Abstract: A cargo drive unit which, as part of an array of several such units, it disposed in the hold of a vehicle to permit cargo to be moved within the hold. The drive unit derives power from an electric motor to first erect a drive a roller into contact with a load and then to move the load. A hysteresis coupling is disposed between the motor and the roller and functions to limit the force of the roller against the load to be driven by adjusting the excitation current thereto. The hysteresis coupling allows the roller to retract when the current to the coupling is removed and limits shock loading to drive gearing and the motor when excessive loads are applied to the roller.

Abstract: A turbocooler includes a multistage turbine wheel for simultaneous and independent interaction with multiple gas streams to reduce the temperature levels of the gas streams. The turbine wheel includes at least two turbine stages designed to discharge the respective gas streams at different temperature levels, wherein the warmer gas stream is interposed between the colder gas stream and a turbocooler load. The warmer gas stream thus provides a thermal barrier isolating the colder gas stream from turbocooler heat sources thereby permitting increased temperature reduction of the colder gas stream for use, for example, in cryocooler applications. The multistage turbine wheel further facilitates bearing lift-off, for example, in a foil bearing machine.

Abstract: An improved free piston power unit includes a pair of power pistons at opposite ends of a common power cylinder, wherein the power pistons are linked for reciprocation in unison in opposite directions. The power pistons carry a respective pair of compressor pistons disposed within compressor cylinders to generate a supply of compressed air or the like upon power piston reciprocation. The power pistons further cooperate with a respective pair of gas-containing bounce cylinders which provide pneumatic reaction forces to return the power pistons through a compresion stroke at the conclusion of a combustion expansion stroke. The bounce cylinders each have a relieved end face to provide an increased minimum bounce cylinder volume thereby limiting the maximum pressure and temperature to which the bounce cylinders are subjected, without requiring increase in the overall envelope size for the power unit.

Abstract: A tubular foil bearing carrier, upon which a plurality of individual compliant foils are mounted, is disposed between two relatively rotatable journal bearing elements. The bearing carrier includes at least one circumferential row of alternating slots and bars with individual hairpin foils, having an integral underfoil and overfoil, mounted thereon.