Abstract: A technique for stabilization and calibration of precision analog circuit components such as amplifiers. A sample and hold circuit is placed in the feedback loop of the component. The input of the component is periodically coupled to reference voltage while the sample and hold circuit is set to a sample mode. Any offset voltage at the output of the component is then fed, through the sample and hold circuit, back to a summing node formed at the input, and thus automatically canceled. This sequence is periodically repeated at convenient times, to keep the sample and hold circuit properly charged, and to compensate for changes in operating conditions over time.The transfer function of the component can be determined by a circuit which periodically measures its response to a series of known input voltages. The exact value of the voltage input to the component is known, since any offset is automatically canceled by the operation of the sample and hold circuit.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for the attachment of a yoke to a laminated material composed of a medial matrix laminated between first and second skins. Two elongated parallel brackets are attached to the laminated material, the brackets each having a first segment fastened to the first skin, a second segment fastened to a first region of the second skin, and a third segment fastened to a second region of the second skin. The first and second regions are separated by a cavity in the second skin. The yoke is positioned in the cavity and fastened to the two brackets to provide a thrust point approximately coplanar with the second skin. The invention can be used to attach an actuator rod at the thrust point when the laminated material is that used in a cowling associated with a thrust reverser in a gas turbine aircraft engine.

Abstract: A bypass duct outer cowl includes a fixed cascade disposed between axially spaced fixed cowl portions and a translatable cowl sleeve and blocker doors movably disposed on the respective radially outer and inner sides of the cascade. Actuation and linkage structure located entirely within the outer cowl provides for selectively moving the cowl sleeve rearwardly and rotating the blocker doors to a position across the bypass duct to cause the fan airflow to pass through the cascade in a thrust-reversing manner.

Abstract: A variable area exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine comprising a plurality of arcuate flaps pivotally connected to the trailing edge of a cylindrical casing which houses the engine is provided with seals disposed within the flaps along the side edges thereof. The seals are spring biased and extensible beyond the side edges of the flaps. The seals of adjacent flaps are maintained in sealing engagement with each other when the flaps are adjusted between positions defining minimum nozzle flow area and the cruise position. Extensible, spring biased seals are also disposed within the flaps adjacent to a supporting pylon to thereby engage the pylon in a sealing arrangement. The flaps are hinged to the casing at the central portion of the flaps' leading edges and are connected to actuators at opposed outer portions of the leading edges to thereby maximize the mechanical advantage in the actuation of the flaps.