Abstract: A low profile self-ligating orthodontic bracket having a base plate which may be adhesively attached to the lingual or labial surface of a tooth, and which includes a transverse slot extending across the front surface of the base plate for receiving an arch wire, and which includes a cover plate extending over the slot and resiliently self-biased against the front surface of the base to force the arch wire down into the slot. The cover plate may be turned outwardly by the orthodontist to permit the arch wire to be inserted into the slot or removed from the slot, and when the cover plate is released, it moves with force against the front surface of the base to trap the arch wire in the slot.

Abstract: The invention is a process for simultaneously improving at least two mechanical properties of mill-processed (.alpha.+.beta.) titanium alloy, which may or may not contain silicon, which includes steps of heat treating the mill-processed titanium alloy such that the (.alpha.+.beta.) microstructure of said alloy is transformed into an (.alpha.+.alpha..sub.2 +.beta.) microstructure, preferably containing no silicides. The heat treating steps involve subjecting the mill-processed titanium alloy to a sequence of thermomechanical process steps, and the mechanical properties which are simultaneously improved include (a) tensile strength at room, cryogenic, and elevated temperatures; (b) fracture toughness; (c) creep resistance; (d) elastic stiffness; (e) thermal stability; (f) hydrogen embrittlement resistance; (g) fatigue; and (h) cryogenic temperature embrittlement resistance. As a consequence of the process, the (.alpha.+.alpha..sub.2 +.beta.) microstructure contains equiaxed alpha phase strengthened with .alpha.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a first carrier tape in a first direction along a path, and a second tape toward the first tape, both in an incremental manner. After each increment of movement of the first tape, the second tape is advanced a proportional increment into overlying contact with the first tape. A press squeezes the first and second tape layers together, and a cutting mechanism is actuated to sever the overlying segment of second tape. The incremental movements of the first and second tapes are regulated so that the length of each second tape segment laid on the first tape is equal to the distance of travel of the first tape in the first direction. The direction of movement of the first tape is reversed so that at least one layer of second tape can be applied to the first tape.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the application of machine readable matrix marking symbols, and especially two-dimensional matrix symbols, to a "host" substrate, optionally covering the symbols with protective layers, then using an ultrasound imaging apparatus to capture echo signals associated with the matrix symbols, then feeding the resultant information to a matrix symbol decoder to yield human-readable and video monitor displayable information.

Abstract: An infant training walker has a base platform, a disk-shaped tread member rotatably supported approximately flush therewith, and a belt-shaped restraint spaced above the platform in eccentric relation to the tread member for laterally restraining an occupant of the walker. Preferably, a seat element having leg openings depends from the restraint, and the restraint is rotatable within a tray having an array of toy elements. Thus the occupant is encouraged to exercise in a variety of angular orientations relative to the tread member. The occupant can walk with both feet on the tread member, and can also keep one foot on the platform while moving the other foot on the tread member. The tray is adjustable in height, being supported from the platform on telescoping legs. A vertically extending seat back attachment can augment a back-supporting portion of the restraint when the walker is used by larger toddlers.

Abstract: The present invention is a thrust reversing apparatus for diverting purely rearwardly directed air flowing through an engine nacelle to combined rearward-and-radially-outward flow, and then to a combination of various radially outward angles and forward flow, where in the latter states thrust reversal is effected. The apparatus includes parallel inner and outer air flow blocking members driven by actuators which are coupled to the blocking members for effecting synchronous movement. The inner member includes a first door having fixed vanes and a solid second door pivotably coupled to the first door. The inner member has a closed position in which the two doors are collinear, and various open positions in which the two doors are pivoted relative to one another. The outer member comprises an array of pivotable, parallel vanes, and has a closed position in which the vanes tightly overlap, and various open positions in which the vanes are pivoted out of contact with each other through various amounts of rotation.

Abstract: A process for forming composite hollow crown stiffened skins and panels in which a first layer or skin is placed on a forming surface of a female mold and, after forming a plurality of U-shaped stiffener elements in the first skin, a second skin is placed over the first skin, whereupon the resulting assembly is prepared for autoclave curing. The stiffener elements are formed by pressing the first skin into U-shaped depressions in the female mold surface and inserting a hollow, expandable rubber mandrel into each of the depressions on top of the first skin. Valve stems in the mandrels enable maintaining the pressure inside at atmospheric pressure. The mandrels are maintained in their "pressurized" state during subsequent formation and autoclave curing steps.

Abstract: The invention is a process for simultaneously improving at least two mechanical properties of mill-processed (.alpha.+.beta.) titanium alloy, which may or may not contain silicon, which includes steps of heat treating the mill-processed titanium alloy such that the (.alpha.+.beta.) microstructure of said alloy is transformed into an (.alpha.+.alpha..sub.2 +.beta.) microstructure, preferably containing no silicides. The heat treating steps involve subjecting the mill-processed titanium alloy to a sequence of thermomechanical process steps, and the mechanical properties which are simultaneously improved include (a) tensile strength at room, cryogenic, and elevated temperatures; (b) fracture toughness; (c) creep resistance; (d) elastic stiffness; (e) thermal stability; (f) hydrogen embrittlement resistance; (g) fatigue; and (h) cryogenic temperature embrittlement resistance. As a consequence of the process, the (.alpha.+.alpha..sub.2 +.beta.) microstructure contains equiaxed alpha phase strengthened with .alpha.

