Abstract: A wire canister capable of being used by robots during the assembly of a wire harness. The wire canister is capable of accepting, storing and dispensing random lengths of wire, i.e., a wire segment. The leading and trailing ends of the wire segment are constrained in such a way that the ends of the wire segment may be readily acquired by the manipulator of a robot and presented to other supporting equipment for purposes of performing operations on the ends of the wire segment.

Abstract: A five axis compliant device for use as an industrial robot end-of-arm tooling. This device compensates for the inherent positioning and repeatability inaccuracies found in a robot and therefore allows the robot to be applied to work requiring high accuracies such as screw and nut insertion, close tolerance pin insertion and hole deburring.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft strut (365) steerable when the craft (5) is foil-borne and retractable when the strut (365) is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the strut (365) is provided with a spherical bearing (185) disposed at the intersection of a steering axis (S--S) and a retraction axis (R--R). The bearing (185) allows a steering assembly (200) to steer the strut (365) about the steering axis (S--S). A downlock assembly (390) constrains the strut (365) in a vertical portion during the strut steering mode and releases the strut (365) during the retraction mode. During the retraction mode, a retraction assembly (385) rotates the strut (365) about the retraction axis (R--R) from its vertical position to a position within a recess (40) within the craft (5) in which it is fixed by an uplock assembly (715).

Abstract: An abrading tool for finishing surfaces comprising, in one embodiment (5), one or more sanding fingers (20) keyed to a rotatable disc (15). A biasing spring (65), disposed proximate each sanding finger (20), tends to force the sanding fingers (20) towards the surface to be finished by biasing the sanding fingers (20) towards a position which is vertical or substantially perpendicular to the disc (15).

Abstract: A linearly reversible caster assembly (30) capable of carrying a load (L) on a surface (S) comprising a pivotable U-shaped frame (34) coaxially mounted with a caster wheel (32) on an axle (48). A translatable U-shaped frame (36), suitably attached to the load (L), has a planar surface (56) that coacts with a rollable surface (42) carried by the pivotable frame (34). The rollable surface (42) has a radius greater than the wheel (32) whereby when it is desired to reverse the direction of travel of the load (L), and thus the assembly (30), the frame (34) will pivot about the axle (48) and the wheel (32) will remain substantially motionless. As a result, the eccentricity of the caster assembly (30) is changed and the wheel (32) is linearly reversed.

Abstract: An abrading tool having, in one embodiment (280), at least one abrasive member (20) carried by a rotatable disc (285). A flexible elastomeric biasing spring (290) imparts a force upon the abrasive member (20) to urge the abrasive member (20) to a position which is substantially perpendicular to the disc (285). An adjuster (295) modifies the biasing force by changing the position at which a transverse bar (340) abuttingly contacts the biasing spring (290). The adjuster (295) eliminates the necessity of changing the rotational speed of the disc (285), abrasive characteristics of the abrasive member (20) or feed rate of the tool (280) in order to modify the sanding performance characteristics of the tool (280).

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying one or more submissiles (15) from a carrier missile (25) whereby each submissile (15) is deployed into a flight path which is initially parallel to a streamline (20) of the fluid flow contiguous to the carrier missile (25). An ejection mechanism (45) has a submissile support member (105) oriented substantially parallel to the streamline (20) at the point where the submissile (15) is separated from the support member (105). The ejection mechanism (45) also provides a minimum side force to the submissile (15) which is proportional to a speed of the carrier vehicle (25). Provisions are also made to reduce or minimize any change in the aerodynamic characteristics of the carrier missile (25) after a submissile (15) has been deployed.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for transferring light between a source (30) of light and a receiver (60) of light potentially having relative motion therebetween precluding physical contact. In its simplest form, the present invention uses one or more looped optical waveguides (40) clad or coated to guide light along the waveguide (40). The waveguide (40) is uncoated or unclad along a window or a portion (44) of the periphery of the waveguide (40). Once the light source (30) is coupled into the end of the waveguide (40), light may be emitted from the window (44) and transferred to the receiver (60). An optical slip ring 80 of the present invention comprises one or more optical fiber waveguides (40) attachable by means of an index matching medium (130) to an optically transparent ring (50). The ring (40) is illuminated by light that is emitted through a window or a portion 44 of the periphery of each waveguide (40).

Abstract: A heat pipe (90) of increased heat transport capacity, capable of being primed under gravity conditions, comprises a sealed envelope (95) defining an evaporator (110) and a condenser (115). An arterial tube (125) of large liquid carrying capability is provided with an axial slot (130) formed on the upper surface of a segment of the tube (125). The slot (130) has beveled surfaces (135), (140) which increase the capillary pumping action to transverse wicking bodies (150, 155). The bodies (150, 155) transport working fluid to or from circumferential grooves (120) formed in the evaporator (110) and condenser (115).

Abstract: An improved heat pipe (115) of increased heat transport capacity comprising a vapor tube (120) and a liquid-condensate return tube (130). An outwardly extending conduit (125), disposed in both the evaporator section (135) and evaporator section (140) of the heat pipe (115), provides fluid communication between the vapor tube (120) and the return tube (130). Circumferential v-shaped grooves (145) terminate at a slot-like opening (165) formed in each of the conduits (125). A cap member (170) traverses each opening (165) and coacts with the grooves (145) to form a plurality of fluid passageways (175).

