Abstract: An air-gas mixing device of the type used to mix air and gaseous fuel as a gaseous fuel charge for an internal combustion engine and particularly suitable for use with engines operating generators and the like at constant speed. Fuel and air valves for controlling the air/fuel mixture are coupled together and actuated by a fluid motor in response to a fluid pressure signal, derived from the intake manifold pressure of the engine, acting on the diaphragm of the fluid motor. The fuel valve is also independently actuated by a second fluid motor, mounted to the diaphragm of the first fluid motor, in response to ambient air pressure which is applied to the second fluid motor upon a sudden increase in engine load demand to enlarge the opening of the fuel valve and thereby enrich the air/fuel mixture to prevent a significant falloff in engine speed.

Abstract: An air-gas mixing device of the type used to mix air and gaseous fuel as a gaseous fuel charge for an internal combustion engine. Fuel and air valves for controlling the air/fuel mixture are coupled together and actuated by a diaphragm in response to a fluid pressure signal, derived from the intake manifold pressure of the engine, acting on the diaphragm. The fuel valve is also independently acutated by a stepper motor mounted to the diaphragm and operated by a remote electrical control signal from a controller designed to measure engine performance and provide a signal to correct any deficiencies in the air/fuel mixture such as a feedback controller receiving inputs from oxygen, speed and other sensors for measuring engine performance. Becuase of the dual control of the fuel valve, the device is capable of handling a wide range of gaseous fuels of different BTU content and of providing a more optimum air/fuel mixture for better fuel economy, emissions control and engine performance.

Abstract: A vacuum device for lifting an article such as a loaf of bread which is loosely wrapped in flexible film. A vacuum chamber in the device is provided with an anterior end wall that is ported for communication of the chamber with a vacuum source and with rigid diverging sidewalls that diverge from a protruding sidewall surface at the base of the chamber to the edge of the anterior end wall. When the article is lifted by the device, the diverging sidewalls are positioned in the path of the suspended film to cause the film to wrap around the sidewalls and the weight of the lifted article to forcibly urge the film into sealing contact with the protruding surface of the sidewalls as the film exits from the chamber. By urging the film into sealing contact with the sidewalls, the lifted article itself advantageously assists in maintaining the vacuum seal within the chamber. The vacuum chamber is sized and contoured for the film to be received within the chamber without being unduly stretched or permanently wrinkled.

Abstract: A spoked wheel, especially for motor vehicles, with a hub and a unitary spoked-portion or spider leading from the hub to the rim of the wheel. The hub and spider-portion are independently formed from relatively thin-gauged sheet metal with the outer surface of the hub having alternating wall portions and protruding fingers which are welded respectively to the intersecting base and lower inside walls of each channel-shaped spoke to impart structural strength to the wheel. The outer end of each spoke is cornered and recessed to provide a greater surface area for welding the spoke to the wheel rim.

Abstract: An adjustable, multipivot aircraft panel latch featuring a means for adjusting the latch tension after the panel is installed without the necessity of opening the latch. This is accomplished by an adjustment screw mounted on a yoke member in operative engagement with the latch arm. By the particular arrangement of components, the latch arm may be adjusted relative to a keeper on the aircraft structure by rotating the screw with a conventional drive tool inserted through a small opening in the top of the latch housing.

Abstract: A stud-like panel fastener with a wire-spring holdout for retaining the fastener in a retracted position on a panel. The fastener is formed with a bore extending from its leading end and a longitudinal slot at the lower portion of the fastener body in communication with the bore. A generally U-shaped wire spring member is carried within the bore with a lower protruding bearing surface on one leg of the member extending through the slot and beyond the periphery of the fastener body. When the fastener is retracted, the bearing surface of the spring member, in contact with the sidewall of the panel opening, holds the fastener against downward movement. Owing to the advantageous construction, the holdout is self-cleaning, as the sidewalls of the slot tend to wipe the bearing surface in use, and debris cannot build up behind the holdout and render it inoperative due to the large void behind the bearing surface. Also, the holdout can be quickly installed or replaced without special tools.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank construction for the type of fuel tank which is fabricated by joining a split cylindrical center section with two conical end sections and which is disassembled during shipment and storage. The center section is joined together by a connecting plate which maintains a gap between the joined ends at a fixed, predetermined width for optimum sealing effectiveness of an interposed elastomeric seal. Owing to the manner of construction, the seal may be seated and then visually inspected for potential leakage before the center section is joined. Leakage at the interface of each end section seal with the center section seal is avoided during expansion or contraction of the center section seal by the center seal being suitably positioned to slide over the end seal during such movement. The tank is free from drag-producing obstructions as all joints are flush with the surface of the tank.

Abstract: A stud-like captive panel fastener which a rigid, continuous, retaining ring may be installed on or removed from without deformation of the ring and which will not accidentally become dislodged from the fastener under normal usage. The fastener is formed with an enlarged head, keyways extending intermediate the ends of the fastener, installation slots extending from the leading end of the fastener and parallel to the keyways, and cross-channels connecting the installation slots and the keyways. After the fastener is inserted through an opening in a panel, the fastener is captivated to the panel by a rigid, continuous retaining ring which is placed on the fastener by first entering the tabs of the ring in the installation slots and then rotating the ring in a bayonet manner within the cross-channels until the tabs enter the keyways.

Abstract: An adjustable, flush mounted, over-center hook latch of the type employed to secure aircraft panels. The effective length of the latch arm is adjustable to correct misalignment of the components joined by the latch by moving the pivot axis of the latch arm relative to the fulcrum axis of the latch handle. This is accomplished by a pair of cooperating yoke members, one of which is mounted about the pivot axis and the other about the fulcrum axis and are slidable relative to each other by a driver. By the particular arrangement of the parts, the latch can be adjusted when installed and in its closed position by the driver being engaged with a conventional drive tool extending through a small opening in the latch handle.