Abstract: A system of components for preventing the application of graffiti to property includes one or more sensors and a signal transmitter at or near the surface to be defaced, and signal receiving means for actuating a mechanism in the spray apparatus or at the surface to be protected which will enable prevention of the surface targeted for defacement. One embodiment of the invention includes a signal receiver in the spray canister which actuates an electromagnet to move a plug in the marking material delivery tube to a flow blocking position. A second embodiment of the invention includes a signal receiver in the spray canister coupled to a rotatable magnet for rotating the upper end of the delivery tube away from the spray nozzle thereby breaking the path through which the marking material travels from the spray apparatus to the target surface.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming a conductive coating on a structural substrate. The method involves depositing a relatively non-conductive precursor material in a solution state on the structural substrate using inkjet apparatus. The solution is dried to leave a film. Then, the dried film is heated to a level at which a chemical (pyrolysis) reaction is triggered to convert the dried precursor material to a conductive material. The precursor solution can be dried in a manner which does not result in its transformation to the conductive state, as for example through the use of microwave apparatus. The precursor material can be applied on the substrate in such a manner as to control the conductivity of the coating and to provide a coating which exhibits one of uniform characteristics, discrete patterns, or gradient characteristics.

Abstract: A pump apparatus includes an outer cylindrical housing having end plates, and a power conversion assembly supported for rotation within the outer housing. A torque input shaft provided on one of the end plates has a "primary" gear on its free end. The inner housing includes a crank case within which cylinders are arranged at spaced radial locations. Double-acting pistons are housed within the cylinders. Crank members supported by the crank case for rotation are coupled to the pistons via force transmitting elements to drive the pistons with reciprocating motion in the cylinders. Each of the crank members includes a "secondary" gear engaged with the primary gear. Each crank member includes a linkage coupled with a piston rod so that the pistons are driven in reciprocating motion in the cylinders.

Abstract: A computer keyboard drawer which exhibits advanced design features that maximize keyboard user's access and comfort and is capable of accepting for support non-conventional ergonomically designed keyboards is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time analysis and display of information to provide information which will enable a user to be continuously apprised of all objects within a predetermined radius from the user's location (a "sphere of interest") while at the same time establishing the user's position relative to a fixed reference system. The invention involves determining the location and orientation of the user relative to a fixed reference system (such as the earth), as well as the location and orientation of objects in the sphere of interest about the user. Display of this information is on a display format, which may be embodied on an optical medium such as a helmet visor, a heads-up display media, a projection surface or a user's eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for enhancing the optical image of information-containing symbols captured off reflective surfaces/using a conventional optical scanning camera. The method involves positioning the imaging assembly of the camera atop an information-containing coded symbol located on a component surface, where the imaging assembly includes a diffuser element and LED lighting array for illuminating the symbol, illuminating the surface and the symbol, and moving the diffuser element to a location between the coded symbol and the camera lens such that only light returning directly from the symbol is able to pass through the voided region of the diffuser element, before imaging the coded element.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive actuator for a sealing assembly comprises first and second annular members each having a camming surface for engagement with one another, the first and second annular members being positioned against each other so that they are nested and together exhibit a height "h" at ambient temperatures, the first annular member having a coefficient of thermal contraction less than the coefficient of thermal contraction of the second annular member so that when the thermal actuator is subjected to temperatures less than ambient temperatures, the first and second annular members contract different amounts such that the "effective" height of the actuator becomes "h+.tangle-solidup.h".

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for determining a set of instantaneous values of optimum flight path for a gliding vehicle at any time t, by determining, at each time t, altitude and position information associated with the vehicle, and wind profile information as a function of the altitude of the vehicle; determining, at each time t, the effective glide slope ratio of the vehicle as a function of the altitude of the vehicle, and then integrating the effective glide slope ratio, at each time t, from the destination point toward the current position and altitude of the vehicle. The invention also contemplates converting such time-dependent value of optimum flight path into a set of control commands for control surface actuators on the vehicle.

Abstract: A novel, high-altitude, solar powered aircraft, capable of staying aloft at high altitudes for many months or even years to conduct around the clock surveillance and/or reconnaisance, includes a forward wing with solar energy capturing cells, a rear wing, inflated pontoons for keeping the aircraft aloft, suspension wires attached to the pontoons, a gondola suspended from and connected to the wires, control apparatus for moving the gondola along the wires, shifting the weight of the aircraft and thereby enabling banking to optimize exposure of the solar cells to the rays of the sun. The gondola preferably contains a sensor suite, power generating and storage apparatus, and synthetic aperture radar imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An air-breathing, propulsion-assisted projectile designed to be rocket or gun launched and capable of accelerating to hypersonic velocities includes a body having an encompassing cowl, an air compression section, an engine assembly located adjacent the air compression section, and a nozzle section located adjacent the engine assembly. The engine assembly includes apparatus for fuel storage and delivery to a combustion region. The rear end portion of the cowl is configured to direct the exiting combusted air-and-fuel mixture over the nozzle section of the body.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed for removing or eliminating anisotropic material properties typically found in conventionally rolled or otherwise processed aluminum-lithium alloy products obtained from conventional aluminum fabrication mills. The method comprises imparting a predetermined amount of strain to the conventionally rolled alloy sheet whereby the alloy experiences dynamic recrystallization. Through this process, the mill-imposed crystallographic texturing, which initially sets up the undesired anisotropic characteristics, is eliminated. A preferred technique for imparting strain to the sheet stock is superplastic forming.

Abstract: A gas gun-launched, propulsion-assisted scramjet projectile adapted to be fired from a gun, preferably at velocities greater than Mach 5, includes a body with an external compression section, an internal compression section, a combustion section, a nozzle section, and means for channeling ambient fluid to an engine in one of the sections of the body, the channeling means and the body cooperating with the engine to produce thrust greater than drag when the projectile travels at velocities greater than Mach 5. The projectile further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced stabilization fins located at the nozzle region of the body and a sabot assembly releasably secured to the rear portion of the body, where the sabot assembly includes a plurality of elements joined together about the body rear portion to form a housing for protecting the body rear portion from explosive gases in the barrel of the gun.