Abstract: A valve plug is biased inwardly by a spring (90) to close an opening (10) in a cap (2) for a fuel tank filling and venting tube. A valve stem includes a first portion (62) which is engaged by the spring (90) and a second float cage portion (40) that is secured to and extends axially inwardly from the plug. A collapsible retainer (70) is secured to the cage (40) and has an abutment surface (74) which engages an abutment surface (68) on the first portion (62) to hold the cage (40) and the first portion (62) in position relative to each other and to transmit axial forces therebetween. A fusible material ring (88) is positioned radially between the retainer (70) and the cage (40) to prevent the retainer (70) from collapsing. At elevated temperatures, the ring (88) melts to allow the retainer (70) to collapse, the cage (40) and first stem portion (62) to separate from each other, and the valve plug and cage (40) to move away from the opening (10).

Abstract: A fill tube (12) leading into a fuel tank (10) is provided with a normally closed closure door (20) and a fill nozzle seal (24, 26, 30) spaced outwardly of the closure door (20). When liquid fuel is to be added to the fuel tank (10) a fill nozzle (32) is inserted through the fill nozzle seal (24, 26, 30). A seal element (30) engages the outside diameter of the fill nozzle (32) and seals against vapor leakage between the seal element (30) and the fill nozzle (32). Further insertion of the fill nozzle (32) into the fill tube (12) moves the end of the fill nozzle (32) against the closure door (20) opening the closure door (20). When this happens, fuel vapor within the fuel tank (10) flows through an opening (18) that is normally closed by the closure door (20), to and through an outlet (36) leading from a chamber (34) that is between the fill nozzle seal (24, 26, 30) and the closure door (20).

Abstract: Module sidewalls (14) define an office space adjacent to an aisle (6) in an aircraft passenger cabin. The sidewalls (14) are dimensioned to extend downwardly substantially to the cabin floor (2) and upwardly a distance sufficient to screen the office space. The sidewalls (14) are spaced from the cabin ceiling (4) to allow air circulation and create a feeling of openness. The sidewalls (14) define an entry opening (16), and a recess (20) to allow persons in the aisle (6) to step into the recess (20) out of the way of other persons or carts in the aisle (6). The module (12) includes a seat (22), a desk top (24) and equipment such as a telephone (26) and a computer link. The elements of the module (12) are arranged to maximize elbow room and leg room within a predetermined cabin floor area. Hexagonal modules (12) are arranged in a single continuous row or in two contiguous nested rows between two aisles (6 ). Side modules (12', 12") are formed partly by the cabin sidewalls (8).

Abstract: A first fastener component (26) is secured to an inner aircraft skin surface (6) by a mounting flange (12) and extends across a discontinuity (8) in the skin (2). A second fastener component (28) is secured to a rib (24) on the inner surface of a resilient blade (22) and extends through the discontinuity (8) into engagement with the first component (26). Inward pressure on the blade (22) urges the components (26, 28) into releasable locked engagement with each other. The components (26, 28) secure the blade (22) in a flattened use position in which it is substantially flush with and sealingly engages the outer skin surface (4). The blade (22) may be removed by inserting a tool under it and exerting a lifting force to disengage the components (26, 28). The blade (22) may be dimensioned to cover the outer ends of adjacent fasteners (14) extending through the skin (2). The blade (22) is preferably conductive to provide a continuous electrical path along the outer skin surface (4) across the discontinuity (8).

Abstract: A bit (12) has a triangular drill portion (14), a frustoconical grinder portion (24), and a cylindrical reamer portion (28). The drill portion (14) has three longitudinal cutting edges (16) that define the angles of its triangular cross section. The grinder portion (24) extends axially inwardly from the drill portion (14) and has a minimum diameter less than and a maximum diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the drill portion (14). The reamer portion (28) is an axial continuation of the grinder portion (24). The outer surfaces of the grinder and reamer portions (24, 28) are plated with diamond grit (30) to enlarge and finish a hole produced by the drill portion (14). The relative diameters allow the grinder portion (24) to gradually engage the sidewall of a hole. The bit (12) is supported and centered in the hole by three point contact between the cutting edges (16) and the hole sidewall.

Abstract: Two sets of filaments (38, 72) are mounted on opposite sides of a discontinuity (6) between a movable or removable panel (4) and adjacent outer skin portions (2) of an aircraft. The filaments (38, 72) have retracted positions in which they are out of engagement with each other. With the filaments (38, 72) retracted, the panel (4) is moved into its use position flush with the outer surface of the skin (2). The filaments (38, 72) are then extended into the discontinuity (6) by a mechanism, such as a cam-ratchet (44) or an inflatable bladder (68). The extended filaments (38, 72) interdigitate to seal the discontinuity (6) and simulate a solid surface across the discontinuity (6).

