Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wear resistant shoe (26) includes upsetting (46) one end portion (38) of cylindrical member to work harden that portion to a substantial depth, machining (48) the cylindrical member portion to finished dimensions and surface hardening (56) a face (28 or 34) of the machined cylindrical member portion. The cylindrical member may comprise rod stock of a diameter less than the greatest diameter of the finished shoe and be upset or swaged to axially reduce and radially increase the dimensions of the one end portion. A hollow region (30) is formed in an opposite rod stock end portion and the periphery (50) of the hollow region is crimped about a rounded end (18) of the piston (20). The cold work done during the swaging or forming process provides a foundation for hardened faces comprising balance (28) and auxiliary balance (34) lands, forms a crude shape of the shoe, and imparts work hardening and wear property improvements.

Abstract: An infrared LASER diode based high intensity light (100) for use as an aircraft landing light or searchlight in conjunction with night vision imaging systems. The high intensity light (100) uses infrared LASER diodes (110) installed into a heat sink (112) for temperature stability. The infrared light emitted from the LASER diodes (110) is transmitted to an optical positioning plate (106) by optical transmission means (108). The optical positioning plate (106) combines the emissions of the individual LASER diodes (110) to a single infrared light beam, which is collimated by an aspheric lens (102).

Abstract: A system and method for an engine bleed flow-sharing control system is disclosed. For a multi-engine bleed system, one (10) of the engines is selected as the master channel (15) such that the bleed air supply pressure of the control system receiving the bleed air is controlled (11, 12, 13) to achieve a desirable supply pressure range. To slave the other engine airflow control channels (25, 35, 45), the airflow rate (14) is also measured in the master channel (15) and the measured airflow rate is used as the airflow setpoint for other channels (25, 35, 45). The difference between the airflow setpoint and the airflow rate in the other channel is applied to control (21, 31, 41) the pressure or the valve/actuator opening area at the inlet of that channel (25, 35, 45).

Abstract: A sensor system for defending armoured vehicles against projectiles through the use of active armour. A thermal sensor detects a projectile's presence, and a laser proximity sensor determines its location. A doppler sensor distinguishes between threatening and nonthreatening projectiles by measuring the projectile's velocity. The sensors are positioned in a housing with a segmented spherical window, wherein each sensor can detect the projectile through a window segment having a filtering characteristic which is matched to its associated sensor. An eyelid shutter, which can open and close, protects the window from small arms fire and shrapnel. A conical deflector protects the sensor system from objects such as tree branches. Heater elements are used to clear ice and snow from the window, and the eyelid shutter removes other material through the use of a cleaning liquid delivery system and rubber wipers.

Abstract: A fuel control system, battle override valve and a method of controlling bypass fuel in a fuel system are disclosed. A battle override valve 30 for an engine fuel system 10 includes a metering valve 50 having a rate limiting function providing for control of a slew rate during an operation of the battle override valve 30. A transfer valve 70 having a manual fuel control operating position and a normal fuel control operating position permits a flow of fuel between the metering valve 50 and the transfer valve 70. The transfer valve 70 is controlled between the normal fuel control operating position and the manual fuel control operating position in order to regulate a flow of fuel during a manual or bypass fuel system 10 operation.

Abstract: Fiber spinning of two polymer compositions wherein one of the compositions contains carbon nanotubes produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. The polymers are removed and stabilization of the carbon nanotube material is achieved by post-spinning processes. The advances disclosed herein enable the carbon nanotube composites to be used in actuators, supercapacitors, friction materials and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing gas ports in CVD/CVI furnaces and processes is disclosed. A fluid direction nozzle (160) is positioned between a top lip (101) of a gas inlet port (100) delivering a reactant gas (G) to a furnace compartment (200) in a CVD/CVI furnace (10) and corresponding holes (151) of a CVD/CVI process apparatus such as a hearth plate (150). The fluid direction nozzle 160 reduces leakage of reactant gases (G) and ensures a smooth transition of gas flow direction between the gas inlet port (100) and the corresponding holes (151). CVD/CVI process times are significantly reduced with the use of the reusable/replaceable flow direction nozzles (160).

