Abstract: A mechanical power transmission apparatus, of the differential gear type, for actuating an airplane control surface requiring two independent actuator inputs to a single control surface. Predetermined, proportionately variable, asymmetric loads between the two actuators are accomodated by a load sensitive brake in conjunction with a fuse link which fails in the event of single actuator or drive means failure. The fuse link is provided by employing a shear pin to attach the pinion gear in the differential to the pinion shaft. The shear pin failure strength in conjunction with the load variable brake determines the allowable differential torque between the two driven bevel gears.

Abstract: A mechanical power transmission apparatus, of the differential gear type, for actuating an airplane control surface requiring two independent actuator inputs to a single control surface. Asymmetric loading to the control surface is accommodated by a mechanical fuse link. The fuse link is provided by employing a shear pin to attach the pinion gear to the pinion shaft, designed to fail at a predetermined differential torque between the two driven bevel gears. Positive disengagement of the gears is provided following fuse link release.

Abstract: A ball pivot thrust bearing flex joint assembly having an inner race member and an outer race member, the inner surface of the outer race member being a concave spherical self lubricating surface which provides a maximum envelopment of the complementary convex spherical outer surface of the inner pivoting ball race. The inner race ball is provided with a through aperture along the axis of primary motion for acceptance of a through shaft or bolt, and is provided with integral lateral extensions which are necked down to provide clearance for secondary axis motion. The end portions of the through hole aperture are provided with self lubricating bearings which support the radial loads and accommodate main axis rotation. Flat, washer type, self lubricating bearings are provided between the ends of the inner race pivoting ball and the associated clevis.

Abstract: The structure and the process for making a metallic sandwich structure in which metal worksheets, preferably made from titanium alloy, are joined in a preselected pattern by an intermittent or discontinuous weld. The joined sheets are sealed by a continuous weld to form an expandable envelope. Application of inert gas pressure to the envelope in a limiting fixture superplastically produces the sandwich structure as the expanded structure diffusion bonds to itself or other worksheets. Core configuration of the structure is determined by the intermittent weld pattern. Face sheets of the sandwich structure may be formed from one sheet of the envelope or may be inserted in the limiting fixture and the envelope expanded against the face sheets. Additionally, the face sheets may be preformed or formed concurrently with the core to produce the desired core and sandwich shape in a single operation.

Abstract: A zero leakage valve, employing a radially squeezed elastomeric o-ring seal. In opening and closing, the o-ring is transferred from the valve element to a following retainer sleeve. The transfer is facilitated by relieving the squeeze on the o-ring coincidental with valve movement from closed to open positions. One embodiment is a dual element check valve employing the radial seal in conjunction with a conventional poppet and seat combination. The two valve elements act in a series arrangement.

Abstract: A check valve having dual seats and dual poppets which act in a series arrangement as a double valve. One seat poppet combination employs an o-ring type seal and the second seat poppet arrangement employs a metal-to-metal sealing surface. Each seat poppet arrangement performs in typical check valve fashion. The mechanics of operation of the dual valve series arrangement is such that the soft seal valve always opens and closes under essentially zero flow conditions preventing extrusion or errosion of the soft seal and preserving the zero leakage sealing surface.

Abstract: A highly effective and efficient dry cooling system for dissipating waste heat of a steam-electric generating power plant. The dry cooling system includes an assembly of cells or modules having passively acting heat pipes installed in a Y configuration in each module. These heat pipes thermally couple the exhaust steam from a turbine flowing in a graded duct with the atmosphere. A large fan mounted at the top of each module is driven to induce air flow past exterior heat pipe portions of the module to dissipate heat picked up from the steam in the duct. The steam condensate flows down the graded duct and collects in a hot well for return as boiler feedwater. Steam from the boiler drives the turbine and is exhausted into the graded duct to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A joint for a nestable cargo carrier including a plurality of circular sections conically shaped to form an ogive contour when nested, one within the other. The shell segments are bolted together to provide the present positive mechanical joint, reliable joint sealing and ease of field assembly.