Abstract: A multicomponent extendible structure that includes a plurality of elongated flexible members having interlocking members on their edges for enabling the elongated members to have their edges become interlocked as the multicomponent extendible structure is extended or deployed. The interlocking members provide compressive strength to the multicomponent extendible structure when it is deployed. A series of thin cable members are associated with each of the elongated flexible members to provide tension strength to the multicomponent deployed extendible structure. The multicomponent extended structure also has provisions for resisting twisting and it can be used to deploy or extend a variety of types of loads and yet be retracted into a compact package when it is not in use.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing tip sticking during the spot welding of workpieces including ultrasonic vibratory spot welding. The welding apparatus includes a welding tip and a complimentary anvil between which the workpieces to be welded may be inserted. The welding tip is adapted to introduce into and through the workpieces sufficient amounts of energy to effect a weld between the workpieces. Shim material is inserted between the welding tip and the workpieces and/or between the anvil and the workpieces, said shim material having a hardness greater than the hardness of the workpieces. After insertion of the shim material, welding energy is then introduced through the shim material and the workpieces and welds are effected therebetween. The shim material is then torn away and discarded. Apparatus for effecting this method is further provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for use in an ultrasonic vibratory welder for pre-heating the workpieces prior to welding and, thereafter, for continuously monitoring the temperature of the anvil and of the welding tip during subsequent welding operations to insure their temperature remains within a pre-determined range during the entire welding cycle. It has been found that weld characteristics, particularly weld size, shape, configuration and strength are dependent upon the temperature of the anvil and welding tip. Thermostatically controlled resistance heating means are provided in the anvil and/or in the welding tip for pre-heating of the workpieces. Automatic control means, are also provided for alternately heating and cooling the anvil and welding tip during the welding cycle.

Abstract: Ultrasonic spot welding apparatus is provided including a welding tip and a complimentary anvil, both mounted on a stationary welding frame and between which workpieces may be inserted for welding. The welding tip includes a vibratory reed adapted to introduce into and through the workpieces high frequency vibratory energy in order to effect a weld between the workpieces. The apparatus includes a reed stabilizer for clamping about and stabilizing the vibratory reed at its nodal point and clamping means for clamping the workpieces. The clamping means are mounted on a clamping frame which is pivotably mounted to the stationary welding frame.

Abstract: Ultrasonic vibratory spot welding apparatus is provided, said apparatus being of the type including a welding tip adapted to introduce into and through at least two workpieces high frequency vibratory energy so as to effect a spot weld therebetween. A complimentary anvil is also provided and so positioned relative to said welding tip so as to define a throat therebetween between which the workpieces are adapted to be inserted for spot welding. Means are provided about either or both the welding tip and the anvil for preventing step shearing during the welding operation, said means comprising a shield positioned about the welding tip and/or the anvil. The shield preferably includes an inner and an outer layer, said inner layer being fabricated from either an organic material or a plurality of metallic materials. The outer layer, which is fixedly attached to either the welding tip and/or the anvil, is fabricated from a metallic material which has modulus lower than the modulus of steel.

Abstract: A fastener plate is provided for use in securing together structural elements. The plate includes a base plate to which is ultrasonically welded at least one fastening element which may include, for example, an externally-threaded, stud-like fastening element, or an internally-threaded fastening element. A method for fabricating said plate is further described, said method comprising the steps of locating said at least one fastening element on said base plate and then ultrasonically welding said element to said base plate using an ultrasonic welder which includes a center aperture and which is adapted to effect a weld between the annular base portion of the fastening element and the base plate. In an alternative embodiment, at least one locking ring may be used to overlay the annular base portion with the weld being effected between the ring and the base portion.

