Intelligent LED lighting

B/E Aerospace, Inc. and Color Kinetics Inc. have teamed to provide airlines with a powerful tool to optimize the passenger flying experience. Using Color Kinetics' patented Chromacore LED technology, the systems will illuminate aircraft interiors using a fully digital system generating a broad spectrum of colors. Airlines will be able to control and program dynamic lighting atmospheres to enhance the passengers' flying experience through effects such as a sunset ambience for overnight flights, peaceful morning sunrise for morning illumination, unique dinner ambiances, and custom effects with airline signature colors welcoming passengers on board.

Precision load cells

The Series 1123 high-accuracy, high-capacity, strain-gauge load cells from the Force/Torque Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc. address load measurements to 150,000 lb in applications such as rocket test stands, rocket motor thrust, airframe structures, satellite refueling, structural balance, and life-cycle testing. The units use a dual-bridge design to provide redundant output channels for the ability to drive two readouts or recording devices. The device's steel construction imparts high stiffness, low deflection, and minimal extraneous load output characteristics.

Ultra-precision resistor

With a two-wire lead design, Wilbrecht Electronics' Ultra Precision Resistor is a metal foil, type MAQ resistor that increases stability against vibration and shock from external forces and pulsation during takeoff, landing, and in-flight maneuvers. Made from a special transfer-molded epoxy resin process, the device is strongly resistant to temperature variation.

Servo accelerometer

Low-profile Series SA-120R inertial accelerometers from Columbia Research Labs are completely self-contained servo mechanisms with a seismic system and advanced hybrid servo microelectronics—all in one compact package. Advanced-technology features include no "pivot flop," low rectification, and no flexure-fracture under extreme shock environments.

Ballistic laminates

Two ballistic laminates from M.C. Gill Corp. passed the specification requirements for NIJ III-A, which is the recommended level of threat protection for cockpit doors and related applications. Gillfab 1360A is made of Kevlar fabric and combines ballistic penetration resistance and strength with light weight. Gillfab 1394 is an S-2 Glass laminate that is puncture-resistant and offers superior strength. This material does not suffer from moisture sensitivity, has good UV resistance, and is easy to machine.

Torque tester/screwdriver

Imada, Inc.'s lightweight digital torque tester/screwdriver, the Model DS-4, features an integral/adjustable LCD display for convenient readings. The unit features selectable measuring modes: real-time, first peak, and peak. It has an accuracy of ±0.5% F.S., ±1 LSD, and programmable set points that provide both an audible beep and green/red LED indicator for go/no go testing, plus a programmable counter and an internal memory for data recall or RS-232 download.

Thin-film chip resistor

Thin-film rectangular chip resistors from Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. feature the industry's broadest range of sizes, value ranges, and tolerances. The firm's series of nichrome thin-film semi-precision chip resistors is suitable for a range of applications requiring excellent stability, tight tolerances, and low TCR, including circuitry for navigation and avionics instrumentation. Features include very low electrical noise, tolerances as low as 0.1%, and TCR values ranging from 150 ppm/°C to as low as 15 ppm/°C.