Abstract: An energy absorbing support formed of a composite coil defining a core and a tubular sheath with the sheath being formed of a material having a higher elastic yield strain limit than that of the core. The coil defines a first portion and a second portion with a support of the coil disposed intermediate the first and second portions. Structure is provided for applying a preselected preload to the coil. The coil materials are preselected to maintain elastic and damping characteristics at cryogenic temperatures, such as below -150.degree. F. The support is adapted for use in rigorous environments such as encountered in the space shuttle and the like, and provides lightweight, long life, resilient support of critical elements, such as piping and the like, therein.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite laminate capable of exposure to high temperature differentials without damage, consisting of an inner ceramic layer, an outer metal layer and an intermediate interface layer of a low modulus metallic low density structure having a high melting point. The ceramic layer is secured to the low modulus structure directly or through an intermediate ceramic-metal composite, and the outer metal layer is brazed to the intermediate low modulus layer. Thermal strains caused by a temperature differential between the inner and outer layers are taken up without harmful effect by the intermediate low modulus layer.

Abstract: A fluid filter and a method for making it. The filter comprises a one-piece container having one open surface, a pleated filter element fitting in the container, and a cover fitting over the container's open surface. A trough in the container receives and positions three side edges of the filter element, and a mating channel in the cover receives and positions the element's remaining side edge. Fluid tight seals secure the four edges of the filter element in the trough and channel and secure the cover to the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous and controlled filter device that filters gases and liquids while maintaining a low differential pressure across the filter element. The device automatically advances clean filter medium into the filter seat or window when the differential pressure rises to a predetermined level replacing dirty filter medium with clean filter medium. The advance of the filter medium is effected by a fluid pressure operated expansible device cooperating with an indexing device for positioning the filter medium as a function of the pressure differential extending thereacross. The indexing device may include a ratchet structure for positively positioning preselected portions of the filter medium across the flow passage through which the fluid being filtered is passed.

Abstract: A crossbow trigger whose features include only a unitary leaf spring, without the help of coiled springs, whose four end portions clamp a crossbow bolt on a crossbow stock, bias the crossbow's sight, bias the crossbow's finger lever, and prevent accidental disengagement of the crossbow's trigger safety. A stop plate is provided on the crossbow trigger's sear to automatically provide a proper space between the rear end of a crossbow bolt and the portion of the bowstring held by the cocked trigger.

Abstract: A thin perforate, helically wound welded edge tubing is used as a filter core for a roving wound filter. The slightly roughened external edges of the spirally formed welded joint greatly adds to the ability of securing the fiber roving to the tube and prevents relative slippage therebetween. Also, the invention comprehends an apparatus for, and a method of making the helically seamed tube by first drawing a sheet metal from a supply and raising two lateral edges thereof to form flanges. The material can be guided in a helical path by engaging the inside of the flanges so that the trailing edge abuts the leading edge. The abutted edges are heated so that the flanges themselves provide the filler for a weld on the exterior surface thereof. Drive rollers are provided to move the welded tube from the welding area and to torque the tube to prevent edge separation prior to the cooling of the weld.

Abstract: This invention comtemplates a new and novel filtering device that comprises a plurality of parallel filter elements with means within the device for backflushing two or more of the filter elements without removing the elements from the device and while the device is being operated onstream and filtering. The backflushed fluid used to clean the elements is isolated from the primary fluid stream and discharged from the device.

Abstract: A panel is provided having two metallic sheets separated by an insulating core, in which a portion of each of the metallic sheets extends beyond the insulating core to form sheet ends, a unitary metallic member is joined to one of the sheet's ends, and insulating means are provided to both thermally and electrically insulate the sheet ends from each other. The unitary metalic member has a joining surface including a flange designed to be fastened to a corresponding flange of a like panel end structure to form a joint which is recessed with respect to the metallic sheets, and which maintains thermal and electrical insulation between the two metallic sheets of each panel.

