Abstract: A wing (2) has a trailing edge at which jet flow is deflected downwardly to provide lift. A retractable member (4, 4') has a sharp forward edge (6, 6'). When deployed, member (4, 4') extends along at least a portion of the span (preferably substantially the entire span) of the wing (2) at the leading edge of wing (2). Member (4, 4') projects forwardly and upwardly from wing (2). Member (4, 4') causes flow around wing (2) rearwardly of itself to separate from wing (2) to reduce suction and leading edge thrust. Preferably, reattachment of flow is induced at a location spaced rearwardly from member (4, 4'). A jet of high velocity gas is blown along wing (2) in a generally spanwise direction. This induces reattachment to maintain trailing edge thrust so that jet deflection at the trailing edge will efficiently provide lift during a short distance landing.

Abstract: A drill spindle (62) is carried by the forward end of an elongated gear housing (12, 14). A parallel drive shaft (84) is carried by the housing (12, 14) rearwardly of the spindle (62). A parallel lead screw (92) is positioned between the spindle (62) and drive shaft (84) and is attached to a workpiece-engaging foot (20). A plurality of gears transmit rotation of the drive shaft (84) to the spindle (62) and lead screw (92). Two leader pins (182) are attached to the foot (20) and engaged by bearings (186) carried by the housing (12, 14) to slide freely relative thereto and to provide stiffness between the housing (12, 14) and the foot (20). The leader pins are spaced laterally and rearwardly from the drive shaft (84). A fluid activated pusher member (30) cooperates with the foot (20) to wedge the forward end of the drill (10) in a recessed work area. A fluid operated dog clutch (124, 132) engages rotation of the lead screw (92).

Abstract: A venting valve (2) for a liquid tank, such as a vehicle fuel tank, has a float (64) confined in a cage (10). A valve element (86) is mounted on a mounting post (76, 78) carried by the top surface (72) of the float (64). The element (86) is pivotable about a horizontal axis (X). A rising liquid level in the cage (10) causes the float (64) to move upwardly and seat the valve element (86) against a valve seat (42). When the liquid level falls and the float (64) descends, the valve element (86) pivots on the mounting post (76, 78) and thereby acts as a lever to increase the effective weight of the float (64). This enables the lightweight float (64) to overcome vapor pressure in the tank and unseat the valve element (86). The valve of the invention may be incorporated into a cap (102) for closing a vehicle fuel tank filling and venting tube.

Abstract: A simulating device or model comprises a plurality of layers of fiber reinforced composite material, including two adjacent electrically insulative layers (44). An elongated conductor (30) is interposed between the two layers (44). The conductor (30) is arranged in a continuous winding pattern, such as a serpentine pattern formed by folding resistance heating ribbon to form adjacent spaced regions or legs (34) of the continuous conductor (30). The composite material and conductor (30) form an integral structure and simulate the three dimensional shape of an object whose infrared signature is to be simulated. The conductor (30) is positioned at a sufficient depth relative to an outer surface of the structure, and the legs (34) of the conductor (30) are sufficiently close to each other, to produce a substantially continuous temperature gradient on the outer surface when the conductor (30) is heated by supplying electric power thereto.

Abstract: A valve has a direct flow passage extending therethrough. A flexible diaphragm (170) is positioned between a main valve seat (156) and an exhaust seat (172). Flow of pressurized air into the valve (110) through the inlet port (142) deflects the diaphragm (170) away from the main seat (156) and seals it against the exhaust seat (172). Higher pressure at the delivery port (144) than the inlet port (142) move the diaphragm (170) away from the exhaust seat (172) and against the main seat (156). A shunt passageway communicates portions of the flow passage on opposite sides of the diaphragm (170) to prevent maintenance of residual positive pressure on the delivery side of the diaphragm (170). The shunt passageway includes a groove (161) along the frustoconical main seat (156) and peripheral cutouts (171) on the diaphragm (170). In one embodiment (210) of the valve, a push member (272,276) moves against the diaphragm (270) to help unseat it from the exhaust seat (272).

