Abstract: The invention is a dual-range drive system for synchronous and induction generators which may provide primary power for aircraft systems. In a first embodiment, utilization of a toroidal drive (10) in combination with a planetary drive (37) enables variable speed mechanical output from an engine (24) to be converted to a dual range mechanical input to a permanent magnet generator (26) such that the generator (26) operates at constant frequency over a preselected engine speed range and at a frequency proportional to speed over speed ranges below said preselected range. Drive logic (42), roller actuator (46) and steering control mechanism (48) form parts of a control system for steering or tilting the drive rollers (12) of the toroidal drive (10).

Abstract: The invention is a slot-type accessory mounting 10 and process for quick attach-detach mounting an accessory 4 to an engine gearbox 2. The accessory mounting 10 includes a flange 1 which is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially protruding studs 7 attached to the gearbox 2 by screws 12. Slotted collar 3 is rotatably secured to accessory 4 by retaining ring 5 which is attached to the accessory 4 by stud nuts 21. The narrow end of slots 6 in collar 3 engage the studs 7 and the entire assembly is held together by nuts 9. Retaining ring 5 is provided with an alignment pin 22 which fits into bore 23 of flange 1 assuring proper alignment of the accessory 4 and gearbox 2.

Abstract: A quick attach/detach instrument panel and method in which the panel may be both mechanically and electrically connected to the support frame by zero insertion force connectors and in which the individual instruments on the panel may be easily removed from the front of the panel and electrically and mechanically connected thereto by zero insertion force connectors.

Abstract: The device is a cargo restraint mechanism for restraining cargo pallets. The mechanism includes two links rotatably attached to a frame member, and a latch member pivotably attached to the links. One link is provided with a lever and the latch includes a cargo restraint lip. The mechanism is erected by pressing the lever thereby raising the restraint lip above the plane of the top surface of the frame and into a cargo pallet engaging position. A downward force delivered to the top surface of the restraint lip retracts the restraint mechanism beneath the plane of the top surface of the frame. A helper leaf spring follows a cam surface on the other link causing a snap-type action in the mechanism. The frame may include an additional mechanism such as a separately actuatable and retractable seat pallet guide.

Abstract: Surface structures attached to a support member for reducing coupling between two antennas carried by the support member or for reducing the side lobes of a horn antenna, the structures consisting of thin metallic portions or strips partially covering dielectric material in layer form and the complete supporting structure being secured to the support member in order to present to an electromagnetic wave passing over the surface of the surface structure a surface impedance which is capacitive in nature in order to repel the electromagnetic wave away from the surface.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for joining narrow width thin gage metal or alloy strip end to end to form an elongated coil. The trailing end of a first strip segment and the leading end of a second strip segment are cut so as to match when placed in a butting relationship and to establish a joint between the strips. A preselected gap is established between the butting ends and a braze material is inserted in the gap. After heating to braze the strip segments together, the brazed joint is hammered to reduce the joint geometry to that of the parent metal strip segments.

Abstract: An electromagnetic casting process and apparatus utilizing an active transformer-driven copper shield. The shield is actively driven with a voltage out of phase with the voltage in the containment inductor with the result that a bucking current is produced in the shield which is out of phase with the current induced in the shield by the inductor. An active transformer-driven duplex variable impedance shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple passage metal heat exchanger is disclosed which contains a metal barrier between sets of passageways. The barrier is cathodic to the metal of the heat exchanger and prevents intermixing of different heat transfer fluids due to corrosion.

Abstract: A bottom block for use in electromagnetic casting of metals wherein the block is constructed of a material having a closely matched electrical resistivity to that of the metal to be cast. The block may be provided with a deeply hollowed out central section so that during startup the end of the down spout supplying molten metal may be positioned a substantial distance below the plane of the top surface of the bottom block.

Abstract: A duplex impedance shield is disclosed which is used to effect improved shape control in the electromagnetic casting of molten metal or alloy. The shield is provided with a primary loop which substantially surrounds the upper portion of an electromagnetic casting station and a secondary loop attached thereto which serves to enlarge the air gap enclosed by the shield thereby increasing the impedance of the shield. The secondary loop of the shield may be provided with shunt means which can be manipulated to vary the inductance and/or the resistance of the shield thereby varying the impedance of the shield.

Abstract: A multiple passage metal heat exchanger is disclosed which contains a metal barrier between sets of passageways. The barrier is cathodic to the metal of the heat exchanger and prevents intermixing of different heat transfer fluids due to corrosion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for electromagnetic casting of metal and alloy ingots of desired shape having portions of small radius of curvature. An open-ended container or hot-top having spaced internal baffles is placed before the electromagnetic induction station of the casting apparatus to provide desired metal flow patterns. Also disclosed is a downspout having nozzle portions which provide preferred directionality to supplied molten metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for the preparation and delivery of semi-solid thixotropic metal slurries for use in metal forming processes such as the rheocast and thixocast processes. The method includes inducing turbulent motion within the metal during solidification by electromagnetic or electrodynamic techniques under controlled temperature conditions so as to produce a highly fluid semi-solid slurry with a degenerate dendritic structure comprising solid spheroids dispersed in liquid. In the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, flow of the thixotropic metal slurry from the vibrating chamber is controlled by electromagnetic techniques and may be continuous or semi-continuous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically centering running lengths of strip material of different widths. The strip material is passed between an elongated air source and an elongated pressure pickup device. Depending on whether and in which way the strip moves laterally off center a conductive diaphragm located within a sensing device is deflected by a differential air pressure causing electric and hydraulic control circuits to adjust a steering roll thereby continuously and automatically centering the strip material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electromagnetic casting of metals and alloys is disclosed wherein anti-parallel inductors are utilized between the main inductor and the ingot being cast to provide for shape control of the ingot.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metals wherein the molten metal is contained and formed into a desired shape by the application of an electromagnetic field. A control system is utilized to minimize variations in the gap between the molten metal and an inductor which applies the magnetic field. The gap or an electrical parameter related thereto is sensed and used to control the current to the inductor.

Abstract: A heat exchanger panel having a desired system of tubular passageways having a heat exchange medium wherein said panel includes opposed headers including island-like bonded portions and said passageways have entry and exit portions extending from said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for said heat exchange medium. The headers include as part of the island-like bonded portions alphanumeric bonded portions to assist in properly installing the panel within a complete solar collector assembly.

Abstract: An alloy system which exhibits improved resistance to stress relaxation at elevated temperatures utilizes additions of silicon or tin or mixtures of silicon and tin to a copper-zinc base to attain the stress relaxation performance. The composition and processing of this alloy system maintains at least 90% by weight alpha-phase within the alloy.

Abstract: A high conductivity high temperature copper alloy containing mischmetal, phosphorus and magnesium with specific ratios among them. The alloy is free from internal copper oxides and may be annealed at elevated temperatures in hydrogen atmospheres without embrittlement. Strengths on the order of 80 KSI and conductivities on the order of 90% IACS are obtainable in cold worked material.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a desired system of tubular passageways for a heat exchange medium defining opposed headers connected by connecting portions of said passageways extending therebetween, said passageways having entry and exit portions extending from said headers to provide ingress and egress openings for said heat exchange medium, wherein said tubular passageways comprise a plurality of island-like distentions connected by a plurality of tubular channels passing therebetween, said tubular channels positioned with their longitudinal axes at an angle to both the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of said panel, said distentions and tubular channels serving to enhance resistance to bending under mechanical stress and reduce the incidence of failure at fluid temperature near or at their freezing point.