Abstract: A scratch depth measuring instrument (10) for use on opaque matte or specular surfaces (80) includes a light source (16), a body (40) having a knife edge (38). The light source is positioned to project a shadow pattern of the knife edge and to image it on a scratched surface (80) transversely to a scratch (82) for measuring the scratch depth and to project a visible indentation (132, 132A) from the knife edge (38) into the scratch (82). The indentation can be measured in distance from the knife edge image (92, 92A) to determine the depth of the scratch. The knife edge image (92, 92A) is projected to the surface (80) from a first mirror (62) and a mirror system (98, 100) reflects the image (92, 92A) and the measurable indentation (132, 132A).

Abstract: A tool body (32) has a forward cradle (34) that surroundingly receives a fastener collar (14). A slider (68) is slid in a cavity (40) in the body (32) by a lever (56) pivotably attached to the body (32). Cutting edges (70) on either side of a slot (74) in the slider (68) cut the collar (14). Spreading surfaces (72) adjacent to the edges (70) spread the collar material away from the fastener shaft. The lever (56) has cam surfaces (60, 62) that engage a hook (78) on the rear end of the slider (68) to move the slider (68) forward and back perpendicular to the fastener shaft axis (X).

Abstract: A cutter body (22, 22') has a slot (26, 26') opening onto its nominal outer cylindrical surface (24) and extending along a plane that intersects the cutter axis (X) at an acute axial rake angle (A). A flat cutter blade insert (40) with an elliptical polycrystalline diamond cutting edge (48) is secured in the slot (26, 26'). The insert (40) is positioned to produce a non-negative radial rake at each point along the cutting edge (48). Preferably, the cutter (20, 20') has a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots (26, 26') and inserts (40). The slots (26') may be arranged in a herringbone pattern to resist delamination of a workpiece. Preferably, the cutter relief angle varies along the insert (40) from a minimum at the leading end (50) to a value at the trailing end (52) equal to the minimum plus the angle between the radial lines of the cylinder (24) through the leading and trailing ends (50, 52), respectively.

Abstract: A compressor bleed air passageway includes a duct having an upstream section (48) which terminates in a baffle (44) and a downstream duct section (54) having a forward portion (56) which surrounds the baffle (44). Bleed air flow through openings (58) in the baffle wall (52). This reduces velocity of the bleed air stream at the duct discharge port to a value equal to or less than Mach 1.0. The baffle (44) has virtually no effect on a low-velocity, low-pressure air stream. The downstream duct section (54) may be perforated and surrounded by outer wall (64) to form sound-absorbing chambers (66).

Abstract: A fastener element (40) has a first member (41) including an outer end disk (42) and two radially spaced, axially extending flat stem legs (53). A second stem-forming member (62) has a T-shaped axial opening (64, 66) and is mechanically interlocked with the legs (53). A floating member (84) is positioned in the opening (64, 66) and has an internally threaded opening (90) which is aligned with a center opening (44) in the disk (42). The T-shaped floating member (84) is prevented from rotating in the opening (64, 66) but is allowed to move radially to automatically adjust for misalignments between a structure in which the element (40) is installed and an object to be connected thereto by means of a screw introduced into the threaded opening (90) through the disk opening (44). When the element (40) is to be installed in a structure by a potting material (34), the stem (53, 62) preferably has flow control disks ( 72, 74) and flat chord surfaces (54).

Abstract: An integral molded plastic panel (20) includes a substantially vertical, forwardly facing mounting surface (22). The surface (22) is dimensioned to receive a plurality of license plates (16) and extends downwardly at least substantially to the bottom of the bumper (4) of a vehicle (2). The bumper (4) has a contoured downwardly and rearwardly sloping outer surface. Opposite sidewalls (34) extend substantially rearwardly from opposite side edge portions of the mounting surface (22) and terminate in rear edges (36) shaped to conform to the outer surface of the bumper (4) to facilitate airflow around the panel (20). A bottom wall (46) extends between the sidewalls (34) and rearwardly from the bottom of the mounting surface (22). The top of the panel (20) is attached to the bumper (4) by bolts (12) which attach the bumper (4) to a frame portion (14) of the vehicle (2). The bottom wall (46) carries mounting lugs (48) for attaching the bottom of the panel (20) to the bumper (4).

Abstract: Two rings (6, 8) are secured to opposite ends of an elongated chain (4). The rings (6, 8) slidably engage a pair of pivoted semicircular jaws (10, 12). The diameter (D.sub.2) of the smaller ring (8) is sufficiently small to prevent the ring (8) from being slid off of the jaws (10, 12) over their free ends (14). The layer ring (6) freely slides on and off the jaws (10, 12). The free jaw ends (14) have alignable holes (20) for engaging a padlock (22). The device (2) may be used to secure a garment (50, 52) by extending the chain (4) through a sleeve of the garment (50, 52) and locking the jaws (10, 12) onto a chair arm (28), closet pole (34), or other strcture of similar girth. The device (2) may be folded and carried in a small pocket.

