Abstract: A method of making a transfer apparatus includes providing a physical mockup having a shape that corresponds to a positive shape of a patient's dental arch and one or more carrier assemblies that each include a crane body releasably connected to an orthodontic appliance. A transfer apparatus may be formed over the physical mockup, with the transfer tray representing a negative replica of at least a portion of the mockup. The transfer apparatus may be used to seat the appliance on a patient's dental arch, after which point the appliance can be separated from the crane body and bonded to the associated tooth.

Abstract: A variable area fan nozzles comprising an array of rigid petals hinged to a lip area at the downstream end of a thrust reverser sleeve (or half-sleeve). In one embodiment, the actuation system comprises a rotatable ring segment, a drive system for rotating the ring segment, a plurality of cams attached or integrally formed with the ring segment, a plurality of cam followers, and a plurality of petal linkages which operatively couple the petals to the cam followers. This actuation system controls the deflection of the petals, thereby controlling the amount of opening and the rate at which the fan nozzle throat area changes. Each cam may have forward- and rearward-facing camming surfaces that interact with the cam followers to force the petals to pivot outward or inward respectively.

Abstract: A variable area fan nozzles comprising an array of rigid petals hinged to a lip area at the downstream end of a thrust reverser sleeve (or half-sleeve). In one embodiment, the actuation system comprises a rotatable ring segment, a drive system for rotating the ring segment, a plurality of cams attached or integrally formed with the ring segment, a plurality of cam followers, and a plurality of petal linkages which operatively couple the petals to the cam followers. This actuation system controls the deflection of the petals, thereby controlling the amount of opening and the rate at which the fan nozzle throat area changes. Each cam may have forward- and rearward-facing camming surfaces that interact with the cam followers to force the petals to pivot outward or inward respectively.

Abstract: A computer-performed method of modeling a physical structure. A plurality of geometric parameters specific to a type of the structure are applied to aerodynamic surface data in accordance with rules predefined for the structure type to geometrically describe a plurality of structural features. Based on the geometric describing, a plurality of points representing the structure are obtained. The points are used to model the structure.