Abstract: A cascade for a jet engine thrust reverser is fabricated by co-consolidating pre-consolidated thermoplastic strongbacks and vanes. The strongbacks are reinforced with continuous fibers, and the vanes are reinforced with discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: An assembly of thermoplastic parts for forming a final composite part is presented where the assembly includes at least two prefabricated shells fabricated of thermoplastic. Each prefabricated shell has substantially the same shape as the final composite part and where the shapes of the prefabricated shells have dimensions that allow the prefabricated shells to be assembled into a nest for placement into a mold.

Abstract: Composite fasteners have a high fraction of discontinuous, randomly oriented reinforcing fibers. A charge of thermoplastic fiber flakes are heated to melting temperature within a reservoir, flowed into multiple mold cavities and compression molded. The molded fasteners have high strength, exhibit quasi-isotropic properties and may be produced in high volume.

Abstract: An automated weapon system comprising an active recoil control system, a bi-directional recoil containment and double strike prevention system and a mortar retention system. The active recoil control system uses multiple sensors in combination with a solenoid controlled multi-disc brake to adjust the weapon recoil. Using outputs from the sensors, a controller predicts and reacts to a recoiling mass performance and applies the required braking force, in order to compensate for anticipated or actual variations. Feedback from the sensors allows the active recoil control system to adjust braking during the recoil strokes and counter-recoil strokes in order to optimize the weapon operation and performance in extreme firing conditions.

Abstract: A cascade for a jet engine thrust reverser is fabricated by co-consolidating pre-consolidated thermoplastic strongbacks and vanes. The strongbacks are reinforced with continuous fibers, and the vanes are reinforced with discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: A cascade for a jet engine thrust reverser is fabricated by co-consolidating pre-consolidated thermoplastic strongbacks and vanes. The strongbacks are reinforced with continuous fibers, and the vanes are reinforced with discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: Composite fasteners have a high fraction of discontinuous, randomly oriented reinforcing fibers. A charge of thermoplastic fiber flakes are heated to melting temperature within a reservoir, flowed into multiple mold cavities and compression molded. The molded fasteners have high strength, exhibit quasi-isotropic properties and may be produced in high volume.

Abstract: Composite fasteners have a high fraction of discontinuous, randomly oriented reinforcing fibers. A charge of thermoplastic fiber flakes are heated to melting temperature within a reservoir, flowed into multiple mold cavities and compression molded. The molded fasteners have high strength, exhibit quasi-isotropic properties and may be produced in high volume.

Abstract: An active soft recoil control system that provides a bi-directional recoil containment and double strike prevention, which improves recoil force management, reduces the potential for “short” rounds, results in a more compact and lighter weight weapon, and increases the uniform performance of the heavy weapon at temperature extremes and steep cants. Furthermore, the present system provides for a mechanism that enables safer firing pin retraction and reduces the potential for unintentionally striking the primer and initiating the round during misfire operations.

Abstract: An assembly of thermoplastic parts for forming a final composite part is presented where the assembly includes at least two prefabricated shells fabricated of thermoplastic. Each prefabricated shell has substantially the same shape as the final composite part and where the shapes of the prefabricated shells have dimensions that allow the prefabricated shells to be assembled into a nest for placement into a mold.

Abstract: A retention system protects the round stored inside a rotating continuous belt-type magazine, and holds the round securely while allowing it to be readily and easily released prior to firing. The retention system permits all the retaining devices to be easily retracted so that a ramming mechanism of the weapon can push the round into the chamber without interference. The gun tube of the automated weapon houses the round and provides interfaces for all other components to attach. The tube length minimizes the axial movement of the round. The round is held within the tube by a front door assembly and a rear door assembly. The door assembly is made of a crescent-shaped door attached to a pivot shaft, in order to minimize the amount of rotational travel required to open the door for loading or firing the round.

Abstract: An active recoil control system uses multiple sensors in combination with a solenoid controlled multi-disc brake to adjust the weapon recoil. Using outputs from the sensors, a controller predicts and reacts to a recoiling mass performance, and applies the required braking force, in order to compensate for anticipated or actual variations. Feedback from the sensors allows the active recoil control system to adjust braking during the recoil strokes and counter-recoil strokes in order to optimize the weapon operation and performance in extreme firing conditions.

Abstract: A cascade for a jet engine thrust reverser is fabricated by co-consolidating pre-consolidated thermoplastic strongbacks and vanes. The strongbacks are reinforced with continuous fibers, and the vanes are reinforced with discontinuous fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented. An apparatus comprises a composite structure, a plurality of cavities extending into the composite structure, and a plurality of mandrels located within the plurality of cavities. The composite structure comprises a thermoplastic material that is consolidated. The plurality of mandrels comprises a first material that is configured to generate heat in response to a magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented. An apparatus comprises a composite structure, a plurality of cavities extending into the composite structure, and a plurality of mandrels located within the plurality of cavities. The composite structure comprises a thermoplastic material that is consolidated. The plurality of mandrels comprises a first material that is configured to generate heat in response to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A biased clamping device for use with a cart carrier that includes a cart support and a clamping channel moveable between an open position and a clamped position is disclosed. The biased clamping device includes a biasing member associated with the clamping channel that biases the clamping channel to the clamped position. The biasing member includes a first end attached to the cart support and a second end attached to the clamping channel. The biasing member loads when the clamping channel is moved between the clamped position and the open position.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for compression molding of composite material quasi-isotropic flakes. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a first layer formed from a composite component material and a second layer formed from a composite component material are consolidated together to form a quasi-isotropic panel. Composite material flakes having quasi-isotropic properties (“quasi-flakes”) are obtained from the quasi-isotropic panel. A compression mold is filled with the quasi-flakes, and heat is applied to the compression mold to form a part.

Abstract: A wheel support assembly for use with a vehicle is disclosed that comprises a vehicle mount coupleable to the vehicle, a recess formed in the vehicle mount, a bearing seated at least partially within the recess, an axle engaged with the bearing and extending away from the bearing, and a wheel supported by the axle. To inhibit the transfer of heat from the bearing to the wheel the bearing is in thermal communication with the vehicle mount and the wheel is spaced apart from the bearing along a longitudinal axis of the axle. The vehicle mount is configured as a heat sink such that a larger portion of the heat generated by the bearing is transferred to the heat sink as compared to the portion transferred to the axle.

Abstract: A biased clamping device for use with a cart carrier that includes a cart support and a clamping channel moveable between an open position and a clamped position is disclosed. The biased clamping device includes a biasing member associated with the clamping channel that biases the clamping channel to the clamped position. The biasing member includes a first end attached to the cart support and a second end attached to the clamping channel. The biasing member loads when the clamping channel is moved between the clamped position and the open position.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for compression molding of composite material quasi-isotropic flakes. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a first layer formed from a composite component material and a second layer formed from a composite component material are consolidated together to form a quasi-isotropic panel. Composite material flakes having quasi-isotropic properties (“quasi-flakes”) are obtained from the quasi-isotropic panel. A compression mold is filled with the quasi-flakes, and heat is applied to the compression mold to form a part.