Abstract: A three-dimensional, woven metal fiber preform and metal braze matrix forms a high temperature metallic structural joint. The preform is used with a braze alloy matrix to join a structural skin to a flangeless frame. This same basic joint can be used to create large complex structures with very little tooling. The three-dimensional woven metal preform is a flexible element that conforms to match the skin and flangeless frame, thereby avoiding high costs associated with precision fixturing. A high temperature braze metal is used as a matrix for the wire and to join the woven preform to the skin and the frame. The edges of the preform are tapered to a feather edge to avoid stress concentrations and stiffness mismatch.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, woven metal fiber preform and metal braze matrix forms a high temperature metallic structural joint. The preform is used with a braze alloy matrix to join a structural skin to a flangeless frame. This same basic joint can be used to create large complex structures with very little tooling. The three-dimensional woven metal preform is a flexible element that conforms to match the skin and flangeless frame, thereby avoiding high costs associated with precision fixturing. A high temperature braze metal is used as a matrix for the wire and to join the woven preform to the skin and the frame. The edges of the preform are tapered to a feather edge to avoid stress concentrations and stiffness mismatch.

Abstract: A multi-terrain vehicle for travelling on or above the ground or the like. The multi-terrain vehicle has a rigid body portion and a series of rigid ribs are rotatably connected on each side of the body portion that are capable of being rotated to their fully deployed positions. A sailcloth made from a material known by the trademark Dacron is located between each of the ribs so that the ribs and the sailcloth provide a collapsible air duct. When these air ducts are extended and provided with a source of air, this air can cause the multi-terrain vehicle to float or be located above the ground or the like. The rigid ribs also have spring members or the like that permit them to be self-adjusting to automatically maintain proper ground clearance. When the ducts are deployed the multi-terrain vehicle can be moved horizontally over the ground by controlling the amount of air flow through the various ducts.