Abstract: A hinge assembly which includes two sleeves, two U-channels, a spring to effect pivotal movement between the sleeves and several links which both transmit drive force from the spring and act as an overcenter latch to lock the hinge assembly in an unfolded configuration. Each U-channel is disposed within one of the sleeves and is pivotally connected to the other U-channel to provide the pivotal connection between the sleeves. The spring and links are contained within the interior of the hinge assembly to provide a smooth, snag resistant exterior.

Abstract: A deployable truss which includes at least one foldable module. Each module includes two fixed frames, two gate assemblies, two base members and diagonal braces which are arranged for folding compactly. Foldable panels can also be attached to the module. The truss can include multiple modules sharing common fixed frames or common gate assemblies.

Abstract: A box truss hoop which is defined by circumferentially adjacent collapsible boxes. The hoop is expandable radially from a compact, folded configuration to a deployed hoop configuration. Each of the boxes includes collapsible inner and outer frames, connecting side members extending between the inner and outer frames and diagonal braces. When employed as an antenna, the box truss hoop includes a shaped reflective surface extending across the hoop and a feed located at the focus of the reflective surface.

Abstract: A bead for connecting cords. The bead includes holes therethrough through which the cords extend and adhesive in the holes for bonding the cords to the bead. A method is also described for adjusting the lengths of and connecting cords and includes the steps of fabricating a bead with holes, inserting cords through the holes, attaching a clamp to a cord whose length is to be adjusted, inserting shims between the bead and clamp so as to position the bead, introducing adhesive into the holes, and removing the clamp and shims.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated valve which includes a one-piece valve body, a linearly translatable poppet for selectively blocking an aperture in the valve body, a magnetically operable rotor, a magnetic collar or electromagnetic coil external to the valve body for inducing rotation of the rotor, and a screw and nut arrangement for converting rotational motion of the rotor into linear motion of the poppet.

Abstract: A process for reducing high temperature oxidation of graphite electrodes for steel making by coating the electrodes with a siloxane fluid, such as dimethylpolysiloxane. Silicon carbide particles can be suspended in the siloxane fluid to improve coating characteristics.

Abstract: A vibration-isolating apparatus having orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes is provided for mounting a payload to a base. The payload contains a torque producing device. Torque generated about the X-axis in the payload is communicated to the base through a stiff linkage in the rotational degree of freedom about the X-axis. The apparatus includes first and second support frames, the payload mounted on the first support frame and the second support frame mounted to the base. Gimbal means permit rotation of the payload about the Y and Z axes. Linear dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated linearly along the X, Y and Z axes and rotation dampening means dampen forces between the payload and base communicated rotationally about the Y and Z axes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lubricant additive comprising a mixture of minute spherical copper and lead particles suspended in various lubricant bases depending upon its intended use. The minute spherical metal particles are presented to friction surfaces where they reduce friction by functioning as tiny ball bearings and platelets. In addition on the application of heat and pressure, the metal particles, particularly the copper particles, will plate on high wear areas where base metal has been removed by wear. The additive has been found to substantially reduce friction and wear between relatively moving parts.

Abstract: A method of making an optically black surface having a low reflectance of electromagnetic radiation, especially in the solar spectrum, a relatively high heat resistance, and a relatively low amount of off-gassing, comprising the steps of(a) Milling the following mixture of ingredients for up to about 50 minutes:______________________________________ Ingredient Amount (% by weight) ______________________________________ Alkali metal silicate 13-21 Internal cure agent 2-10 Black pigment 17-27 Mica 0-3 Water 50-70 ______________________________________wherein the internal cure agent is selected from the group consisting of CuO, Cu.sub.2 S, NiO .multidot.Ni.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Co.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A primary pilot relief valve senses a predetermined tank pressure of a fluid pressure source and connects that source to one sealed chamber on one side of an actuating piston fixed to, but fluid isolated from, the main poppet which is maintained in valve closed position within a main valve body also open to the fluid pressure source, by fluid pressure acting within another chamber on the opposite side of the actuating piston, which, being isolated from the pressure changes which occur as the main valve opens, can rapidly modulate the fluid flow. A secondary pilot relief valve controls the pressure in the one chamber if the fluid source pressure drops below a predetermined lower pressure from that initiating primary pilot valve operation as a result of source pressure drop due to opening of the main valve poppet caused by failure of the primary pilot valve, to thereby control the tank pressure at a lower but acceptable level.

Abstract: Preferably two bow string silencers, each comprising an elongated rectangular strip of flat flexible, resilient material having a multi-point contact with a bow string and including a multiplicity of discrete energy dissipating members formed along the opposite elongated sides are attached to each bow string. The silencers have very small volume and weight and are constructed from high strength material so as not to interfere with the throw of the arrow, can be readily adjustable along the bow string to locate for maximum energy attenuation and will resist being torn off by repeated throwing of arrows.

Abstract: A gas generator producing usable power from a solid reactant which is sublimed as required to produce vapors and the vapors are chemically reacted to release stored energy and convert same to useful work.

Abstract: A hinged cord locking device is adapted to be clamped onto the support bar of an article to be locked such as one of the frame bars of a bicycle. The cord may be withdrawn from a spring retractable reel, wrapped around a stationary object and the locking bolt on free end of the cord locked in a locking channel in the hinged body portion of the device to thereby affix the article to the object. The hinged body portions rotatably support the two piece cable reel which is positively interlocked with the body portions to prevent removal thereof from the support bar. The locking channel is defined by the two body portions such that insertion of the locking bolt into the channel locks the cord to the body portions, the hinged body portions together and the cable reel to the body portions. When so locked, the locking device cannot be removed by opening or sliding axially off a support bar.

Abstract: The infant carrier and mattress comprises a planar resilient foam-filled mattress being substantially longer and wider than an infant and which has carrying straps stitched to each longitudinal side of the mattress. The infant receiving mattress surface has an additional layer of material stitched along opposite longitudinal sides and open at each lateral side to permit insertion therein of infant accessories. A harness stitched to the additional mattress layer and upper mattress surface secures the infant to the mattress. To carry an infant, an arm is inserted through the straps causing the mattress to bow about a longitudinal axis partially enveloping the infant.

Abstract: A circle arc array of element antennas is capable of receiving at all times radio signals from a source located anywhere in a wide angle or complete circle of azimuth directions, the direction of arrival of a received signal being indicated by radio receiving equipment. The source signal received by each element antenna is directed into two or three channels having different phase delays. The output signals from the first channels of all of the element antennas are combined and connected to a first radio receiver, the phase delays in the first channels being equal for all of the element antennas. The output signals from the second channels of all of the element antennas are combined and connected to the input of a second receiver, the phase delays in the second channels all being different from each other in a uniform phase progression. The phase progression corresponds to a clockwise azimuthal progression of the associated element antennas.

Abstract: The log splitter includes a contilivered I-beam that connects at one end to a three point tractor hitch. An hydraulically activated pusher plate slides along the I-beam to engage one end of a log placed on the beam and drives the log through a wedge-shaped splitting member having two angles of divergent. The tractor supports and adjusts the elevation of the log splitter and provides the fluid drive therefor. A ramp secured to the I-beam assists in loading heavy logs onto the splitting surface and to support the I-beam on the ground.