Abstract: An optical rate sensor (300) is disclosed for use in inertial reference systems to measure rates of angular rotation with substantially high resolution and sensitivity. The sensor (300) comprises a passive ring Sagnac interferometer (302) with a multiturn fiber optic ring (308) through which counter-propogating optical waves are transmitted. A non-reciprocal phase modulation is applied to the waves, and the waves are combined to produce a "zero order" fringe pattern having an intensity varying in accordance with the relative phase between the counter-propogating waves. The phase modulation is under control of modulated control signals which are functionally related to measured values of the angular rotation rate. The phase modulation thereby produces an intensity signal which tends to alternate between values of substantially maximum change with respect to given changes in phase shift resulting from the non-reciprocal phase modulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed, in which a shear and die set is adapted to be used in a numerically-controlled turret punch press for separating adjacent portions of a workpiece along predetermined parting lines, the shear and die set having a lower shearing or cutting edge on a vertical side of the shear portion of said set which is reciprocated vertically in shearing proximity to an upper cutting or shearing edge of a vertical wall of the die portion of said set, so that only a partial shear is effected for any reciprocation, and advancing the workpiece during the reciprocation so that a stepwise cut is effected along the entire length of said predetermined parting line and separation of the workpiece along said predetermined parting line is obtained.

Abstract: A rectangular spring assembly (10,10') of the continuous coil type is disclosed as including continuous coil edge reinforcers (20) at a first set of opposite margins (12) between which continuous coils (16) extend. Additional edge reinforcers (24,24') are also preferably provided at a second set of opposite margins (14) of the assembly. In one embodiment, the spring assembly (10) has its edge reinforcers (20,24) oriented with straight connectors (30) thereof located adjaent associated border wires (34) and preferably has the edge reinforcers all made unitary with each other. In another embodiment, the spring assembly (10') has the straight connector portions (30) of its edge reinforcers (24') spaced inwardly from the border wires (34) with the edge reinforcers (20) made separate from the edge reinforcers (24').

Abstract: A control system for a lift axle suspension wherein two or more axle suspensions are mounted on a vehicle frame and a liftable axle is automatically raised or lowered depending on the load on another of the axle or axles. An override to the automatic lift system is provided when the vehicle is fully loaded to lift a liftable axle selectively for a limited, relatively short period of time to assist in maneuvering the vehicle. The control system detects the load on one axle and automatically raises the second axle to the raised position when the load on the first axle is below a first predetermined value and automatically lowers the second axle to the lower position when the lower load on the first axle is above a predetermined value which is greater than the first predetermined value. A delay is provided in the operation of the control system to lower the second axle upon the detection of the load on the first axle to compensate for road bumps.

Abstract: A muzzle velocity chronograph method and apparatus for providing an accurate and precise measurement of the muzzle velocity of a projectile ejected from a gun.A conventional radar Doppler signal is sampled and digitized and arranged in a succession of groups, each group representing a separate time period. A fast-Fourier transform is then computed for each group of samples, and peak frequency measurements in the transformed data are tracked from one time period to the next. These peaks indicate the velocities of the projectile of interest and any other nearby moving objects. Finally, a least mean square error curve fit and standard regression algorithm are used to deduce the projectile's initial, muzzle velocity. The invention provides accurate muzzle velocity determinations even in circumstances where the Doppler signal contains substantial interference caused, for example, by random noise and the presence of moving fragments in the direction of the projectile.

Abstract: Pump system includes a centrifugal pump having an inlet reservoir connected to the upstream end thereof for initially receiving the vapor/liquid mixture entering the system to allow air or vapor to separate from the liquid. Below the liquid level in the reservoir is a mixing tube which provides the only liquid flow path to the centrifugal pump. Also within the reservoir below the liquid level is a main ejector pump which injects liquid into the mixing tube. The injected liquid induces liquid flow from the reservoir into the mixing tube for flow to the centrifugal pump. Also, one or more vapor scavenge ejectors may be provided within the reservoir to induce air or vapor from selected collection areas within the reservoir and propel the air or vapor into the mixing tube intermediate its length where the air or vapor is thoroughly mixed with the liquid contained therein at an intermediate pressure higher than the reservoir pressure before entering the centrifugal pump.

