Abstract: An aircraft loader having a mobile frame and hydraulically actuated components, includes a substantially rectangular frame hinged to and cantilevered from the mobile frame. The rectangular frame includes a pair of long tubes and a pair of short tubes which are sealingly connected to form a fuel tank. An internal combustion engine is mounted on the rectangular frame and drives a hydraulic pump which supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to the components.

Abstract: A handrail for an aircraft belt loader in which a pair of parallel support arms pivotally support a rigid rail member with a variable-length link converted to be non-parallel with the support arms when the handrail is erect or operative. When the handrail is collapsed, the link is shortened and a compression spring inside of the link is further compressed so that maximum erecting force is applied when the handrail is stowed.

Abstract: An improved side guide for an aircraft belt loader having a vertical plate member positioned adjacent to and extending along side the belt conveyor frame which plate is supported by a pair of links, one of which has a slot and a cam surface terminating in a notch. A pin attached to the plate member extends through the slot and a lug affixed to the plate member engages the cam surface as the plate member is moved laterally to elevate the plate member, the lug dropping into said notch to lock said plate member in an elevated position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for first heating surfaces to be welded together by one or two induction coils placed therebetween and upon raising both surfaces to a forging temperature forcing said surfaces together with sufficient force to weld the surfaces together. The heating and upsetting steps occur when the surfaces are in a substantially inert atmosphere.

Abstract: An aircraft belt loader having electric motors to power the drive wheels and an electrically driven hydraulic pump for actuation of a hydraulic ram for elevation of a belt conveyor. A battery pack and the hydraulic compartment are positioned between the drive wheels and the steerable wheels and are spaced apart laterally to define a channel to accommodate the linkage including the hydraulic ram, supporting the conveyor.

Abstract: A flameless heater for operator's cab having automatic heat control. A hydraulic pump provides pressurized fluid which flows through a fluid restrictive orifice to produce thermal energy and raise fluid temperature as a result of a drop in hydraulic pressure. The heated fluid flows through a heat exchanger where a fan blows air over the exchanger to provide hot air for the operator's cab. A spool valve connected in parallel with the orifice bypasses fluid around the orifice to limit the rise in fluid temperature. A temperature sensor selectively opens and closes the spool valve to keep fluid temperature within a high temperature limit and a low temperature limit.

Abstract: A compact rammer assembly for forcing ammunition into a gun having a rammer head attached to a pair of chains which are stored in separate spiral tracks positioned between the retracted position of the rammer head and driven sprockets. Each chain composed of links pinned together with vertical tabs at each end of each link; the tabs on each link engaging the tabs on adjacent links of each chain as well as the corresponding tabs on the links of the other chain when the sprockets driven the chains to extend the rammer head.

Abstract: An adjustable length linear bus bar for conducting a current between an induction heating power supply and an induction heating coil. The bus bar includes a fixed bar having a channel formed along the length of the fixed bar and a movable bar having a portion formed to slidably fit inside the channel of the fixed bar. A hydraulic ram biases the slidable bar against the fixed bar to facilitate the transfer of current between the fixed and movable bars. A clam shell type of construction allows the inductor coil to be quickly moved into and out of a gap between a pair of articles being heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for purging air from multiple surfaces of members to be welded together. The apparatus includes a hood with the inert gas entering the hood at about 150 cubic feet per minute at between 2-5 pounds per square inch gauge when handling approximately 21/2 inch diameter tubes. The gas is first evenly spread in the hood to fill the entire cross sectional area thereof and is then moved through a straightening section to provide laminar flow of the gas across the multiple surfaces. An induction coil is moved between hood closure means into the hood to heat the weldable surfaces to a bonding temperature and after the coils have been removed from the hood, the members are urged together to upset the heated surfaces to weld the two members together.

Abstract: A canister to facilitate the protection and handling of ammunition having a tubular casing including a cylindrical member with a stopping means including a plurality of fixed stops which project inwardly to engage the ammunition base and thereby restrain rearward movement, and at least one deflectable finger with a tang to engage the ammunition flange and thereby restrain forward movement.

Abstract: A self undecking crane in which the upper is separable from the lower and is supported on legs which are swingable from a stowed position to an operable position by cylinders. Hydraulic jacks on the ends of the legs raise and lower the upper relative to the lower. A hydraulic circuit controls extension and retraction of the cylinders and the jacks and includes a blocking valve which senses pressure in the jacks and precludes movement of the cylinder when the jacks are subjected to high pressure.

Abstract: A bipropellant gun in which an immiscible hydrocarbon fuel and oxidizer are combined in the gun's combustion chamber just prior to, or simultaneous with, ignition thereof. The oxidizer consists of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of less than 73 percent by weight. In one embodiment, the oxidizer alone is bulk loaded into the combustion chamber and a powdered solid hydrocarbon fuel is dispersed into the oxidizer by the function of a pyrotechnic igniter. In another embodiment, the oxidizer and a liquid hydrocarbon are emulsified and the emulsion is bulk loaded into the combustion chamber with a pyrotechnic igniter subsequently initiating combustion. In each embodiment, the volume of the combustion chamber exceeds the volume of fuel and oxidizer and provides a void or headspace of compressible gas which limits the rate of pressure rise in the chamber.

Abstract: An aerial platform attachment for a crane having an extensible boom including a basket pivotally suspended from the boom tip. A loop on the bucket is engaged by a projection secured to the boom when the bucket is pivoted adjacent the boom and the boom is then fully retracted. A brake which is applied by a hand lever movable in either direction from a central release position locks the bucket relative to the boom when in a working position.

Abstract: A compact pedestal crane having a boom pivoted at a front edge of a main frame with a winch frame aligned with the boom and a plurality of winches mounted on the winch frame. An A-frame gantry is mounted on and extends above the winch frame and an engine drawingly connected to a plurality of hydraulic pump is mounted on the frame underneath the winch frame to conserve space. A cab is supported from the main frame to one side of the boom and forward of the front edge.

Abstract: A retractable leg structure for undecking a crane's upper from its carrier including a box member having a circular cross section and a longitudinal axis affixed to the upper, a beam retained within the box and rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative thereto, and an L-shaped leg, including a tubular member having a free end hinged to the beam, the leg being manually swingable about the hinged connection between a stowed position in which the tubular member is oriented horizontal and inboard of the upper and a deployed position in which the tubular member is horizontal and outboard of the upper. There is a lock pin device for selectively securing the leg in one of the deployed and stowed positions, and an extendable jack secured to the fee end of the tubular member along with a crank arm attached to the beam. A hydraulic ram connected to the crank arm moves the leg between the deployed position and an operative position wherein the tubular member is oriented vertically adjacent to the ground.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a self-undecking crane having retractable legs with extendable jacks for elevating and supporting the crane upper. Hydraulic cylinders move the legs between a retracted position and an extended position in which the jacks are engageable with the ground and isolation valve devices in the hydraulic circuit prevent retraction of said legs when the crane upper is supported on the extendable jacks.

Abstract: A sight gauge for a towed sprayer having a channel formed in a shroud, which is inclined more from the vertical in its upper portion, with a plastic tube mounted in the channel. A visual indicator is trapped within the tube to indicate liquid level in the sprayer tank.

Abstract: A side guide for an aircraft belt loader including a guide rail positioned laterally adjacent to the belt loader conveyor and pivotally supported on the belt loader conveyor frame by a plurality of links. A bell crank attached to the guide rail and the conveyor frame includes a control lever for manual rotation of the bell crank to move the guide rail between lowered and elevated positions relative to the belt loader conveyor.