Abstract: The problem of providing a dual redundant load path which is not vulnerable to a single point failure at the output of a motor shaft is solved by a dual redundant load path motor system, particularly for use in aircraft actuation systems. A motor (22) has a rotor (34) extending entirely therethrough to define first and second output drives (38 and 40) at opposite ends (34a and 34b) of the rotor. First and second output shafts (46 and 48) are coupled to the opposite ends of the rotor. The output shafts are located at a common end of the motor, and one of the output shafts (48) is coupled through a connecting shaft (68) to the end of the rotor at the opposite end of the motor. The connecting shaft runs generally parallel to the rotor.

Abstract: The disclosed rotating rectifier assembly (12) has a reduced axial length thereby achieving the goal of reducing the overall axial length of a brushless generator (10) which includes a rectifier assembly disposed along its axis (26) for developing DC output power from three phase AC power supplied by a three phase rotor armature (14) also contained within the generator (10). A typical rotating rectifier assembly is comprised of plates and diodes arranged in a stack clamped axially along the axis of rotation with a diode sandwiched between each adjacent pair of plates. The reduction of the axial length of the rectifier (12) is achieved by positioning a stack (67) of diodes (19) and plates (52 through 64) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (26) while providing the necessary electrical conductors to define a rectifier circuit.

Abstract: A laparoscopic cannula is provided having a sleeve defining a hollow passageway through which a surgical instrument can be directed and having a proximal end and a distal end which projects into a cavity with the sleeve in its operative position, expandable structure at the distal end of the sleeve which is selectively expandable and collapsible and which prevents withdrawal of the sleeve in its expanded state, structure for selectively expanding and collapsing the expandable structure, a retaining collar with a tapered surface, and cooperating structure on the sleeve and collar for permitting movement of the collar relative to the sleeve towards the sleeve distal end whereby body tissue through which the sleeve is directed can be captured between the tapered collar surface and expandable structure to maintain the sleeve in its operative position.

Abstract: The problem of assembling and maintaining good electrical contact in a rotating rectifier assembly (40) is solved using deformable connectors (66). The rectifier assembly (40) includes three planar disks (48) which are linearly aligned and spaced along an axis (42). Six diode wafers (58) are arranged in two parallel planes which are parallel to the axis (42). The three diodes (58) in each plane are positioned on one of the oppositely directed planar faces (50, 52) of the disks (48). The three diodes (58) in each plane are connected by a copper connector bar (46) which forms an output. The assembly is surrounded by an insulating sleeve (62), and three deformable spring rings (66) are used to provide an interference fit.

Abstract: An improved condenser for use in air conditioning or refrigeration systems. A pair of spaced headers have a plurality of tubes extending in hydraulic parallel between them and each tube defines a plurality of hydraulically parallel, fluid flow paths between the headers. Each of the fluid flow paths has a hydraulic diameter in the range of about 0.015 to about 0.04 inches. Preferably, each fluid flow path has an elongated crevice extending along its length to accumulate condensate and to assist in minimizing film thickness on heat exchange surfaces through the action of surface tension. Heat exchange surfaces may also be provided with microcracks or channels to enhance heat transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice bodies collected in a storage receptacle, including a manually operable knob and structure connected thereto for delivering ice bodies from the collecting bin to a transfer mechanism which, in turn, delivers the ice bodies one at a time through a discharge chute to a dispensing space. The apparatus is self-contained so as to permit removal thereof from the refrigeration apparatus for dispensing of the ice bodies by manual rotation of the knob at locations remote from the refrigeration apparatus, as well as in the installed arrangement within the refrigeration apparatus. Accurate dispensing of the ice bodies one at a time is effected without personal contact with the ice bodies. A guide is associated with the discharge structure for locating a receiver, such as a glass or pitcher, accurately to receive the transferred ice bodies. Gears are utilized to provide desired operation of a conveyor auger for transferring the ice bodies from the collecting bin to the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a refrigerant container in the form of a bag, or pouch, made from two sheets of multi-layer barrier film material which are heat sealed adjacent their edges to form a closed pouch which has an interior space. The bag may be connected to an access valve provided in a line of a sealed refrigeration system for capturing the refrigerant therefrom. The barrier film material is specially formulated to prevent outward permeation of a refrigerant and to prevent inward permeation of air. A valve stem is provided for filling and emptying the bag.

Abstract: A tire clad concrete log and method and apparatus for forming a tire clad concrete log. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of used tires which are made into a form by placing them in sidewall-to-sidewall contact, providing a quantity of a waste ash which is mixed as a binder in a manner making a concrete material, and filling the form with the concrete material while also maintaining the used tires in sidewall-to-sidewall contact. The tire clad concrete log thus comprises a plurality of used tires disposed in sidewall-to-sidewall contact wherein a concrete material formed at least in part by waste ash is interlockingly disposed within the used tires.