Abstract: Modules (30) include lateral bearing beams (32) for distributing cargo loads over a cargo compartment floor (4). Roller trays (34, 34', 34") are secured to and extend longitudinally between the beams (32). A tie-down support beam (38) is secured to and extends longitudinally between outboard portions of adjacent bearing beams (32). The support beam (38) is anchored to a rail (12) mounted in the floor (4). A side guide (40) is attached to of the bearing beams (32) and carries vertical restraint members (46) and a longitudinal restraint latch (48). Adjacent modules (30) are connected by slip joints (68). A cargo tray (80) has sloping sides (86) to conform to curving cargo compartment sidewalls (6). Slots (102) on the sides (86) engage the restraint members (46). The tray (80) has an outer shell (82) and a corrugated inner shell (90) with ridges which form support surfaces ( 98) coplanar with a peripheral horizontal lip (106).

Abstract: A transparent backing sheet (36) with a cover sheet (50) secured thereto by a layer (46) of pressure sensitive adhesive is cut to size. The center portion (56) of the cover sheet (50) is cut, without cutting through the backing sheet (36), and peeled away, leaving a frame-like cover (58). The back page (26) of a three-page form (20) is secured to the exposed adhesive (46). A corner (b 60) of the cover (58) is severed from the main portion of the cover (58) without cutting through the backing sheet (36). The cover (58) is peeled off the backing sheet (36) by grasping the corner (60) with one hand and the main portion of the cover (58) with the other hand. The exposed marginal area of adhesive (46) is pressed against the inner surface of the automobile window (16, 72) to secure the backing sheet (36) to the window (16, 72) around the entire periphery of the backing sheet (36). The backing sheet (36) holds the form (20) flush against the window (16, 72).

Abstract: Cabinet units (26,28) are installed in a cargo container (2) and fully integrated into the container structure to enable them to withstand transportation forces. Each cabinet unit (26,28) includes a lower cabinet (26) and an attached upper cabinet (28). The units (26,28) are arranged in opposite rows along the container sidewalls (4). Adjacent units (26,28) are attached to each other. Each unit (26,28) is attached to an angle anchor beam (58) secured to the container floor (16) and to rails (88) secured to the container sidewalls (4). The frontmost units (26,28) abut the container front wall (10). Acceleration forces are transmitted from the cabinets (26,28) through a header (14) positioned above the container door (12) to the container structure. The rearmost upper cabinet (28) of each row has secured thereto a cabinet support member (116) which rotatably carries a screw (130).

Abstract: A web (102) of backing material to which a web (104) of composite material is adhered is tensioned between two reels (12). A mold (100) is brought into position relative to the webs (102, 104) and located in an oriented closely spaced position relative to a ply (106) cut from the web (104). Localized downward forces are applied to the backing material (102) opposite the ply (106) by extending vacuum cups (40) or ejecting streams of air from nozzles (72). The downward forces move the ply (106) toward the mold (100) and into contact with portions of the mold (100). The ply (106) adheres to the portions of the mold (100) which it contacts. The vacuum cups (40) are moved along the web (102) and then retracted. The suction of the vacuum cups (40) and the tensioning of the web (102) cause separation of the web (102) from the adhered ply (106). When streams of air provide the downward force, the tensioning of the web (102) causes the separation.

Abstract: Each of two sections of tubing (4) has a ferrule (8) swaged onto its end. The ferrule (8) forms an outwardly directed radial flange (12) and an axial extension (14) projecting axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the flange (12). The sections (4) are coaxially aligned. A hollow spool (20) is positioned between the flanges (12) and within the extensions (14). Opposite radial end walls (26) and a center land (28) on the outer circumferential surface of the spool (20) form two recesses (30). An O-ring seal (34) is positioned in each recess (30). There is clearance between the spool (20) and both the flanges (12) and the extensions (14). The spool (20) floats on the seals (34) which are radially compressed between the recess walls and the extensions (14). A nut assembly secures the flanges (12) together.

