Abstract: A rollover cushion and system for a motor vehicle is fabricated from a lightweight, low denier material having its inside surface coated with a gas retention material. A gas generator responsive to a sensor generates an inflation fluid that fills the sealed curtain causing the curtain to deploy over the side windows of the vehicle. In this position, the head and upper torso of an occupant are protected from striking or going through an open window during a rollover or side impact collision. Several styles of tethers are used to maintain the desired shape of the cushion. A manifold system directs the flow of the inflation fluid from the gas generator to the gas inlets in each individual cylindrical tube of the curtain. The cushion is folded either in a “Z” fold or in a tuck fold and at one end fastened to the structure of the vehicle and at the other end extending in a direction down the window.

Abstract: A system is described which permits a financial institution to provide for testing of software and equipment which is intended for use in an electronic funds transfer network. The system permits the validation of the software and equipment without requiring utilizing the electronic funds transfer central switch which would otherwise process electronic funds transfers.

Abstract: A restraint system for a flight helmet that functions to hold the head steady and centrally located in the aircraft seat. The inflatable is stored on the helmet and upon activation of an ejection sequence. The inflatable member is inflated and breaks a frangible cover to rest on the shoulders. In addition, the inflatable member operates to seal the neck and, in another embodiment, to shield the face from the windblast the air crewmember encounters during ejection. The inflatable member can also function to lift the head and reduce spinal compression encountered during ejection.

Abstract: A high tensile tape or cable is sewn into pockets in the arms of a flight suit. The pockets are closed over the tape or cable by a frangible thread. A non-frangible thread secures one end of the tape or cable to the wrist of the flight suit. The other end of the wire or cable is secured to a fastener that is adapted to connect to a ring member in the aircraft. The ring member is fastened to a tape or cable wound on a haul-back reel in the aircraft seat. Upon receipt of an ejection signal, the haul-back reel winds the tape or cable rupturing the frangible threads securing the pockets in the arms of the flight suit. The tape or cable pulls the arms up and against the chest of the air crewmember.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating for superalloy turbine engine vanes and blades that are exposed to high temperature gas is disclosed. The coating includes an aluminide or MCrAlY layer, an alumina layer, and a ceramic top layer. The ceramic layer has a columnar grain microstructure. A bond inhibitor is disposed in the gaps between the columnar grains. This inhibitor is preferably alumina.

Abstract: Process for improving the mechanical properties and ultrasonic inspection efficiency of alpha-2 titanium aluminide forged products, parts or components and for preserving or retaining these improved properties at use temperatures up to about 1200.degree. F. The process involves heating a billet of the alloy below its beta transus temperature, forging the heated billet within a true strain range of about 1.2 and 1.4 and within a strain rate of about 0.1 and 0.15 per second to produce >90% refinement of prior .beta. grains to a typical size less than about 0.2 mm, preferably about 0.02 mm, and cooling the forged billet to room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine engine surge control system comprising a pressure transducer positioned for sensing compressor discharge pressure, a hot wire anemometer positioned for sensing compressor discharge flow and temperature, means for electronically processing the signals from the sensors to obtain corrected compressor discharge flow without the use of look-up tables, and means for modulating a surge control valve based on corrected flow to prevent surge. The means for electronically processing said sensed signals incorporates means for canceling the dynamic response of the hot wire anemometer so as to have the effect of accelerating the response rate of the anemometer to match the response rate of the discharge pressure transducer.

Abstract: A fluid metering system comprises a source of pressurized fluid, a proportional metering valve and a delta-p regulator, which maintains a constant pressure drop across the proportional metering valve. The delta-p regulator is referenced to the static pressure upstream of the metering valve and the stagnation pressure downstream of the metering valve. By referencing the stagnation pressure downstream of the metering valve, the effective static pressure across the metering valve increases as a function of fluid flow rate and therefore provides an increased flow range and corresponding turndown ratio for any given proportional metering valve.

Abstract: A method for making an article from rhenium and in particular a rocket nozzle. First a molybdenum mandrel is formed with a portion having the desired shape of the nozzle. A layer of rhenium is deposited over the nozzle portion, and then rhenium wire is wrapped around this rhenium layer. A second rhenium layer or a layer of ruthenium is then deposited over the layer of rhenium wire. Alternating layers of rhenium wire and deposited rhenium or ruthenium are applied until a desired thickness is obtained. A layer of molybdenum is applied to can the assembly and the assembly is subject to hot isostatic pressing. Finally, the molybdenum is etched away leaving the rhenium nozzle.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds while generating power. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises a combustor and a reaction chamber connected to an exit of the combustor. A primary inlet to the combustor supplies a primary fuel to the combustor. A secondary fuel, comprising air and an amount of one or more volatile organic compounds, is supplied to a compressor, which compresses the secondary fuel and directs the secondary fuel to the combustor and the reaction chamber. The system is suitably configured to enable the stoichiometric reaction of the two fuels in a manner sufficient to destroy the volatile organic compounds contained in the secondary fuel and power a turbine engine connected to an exit of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for joining rhenium to columbium and columbium based alloys that minimizes the formation of brittle intermetallics. First, a layer of ruthenium is applied to both the rhenium and columbium and then heated until the ruthenium diffuses with the rhenium and columbium respectively. A braze foil is place between the two outer ruthenium layers and the assembly is heated in a range of 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. above the liquidus of the braze, thereby joining the rhenium to the columbium. Alternatively, the ruthenium coated surfaces are placed in contact and diffused together under a compressive load of at least 1000 psi.