Abstract: Decreased lubricity of lubricating oil (36) in a compressor utilized in a vapor compression refrigeration system as well as decreases in thermal efficiency of such a system during start-up are avoided in a compressor structure including a housing (10) containing a compressing mechanism (28), (40) therein, an outlet (34) for the compression mechanism, an inlet (30), (32) for gas to compressed to the compressing mechanism (28), and a sump (24) within the housing (10) for containing the lubricant (36). A conduit (54), (60), (62), (64), (66) is utilized to direct compressed gas from the outlet (34) into heat exchange relation with the lubricant (36) within the sump (24) to drive any refrigerant in solution in the lubricant out of solution so as to improve lubricity and maintain system efficiency.

Abstract: Improved combustor volume in turbine engines without an increased engine envelope is accomplished in an engine 10 have a radial compressor 12, an axial turbine 16, and a radial combustor 20 in which a generally radial flow path extends between a compressed air inlet 30 and a turbine nozzle 22 for gases of combustion produced by combusting fuel introduced through a fuel injector 34 with air introduced through the compressed air inlet 30.

Abstract: The problem of stator cooling in a dynamoelectric machine is resolved using manufacturing spaces (32) within stator slots (20) for flow of oil coolant. In order to secure stator winding conductors (30) within the slots, a spring wedge (36) provides a biasing force for biasing the conductors against movements within the slots.

Abstract: A toothed belt power transmission system having a belt tooth configuration and pulley groove configuration providing for clearances between the belt tooth root and pulley groove outer surface, and between the belt tooth tip surface and pulley groove inner surface. A power transmitting surface on a midportion of the tooth has facial engagement with a confronting sidewall surface at the midportion of the pulley groove side surface. Locations of the centers of the different arcuate surfaces of the pulley tooth and belt groove for providing the extended life, low noise operation of the drive are disclosed. A number of different constructions embodying the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Difficulty in achieving the disconnection of two relatively rotatable elements (14) and (30) is avoided in a simple manual connect-disconnect operator which includes a coupling shaft (42) for interconnecting the rotary members (14), (30) and a translatable carrier (38) which journals the coupling shaft (42) for rotation about an axis and further mounts the coupling shaft (42) for movement between connect and disconnect positions. A yoke (60) is mounted on a pivot (66), (100) and is connected to the carrier (38) to move the coupling shaft (42) upon pivotal movement of the yoke (60). The support shaft (108) is mounted for reciprocating movement along its longitudinal axis and a handle (132) is pivotally mounted on the support shaft (108).

Abstract: The cooling and mounting of vanes 50 in a turbine nozzle 24 between shrouds 28, 29 is facilitated by impaling the vanes 50 with threaded fasteners 54, 70 and conducting relatively cool air from the compressor 15 through the grooves 72 between adjacent threads 70 of the threaded fastener 54.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly for delivering a fluid under pressure into a dishwasher wash chamber consists of a spray arm having a rotational axis and defining a fluid passageway for distributing incoming fluid into the wash chamber, a tower section, structure for mounting the tower section to the spray arm for guided movement relative to the spray arm between a retracted position and an extended position, and structure on the tower section for directing fluid from the fluid supply into the wash chamber with the lower section in its extended position. Mounting structure, integrally formed with the spray arm, prevents the tower section from separating from the spray arm with the tower section in its extended position. Any number of cooperating tower sections can be employed.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a cabinet having a base assembly including front and rear sections. A leveling system therefor comprises a pair of front leveling legs and a pair of rear leveling legs. Means are included for threadably mounting the front leveling legs to the base assembly at the front section. Gear means are provided for drivably mounting the rear leveling legs to the base assembly at the rear section. Remote drive means are operatively connected to the gear means and extend toward the base assembly front section whereby all leveling of the refrigeration apparatus can be adjusted from in front of the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: An inexpensive, readily disposable identification bracelet is formed by a strip 10 of thin, but tough, flexible material and has identification indicia 22, 24, 26 on its top side 16 defining locations 28, 30, 32 for receipt of variable information that may be placed thereon by pen, pencil, typewriter or the like. Opposite ends, 12, 14, have, on opposite sides 16, 18 of the strip 10, respective bodies 40, 46 of pressure sensitive adhesive whereby the ends 12 and 14 may be overlapped and secured together.

Abstract: A vibratory material handling apparatus is provided for mixing of materials, cleaning, blending and/or shake-out of castings or the like. The machine comprises a horizontal container carried by a frame resiliently mounted on a foundation. A vibration generator is carried by the container and produces a line of force along an axis which passes exteriorly of the container. The vibration generator is adjustable on the container so that the direction of the line of vibratory force can be changed for changing the tumbling, mixing, cleaning, blending or shake-out characteristics of the machine. The relative movement between the inside of the container and the material in the container describes angles of attack with the container surface which movements are rotational about a center of rotation. A line from the center of rotation through the center or gravity of the container intersects the line of force from the vibration generator at a substantially right angle.