Abstract: A resilient spring clip for attaching a semiconductor to a heat sink comprising a first surface having a first edge with a first leg projecting from a central portion of the first edge, and a second edge, parallel to the first edge and spaced apart therefrom with second and third legs projecting from the second edge, the legs being offset from each other and having heels on their ends opposite the first surface so that by flexing the legs inwardly, the heels can fit completely through slots on a heat sink, the clip being held in place when the legs unflex so that the heels engage the heat sink and cannot pass through the slots.

Abstract: A polyphase AC motor drive system comprises an electric power inverter and control means which enables operation in, and allows smooth transition between, a current controlled PWM mode and a quasi-square wave mode of operation. At low motor speeds, the system operates in PWM mode. At higher speeds, above the corner point speed of the motor, the system operates in a quasi-square wave mode. Smooth transitions between modes of operation are controlled by a microcomputer which counts the number of current chops made by a switching device in a preselected phase leg of the inverter over a time interval that varies with the desired fundamental period of the motor current. As speed increases and approaches the corner point, the number of chops decreases below a first predetermined number, and the system transitions from PWM to quasi-square wave mode. As speed decreases, the number of chops increases above a second predetermined number (larger than the first), and the system transitions back to PWM mode.

Abstract: A system for cranking/starting a combustion engine and for generating electrical power during engine operation uses an inverter-driven, high efficiency permanent magnet synchronous machine as a cranking/starting motor during a start mode and as an alternator during a run mode. A modified planetary gear assembly provides sufficient torque multiplication during the start mode to enable the synchronous machine to start the engine. One-way clutches allow the planetary gear assembly to provide the torque multiplication in the start mode and 1:1 coupling between the engine crankshaft and the shaft of the synchronous machine after the engine has been started and is operating.

Abstract: Emergency escape platform apparatus including an escape platform disposed in spaced apart relation from a drilling platform and joined to the drilling platform by escape bridge apparatus. Two flexible base cables are connected in tension horizontally adjacent between the escape platform and the drilling platform. Two flexible hand cables are connected in tension horizontally adjacent to one another and vertically adjacent respectively above the base cables. A plurality of vertical spacer bars are vertically connected between a respective base cable and a respective hand cable at selected intervals. Cable tensioning apparatus connects the base cables and the hand cables for maintaining the cables under selected tension while permitting relative movement between the escape platform and the drilling platform. Light weight walkway structure is horizontally disposed between and connects the base cables to provide a walkway for individuals between the drilling platform and the escape platform.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump of the type having a housing forming a pump chamber, a diaphragm attached to an outer periphery thereof to the housing within the chamber, inlet and outlet valves communicating with the chamber, and a motor having an eccentrically rotating driveshaft, in which a connecting rod is attached to the diaphragm and includes a substantially flat portion which extends through slots formed in the housing, and an aperture which receives the drive shaft of the motor and is sized to form a slip fit therewith. The slots are shaped to slidably receive the flat portion of the rod and constrain its motion, when displaced by rotation of the drive shaft, to a single plane which is perpendicular to a rotational axis of the drive shaft, thereby eliminating the transmission of thrust and torsional loads between the rod and drive shaft so that the motor bearing life is increased.

Abstract: A phased array radar system is disclosed, capable of simultaneously transmitting beams in different directions as well as simultaneous multiple beam beamforming with both linear and planar arrays. The system employs charge transfer device complex matrix multipliers to generate the phase weights necessary to produce and steer one or more transmit beams, and applies these phase weights to control directly the phasing of distributed transmitters individual to the antenna elements of the array. Similar matrix multipliers are employed to generate the phase weights necessary for beamforming on receive.

Abstract: A substantially uniform, transparent, electrically conducting, metal oxide film (e.g. of indium/tin oxide) can be deposited on to a substrate such as glass of large lateral dimensions, e.g. a windscreen for an aircraft or a land vehicle, by low-pressure reactive sputtering from a cathode of the metal, using an atmosphere of oxygen and another gas or gases (preferably an inert gas) at reduced pressure, by providing access for the sputtering atmosphere to penetrate into the whole of the working space between the cathode and the substrate so as to maintain a substantial degree of uniformity in the oxygen concentration in the working space. Access for the atmosphere may be provided by means of passages extending through the cathode assembly, by dividing the cathode assembly into parallel strips separated by gaps, and the atmosphere may be supplied direct to the working space through such gaps. Relative movement is effected between the cathode assembly and the substrate, e.g.