Abstract: The invention provides for oxidatively resistant silicon carbide coated carbon/carbon composites, a method for the preparation of these materials, and their use in high temperature applications, preferably in brakes for airplanes. The silicon carbide coated C/C composite, which is resistant to oxidation at high temperatures, is prepared by a method comprising: (a) coating a C/C composite base with a reactive carbon containing composition to form a reactive carbon coated C/C composite; followed by (b) applying a silicon containing composition to the reactive carbon coated C/C composite to form a bi-layered C/C composite; (c) heating the bi-layered C/C composite to at least the melting point of silicon to form the silicon carbide coated C/C composite; and optionally (d) applying a retardant solution to the silicon carbide coated C/C composite wherein the retardant solution comprises the ions formed from the combination of the following: 10-80 wt % H2O and 90-20 wt % H3PO4.

Abstract: A fuel flow dividing ecology valve conveys fuel from a fuel source to at least a secondary gas turbine engine intake manifold during engine operation and withdraws fuel therefrom upon cessation of engine operation. The valve includes a flow dividing valve portion having an inlet coupled to the fuel source and an outlet coupled to the secondary manifold. The valve also includes an ecology valve portion controlled by the fuel pressure differential between the fuel source and the flow restricting inlet. The ecology valve portion includes a housing with a movable piston disposed therein. The piston defines, in conjunction with the housing, a variable volume chamber for withdrawing fuel from the engine intake manifolds. When the engine is de-energized, the piston moves from a first position toward a second position thereby purging the manifolds of fuel.

Abstract: An axially asymmetrical vibration-reducing torque tube radially surrounds an axle and axially spans brake disks with intervening ones of the brake disks angularly fixed to a torque tube. The torque tube is a hollow generally annular member having an axis, a radially outwardly flared portion near one end to facilitate axially fixing end one of the disks, a flange near the other end thereof adapted to fix the torque tube to the stationary member, and a radially inwardly extending annular support flange intermediate the one and other end for augmenting the support of the tube on the stationary member. Cut-outs in support flange impart dynamic asymmetry to the torque tube and displace its elastic center off-axis of the brake discs, reducing the brake vibration amplitudes. A brake actuating mechanism is operable upon command to axially force the pressure plate toward the end plate compressing the brake disks therebetween.

Abstract: Carbon-silicon carbide brake preforms are manufactured by carbonizing a blend of carbon (e.g., polyacrylonitrile) fibers and thermosetting pitch resin, optionally along with a lubricant such as graphite, to provide an intermediate product having open porosity and subsequently filling the pores of the intermediate product with silicon by a melt infiltration process. Molded articles that consist principally of carbon, that have relatively high strength and resistance to decomposition by frictional heat, and that are suitable for melt infiltration with silicon, are produced by, e.g.

Abstract: A soft-start system and method for use in the soft-start of DC links for capacitor banks are disclosed. The soft-start system (200) includes a capacitor (230) connected to a first bus (282) of a DC link (280). A resistor (210) is connected a second bus (284) of the DC link (280). The resistor (210) and capacitor (230) are connected in series. A switching device (220) is connected in parallel with the resistor (210). A triggering circuit (240) measures a DC voltage on the DC link (280) and activates the switching device (220) to short circuit the resistor (210). The method includes charging the capacitor (230) of the DC link (280), measuring the charge on the capacitor (280) and activating the switching device (220) thereby short circuiting the resistor (210) when the charge on the capacitor reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring uniform temperature regulation of a mold cavity (90) during a mold process is disclosed. An anisotropic diffuser member(s) (100) is/are utilized for rapid providing heat transfer in preferred directions. An anisotropic diffuser member (100) is arranged within or along a mold cavity (90) to ensure that heat is transferred uniformly and rapidly along the target wall of the mold cavity (90). The anisitropic diffuser member (100) may be manufactured from a lay up of graphite fiber reinforced composites that have individual fibers (101) arranged in a uniform direction, e.g., having a characteristic grain. Since heat travels faster along the length (grain) of the individual fibers (101) of the diffuser member (100) than at angles opposed to it, an operator can manipulate heat transfer to ensure that heat is spread evenly along mold cavity (90) walls in a manner that avoids undesirable temperature gradients or hot spots.

Abstract: A modular reed switch assembly and method for making the same are provided. A switch assembly (101) includes a reed switch (206, 106) that is enclosed between a primary reed switch cover (208) and a reed switch base (104) wherein the reed switch cover and reed switch base are recessed to accommodate the reed switch. A secondary reed switch cover (102) further covers the primary reed switch cover (208) and the secondary reed switch cover (102) connects with the reed switch base (104). A protrusion (106) provides access to the electrical contacts (302) of the reed switch (206, 106) through the primary reed switch cover (208) and secondary reed switch covers (102).