Abstract: An electric to pneumatic transducer that utilizes an electrical coil and a magnet assemble that is suspended by a plurality of springs. The magnet assembly acts upon a nozzle assembly in such a manner that movement of the magnet assembly causes a change in the release of pneumatic fluid from the nozzle assembly. The movement of the magnet assembly is accomplished by increasing or decreasing the electrical current that passes through the electrical coil with a corresponding increase in pressure or decrease in pressure exerted by the magnet assembly upon the nozzle assembly. The unique configuration of the springs also allows free up and downward vertical movement of the magnetic assembly and restricts or prevents sideward movement of the magnet assembly.

Abstract: Track fastener apparatus for use with a vehicle locking track located within a vehicle such as an aircraft or the like, that includes a bracket member having portions thereof locatable around a portion of the locking track for restraining portions of the locking track from bulging outward when the track fastener is subjected to large loads such as would occur when the vehicle is subjected to a crash. The track fastener has a body portion and the bracket member is connected to the body portion by a bolt so that the bolt can be tightened to clamp the lower portion of the bracket member against the locking track, and hence, reduce or eliminate rattle between the locking track and the track fastener. By loosening the bolt, it is also possible to readily slide the track fastener along the locking track or remove the track fastener from the locking track.

Abstract: A method of progressively ultrasonically welding together workpieces is provided wherein the spot welds effected are initiated as small points and then progressively grow to full size. The method employs an ultrasonic welding apparatus of the type having a welding tip and a complimentary anvil between which the workpieces to be welded may be inserted. The workpieces are first clamped together and the workpieces "presqueezed" to disperse any adhesives which may be used between the workpieces. Initial pressure and energy levels are then introduced to "scrub" the workpieces. Pressure and energy are then synchronously ramped in phase to maximum levels to effect a weld between the workpieces. The welding operation is controlled by control means which permit automatic synchronization of the operation.

Abstract: A variable output nozzle for permitting the output of air or gas from the nozzle to be varied. The variable output nozzle includes a nozzle housing having a bore located therein, a spherical ball located within the bore for reciprocal movement within the bore and an aperture in the nozzle housing for supplying pressurized air or gas to the bore in the nozzle housing. A plurality of slots are also located in the nozzle housing and extend into the upper portion of the bore and the bottoms of at least some of these slots are located at different depths so that the volume of pressurized air or gas exiting the nozzle will vary as the spherical ball passes the bottoms of the slots. The variable output nozzle is particularly useful as a pneumatic pressure transducer nozzle.

Abstract: An aircraft having a plurality of fuselage members, one of which is provided with a replaceable and interchangeable payload carrying section. The replaceable section may be adapted to contain various equipment, ordinance and the like to satisfy different aircraft mission requirements. The replaceable and interchangeable sections are adapted to become an integral part of the fuselage section to which it is attached and permits the payload to be located in proximity to the aircraft's center of gravity such that variations in the equipment that constitutes the payload or discharge of all or part of the payload from the replaceable fuselage section will not substantially alter the aircraft's center of gravity.

Abstract: Handle and fastening apparatus which includes a housing and a handle. The handle has an outer end portion and an inner end portion, and the inner end portion of the handle is rotatably connected to the housing to permit the handle to be pivoted from a stowed position to an operative extended position. The outer end portion of the handle has an L-shaped configuration, and a fastener is connected to one of the legs of the L-shaped outer end portion. Both the handle and the fastener are suitably sized and shaped so that they do not protrude above the plane of the front surface of the housing when the handle is located in the stowed position. The handle and fastening apparatus is particularly suited for securing electronic equipment to racks and the like.

Abstract: An energy attenuating seat and a leg therefor for use in a vehicle. The leg for the seat is configured to allow it to be initially elastically deformed when subjected to a predetermined load. This elastic deformation is achieved by constructing the leg with two spaced apart flange portions. Spacers are located on one of the flange portions which are adapted to contact the other flange portion after a certain amount of elastic deformation has taken place. When the spacers are in contact the leg is capable of withstanding an increased load. However, further loading eventually results in the plastic deformation of the leg. Since the deformable legs are located on the forward portion of the seat, the seat pivots forwardly and downwardly when subjected to excessive loads which lowers the center of gravity of the seat.