Abstract: A laterally projecting flange (18) is formed on the upper portion of an edge of a flat section (12) of foam core material. The inner surface of the flange (18) and the adjacent lower edge surface of the foam section (12) are positioned adjacent to the upper surface and flat edge surface of a honeycomb core section (14). Hot melt adhesive is applied to hold the sections (12, 14) in this abutting position. The abutting sections (12, 14) are assembled together with upper and lower skins (24, 26) of fiber reinforced resin/matrix composite material prepreg fabric or tape. The assembly of core sections (12, 14) and skins (24, 26) is positioned in compression molding apparatus and subjected to a crushed core compression molding procedure. During the molding, a bend (32) is formed in the panel assembly substantially along the abutting edges of the core sections (12, 14). The flange (18) is positioned on the outer radius of the bend (32).

Abstract: A vacuum probe (20,120) with an upwardly and inwardly sloping frustoconical outer sidewall (26,126) incorporates a connector (50,150) which forms the male half of a vacuum line quick connect/disconnect fitting. An axial passageway (48,148) extends through the probe (20,120) and has an automatic shutoff valve positioned therein. Attachment of a vacuum line to the connector (50,150) opens the passageway (48,148). Sealing tape (66,166) is positioned around the outer sidewall (26,126), and the probe (20,120) is positioned between a vacuum pressure bag (8) and a workpiece (4,6). A vacuum is applied between the bag (8) and the workpiece (4,6) to seal the bag (8) around the tape (66,166) and to evacuate air between the bag (8) and the workpiece (4,6). The probe body (120) may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the probe body (22) may be formed separately from a vacuum line fitting (34,36) which defines the axial passageway (48) and is received into an axial opening (28) in the body (22).

Abstract: Initial retraction of telescoping cylinders (22, 72) forces hydraulic fluid through an orifice area into a low pressure chamber (116). When the cylinders (22, 72) reach a predetermined position, a stop surface (120) carried by the second cylinder (72) engages a floating member (52) carried by the first cylinder (22). Further retraction causes the floating member (52) to move relative to the first cylinder (22) and compress a high pressure chamber (44). When the shock strut (20) is pivoted into a stowed position, the cylinders (22, 72) are retracted to the predetermined position without compressing the high pressure chamber (44). In a second embodiment, a linkage mechanism (298) moves the high pressure chamber (318) relative to the first cylinder (272) to allow the shock strut (220) to be shortened beyond the predetermined position without compressing the high pressure chamber 318.

Abstract: A fastener element is ejection molded from an engineering resin of a type that will bond to potting resin used for securing the fastener element within a cavity formed within a panel of composite material. The fastener element includes flow control disks spaced apart along a stem portion between end portions. Flats are formed on opposite sides of the flow control disks, below fill and vent openings. Resin introduced into the fill hole travels down to the bottom of the cavity and around the fastener element and fills the cavity from the bottom up, so that the presence of resin at the vent opening will indicate that the cavity has been filled with resin and does not include an airspace or void.

Abstract: Separate valve bodies (16, 18) are connected by a sleeve (24). The joint (26) between the first body (16) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by bending forces and resistant to tension forces. The joint (32) between the second body (18) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by tension forces and resistant to bending forces. Each joint (26, 32) includes an annular groove (28, 34) on the valve body (16, 18) and portions (30, 36) of the sleeve (24) extending radially into the groove (28, 34). Each valve body (16, 18) has a valve element (44) that moves axially inwardly to close the flow passage (42) when one of the joints (26, 31) is detached. The valve element (44) is normally retained in an open position by a ball detent (84). A projection (82) carried by the confronting valve body (16, 18) holds the ball (84) in a groove (62) on the element's shaft portion (56).

Abstract: Separate valve bodies (16, 18) are connected by a sleeve (24). The joint (26) between the first body (16) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by bending forces and resistent to tension forces. The joint (32) between the second body (18) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by tension forces and resistant to bending forces. Each joint (26, 32) includes an annular groove (28, 34) on the valve body (16, 18) and portions (30, 36) of the sleeve (24) extending radially into the groove (28, 34). Each valve body (16, 18) has a valve element (44) that moves axially inwardly to close the flow passage (42) when one of the joints (26, 32) is detached. The valve element (44) is normally retained in an open position by a ball detent (84). A projection (82) carried by the confronting valve body (16, 18) holds the ball (84) in a groove (62) on the element's shaft portion (56).

Abstract: A vertical leg (14) is received through a ring (16). An over-center latch mechanism is mounted inside a cavity (6) in a side rail (2). The end surface (2a) of the rail (2) has a recess (4). A shaft (24) has one end (26) secured to the ring (16) and extends from the ring (16) through an opening (8) in the rail (2) which communicates the recess (4) and the cavity (6). The inner end (28) of the shaft (24) is engaged by a lever (32) of the latch mechanism. Pivoting of the lever (32) pulls the ring (16) into the recess (4) and the leg (14) into contact with the end surface (2a) of the rail (2) above and below the recess (4). There is no contact between the ring (16) and any portion of the rail (2) to allow automatic adjustment for surface irregularities of the rail (2) and leg (14) and ensure firm contact between the leg (14) and rail (2). Preferably, the end (26) of the shaft (24) is pivotable relative to the ring (16).