Abstract: A referencing member capable of generating an oscillating magnetic field is placed at the inside surface of a layup mandrel. A locating member, comprising a plurality of spaced electrical coils is placed on the other side of the layup mandrel. By energizing the reference member to create the oscillating magnetic field, the effect of the field on the coils can be used to sense position of the locating member and thus determine a reference location on the outside surface of the mandrel. Thus, production components of a structure being fabricated can be properly located.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner attachments which have a V-shaped cleaning head and are particularly suited for cleaning in corners and crevices and along the edges of surfaces. Vertically biased and rotatable brushes and other disturbers can be provided to promote the dislodgement of foreign substances from the surface being cleaned; and the attachment can be constructed to operate in a first mode in which suction is concentrated in the nose of the attachment, causing it to emulate a conventional crevice tool. In a second mode of operation, the suction is distributed along the legs or wings of the attachment so that it functions in a manner akin to that of a dusting brush or floor cleaning attachment. An optional control and a detent arrangement allow more sophisticated versions of the attachment to be operated in a selected one of the foregoing modes or in a third mode in which the attachment alternates between the two first-mentioned modes of operation as it is pushed away from and pulled toward the operator.

Abstract: A leading edge wing slat having a movable nose portion wherein the nose portion leading edge moves relative to the slat frame in a downward and rearward direction when the slat is extended. This causes an intermediate flexible upper skin panel attached between the nose portion and a rigid rear portion of the slat to have its curvature increased thereby increasing the camber of the upper surface of the slat. During retraction of the slat, the nose portion leading edge moves upward and rearward relative to the slat frame decreasing the curvature of the intermediate flexible upper skin panel. The nose portion includes a cam plate having cam slots which are engaged by rollers rotatably connected to the slat frame. Extension of the slat causes the cam plate as programmed by the cam slots to move the nose portion relative to the slat frame to achieve the desired slat camber.

Abstract: An insulated vacuum container comprising inner and outer wall sections, with each wall section made up of a skeletal frame, with membranes enclosing each frame. The membranes of the outer wall section curve inwardly, while the membranes of the inner section curve outwardly. The pressure loads imparted on the membranes are reacted substantially entirely in tension into the skeletal frames.

Abstract: An airfoil member having an upper surface contoured to create lift. The lower airfoil surface has a lower forward surface portion which, in a rearward direction, curves concavely into an expanded convexly curved lower surface belly portion. This enables a primary load carrying member (e.g. a spar) to be located in the belly section and have a relatively greater depth, without unnecesary sacrifice of aerodynamic performance. In another embodiment, both the upper and lower surfaces of the airfoil are contoured with the expanded belly portion.

Abstract: An improvement to close an opening formed in the leading edge of an airfoil when a slat is moved to its deployed position. The track which deploys the slat has a downward component of motion which leaves an opening in the wing leading edge that can cause premature stall in the opening is not closed. To close this opening, there is a door which is mounted about an axis of rotation that is positioned in a vertical plane generally parallel to the movement of the track. Further, the axis of rotation is slanted so that the door moves upwardly, rearwardly and laterally to its retracted position so as to permit the track to be retracted, and when the track is extended, a spring moves the door into its deployed position to close the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for increasing the tolerance level of an aircraft aircrew member to G forces by providing a rapid response to the onset of the normal accelerative forces to inflate an anti-G suit worn by the aircrew member. An electronic controller controls a servo valve which in turn controls a main valve for regulating the flow of gas into the inflatable G suit. The G suit is worn by the aircraft crew member to prevent pooling of blood in the lower portion of the body during aircraft maneuvers when G forces are experienced. The electronic controller receives a first input indicative of the amount of force applied to the control stick of the aircraft by the crew member, and a second input indicative of measured accelerative forces which are normal to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner attachments which have a V-shaped cleaning head and are particularly suited for cleaning in corners and crevices and along the edges of surfaces. Vertically biased and rotatable brushes and other disturbers can be provided to promote the dislodgement of foreign substances from the surface being cleaned. A preferred universal-type connection between the cleaning head and a vacuum fitting attached thereto facilitate the manipulation of the attachment and allow pressure to be brought to bear on the nose of the cleaning head, thereby promoting the dislodgement of foreign substances from the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A painting system having a supply section, a delivery and control section, and an applicator section. The supply section comprises a peristaltic type pump. The delivery and control section comprises a unitary tube having a delivery passageway and an air pressurizing passageway. A pressurizing control switch at the location of the applicator acts through the air passageway to control operation of the pump. The applicator section has a housing which provides a uniform pattern of distribution passageways for uniform application of paint.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for engaging toothpicks to assemble a toy structure having different possible structural configurations. The toy structure is formed using toothpicks in conjunction with one or more support members, each support member including a plurality of support sleeves radiating outwardly therefrom. Each support sleeve has a conically shaped passageway therein for engaging one end of the toothpick wherein the support sleeve connects the toothpick to the support member. The toy structure is assembled by interconnecting the toothpicks with a plurality of support members. The support sleeves project outwardly in both the horizontal and vertical directions to provide support for toothpicks in the horizontal and vertical planes. The unattached end of a toothpick is "capped" with an additional support member having support sleeves thereon to act as sites for future expansion.

