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.

Abstract: This invention concerns a programmable counter which can be preset to provide an output indication one pulse after the count of the incoming signal pulse train has reached the integer M, where M equals any binary real number over the range (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, . . ., 32,768). The programmable counter can be preset to any one of the binary numbers using a 4 digit word.

Abstract: An electric discharge gas laser has a turbulence generator inserted in the flow path of the gas upstream of the optical cavity. The turbulence generator is illustrated as a screen. The turbulence is also disclosed as resulting from a vortex-causing blade inserted in the gas conduit. The turbulence resulting in the gas flow provides energy and specie diffusion to the outer walls at a rate relatively faster than laminar (molecular) diffusion, thereby permitting stable operations of the diffuse electric discharge at relatively higher powers.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which provides an improved means of measuring the operating characteristics of a multiplicity of thermocouple reference junctions. The apparatus allows accurate sensing of temperature through use of both a measurement and reference junction thermocouple arrangement. The reference junction thermocouples are collectively encased and surrounded by an insulating medium which on one side abuts a metal plate serving as a heat sink of appreciable mass. The operating temperature of the heat sink is then monitored by a temperature sensitive resistor. Voltage drop across the resistor is convertible into a measure of system calibration.

Abstract: A dual cycle turbine system is presented which includes a combination of two engines with different cycle pressure ratios. The two engines are cross connected by a common regenerator that enables low specific fuel consumption under partial load conditions.

Abstract: A target fishing apparatus is disclosed which when attached to a conventional rod and reel assembly allows casting of a baited hook to a desired location. The unit may be used in areas where restricted overhead clearance precludes conventional casting. Actuation of a trigger mechanism causes an elastic member to propel a lure and attached line from a bait cup toward the target area.

Abstract: An inflatable storm window is disclosed which is adapted to be positioned within a window frame to both provide insulation and prevent air leakage around the regular window sash. The inflatable storm window comprises a continuous hollow outer portion of tubular cross section formed from a pliable and expandable plastic. A transparent sheet of film is peripherally attached to the inner edge of the continuous hollow outer portion. Installation in the window frame is accomplished by inflating the hollow outer portion through a valve contained in the tubular sidewall.

Abstract: An analyzer adapted to be mounted in a operable aircraft and including an oscilloscopic display of the detonation characteristics of each cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The signal input to the oscilloscope is derived from vibration sensors attached to the engine spark plugs. The synchronizing signal input to the oscilloscope is derived from pulses generated at the primary circuit of the engine magneto. Solid state electronic circuits are used throughout and switching provides the capability to separately study the characteristics of each cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crop harvesting machine for collecting stalk crops having seed pods near ground level. The harvester includes a horizontally disposed reel structure. As the reel rotates, bat-assemblies thereon successively urge the stalks of the crop against a cutter bar which severs them close to the ground. The cutter bar and its associated sickle drive assembly accommodate the irregular variations in ground contour, by reason of the interposition of leaf springs between the cutter bar assembly and the cutter carrying platform. When not required the flexible cutter bar feature can be disabled. Sensing fingers mounted on the underside of the machine relay information to an automatic elevational control unit assuring that the cutter carrying platform closely follows the contour of the ground.

Abstract: Herein described is a drift cancellation circuit for signal amplifiers used in multiplexed data monitoring systems. The effect of analog drift is essentially cancelled and the need for an initial or periodic zero adjustment is eliminated. The elimination of the need for drift adjustment is accomplished at the analog to digital A/D converter of the mutiplexer. The A/D converter is encircuited to measure the difference between the measured input channel and a referenced voltage obtained from a sample-hold circuit. Input to the sample-hold circuit is taken from the output to the signal amplifier chain used in processing incoming channel data.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn and powered hay harvester and conditioner has a box-type frame to which a pair of wheels are rigidly attached. The frame supports a sickle bar cutter and journals both a pick-up reel and a pair of ribbed crop conditioner rolls which crimp and flatten the stems of the hay cuttings, thereby facilitating curing and drying. A novel power drive subsystem is featured which enables both control of cutter bar height above ground and automatic adjustment of the spacing between the crop conditioner rolls as a function of crop density.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the noncontact measurement of the clearance between the blade tips of a rotating turbine and the surrounding housing. Blade tip clearance is measured by placing a capacitance probe in the housing wall. The probe consists of two metallic conductors insulated one from the other and arranged to form the plates of a capacitor. Passing of a blade tip in close proximity to the two plates of the probe changes its capacitance. Electronic circuitry measures the change in capacitance and hence the clearance between blade tip and probe. Use of a balanced type input avoids the need for a ground return path and enables the use of a long sensor cable without degradation of results.

Abstract: A mobile cart-mounted unit for cleaning and preserving turbine engines comprises pressurized reservoirs for holding the solvent, cleaner, preservative and water. Pressurization is achieved by use of an integrally mounted air compressor driven by an internal combustion engine. The engine also powers an alternator which is used to charge a storage battery. The storage battery serves as an energy source to crank the turbine to approximately 10 percent rated speed during the cleaning and preservation servicing sequence. A control console provides the operator with the needed valves, gages and meters with which to operate the unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for firmly bonding together driving and driven gears. Bonding is accomplished by placing a thin layer of a thermal setting resin between the web faces of gears that are joined together by a multiplicity of spaced apart fasteners. The cured resin acts both as a load carrying joint and as a gasket.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a crop harvesting machine for collecting stalk crops having seed pods near ground level. The harvester includes a relatively large horizontally disposed reel structure. As the reel rotates, bat-assemblies thereon successively sweep downward into the crop and urge the stalks against a cutter bar. These assemblies feature a combination of flexible flaps and pickup reel tines which conserve and prevent loss of crops.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for pumping gases laden with abrasive particles. The pump comprises a cylindrical outer housing within which there are three axially adjacent sections, namely; an inertial bypass inlet; a powered rotor midsection; and an annular exhaust diffuser. The inertial bypass inlet consists of an axially symmetric cone which diverts the heavier sand and dust particles toward the outer walls. Behind the conical deflector is an axially symmetric circular shroud. A rotor within the shroud draws in and accelerates partially clean air from the lee side of the cone while the majority of the sand and dust laden air passes between the shroud and the outside wall. Recombination of the entire airstream occurs at an ejector nozzle serving as an output of the powered rotor midsection. Contaminated air from the ejector nozzle experiences a pressure rise in the annular exhaust diffuser.

Abstract: A negative torque sensing and control system is disclosed which is useful with a differential geared or fixed shaft gas turbine engine of the type installed in general aviation aircraft. Negative torque is sensed in the gear train between the propeller and the aircraft engine whenever there is a powerplant failure. When the reverse torque exceeds a selected threshold, hydraulic valves are actuated which remove oil pressure from the pitch control mechanism of the propeller. Loss of oil pressure causes the propeller to assume the feathered position.

Abstract: A diffuser is disclosed which provides intersecting passages extending outwardly from an inner circumference which closely surrounds the periphery of the impeller output stage of a centrifugal compressor. The passages are of curvilinear cross-section having entrance throat regions of an eccentric configuration designed to minimize the build-up of shock waves in the fluid flowing from the outlet of an impeller whose blade tips are traveling at supersonic speed. The configuration of the throat region is such that it closely matches the velocity vector profiles of fluid particles which leave the central region of an impeller blade at supersonic velocities and an appreciable angle above the tangential whereas particles leaving near the front and back shrouds of the impeller travel slower at angles approaching the tangential.