Abstract: A superplastically formed and diffusion bonded structure formed with two or more sheets and upset forging the material at the perimeter to provide the expulsive material between the inner most sheets so as to close the entrance angle formed between the expanded sheets at the line where the surfaces of the split forming fixture engage and the method of producing this structure. The upset forged material insures the structural integrity of the outside perimeter structure after removal of the flange which is normally present as a result of the holding fixture.

Abstract: In a NOTAR.TM. (No tail rotor) system for a helicopter, the addition of vortex generators in the longitudinal slots or nozzles which produce the circulation control portion of the system which combines with a jet thruster and fluid resource to replace the tail rotor.

Abstract: The process for forming a metallic sandwich structure having a curved surface, particularly a surface curving about more than one axis, such as a quadric surface partially by direct displacement and partially by a fluid interface. Additionally, means to restrain the work sheets being formed with respect to the shaping fixture which allow a portion of the work sheets to flow into the forming cavity before absolute restraint is applied and the restraining means function independently of the clamping force of the press.

Abstract: A special contour near the trailing edge of an airfoil which improves the airfoil effectiveness. The contour is a combination of a blunt airfoil base, a local region of high surface curvature, typically on the airfoil lower surface, and upper surface and lower surface trailing edge slopes that diverge from each other.

Abstract: The process for forming a metallic sandwich structure having a curved surface, particularly a surface curving about more than one axis, such as a quadric surface partially by direct displacement and partially by a fluid interface. Additionally, means to restrain the work sheets being formed with respect to the shaping fixture which allow a portion of the work sheets to flow into the forming cavity before absolute restraint is applied and the restraining means function independently of the clamping force of the press.

Abstract: A sling for attachment to a hoist for accurately adjusting the position of a helicopter rotor blade to ease the installation of the rotor blade in the rotor hub while attached to a helicopter. Blade orientation is adjustable in the sling by providing a spherical clamp which is attached to the hoist and a spherical race or sliding surface bearing on the spherical clamp and attached to the sling. The sling adjusts the blade position so that the center of gravity of the blade is located approximately at the center of the radius forming the surface of the spherical race. Hence, only the axis being adjusted is effected.

Abstract: A compound pneumatic valve of the bang-bang, spool type; electro-mechanically driven by a pair of face type opposing solenoids which in turn are driven by a pulse width modulator signal. First and second cylinder parts are alternately pressurized and vented through asymmetrical slot style ports to function in the two horsepower range having bandwidths of 30 to 45 Hz.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the superplastic forming process by measuring and controlling the volume displaced by the blank being formed so as to measure total strain or surface area increase of the blank.

Abstract: A hydraulic power actuator system flow augmentation scheme of the boot-strap type. The scheme consists of a jet pump to augment pump inlet flow with return flow by reducing the pressure in the jet pump below return pressure. A check valve is installed in the augmentation circuit to prevent back-flow during low flow rate conditions. Two load recovery check valves are used to short circuit the actuator during aiding load conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning the spool in the valve body and setting the armature air gap with respect to the core assembly of a compound, spool type valve driven electro-mechanically by a pair of face type opposing solenoids.

Abstract: An explosively operated, confined linear explosive separation joint. The joint features a one-piece female member of a clevis type shape with shear lip grooves located on the outside surface of the clevis generally aligned with the fillet formed between the sidewall and the bottom of the opening in the clevis. The explosive means is contained in the bottom of the clevis portion with the male portion of the joint slideably nested in the clevis opening abutting the explosive. Shear lip groove alignment with the corner radius or fillet formed at the bottom of the clevis and the stiffer structure adjacent to the break point combine to ensure optimum use of the explosive energy and produce a joint which fails primarily in shear rather than tension, taking advantage of the materials weakest property.

Abstract: An improvement is made in an externally driven gun having an ammunition feeder capable of providing at least two types of ammunition to the gun by incorporating a gear transmission into the driving mechanism coupled to the ammunition feeder to appropriately control an in-feed sprocket within the ammunition feeder so that the ammunition type can be changed prior to commitment of the previously selected type of ammunition to the firing mechanism of the gun. The gear transmission which is coupled to the in-feed sprocket provides acceleration to the sprocket at the last possible moment prior to handing-off the round to the firing mechanism. In one embodiment the gear transmission includes a cam follower rotatably coupled about an offset axis to the input shaft and coupled to the output shaft through a radial slot. The cam follower is rotated by means of a stationary cam race as the follower itself is rotated as a whole by the input shaft.

Abstract: The side stripping of ammunition from linked ammunition belts in an automatic weapon system is improved by providing a stripping mechanism including a link sprocket for engaging the link belt and rounds and including a synchronously rotating follower guide. A plurality of followers are disposed and slidable within a corresponding plurality of radial slots defined in the follower guide. Two followers are provided for each round which could be accommodated by the link sprocket. The follower slides radially along the slot in the following guide toward and away from its corresponding round as controlled by a cam pin extending from the follower and engaging a cam raceway in an adjacent fixed cam plate. By this means a purely radially force is symmetrically applied to each round through the longitudinal axis of the round and perpendicular to the axis of the sprocket so that no net torque is applied to the round or its corresponding link.

Abstract: A wheel lift for lifting multi-wheeled vehicles. A wheel lift is applied at each wheel and has a generally U-shaped base supported by an air bearing under each arm. A pair of adjustable chocks engage the wheel near the floor. Either a hook engages the wheel generally opposite the chocks or for application of the device on the inboard side of the wheel, a support member picks up the vehicle structure to resist any overturning moment and provide stability.

Abstract: An improvement in an aircraft refueling boom wherein the boom support attachment provides two axes of motion. The first axis, attached to the fuselage, provides for lateral motion of the boom about a longitudinal or roll axis of rotation essentially parallel to the air stream. The second axis of motion, the pitch axis, is located below and perpendicular to the roll axis so that the pitch axis rolls with any roll motion of the boom and provides for vertical displacement of the boom. The resultant boom nozzle motion is such that vertical displacement occurs in a conventional fashion while lateral displacement takes place in an arc or rolling motion rather than a yawing motion.

Abstract: An Nd:YAG laser pumped by an array of diode laser bars. The diode laser bars are driven by high frequency pulsed DC and switched so that the bars may be driven in any desirable combination, but not all bars are driven at the same time. Switching between sequential bars must provide an overlap to accommodate the lag between the optical output of the main laser cavity and the input pulse to the diode bar. Althrough the diode bars operate uncooled at a low duty cycle, the YAG output is a continuous wave.

Abstract: Drum brake wear sensor system which senses brake wear and lights a warning light when lining wear reaches a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A release/restraint mechanism for air-dropped cargo interposed between fixed aircraft structure and the restraining webbing. A fixed arm is oriented opposite a pivoted arm which is fixed in one position and free to rotate in the release position. A restraint arm is pivoted at one end of the fixed arm and engages a cam on the pivoted arm. The pivoted arm is angled about the pivot point so as to provide a side load on the end pivoted arm so as to open the restraint arm when in the release position, freeing the cargo for a gravity air drop.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting and translating a wing trailing edge flap system. The flap is pivotally supported by a carriage and track at one point and the free ternary link of a four-bar linkage at a second point, to combine and form an overall six-bar linkage system of the Stephenson III type.

Abstract: A mechanical biasing device to drive an aircraft control surface to a predetermined position relative to the main airfoil, either directly or indirectly through a linkage system, while also providing sufficient clamping force at the neutral position so that the airfoil and control surface behave dynamically like a single structure.