Abstract: A load cell for measuring forces and moments in three orthogonal directions. The load cell has a central hub (101) and an exterior housing (110) with a plurality of arcuate flexure segments (141, 142, 143) coupled between the hub (101) and the housing (110), for receiving forces and moments applied to one and transmitting them to the other. Two sets of electrical displacement transducers, one set (121, 122, 123) arranged in pin-wheel fashion about an axis of the hub (101), the other set (131, 132, 133) parallel to the axis, measure the three angular and the three translational displacements of the hub. The three angular displacements and the three translational displacements are algebraically related to the forces and moments applied to the hub.

Abstract: An auxiliary air bearing system (50) for reducing friction in mechanical bearings (41, 42) to improve repeatability of measurements on a coordinate measuring machine (10). The air bearing system (50) and mechanical bearings (41, 42, 43) support a moveable carriage (30) on a base (20). The air bearing system (50) comprises an air pad assembly (70) mounted to the carriage (30), an air system (80) supplying air under pressure and a rail system (60) mounted to the base (20) with the air pad (70) including a compressed spring (76) captivated therein. Air under pressure is directed between the air pad assembly (70) and the rail system (60), causing the air pad assembly (70) to lift from the rail system (60) and the base (20). The air bearing system (50) and the spring (76) reduce the effect of any irregularities on the rail that would otherwise cause measurement errors.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical connector, which has a shell, an insert member and a wafer member, said insert member and wafer member stacked in the shell having apertures therein for receiving electrical terminals, the method including assembling the insert member with the wafer member with the apertures in the member and wafer aligned, wrapping a deformable laminate around the members, inserting the assembled members and laminate into the shell with the insert member, engaging a forward-face of the shell, then inserting a first sleeve into the shell in engagement with the laminate and applying a force to the sleeve to deform the laminate in the space between the shell and the insert member and wafer member. The deformed laminate preferably substantially fills the forward portion of the shell and is coated with a thermo-setting material which may be cured to more completely fill the forward portion of the shell. A grommet and a seal may be assembled with the insert member.

Abstract: An inductive spark ignition system for a gas turbine engine in which the switching semiconductor and other components are protected from failure under igniter plug load conditions. The ignition system includes means for positively turning off the switching semiconductor to start a firing cycle and for insuring that the switching semiconductor remains nonconducting long enough to dissipate the energy in the firing circuit. A Darlington transistor is used for switching and means are provided for limiting voltage and current in the transistor pair.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having a plastic coupling nut 30 and housing 20 that includes an axially extending projection 26 that is mateable with a slot 35 when the coupling nut is threaded to the housing. This arrangement provides pressure on the fully mated threads that restricts uncoupling of the threads when subject to vibration. It also provides visual indication as to whether or not the coupling nut is completely threaded upon the housing.

Abstract: A reorientation device for use with a general purpose object manipulator is disclosed, comprised of an arrangement for rotating the object while in the grasp of the manipulator through predetermined detented angles, this reorientation thereby reducing the range of manipulation motions required to be executed by the manipulator device. The specific reorientation arrangement includes pneumatically operated rack and pinion devices adapted to rotate turnover plates through a 180.degree. angle, each of the turnover plates being adapted to carry a respective one of a set of manipulator fingers. By means of a pneumatically operated interposer pin, the rotation of each turnover plate can be selectively arrested at a predetermined angle of rotation short of the full degree of rotation produced by the rack and pinion devices.

Abstract: A novel system is provided for detecting the presence of a characteristic feature on an illuminated surface of an object when used in conjunction with known electro-optical systems for determining the position of the centroid of the outline of the object with relation to the supporting surface and the rotation of the object relative to the rotational orientation of a test part. The surface is illuminated at an angle that enhances the contrast of the characteristic feature while using a vidicon-type image converter tube which scans the field which includes the object. The location, with respect to the centroid, of a circular window area encompassing the characteristic feature and the radius of the circular window are determined utilizing a television monitor connected to the vidicon.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition system for a jet engine which has a relatively high power factor at the transformer input without exceeding the one ampere current rating required in jet ignition systems at the desired power level. A specially designed power transformer (10 ) has a capacitor (3) connected across closely coupled primary and tertiary windings (11 and 12).

Abstract: An electrical connector has a shell with an insert member and a wafer stacked in the shell for receiving and retaining the electrical terminals. A ribbon-like lamination is deformed in the space between the shell and insert member and between the shell and wafer to maintain the insert member and wafer assembled to one another and to the shell.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the profile of surfaces having a characteristic one-directional lay with sufficient resolution to determine the surface roughness thereof is disclosed, comprising a device for illuminating a small spot on the surface, with an image of the spot projected through an objective lens onto a large area light detector positioned to generate a signal corresponding to the total illumination produced by the image. The device also includes a second light detector which views a second image of the spot focused by the objective lens through a slit disposed perpendicularly to the direction of the surface lay. The respective detector signals are divided to produce signals corresponding to the ratio thereof, which, according to the present invention, correspond to the variations of the surface height occuring as the illuminated spot is scanned across the surface. A graphical profile of the surface may be obtained by recording these signals as a function of the scanned distance.

Abstract: A mechanical quill and spindle drive mechanism is disclosed wherein the quill is advanced by means of a screw formed about its periphery and cooperating with a driven ball nut. The quill is received within a housing bore and accurately guided for longitudinal movement thereby by means of a sliding engagement with bore surfaces on either side of the nut. The spindle is carried by the quill throughout its longitudinal movement and is rotated by means of a splined drive shaft which maintains a rotative connection therewith by means of a splined connection therebetween.