Abstract: A method for simultaneously laser shock peening opposite laser shock peening surfaces on opposite sides of an article, such as a gas turbine engine airfoil, with varying thickness using oppositely aimed laser beams and varying surface fluence of the laser beams over the laser shock peening surfaces as a function of the thickness of the article beneath each one of a plurality of laser shock peened spots formed by the beams on the surfaces. The fluence may be equal to the thickness multiplied by a volumetric fluence factor, the volumetric fluence factor being held constant over the laser shock peening surface. The volumetric fluence factor may be in a range of about 1200 J/cm3 to 1800 J/cm3 and more particularly about 1500 J/cm3. Laser beam energy may be varied with a computer program controlling firing of the laser beam.

Abstract: A method for laser shock peening an article, such as a gas turbine engine airfoil, with varying thickness by varying a surface fluence of a laser beam over a laser shock peening surface as a function of the thickness beneath a laser shock peened spot formed by the beam on the surface. The fluence may be equal to the thickness multiplied by a volumetric fluence factor, the volumetric fluence factor being held constant over the laser shock peening surface. The volumetric fluence factor may be in a range of about 1200 J/cm3 to 1800 J/cm3 and more particularly about 1500 J/cm3. The method may include varying energy in the laser beam using a computer program controlling firing of the laser beam. A device such as an optical attenuator external to a laser performing firing may be used to vary the energy.

Abstract: A laser shock peening system including a workpiece is provided. The laser shock peening system includes a workholding fixture configured to hold the workpiece. The laser shock peening system also includes a laser source configured to emit multiple laser beam pulses on the workpiece. The laser shock peening system further includes an absorptive layer disposed on the workpiece, the absorptive layer configured to absorb the laser beam pulses from the laser source into the workpiece. The laser shock peening system also includes a transparent constraining layer disposed between the laser source and the absorptive layer. The transparent constraining layer is also configured to provide a pressure medium configured to direct multiple reflected laser generated shock waves from the workpiece back into the workpiece. The laser shock peening system also includes a transducer disposed on the workholding fixture and configured to detect multiple acoustic signals emitted from the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for laser shock peening an article, such as a gas turbine engine airfoil, with varying thickness by varying a surface fluence of a laser beam over a laser shock peening surface as a function of the thickness beneath a laser shock peened spot formed by the beam on the surface. The fluence may be equal to the thickness multiplied by a volumetric fluence factor, the volumetric fluence factor being held constant over the laser shock peening surface. The volumetric fluence factor may be in a range of about 1200 J/cm3 to 1800 J/cm3 and more particularly about 1500 J/cm3. The method may include varying energy in the laser beam using a computer program controlling firing of the laser beam. A device such as an optical attenuator external to a laser performing firing may be used to vary the energy.

Abstract: Methods, computer networks, and computer program products that facilitate providing broadband service wirelessly to third party users via a mesh network of customer premise equipment are provided. A mesh network of customer premise equipment is connected to the central office of a broadband service provider. Each customer premise equipment includes a micro-internet service provider (MISP) platform configured to provide broadband service from the broadband service provider wirelessly to third party users. The broadband service provider rewards the customer premise equipment owners based on broadband service usage by third party users. The mesh network is configured to distribute third party user traffic across multiple customer premise equipment in the mesh network and reassemble the distributed traffic at the central office so as to optimize use of idle customer premise equipment bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for providing encrypted data to an internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS)-capable device. The device is automatically detected when the device is situated in a customer device zone. The customer device zone comprises a spatial volume within which a signal transmitted by the device can be received, and a signal not transmitted by the device can be received by the device. In response to automatic detection of the device, a security key is transmitted to the device so as to enable the device to decode the encrypted data. The device is registered with an IP media subsystem by receiving one or more device attributes transmitted by the device in response to the device receiving the security key. The device attributes specify at least one of a media type, device type, or password for the device.

Abstract: A method of providing data communications between first and second computing devices over a data network may include receiving a request for data communication at the first computing device from the second computing device over the data network. After receiving the request for data communication, a request for a credential according to an authentication standard may be transmitted from the first computing device to the second computing device, and the request for the credential may identify the authentication standard. After transmitting the request for the credential according to the authentication standard, a credential according to the authentication standard may be received, and the credential maybe verified. Responsive to receiving the request for data communication and responsive to verifying the authentication credential, the requested data communication may be allowed.

Abstract: The electric pyrotechnic igniter of the present invention comprises a controlled power source providing low-voltage electricity to one or more remotely located, replaceable ignition elements which are housed in compressive clips capable of holding the ignition elements into direct contact with firework fuses.

Abstract: A communication network is operated by storing a digital certificate on a subject device. A communication session is established between the subject device and another device across a communication network. The communication session incorporates the digital certificate in at least one message between the subject device and the other device. Authorization is received from a legal authority to monitor communications associated with the subject device. The communication network is configured to monitor communications thereon associated with the digital certificate responsive to receiving authorization from the legal authority.

Abstract: A process of removing ceramic deposits from a surface hole in a component, a particular example being portions of a ceramic coating deposited on a surface of a component equipped with cooling holes. The process makes use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser operated with parameters that avoid delamination, cracking or otherwise damaging a ceramic coating surrounding a cooling hole. The laser is operated to generate a laser beam that removes some of the ceramic deposit from the hole while a residual portion of the ceramic deposit remains surrounding the hole to define a surface opening.

Abstract: A process of removing ceramic deposits from a surface hole in a component, a particular example being portions of a ceramic coating deposited on a surface of a component equipped with cooling holes. The process makes use of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser operated with parameters that avoid delamination, cracking or otherwise damaging a ceramic coating surrounding a cooling hole. The laser is operated to generate a laser beam that removes some of the ceramic deposit from the hole while a residual portion of the ceramic deposit remains surrounding the hole to define a surface opening.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer pad includes a metallic thermally conducting disc covering the burner element. An annular retaining ring is provided to retain and center the disc on the burner element. The retaining ring includes a downwardly depending skirt to substantially close the stove opening. Inner downwardly depending tabs are provided to contact the stovetop reflector pan, thereby securely retaining the pad in place. An annular expansion joint is provided in the annular ring to accommodate thermal expansion/contraction of the disc. One or more circular grooves are provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the disc to enhance the flexibility and resist any tendency to buckle due to thermal stresses.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer pad for positioning on an electrical coil of the heating element on a stove. The pad includes two embossed metal plates with a metal alloy body sandwiched in between the two plates. The center section of the pad defined by the alloy body closely corresponds to the area of the electrical coil. An annular extension around the body includes opposite circular recesses for reinforcement of the pad. The upwardly extending recess forms a drip ring to confine any inadvertent overflow from a pan on the pad. A depending skirt around the drip recess extends over the rim of the heating element and substantially closes the stove opening. A liquid metal alloy body is preferably INDALLOY, a tin and bismuth alloy combination that melts at 281.degree. F. with no appreciable expansion or contraction during phase change or temperature transition. Other alloys or materials with similar properties can be used as a substitute material for the body as long as the melting point is approximately 140.degree.