Abstract: An adjustable ironing table (10) includes a top board (12) and collapsible legs (22,24). A housing (46) has a vertical wall (48) extending perpendicularly relative to the top board (12) and a horizontal wall (50). The vertical wall (48) includes an opening (52) for guiding a control element (36) through the housing (46). The horizontal wall (50) includes a slot (54). A plate (44) extends through the slot (54). A compression spring (42) is retained by the control element (36) between the vertical wall (48) and the plate (44), the spring (42) pivoting the plate (44) relative to the slot (54) to engage the control element (36). The top board (12) includes a peripheral flange (20) having an outwardly curled periphery (78). The top board (12) further includes flat stretched portions (16) extending along the length of the top board (12). One of the legs (22) is connected by a base member (92) to guide rails (74), the base member (92) having four point containment of the guide rails (74).

Abstract: A spike harrow tooth is fabricated by cold forming a metal blank which is provided from appropriate bar stock, the blank having a length for a single harrow tooth. The blank is placed in a first press, oriented with opposite edges of the square configuration aligned in the direction of press closing and opening. The first press is equipped with dies for displacing the metal at one end of the blank, by flattening the opposite edges to thereby displace the metal crosswise and form an enlarged head. Simultaneously, metal is displaced by dies in the first press from opposite side edges of the blank at the other end of the blank for partially forming a point with outwardly bulging excess portions. The partially formed blank then is placed in a second press equipped with dies for removing the outwardly bulging excess portions into waste chips.

Abstract: A telephone communication system for transmitting and receiving both voice signals and digital data signals, with no significant distortion to the voice signals and with substantially higher digital data rates than previously could be obtained in comparable systems. The voice signals are digitized, data compressed, and time-division multiplexed with the digital data signals, to produce a composite digital signal that can be transmitted over conventional telephone lines. The system can be selectively configured in a conventional telephone operating mode, in which the system transmits and receives merely the analog voice signals and all of its various digital circuitry elements are bypassed. The system is automatically configured in this conventional telephone operating mode whenever a significant failure in any of its individual units is detected.

Abstract: An air control system for an air suspension which supports a vehicle body on an axle having ground engageing wheels. A control valve mounted adjacent a door of the vehicle is operated by opening the door to dump air from the air springs and to deactivate a height control valve for the air springs. Upon closing the door, the control valve disables the dumping system and re-enables the height control valve for automatic reinflation of the air springs.

Abstract: Pump assembly includes a rotatable handle with integral cams thereon to releasably retain the pump assembly within a receiver. During assembly, the pump assembly is initially inserted only part way into the receiver to a first intermediate non-operating position and then rotated a part turn to cause the cams on the handle to be engaged inside receiver lugs on the receiver housing which retain the pump assembly in a second intermediate non-operating position for pump drainage. While in such second intermediate non-operating position, the handle may be rotated between closed and open positions to respectively push the pump assembly further into the receiver to an operating position and pull the pump assembly back out to the second intermediate non-operating position. Seal means between the pump assembly and receiver are respectively engaged and disengaged during camming movement of the pump assembly between such operating and non-operating positions.

Abstract: An axle lift mechanism for use in a vehicle having a suspension system which is mounted to the vehicle for movement between a load-bearing and nonload-bearing relationship. The lift mechanism has a toggle linkage pivotably coupled to the frame and to the suspension system for movement of the axle between load-bearing and nonload-bearing positions. The toggle linkage is biased to the nonload-bearing position through a compression coil spring which is mounted in a housing and is received within a spring cup within the housing. A wear plate, preferably made of a lubricating plastic material, is mounted on the spring cup between the wear plate and the housing to avoid wear between the housing wall and spring cup. The coil spring is tapered between one end which bears against an end of the housing and the spring cup end so that the coil spring does not rub against the housing wall during oscillation of the spring.

Abstract: A height control valve with a spring return actuator for use in an air spring suspension has a damping chamber, an air control chamber and an actuator controlled spring return housing with mutually perpendicular lateral and axial bores. An actuator shaft extends into the damping chamber, the air control chamber and the lateral bore of the spring return housing. The spring return housing is rotatably mounted to the actuator shaft. A spring cup is reciprocably guided in the axial bore and is biased in contact with a flattened portion of the actuator shaft. The spring cup has two axially spaced cylindrical exterior surfaces of essentially zero draft angle and of slightly different diameter. The axial bore cylindrical surfaces are in registry with the spring cup cylindrical surface. The registering cylindrical surfaces of the spring cup and axial bore have dimensions of close correspondence to ensure a snug fit of the spring cup within the axial bore.

