Abstract: An annular combustor for a jet turbine engine of generally rectangular cr-section having an axially-projecting aft exhaust outlet is lined by a plurality of circumferentially-extending heat-insulating liner segments, preferably ceramic, spaced from the metal shell of the combustor by spring-like spacers. The liner segments have offset tabs at their edges to slidably mate with each other and with retaining clips adjacent to the exhaust outlet, thereby being slidably secured to accept expansion of the metal shell without placing appreciable stress on the liner segments. Arcuate, generally planer liner segments along the forward and aft walls of the combustor are keyed in place by a radially-inward flanged liner segment along the outer perimetrical wall of the shell.

Abstract: A latching system for an infrared suppression device, which reduces the iared signature of the exhaust of a gas turbine engine, employs a two-point hinge for supporting and swivelling the IR suppressor and for permitting the IR suppressor to be translated forward and backward a substantial distance in order to complete the latching operation. Guide pins entering guide holes and held in firm engagement therebetween by retractable hooks engaging loops, support the forward end of the suppressor to the aft end of the gas turbine engine while resisting lateral and twisting displacement of the suppressor when it is latched in place.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an impervious fiberglass blanket having a plural of spaced-apart slots on its inner side, such as for overlaying and venting a pressurized helicopter rotor spar, includes the steps of positioning a thin metal forming grid of spaced-apart strips, corresponding to the desired slots, on a forming table over a sacrificial layer of peelable material. Sheets of resin-impregnated fiberglass material are positioned over the grid, another sacrificial layer is applied, and a flat caul plate is placed over the lay-up. The laid-up assembly is placed in a vacuum bag, the bag is evacuated, and the assembly is cured in an autoclave. The sacrificial layers protect the blanket from mold release and outside contamination.

Abstract: A flight control system is provided for a helicopter furnishing safety feres, and providing back up control in the event of failure of controls of the rotary head swashplate of a helicopter. The swashplate is regulated by a series of actuators which are angularly positioned at particular settings around the swashplate. In the event of a control system failure, a supplemental system controls the selected settings for the swashplate, rotary head, and spar root and blade assemblies of the helicopter.

Abstract: A dual point suspension implement or apparatus adapted to be secured to a licopter or the like having a single point external loads attachment hook so as to support an external load by means of two suspension lines spaced longitudinally from one another. The dual point suspension implement comprises a carriage support secured to the aircraft forward of the aircraft hook, the carriage support extending laterally and comprising a curved track member having its radius of curvature substantially coincident with the pivot axis of the aircraft hook. The implement further comprises a carriage having a plurality of rollers which are engageable with the curved track whereby the carriage is free to move or swing along the curved track in arcuate fashion so that the implement together with the load is free to swing relative to the aircraft about the pivot axis of the aircraft hook. The implement further includes a main body extending longitudinally of the aircraft below the support structure.

Abstract: An electrical transducer for indicating the position of an element movable n a predictable path, such as angular rotation, has no electrical parts on the movable element. A magnet mounted to the movable element traces a fixed path which lies adjacent to a stationary tubular enclosure containing liquid suspending a mass of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive material, the magnet drawing the mass of particles along within the tube on movement in its fixed path. Electrodes spaced on opposite sides of the tube wall along the length of the tube are electrically coupled by the mass of particles, whereby to indicate the position of the movable element.

Abstract: Warehouses, moving vans, buses, railroad cars, and cargo planes, adapted for storage or transport of cargo generally have tie-down studs or anchor bolts in their floors and walls. In order that cargo may slide across the floors or walls without interference the tie-down studs are mounted in recesses so that they do not extend beyond the floor or wall surface. These recessed studs have the disadvantage that objects to be attached thereto must be adapted to fit them. This invention provides an anchoring assembly which effectively converts the recessed anchor stud to an upwardly extending anchor bolt.

Abstract: Digital interface circuitry links a number of solenoid-driven, multiple-p, single-transducer pressure-scanning devices to a digital data acquisition microprocessor system having a random access interface which directs operation of the microprocessor CPU. Pulses from the CPU are utilized by the digital interface to step the scanning solenoid and command the CPU to scan the current inputs from the pressure devices. The digital interface receives a digital signal from a binary encoder when the pressure scanning system has reached the last active pressure port and then returns the scanning system to home position and inputs the next user command to the CPU.

Abstract: A crashworthy fuel system for aircraft or the like comprising a fuel tank d a valve for securement to the bottom of the tank. The valve comprises a generally L-shaped body having a first leg and a second leg extending generally at right angles to the first leg. A main flow passage extends through the entire length of the body. The first leg has a peripheral flange spaced from its outer end which is secured in face-to-face relation to the bottom of the tank with the outer end of the first leg extending up through a hole in the bottom of the tank into the interior of the tank for flow of fuel into the main flow passage and the second leg extending below the tank on the outside thereof for connection at its outer end to a fuel delivery line. The first leg has a circumferential area of weakness adjacent the flange between the flange and the second leg.

