Abstract: A filter medium for use in filtering a mobile fluid made from at least a bicomponent fiber. Other fibers, particles, or other materials can also be entrained in the filter medium. The filter medium has a substantial thickness compared to filters of the prior art. The fiber length and diameter dimensions are selected to obtain desired filter characteristics including thickness, basis weight, pore size, filtration efficiency, pressure drop, burst strength, and manufacturing efficiency. Further, a multilayer filter medium can be provided with ease. Each layer can have a different composition, pore size, basis weight, and so forth, thus providing the ability to build multiple functionality into the filter media of the invention.

Abstract: A turbine engine particularly suited for VTOL aircraft is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the core of the turbine engine includes two spools—a low pressure (LP) spool and a high pressure (HP) spool—where the LP spool is independently mounted remote to the HP spool. The engine may be modulated for operation by a modulation diverter valve assembly and through the fuel flow to the engine. The power output from the engine can be modulated from high levels to low levels and vice versa through control of the air flow through the engine using the modulation diverter valve assembly. In lift mode operation both the LP and HP spools may be operational, while during the forward flight cruise mode of operation the HP spool is operational and the LP spool may or may not be operational depending upon the power required for the flight condition. For HP spool only operation, the LP spool may be shut down using the modulation diverter valve assembly and an inlet flow diverter valve assembly.

Abstract: A turbine engine particularly suited for VTOL aircraft is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the core of the turbine engine includes two spools—a low pressure (LP) spool and a high pressure (HP) spool—where the LP spool is independently mounted remote to the HP spool. The engine may be modulated for operation by a modulation diverter valve assembly and through the fuel flow to the engine. The power output from the engine can be modulated from high levels to low levels and vice versa through control of the air flow through the engine using the modulation diverter valve assembly. In lift mode operation both the LP and HP spools may be operational, while during the forward flight cruise mode of operation the HP spool is operational and the LP spool may or may not be operational depending upon the power required for the flight condition. For HP spool only operation, the LP spool may be shut down using the modulation diverter valve assembly and an inlet flow diverter valve assembly.

Abstract: The system of the preferred embodiments includes a weapon, an input device coupled to the weapon and adapted to record information, a memory device coupled to the input device and adapted to store recorded information, and a security device coupled to the memory device and adapted to inhibit unauthorized tampering of the recorded information. The system has been specifically designed to record information during the use of a weapon. If used properly, the recorded information should increase the accountability of army personnel and police officers.

Abstract: A flow stabilizer is presented which equalizes the flow of fluid through the passageways of the channel diffuser used with a centrifugal type rotary compressor. Slots are formed in the sidewalls of the flow separating vanes in the diffuser. The slots open into cavities within the vanes. The multiplicity of cavities communicate by means of openings through the diffuser wall into a common closed manifold. The fluid interconnection between the multiplicity of passageways in the diffuser and the encircling common manifold increases the operating range of the compressor since pressure surges in one or more passageways are quickly equalized.

Abstract: A flow stabilizer is presented which equalizes the flow of fluid through the passageways of the channel diffuser used with a centrifugal type rotary compressor. Slots are formed in the sidewalls of the flow separating vanes in the diffuser. The slots open into cavities within the vanes. The multiplicity of cavities communicate by means of openings through the diffuser wall into a common closed manifold. The fluid interconnection between the multiplicity of passageways in the diffuser and the encircling common manifold increases the operating range of the compressor since pressure surges in one or more passageways are quickly equalized.

Abstract: In a gas turbine engine an auxiliary airflow is provided to power accessories. This auxiliary airflow is obtained from a bleed aperture which is constructed immediately downstream of a diffuser vane in a cusp which is formed in the trailing edge of the vane to provide inertial separation. This high energy air from the diffuser is used as the primary airflow in an ejector to draw ambient air into the auxiliary airflow to lower the temperature of the bleed air. The ejector is constructed to automatically adjust the amount of ambient air according to the energy of the bleed airflow by means of a piston actuated spike mounted for sliding movement in the primary nozzle. The spike varies the volume of flow through the primary nozzle according to the pressure exerted by the airflow on the piston.

Abstract: A flow stabilizer is presented which equalizes the flow of fluid through the passageways of the channel diffuser used with a centrifugal type rotary compressor. Slots are formed in the sidewalls of the flow separating vanes in the diffuser. The slots open into cavities within the vanes. The multiplicity of cavities communicate by means of openings through the diffuser wall into a common closed manifold. The fluid interconnection between the multiplicity of passageways in the diffuser and the encircling common manifold increases the operating range of the compressor since pressure surges in one or more passageways are quickly equalized.

Abstract: A diffuser is disclosed which provides intersecting passages extending outwardly from an inner circumference which closely surrounds the periphery of the impeller output stage of a centrifugal compressor. The passages are of curvilinear cross-section having entrance throat regions of an eccentric configuration designed to minimize the build-up of shock waves in the fluid flowing from the outlet of an impeller whose blade tips are traveling at supersonic speed. The configuration of the throat region is such that it closely matches the velocity vector profiles of fluid particles which leave the central region of an impeller blade at supersonic velocities and an appreciable angle above the tangential whereas particles leaving near the front and back shrouds of the impeller travel slower at angles approaching the tangential.