Abstract: A surge suppressor for dampening undesired pressure surges in a fluid handling system and using a tubular, elastomeric diaphragm disposed in a hollow chamber of a housing to separate the chamber into two isolated zones, one being exposed to the fluid exhibiting undesired pressure surges and the other being pressurized with a compressible fluid. This arrangement obviates problems caused by wrinkling or folding of the generally planar diaphragm used in prior art pulsation dampeners.

Abstract: A load control (24) for a vehicle (10) having a frame (14), a load-bearing body (12) mounted on the frame (14) and rear wheel-bearing axles. The rear wheel-bearing axles support the frame (14) through suspension systems. The load control (24) selectively renders one of the rear axles non-load-bearing or load-bearing and includes a sensor for sensing a load between the load-bearing body (12) and frame (14) and an actuator for rendering one of the rear axles load-bearing when the load sensed by the sensor is above a predetermined level and for rendering the rear axle non-load-bearing when the load sensed by the sensor is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A glider support assembly (10, 10') for a chair (12) or other similar article of furniture includes a lower floor base (14, 14'), an upper frame (18) for attaching the chair, suspension links (20) that support the chair frame (18) on the base (14, 14') for forward and rearward gliding movement, and stops (26, 28) preferably on the suspension links and supports (34) of the base in order to position the chair in a reclined position without any latch mechanism. Detachable connections (22, 24) of the suspension links (20) permit the support assembly to be stored, shipped, and sold disassembled in a knockdown fashion. Stops (30, 32) are also provided to limit excessive forward movement of the chair on the support assembly. In one embodiment of the support assembly (10), the supports (34) are constructed as bent metal brackets that project upwardly.

Abstract: A two-axis, monolithic, flexure hinge suspension system for an accelerometer or gyroscope has first, second and third cylindrical portions which are slightly axially spaced from each other along a common axis and are connected by pairs of flexible hinges therebetween. Each pair of flexible hinges is mutually perpendicular to another pair of flexible hinges and is also perpendicular to the common axis. Each flexural hinge comprises a pair of flexure leaves extending between adjacent cylindrical portions and joined together at the crossing portions thereof. One of the leaves in the flexure extends downwardly from an arcuate wall of one of the cylindrical portions to an arcuate wall of another cylindrical portion at about a 55.degree. angle to a vertically oriented common axis. The other leaf in the flexure extends upwardly from an arcuate wall portion in the one cylindrical portion to an arcuate wall in the other cylindrical portion at about a 55.degree. angle to the vertically oriented common axis.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for mounting ground-engaging wheels to a vehicle frame where two arms are secured to opposite sides of the frame and a wheel-carrying axle is suspended between the arms. The axle is secured to the arms by a wrapper plate partially surrounding the axle, and a bolt is utilized to compress the wrapper plate about the axle so that the wrapper plate supports and strengthens the axle. A plug weld is provided between the axle and the wrapper plate. The wrapper generally conforms to the profile of that portion of the axle which it surrounds. The axle can be square, round or D-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A vacuum (15) as applied to a porous contoured mold (18) for drawing an impervious adhesive film (16) against a cloth fabric layer (14) to conform the cloth fabric layer (14) to the contours of the mold surface. A matching cellular foam cushion pad (12) is placed in mating engagement with the adhesive film (16) as it is held to the contour of the mold surface by the vacuum. The foam pad (12) is compressed against the mold (18) by a perforated platen (36) and held in place as the vacuum is discontinued. Steam is then supplied through the porous mold (12) to heat and diffuse the adhesive film (16) into the adjacent fabric layer (14) and cellular foam pad (12) for adhesively securing the two together. A partial vacuum is then applied for removing moisture by drawing air through the perforations (44) of the platen (36), the foam pad (12), fabric layer (14) and porous mold (18). This ambient air also cools and cures the diffused adhesive between the fabric (14) and the foam (12).