Abstract: A large inertial confinement breeder reactor wherein neutron bursts produced by fusion, fission or combined fission and fusion are contained seriatim in a large chamber. Each burst results from interception of a large, sub-critical free-falling mass by a smaller upward accelerated slug such that the combined assembly is more than prompt-critical. The resulting thermal energy is absorbed by a spray which generally fills the chamber. The innermost portion of the spray comprises a dense slurry of actinides in molten sodium while the outer portions of spray comprise a very dilute slurry of actinides in molten sodium. The collected heated spray also contains the debris of the explosion and travels through a heat exchanger-precipitator means wherefrom dense slurry, lean slurry, precipitate, and thermal energy may be extracted.

Abstract: A fuel control system has a boost pump for pumping liquid fuel to a positive displacement pump, which in turn meters the fuel to a fuel nozzle of a combustion engine. The positive displacement pump is variably driven independently of the boost pump, and includes a pressure regulator for minimizing pressure difference across the pump.

Abstract: A permanent magnet coupling having opposed magnetic coupling members, and including process fluid bearings and dual flow paths for process fluid providing temperature control.

Abstract: A fluid pumping system comprises a fluid pump having multiple fluid outlet flows coupled to relatively low and high pressure loads. A control valve system controls the pressure levels of the low and high pressure flows, and relieves excess fluid from the high pressure flow to the low pressure flow to augment the low pressure flow.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a rotating shaft comprising a spring-biased retainer for closely controlling axial and rotational freedom of a sleeve bearing.

Abstract: Fluid to be conditioned is admitted to first passageways of a heat exchanger and thereafter to a point of use, traversing flow conducting means which include the second passageways of the heat exchanger and fluid conditioning means which reduces the energy level of the fluid admitted to the second passageways below the energy level of the fluid admitted to the first passageways so as to increase the energy level of the fluid flowing through the second passageways by heat exchange with the fluid flowing through the first passageways.

Abstract: A self adjusting system automatically provides oxygen enriched breathing air at flow rates and oxygen concentrations sufficient to prevent hypoxia at high cabin altitudes.

Abstract: An energy transfer machine including a stator ring carried in a casing forming a toroidal fluid path between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A rotor has a blade cascade coacting with fluid in the path to transfer energy therebetween. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controllably unloading the energy exchange between the rotor and the fluid.

Abstract: An improved stiffener element for use in foil journal bearings provides damping of eccentric shaft rotation in two bending modes of operation and also provide greater load capacity and higher speeds for the bearing.

Abstract: A temperature control system safely and efficiently protects critical aircraft surfaces from reaching fuel auto ignition temperature with cooling provided by a relatively small and light heat exchanger.

Abstract: Spacers are positioned between adjacent rims of a multi-rim composite flywheel in alignment with hub spokes thereof to improve flywheel performance while minimizing radial stress.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foil bearing in which the individual compliant foils are mounted intermediate the ends thereof.

Abstract: A solar powered air conditioner using the adsorption process is constructed with its components in a nested cylindrical array for compactness and ease of operation.

Abstract: A cabin pressure control system has two independent controllers, one of which is used as primary controller while the other serves as standby. On alternate flights the identity of primary and standby controller are switched so that both controllers will be regularly utilized.

Abstract: An excessive rate of change of cabin pressure detection system used in conjunction with a cabin pressure controller monitors changes in cabin pressure. Whenever the rate of change of cabin pressure exceeds a preselected level, an output is produced which may provide a sensory warning. In a dual controller system, the signal is utilized to switch control of cabin pressure to the standby controller.

Abstract: In a cabin pressure control system utilizing dual controllers, one of which is in primary control of cabin pressure and the other of which is standby, external pressure and cabin pressure are monitored. If the difference exceeds a predetermined safe value, the rate of change of cabin pressure is incremented based on the excess. Also, switching of control from the primary to secondary controller, as would occur upon malfunction, is prevented.

Abstract: A cabin pressure control system uses two identical controllers which serve, on alternate flights, as primary controller while the other serves as standby. Identical circuitry on the units cooperate if both controllers attempt to control cabin pressure together, or if neither assumes control, to place one of the units in control of cabin pressure.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin pressure control system regulates cabin pressure as a function of outside ambient pressure in accordance with the equation ##EQU1## WHERE K.sub.1, K.sub.2 and K.sub.3 are constants, P.sub.a is atmospheric pressure, and P.sub.c is the desired value of regulated cabin pressure.

Abstract: In a cabin pressure control system having primary and standby controllers, control is switched from the primary to standby upon occurrence of a malfunction which prevents the primary controller from maintaining pressurization properly. If failure is a result of insufficient inflow of pressurized air of excessive leakage, transfer is prevented and the problem is annunciated to the crew.

Abstract: A cabin pressure control system has two independent controllers, one of which is the primary controller and the other the standby controller taking control in case of primary controller malfunction. The controllers switch roles automatically each flight. An annunciating system indicates the identity of the primary controller on the previous flight and maintains the designation in case of malfunction so that a defective unit may be readily identified.