Patents Represented by Attorney Robert J. McNair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4646479
    Abstract: A deburring method is presented wherein a cylindrical brush rotationally contacts the workpiece. The brush includes a mandrel having a central axle to provide support during use. To the mandrel is attached a multiplicity of long bristles. Each bristle is flexible and has impregnated therein a plurality of abrasive particles. The population density of the bristles on the brush is such that the outwardly extending ends can readily flex both in the plane of rotation and sidewise along the lengthwise dimension of the brush. Setting the brush so that the bristle ends overlap the surface of the workpiece being deburred, each bristle makes a slapping contact therewith. This results in one to two inches of each bristle being dragged endwise across the surface of the workpiece. The endwise movement of each bristle causes the abrasive particles imbedded therein to abrade the sharp edges of the workpiece. An automatic conveyor may be used to feed workpiece stock past the rotating brush at a predetermined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Walker, Anthony V. Forte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4643148
    Abstract: This invention discloses apparatus for controlling the throttle of an aircraft engine so that it is either in the fully automatic electronic fuel control mode or in the completely manual mode while using a single throttle lever. In the event of a power failure in the aircraft, automatic reversion to the manual throttle control mode of operation is provided. The apparatus for achieving this consists of an outer housing shell having a lever arm extending radially therefrom, the outermost end of the lever arm being pinned to a source of translational motion such as provided by a push rod attached to the manual throttle lever. Within one end of the outer housing shell there is an output spool having on its outward facing end a boring sized to accommodate the throttle shaft of the engine fuel metering system. An input spool is mounted for rotation within the second end of the outer housing shell. The outward facing end of the input spool is secured by a shaft to the electronic fuel control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley T. Jedrziewski
  • Patent number: 4610013
    Abstract: An approach is disclosed for accomplishing redundancy in the central processor units of a remote multiplexer terminal (RMT). Through execution of a stored software program the RMT receives data from input/output devices, processes that data and transmits it to external equipment. The system uses two central processor units (CPU's), each with its own input/output (I/O) bus. Both CPU's actively and continuously monitor the status of the I/O subsystems. The software program designates one CPU as the "Master", the other CPU as the "Slave". The CPU designated as "Master" performs active control functions so long as error detection circuitry within each CPU determines that the operational status of the "Master" is good. Error detection is accomplished by incorporation of a "Watch Dog Timer" in each CPU. A failing CPU is redesignated to be a Slave (and is halted) and the previously designated Slave CPU is redesignated as a Master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Long, Roy L. Harrill
  • Patent number: 4602216
    Abstract: Measuring apparatus is presented which permits monitoring of current consumption of electronic equipment under operating conditions. The apparatus includes a probe-like element shaped to fit into the equipment fuse holder in place of the cartridge fuse and the cap which holds the fuse in place. A pair of test leads serve to encircuit the contacts within the fuse holder with the terminals of an ammeter. Subsequent to the completion of the monitoring act the probe-like element can be removed and the fuse and cap combination reinserted in the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry L. Keel
  • Patent number: 4588468
    Abstract: A printed circuit board modification and repair system is presented which functions under computer control. Modification is accomplished by securing the printed circuit board to an X-Y positioning fixture mounted on a work station table. After indexing to a reference point, the X-Y positioning fixture can be moved fore, aft and sideways by computer command to bring a specific location on the printed circuit board under any one of a plurality of heads mounted above the work station surface. One head will contain an etch cutting bit for making cuts in printed circuit connections. A second head has mounted thereon a laser beam discharge device for removing conformal coatings and wire insulation. A third head mounts a wire dispenser for making new conductive paths and a glue dispenser for securing the newly positioned wire to the board. A fourth head contains an ultra-violet lamp for achieving quick cures of glues and epoxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. McGinty, Kevin A. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 4559689
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a metal and plastic lightweight wheel cover. An annular riser supports the wheel cover assembly while several curling rolls roll curl the outermost flange of an outer ornamental member onto a lightweight plastic insert and retaining ring capturing the insert between the outer member and the retaining ring. The roll curling prevents relative rotation between the outer ornamental face and the retaining ring. The curling rolls embed a plurality of jagged edged barbs, formed on the retaining ring, in the insert. The barbs prevent the insert from rotating relative to the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Randall Wheel Trim, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Ladouceur
  • Patent number: 4549207
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for optically measuring the width of a gap between abutting panel surfaces of a multilayered structure that is to be assembled by bolts or rivets inserted through fastener holes. A scanning video camera having an optical image input and a voltage wavetrain output through a coaxial cable is used. The camera mounts on a rigid side viewing borescope which via sleeve adapters is inserted down the fastener hole under test. A fiber optic bundle within the borescope provides illumination of the test surface containing the gap. The information gathered by the video camera is displayed on a TV monitor mounted in a test console. Superimposed on the camera-obtained image is a pair of vertical cursors generated by a video electronic micrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Boshier