Abstract: A card (20) has a recording surface (36) with three aligned horizontal rows (40,42,44) of boxes. The first row (40) is in the middle with the second row (42) above it and the third row (44) below it. An initial odometer reading of a vehicle is recorded in the first row (40). At the same time, a base fuel gauge reading is taken and is recorded by positioning a pivotable pointer (50) mounted on the card (20) above the first row (40). The vehicle is driven to consume fuel, and ten gallons of fuel are added to bring the fuel gauge reading above the base reading. When the fuel gauge again reaches the base reading, a second odometer reading is taken and recorded in the second row (42) of boxes. The reading in the first row (40) is subtracted from the reading in the second row (42), and the result is written in the third row (44) of boxes. A decimal point (46) is positioned between the two rightmost boxes of the third row (44) to automatically convert the subtraction results into miles per gallon.

Abstract: Three mattress sections (22, 26, 34) are arranged together in use positions to substantially cover the entire floor area (10) of a hexagonal tent (2). The separate third section (34) covers a portion (12) of the floor area (10) adjacent to the tent opening (6). This portion (12) extends across the opening (6) and inwardly therefrom a distance sufficient to allow a person to step into the tent, when the third section (34) is away from its use position, without stepping on the first and second sections (22, 26). The first and second sections (22, 26) may be formed separately, with or without releasable fasteners (32"), or may be permanently connected together by a web (30') which permits them to be folded together. In inflatable embodiments, the valves (24, 28, 36) are preferably positioned to facilitate inflation and minimize their exposure to damage. The mattress may also have other configurations, such as rectangular.

Abstract: A rotary cam member (24) has a peripheral surface disposed about an axis. The peripheral surface includes first, second, and third portions that are, respectively, first, second, and third radial distances (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3) from the axis. R.sub.1 is greater than R.sub.2 and less than R.sub.3. The third portion is positioned circumferentially between the first and second portions. Cam member (24) has an open position in which the second portion contacts the clamp (2, 4) with which lever (22) is being used and a closed position in which the first portion contacts clamp (2, 4). A handle (26) projects from cam member (24) for pivoting cam member (24) back and forth between its open and closed positions. A barrel nut (28) is received in a cylindrical axial hole in cam member (24) and engages pull member (8, 10) that closes clamp (2, 4).

Abstract: Modules (30) include lateral bearing beams (32) for distributing cargo loads over a cargo compartment floor (4). Roller trays (34, 34', 34") are secured to and extend longitudinally between the beams (32). A tie-down support beam (38) is secured to and extends longitudinally between outboard portions of adjacent bearing beams (32). The support beam (38) is anchored to a rail (12) mounted in the floor (4). A side guide (40) is attached to of the bearing beams (32) and carries vertical restraint members (46) and a longitudinal restraint latch (48). Adjacent modules (30) are connected by slip joints (68). A cargo tray (80) has sloping sides (86) to conform to curving cargo compartment sidewalls (6). Slots (102) on the sides (86) engage the restraint members (46). The tray (80) has an outer shell (82) and a corrugated inner shell (90) with ridges which form support surfaces ( 98) coplanar with a peripheral horizontal lip (106).

Abstract: The invention is a method of removing lithium from aluminum-lithium alloys. Aluminum-lithium alloys (64) and a metal halide flux (68) are fed into a rotary furnace (10) at a raised and cool end thereof. The temperature at the cool end is above that of the melting point of the flux (68) and below that of the melting point of the alloy (64). The flux is thus melted as it enters the furnace. It coats the solid alloy and the furnace refractory lining (46) to prevent contact between the refractories and the molten metal unitl the lithium content of the aluminum has been reduced to an acceptable level. A rotation of the furnace moves the alloy (64) and molten flux (68) toward a lower and hotter end at which the temperature is such to melt the aluminum. At this time the lithium is removed from the alloy (64) and is absorbed within the flux (68). The aluminum (70) is then drained from the furnace at its lower end.