Abstract: An end structure is provided for a panel having two metallic sheets separated by an insulating core, in which a portion of each of the metallic sheets extends beyond the insulating core to form sheet ends, a unitary metallic member is joined to one of the sheet's ends, and insulating means are provided to both thermally and electrically insulate the sheet ends from each other. The unitary metallic member has a joining surface including a flange designed to be fastened to a corresponding flange of a like panel end structure to form a joint which is recessed with respect to the metallic sheets, and which maintains thermal and electrical insulation between the two metallic sheets of each panel.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a machine for producing camouflage nets. Different camouflage garnish patterns are secured to a net in a preselected and predetermined manner on a repetitive basis. Also, comprehended is a method of making a camouflage net by providing different shape camouflage garnish pieces that are applied to a net at predesignated work stations.

Abstract: A particle laden gas stream is cleaned by passing it through an all metal fabric including a base with pile fibers connected to the base. The flowing gas forces the pile fibers to lie down upon each other to form a depth filter media adapted to entrap fine particles. This depth filter media is cleaned to remove entrapped particles by passing air through the fabric in a direction counter to the direction the particle laden gas flows through the fabric. Consequently, the pile fibers tend to open and extend outwardly from the base, permitting entrapped particles to be carried by the air from the fabric. Apparatus including a tubular element made of an all metal pile fabric is also disclosed. The tubular element has associated with it one or more nozzles adapted to blow air through the fabric along an incremental portion of the tubular element. Consequently, a small portion of the fabric is cleaned while simultaneously the remainder of the fabric filters particles from the gas stream.

Abstract: This invention contemplates a method and apparatus for taking fine metal fibers having a diameter range from .5 microns to approximately 150 microns and cutting the fibers into precise short lengths. The method and apparatus utilized first moistening tows of metal fibers, unwinding the tows from spools and positioning them into tow bands, stiffening the ribbon made from the tow bands, and cutting the fibers to desired precise lengths in order to prevent cold welding or deformation of the ends of the fibers during the cutting operation. Materials that may be used for stiffening the fibers include starch, PVA, ice, etc.

Abstract: A bowling pin structure and method of forming the same wherein the cheek portions of the pin are molded to define controlled density wood fiber and binder resin materials secured about a core. The assembly is machined to define the desired bowling pin body configuration. The cheek material is compressed to provide a preselected density distribution to provide high durability and controlled scorability while maintaining the overall weight approximately that of conventional wood pin materials.

Abstract: A method of making a flocked fabric wherein metal flock fibers are secured to a base. The fibers may be secured as by adhesive, metal fusion bonding, etc. The flock fibers may be metal fusion bonded to each other, may be maintained in spaced relationship, may be provided in tufts, etc.

Abstract: This invention comprehends torsional strengthening of two-phase metal materials. One application of the torsionally strengthened material is in the field of springs wherein the energy storage capacity is increased. The invention provides for methods and processes for increasing the torsional strength of two-phase metal materials. Also comprehended is an apparatus that provides the increased torsional strength by its novel combination of machines.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a machine for producing a composite laminate structure wherein one layer is a base material, such as a non-woven fabric, a second layer, interspersed with the first layer, is substantially a two dimensionally randomly oriented fiber layer. The fibers are bonded to the first layer by resin which is applied from underneath the first layer so as not to disturb the orientation of the fibers. Also comprehended is a method of making such a composite laminate structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and indicating the number of bowling games played in a bowling establishment having a plurality of lanes, each equipped with an automatic pinsetter. A count of eleven feedback counter provides a single output signal in response to eleven frame input signals each of which may be taken from the various automatic pinsetters each time a frame is played on any one of the lanes to convert frame signals to game signals. The output signal from the counter is then fed to a totalizer indicator which indicates the number of output pulses received as indicative of the number of games played in the bowling establishment.

Abstract: An ultrahigh strength material made from ordinary 18-8 stainless steel has a tensile strength in excess of 400,000 p.s.i. The method of producing the ultrahigh strength is accomplished by thermo-mechanical operations. The material can have any desired geometric cross section configuration and is adaptable for use as a spring material.