Abstract: An apparatus for selectively increasing a wing area of an aircraft having a fuselage with an interior space includes an inflatable wing moveable between a stowed condition located in the interior space and a deployed condition located outside the interior space. The wing includes at least one inflatable spar. The inflatable spar is operatively coupled to a source of pressurized inflation fluid for selective inflation as the wing moves into the deployed condition. A plurality of reels is secured to the aircraft. A plurality of cables connects the wing to the reels. At least one reel is operable to unwind a selected cable to allow the wing to partially inflate to the deployed condition by ram air generated by movement of the aircraft as the inflatable spar is being inflated by the pressurized inflation fluid. A method for selectively increasing a wing area of an aircraft is also provided.

Abstract: A bi-directional coupler that selectively couples and de-couples a driving element to a driven element. The coupler includes an outer shaft having an outer shaft slot and an inner shaft having an inner shaft slot, where the inner and outer shafts are configured to rotate independently of each other. The coupler also includes a ball bearing provided within the inner shaft slot and having a size so that when the ball bearing is located at a center portion of the inner shaft slot it does not interfere with rotation of the outer shaft, where the ball bearing is held in that location by a magnet located in the inner shaft. Rotation of the inner shaft above a predetermined rotational speed causes the ball bearing to engage the outer shaft slot so as to cause the inner shaft to be locked to the outer shaft and rotate therewith.

Abstract: A sealing system for an aircraft having an opening and a door movable between an open condition spaced from the opening and a closed condition covering and sealing the opening includes a cover plate connected to the aircraft adjacent the opening. A first magnetic coupling secured to the cover plate includes a first plurality of magnets. A second magnetic coupling configured for securing to the door includes a second plurality of magnets. The first magnetic coupling is repelled by the second magnetic coupling when the couplings have a first degree of alignment with one another. This causes the cove plot move away from the door. The first magnetic coupling is attracted to the second magnetic coupling when the couplings have a second degree of alignment with one another greater than the first degree, causing the magnetic couplings to engage one another and seal the opening in the aircraft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combined method of welding and annealing an aluminum-zinc alloy coated ferrous wire, and restoring the corrosion resistant properties to the annealed areas of said wire. The aluminum-zinc coating consists of an alloy overlay and an intermetallic alloy layer, between said alloy overlay and the ferrous wire. The preferred method includes the steps of (1) upset welding two alloy coated steel wires, (2) annealing the weld joint, at a temperature between about 1200.degree. and about 1450.degree. F. whereby during such annealing the weld joint is subjected to brushing to remove said alloy overlay and to prevent the formation of oxides on said intermetallic alloy layer, (3) removing the burr formed during such welding, and (4) cooling. During said cooling, or alternatively by reheating to a maximum temperature where the aluminum-zinc alloy coating on the wire begins to melt, i.e. about 900.degree. F. (482.degree. C.

Abstract: An electrical capacitor is formed which relies on a thin dielectric layer which is metallized on both sides to provide electrode areas to provide the major part of the capacitance of the capacitor. An unmetallized margin area runs along one side of the dielectric layer along one longitudinal edge of the dielectric layer and an unmetallized margin area runs along the other side of the dielectric layer along the opposite longitudinal edge dimension of the dielectric layer. A pleated capacitor section is formed by pleating, or folding, the dielectric layer along its longitudinal dimension. This pleated capacitor segment is incorporated into an initial portion of the capacitor formed of two metal foil electrodes and a separating dielectric layer which are wound about the leads of the capacitor.

Abstract: A reaction type flux and the method utilizing same in the soldering of aluminum containing products, particularly aluminum-zinc coated ferrous sheet and strip products. Said flux comprising a mixture consisting essentially of, parts by weight, 10 to 14 stannous chloride, 0.25 to 1.5 ammonium chloride, and 0.05 to 0.3 sodium fluoride. Such a flux mixture is characterized by a reaction temperature in the anhydrous condition of less than about 470.degree. F., preferably below about 450.degree. F., thereby permitting the application of electric iron techniques in the soldering operation.