Abstract: Method for controlling the temperature of a thermally sensitive body (10) exposed to visible and near-visible radiant energy (14) through the use and control of an electric field imposed on a liquid-crystal based material (20) capable of having a cholesteric-nematic phase transition with pleochroic dyes (32) mixed within the liquid-crystal based material (20).

Abstract: Method of nondestructively measuring percent elongation or ductility of a cellular metallic. After surface preparation, the number of metal cells per unit area are counted, either manually or using an automated technique. The cell count is utilized in a relationship unique to the cellular metallic which correlates cell count to ductility in terms of percent elongation. The effects of the structural configuration of the cellular metallic, porosity and eutectic morphology are also discussed.

Abstract: A hanger and a keeper secured thereto for simultaneously supporting and retaining multiple electrical power rails in spaced apart parallel coplanar alignment. To construct a multi-phase power distribution system for use with a vehicle equipped with multiple single-phase power collector shoes respectively operable with the power rails, a plurality of hangers are mountable from respective ground support elements along and at a common predetermined height from a predetermined vehicle travel path or guideway. Following positioning of the guide rails on the hangers, the keepers are secured thereto so as to simultaneously retain the power rails on their hangers in operative relation with the power collector shoes. With this construction, multiple power rails may be provided in operative relation with the power collector shoes without individual adjustment.

Abstract: A hinge assembly between a lifting foil (12) and an associated flap (14) wherein the flap (14) includes a series of sections (20, 22). In one embodiment, each section (20,22) may be rotatably mounted by a single hinge (24) to the foil (12) and interconnected by a coupling device (34) to an adjacent flap section. Additionally, a shear key coupling device (40) may be arranged between each pair of sections (20, 22) substantially extending to the trailing edge of each section (20, 22).

Abstract: This invention relates to pipe insulation useful at relatively high temperatures, e.g., 850.degree. F. Mineral fibers bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resins and conventional anti-punking liquid resin systems have been developed as a means of producing thermal insulation of relatively low density. However, sustained punking of the binders employed caused exothermic reactions whose temperatures fused the low density mineral fibers causing thermal and structural degradation of the insulation. The present invention utilizes a relatively dense layer of fiber glass having a relatively low binder content, bonded with a binder comprising an antipunk phenolic resin and high levels of silane based on the solids content in the resin. An outer layer may surround the dense layer and be constructed with a lower density and a higher binder content.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an improved blade retaining means for a blade roll used in a chopper assembly which severs continuous lengths of a material into discrete increments. Prior art devices provided blade retaining means which facilitated stress-inducing vibrations and generated stress concentrations in the ends of the blades. Attempts to cushion the blades using an elastomer blade restraining insert were incapable of eliminating contamination of the work product due to a severing of the insert when the blades were installed and used. Other blade retaining means were incapable of reuse and prevented use of the chopper blades directly from the manufacturer, i.e., all of the blades had to be cut to an exact and equal length. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved blade retaining means comprising an annular blade retainer 52 positioned at each end of a blade roll cylinder member 50 wherein a side surface of each of the blade retainers 52 has at least one annular groove 62.

Abstract: A low profile heat sealing iron for use in applying heat activatable tape in areas of very limited access, such as the sealing of periodic joints in air duct is disclosed. The low profile sealing iron requires only a few inches or less of clearance and has a tape guiding means that feeds the tape to the proper location for heat sealing as the iron is slid along the surface of the member on which the tape is being applied. Preferably, the iron has a handle of adjustable length which permits the sealing iron to be used on ducts measuring six to eight feet or more when the handle is extended, but having a handle only about three feet long or less for easy carrying and handling at other times. A method of using the low profile sealing iron to seal joints in air ducts is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for promoting the fiberization of continuous lengths of thermoplastic materials such as glass. Prior attempts to reduce fiber breakage, bushing flooding and facilitate fiberization utilized steam or a decomposable gas or gas mixture which was exposed to the heat radiating from the bushing in order to form a treatment medium. However, the prior art was plagued with poor gas distribution in the fiberization zone and thermal degradation of the structural elements constituting the treatment medium distribution system caused, in part, by the high radiant heat levels experienced proximate the bushing. The present method and apparatus comprises conducting a pressurized fluid and a vaporizable treatment liquid to a heat exchanger comprising a mixer tube located close to the bushing and a delivery tube. Radiant heat from the bushing causes the liquid to vaporize and mix with the pressurized fluid forming a treatment vapor.

Abstract: .[.Prior art high temperature electric furnaces of the type using two or more, usually three, primary electrodes positioned around an electrically conducting central outlet brought the electrodes in through a side or bottom wall of the furnace at points below the melt line causing many problems. The present invention provides a primary electrode arrangement for such melting furnaces wherein the primary electrodes do not pass through the wall or bottom of the furnace below the melt line, but instead enter the furnace over the top of the melt line and then protrude through the top surface of the melt. The primary electrodes of the present invention are provided with means for preventing wear and deterioration at the interface between the top surface of the melt and the unmelted batch and/or the oxidizing air atmosphere surrounding the top of the furnace. The improved furnace of the present invention does not require the use of a purging neutral or reducing atmosphere to protect the primary electrodes..]. .Iadd.

Abstract: A method of vacuum packaging compressible material in a sealed flexible fluid impervious container, such as a poly bag, is disclosed. One or more slits are made in the container and air in the container is withdrawn through the slits. This creates a partial vacuum in the container that results in compression of the compressible material. When the desired compression has been obtained, restraining means are placed around the flexible container to maintain the package in a compressed state when the partial vacuum is eventually lost. A novel apparatus for use in this method is also disclosed.