Abstract: A latching assembly for a door of an overhead stowage bin for a passenger aircraft. There is a pivotally mounted latching arm which is moved by an actuating member having upper and lower contact members, with the lower contact member being spaced downwardly from the latching arm when in its latching position. The actuating member is urged downwardly by spring means to the latching position. The latch remains secured in its latching position even though impact loads may be imposed on the door.

Abstract: A dishware protector configured for disposition within a rack of an automatic dishwasher intermediate dishware stages defined by an array of upstanding post members for isolation of individual pieces of dishware during a washing cycle to guard same against collision, is comprised of a polymeric separating member having longitudinal and lateral dimensions at least sufficient to prevent collision between adjacent dishware members in the dishwasher and a fixture element along at least one of the longitudinal edges of the separating member for securing the protector to a preselected one of the post members.

Abstract: An adjustable structure for supporting a computer keyboard, computer video display and copy material on an elevated surface, such as a tabletop. The computer video display is supported on an adjustable planar portion which rests upon the elevated surface, and which is pivotally connected to a base portion to permit the base portion to be raised above the desk. The base portion includes an upper portion and a lower portion. Extending from the base lower portion is a planar member for supporting the computer keyboard below the level of the desk at a convenient height for operator manipulation. The base upper portion includes an inclined member pivotally connected thereto for supporting the copy materials at selected levels of inclination. The inclined member is supported by a stand which is pivotally engaged to the base upper portion, and which also may be rotated downwardly to engage the elevated surface to support the base portion above the elevated surface.

Abstract: A slalom gate which has a lower support member adapted to be inserted into the snow. There is a retractable anchoring member mounted in the support member, in a manner that downward deflection of the post about a lower pivoting connecting portion pulls the anchor member upwardly to cause it to expand outwardly into the snow, thus resisting retraction of the support member from the snow. When the gate returns to its upright position, the anchoring member retracts so that the gate can more easily be removed from the snow.

Abstract: A cassette cleaner for a video player/recorder having a cleaning ribbon which comes into frictional engagement with the drum and playing head of the player/recorder. The ribbon has a contact surface with an alternating pattern of raised portions and recessed portions. This lessens the drag created by the engagement of the ribbon with the drum and playing head.

Abstract: A simple, rugged, compact and reliable apparatus (20, 54, 55, 56, 58, 64) for cutting trees (24), vegetation and other objects, together with methods for operating such apparatus, are provided wherein a cutting blade (22, 22"), constrained for movement along a cutting path generally transverse to the tree (24) or other object being cut, is coupled to a piston/cylinder type accumulator (42/44, 42'/44', 42"/44") within which a compressible medium defines a source of stored potential energy.

Abstract: A telescoping support post having a bell member slide mounted thereon to engage a mouth of a musical instrument in a manner to support the instrument. The inner telescoping member has a releasable holding member eccentrically mounted thereon. This holding member has a resilient finger frictionally engaging the inner surface of the outer telescoping member to insure proper locking and release action. In addition, the holding member has cooperating stop means to limit rotation between these two positions.A similar device is operatably positioned between the bell member and the upper telescoping member so that the bell member can be adjusted vertically on the second telescoping member and held in any selected position.

Abstract: A die particularly adapted to drive a rivet, where the head of the rivet has a relatively steep circumferential side surface. The die engages the rivet head in a manner that initially the middle portion of the die driving surface exerts substantial force into the shank portion of the rivet, after which the die driving surface comes in greater overall driving engagement with the entire rivet head. Further, the die has a circumferential lip which limits lateral movement of the die relative to the rivet head.

Abstract: The disclosed process for making cast vegetable/mineral structural products having flame retardant properties utilize a major volume portion of ligneus plant fragments such as soft and hardwoods, sugarcane, cereal and fiber plant stalks, and a minor volume proportion of a mineral binder deposit comprised of magnesium or calcium oxyphosphates and inert filler particles. Fragments having thickness ranging from 0.3 mm to 8 mm including chips, shavings, strips, strands, fibre bundles, slivers, fibres and peeled and sawn veneer sheets, have applied to their surfaces an aqueous solution of ammonium polyphosphate or soluble acid phosphate salt supplying from 0.15 to 0.40 parts of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 as phosphate ion per part of fragments by weight, and particulate cement solids comprised of MgO or CaO or Mg(OH).sub.2 or Ca(OH).sub.2 or MgCO.sub.3 or CaCO.sub.3 ranging from 0.25 to 1.0 part per part of fragment, and from 0.01 to 0.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of day-neutral strawberry plant is characterized by its ability to produce fruit continuously and abundantly from June to October in western Washington, by superiority in this environment to available day-neutral and everbearing cultivars in characteristics that are especially valuable in garden culture, including fine flavor, continuous fruiting and sustained high productivity.