Abstract: A helicopter spar root end and blade assembly for attachment to the rotary ead of the helicopter, the spar includes the root end attachment having a series of formed apertures therein generally molded from strips of fiber reinforced tapes, and which tapes are turned from their disposition at the apertures for extension outboard of the blade to enhance its structural reinforcement against fatigue and fracture. The method for forming such a spar root end and blade assembly includes the disposition of a removable form for positioning of the resin treated tapes along the intended length of the spar root and blade, simultaneously positioning fiberglass sheets into the configuration of the intended blade assembly, and then compressing die halves into position around the tape and sheet formed assembly at a pressure and temperature for a stipulated period of time until the molded assembly and its inherent resin achieves curing and setting into its final and concise form.

Abstract: Sight devices of many guns are not wholly satisfactory. When guns such as 5 caliber automatic pistols are to be used in competitive target shooting, more expensive gun sights are utilized. Simpler gun sights are available but they present visual problems. A rear gun sight apparatus is provided herein which improves visual sighting or aiming, and it can be readily manufactured at a low cost and by simple manufacturing methods.

Abstract: An improved airborne hoist for use in lifting a load, particularly by means f a helicopter, comprising a pair of rotatable drums, each drum being rotatable in an opposite direction, a drive unit intergeared through a series of shafts for providing rotation to the drums, a cable holding device, in the configuration of a supplemental drum surrounding each of the first said drums, and each cable holding device provided for rotating simultaneously in unison with the rotation of its respective drum, while at the same time being axially shiftable for providing a winding or unwinding of its held cable from a constant location. The pair of drums each hold, respectively, its own cable, thereby providing a pair of cables that furnishes an inherent safety factor in that a single mechanical failure of a drum does not result in a loss of its held load.

Abstract: Structural cores in the form of open-ended polyhedrons joined together al common edges or sides are generating high industrial interest because of the great strengths they possess relative to their weights. A structural core medium of interwoven fibrous filaments coated with plastic is highly satisfactory, but it has the disadvantage that it is very difficult, if not heretofore impossible, to produce in other than planar, sandwich or cylindrical form. A jig for the fabrication of such cores has not come into existance. This invention provides a jig which makes possible the fabrication of such polyhedral structural cores.

Abstract: A specialized electronic calculator for providing to helicopter pilots an mediate computation and readout of the helicopter's hover performance capability. The invention provides helicopter pilots with the power available and the maximum gross weight which the helicopter is able to hover simply by keying into the calculator the outside air temperature and the pressure altitude.

Abstract: Thermoforming, utilized for making articles from sheets of thermoplastic ins, does not readily yield articles having desired strength properties. Using both thermoplastic and thermosetting resins in the process results in articles embodying fabrication stresses akin to those in prestressed concrete.

Abstract: Where there is a difference in the angle of arrival between desired incom signals and interfering signals, the reception of the desired signals is maximized by the creation of nulls in the direction of the interfering signals. A high quality receiving (or transmitting) beam is formed by a one-time calculation of the proper phase or amplitude adjustment required to create a null in the direction of each interfering signal. The antennae are then appropriately adjusted to establish the nulls.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage is disclosed having male and female mating portions, id linkage being adjustable to a selected length and said male member carrying a locking means for simultaneously engaging the male and female members and for locking them in relative mated position.

Abstract: Thermoforming, utilized for making articles from sheets of thermoplastic ins, does not always yield articles having desired strength properties. It has been suggested that both thermoplastic and thermosetting layers be used to making the articles stronger. However it was virtually impossible to bond the layers together. A process is provided herein for obtaining that bond.

Abstract: The benefits of a dual caliber gun have been set forth in various periodis. Dual caliber revolvers come into consideration as training weapons. Dual caliber revolvers are also important in survival situations, for example downed aircraft or lost hunters. Prior art dual caliber pistons have one barrel below the other one. Such guns possess an inherent accuracy disadvantage. In addition the internal mechanisms of the guns differ so drastically from standard guns that manufacture is expensive and reliability questionable. A more reliable dual caliber gun is provided herein which has a single trigger, normal spring action, and an unmodified firing mechanism.

Abstract: Thermoforming, utilized for making articles from sheets of thermoplastic ins, does not readily yield articles having desired strength properties. Using both thermoplastic and thermosetting resins in the process results in articles embodying fabrication stresses akin to those in prestressed concrete.