| HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120131111 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR POINT-AND-CLICK MESSAGING - Methods and systems are provided for communicating with elements of a complex system displayed on a web page comprising a electronic map and a plurality of icons disposed on the electronic map, each of the plurality of icons representing an element of the complex system and being situated on the electronic map so as to indicate each element's actual geographic location, each icon being associated with a messaging address. The method comprises invoking and receiving the web page and receiving an icon selection indication from a user via a human machine interface (HMI) device. The method includes generating a messaging dialog box based at least in part on the icon selection indication and one or more messaging addresses indicated thereby, receiving message content from the user; and transferring the message content to a data uplink for delivery to the messaging address. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130672 | MEMS VERTICAL COMB STRUCTURE WITH LINEAR DRIVE/PICKOFF - A MEMS sensor comprises a substrate and at least one proof mass having a first plurality of combs. The proof mass is coupled to the substrate via one or more suspension beams such that the proof mass and the first plurality of combs are movable. The MEMS sensor also comprises at least one anchor having a second plurality of combs. The anchor is coupled to the substrate such that the anchor and second plurality of combs are fixed in position relative to the substrate. The first plurality of combs are interleaved with the second plurality of combs. Each of the combs comprises a plurality of conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by one or more non-conductive layers. Each conductive layer is individually coupled to a respective electric potential such that capacitance between the combs varies approximately linearly with displacement of the movable combs in an out-of-plane direction. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130671 | VIBRATION ISOLATION INTERPOSER DIE - In an example, an interposer chip is provided. The interposer chip includes a base portion and a chip mounting portion. The interposer chip also includes one or more flexures connecting the base portion to the chip mounting portion. Additionally, a first plurality of projections extends from the base portion towards the chip mounting portion, and a second plurality of projections extends from the chip mounting portion towards the base portion and extending into interstices formed by first plurality of projections. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130542 | BURNER FIRING RATE DETERMINATION FOR MODULATING FURNACE - A modulating furnace having a variable rate burner and a controller is operated at a first burner firing rate for a first period of time, and a higher burner firing rate once the first period of time has expired. In some instances, the burner may be operated only while the controller is receiving a call for heat from a thermostat or the like. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130284 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING DISTANCE ESTIMATE MODELS FOR PERSONAL NAVIGATION - Systems and methods for constructing distance estimate models for personal navigation are provided. In one embodiment, a distance estimation system comprises: a gait information memory configured to store gait information about a gait mode; a biometric data memory configured to store a biometric profile for a user; a frequency module configured to identify a gait frequency; and a distance calculation module configured to calculate the distance traveled by the user by creating a distance estimate model based on the gait mode, the biometric profile, and the gait frequency, wherein the distance calculation module creates the distance estimate model by performing a regression analysis on movement information from at least one user. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130266 | COGNITIVE EFFICACY ESTIMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for estimating cognitive efficacy of an individual is provided. The individual is subjected to a plurality of tasks. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data from EEG sensors coupled to the individual are collected while the individual is performing the plurality of tasks. The EEG data are supplied to a trained classifier that generates an estimate of cognitive effort of the individual for each of the plurality of tasks performed by the individual. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129687 | Process For Dehydrochlorinating 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoro-2-Chloropropane To 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene In The Presence Of An Alkali Metal-Doped Magnesium Oxyfluoride Catalyst And Methods For Making The Catalyst - A process for making a fluorinated olefin and/or catalyst composition. The process has the step of dehydrochlorinating a hydrochlorofluorocarbon having at least one hydrogen atom and at least one chlorine atom on adjacent carbon atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition is represented by the following: n wt. % MX/M′O | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128964 | AZEOTROPE-LIKE COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 1-CHLORO-3,3,3-TRIFLUOROPROPENE - An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of a binary azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (trans-HFO-1233zd) and a second component selected from the group consisting of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (trans-HFO-1234ze), and combinations of these and various uses thereof. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127306 | SECURITY VIDEO DETECTION OF PERSONAL DISTRESS AND GESTURE COMMANDS - A method and apparatus for operating a security system. The method includes the steps of the security system monitoring a secured area, a video camera obtaining images of the secured area, detecting at least one person within the obtained images and identifying a predetermined context associated with the identified at least one person within the obtained images. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126985 | Target Based Smoke Detection System - A smoke detector includes processing circuitry coupled to a camera. The field-of-view of the camera contains one or more targets, each having spatial indicia thereon. At least a portion of one of the targets is coated, at least in part, by an infra-red absorbing dye. The dye produces visually discernable dark areas on the coated target(s). | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126980 | SELF-TEST METHOD FOR A MICROWAVE MODULE - A method and apparatus are provided for automatically testing microwave instruction detection modules of a security system. The method includes the steps of detecting intruders within a protected space by monitoring a Doppler output of a signal extraction circuit coupled to a microwave transceiver module, varying a frequency of direct current power pulses applied to the microwave transceiver module, detecting a difference in magnitude of the Doppler output of the signal extraction circuit over the varied frequency and comparing the detected difference with a fault threshold level. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126935 | BRIDGE BETWEEN SECURITY SYSTEM AND APPLIANCES - A method and apparatus for controlling an appliance. The method includes the steps of a security system within a secured area, said security system having a wireless transmitter transmitting status messages including at least a first encrypted message that the security system in armed and a second encrypted message that the security system is disarmed, an appliance control device having a wireless receiver and a decryption unit, the wireless receiver receiving the first and second encrypted messages, the decryption unit decrypting the first encrypted message to recover the armed status message and decrypting the second encrypted message to recover the disarmed status message and an appliance associated with the secured area and controlled by the appliance control device, the appliance entering a relatively low energy consuming mode in response to the appliance control device receiving the armed message and the appliance entering a relatively high energy consuming mode in response to the appliance control device receiving the disarmed message. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126881 | MEMS SENSOR USING MULTI-LAYER MOVABLE COMBS - A MEMS sensor comprises a substrate and at least one proof mass having a first plurality of combs, wherein the proof mass is coupled to the substrate via one or more suspension beams such that the proof mass and the first plurality of combs are movable. The MEMS sensor also comprises at least one fixed anchor having a second plurality of combs. The first plurality of combs is interleaved with the second plurality of combs. Each of the combs in the first plurality of combs and the second plurality of combs comprises a plurality of conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by one or more non-conductive layers. Each conductive layer is individually coupled to a respective electric potential such that fringing electric fields are screened to reduce motion of the first plurality of combs along a sense axis due to the fringing electric fields. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126698 | LED ANTI-COLLISION LIGHT HAVING A XENON ANTI-COLLISION LIGHT POWER SUPPLY - Methods and systems for easily integrating a light-emitting diode (LED) light assembly with an existing xenon power supply. An exemplary system includes a xenon power supply that includes an energy storage device and a device that commands the energy storage device to discharge the stored energy and transmit a trigger signal after a predefined amount of time since at least one of a previous discharge or a beginning of initial charge of the energy storage device. The LED light assembly includes one or more LEDs and a current regulator that receives the discharge from the storage device and regulates current to the LEDs based on LED requirements. The LED light assembly also includes a processing device that receives the trigger signal, resets and begins a timer upon reception of the trigger signal and deactivates the current regulator when the timer has reached predefined threshold. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126613 | MIXED SIGNAL CONVERSION, ISOLATION, AND TRANSMISSION FOR AEROSPACE MULTI-CHANNEL DATA AND POWER INTERFACE SYSTEMS - An electrical power distribution system for a vehicle may comprise two or more independently grounded buses. An evaluation system may selectively connectable to either of the buses. The evaluation system may comprise a primary side; and a secondary side isolated from the primary side. The primary side may be connected to transmit evaluation data to the secondary side. The primary side may be grounded at a primary grounding level. The primary side may be connectable to either of the buses so that, when connected, the grounding level of the primary side is equalized with a grounding level of the connected bus. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126382 | MAGNETIC SHIELDING FOR MULTI-CHIP MODULE PACKAGING - A system comprises a plurality of stacked integrated circuit dice, each integrated circuit die comprising at least one circuit, a package enclosing the plurality of dice, and at least two magnetic shields configured to magnetically shield the at least one circuit of each of the plurality of integrate circuit dice. At least one of the magnetic shields is within the package, and at least two of the plurality of stacked integrated circuit dice are positioned between the at least two magnetic shields. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126350 | BATCH FABRICATED 3D INTERCONNECT - In an example, a method of fabricating one or more vertical interconnects is provided. The method includes patterning and stacking a plurality of wafers to form a wafer stack. A plurality of apertures can be formed in the wafer stack within one or more saw streets of the wafer stack, and conductive material can be deposited on sidewalls of the plurality of apertures. The wafer stack can be diced along the one or more saw streets and through the plurality of apertures such that the conductive material on the sidewalls is exposed on an edge portion of resulting stacked dies | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126349 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A THREE-LAYER CHIP-SCALE MEMS DEVICE - Systems and methods for a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first outer layer and a first device layer comprising a first set of MEMS devices, wherein the first device layer is bonded to the first outer layer. The system also comprises a second outer layer and a second device layer comprising a second set of MEMS devices, wherein the second device layer is bonded to the second outer layer. Further, the system comprises a central layer having a first side and a second side opposite that of the first side, wherein the first side is bonded to the first device layer and the second side is bonded to the second device layer. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126348 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A FOUR-LAYER CHIP-SCALE MEMS DEVICE - Systems and methods for a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first double chip that includes a first base layer; a first device layer bonded to the first base layer, the first device layer comprising a first set of MEMS devices; and a first top layer bonded to the first device layer, wherein the first set of MEMS devices is hermetically isolated. The system also comprises a second double chip that includes a second base layer; a second device layer bonded to the second base layer, the second device layer comprising a second set of MEMS devices; and a second top layer bonded to the second device layer, wherein the second set of MEMS devices is hermetically isolated, wherein a first top surface of the first top layer is bonded to a second top surface of the second top layer. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126064 | UAV DUCTED FAN LIP SHAPING - A ducted fan air-vehicle having a duct lip shape is described. The duct lip has an internal duct lip portion and an external duct lip portion, both of which are substantially curvature continuous around the circumference of the air duct. The duct has a plurality of cross-sections along its circumference and at least some of the plurality of cross-sections have a different shape. Further, each cross-section around the circumference of the duct has an a/b ratio and the a/b ratio for each cross-section is substantially the same. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120126053 | AIRCRAFT ELECTRIC TAXI SYSTEM WITH FRICTION ACTUATED, BI-DIRECTIONAL CLUTCH - An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may selfdisengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125576 | ENTRAINMENT HEAT SINK DEVICES - Entrainment heat sink devices and methods of forming entrainment heat sink devices are described herein. One or more method embodiments include forming an opening through a first material, forming a dimple having a trapezoidal-cross section in the first material such that the opening is located on a side wall of the trapezoidal cross-section, and attaching the first material to a second material, wherein the first material or the second material has a trench formed therein and the first material is attached to the second material such that the trench is in fluidic communication with the dimple. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125118 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING STRUCTURAL ASSETS - A system for detection of stress and deformation in a structural asset, for instance, one of reinforced concrete. An area on the asset may have a structure interface, such as a patch, attached to it with a fastening mechanism which may be a layer of an epoxy or other material, or be items such as screws, bolts, welds, or the like. One or more surface acoustic wave (SAW) strain sensors may be attached to the interface with an adhesive layer of epoxy or other material, or with mechanical items. Stress may be transmitted by the interface to the strain sensors. The sensors may be interrogated with a wire or wireless reader to obtain strain measurements. The measurements may indicate stress and deformations such as bulges and breaks in the asset. The measurements may also be a basis for determining location and extent of the stress and deformations. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125114 | PRESSURE SENSOR - The present disclosure relates to sensors including pressure sensors. In some cases, the pressure sensor may include a membrane or diaphragm, multiple sense elements connected to one another in a bridge configuration and positioned on the membrane, and an amplifier coupled to an output of the bridge configuration and having an output, where the diaphragm, sense elements and amplifier may be formed on a singled substrate or formed integrally therewith, or both. In one example, the pressure sensor may sense a particular range of pressures applied to the sensor, and/or may include an amplifier that has a selectable gain for amplifying an output of the bridge. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124799 | Self-Installed Security System - A security system installation kit carries a coded designation of the characteristics of the components of the kit. An installer can use a wireless telephone, which is executing a scanning application, to sense or read the coded designation. The telephone can transmit the component parameters to an installation server. The server can transmit installation instructions back to the telephone. Those instructions can be visually or audibly presented to the installer facilitating the process. The installer, via the telephone and the server, can test the installed components for proper operation. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120124452 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING ERROR TOLERANT ROBUST SIMPLEX WIRELESS DATA FOR SYSTEMS EMPLOYING TIME CORRELATED DATA TRANSFER - Systems and methods of providing error tolerant robust simplex wireless data for systems employing time correlated data transfer are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises: sensors that produce samples of time correlated data; and a node coupled to the sensors by a wireless link. The link comprises a primary stream for simplex transmission of data packets, and a secondary stream for simplex transmission of delayed data packets, the delayed data packets a delayed retransmission of the time correlated data. When the node receives a first data packet from a first sensor via the primary stream, the data receiving node check validity. When the first data packet is corrupted, the node validity checks a second data packet received via the secondary stream. When both packets contain corrupted data, the node builds a reconstructed plurality of sequential time correlated data samples based on non-corrupted data samples from within the data packets. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120124240 | LOCAL CONTROL NETWORK PROCESSOR (LCNP) EMULATOR FOR MULTI-GENERATION CONTROL SYSTEMS - A multi-generation distributed control system includes a first generation (FG) DCS connected to a local control network (LCN) including FG client nodes. A second generation (SG) DCS connected to a non-LCN data highway includes a server node connected between the LCN and the non-LCN data highway and SG client nodes. The server node includes a LCN processor (LCNP) board. LCNP emulator software including a server LCNP emulator software component is at the server node and a client LCNP emulator software component at the SG client nodes. The server LCNP emulator software component translates between LCN data and data highway protocol data and adds one of a plurality of LCN address slots to communications received from the LCN for delivery to the SG DCS that each correspond to a SG client node. Each client LCNP emulator software component provides one of the LCN address slots at its SG client node. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123714 | MOTOR CURRENT BASED AIR CIRCUIT OBSTRUCTION DETECTION - A program product for determining an obstruction in an air circuit for an environmental control unit having a motor is provided. The program product comprises a program and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. The program is configured to at least facilitate obtaining a load current of the motor, determining a state of the motor, generating a comparison, and determining the obstruction using the load current and the comparison. The comparison is generated by comparing the load current to a first plurality of values if the motor is in a steady state, and by comparing the load current to a second plurality of values if the motor is in a transient state. The non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium stores the program. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122996 | AZEOTROPE-LIKE COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 1-CHLORO-3,3,3-TRIFLUOROPROPENE - An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of chlorotrifluoropropene and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a C | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121852 | HIGH STRENGTH TAPE ARTICLES FROM ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE - Tape articles having improved properties are made from ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) multi-filament yarns. The tape articles can have a ratio of the low temperature area under the curve (120° C. to Tm-onset) to the total area under the curve (120° C. to 165° C.) of less than about 0.15 as calculated from an increasing temperature DSC scan from a temperature of 30° C. to a temperature of 200° C. at a constant rate of 10° C. per minute. Additionally, in some examples the tape articles can also have a tenacity at least about 24 g/d (2.06 GPa) when measured by ASTM D882-09 at a 10 inch (25.4 cm) gauge length and at an extension rate of 100%/min. Further, the tape articles can have no long period of less than 450 Angstroms (Å) when measured by small angle x-ray analysis. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121446 | ANISOTROPIC BEARING SUPPORTS FOR TURBOCHARGERS - An exemplary anisotropic member supports a semi-floating bearing in a bore and can reduce non-synchronous vibration of the bearing in the bore. An anisotropic member can include an annular body configured to receive a semi-floating bearing and to space the bearing a distance from a bore surface and can be configured to impart anisotropic stiffness and damping terms to the semi-floating bearing when positioned in the bore. Such a member is suitable for use in a rotating assembly for a turbocharger where the bearing may be a semi-floating bearing. Various exemplary members, bearings, housings, assemblies, etc., are disclosed. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121229 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING VIDEO DATA - Described herein are systems and methods for managing video data. Embodiments are described by reference to a Digital Video Management (DVM) system, for example methods for controlling a DVM system. In overview, the present technology relates to the ability of an operator to modify a system alert level in the context of a DVM system, thereby to reduce the need for manual interaction in times of high alert. This may be achieved by implementing a system alert level controller via a graphical user interface. Increasing the system alert level, at least in some embodiments, correspondingly increases system resource consumption, for example by automating various actions (such as record) or increasing the amount/quality of recordings made. In effect, the system is temporarily operated on a high-cost basis thereby to assist manage risk during times of high alert by reducing reliance on the operator. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121226 | INTERLOCKING OPTICAL FIBER - An optical fiber includes an outer periphery formed into a shape that configures the fiber to interlock with the other fibers with complementary shapes. Methods and systems for fabricating such interlocking fibers are also disclosed. In one example, a method includes drawing a first optical fiber from a preform and forming an outer periphery of the first optical fiber into a shape that configures the first optical fiber to be interlocked with a second optical fiber comprising an outer periphery formed into a shape that is complementary to the shape of the first optical fiber. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119136 | LOW GWP HEAT TRANSFER COMPOSITIONS - Heat transfer compositions and methods wherein the compositions have a burning velocity (BV) of less than about 10 and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than about 400 comprising: (a) from about 0 to about 50% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 50% to about 90% by weight of a compound selected from unsaturated —CF3 terminated propenes, unsaturated —CF3 terminated butenes, and combinations of these; and (c) from about 0 to about 25% by weight of a compound selected from HFO-1243zf, HFC-152a, and combinations of these, provided that the combination of components (a) and (c) together comprise at least about 10% by weight of the composition, and further provided that the amount of each of the components (a), (b) and (c) is selected to ensure that the BV of the composition is less than about 10 and the GWP of the composition is less than about 400. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117945 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSING PARTICULATE MATTER - A computerized method includes receiving signals from a particulate matter sensor relating to an amount of particulates at a point in time within a time period in a diesel engine exhaust stream, calculating one or more running statistical parameters relating to a particle mass in the diesel engine exhaust stream, determining an upper control limit for the amount of particulates, receiving a threshold for an allowable amount of particulates in the diesel engine exhaust stream, comparing the threshold to one or more of (a) a current instantaneous particulate reading from the particulate matter sensor and (b) the upper control limit for the amount of particulates, and generating an output signal when one or more of the current instantaneous particulate reading and the upper control limit for the amount of particulates are above the threshold. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120117416 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESS CONTROL NETWORK MIGRATION - A method includes disconnecting a first component from a first network. The first component is redundant to a second component and operates in a secondary or passive redundancy mode. The second component operates in a primary or active redundancy mode and is coupled to the first network. The method also includes updating at least one of hardware and software on the first component to allow the first component to communicate on a second network. The method further includes connecting the updated first component to the second network and synchronizing data between the updated first component on the second network and the second component on the first network. In addition, the method includes switching the updated first component from the secondary redundancy mode to the primary redundancy mode. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116649 | ENGINE CONTROLLER - A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116593 | HVAC CONTROLLER THAT SELECTIVELY REPLACES OPERATING INFORMATION ON A DISPLAY WITH SYSTEM STATUS INFORMATION - An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115269 | SACRAFICIAL LAYERS MADE FROM AEROGEL FOR MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS) DEVICE FABRIACTION PROCESSES - Systems and methods for processing sacrificial layers in MEMS device fabrication are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: applying a patterned layer of Aerogel material onto a substrate to form an Aerogel sacrificial layer; applying at least one non-sacrificial silicon layer over the Aerogel sacrificial layer, wherein the non-sacrificial silicon layer is coupled to the substrate through one or more gaps provided in the patterned layer of Aerogel material; and removing the Aerogel sacrificial layer by exposing the Aerogel sacrificial layer to a removal liquid. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115095 | COMBUSTION BLOWER CONTROL FOR MODULATING FURNACE - A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114161 | EARBUD AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - An earbud ( | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113823 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VERY HIGH FREQUENCY DATA LINK CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT - A method to increase throughput over a very high frequency aeronautical network is provided. The method comprises simultaneously receiving at least two downlink signals at a plurality of ground antennas at an aeronautical ground station of the very high frequency aeronautical network, generating a channel-state-information matrix based on preambles, decomposing the simultaneously received at least two downlink signals into respective ones of the at least two downlink signals, and decoding each of the respective ones of the decomposed at least two downlink signals. The at least two downlink signals include respective preambles indicative of a channel state. Solutions to the channel-state-information matrix are generated by a mean-square-error algorithm to avoid singularities in the solutions. The decomposing of the simultaneously received at least two downlink signals is based on the generated channel-state-information matrix. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113432 | CONSTANT OPTICAL POWER SENSOR USING A LIGHT SOURCE CURRENT SERVO COMBINED WITH DIGITAL DEMODULATION INTENSITY SUPPRESSION FOR RADIATION AND VIBRATION INSENSITIVITY IN A FIBER OPTIC GYROSCOPE - Systems and methods for fiber-optic gyroscopes are provided. In one embodiment, a fiber-optic gyroscope comprises: a light source current servo coupled to a light source that transmits light through an optic path, wherein the light source current servo controls intensity of light through the optic path via a light source current drive that supplies current to power the light source; and an intensity control signal processor coupled to the optic path via a photo detector, wherein the intensity control signal processor outputs an intensity control signal to the light source current servo, wherein the intensity control signal is a function of intensity of light as received at the photo detector; wherein the light source current servo compares the intensity control signal against a stable analog voltage reference to adjust the light source current drive and drive optical power at the photo detector towards a constant level. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112952 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUPPRESSING AMBIGUOUS PEAKS FROM STEPPED FREQUENCY TECHNIQUES - Signal compensation systems and methods compensate an estimated range profile from a plurality of detected signal returns from a true range profile, wherein the signal returns correspond to an emitted stepped frequency pulse-train. An exemplary embodiment utilizes knowledge of the radar system design to identify locations, predict power levels, and suppress the contributions of stepped-frequency range sidelobes (ambiguous peaks) in the estimated range profile, resulting in a cleaner and more accurate radar display. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112759 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING A SECONDARY SERVO CONTROL CIRCUIT IN A REDUNDANT CONTROL CONFIGURATION - A system, apparatus and method are provided for testing a secondary servo control circuit in a redundant control configuration. A first circuit is configured to receive a control signal and to control an attribute of an actuator based on the control signal using a first control input of the actuator. A second circuit is configured to test operation of an actuator circuit using a test signal. The actuator circuit includes at least part of the second circuit and a second control input of the actuator. The test signal is selected to avoid causing independent motion of the actuator. The actuator could be a dual coil servo valve, and the test signal could be a current (such as a DC current, an AC current, or a pulsed current) having a magnitude less than a bias current of the actuator. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112348 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR WAFER BONDING - Devices, methods, and systems for wafer bonding are described herein. One or more embodiments include forming a bond between a first wafer and a second wafer using a first material adjacent the first wafer and a second material adjacent the second wafer. The first material includes a layer of gold (Au) and a layer of indium (In), and the second material includes a layer of Au. Forming the bond between the first wafer and the second wafer includes combining the layer of Au in the first material, the layer of In in the first material, and a portion of the layer of Au in the second material, wherein an additional portion of the layer of Au in the second material is not combined with the layer of Au in the first material and the layer of In in the first material. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120112010 | PAYLOAD LAUNCH LOCK MECHANISM - A payload launch lock mechanism includes a base, a preload clamp, a fastener, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The preload clamp is configured to releasibly restrain a payload. The fastener extends, along an axis, through the preload clamp and into the base, and supplies a force to the preload clamp sufficient to restrain the payload. The SMA actuator is disposed between the base and the clamp. The SMA actuator is adapted to receive electrical current and is configured, upon receipt of the electrical current, to supply a force that causes the fastener to elongate without fracturing. The preload clamp, in response to the fastener elongation, either rotates or pivots to thereby release the payload. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111033 | INTEGRATED EVAPORATOR AND ACCUMULATOR FOR REFRIGERANT SYSTEMS - A space-saving cooling system for an aircraft may include an evaporator in an enclosure with an accumulation region in the enclosure for a liquid mixture of liquid refrigerant and lubricating oil. Space saving may be achieved through a combining of evaporator functions and accumulator functions in a single enclosure. A heat exchanger may be interposed between the evaporator and the compressor for heating refrigerant emerging from the evaporator so that liquid refrigerant does not reach an inlet of the compressor. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110517 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GESTURE RECOGNITION - A touchscreen device is configured to display a number of user interface elements in accordance with a menu hierarchy. Upon receipt of a predetermined touchscreen gesture (e.g., the circular motion of a manipulator) the menu hierarchy is bypassed and the user is given immediate control over a selected function, for example, a tuning function such as audio volume, screen contrast, and the like. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120110391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING FAULT DIAGNOSABILITY OF A HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the fault diagnosability of a health monitoring software application for a complex system. The method includes extracting data from the software application containing a relationship between one or more failure modes of the complex system and one or more evidence items of the complex system, the a priori probabilities of each failure mode occurring, and the a priori probability of each evidence item occurring. The method also includes creating one or more matrices relating the one or more FMs to the one or more evidence items. The method further includes analyzing the one or more matrices and the a priori probabilities to determine the diagnosability of each FM. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109988 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA MAPPING AND INFORMATION SHARING - A process includes mapping a data format in an object in a source schema to a data format in an object in a destination schema. The mapping includes a set of options as a function of analogs in the source and destination schema. The process also includes defining an attribute mapping, defining a relation between the data format in the object in the source schema and the data format in the object in the destination schema, mapping the data format in the object in the source schema to the data format in the object in the destination schema, and converting the data format in the object in the source schema to another data format within the source schema. When the object in the source schema has no analog in destination schema, a foreign object is introduced into the destination schema, and when the object in the destination schema refers to one or more dependent objects, one or more instances of referred objects are generated according to a predefined policy in the mapping. The process completes by converting data in the object in the source schema to the data format in the object of the destination schema. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109620 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL (MPC) USING APPROXIMATE WINDOW-BASED ESTIMATORS - A method includes obtaining at least one measurement of one or more controlled variables associated with an industrial process. The method also includes obtaining a linearized approximation of a process model representing the industrial process. The method further includes estimating a state of the industrial process using the at least one measurement, the linearized approximation, and a window-based state estimator. The method also includes generating at least one control signal for adjusting one or more manipulated variables associated with the industrial process. Generating the at least one control signal includes using the estimated state and model predictive control (MPC) logic. In addition, the method includes outputting the at least one control signal. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120107089 | Fluid Flow Control System Having a Moving Fluid Expander Providing Flow Control and Conversion of Fluid Energy into Other Useful Energy Forms - A fluid flow control system for controlling flow of a primary fluid to a downstream flow-inducing device includes a moving fluid expander with variable expansion ratio and variable speed arranged to receive the flow of the primary fluid and to expand the primary fluid, resulting in a reduction in temperature of the primary fluid. The system further includes an optional heat exchanger arranged to receive the reduced-temperature primary fluid as well as a higher-temperature secondary fluid and to cause varying degrees of heat exchange between the primary and secondary fluids such that the secondary fluid is cooled by the primary fluid. The primary fluid is discharged from the heat exchanger and is supplied to the flow-inducing device. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106915 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING VIDEO DATA - Described herein are systems and methods for managing video data. Embodiments are described by reference to a Digital Video Management (DVM) system which makes use of a plurality of camera servers. Each camera server is configured to utilise video data from an assigned one or more streaming units. For example, a camera server is optionally configured to make available live video data from a given streaming unit, and/or record to disk video data from that streaming unit. The system includes a plurality of such video streaming units, each streaming unit being configured to stream, onto a network, video data for a respective camera. At least one video streaming unit is a multi-stream unit configured to provide video data for its respective camera concurrently via at least a first and second stream. Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods for making use of such a multi-stream unit for providing advantageous DVM functionalities. For example, in some embodiments the first and second streams are assigned to respective purposes, whilst in other embodiments the first and second streams are assigned to respective camera servers. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120106233 | REDUCED SWITCHING-ENERGY MAGNETIC ELEMENTS - A system includes a continuous thin-film ferromagnetic layer, N magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices, and N write structures. The continuous thin-film ferromagnetic layer includes N modified regions. Each of the N modified regions is configured to stabilize a magnetic domain wall located in the continuous thin-film ferromagnetic layer. Each of the N MTJ devices includes one of N portions of the continuous thin-film ferromagnetic layer. Adjacent MTJ devices of the N MTJ devices are separated by one of the N modified regions. Each of the N write structures is configured to receive current and generate a magnetic field that magnetizes a different one of the N portions of the continuous thin-film ferromagnetic layer. N is an integer greater than 2. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105335 | TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY ASSEMBLY - A touch screen display assembly including, but not limited to, a touch sensitive screen, a bezel at least partly framing the touch sensitive screen, and a stabilizing member connected to the bezel and disposed proximate the touch sensitive screen. The stabilizing member is configured to stabilize a hand of an operator at multiple positions around a periphery of the touch sensitive screen when the operator interacts with the touch sensitive screen. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105318 | DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A SELECTOR SYMBOL WITHIN AN IMAGE - A display system for controlling a selector symbol within an image includes, but is not limited to, a display screen that is configured to detect a touch of an operator on a surface of the display screen and that is further configured to display a three-dimensional image. The display system further includes a processor that is operatively coupled to the touch screen. The processor is configured to command the display screen to display a three-dimensional selector symbol within the three-dimensional image, and to command the display screen to move the selector symbol within the three-dimensional image in a manner that corresponds with the touch of the operator. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105103 | MAGNETIC LOGIC GATE - This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic device for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic device may include a network of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in parallel. The magnetic logic device may further include a voltage source configured to apply a voltage between a first terminal and a second terminal of the network of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in parallel. The magnetic logic device may further include a logic output generator configured to generate a logic output value for a logic function based on a magnitude of a current produced at the second terminal of the network in response to the applied voltages. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105102 | MAGNETIC LOGIC GATE - This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic device for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic device may include a chain of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in series comprising a first terminal located at a first end of the chain and a second terminal located at a second end of the chain. The magnetic logic device may further include a voltage source configured to apply a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal of the chain of at least two magnetoresistive devices electrically coupled in series. The magnetic logic device may further include a logic output generator configured to generate a logic output value for a logic function based on a magnitude of a current produced at the second terminal of the chain in response to the applied voltage. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105101 | MAGNETIC LOGIC GATE - This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic gate for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic gate may include a write circuit configured to apply a spin-polarized current to the magnetoresistive device such that a resulting programmed magnetization state of the magnetoresistive device corresponds to a logic input value of a combinational logic function implemented by the magnetic logic device. The magnetic logic gate may further include a read circuit configured to generate a logic output value for the combinational logic function based on the programmed magnetization state in response to the write circuit applying the spin-polarized current to the magnetoresistive device. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104861 | HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRIC ACCUMULATORS WITH INTERNAL DISTRIBUTED DC-DC CONVERTERS FOR SELF REGULATION AND PROTECTION - A power management system may employ a power source, a distribution system between the power source and electrical loads and an energy accumulator. The accumulator may comprise a plurality of energy processing blocks. Each block may have a limited number of energy storage cells connected in series to produce first voltage. A second higher output voltage from the accumulator may be achieved though integrated DC-DC, DC-AC and AC-DC conversion with intermediate boost of AC voltage through high frequency transformers. Bidirectional power flow may be achieved with high efficiency during charge and discharge of the accumulator. Secondary windings of the transformers may be connected with one another in series so that the accumulator can transfer energy between the distribution system and any one or all of the energy processing units in a fault-tolerant and efficient manner. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104659 | APPARATUS FOR PITCH DENSIFICATION - A pitch densification apparatus may be used to form a carbon-carbon composite material. In some examples, the apparatus is configured to pitch densify a material using one or more of a plurality of different pitch densification techniques. For example, the apparatus may densify a material with a selectable one of the resin transfer molding cycle, the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding cycle, and/or the vacuum pressure infiltration cycle. The apparatus may respond to initial or changing properties of a material to be densified. In some additional examples, the apparatus includes a mold configured to receive a preform and a portion of solid pitch separate from the preform. The apparatus may include a heating source thermally coupled to the mold that is configured to heat the solid pitch above a melting temperature of the solid pitch. The apparatus may melt the pitch without external pitch melting equipment. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104641 | APPARATUS FOR PITCH DENSIFICATION - A pitch densification apparatus may be used to form a carbon-carbon composite material. In some examples, the apparatus is configured to pitch densify a material using one or more of a plurality of different pitch densification techniques. For example, the apparatus may densify a material with a selectable one of the resin transfer molding cycle, the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding cycle, and/or the vacuum pressure infiltration cycle. The apparatus may respond to initial or changing properties of a material to be densified. In some additional examples, the apparatus includes a mold configured to receive a preform and a portion of solid pitch separate from the preform. The apparatus may include a heating source thermally coupled to the mold that is configured to heat the solid pitch above a melting temperature of the solid pitch. The apparatus may melt the pitch without external pitch melting equipment. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104521 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ETCHING A DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE SENSOR - A method for etching a diaphragm pressure sensor based on a hybrid anisotropic etching process. A substrate with an epitaxial etch stop layer can be etched utilizing an etching process in order to form a diaphragm at a selective portion of the substrate. The diaphragm can be oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degree) with respect to the substrate in order to avoid an uncertain beveled portion in a stress/strain field of the diaphragm. The diaphragm can be further etched utilizing an etch finishing process to create an anisotropic edge portion on the major areas of the diaphragm and optimize the thickness and size of the diaphragm. Such an approach provides an enhanced diaphragm structure with respect to a wide range of pressure sensor applications. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104307 | MIXTURES CONTAINING 1,1,1,3,3,3-HEXAFLUOROBUTENE AND 1-CHLORO-3,3,3-TRIFLUOROPROPENE - The present invention relates to mixtures of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluorobutene (1336mzzm) and 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd). The blends are useful as blowing agents for polymer foam, solvents, aerosol propellants and heat transfer media. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104256 | VALUE DOCUMENTS AND OTHER ARTICLES HAVING TAGGANTS THAT EXHIBIT DELAYED MAXIMUM INTENSITY EMISSIONS, AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THEIR AUTHENTICATION - Value documents or other articles having authentication features, authentication apparatuses, and methods of authentication are provided that relate to the use of taggants that absorb radiation from an illumination source and emit radiation in a manner that has a maximum intensity occurring a duration of time after the illumination source has been switched off. The taggants include a crystalline composition comprising a host crystal lattice doped with a first rare earth active ion, and in some examples a second rare earth active ion. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104159 | COMPACT ELECTRIC TAXI ASSEMBLY FOR INSTALLATION ON AN AIRCRAFT - A electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive units mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft and dedicated motor control units for the drive units. The motor control units may be operable independently of one another so that a first one of the drive units can be operated at a speed different from an operating speed of a second one of the drive units. Independent operability of the drive units may provide enhanced maneuverability of the aircraft during taxiing. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104158 | COMPACT ELECTRIC TAXI ASSEMBLY FOR INSTALLATION ON AN AIRCRAFT - A electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive units mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft and dedicated motor control units for the drive units. The motor control units may be operable independently of one another so that a first one of the drive units can be operated at a speed different from an operating speed of a second one of the drive units. Independent operability of the drive units may provide enhanced maneuverability of the aircraft during taxiing. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104150 | PROJECTILE 3D ATTITUDE FROM 3-AXIS MAGNETOMETER AND SINGLE-AXIS ACCELEROMETER - A method to determine roll angle, pitch angle, and heading angle of a spinning projectile during a flight of the spinning projectile is provided. The method includes providing a magnetic unit vector in an inertial frame of the projectile at a projectile launch location prior to launch of the projectile; determining a magnetic unit vector in a body frame and in an inertial frame of the spinning projectile during the flight of the spinning projectile; determining a velocity unit vector in the body frame and in the inertial frame of the spinning projectile during the flight of the spinning projectile; and calculating the roll angle, the pitch angle, and the heading angle of the spinning projectile during the flight of the spinning projectile, regardless of the spin rate of the projectile. The roll angle and the pitch angle of the spinning projectile form an attitude of the spinning projectile. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103638 | FIREPROOF SYSTEMS IN AIRCRAFT ENGINES - A fireproof system is provided for protecting a structure during a fire event. The system includes a fire resistant panel defining a first attachment opening and disposed adjacent to the structure; a canister including a side wall defining a first end and a second end, and an end wall enclosing the first end and defining a second attachment opening that is aligned with the first attachment opening; a fastener extending through the canister at the second attachment opening and the fire resistant panel at the first attachment opening such that the canister, the fire resistant panel, and the structure are fastened together; and a fire retardant agent disposed within the canister in an inactive condition and configured to transition out of the second end of the canister in an active condition at a predetermined temperature | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103503 | LOW WEIGHT AND HIGH DURABILITY SOFT BODY ARMOR COMPOSITE USING SILICONE-BASED TOPICAL TREATMENTS - Ballistic resistant articles having abrasion resistance. Particularly, abrasion resistant, ballistic resistant articles and composites having a silicone-based topical treatment. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102989 | INTEGRATED RECEIVER AND SUCTION LINE HEAT EXCHANGER FOR REFRIGERANT SYSTEMS - A refrigeration system may be provided with a space-saving suction-line heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be incorporated into a receiver. As heated liquid refrigerant enters and flows through the receiver, it may transfer heat into the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be connected to a suction line of the system so that refrigerant vapor and an oil-refrigerant mixture may be heated as it passes from an evaporator and into an inlet of a compressor. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102422 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING AN IN-TRAIL PROCEDURES REQUEST - Systems and methods for improving the reception and delivery of an In-Trail Procedures (ITP) altitude change request. An example system located on board a host aircraft includes a communication component, a display device and a processor unit that is in signal communication with the communication component and the display device. The processor unit presents a user interface on the display device. The user interface includes a plurality of fields for receiving In-Trail Procedures (ITP) altitude change request information. The processor sends the ITP altitude change request information received within the plurality of fields to an Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility via the communication component. An ITP unit having a display receives an altitude selection and presents ITP altitude change request information if the received altitude selection is determined to be valid. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101777 | CONTROL EFFECTOR HEALTH CAPABILITIES DETERMINATION REASONING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for determining the response capabilities of a control effector are provided. Command data and sensor data associated with the control effector are processed to generate control effector health data representative of control effector health. The control effector health data are processed in a reasoned. The reasoned is configure to selectively indict and clear one or more faults, determine one or more failures that cause indicted faults, and determine, based on the one or more determined failures, a usable range of control effector commands to which the control effector can respond. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101600 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADVANCED ALARMING IN FIELD DEVICE PROTOCOLS - A method includes providing an identification of multiple device-specific parameters to a user, where the device-specific parameters are associated with a field device. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the device-specific parameters from the user. The method further includes, upon receipt of the selection of the at least one device-specific parameter, providing an identification of multiple bits associated with the at least one selected device-specific parameter to the user. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the bits from the user. The method further includes saving the at least one selected device-specific parameter and the at least one selected bit as a custom alarm condition. A selected criticality option or a selected priority option can be saved as part of the custom alarm condition. The custom alarm condition can be loaded into a controller of a process control system. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120100024 | SCROLL COMPRESSOR WITH PARTIAL UNLOADER FOR START-UP - A scroll compressor may be provided with a check valve interposed between a balance chamber and a discharge chamber. The check valve may allow balance chamber pressure to remain low during start-up of the compressor. Low balance chamber pressure may allow an orbiting scroll to remain unclamped to a fixed scroll thereby reducing torque required to initiate rotation of the orbiting scroll. After steady-state operational speed is reached the check valve may close and the scrolls may be clamped together to produce a desired steady-state operating condition for the compressor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099976 | FAN CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS WITH IMPROVED IMPACT STRUCTURES - Methods and apparatus are provided for a fan containment system for a gas turbine engine having a plurality of fan blades includes a cylindrical casing with an inner surface surrounding the plurality of fan blades and an opposing outer surface; a first layer of fabric material positioned on the exterior surface of the cylindrical casing; and a shear thickening fluid impregnated within the first layer of fabric material. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098924 | SIGNAL SPECTRA DETECTION SYSTEM - The invention is a detection system that provides for background removal from a field of view (FOV) of spectra. A panoramic field of regard may be partitioned into a large number of FOV's. An FOV may include spectra including that of a target substance. Such detection may require removing the spectra other than that of the target. This may amount to removal of the background with an estimated background developed from spectra of one or more FOV's which may be similar to the background of the FOV with the target. An estimation of the background may be a sum of a number of FOV spectra where each spectrum is assigned a weight, the total amount of the weights being one. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097885 | Compositions Containing Difluoromethane and Fluorine Substituted Olefins - Compositions comprising multi-fluorinated olefins and HFC-32 are disclosed. Such compositions are useful particularly for in stationary refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096877 | HYDROFLUOROCARBON REFRIGERANT COMPOSITIONS FOR HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS - Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant compositions enable the use of existing compressor technologies in heat pump water heaters in a reliable (low discharge temperatures and pressures) and efficient (high capacity and efficiency) manner. The refrigerant comprises blends of pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), difluoromethane (HFC-32), tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze). | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096131 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERACTING WITH ACCESS CONTROL DEVICES - Described herein are systems and methods for interacting with access control devices. In overview, a human user physically identifies an access control device with which he/she wishes to interact, for example in the context of providing commissioning and/or configuration data. The user then makes a physical local interaction with the device, for example by way of a smartcard having predefined characteristics. This causes the access control device to enable a wireless communications protocol, thereby to allow the user to discover the device using a portable device which implements a complementary wireless communications protocol. Commissioning information is then provided by way of the portable device to the access control device in a wireless manner. Once this is complete, the access control device disables the wireless communications protocol. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095625 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALERTING POTENTIAL TAILSTRIKE DURING LANDING - Systems and methods for alerting for potential tailstrike during landing. A processing device located onboard an aircraft determines whether the aircraft is in a landing operational mode. If the aircraft is determined within the landing operational mode, the processing device determines whether aircraft speed is less than a previously defined threshold speed and generates an alert signal if it is determined that the aircraft's speed is less than the previously defined threshold speed. An output device located onboard the aircraft, outputs an alert based on the generated alert signal. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094196 | HYBRID FUEL CELL - A power generator includes a chemical hydride multilayer fuel cell stack. A flow path extends through the fuel cell stack to provide oxygen containing air to the fuel cell stack and to cool the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen generator is coupled to the flow path to receive water vapor from ambient air introduced into the flow path and water vapor generated by the fuel cell stack and to provide hydrogen to the fuel cell stack. A controller separately controls airflow past the fuel cell stack and water vapor provided to the hydrogen generator. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094038 | USE OF HUMIDITY STABLE YELLOW FLUORESCENT PIGMENTS IN SECURITY APPLICATIONS - Yellow and yellow-green fluorescent compounds are provided herein that can be incorporated into carriers (e.g., inks) and applied (e.g., printed) as security features on substrates (e.g., documents). The compounds can be selected based upon their resistance to humidity, and preferably exhibit a high initial fluorescence intensity, and a relatively high fluorescence intensity as well as a low relative intensity loss after prolonged humidity exposure. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120093649 | TURBINE BLADES AND TURBINE ROTOR ASSEMBLIES - A turbine blade includes an airfoil defined by a convex suction side wall, a concave pressure side wall, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a root, and a tip, the walls and the tip each including an interior surface that defines an interior with the root, the interior including an airfoil cooling circuit for directing airflow through the blade, and a platform supporting the airfoil and having a leading side edge, a trailing side edge, suction side edge, a pressure side edge, an airfoil-facing wall, and a root-facing wall, the platform including a platform cooling circuit having an inlet on the leading side edge and an outlet. The turbine blade may be included in a turbine rotor assembly. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120093477 | Graphical Bookmarking of Video Data with User Inputs in Video Surveillance - A method and apparatus are provided for processing video. The method includes the steps of a security system providing video of a secured area, a security person monitoring the provided video, the security person superimposing markings onto one or more frames of the monitored video through a display of the monitored video and the security system saving one or more video frames and markings within a set of respective files of a memory device where the video frames occupy a first file of the set of respective files and the markings occupy a second file of the set of files, where the first and second files are different and where the markings are related to the corresponding one or more video frames via a cross reference. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092510 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING VIDEO DATA - Described herein are systems and methods for managing video data. In overview, various embodiments provide software, hardware and methodologies associated with the management of video data. In overview, a distributed DVM system includes a plurality of discrete DVM systems, which may be geographically or notionally distributed. Each discrete DVM system includes a respective central DVM database server thereby to provide autonomy to the discrete system. This server supports one or more camera servers, these camera servers in turn each being configured to make available live video data from one or more cameras. Each system additionally includes one or more clients, which provide a user interface for displaying video data (such as video data from one of the cameras). The discrete DVM systems are primarily linked by way of a centralized database server/database server communications interface. However, the clients are configured to connect directly to camera servers belonging to their local DVM system or a remote DVM system in the distributed architecture. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092159 | Failsafe Signal Transmission for Wireless Sensor Mesh - An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of transceivers arranged in a mesh network that each synchronously communicate with at least one other of the plurality of transceivers in an assigned slot of a TDMA channel, at least a first of the plurality of transceivers asynchronously transmitting a priority message on a priority channel that is different than the TDMA channel and at least a second of the plurality of transceivers that detects an information content of the asynchronous priority message on the priority channel and retransmits the detected information content synchronously on the TDMA channel to a third transceiver of the plurality of transceivers. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092158 | Integrated Mobile Identification System with Intrusion System that Detects Intruder - A method and apparatus are provided for identifying wireless devices within a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a security system monitoring a secured area for an intruder, the security system detecting an intrusion of the secured area, the security system detecting a mobile device within the secured area, the security system retrieving an identifier of the intruder from the mobile device and the security device saving the identifier along with a record of the intrusion. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092153 | REST and RSS Enabled Access Control Panel - A method and apparatus are provided for operating a security system. The method includes providing a security system having at least one sensor, coupling a detected state of the at least one sensor to a web server, the web server publishing the detected state and a remotely located user subscribing to receive the detected state of the at least one sensor via the publication by the web server. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090890 | RAPIDLY SELF-DRYING RECTIFYING FLAME ROD - An assembly for a rapidly-drying rectifying flame rod, having an insulator sleeve. The assembly may further incorporate a mechanical coupling attaching the flame rod to an end part which in turn may be hermetically coupled to an insulator. The insulator may be hermetically coupled to a conduit which may be hermetically coupled to an elongated tube. A conductor may go through the tube, conduit, insulator and end part. The flame rod may be connected to the conductor via the mechanical coupling and end part. A sheath having sealing and electrical insulating properties may be formed over at least a portion of the components. Hermetic couplings may be made with ordinary blazing or welding. The couplings may instead be made with high temperature brazing or welding which can withstand temperatures equal to or greater than 1500° F. At these temperatures, the sleeve on the flame rod and the sheath may be eliminated. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090736 | COATED COMPONENTS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING COATED COMPONENTS AND COATED TURBINE DISKS - Coated components and methods of fabricating coated components and coated turbine disks are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a coated component includes a substrate comprising a superalloy in an unmodified form and a coating disposed over the substrate, where the coating comprises the superalloy in a modified form. The modified form of the superalloy includes, by weight, at least 10% more chromium and at least 10% more of one or more noble metals than the unmodified form of the superalloy, and the modified form of the superalloy is substantially free of aluminum | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120089330 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WAVELET-BASED GAIT CLASSIFICATION - A motion classification system comprises an inertial measurement unit configured to sense motion of a user and to output one or more channels of inertial motion data corresponding to the sensed motion; and a processing unit configured to calculate a coefficient vector for each of the one or more channels based on a wavelet transformation of the respective inertial motion data, and to select one of a plurality of gaits as the user's gait based on the calculated coefficient vector of at least one of the one or more channels and on a plurality of templates, each template corresponding to one of the plurality of gaits. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088294 | METHOD FOR SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM AND MUTATION DETECTION USING REAL TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION MICROARRAY - A method and apparatus for real-time, simultaneous, qualitative measurement of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms in one or more target nucleic acids is provided. This method involves combining a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with an evanescent wave technique. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085410 | FLEXIBLE QUANTUM DOT SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS - A flexible solar cell is assembled by forming a TiO | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085409 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE CONVERSION EFFICIENCY OF CdSe-QUANTUM DOT SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS - CdSe-quantum dots are formed on a TiO | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085349 | RESPIRATOR WITH END-OF-SERVICE-LIFE DETECTION - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for detecting when respiratory cartridges of a respirator have reached their end-of-service-life. In some instances, two or more respiratory cartridges are removably connectable to a respirator housing, where each of the two or more respiratory cartridges receives ambient air and deliver cleaned air to the respirator housing. One of the respiratory cartridges may be configured to have a lower adsorption capacity than the remaining respirator cartridges. A gas sensor may be situated downstream of the reduced capacity respirator cartridge, and may detect an increased concentration of the targeted gas in the cleaned air delivered by the reduced capacity respiratory cartridge. When detected, an end-of-service-life indication may be provided to the user. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084696 | USER INTERFACE LIST CONTROL SYSTEM - A user interface list control system having a supervisor user application providing tools to create, deploy, modify and monitor a multi-site enterprise of remote building management systems (BMS). BMS controllers may be configured to control or monitor similar entities across all sites. As site controller configurations are created, the user must identify each configuration item with a recognizable name and/or type tag that indicates function, definition, and/or location of the item. The user may be allowed or required to apply names and type string tags consistently across all multiple site configurations. Within the context of a single supervisor, multiple users may be allowed to utilize common lists of name and type tags. The user may apply an application-specific name and/or type tag to a configuration item, using a drop down list where the user can add a new string to a tag list or select a previously entered string tag. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120084660 | QUICK CONNECT AND DISCONNECT, BASE LINE CONFIGURATION, AND STYLE CONFIGURATOR - An approach for quick connect, quick disconnect, style configurator and baseline change actions for station/platform systems. For a quick connect, a user may receive a list of available groups, select a particular group, and provide site number and controller number for a station/platform to be identified and connected. For a quick disconnect, user may have a list of all active stations/platforms from which to select for disconnect, including an option to disconnect all stations/platforms at once. A style configurator user interface may be invoked, which can populate a window with colors selected for menu bar, tool bar, and like components. A menu option may be provided in the tool bar where user can change the baseline from an old station configuration to a new station configuration. Thus, when user creates a new site controller, the configuration file may reflect control strategies and configuration updates added before as the new baseline. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120084025 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCT MOVEMENT PLANNING TO SUPPORT SAFETY MONITORING IN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - A method includes obtaining information identifying a predicted trajectory of material-based measurements associated with a transfer of material. The method also includes obtaining actual material-based measurements during the transfer of the material and determining whether the actual material-based measurements fall outside of the predicted trajectory. The method further includes identifying a problem with the transfer of the material if at least one of the actual material-based measurements falls outside of the predicted trajectory. The method may also include generating the predicted trajectory of the material-based measurements using historical data associated with one or more prior transfers, such as historical data associated with at least one pump to be used during the transfer of the material. The actual material-based measurements could include measurements of a level and/or a volume of the material in a tank. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081236 | NEAR-TO-EYE HEAD TRACKING GROUND OBSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A near-to-eye display allows an operator of a vehicle, such as a pilot of an aircraft, to see an obstacle on a conformal pathway, such as a runway or taxiway. The obstacle may be boundaries of the pathway or an object captured by an optional Infrared camera. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081181 | COMPARATOR CIRCUIT HAVING LATCHING BEHAVIOR AND DIGITAL OUTPUT SENSORS THEREFROM - A digital output sensor includes a sensing structure that outputs a differential sensing signal and includes at least one sensing element. An integrated circuit includes a substrate including signal conditioning circuitry for conditioning the sensing signal that includes a differential amplifier coupled to receive the sensing signal and provide first and second differential outputs and a comparator having input transistors coupled to receive outputs from the differential amplifier. The comparator also includes first and second current-mirror loads that provide differential drive currents and are coupled to the input transistors in a cross coupled configuration to provide hysteresis. An output driver is coupled to receive the differential drive currents. An output stage includes at least one output transistor which is coupled to the output driver for providing a digital output for the sensor. A voltage regulator is coupled to receive a supply voltage and output at least one regulated supply voltage. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079425 | ECONOMIZER CONTROLLER PLUG AND PLAY SYSTEM RECOGNITION WITH AUTOMATIC USER INTERFACE POPULATION - An economizer controller system having a plug and play recognition approach with an automatic user interface population mechanism. A check may be made for sensors connected to the controller. The control type of the sensors may be determined. The menu structure may be repopulated based on the control type. The user interface may then be updated. This approach may be repeated as needed. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120079398 | AUTOMATIC PRESENTATION OF A "WHEN CAN WE..." MESSAGE COMPOSITION SCREEN RESPONSIVE TO A NEGATIVE RESPONSE MESSAGE - A system to reduce head-down time for a flight crew member is provided. The system includes a functional module that includes a set of screens used to receive and send controller pilot data link communications (CPDLC) messages between an aircraft and a ground-based system; a message composition screen communicatively coupled to the functional module; and a shortcut interface communicatively coupled to the functional module, wherein a shortcut prompt is displayed when one of a response timer expires or a negative uplink response message is received responsive to a previously-sent downlink request message, wherein an implementation of the shortcut interface generates a “when can we expect . . . ” message related to the previously-sent downlink request message. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120079313 | DISTRIBUTED MEMORY ARRAY SUPPORTING RANDOM ACCESS AND FILE STORAGE OPERATIONS - A distributed memory array that supports both file storage and random access operations is provided. The distributed memory array includes at least one memory assembly for storing data, each memory assembly having a plurality of memory modules coupled together through a bi-directionally cross-strapped network, each memory module having a switching mechanism. The distributed memory array further includes at least one gateway coupled to the at least one memory assembly through the bi-directionally cross-strapped network. The gateway also includes a plurality of user access ports for providing access to the at least one memory assembly, and a file manager that is configured to receive a request from a user for access to the at least one memory assembly at the user access ports for either file storage or random access operations and to allocate at least one allocation unit of available memory in the at least one memory assembly based on the request from the user. The file manager is further configured to translate further requests from the user to memory mapped transactions for accessing the at least one allocation unit. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078563 | ECONOMIZER/DCV CONTROLLER WITH MANUAL SENSOR CALIBRATION - An economizer controller with sensor calibration. A controller sensor may be used to measure a parameter. At the same time at the same location of the measurement with the controller sensor, a measurement of the same parameter may be made with a precision sensor. The difference between the two measurements may be saved to a controller memory as an offset. The offset may be used to compensate future measurements of the same parameter by the controller sensor. Additional offsets at various magnitudes may be obtained between the precision and the controller sensors for compensating subsequent measurements by the controller sensor. Measurements with the compensated sensor may be used for calibrating sensors in other economizer controllers, for example, at remote locations in the field. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078510 | CAMERA AND INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNIT INTEGRATION WITH NAVIGATION DATA FEEDBACK FOR FEATURE TRACKING - A navigation device is provided herein comprising an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a camera, and a processor. The IMU provides an inertial measurement to the processor and the camera provides at least one image frame to the processor. The processor is configured to determine navigation data based on the inertial measurement and the at least one image frame, wherein at least one feature is extracted from the at least one image frame based on the navigation data. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078495 | AIRCRAFT SITUATIONAL AWARENESS IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method are provided for improving aircraft pilot situational awareness. When datalink messages and/or automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data and/or various other data are received in the aircraft, the received data are processed to generate a spatial and temporal situational model for the aircraft. At least a portion of the spatial and temporal situational model is rendered on a display device within the aircraft. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078494 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING NON-INTEGRATED CONTROLLER PILOT DATA LINK COMMUNICATIONS (CPDLC) SYSTEMS ON AN AIRCRAFT - Systems and methods for implementing non-integrated FANS/ATN CPDLC solutions are provided. In one embodiment a system comprises: a first computing system executing a first CPDLC application; a second computing system executing a second CPDLC application; at least one Human Machine Interface (HMI) coupled to the first computing system and the second computing system, the HMI configured to display screens generated by the first CPDLC application and the second CPDLC application; and a manager function that arbitrates HMI access to the screens generated by the first and second CPDLC applications. The manager function restricts access to one or more of the screens generated by the first CPDLC application based on a logon status of the second CPDLC application. The manager function restricts access to one or more of the screens generated by the second CPDLC application based on a logon status of the first CPDLC application. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078450 | DISPLAY INFORMATION TO SUPPORT CLIMB OPTIMIZATION DURING CRUISE - Methods and systems are provided for executing a single continuous altitude change by an aircraft to cruise altitude using an electronic flight bag via a flight management system. The method comprises the determination of an altitude change in a flight plan during the cruise phase of the flight plan. Based on the altitude change and a mathematical model of the aircraft an optimum vertical trajectory profile or the aircraft is determined from which an angle of attack (AOA) and a thrust is derived to achieve the optimum vertical trajectory. From the AOA and the thrust, the required aircraft control variables are determined that may be applied to the engines and the control surface actuators of the aircraft. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078449 | AUTOMATICALLY AND ADAPTIVELY CONFIGURABLE SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically and adaptively configuring a system for a user. User data that includes information representative of temporal and contextual user preferences, behaviors, habits, biases, idiosyncrasies, and tendencies associated with system settings and configurations are loaded into the system. The system is then configured based on the user data. User-initiated operations of the system are continuously monitored to model user performance. The user data are continuously updated based on the modeled user performance, and the system is continuously and automatically reconfigured based on the updated user data. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078448 | MIXED-INTIATIVE TRANSFER OF DATALINK-BASED INFORMATION - A system and method are provided for transferring datalink-based information into an aircraft flight management system. When a datalink message is received in an aircraft, it is parsed into individual information elements. The operational impact of the received datalink message on the aircraft is determined from the individual information elements. A method of supplying pilot feedback regarding the received datalink message is determined from the determined operational impact. The pilot feedback regarding the received datalink message is supplied using the determined method. At least selected portions of the individual information elements are selectively transferred into the aircraft flight management system (FMS). | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078447 | AUTOMATIC PRESENTATION OF A SHORTCUT PROMPT TO VIEW A DOWNLINK REQUEST MESSAGE RESPONSIVE TO A CONFIRM-RESPONSE MESSAGE - A system to reduce head-down time for a flight crew is provided. The system includes a functional module including a set of screens used to receive and send controller pilot data link communications (CPDLC) messages between an aircraft and a ground system; a message composition screen communicatively coupled to the functional module; and a shortcut interface communicatively coupled to the functional module, wherein a shortcut prompt is automatically displayed when a confirm-response message received responsive to a previously-sent downlink request message is viewed, and wherein the previously-sent downlink request message is displayed when the shortcut interface is implemented. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078445 | COMPUTER ASSISTED HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE DISPLAY - Methods and apparatus are provided for selectively balancing pilot workload. The apparatus comprises a display device configured to display a user interface (UI) and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a state of the pilot and/or a state of the aircraft, prepare modification to the UI based in part on the state of the pilot and/or the state of the aircraft such that the modification adds one or more command icons without obscuring, without removing, and without replacing any information item on the display, and to execute the modification. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075618 | PHOTOACOUSTIC SENSOR - Embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods relate to a photoacoustic sensor includes an excitation source, a modulator, a quantum dot filter, an interferometer, a gas chamber, and a microphone. The excitation source generates a monochromatic light. The modulator intensity modulates the monochromatic light at a first modulation frequency. The quantum dot filter down converts the modulated monochromatic light into a broadband spectrum of infrared light. The interferometer further intensity modulates the broadband spectrum such that the at least one wavelength component of the broadband spectrum is further intensity modulated at a second modulation frequency. The gas chamber stores a sample gas and receives the plurality of modulated wavelength components. The microphone detects pressure changes within the gas chamber to produce an acoustic signal, which can be used to analyze properties of the sample gas. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075124 | DATALINK MESSAGE PRIORITIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method are provided for prioritizing incoming datalink messages. When a datalink message is received in an aircraft, it is parsed into individual information elements. The relevance of the received datalink message is then assessed from the individual information elements. The received datalink message is then categorized into one of a plurality of playback priority categories, based on the assessed relevance of the received datalink message. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075123 | DYNAMIC TASK AND ADAPTIVE AVIONICS DISPLAY MANAGER - A system and method are provided for intelligently managing the avionics display, information, and controls to more evenly distribute pilot task loads and/or automatically configure/reconfigure displays during flights. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075122 | ALERT GENERATION AND RELATED AIRCRAFT OPERATING METHODS - A method of generating aircraft flight deck alerts is provided. An onboard alerting subsystem determines that an alert needs to be generated, and an onboard monitoring subsystem obtains a fatigue level of a flight crew member. An alert is generated with nominal audiovisual characteristics when the fatigue level is indicative of a non-fatigued physiological condition of the flight crew member, and with enhanced audiovisual characteristics when the fatigue level is indicative of a fatigued physiological condition. In addition, an automated flight crew training exercise can be launched when the flight crew member is fatigued, in an attempt to engage the flight crew member and alleviate fatigue. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075119 | WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT SYTEM AND METHOD - A system and method are provided for facilitating workload management. The system processes first sensor data to estimate the current cognitive state of a first person, and processes second sensor data to estimate the current cognitive state of a second person. Information representative of the estimates of the current cognitive states of the first person and the second person is simultaneously rendered on a display device. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073354 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY TESTING A SERVO GAUGE IN AN INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method includes initiating a test of a servo gauge by causing the servo gauge to attempt to move a displacer of the servo gauge, where the servo gauge uses a drum to move the displacer in a tank. The method also includes measuring a torque associated with the drum during or after the attempt to move the displacer and identifying a mechanical problem with the servo gauge based on the measured torque. For example, a stuck displacer can be identified when the measured torque exceeds an upper expected value. A lost displacer or a stuck drum can be identified when the measured torque is below a lower expected value. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073267 | PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR - A particulate matter sensor includes a ceramic rod, a first metal layer deposited on the ceramic rod, a ceramic layer deposited on the first metal layer, and a second metal layer deposited on the ceramic layer. The first metal layer serves as a source electrode, and the second metal layer serves as a detection electrode. In another embodiment, a particulate matter sensor includes a metal rod, a ceramic sheet deposited or wrapped around the ceramic rod, and a metal layer deposited on the ceramic layer or sheet. The metal rod serves as a source electrode, and the second metal layer serves as a detection electrode. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072105 | GROUND NAVIGATIONAL DISPLAY, SYSTEM AND METHOD DISPLAYING BUILDINGS IN THREE-DIMENSIONS - A methods, apparatus and system are provided for a vehicle with a ground navigational display. The system may include a display, a navigation system determining a location of the vehicle, a database storing a map including locations of buildings on the map and a processor. The processor may be configured to display the map on the display based upon the location of the vehicle, assign a fixed height to all of the buildings displayed on the display, and render the buildings displayed on the display in three-dimensions and having the assigned fixed height. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120070931 | METHODS FOR REDUCED STRESS ANCHORS - Methods of anchoring components of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) device to a substrate. An exemplary embodiment has a trace anchor bonded to a substrate, a device anchor bonded to the substrate, and an anchor flexure configured to flexibly couple the trace anchor and the device anchor to substantially prevent transmission of a stress induced in the trace anchor from being transmitted to the device anchor. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120070307 | TURBINE BLADES, TURBINE ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING TURBINE BLADES - A turbine blade includes a first side wall including a first tip edge, a second side wall opposite the first side wall and including a second tip edge, a tip wall between the first and second side walls, the tip wall recessed from the first tip edge of the first side wall and the second tip edge of the second side wall forming a coolant cavity, a tip recess cavity, a first parapet wall on the first side wall, and a second parapet wall on the second side wall, the coolant cavity defined by the tip wall, and the tip recess cavity defined by the tip wall, and the first and second parapet walls, a step formed between the first tip edge and the tip wall, a cooling hole through the first parapet wall, the step, and the tip wall, the cooling hole including an open and a closed channel section. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120070075 | IMAGE PROCESSING BASED ON VISUAL ATTENTION AND REDUCED SEARCH BASED GENERATED REGIONS OF INTEREST - A system for complexity reduction in images involving concepts of visual attention based most probable region detection for object presence and perspective-view based reduced scale-search approaches. Visual attention concept in context uses gradient and contrast of an image. A pixel meeting certain criteria for gradient or contrast values may be further processed for object presence. Limiting image processing to such regions may reduce the complexity of digitized images. Post processing the outcome using morphological operations like dilation and erosion appropriately may help retain some of the missed object pixels in the resultant image. Typically image blocks at different scales are searched for object presence. Reduced-scale search involves removing certain scales during search. As object size in image varies with its location scales within a given scale-range if searched, may lead to higher chances of object presence. This is implemented using relative heights and widths estimation using the perspective view concept. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069562 | PERFORMANCE SPOTLIGHT - An apparatus and method for producing an improved light emitting diode (LED) spotlight. One or more layers of LEDs shine light into an array of elliptical reflectors. Each elliptical reflector has an LED at one focal point and shares the second focal point with a larger parabolic reflector that collimates the light. A hole in the center of the parabolic reflector receives additional LEDs, with or without collimation optics. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069225 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CAPTURING AN IMAGE OF A MOVING OBJECT - Methods and systems for capturing an image of a moving subject employ a camera image sensor that captures a blurred image of a moving subject. In-capture positions of the moving object are also determined using a high frame rate camera or other motion sensing device. The PSF for controlling modulation of the light hitting the camera image is successively updated by selecting, from among a plurality of pre-computed invertible PSFs, a pre-computed invertible PSFs for each estimated motion of the moving object. Light hitting the camera image sensor is modulated in capture phase according to one or more of the updated pre-computed invertible PSFs such that the captured blurred image is invertible. The resulting invertible blurred image can be de-blurred using the selected known PSFs to provide a substantially sharp image. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069193 | THERMAL CAMERA CALIBRATION - A system for calibrating a thermal camera with a calibration target. The calibration target may have a pattern which can be seen on an infrared image captured by the camera. The pattern may be of various kinds. For example, the pattern may be a checkerboard with some, such as every other square, having one emissitivity and the remaining squares having a different emissitivity, or having infrared light sources placed at corners of the squares. A difference between the emmissitivities may be sufficient so that the checkerboard pattern appears in an infrared image captured by the camera for calibration. The calibration may aid in determining intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the camera. The parameters may provide a basis for transforming camera pixel coordinates to a world coordinate system which allows measurement of real world entities by the thermal camera. Measurements may incorporate distances between objects, heights of objects, and so forth. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120068846 | TAMPER EVENT DETECTION - A tamper-indicating assembly includes a container formed by a plurality of walls and a door mechanically coupled to at least one of the walls via a hinge. At least one cable extends at least partially through the hinge between the door and the at least one wall. The cable transmits a signal, and the assembly can identify potential tamper events related to opening and closing of the door based on changes in properties of the transmitted signal. Techniques for forming the assembly are also described. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120068815 | System and Method for Automatically Updating, Backing Up or Restoring Access Control Systems - An access control panel can be updated substantially automatically by loading a thumb drive with executable instructions, or information, and coupling the drive to the panel and transferring the instructions or information to the panel for execution or storage. Alternately, the coupling can be implemented via a computer network. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120068733 | UNIVERSAL FUNCTIONALITY MODULE - Methods and apparatus are provided for a Universal functionality Module (UFM). The apparatus comprises a programmable logic device (PLD) configured to be reprogrammed in real time and a means for universally interfacing the PLD with any effectuator device. The UFM loads a startup personality bit stream from a boot memory, which allows it to read a pin configuration associated with a effectuator device. The UFM receives a function personality associated with the pin configuration, writes the function personality to programmable logic device, and initiates the function personality. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067561 | REMOTE CONTROL OF AN HVAC SYSTEM THAT USES A COMMON TEMPERATURE SETPOINT FOR BOTH HEAT AND COOL MODES - An HVAC system includes an HVAC unit having a cooling mode and a heating mode for conditioning the air in an inside space, and a programmable thermostat located remotely from the HVAC unit. The HVAC unit may have an onboard controller configured to control when the HVAC unit is in the cooling mode or heating mode, and whether the HVAC unit is activated or not. In some cases, the onboard controller of the HVAC unit may use a common temperature setpoint when controlling in the cooling mode and the heating mode. The programmable thermostat may have a programmable schedule with a plurality of time periods, where each time period has a heating setpoint and a cooling setpoint separated by a dead band. The onboard controller of the HVAC unit may be configured to accept input signals from the remotely located thermostat. The remotely located thermostat may send one or more input signals to the onboard controller of the HVAC unit in accordance with the programmable schedule, where the one or more input signals cause the onboard controller of the HVAC unit to set the HVAC unit to a particular one of the cooling mode and the heating mode, and to activate the HVAC unit so as to condition the air in the inside space in the particular one of the cooling mode and the heating mode. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067560 | HVAC SCHEDULE WITH DESIGNATED OFF PERIODS - An HVAC controller may include a user interface, along with a memory for storing a recurring programmable schedule having two or more time periods. The user interface may be configured to allow manual modification by a user of the recurring schedule stored in the memory, wherein the user can associate an HVAC-off control mode with any of the two or more time periods. In the HVAC-off control mode, the HVAC controller may not cycle the HVAC unit on regardless of the temperature of the air in the inside space. The HVAC controller further may include an output that is configured to issue operational commands to the HVAC unit in accordance with the programmable schedule. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067132 | PRESSURE SENSOR ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure relates to pressure sensors. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a pressure sensor assembly having pressure ports on opposite sides of the pressure sensor assembly. The pressure sensor may include a protective housing including a first housing member and a second housing member defining a cavity for securely housing the pressure sensor assembly. The protective housing may include a first port coupled to one of the pressure ports of the pressure sensor assembly and a second port coupled to the other pressure port of the pressure sensor assembly. In some cases, the protective housing may include one or more aligning features, one or more positioning features, and a boss, which can include two or more bumps, on each side of the cavity around the pressure ports. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067093 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS TO DETECT ILLICIT USES OF FERTILIZERS - Fertilizers may include one or more additives that render the fertilizer more resistant to further processing such as thermal processing and/or aqueous-based processing that may otherwise be employed in the attempt to produce explosive materials from the fertilizer. The one or more additives may include materials that increase the chances of detection by providing a visual or olfactory indication of further processing. The one or more additives may include materials that make further processing more difficult or dangerous. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067022 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE FUEL CONTROL THRUST CONTROL OVERRIDE SYSTEM - A gas turbine engine fuel control system is provided that includes a fuel metering valve and a thrust control valve. The fuel metering valve includes a metering valve inlet and a metering valve outlet. The metering valve inlet is adapted to receive a flow of fuel, and is configured to control the flow of fuel through the metering valve outlet. The thrust control valve is adapted to receive thrust control valve override signals and is configured, in response thereto, to move from a first position, in which flow from the metering valve is not impacted, and a second position, in which flow from the metering valve is blocked while flow through a fixed-area orifice is allowed. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120066908 | HELICAL INNER DIAMETER GROOVE JOURNAL BEARING - A method includes providing a journal bearing blank that includes an axis, an inner surface disposed at an inner diameter, an outer surface disposed at an outer diameter, a first axial surface, a second, opposing axial surface, and a lubricant opening that extends between the inner surface and the outer surface; along the inner surface, milling a well that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis, milling an arm that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis and that extends from the well to the first axial surface of the journal bearing, and milling an opposing arm that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis and that extends from the well to the second axial surface of the journal bearing; and inserting the journal bearing in a bore of a turbocharger center housing. Various other devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120066751 | HIGH ASSURANCE AUTHORIZATION DEVICE - Methods and apparatus are provided for securing the transfer of data over the internet from malicious interference. The apparatus comprises a computing device and a data storage device in operable communication with the computing device. The apparatus also includes a set of high assurance security instructions resident on the data storage device and executing within the computing device and at least one input/output interface. The method comprises receiving data via a first communication interface and storing the data in a memory device and initiating an unsecured data indication. The method also provides for receiving an authentication code via the first communication interface and decoding the authentication code and determining the authenticity of the data. If the authentication code fails to indicate authenticity then the data is deleted. If the authentication code indicates authenticity, then the data is transferred to a destination device via a second communication interface. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120066686 | DEMAND RESPONSE SYSTEM INCORPORATING A GRAPHICAL PROCESSING UNIT - A system and approach for utilizing a graphical processing unit in a demand response program. A demand response server may have numerous demand response resources connected to it. The server may have a main processor and an associated memory, and a graphic processing unit connected to the main processor and memory. The graphic processing unit may have numerous cores which incorporate processing units and associated memories. The cores may concurrently process demand response information and rules of the numerous resources, respectively, and provide signal values to the main processor. The main processor may the provide demand response signals based at least partially on the signal values, to each of the respective demand response resources. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120066617 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLER PILOT DATA LINK COMMUNICATION (CPDLC) MESSAGE PROCESSING USING DYNAMIC ON-DEMAND SCREEN GENERATION FOR MESSAGE RESPONSE AND COMPOSITION - Systems and methods for CPDLC message processing using dynamic on-demand screen generation for message response and composition are provided. In one embodiment, a method for processing received CPDLC messages comprises: receiving a CPDLC message having a plurality of message elements; extracting the plurality of message elements from the CPDLC message; generating a first display screen at a user display interface for a first extracted message element, wherein the first display screen includes a user response field corresponding to a message-type attribute associated with the first extracted message element; generating a second display screen at the user display interface for a second extracted message element, wherein the second display screen includes a user response field corresponding to a message-type attribute associated with the second extracted message element; composing a response CPDLC message from a first user responses received via the first and second display screens; and sending the response CPDLC message. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120066397 | CRITICAL RESOURCE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND INTERFACE DEVICE - A system and device that communicates critical resource information is described. The resource notification system comprises a resource distributor, a resource notification server, and a networked interface device. The resource distributor generates a demand response action that is associated with a particular resource. The resource distributor is also communicatively coupled to a wide area network. The resource notification server, which is also communicatively coupled to the wide area network, receives and processes the demand response action and generates a demand response event signal that is communicated to a customer list. The networked interface device comprises at least one indicator. The networked interface device receives the demand response event signal that triggers at least one indicator corresponding to the demand response action generated by the resource distributor, wherein the indicator provides a real-time indication that corresponds to the usage of the particular resource. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065437 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING 2,3,3,3-TETRAFLUOROPROPENE - The instant invention relates to a process and method for manufacturing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene by dehydrohalogenating a reactant stream of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane that is substantially free from impurities, particularly halogenated propanes, propenes, and propynes. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065274 | AZEOTROPE-LIKE COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 1-CHLORO-3,3,3-TRIFLUOROPROPENE - An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of chlorotrifluoropropene and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a C | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064910 | NOTIFYING A USER OF AN EVENT - Devices, methods, and systems for notifying a user of an event are described herein. One or more embodiments include a computing device for notifying a user of an event. The computing device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to determine a location of a user based on location information received from a personal device of the user, receive information regarding a predicted path or range of an event, determine, based on the location of the user and the information regarding the predicted path or range of the event, if the user is located within the predicted path or range of the event, and send a notification of the event to the user if the user is located within the predicted path or range of the event. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064813 | CABIN PRESSURE THRUST RECOVERY OUTFLOW VALVE WITH SINGLE DOOR - A single valve door thrust recovery outflow valve is provided that does not rely on a relatively large and expensive actuator to move it, and does not create unwanted drag during aircraft cruise operations. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve door, and an aerodynamic flap. The valve door is rotationally coupled to the valve frame, is adapted to receive a drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt of the drive torque, to rotate between a closed position, a full-open position, and a plurality of partial-open positions between the closed position and the full-open position. The aerodynamic flap is coupled to the valve door. When the valve door is in the closed position and in numerous partial-open positions, the aerodynamic flap makes the thrust recovery outflow valve aerodynamically clean. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064208 | AZEOTROPIC POST-HARVEST FUMIGATION COMPOSITIONS OF METHYL IODIDE - The present technology relates to fumigant compositions and fumigation processes, and particularly to processes for the fumigation of perishable products. The fumigant compositions comprise an azeotropic and azeotrope-like composition of methyl iodide and at least one fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon. The fumigation methods include providing a fumigant composition and applying the fumigant composition to a perishable product. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064014 | AZEOTROPE-LIKE COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING 1-CHLORO-3,3,3-TRIFLUOROPROPENE - An azeotrope-like mixture consisting essentially of chlorotrifluoropropene and at least one component selected from the group consisting of a C | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120063894 | TURBINE NOZZLE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR REPAIRING TURBINE NOZZLE ASSEMBLIES - A method is provided for repairing a turbine nozzle assembly with an insert and a support structure. The method includes positioning the insert on the support structure of the turbine nozzle assembly; and plug welding the insert to the support structure of the turbine nozzle assembly. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120063518 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR BUILDING MONITORING - Devices, methods, and systems for building monitoring are described herein. One or more embodiments include a first transceiver coupled to a first phase of a power system of a building and configured to receive and send data over the first phase of the power system, a second transceiver coupled to a second phase of the power system and configured to receive and send data over the second phase of the power system, and a switch coupled to the first and second transceivers of the power system and configured to route data between the first and second transceivers of the power system. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061363 | WELDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A welding system is provided for welding a first work piece to a second work piece at a joint having a weld face and a root face. The welding system includes a weld face sensor configured to determine first joint characteristics at the weld face; a root face sensor configured to determine second joint characteristics at the root face; a controller coupled to the weld face sensor and the root face sensor and configured to generate positioning signals based on the first joint characteristics and the second joint characteristics; and a welding gun coupled to the controller and positioned proximate to the weld face, the welding gun configured to generate a welding beam for welding the joint based on the positioning signals from the controller. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061127 | ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ASSEMBLY FOR THERMAL TRANSFER - Example electrical component assemblies are described. In some examples, the electrical component assembly may include a printed board and an electrical component on the printed board, the electrical component defining a first surface adjacent the printed board and one or more second surfaces other than the first surface. The assembly may also include a thermal bridge comprising a plurality of vias extending through the thermal bridge, and a thermally conductive member interposed between the one or more second surfaces of the electrical component and the thermal bridge. In some examples, the thermally conductive member extends at least partially through the plurality of vias of the thermal bridge. During operation of the electrical component, the assembly configuration may facilitate thermal transfer from a first direction defined by the thermally conductive member to a second direction defined by the thermal bridge to transfer thermal energy away from a surface of the electrical component. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061068 | AUTOMATIC CHANGEOVER CONTROL FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM - The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for automatically changing between heating and cooling modes of an HVAC system, sometimes using a single or common set point in both modes. In an illustrative but not limiting example, an HVAC controller may monitor the temperature of an inside space of a building, and may switch the HVAC system to a cooling mode when the temperature of the inside space rises above a high switch-point temperature, and may cool the inside space to at least below the high switch-point temperature. The HVAC controller may also switch the HVAC system to the heating mode when the temperature of the inside space falls below a low switch-point temperature and may heat the inside space to at least above the low switch-point temperature. In some cases, after switching to the heating mode, the HVAC controller may cause the HVAC system to heat the inside space to substantially the set-point temperature. Likewise, after switching to the cooling mode, the HVAC controller may cause the HVAC system to cool the inside space to substantially the set-point temperature. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060145 | AUTO-GENERATION OF CONCURRENT CODE FOR MULTI-CORE APPLICATIONS - A code generation system comprises a model analyzer configured to identify data dependencies in a data flow diagram that describes functional behavior of an application, wherein the model analyzer is further configured to compute a data and computation map based on the data dependencies and to compute one or more implementation constraints; a model partitioner configured to compute one or more partition boundaries based on the data and computation map and the one or more implementation constraints; and a code generator configured to generate parallelized code based on the data flow diagram, the one or more implementation constraints, and the one or more partition boundaries, wherein the code generator is configured to map the code corresponding to each partition defined by the one or more partition boundaries to one of a plurality of cores of a multi-core processor, and to generate inter-core communication code for at least one line of the data and computation map crossed by the one or more partition boundaries. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059782 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOLVING QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS WITH BOUND CONSTRAINTS UTILIZING A SEMI-EXPLICIT QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING SOLVER - A system and method for solving a quadratic programming optimization problem with bound constraints using a semi-explicit QP solver with respect to an embedded platform is presented. A linear system of equations associated with a matrix (e.g., a Karush-Kuhn-Tucker matrix, KKT system) can be solved at each iteration of the solver based on a factorization approach. A set of partial factors with respect to the QP problem can be pre-computed off-line and stored into a memory. The factorization process of the KKT matrix can then be finished on-line in each iteration of the semi-explicit QP solver in order to effectively solve the QP optimization problems. The QP problem can be solved utilizing a standard active-set approach and/or a partial explicit approach based on a processor utilization and memory usage. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059682 | CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FOR A PROCEDURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF HUMAN PROCEDURE EXECUTION FAILURES - A method of continuously improving a procedure management system that generates human operating procedures. At least one failure mode (“root cause”) is defined for each human procedural execution failure. The root causes are mapped to stages of human operator execution for the human operating procedures where the plurality of root causes manifest, and to human intervention activities that the human operator failed to correctly execute (“procedure deficiency”). Each root cause is mapped to one or more procedure management components that may have generated the procedure deficiency. Recorded actual incidents of human procedural execution failures are analyzed to identify at least one assignable root cause. A procedure management component is updated to mitigate the assignable root cause, and is then used to change at least one human operating procedure or to generate a new human operating procedure to reduce an incidence of the human procedural execution failures. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059583 | METHOD OF PERSONAL NAVIGATION USING STRIDE VECTORING - A method of error compensation for an inertial measurement unit is provided. The method comprises providing a first object including an inertial measurement unit, providing a second object proximal to the first object, and determining an initial position and orientation of the first object. A motion update is triggered for the inertial measurement unit when the second object is stationary with respect to a ground surface. At least one position vector is measured between the first object and the second object when the first object is in motion and the second object is stationary. A distance, direction, and orientation of the second object with respect to the first object are calculated using the at least one position vector. An error correction is then determined for the inertial measurement unit from the calculated distance, direction, and orientation of the second object with respect to the first object. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059575 | TARGET LOCATOR DEVICE AND METHODS - Systems and methods for a target locator device are provided. In one embodiment, a target locator device comprises: a high performance gyroscope; an inertial measurement unit including an accelerometer triad and a gyroscope triad; a rangefinder; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver; and a processor coupled to the high performance gyroscope, the inertial measurement unit, the rangefinder and the GNSS receiver. The processor derives an alignment heading from a heading measurement provided by the high performance gyroscope. The processor calculates a heading to a target based on a deviation from the alignment heading as measured from a heading and elevation measurement determined from the inertial measurement unit. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059535 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RTA CONTROL OF MULTI-SEGMENT FLIGHT PLANS WITH SMOOTH TRANSITIONS - Methods, systems and device are provided for smoothing a required time of arrival (RTA) speed transition for an aircraft in a multi-segmented speed profile including at least one preceding region with a first predetermined speed pad and at a speed constrained region with a second predetermined speed pad. Exemplary methods include, but are not limited to determining whether a speed constrained region is engaged by a preceding region based at least in part on a speed of an aircraft. If the speed constrained region is engaged, the instructions determine a revised second speed pad for the speed constrained region. If the speed constrained region is not engaged then the instructions assign a default speed pad as the second speed pad for the speed constrained region. The instructions also compile a new speed profile that is defined by one of the revised second speed pad and the default speed pad for the speed constrained region and transmit commands that accelerate the aircraft to a new speed based on the new speed profile. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059351 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEDICATION DELIVERY USING SINGLE INPUT-SINGLE OUTPUT (SISO) MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL - A method includes receiving measurements from a sensor associated with a patient at a portable medication delivery device. The method also includes controlling delivery of medication to the patient at the portable medication delivery device using a single input, single output (SISO) model predictive control technique. The SISO model predictive control technique includes predicting a characteristic of the patient using the measurements and a model associated with the patient. The SISO model predictive control technique also includes determining whether the characteristic of the patient is predicted to fall outside of a desired range. In addition, the SISO model predictive control technique includes, if the characteristic of the patient is predicted to fall outside of the desired range, determining an amount of medication to deliver to the patient and delivering the determined amount of medication to the patient. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059201 | METHODS TO PRODUCE 3,3,3-TRIFLUOROPROPENE - Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene comprising the steps of; (1) fluorination of 240fa to form 245fa; (2) conversion of 245fa to a cis/trans mixture of 1234ze; (3) hydrogenation of the cis/trans mixture of 1234ze to form 254fb; and (4) dehydrofluorination of 254fb to produce 3,3,3-trifluoropropene. Alternatively or additionally, a second process for the preparation of the desired compound comprises the following steps; (1) fluorination of HCC-240fa to form HCFC-244fa; (2) conversion of 244fa to a cis/trans mixture of HFO-1234ze; (3) hydrogenation of the cis/trans mixture of 1234ze to form HFC-254fb; and (4) dehydrofluorination of 254fb to produce 3,3,3-trifluoropropene. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120057167 | RFOG WITH OPTICAL HETERODYNING FOR OPTICAL SIGNAL DISCRIMINATION - A RFOG comprises a reference laser configured to produce a reference laser beam; a first laser source configured to produce a first laser beam; a second laser source configured to produce a second laser beam; a sensing resonator coupled to the first and second laser sources such that the first and second laser beams propagate through the sensing resonator in first and second directions, respectively; resonance tracking electronics configured to generate first and second control signals that indicate when the first and second laser beams, respectively, are off resonance; first and second optical combiners configured to beat the first and second outputs of the sensing resonator with the reference laser beam creating first and second beat signals, respectively; wherein the resonance tracking electronics is configured to discriminate between at least one rotation-sensing error and the first and second outputs of the resonator based on the first and second beat signals. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056759 | SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING MULTIPLE OVERLAID IMAGES TO A PILOT OF AN AIRCRAFT DURING FLIGHT - A system for displaying first and second images to a pilot of an aircraft includes, but is not limited to, a sensor subsystem that detects a light transmission originating from outside the aircraft and generates a first signal indicative of the light transmission, a dynamic condition sensor that detects a dynamic condition of the aircraft and generates a second signal indicative of the dynamic condition of the aircraft, a display unit, and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the sensor subsystem and to the dynamic condition sensor and operatively coupled to the display unit. The processor is configured to command the display unit to display a first image corresponding to the first signal, to display a second image overlaid over the first image corresponding to the second signal, and to modify the appearance of the second image to enhance the pilot's ability to discern the first image. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056714 | BIOMETRIC VISITOR CHECK SYSTEM - A system for biometric exclusion of certain individuals from entering a facility. A biometric exclusion system may use biometric acquisition and matching and a database to screen a large population of subjects by looking for individuals enrolled in a database. A screening approach may be used to match biometrics having sufficient quality of any individuals attempting to enter the facility, relative to biometrics of individuals stored in the database. A biometric, such as that of a face or an iris, of an individual may be obtained with the individual's knowledge or cooperation. The database may have biographical information pertinent to an individual having a biometric in the database. There may be an associated system which may be used to enroll individuals by entering their biometrics in the database. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056122 | 1,3,3,3-TETRAFLUOROPROPENE PROCESS AZEOTROPES WITH HF - The present invention pertains to azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of the following three blends:
| 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056115 | FLUID ACTUATED VALVE WITH HALL POSITION SENSOR - A valve actuator includes an actuator housing, a piston, a linkage assembly, a magnet, and a Hall sensor. The actuator housing is adapted to receive pressurized fluid. The piston is movably mounted within actuator housing, and is configured to translate in a first direction and a second direction. The linkage assembly is rotationally coupled to the piston and is adapted to couple to a valve element. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the valve element in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in response to piston movement in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The magnet is mounted on the piston and is movable therewith, and the Hall sensor is mounted on the actuator housing and is responsive to movement of the magnet to supply a position signal. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055274 | QUICK DISCONNECT FIELD INSTRUMENT DISPLAY METER ASSEMBLY - A quick disconnect field instrument display assembly for assembling a display meter with a communication module. A snap-fit locking feature and a tab each mounted on both sides of a display meter housing locks with a receptacle tab located on a communication module housing in order to rotate the display with 90° indexing (360° display rotation). A printed circuit board can be firmly snapped into the display meter housing with the snap-fit locking feature on both sides and a display unit can be mounted in parallel to the display meter housing in order to restrict movement of the printed circuit board. A snap feature located on the inner side of the communication module housing secures a communication board and a number of tabs on the communication module housing facilitate 360° rotation with respect to the display meter housing. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055232 | Photoacoustic Gas Detector with Integrated Signal Processing - A flexible gas sensor includes a housing with a predetermined form factor, a photoacoustic gas sensing chamber, and at least one of acoustic, temperature, relative humidity or pressure sensors in combination with processing circuitry which can emulate the characteristic gas response output of a catalytic bead pellistor-type gas sensor in response to a selected gas. The processing circuitry can include a programmable processor and a storage unit. The storage unit can be loaded with data and executable instructions to specify, at least in part, how the signals from the photoacoustic sensor are to be processed by the processing circuitry. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046819 | SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATING DYNAMICALLY OBSERVED AND STATIC INFORMATION FOR ROUTE PLANNING IN A GRAPH BASED PLANNER - Methods and systems of controlling an autonomous vehicle are provided. A method comprises controlling operations of the vehicle based at least in part on edge costs. An edge is a representation of a path the vehicle can traverse. Edge costs are determined by an estimation system and are based on at least one of an estimated travel time for an edge and a traverse-ability of the edge. The method further comprises sensing conditions of edges the vehicle is traversing and based on the sensed conditions, dynamically updating the edge costs. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046372 | BLOWING AGENTS, FOAMABLE COMPOSITIONS AND FOAMS - A method of forming foam comprising: (a) providing at least a first relatively high pressure liquid comprising a first reactive component; (b) introducing into said relatively high pressure stream a liquid blowing agent composition comprising 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) and/or HFCO-1233zd to produce a second stream at relatively high pressure and containing said blowing agent; and (c) mixing at least a portion of said third stream with a fourth stream containing a component reactive with said first component to produce a mixed reactive stream. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120045675 | INTERCHANGEABLE BATTERY PACK APPARATUS AND METHOD - An interchangeable battery pack apparatus and method are disclosed which includes a top housing having a printed circuit board and a connector for electrically connecting a pair of batteries in order to provide an electrical power with respect to an external device. A bottom housing having a number of battery components for connecting the batteries can be coupled to the top housing via a fastener to form a battery pack in order to secure the batteries from a humid and corrosive environment. The battery pack can be interchangeably utilized as a replaceable battery pack and/or a ruggedized potted battery pack. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120045317 | FUEL ACTUATED BLEED AIR SYSTEM - A gas turbine engine bleed air system includes one or more fuel-actuated bleed air supply valves and, in some cases, a pneumatically actuated overpressure valve. Each fuel-actuated bleed air supply valve is mounted on a bleed air supply conduit and is coupled to a source of pressurized aircraft fuel. Each fuel-actuated bleed air supply valve is responsive to the pressurized aircraft fuel to move to a plurality of valve positions and to regulate compressed air pressure in the bleed air supply conduit, downstream of the fuel-actuated bleed air supply valve. The pneumatically actuated overpressure valve is mounted on the bleed air conduit downstream of each of the fuel-actuated bleed air valves and pneumatically regulates or shuts off pressure independent of fuel pressure or electrical signals. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120045293 | REPLACEABLE THREAD LOCKING ELEMENT - Systems and methods for replaceable thread locking elements are provided. In one embodiment, a threaded fastener device comprises: a first member having a threaded region; a cutout within the ring shaped member that cuts across the threaded region; and a replaceable thread locking element removeably coupled to the ring shaped member within the cutout, the replaceable thread locking element comprising a displacement member coupled to a nipple via an extending member. The nipple is inserted into and orifice within the cutout, the nipple shaped to apply a force against the first member that holds the displacement member within the cutout. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120043492 | Compositions Containing 1-Chloro-3,3,3 Trifluoropropene And 1-Fluoro-1,1 Dichloroethane - The instant invention relates to compositions comprising a blend 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd) and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC 141b). In particular, the instant invention relates to blowing agents and foamable compositions containing at least such a blend, as well as solvents containing such a blend. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120043108 | HIGH VOLTAGE DC TETHER - A high voltage direct current (DC) tether for an airborne wind turbine has a reduced weight compared to conventional tethers. The weight reduction is achieved by using one conductor in the center of the feeder and the shielding of the feeder as a second conductor. A mechanical strength element is disposed in between the center conductor and the shielding. In this configuration, the mechanical strength element acts also as an insulator. The center conductor and the shielding can be made of aluminum or copper. The strength element can be a high strength fiber composite, woven such as VECTRAN® or SPECTRA®. The main weight savings are due to using the shielding for multiple purposes—as a conductor, as lightning protection and as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects barrier, while providing strength to the tether, and from using the mechanical strength element (VECTRAN® or SPECTRA®) as an insulator. The shielding is typically used as the return conductor. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042734 | PRESSURE SENSOR - A pressure sensor is disclosed that can help isolate the sensor and/or sensor components from a media to be sensed and/or can help reduce sensor damage caused by harsh operating environments. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a substrate having a pressure sensing die mounted on a first side of the substrate, a first housing member defining a first cavity around the pressure sensing die, and a second housing member defining a second cavity on the second side of the substrate. A passivating agent, such as a gel, can be positioned in both the first cavity and the second cavity to transmit pressure from the media to a pressure sensing element (e.g. diaphragm) while isolating the pressure sensing element and other components from the media. In some cases, the first housing member and/or the second housing member may include an opening for exposing the passivating agent to the media. The opening may be defined by one or more tapered and/or chamfered edges to help provide freeze damage protection. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120040319 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDICATION COMPLIANCE - Systems and methods for medication compliance are provided. The method includes registering at least one medication, instructing a user to select the at least one medication, verifying a selected medication, and instructing a user with dosage information associated with the selected medication. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040190 | EPOXY/ACRYLATE HYBRID COATINGS FOR OPTHALMIC LENES - An improved coating system for an ophthalmic lens that provides improved characteristics in the form of abrasion resistance, while also providing improved manufacturability and rapid curing as compared to prior art coating systems. The coating system is a composite coating that hybridizes both epoxy and acrylate coating materials into a single coating system. The coating material of the present disclosure includes at least a poly (meth) acrylate polymer, a polymerizable monomer containing at least one epoxy group and a cationic polymerization initiator. The coating may be further enhanced by the addition of colloidal nano-silica particles that serve to reinforce the mechanical properties of the coating system without compromising the overall transparency and optical clarity of the coating. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120039689 | METHODS FOR INTRODUCTION OF A REACTIVE MATERIAL INTO A VACUUM CHAMBER - A vacuum chamber assembly includes a vacuum chamber containing a reactive material, an inlet fill tube fixedly attached to the vacuum chamber, and an outlet fill tube fixedly attached to the vacuum chamber. The inlet fill tube has a first vacuum tight seal and the outlet fill tube has a second vacuum tight seal. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120039503 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING A THREE DIMENSIONAL OPERATIONAL GRAPHIC FROM A TWO DIMENSIONAL BUILDING CONTROL SUBSYSTEM DRAWING - A method includes receiving into a computer processor a building control subsystem design drawing, and identifying a plurality of objects in the building control subsystem design drawing by comparing the objects to a template of objects. The template of objects includes one or more of a representation of a shape, a color, and a texture. A physical relationship among the plurality of objects is determined, and a three dimensional representation of the plurality of objects is retrieved from a three dimensional device library. A three dimensional building control subsystem graphic is generated by mapping the three dimensional representation of the plurality of objects into a three dimensional user interface as a function of the physical relationship. The three dimensional user interface is animated and interactive to monitor and control a building subsystem. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038981 | SPACE TELESCOPE SYSTEM - A space telescope system includes, but is not limited to, a support platform configured to orbit astronomical object, a plurality of mirrors mounted to the support platform and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of mirrors being configured to reflect a plurality of focused beams, and a focal plane image combiner positioned to intersect the plurality of focused beams and configured to combine the plurality of focused beams to form a composite image. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038493 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME DATA LOGGING OF AN ENHANCED GROUND PROXIMITY SYSTEM - Systems and methods for performing efficient, inexpensive data logging of aircraft sensor data. An example system on board an aircraft includes a plurality of data sources that provide sensor data associated with a plurality of avionic components, a line replaceable processing unit that is in signal communication with the plurality of data sources via one or more databuses, a wireless router connected to the line replaceable processing unit via a data cable and a portable data unit in wireless data communication with the wireless router. The wireless router receives at least a portion of the sensor data from the line replaceable processing unit and sends the received sensor data to the portable data unit. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037843 | AZEOTROPE-LIKE COMPOSITION OF 2-CHLORO-1,1,1,2-TETRAFLUOROPROPANE (HCFC-244bb) AND HYDROGEN FLUORIDE (HF) - Provided are azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). Such azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf). | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037705 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBJECT METROLOGY - A system includes a time of flight (TOF) camera or similar device, a processor coupled to the TOF camera, and a sensor. The processor receives TOF data from the sensor. The TOF data is related to an object within range of the TOF device. The processor calculates dimensions of the object using the time of flight data. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037347 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING TUBE TEMPERATURES TO PREVENT FREEZING OF FLUIDS IN CROSS COUNTERFLOW SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER - Methods and apparatus for controlling tube temperatures may prevent freezing of fluids in cross counterflow shell and tube heat exchangers. Cold gas may flow inside the tubes of the heat changer and warm liquid may flow outside the tubes. The tube diameter and tube spacing may be varied through the tube passes through the heat exchanger in order to provide a hot side conductance to cold side conductance ratio which results in the tube temperature being safely above the liquid freezing point. The heat exchanger may be used in, for example, the aerospace industry as a fuel oil cooler or as a preconditioner for reactants in a spacecraft propulsion system. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036917 | SENSING DEVICES AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices and methods for humidity and temperature sensing. For example, in one embodiment, a sensing device can include a first surface acoustic wave (SAW) component, wherein the first SAW component is a temperature component, a second SAW component, wherein the second SAW component is a humidity component, a third SAW component, wherein the third SAW component is a reference component, and a piezoelectric layer, wherein the first SAW component, the second. SAW component, and the third SAW component are on a surface of the piezoelectric layer. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120036908 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS TO DETER ILLICIT USES OF FERTILIZERS - Fertilizers may include one or more additives that render the fertilizer more resistant to further processing such as thermal processing and/or aqueous-based processing that may otherwise be employed in the attempt to produce explosive materials from the fertilizer. The one or more additives may include materials that increase the chances of detection by providing a visual or olfactory indication of further processing. The one or more additives may include materials that make further processing more difficult or dangerous. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120035866 | FLOW SENSOR WITH PRESSURE OUTPUT SIGNAL - This disclosure relates generally to flow sensors, and more particularly, to flow sensors that include a pressure related output signal. In one example, a flow sensor assembly may include a housing with an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port and a fluid channel extending therebetween, with a flow sensing element positioned in the housing and exposed to the fluid channel. A filter insert may be situated in the fluid channel, sometimes upstream of the flow sensor. When so configured, the flow sensor assembly may output a pressure or differential pressure based, at least in part, on a value of the flow rate through the fluid channel as sensed by the flow sensor. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035841 | AIRBORNE SEPARATION ASSURANCE SYSTEM AND REQUIRED TIME OF ARRIVAL FUNCTION COOPERATION - Methods and systems are provided for enhancing the functionality of an airborne separation assurance system (ASAS) by modifying it to cooperate with a required time of arrival (RTA) functionality. The system comprises an autopilot configured to execute a trajectory of an aircraft and a flight management system (FMS) in operable communication with the autopilot. The FMS includes a required time of arrival (RTA) system that is configured to determine an RTA aircraft trajectory of the aircraft based on a required time of arrival of the aircraft at a waypoint along the flight plan. The system also includes an airborne separation assurance system (ASAS) in operable communication with the RTA and is configured to determine a spacing trajectory based on a spacing interval from a first reference aircraft. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035789 | ENHANCED FLIGHT VISION SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING APPROACH RUNWAY SIGNATURES - Methods and apparatus are provided for visually enhancing approach runway signatures on en Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). The EFVS may retrieve a location and an approach course for a runway, display, on the EFVS, a representation of the runway and the approach course for the runway relative to a position of the aircraft, define an area, along the approach course and before a first end of the runway, where the approach runway signature should be located, and visually enhance, on the EFVS, the defined area. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034882 | RECONFIGURABLE WIRELESS MODEM ADAPTER - A reconfigurable wireless modem adapter is provided. The reconfigurable wireless modem adapter includes a control board and a radio frequency switch. The control board has at least two interfaces for a respective at least two modems and is configured to communicatively couple to at least one onboard system in a vehicle. The control board activates a selected modem interfaced to one of the at least two interfaces. The radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the control board via the selected one of the at least one modem. The radio frequency switch communicatively couples an antenna to the selected modem. When the control board is communicatively coupled to the at least one onboard system and activates the selected modem, and when the radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the antenna, the antenna is communicatively coupled to the at least one onboard system via the selected modem. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034568 | COMBUSTION AIR CONTROL - Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices and methods for controlling combustion air. For example, in one embodiment, a method for controlling combustion air includes determining an amount of leaking air in a boiler, determining a constant that depends on a heating value of a fuel in the boiler, and adjusting an amount of controlled air supplied to the boiler. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034471 | THERMAL BARRIER SYSTEMS INCLUDING YTTRIUM GRADIENT LAYERS AND METHODS FOR THE FORMATION THEREOF - Embodiments of a thermal barrier system are provided, as are embodiments of a method for forming such a thermal barrier system over a gas turbine engine component. In one embodiment, the thermal barrier system includes a bond coat formed over a surface of a gas turbine engine component, and an yttrium-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating formed over the bond coat. The yttrium-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating includes an yttrium gradient layer having an yttrium content that increases with increasing distance from the bond coat. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033904 | HYDRODYNAMIC GAS FILM BEARING COOLING FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM - A hydrodynamic gas film bearing cooling gas control system includes a hydrodynamic gas film bearing, a supply conduit, and a flow control device. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic gas film bearing, is coupled to receive a flow of cooling gas from a cooling gas supply source, and is configured to supply the flow of cooling gas to the hydrodynamic gas film bearing. The flow control device is coupled to the supply conduit and is responsive to a physical characteristic of the cooling gas or ambient environment to move between at least two positions to thereby vary the flow of cooling gas, through the supply conduit, to the hydrodynamic gas film bearing. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033718 | RECONFIGURABLE WIRELESS MODEM ADAPTER INCLUDING DIVERSITY/MIMO MODEMS - A reconfigurable wireless modem adapter is provided. The reconfigurable wireless modem adapter includes a control board and a radio frequency switch. The control board includes at least two user-data interfaces for respective at least two modems, the modems including at least one diversity/multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) modem. The control board is configured to communicatively couple to at least one onboard system in a vehicle and to activate one of the at least one diversity/MIMO modem interfaced to one of the at least two user-data interfaces. The radio frequency switch is communicatively coupled to the control board via a modem-select interface and the selected one of the at least one diversity/MIMO modem. The radio frequency switch communicatively couples one of at least one diversity/MIMO antenna on the vehicle to the selected one of the at least one diversity/MIMO modem based on a control signal. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033225 | NEON OR IODINE ABSORPTION ENHANCED HENE RING LASER GYROSCOPE - One embodiment of a ring laser gyroscope discussed herein includes a cavity containing a gain medium having a first linewidth, a first plurality of reflective surfaces coupled to the cavity, and at least one medium exciter operable to excite the gain medium. The first plurality of reflective surfaces includes at least first, second, and third reflective surfaces. The first, second, and third reflective surfaces are positioned to reflect light along a path defined in the cavity between the plurality of reflective surfaces. The excited gain medium induces first and second laser fields within the cavity. A portion of the cavity contains an absorption medium having a second linewidth that is narrower than the first linewidth of the gain medium. The absorption medium reduces the gain of the first and second laser fields at a first range of frequencies. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033224 | INCREASING THE SCALE FACTOR OF GAS LASER BASED GYROSCOPES WITH AN EXTERNAL GAIN SATURATION BEAM - A ring laser gyroscope that includes a cavity containing a gain medium, a first plurality of reflective surfaces coupled to the cavity, a medium exciter operable to excite the gain medium, and a saturation beam source operable to emit a saturation beam. The first plurality of reflective surfaces includes a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and a third reflective surface. The first, second, and third reflective surfaces are positioned to reflect light along a path defined in the cavity between the plurality of reflective surfaces. The excited gain medium induces first and second laser fields within the cavity. The emitted saturation beam intersects with the first and second laser fields at a first interaction region of the cavity. The saturation beam interacts with the gain medium to reduce the gain of the first and second laser fields at a first range of frequencies. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033096 | MOTION BLUR MODELING FOR IMAGE FORMATION - The present disclosure includes motion blur modeling methods and systems for image formation. One motion blur modeling method for image formation includes obtaining image data utilized to form a particular image taken by a camera of a subject, obtaining velocity vector data for the subject at the time the image was taken, defining a convolution kernel for use formation of the particular image and based upon the velocity vector data, and applying the convolution kernel to the image data to produce a de-blurred set of image data utilized to form the particular image. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032818 | AVIONICS DISPLAY INTERFACE AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A method for operating a display unit such as an avionics display interface is provided. The method comprises displaying a plurality of logical categories of options available, with each of the logical categories including a plurality of items of information, selecting a first item of information in a first logical category when a first input key is pressed, and selecting a next item of information in the first logical category when the first input key is pressed again. The method further includes selecting a first item of information in a second logical category when a second input key is pressed, and selecting a next item of information in the second logical category when the second input key is pressed again. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032768 | LINEAR VARIABLE DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMERS - Linear variable differential transformers include a core comprising a non-ferromagnetic material and a ferromagnetic material, and a coil assembly including an axial bore within which the core is disposed and through which the core axially translates. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120032674 | Current Sensor - This disclosure is directed to current sensing techniques for use within a magnetic current sensor. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a current sensing device includes a magnetic core, and a magnetic field sensor positioned substantially within a cavity formed by an air gap interface of the magnetic core and configured to sense a magnetic field induced by an electrical current that is conducted through a conductor passing through a central opening of the magnetic core. | 02-09-2012 |
