Abstract: A multicomponent extendible structure which includes three elongated sheets of material which each have two long edge portions and connecting means located on the long edge portions for connecting adjacently located long edge portions together when the adjacently located edge portions are in a substantially nonbent condition and for permitting the long edge portions to be separated when the long edge portions are in a bent condition. The connecting means includes a series of alternating projections and slots located on each long edge portion and the projections on the long edge portion of one elongated sheet of material are adapted to be received by the slots on an adjacently located edge portion of another elongated sheet of material. The long edge portions are readily separable to permit the elongated sheets of material to be separated and stored when the multicomponent extendible structure is in its stored or non-extended condition.

Abstract: A gate valve having an expandable valve closure apparatus which is capable of expanding to seal two oppositely located parts in its valve housing. The expandable valve closure apparatus if pivotally mounted for movement on the end of a swing arm member to permit the expandable valve closure apparatus to be moved from its operative position in the vicinity of the ports in the valve housing to its inoperative or stowed position within the valve housing. Expansion of the expandable valve closure apparatus is accomplished by compressed air that is fed into a bellows that forms part of the expandable valve closure apparatus. Contraction of the expandable valve closure apparatus is accomplished by permitting the compressed air to be released from within the bellows and by springs which form part of the expandable valve closure apparatus. Air pressure is also utilized to move the expandable valve closure apparatus from its operative to its inoperative position and from its inoperative to the operative position.

Abstract: A self-erecting floatable structure which includes a collapsible extendible element and a hollow substantially cylindrical shaped core member about which the collapsible extendible element can be wound and an inflatable torus that is connected to the collapsible extendible element. The hollow cylindrical shaped core member is configured so as to readily receive the collapsed torus and two gas generating members are connected to the torus which generates gas to inflate the torus when they come into contact with water. Provisions are made for maintaining the torus and the collapsible extendible element in a compact configuration with the cylindrical shaped core member until the self-erecting floatable structure comes into contact with water. Upon contact with water the self-erecting floatable structure erects itself in the water so that the inflated torus and the core member which acts as a weight maintain the upper portion of the extendible element in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated launching system for aircraft or other articles having a piston assembly with an exterior portion that engages the aircraft or article to be launched and an interior portion disposed within and adapted to move within a plurality of connected cylinders to provide a long working stroke and controlled acceleration of the piston and article to be launched. The cylinders are hinged to one another so that the launching system is collapsible to form a compact unit and facilitate portability and ready accommodation on a launch vehicle of limited size. The cylinders are provided with a longitudinal slot to permit passage of a web between the exterior and interior portions of the piston assembly. The slot is adapted to be sealed by a tensioned flexible closure ribbon that is operatively connected to the piston assembly and is restrained at both ends so that it does not travel.

Abstract: Track fastener apparatus for use in anchoring seats or cargo with a locking track that has a slot with spaced cut-out portions extending through the upper surface of the locking track from one side to the opposite side. The track fastener apparatus includes a housing and two track studs that are secured to the underside of the housing whose end portions are adapted to be received by the spaced cut-out portions. The track studs each have a shank portion that is adapted to slide within the slot in the locking track.

Abstract: A lightweight, economically constructed support structure for vehicle seats having a minimum number of components having a substantial commonality and a number of interchangeable components. The seat support structure includes a pair of spaced horizontal tubular members which extend beneath individual seating stations. These tubular members are maintained in a predetermined spaced relationship by a multiplicity of spacing members each located adjacent to the individual seating stations and adapted to support the pivotable armrest situated between each seating station. The horizontal tubular members and associated structure support a diaphragm of fabric or the like at each seat location which is stretched between and fastened to the forward tubular member and a plate member supported and located in proximity to the rear tubular member. These diaphragms are adapted to support the individual seat cushions at each seat location.

Abstract: A multi-component seat armrest that is particularly suitable for use in connection with vehicle seats. The seat armrest includes two basic interconnectible shell members. These interconnected members have portions that are sized and shaped to fit into portions of a third member called an insert member. The insert member has an aperture extending through it and an armrest panel is provided that is adapted to fit into this aperture. The armrest panel is removable for cleaning or it can be removed and interchanged with a different type or color panel. The armrest is particularly adapted for use in connection with aircraft seats where it would serve as the armrest for the end of the seat located near the aisle of the aircraft.

Abstract: Valve apparatus including a generally cylindrical valve body member and at least one pilot valve located at the end of the valve body member. A supply valve is located within the valve body member and the supply valve and the pilot valve permit the non-throttling interruption of fluid flow as well as permitting the fluid flow pressure to maintain the supply valve in a position or locked position. The non-throttling and locked operational features are made possible by the relationships of various areas upon which pressures are exerted and the supply pressure. Various embodiments of the invention are presented and these embodiments have convertible components which permit them to be converted into various types of operational configurations.