Abstract: A passively deployable solar panel array. A truss backing is attached to the back of the solar panels, and has top segments, bottom segments, and hinge linkages that form a series of moveable parallelograms operable to fold and unfold. The truss backing further has springs and trusses, with at least one spring and one truss associated with each of the parallelograms. The springs are operable to deploy the solar panels from a folded position to a deployed position. Each truss is operable to become in tension diagonally across its associated parallelogram once the solar panels are deployed into a final position.

Abstract: Telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include zero dead band telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods. Embodiments in general include hard stop preloading mechanisms for telescoping booms with multiple tube segments. Some embodiments provide components that facilitate the deployment sequencing of the multiple tube segments along with facilitating preloading of the multiple tube segments of a telescoping boom. The tools and techniques provided may be integrated into the multiple tube segments rather than being provided as a separate system. Some embodiments allow for precise deployment of the multiple tube segments of the telescoping boom systems, devices, and methods.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and controlling the curing of a composite material part using information derived from composite material test samples obtained using an ex-situ analytical device.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and controlling the curing of a composite material part using information derived from composite material test samples obtained using an ex-situ analytical device.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved core ring gated injection molding system. The valve pin has a tip portion which joins a larger diameter stem portion at a tapered shoulder and extends through the cavity into the mold platen on the other side. The tip portion of the valve pin is substantially smaller in diameter than the gate through the cavity plate, thus providing for the flow of melt through the gate around it when the valve pin is in the retracted open position. In the forward closed position, the tapered shoulder seats in the gate to provide a seal. By providing for operation in reverse directions to previous core ring gated systems, this increases cooling to the mold platen in the closed position and decreases it in the open position.

Abstract: A composite fence post is specifically shaped to reduce splitting and shearing and has a driver cap thereon to be driven by an elongate driver tool that encircles the post and that has an interior projection to cooperate with flanges of the post in properly positioning the post as it is driven.

Abstract: A post designed for sign post or guide marker use that will yield on impact and that will resume substantially its original configuration after the impact force has been removed. The post is formed as a single member, but with formed longitudinal shear planes to allow it to split along such shear planes upon impact, thereby reducing the tendency of the post to shear transversely. Correspondingly shaped caps and restrainers may be used during placement of the posts and to insure cohesiveness after shearing has occurred.