  • Patent number: 4533994
    Abstract: A priority gating system is disclosed which is useful with a communication subsystem having a multiplicity of parallel input/output lines. To service these lines a priority address determination is made for all channels with 0 designating the highest priority and (n-1), the lowest in an n-channel system. Each signal line to the input/output devices will have a card select buffer serially inserted therein. All of the buffers will be enabled during the data transfer portion of the cycle. At the end of the service cycle for message transfer, the central processing unit initiates a dual pulse interrupt acknowledge command which first disables all buffers, then after a short delay, activates priority decoder circuitry. The priority decoder circuitry determines which of the n-channel input/output lines is to be serviced during the next data cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Roy L. Harrill, James T. Odom
  • Patent number: 4442781
    Abstract: A deposit box for an automatic teller machine equipped with a deposit receiving chamber and an auxiliary or escrow chamber, both of which are provided with access doors communicating with the exterior of the box. Both doors are opened and closed automatically, by inserting and removing the box from the automatic teller machine. An internal door, communicating between the two chambers is provided, and the cover of the box is prevented from assuming a fully seated position unless the internal door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard A. Fish
  • Patent number: 4426683
    Abstract: A control system for a pneumatically powered shock testing machine is presented which utilizes digital logic and an operator programmed computer. The control system was implemented on a shock machine having a carriage assembly that is lifted by an air piston to a specified height above an anvil plate, then accelerated downward until the carriage impacts a shock generator element resting on the anvil. An optically encoded guide rod is attached to the side of the carriage. As the carriage moves up and down, an optical sensor attached to the machine base monitors motion of the guide rod. The measure of this motion is forwarded to a microcomputer. Secondly, charge air pressure used to provide downward acceleration of the carriage is measured by a transducer and this information is also relayed in digital form to the microcomputer. From these two inputs, the microcomputer generates instructions to sequence solenoid actuated valves which operate the various sections of the charge cylinder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert R. Kissell
  • Patent number: 4370959
    Abstract: A two-stroke cycle internal combustion engine has a sustained power stroke which results from delayed mixing of a stratified charge. Use of delayed mixing of an overall stoichiometric air-fuel mixture results in formation of a low amount of the oxides of nitrogen. Delayed mixing of a stratified charge is achieved by placement of a Helmholtz resonator cavity in the piston and peripherally just below the crown thereof. The Helmholtz resonator cavity communicates with the combustion chamber via a narrow slot made by undercutting the top edge of the piston. A port type intake valve is used. Pressurized air passing through the intake port during the exhaust phase of the cycle streams past the undercut top edge of the piston. After the engine cylinder has received a charge of fresh air the compression stroke is begun and the main chamber is filled with a slight fuel-rich gaseous charge. The companion Helmholtz resonator cavity receives only an air charge from the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. McNair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4325494
    Abstract: A single-bill currency dispenser incorporates a self-contained cartridge for storing a quantity of bills of a single denomination, and dispensing the bills singly in response to electrical control signals. The bills are loaded into the cartridge in a vertical stack of bills which may, if desired, be arranged in serial number order, and are dispensed one at a time from the top of the stack. The serial number of the bill next to be dispensed is visible through a window in the top of the cartridge case. A roller engages the topmost bill at the top of the stack and urges it forward to be received by a belt conveyor. Passage of a single bill through the conveyor triggers a switch to indicate that dispensing is occurring, and passage of two or more bills at the same time through the conveyor triggers a second switch, causing the bills to be ejected into an escrow tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: Avco Investment Management Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard A. Fish
  • Patent number: 4318354
    Abstract: A compact automatic teller machine has an elevator assembly, a plurality of bill dispensers are located on one side of the elevator assembly for dispensing bills of one or more denominations to said elevator assembly, whereby the bills are made available to an operator at the upper part of the elevator assembly. A steel back plate assembly is provided with slides for supporting a front cover for sliding relationship relative to the back plate, and steel plates making up the back plate assembly, and the cover, define two separate secure compartments, for the bill dispensers and for a deposit box. Access to the sides of both secure compartments is permitted when the cover is opened. Multiple locking means is provided for locking the cover in closed relationship to the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Avco Investment Management Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard A. Fish
  • Patent number: 4221198
    Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine is presented having a sustained power stroke which results from a delayed mixing of a stratified charge. Use of delayed mixing of an overall stoichiometric air-fuel mixture results in formation of a low amount of the oxides of nitrogen. Delayed mixing of the stratified charge is achieved by placement of at least one Helmholtz resonator cavity in the head or closed end of each combustion chamber. The Helmholtz resonator cavity communicates with the top end of the main combustion chamber via a narrow slot. On the intake stroke of each engine cylinder, the main chamber is filled with a slightly fuel rich gaseous charge while the companion Helmholtz resonator cavity is filled with air. During the compression stroke some of the rich air-fuel mixture is forced into the resonator cavity via the communicating slot. At or near TDC, the air-fuel mixture in the main chamber is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. McNair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4193250
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which provides automatic height control for the header of a multi-row crop harvester. The crop processing header has a series of row dividers hinge mounted along its front edge. Under at least two of the row dividers is a ground engaging wheel which causes the leading edge of each to float up and down as the terrain changes. Servo actuating sensors mounted between the divider and the header respond to changes in the angle of attack therebetween. The servo system actuates hydraulic valves allowing oil pressure to automatically raise and lower the header. This means of height control maintains the cutter bar or ear stripper plates a predetermined distance above ground regardless of changes in terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Assignee: Paul Revere Corporation
    Inventors: Norman J. Kessens, Marvin L. Joray
  • Patent number: 4176547
    Abstract: A torque correlation ring is disclosed which forms a part of a test stand useful in measuring performance of aircraft turboshaft engines. The torque ring assembly comprises two annular rings separated from each other by four short equally spaced beams. One of the annular rings is fixedly attached to the frame of the test stand. The engine casing is attached to the second ring. Attachment is such that the engine is axially suspended within the annular rings with the propeller shaft on one side and the turbine exhaust on the other. Torque reaction forces on the engine casing stemming from supplying power to a propeller will be passed from the second annular ring to the frame mounted, first annular ring via the four beams. The magnitude of this torque is measured by means of strain gages mounted on each of the four beams. The electrically combined signal from the strain gages represent an accurate measurement of the torque forces being supplied to the propeller by the engine under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1979
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: John W. McClure, George S. Hudson
  • Patent number: 4167930
    Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine is presented having a sustained power stroke which results from a delayed mixing of a stratified charge. Use of delayed mixing of an overall stoichiometric air-fuel mixture results in formation of a low amount of the oxides of nitrogen. Delayed mixing of the stratified charge is achieved by placement of a Helmholtz resonator cavity in the head or closed end of each combustion chamber. The Helmholtz resonator cavity communicates with the main combustion chamber via a narrow slot made around the periphery of the top end of the chamber. On the intake stroke of each engine cylinder, the main chamber is filled with a slightly fuel rich gaseous charge while the companion Helmholtz resonator cavity is filled with air. During the compression stroke some of the rich air-fuel mixture is forced into the resonator cavity via the communicating slot. At or near TDC, the air-fuel mixture in the main chamber is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. McNair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4164845
    Abstract: A flow stabilizer is presented which equalizes the flow of fluid through the passageways of the channel diffuser used with a centrifugal type rotary compressor. Slots are formed in the sidewalls of the flow separating vanes in the diffuser. The slots open into cavities within the vanes. The multiplicity of cavities communicate by means of openings through the diffuser wall into a common closed manifold. The fluid interconnection between the multiplicity of passageways in the diffuser and the encircling common manifold increases the operating range of the compressor since pressure surges in one or more passageways are quickly equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Exley, Charles Kuintzle, Jr., David L. Tate
  • Patent number: 4163366
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus which harmlessly purges all fluids which leak from the fittings of a turbofan aircraft engine. Purging is achieved by passing a low speed flow of ventilating air along the exterior walls of the engine combustor section. This is accomplished by enshrouding the engine core with a cylindrical cowl. A space between the cowl and the engine combustor makes an annular shaped cavity. Ports in the cowl allow air to be brought into the cavity from the bypass ducting of the engine. The rapidly moving volume of air thus brought in vaporizes any fuel which leaks into the cavity. The vaporized air/fuel mixture is then exhausted into the hot gas plume emitted from the rear of the core engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Kent
  • Patent number: 4159642
    Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a closed loop aircraft transmission test set comprising a variable speed DC motor driving a speed changing gear box whose output shaft is coupled to the input of the transmission under test, the main output shaft of the transmission being coupled to a DC generator load, the output of the generator being used to supplement the input electric power used to operate the DC driving motor thus assuring power drain from the supply busses is only the amount needed to overcome system friction and efficiency losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1979
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: George S. Hudson, Madan M. Roy