Abstract: A process for arranging seats within an airplane to provide optimal combinations of passenger comfort and space utilization. The process involves calculating the average passenger comfort level in each possible row configuration using the comfort levels enjoyed by passengers seated in different seating environments created by adjacent occupied seats, empty seats, sidewalls and aisles, each such comfort level being weighted by the portion of passengers who would be seated in the seating environments at each possible load factor and the frequency of occurrence of that load factor. The row configuration with the highest passenger comfort level may be installed in the airplane.

Abstract: A body spoiler rotatably mounted within a recess formed within opposite sides of the forebody of a supersonic air vehicle and configured to conform with the fuselage of the vehicle. A sensor positioned close to the inlet of each engine powering the flight of the vehicle measures the pressure of the fluid entering the engine. If an engine on one side of the vehicle malfunctions, the pressure sensor sends a deploy signal to the body spoiler mounted on the same side of the vehicle. An actuator receives the deploy signal and rotates the spoiler through an angle which is dependent upon the speed of the vehicle. When deployed, the spoiler generates a shock wave which in turn produces pressure along the forebody thereby creating a yaw moment to substantially counterbalance the yaw moment generated by the malfunctioning engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for integrating a newly formed continuous filament into a continuous strand. Mechanically complicated prior integration devices are usually expensive to purchase and operate and do not always ensure that the initially formed section of the new filament is separated from the new filament, that the fiber diameter of the new filament is predrawn sufficiently for ready integration, or ensure the reliability of the guiding elements facilitating integration. The present invention includes the operations of drawing a plurality of continuous filaments 3 from a bushing 1 into a fiber fan 4 by gathering the filaments 3 into a continuous strand 6 at a deflection point or roller 5. Should one of the filaments 3 break, a new continuous filament 8 is formed which is deflected by a guide plate 9 toward the point 5.

Abstract: Tool guide for a knife-edged hand tool for use in the fabrication of an air duct transition from a sheet of fibrous material, said sheet having transversely extending folding grooves therein, for cutting from said panel a wedge-shaped piece of material of predetermined size.

Abstract: A heat transfer system, e.g., refrigeration system or heater, particularly aluable at cryogenic temperatures which comprises a serial arrangement, in abutting contact and connected to the material or device to be cooled or heated, of a thermal reservoir made of a material having a specific heat capacity, a thermal valve made of a thermally-conductive material whose thermal conductivity increases as its temperature increases, e.g., magnesium, a working material whose temperature is periodically varied, e.g., by magnetic or electric fields, and another valve of a thermal-conductive material whose thermal conductivity decreases as its temperature increases, e.g., NaCl. The magnetic refrigeration or heater units may be ganged to increase the cooling or heating ability.

Abstract: A wind tunnel roll-moment and axial force balance which minimizes mechani and electrical interaction due to pitch and yaw loads on the roll moment and axial force measurement sections. The axial load section has four beams arranged in a cruciform connected via a plurality of deflection beams to a gage beam of thin-rectangular cross section located at the aft portion of the axial section. The roll section has a series of torsion webs circumferentially spaced at the lower and upper periphery of the section. A plurality of thin rectangular beams including the gage beam connect the forward and aft portions of the non-webbed area.

Abstract: A cable brake and lock device to control the release of a mooring cable crises a spring-biased piston abutting an elastic brake element, with the cable passing through both. An initial, preselected force is applied by the spring to the piston and the brake element, causing the element to lock onto the cable. When the force of the ambient, hydrostatic pressure exceeds that of the spring, the spring is compressed, releasing the piston from the elastic brake element to permit the cable to run freely. Any decrease in the ambient pressure will permit the piston to again contact the brake element to lock the cable.

Abstract: A test system comprises a propulsion unit for directing salvos of ballistic ragments in a planar wave to a target of test material. The fragments are stroboscopically illuminated for photographic recording of the test results.

Abstract: In a system to prevent train derailment due to axle failure resulting from ournal bearing overheating, a thermal sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the bearing and activates the brake system when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level. A thermally-responsive element located in the journal bearing housing physically deforms to activate a power source. The resulting signal initiates an electro-explosive brake line venting mechanism, which punctures and vents brake line to stop the train. Several configurations of the thermal sensor and the power source are possible.

Abstract: A multiple-contact connector assembly couples with a multiple-contact teral socket of a control mechanism to permit rapid and reversible external selection and alteration of internal electrical functions and settings within the mechanism. Shunt plugs are employed to externally complete or to break electrical circuits having terminals in the multiple-contact socket to establish the desired functions and settings, the plugs being enclosed within a cover which presses against the ends of the plugs via a resilient pad to ensure good electrical connections.