Abstract: A die assembly (12) has a die (14) with a nose (16) positioned to project into the hollow end (106) of an insert (102) being installed in a panel workpiece (100). A pilot pin (32) projects outwardly form the center of the nose (16) and into the insert (102) when the workpiece (100) is properly aligned. The pin (32) is mounted to slide axially relative to the die (14). The pin (32) is biased outwardly but yields under forces exceeding a predetermined magnitude. When the panel (100) is misaligned and a ram (8) urges the panel (100) against the pin (32), the pin (32) retracts to prevent damage to the panel (100). Thrust plates (64) support the die (14) and move radially inwardly when the pin (32) retracts. Feet (22) on the die (14) are received into grooves (70) on the thrust plates (64) to allow the die (14) to retract and thereby prevent the nose (16) from damaging the workpiece (100).

Abstract: A pair of back-up members (32, 42) are inserted between adjacent projection (4) of a workpiece (2). Openings (36, 46) through the members (32, 42) are aligned with holes (6) through the projections (4). A wedge (54) is driven between the members (32, 42) and forces them against outer surface portions (5) of the projections (4) surrounding the holes (6) and radial end surfaces (9) of bushings (7) positioned in the holes (6). A mandrel (62) is pulled through the bushings (7) and the openings (36, 46) to install the bushings (7). Another embodiment of back-up members (132, 142) has a plurality of openings (136, 146) for use with a workpiece (102) having a plurality of rows of axially aligned holes (106). This embodiment is preferably used with a locator (70) which has two rods (74) for holding the holes (106) and openings (136, 146) in accurate alignment.

Abstract: A frame (22) is pivotably mounted to a fixed support (14) below the frame (22). The frame (22) has a horizontal base (24) and a vertical restraining wall (28). A roller table (36) is mounted on and parallel to the base (24). A baggage container (2) is positioned on the table (36) with a side opening (4) adjacent to and covered by the restraining wall (28). The frame (22), table (36), and container (2) are pivoted into an inclined position in which the opening (4) faces generally downwardly. Two scissor links (42) disposed between the base (24) and the table (36) are operated to raise the table (36) and container (2) relative to the frame (22). This progressively uncovers the opening (4) to allow pieces of luggage (8) to move out of the container (2) and onto a chute (94).

Abstract: This invention is directed toward providing a transatmospheric launch system that is essentially totally reusable, provides wide flexibility in choice of orbit, and may be launched quickly on short notice. The system of the invention is a two-stage horizontal takeoff and landing system. An orbiter vehicle (50) is integrated into the underside of an aircraft (2). Aircraft (2) has a cavity (4) opening aftwardly and downwardly to receive vehicle (50). Vehicle (50) and aircraft (2) are releasably connected by struts (30, 32). Aircraft (2) and vehicle (50) proceed to staging conditions under air breathing and then rocket power. Rocket engine (22) of aircraft (2) is throttled to produce a thrust differential with rocket engine (66) of vehicle (50). This differential causes vehicle (50) to automatically pivot away from aircraft (2) on struts (30, 32). After pivoting out of cavity (4), vehicle (50) is disengaged from struts (30, 32) and proceeds on its own to orbit. Aircraft (2) makes a conventional landing.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy article is anodized in an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid. Oxide forms on the surfaces of the article and dissolves as it forms to displace contaminants and deoxidize the surfaces. The anodizing etch rate is from about 0.0002 to about 0.0005 inch/surface/hour. Residual oxide on the surfaces is a maximum of about 3000 Angstroms. The article may be left in the solution following anodizing to dissolve a portion of the residual oxide. Preferred anodizing parameters include 15 to 25% by weight phosphoric acid, 75.degree. to 95.degree. F., and 4 to 10 volts. Usual anodizing times are from 5 to 10 minutes. Following deoxidation, the article is ready for subsequent processing, such as anodizing to provide a controlled thickness porous oxide coating followed by adhesive bonding.