Abstract: Antioxidant coating compositions containing 10-75 wt % H2O, 20-65 wt % H3PO4, 0.1-20 wt % alkali metal mono-, di-, or tri-basic phosphate, 0-2 wt % hydrated boron oxide, 0-18 wt % KH2PO4, 3-10 wt % of a transition metal oxide, and 0-20 wt % hydrated manganese phosphate, 0-25 wt % Al(H2PO4)3, and 0-10 wt % Zn3(PO4)2, provided that at least one of Al(H2PO4)3, Zn3(PO4)2, and hydrated manganese phosphate is present. Also, brake discs made from carbon composite articles having their surface treated with certain antioxidant coatings. During a manufacturing process, carbon matrix 15 of brake disc 11 is covered on its outer and inner edges with antioxidant layers 19 and portions of the working surface of brake disc 11 may also be covered with antioxidant layers 13, potentially decreasing the fitness of the brake disc for service. In accordance with this invention, brake disc 12 is manufactured from brake disc 11 by the removal from its working surface of antioxidant layers 13.

Abstract: A fuel metering device (101) and method for metering fuel to an engine (129) provides bumpless transfer to a backup mode. A common cavity (125) provides pressure relief, fuel metering and bypass of fuel flow. A metering valve (120) for scheduling fuel flow to the engine (129) and the metering valve (120) is controlled in either a primary mode or a backup mode. A pressure relief valve (123) limits the maximum pump discharge pressure of a fuel pump. A bypass valve (122) maintains a constant pressure across the metering valve (120) by redirecting non-metered fuel flow back to a pump stage inlet. An electrical clutch (131) determines whether the metering valve (120) function is accomplished by said primary mode or said backup mode. Bumpless transfer to a backup is accomplished automatically.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a preform having a desirably uniform distribution of structural forms (for example and without limitation, particles, flakes, and fibers) therethrough. The method according to the present invention includes using an electrical charge reaction between cationic and anionic agents (such as, without limitation, cationic and anionic polymers) to cause the structural forms to floc or clump together in a mass in which the structural forms are desirably uniformly distributed therethrough. The flocculent mass is then dewatered and/or dried to form a preform that is ready for further processing.

Abstract: A brake adjustment mechanism maintains a brake actuating piston (17) stroke within a preferred range compensating for brake wear by repositioning the piston along a deformable adjustment tube (33). The tube is deformed when excessive piston travel draws the tube along a tube expanding member (51). Adjustment mechanism stresses are minimized by insuring the annular regions of contact between the outer surface (59) of the expanding member (51) and the tube (33) as well as between the inner surface (57) of the expanding member (51) and an expanding member retaining groove (55) in a cantilevered pin (49) are smooth lacking both sharp corners and flat regions. The expanding member (typically a split ring) engaging the deformable tube along an annular surface (59) of the tube and also engages the annular groove along an annular surface (55) of the pin groove. Normals (63) to the deformable tube surface are more nearly orthogonal to the pin axis (43) than normals (61) to the pin groove annular surface.

Abstract: Coagulation spinning produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, and yarns of carbon nanotubes. Stabilization, orientation, and shaping of spun materials are achieved by post-spinning processes. Advantages include the elimination of core-sheath effects due to carbonaceous contaminants, increasing mechanical properties, and eliminating dimensional instabilities in liquid electrolytes that previously prohibited the application of these spun materials in electrochemical devices. These advances enable the application of coagulation-spun carbon nanotube fibers, ribbons, and yarns in actuators, supercapacitors, and in devices for electrical energy harvesting.

Abstract: A combination brake and anti-lock system for a wheeled vehicle such as an aircraft includes an operator controlled source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for selectively applying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulically actuated wheel rotation braking device which responds to the applied hydraulic pressure to apply a braking force to a wheel of the vehicle to thereby arresting wheel motion. There is a low pressure hydraulic fluid return with a normally open hold valve in circuit between the source and the braking device for selectively opening and closing a fluid flow path from the source to the braking device and a normally closed decay valve in circuit between the braking device and the return for selectively opening and closing a fluid flow path from the braking device to the return.