), is provided. A plurality of nested cylinders form an electrode cartridge (54) with a countersink portion (74) having a frustoconical shape and a hole portion (76) having a cylindrical shape. A plurality of lower hole electrode strips (72) are mounted on a lower hole cylinder (110) and a plurality of upper hole electrode strips (70) are mounted on an upper hole cylinder (116). A plurality of lower countersink electrode strips (68) are coupled to a lower countersink cylinder (124) and a plurality of upper countersink electrode strips (66) are coupled to an upper countersink cylinder (132). A dielectric layer (64) covers a plurality of measuring electrode tips (67, 69, 71 and 73) and an outer surface (150) of the hole and countersink portions (76 and 74). A grounding electrode (158) is mounted on the upper hole cylinder ( 116).