Abstract:
Methods and an optical interrogation system for monitoring structural health of a structure are provided. The method includes generating an optical signal using an optical signal generator, and directing the optical signal towards at least one optical sensor located remotely from the optical signal generator. The optical sensor includes a photonic crystal wafer optically interacting with the optical signal and an environmental condition. The method also includes capturing, by an optical signal receiving apparatus, a reflected optical signal reflected from the at least one optical sensor, and analyzing the reflected optical signal to determine a change in the environmental condition.
Abstract:
A modular truss assembly for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, a MEC incorporate inductive power coupling for powering a line replaceable unit (LRU) in proximity to the modular truss assembly without exposed electrical connections and such that the MEC may forgo power conversion equipment. In one or more configurations, a sensor is embedded in one or more transfer layers of the truss for measuring a power trace embedded in the modular truss assembly.
Abstract:
A modular truss assembly for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, a MEC incorporate inductive power coupling for powering a line replaceable unit (LRU) in proximity to the modular truss assembly without exposed electrical connections and such that the MEC may forgo power conversion equipment. In one or more configurations, a sensor is embedded in one or more transfer layers of the truss for measuring a power trace embedded in the modular truss assembly.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for automated routing of wires of a wire harness on a form board. A wire harness comprising a wire end connector and a multiplicity of groups of wires is supported and carried by a carrier end effector mounted to an end of a first robotic arm. The wire groups are accessed and then routed on the form board by a routing end effector mounted to an end of a second robotic arm. Initially a wire gripper of the routing end effector is opened. The second robotic arm is then controlled to move the routing end effector so that respective first portions of all wire groups are accessible for gripping by the wire gripper. Then the wire gripper is closed to grip the first portions of wires. Then the second robotic arm is controlled to move the routing end effector to place second portions of the wires of all wire groups in a first elastic retainer wire routing device attached to the form board. Thereafter, the routing end effector routes the first group of wires through a second elastic retainer wire routing device and then routes the second group of wires through a third elastic retainer wire routing device.
Abstract:
A headrest ventilation assembly is configured to secure to a headrest of a seat assembly, and includes an air conduit including one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets, and an air filter disposed within the air conduit between the one or more air inlets and the one or more air outlets. The air filter is configured to remove contaminants from the air that is drawn into the air conduit before being delivered out of the one or more air outlets. The assembly can also include a fan disposed on or within the air conduit. The fan is configured to draw the air into the one or more air inlets and provide airflow to deliver the air out of the one or more air outlets. The assembly can also include one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitters disposed on or within the air conduit. The UV light emitter(s) are configured to emit UV light into the air to sanitize the air before the air is delivered out of the one or more air outlets.
Abstract:
A bundle gripping tool employs a support ring concentric to a bundle axis and having a first open sector accessing a central aperture. A closure ring mounted on the support ring is concentric with and rotatable about the bundle axis and has a second open sector wherein rotation of the closure ring to an open position at least partially aligns the first and second open sectors exposing the central aperture. Rotation to a closed position misaligns the second open sector from the first open sector, covering the first open sector gating the central aperture. A plurality of snare cables is engaged between a first set of attachment points on the support ring and a second set of attachment points on the closure ring. The first set of attachment points and second set of attachment points are relatively positioned whereby each of said plurality of snare cables partially encircles the bundle axis in the closed position and exposes the bundle axis in the open position. An operating mechanism is configured to rotate the closure ring.
Abstract:
An optical sensor and method of manufacture are provided herein. The optical sensor includes an optical fiber comprising a terminating end surface, and a photonic crystal coupled to the terminating end surface of the optical fiber.
Abstract:
One aspect of the disclosure relates to an apparatus including an extrusion nozzle. The nozzle includes an inlet end, an outlet end opposite the inlet end and an axis extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The extrusion nozzle is configured to rotate about the axis. The extrusion nozzle also includes a rotary drive engagement portion between the inlet end and the outlet end. The extrusion nozzle further includes a cavity including an inlet opening at the inlet end and an outlet opening at the outlet end. The inlet opening has a different configuration than the outlet opening.
Abstract:
A modular truss assembly configured to be placed in small or narrow spaces such as within the floor, sidewall, or crown of a vehicle for mechanically and electrically mounting system components of a modular equipment center (MEC). A plurality of MECs is spatially distributed throughout the vehicle to service equipment loads. The modular truss assembly provides different voltage levels for powering the system components of the MEC and for powering the equipment loads. In one or more configurations, all or part of the modular truss assembly can be removed from the vehicle for repair or replacement.
Abstract:
A headrest ventilation assembly is configured to secure to a headrest of a seat assembly, and includes an air conduit including one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets, and an air filter disposed within the air conduit between the one or more air inlets and the one or more air outlets. The air filter is configured to remove contaminants from the air that is drawn into the air conduit before being delivered out of the one or more air outlets. The assembly can also include a fan disposed on or within the air conduit. The fan is configured to draw the air into the one or more air inlets and provide airflow to deliver the air out of the one or more air outlets. The assembly can also include one or more ultraviolet (UV) light emitters disposed on or within the air conduit. The UV light emitter(s) are configured to emit UV light into the air to sanitize the air before the air is delivered out of the one or more air outlets.