Abstract: A latch for securing a panel within an overhead opening includes a base portion which is secured to the panel. A cam is pivotally mounted to the base and is biased such that upon insertion of the panel into the opening a foot on the cam snaps over adjoining structure, pinching the structure against the base and thereby securing the panel. A trigger mechanism pivotally mounts to the cam and is configured to lock the cam in an unlatched position upon desired removal of the panel.

Abstract: A tandem wing aircraft having two wings of similar area wherein a lower first wing is located at the forward end of the fuselage attached directly to fuselage structure. A second higher wing is located at the aft end of the fuselage but is aerodynamically separated from the fuselage structure by strut structure. Pitch control is achieved by increasing or decreasing the lift on either wing; but downward acting load is not required. The two wings are preferably vertically separated by 25% to 50% of the span of the wings. Control redundancy for flight safety is achieved because of availability and location of control surfaces. Higher aspect ratio wings can be used because of inherently reduced bending moments on the wing; and overall aircraft gross weight is reduced due to structural and aerodynamic efficiency.

Abstract: A method for color dyeing nylon articles and the like utilizing a room temperature dye solution comprises mixing a dyestuff with formic acid to form a dye solution such that the final solution contains 30-60% formic acid in an aqueous solution by volume, applying said dye solution to the area of the nylon article to be colored, and after the dye solution has remained on said article for a predetermined length of time, rinsing the article.

Abstract: A tandem wing aircraft is provided having two independent spaced apart fuselages and two wings of similar area, a lower forward wing and a higher aft wing. The lower forward wing is attached to the forward region of each of the spaced apart fuselages; the higher aft wing is aerodynamically spaced apart from and located above the aft region of the spaced apart fuselages. An aft strut member is disposed between the aft wing and each of the fuselages; each aft strut member has a length sufficient to cause the wing tips of the lower forward wing and the upper aft wing to be vertically spaced apart by a distance of at least 25% of the span of either of the wings.

Abstract: A cargo pallet incorporates a plurality of pneumatically extendable and retractable roller means disposed in a lower, deck or floor contacting portion thereof. The roller means are arranged in a pattern to provide equitable load distribution such that, when the roller means are extended, the pallet and any cargo thereon may be easily moved in any horizontal direction; and, when the roller means are retracted, the pallet is immobilized with its lower surface resting substantially flush with a cargo-supporting floor, deck or platform. Inherent load-levelling is accomplished since one or more roller means may be partially retracted to accommodate bumps and uneven portions of the floor, deck or platform over which the pallet is to be moved. The conjoint operation of one or more roller means in the foregoing manner also provides a cushioning or load-distributing action for the pallet and its cargo.

Abstract: Air breathing gas turbine engine design concepts, and methods and apparatus for providing variable engine cycles are disclosed. The preferred engine embodiments involve two flow control valve systems for internal management of air, each of which have the capacity to cross-over or invert adjacent annular flow patterns, and at least one of which is capable of switching from inverted to straight through flow.

Abstract: The disclosed method and apparatus enables movement of containerized and palletized cargo into a cargo aircraft through a door in the side of the fuselage which has a smaller width than the length of the cargo. The disclosed preferred embodiment includes an array of floor mounted steerable drive wheel units and an attenuated, shock absorbing pivot-stop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for arranging, at a predetermined spacing on a reception conveyor, objects originating in an unevenly spaced manner from a delivery conveyor. The delivery conveyor is driven with continuous motion. The reception conveyor is driven with intermittent motion. The apparatus comprises a flexible closed loop member lying in a horizontal plane. A first portion of the flexible loop extends parallel to the end part of the delivery conveyor and a second portion extends parallel to the initial part of the reception conveyor. A series of suckers is distributed along the flexible member and mobile vertically by means of cams disposed along the first and second portions for causing the suckers to move close to and away from the delivery and reception conveyors. A distributor member is arranged to connect and disconnect the suckers cyclically to and from suction means for taking the objects from the delivery conveyor and depositing them respectively on the reception conveyor.

Abstract: A control system for a cyclic process includes a pulse generator incorporating three rotatable gears for generating pulses. A first gear having n ferromagnetic teeth is mounted on a main generator shaft for generating a train of pulses in a magnetic perception head upon rotation of the main generator shaft, and also mounted on the main generator shaft is a second gear wheel having n + 1 teeth. The second gear wheel drivingly engages with a third gear wheel having n teeth which is mounted for rotation on another shaft, and the second and third gear wheels each carry a ferromagnetic element movement of which past respective further magnetic perception heads causes the generation of a single pulse during each rotation of the second and third gear wheels.

Abstract: Feeder for packaging machines comprising a conveyor for transferring a number of containers which advance with intermittent motion and on which the containers receiving the portions of product are supported in parallel rows perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the conveyor. A flexible member is arranged in a closed path around a pair of pulleys of vertical axis so as to lie in a horizontal plane above the transfer conveyor and comprising two portions parallel to the rows of containers. A plurality of compartments are distributed along the flexible member at distances equal to that of the containers of each row and arranged to receive portions of product from portion delivery means disposed at said pulleys, and to discharge said portions by gravity through lower apertures closable by doors operated by control means.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying and turning articles is provided by the combination of a through belt which extends along the path of the articles parallel to a conveyor belt and cooperates therewith for the purpose of conveying the articles in a line, and a control roller and a pair of pressing rollers which trap the article therebetween and turn it at least one complete revolution in place.

Abstract: Three flow control valves are described, each of which incorporates a sleeve having a double conical valve seat and at least one frusto-conical valve member mounted on a support stem in a valve bore between first and second ports. In the first and second flow control valves, a restricted flow of fluid in one direction and substantially unrestricted flow in an opposite direction between the ports is obtained. The third control valve is provided with two valve members, and controlled flow rates in both directions between the ports are obtained. Any one of the control valves is readily converted into either of the other control valves and a total of only seventeen different parts is needed to construct any one of the valves.