Abstract: A semi-active control method for a controllable fluid damper used in seat supports. The present method filters a relative displacement signal phase shifting the relative displacement sine wave by an angle from greater than 0.degree. through an angle less than 90.degree. to get a relative rate. The sign of the relative rate is compared to that of an absolute velocity curve obtained by integrating the absolute acceleration value obtained by an accelerometer attached to the controlled seat. If the signs are the same, the output to the damper is set to a minimum; if the signs are different, the value is set at the absolute velocity multiplied by an input gain. Endstop limits can be implemented with this control method.

Abstract: A double pumper mount useful as a front mount for an aircraft engine. A pair of fluid chambers are selectively interconnectable by one of a plurality of inertia tracks by use of an adjustable cylindrical member which has the tracks formed as generally helical grooves extending about the periphery of the cylindrical member. These inertia tracks have different flow characteristics so as to produce differing notch frequencies so as to attenuate different vibrational frequencies. A second embodiment has a single inertia track whose length can be altered by rotating the cylindrical member to change the point at which the ingress/egress port of the fluid chamber engages the circumferential portion of the inertia track.

Abstract: A fluid mount with the capability of actively controlling the amount of vibrational energy transmitted thereacross. An actuator is provided in series or in parallel with the inertia track passageway of a double pumper isolation mount to permit the dynamic stiffness of the mount to be varied so as to control the amount of vibrational energy transmitted in a desired manner. A control system for permitting frequency-shaped force feedback control of the device is also disclosed. Utilization of the device as a tuned absorber is also described.

Abstract: A torque-restraint mounting system for connecting an aircraft engine to a structure including at least two hydraulic mountings and at least one other resilient mounting. At least two of the hydraulic mountings are fluidicly interconnected via a fluid filled conduit. This allows for the torque to be reacted between the aircraft engine and the structure by placing the fluid in compression. The relative torque-induced displacement occurring between the aircraft engine and the structure for any specific operating copndition is counteracted by tuning the amount or volume of fluid within the torque-restraint system, or by tuning the coefficient of thermal expansion of the fluid. Thus, as the torque-restraint mounting system heats up, the aircraft engine will change rotational position such that its room temperature untorqued orientation can be maintained. This can have significant benefits in terms of increasing service life of the engine mounting system.

Abstract: Refractory ceramic fiber blanket modules with a continuous strip of ceramic fiber material folded, such as into a number of layers in a serpentine fashion, are used to insulate high temperature equipment. The blanket is supported by support structure which penetrates the blanket in the vicinity of folds near the furnace wall, providing increased strength against tearing away of the blanket from the supports. The attachment structure of the module permits the module to be installed on non-planar or curved surfaces as well as planar or flat surfaces.

Abstract: An L-shaped insulating module for use on outside and inside corners as well as on door jambs in a high temperature furnace. A module of refractory fibers is constructed of one blanket folded in accordance with a particular sequence to produce a first region with a first number of layers and a second region with a second lesser number of layers which is generally half as many as the first number. One-half of each of the second layers is removed to produce an L-shaped component. A second component member is interleaved with the layers of the second region to produce an L-shaped module of uniform thickness. Mounting hardware is attached to two faces of the module for attachment to their respective wall faces. The attachment is such that it retains the two components in assembled condition.

Abstract: Refractory ceramic fiber blanket modules with a continuous strip of ceramic fiber material folded into a number of layers in a serpentine fashion are used to insulate high temperature equipment. The blanket is supported by support structure which penetrates the blanket in the vicinity of folds near the furnace wall, providing increased strength against tearing away of the blanket from the supports.