Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for determining an operational status of one or more power grid components (35) of a power grid (30). The grid components (35) have component signatures representative of the operational status of the power grid component (35). The method includes obtaining, using a monitor (20), at least one of a current waveform or a voltage waveform at a location, analyzing the obtained one of the current waveform or the voltage waveform, establishing one or more waveform data values of the waveform, accessing a database having a plurality of component signatures, and by comparison of the waveform data values with the component signatures producing one or more results representative of the operational status.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a motor controller to an electrical motor, said apparatus comprising: a motor interface board; a mounting mechanism for mechanically connecting said motor interface board to the electrical motor; at least one input lead for electrically connecting said motor interface board to at least one of an electrical power source and an electrical signal source; at least one output lead for electrically connecting said motor interface board to the electrical motor; and at least one connector for mechanically and electrically connecting said motor interface board to the motor controller.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for determining an operational status of one or more power grid components (35) of a power grid (30). The grid components (35) have component signatures representative of the operational status of the power grid component (35). The method comprises obtaining using a monitor (20) at least one of a current waveform or a voltage waveform at a location, analyzing the obtained one of the current waveform or the voltage waveform, establishing one or more waveform data values of the waveform, accessing a database having a plurality of component signatures, and by comparison of the waveform data values with the component signatures producing one or more results representative of the operational status.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a motor controller to an electrical motor, said apparatus comprising: a motor interface board; a mounting mechanism for mechanically connecting said motor interface board to the electrical motor; at least one input lead for electrically connecting said motor interface board to at least one of an electrical power source and an electrical signal source; at least one output lead for electrically connecting said motor interface board to the electrical motor; and at least one connector for mechanically and electrically connecting said motor interface board to the motor controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a motor controller to an electrical motor, said apparatus comprising: a motor interface board; a mounting mechanism for mechanically connecting said motor interface board to the electrical motor; at least one input lead for electrically connecting said motor interface board to at least one of an electrical power source and an electrical signal source; at least one output lead for electrically connecting said motor interface board to the electrical motor; and at least one connector for mechanically and electrically connecting said motor interface board to the motor controller.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for automatically releasing network resources reserved for use by network devices within a network. In particular, a network device, such as a router, may include an interface card that receives a first and a second message from respective first and second client devices requesting reservation of network resources. The first message may include a first identifier, while the second message may include a second identifier. Both messages however may also include the same additional context information that identifies the same context in which the first client device operates. The router may include a control unit that determines whether the additional context information included within the first and second messages is the same. Based on a determination that this information is the same, the control unit may automatically release resources reserved for use by the first client device within the network.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for automatically releasing network resources reserved for use by network devices within a network. In particular, a network device, such as a router, may include an interface card that receives a first and a second message from respective first and second client devices requesting reservation of network resources. The first message may include a first identifier, while the second message may include a second identifier. Both messages however may also include the same additional context information that identifies the same context in which the first client device operates. The router may include a control unit that determines whether the additional context information included within the first and second messages is the same. Based on a determination that this information is the same, the control unit may automatically release resources reserved for use by the first client device within the network.

Abstract: A mechanism for pretensioning a cable, or like tension element, of a tension-element drive selectively engages the motor drives of the cable for pretensioning. The mechanism uses a sleeve on which a portion of the cable is wound, with another portion of the cable wound in an opposed direction on a drive shaft on the motor. A clutch connects the sleeve to the motor output shaft. An initiator mechanism selectively stops rotation of the sleeve and the cable portion wound on the sleeve while allowing the motor torque to act on the other end of the cable wound on the drive shaft.

Abstract: An airframe includes an energy absorbing structure with a frame, a beam mounted to the frame at a rotational joint and a collapsible member. In response to reaching a predetermined threshold load value during a high sink rate impact event, the collapsible member will collapse under an aft section of the upper deck. The rotational joint operates as a virtual hinge such that a forward section of the upper deck deforms in a predictable manner. As the upper deck supports the high mass systems, the high mass components are less likely to separate from their mounting and penetrate into the crew compartment and the main rotor system will tilt aft away from the crew compartment to minimize the likelihood that the rotor blades may penetrate the crew compartment.

Abstract: A robotic device has a base and at least one finger having at least two links that are connected in series on rotary joints with at least two degrees of freedom. A brushless motor and an associated controller are located at each joint to produce a rotational movement of a link. Wires for electrical power and communication serially connect the controllers in a distributed control network. A network operating controller coordinates the operation of the network, including power distribution. At least one, but more typically two to five, wires interconnect all the controllers through one or more joints. Motor sensors and external world sensors monitor operating parameters of the robotic hand. The electrical signal output of the sensors can be input anywhere on the distributed control network. V-grooves on the robotic hand locate objects precisely and assist in gripping. The hand is sealed, immersible and has electrical connections through the rotary joints for anodizing in a single dunk without masking.

Abstract: An airframe includes an energy absorbing structure with a frame, a beam mounted to the frame at a rotational joint and a collapsible member. In response to reaching a predetermined threshold load value during a high sink rate impact event, the collapsible member will collapse under an aft section of the upper deck. The rotational joint operates as a virtual hinge such that a forward section of the upper deck deforms in a predictable manner. As the upper deck supports the high mass systems, the high mass components are less likely to separate from their mounting and penetrate into the crew compartment and the main rotor system will tilt aft away from the crew compartment to minimize the likelihood that the rotor blades may penetrate the crew compartment.

Abstract: Featured is a controller for a motor that is ultra-compact, with a power density of at least about 20 watts per cubic cm (W/cm3). The controller utilizes a common ground for power circuitry, which energizes the windings of the motor, and the signal circuitry, which controls this energization responsive to signals from one or more sensors. Also, the ground is held at a stable potential without galvanic isolation. The circuits, their components and connectors are sized and located to minimize their inductance and heat is dissipated by conduction to the controller's exterior such as by a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material (e.g., potable epoxy). The controller uses a single current sensor for plural windings and preferably a single heat sensor within the controller. The body of the controller can also function as the sole plug connector.

Abstract: In embodiments, methods of determining a size of an annulus in a wellbore include: (a) displacing a fluid comprising reflective particles downhole and up through the annulus, wherein the reflective particles make a front end of the fluid visible as it exits the wellbore; (b) determining a total volume of the fluid displaced into the wellbore by detecting the reflective particles exiting the wellbore; and (c) calculating the size of the annulus based on that total volume of the fluid. The fluid may include a drilling fluid, a cement slurry, a spacer fluid, or combinations thereof. The reflective particles may include polymeric beads. In additional embodiments, drilling fluids, spacer fluids, cement slurries and combinations thereof comprise an effective amount of reflective particles to ensure that the fluids are visible when they exit a wellbore.