Abstract: A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a core platform sub-assembly having an underlying structural support grid. A plurality of platform extension panels are disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of a perimeter of the core platform sub-assembly. Support extensions are configured on the support grid at a plurality of circumferential positions around the core platform sub-assembly, with the platform extension panels supported by the support extension. The support extensions are mountable to a wall within a wind turbine tower and are variably positional on the support grid so at to vary the effective diameter of the support grid.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a core platform sub-assembly having an underlying structural support grid. A plurality of platform extension panels are disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of a perimeter of the core platform sub-assembly. Support extensions are configured on the support grid at a plurality of circumferential positions around the core platform sub-assembly, with the platform extension panels supported by the support extension. The support extensions are mountable to a wall within a wind turbine tower and are variably positional on the support grid so at to vary the effective diameter of the support grid.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a plurality of individual, multi-sided plate members, with each plate member connected to at least one other plate member along a common side. At least certain of the plate members have an outboard side that defines a circumferential section of the platform assembly. The connected common sides of the plate members define a structural support grid that connects to a wall within a wind turbine tower at a plurality of circumferential positions for supporting the platform assembly relative to the tower.

Abstract: A torpedo tail mounted dispenser (TMD) for deploying an elongated, flexible article generally along a deployment axis, which includes a receptacle for storing the article in a multiple-turn, multiple-layer configuration about the deployment axis in a storage volume. There is also a torpedo connector mechanism having a terminal forward face and a lateral peripheral surface extending away from the receptacle along the deployment axis. An elastomeric cushioning feature is mounted on the lateral peripheral surface of the connector mechanism. An annular elastomeric bumper is mounted on a forward peripheral face of the cushioning feature, the annular opening of the bumper surrounding the connector mechanism to allow connection of the TMD to a torpedo. The bumper provides protection to the TMD and torpedo under certain shock and vibration levels.

Abstract: A retractable strake is disclosed that includes an assembly of flexible finger elements or flexible faces. The assembly, when coupled to a structure, deflect at wind speeds greater than approximately twenty mph or wind pressures greater than approximately one psf. Accordingly, the strakes' retractable or flexing feature does not contribute to the wind load when the wind load is overly severe, while providing vortex shedding benefits within a wind speed profile range.

Abstract: A torpedo mounted dispenser (TMD) for deploying an elongated, flexible article generally along a deployment axis, which includes a receptacle for storing the article in a multiple-turn, multiple-layer configuration about the deployment axis in a storage volume. There is also a torpedo connector mechanism having a terminal forward face and a lateral peripheral surface extending away from the receptacle along the deployment axis. An elastomeric cushioning feature is mounted on the lateral peripheral surface of the connector mechanism. An annular elastomeric bumper is mounted on a forward peripheral face of the cushioning feature, the annular opening of the bumper surrounding the connector mechanism to allow connection of the TMD to a torpedo. The bumper provides protection to the TMD and torpedo under certain shock and vibration levels.

Abstract: A calibrated stop bolt is provided for measuring the dynamic load transmitted to the calibrated stop bolt during a shock test. The stop bolt includes an anterior extension and a posterior extension, for restraining a torpedo bearing plate therebetween, and also includes a plurality of strain gauges mounted at the top portion of each extension. In one embodiment, eight strain gauges are utilized, with two strain gauges placed on each side of the two extensions, i.e., in a full bridge arrangement. The calibrated stop bolt is preferably mounted to a base plate and bolted at each end to a longitudinal test fixture. The calibrated stop bolt can be utilized with a conventional longitudinal shock test fixture, torpedo shape and heavy weight shock machine.

Abstract: A platform for servicing of vertically positioned missiles in a ballistic ssile submarine. The platform includes a vertically inclined rail and a horizontal frame. In the frame there is a first element having a first and a second end superimposed over the inclined rail. This first element is movably mounted directly on the rail at the first end and movably mounted in vertically spaced relation above said inclined rail at said second end. At least one second element is spaced laterally from the first element to enclose a missile tube access opening. A vertical support means is also positioned in opposed relation to the inclined rail. The vertical support means is adjustable to the curved hull surface of the submarine to maintain the frame horizontal. The platform is constructed from a lightweight material such as aluminum, and it can be carried and assembled by two men for the efficient servicing of VLS equipped submarines and other similar vessels.

Abstract: A system for shock hardening the nose fairing bearing plate assembly of a rpedo by controlling the deformation of the bearing plate under shock loads. A stop bolt within a torpedo tube engages the bearing plate to prevent relative movement between the torpedo tube and the torpedo and to transfer loads between the torpedo housing and the torpedo tube. The system includes providing a tang on the bearing plate to increase bending resistance of the plate and provide a bearing surface which more directly transfers loads from the stop bolt through the bearing plate and into the housing. Additionally, a relief slot is machined into the bearing plate to ensure the bearing plate deforms towards the torpedo and does not interfere with retraction of the torpedo from the tube. Finally, a nose fairing restraint prevents the nose fairing from rotating above the plane of the bearing plate when the deformation of the plate prevents the bearing plate from engaging the nose fairing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a titanium or titum alloy surface and a primer for use in the method. The method broadly comprises the steps of grit blasting portions of the surface to which an adhesive will be applied and thereafter applying an acid wash primer to the surface portions. The acid wash primer preferably consists essentially of 70% by weight isopropyl alcohol, 5% by weight ethyl alcohol, 15% by weight n-butyl alcohol, 5% by weight zinc chromate and 5% by weight phosphoric acid.