Abstract: A liquid cooling module for cooling electronic circuit components and the like comprises the use of a fluidic amplifier element in conjunction with a thermally sensitive fluidic element. The thermally sensitive fluidic element responds to the change in viscosity with respect to temperature of a coolant flowing through a cooling plate. In response to the viscosity change, the thermally sensitive element produces a fluidic control signal to the fluidic amplifier element, which increases the rate of flow through the cooling plate with increasing coolant temperature and decreases the rate of flow through the cooling plate with decreasing coolant temperature.

Abstract: A gas turbine vane or blade having a novel internal structure that allows for cooling under diverse pressure ratios. The vane has an air inlet passage that communicates with an inner cooling cavity positioned between the air passage and the vane's trailing edge. Disposed within this cavity are deflectors, turning members, ribs, and deflecting pins arranged so as to direct the cooling air through the cavity in a manner that minimizes pressure loss. Thus maintaining the velocity and flow of the cooling air.

Abstract: The present invention provides an annular sealing apparatus for disposition in cooperation with a body defining a bore and a rotating member rotatably received in said bore to inhibit fluid leakage therebetween. The sealing apparatus is comprised of axially juxtaposed first and second comb-like pluralities of uniformly spaced and integral finger members circumscribing the rotating member. Each finger member has substantially the same width and is separated from adjacent finger members by a uniform gap. At the innermost end of each finger is a foot portion sealingly and movably engaging said rotating member. Each foot portion is configured so as to lift away from the rotating member and ride on a thin film of air during engine operation. The first and second comb-like members are positioned so that the fingers of each block the gaps in the other.

Abstract: The capacitance type pressure transducer is disclosed which includes an isolation additional diaphragm made of the same material as the operative diaphragms the transducer. Material may be quartz, silicon, or aluminosilicate. The isolation diaphragm minimizes deflections of the operative diaphragms as the housing base is bowed due to the pressure differential between the internal reference pressure of the capsule and the ambient pressure. The transducer may be configured to measure an absolute pressure or a differential pressure.

Abstract: An air turbine flow restrictor comprises a sensor for determining the rotational velocity of the turbine wheel. In response to a detected speed above a predetermined threshold, particles are injected into the inlet airstream. In one embodiment of the invention, the particles are metal disks. The disks, carried by the airstream become lodged in the nozzles of the air turbine, thereby restricting the flow of air to the turbine wheel.

Abstract: An air contamination monitor includes a sample heater connectable to an air source such as an aircraft engine bleed air port. The heater causes any oil and other hydrocarbons in the sample air to decompose into CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. A vacuum pump draws the heated air sample from the heater to a carbon dioxide analyzer. The response of the analyzer is recorded by means of a strip chart or paperless recorder.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds while generating power. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises a combustor and a reaction chamber connected to an exit of the combustor. A primary inlet to the combustor supplies a primary fuel to the combustor. A secondary fuel, comprising air and an amount of one or more volatile organic compounds, is supplied to a compressor, which compresses the secondary fuel and directs the secondary fuel to the combustor and the reaction chamber. The system is suitably configured to enable the stoichiometric reaction of the two fuels in a manner sufficient to destroy the volatile organic compounds contained in the secondary fuel and power a turbine engine connected to an exit of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ceramic vanes, each of which has an inner and outer ceramic shroud, and a ceramic post extending from one of the shrouds, and a metallic platform having a plurality of circumferentially spaced sleeves. A tolerance ring is mounted in each of the sleeves and then the ceramic posts are pressed into the rings. The assembly is then ready to be mounted within the engine. A method for assembling these components to form the stator assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method for joining rhenium to columbium and columbium based alloys that minimizes the formation of brittle intermetallics. First, a layer of ruthenium is applied to both the rhenium and columbium and then heated until the ruthenium diffuses with the rhenium and columbium respectively. A braze foil is place between the two outer ruthenium layers and the assembly is heated in a range of 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. above the liquidus of the braze, thereby joining the rhenium to the columbium. Alternatively, the ruthenium coated surfaces are placed in contact and diffused together under a compressive load of at least 1000 psi.