Abstract: In a gas turbine engine, a method and apparatus for containing molten materials and ignited titanium and titanium alloys within the confines of the turbine engine environment. The method includes the step of first applying a bond coating to the inner surface of the outer compressor casing. The bond coating is then plasma oversprayed with a non-reactive, thermally insulative ceramic top coating. The apparatus includes a substrate having a bond coating and a ceramic top coating, surrounding at least a portion of the gas turbine engine, for containing turbine engine fires within the turbine engine environment. Preferably, the bond coating is a Ni--Co--Cr--Al--Y alloy, and the top coat is stabilized zirconia.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present invention, is a preferred embodiment of a method for straightening a warped cylinder head (10). The method initially includes placing the cylinder head in a press (12). Thereafter, the press is operated to apply a first pressure, substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder head. Next, the method includes heating the cylinder head to increase the applied pressure to a second pressure, greater than the first pressure. The method then includes cooling the cylinder head until the applied pressure decreases to a third pressure less than the second pressure. The method thereafter includes operating the press to reduce pressure applied to the cylinder head to a fourth pressure, less than the first pressure. Preferably, the method includes maintaining the cylinder head at approximately the fourth pressure, while allowing the cylinder head to cool to ambient temperature.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present invention, is a preferred embodiment of a boom for use in or containing, concentrating, and burning oil on the surface of a body of water. The boom includes a series of flotation sections, having an average density substantially less than that of water for providing flotation. The boom also includes a water distribution system at least partially surrounding one or more flotation sections. The water distribution system includes material substantially permeable to the water, for receiving, absorbing, and distribution of the water for heat protection. The boom additionally includes a pressurized fluid system/structure for placing the water distribution system in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized water. The pressurized fluid system includes at least one fluid conduit, extending for substantially the length of the boom. The conduit includes an end adapted for connecting to an external source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A device (10) for holding items, such as sports equipment, beverage containers, clothing, jewelry and etc., includes a support member (27). The support member includes a connector (28) at its upper end for connecting the device to another structure, such as a chain link fence (25), and supporting the device from this structure. The device additionally includes a first receptacle (23) connected to the support member for receiving and retaining a beverage container (12). The device further includes a second receptacle (16), (38) or (64) connected to the support member for receiving and retaining a ball or balls (14), (40) or (66). In one embodiment, a pair of prongs (72) and (74) cantilever from the lower end of the support member for holding sports equipment, such as a bat (76).

Abstract: A portable sink (10) includes a housing (12) having a basin (14) movably mounted to the housing. The basin is movable from an inserted position in the housing, to a position extending from the housing. The basin includes an outlet (22) for draining fluids from the basin. When the basin is in the extended position, the outlet form the basin aligns with an inlet (26) to drain a tank (24) in the housing. Thus, in the extended position, fluid in the basin is directed through the outlet into the inlet of the drain tank. When the basin is in the inserted position, the outlet form the basin is remote from the inlet to the drain tank. The portable sink further includes a flexible spigot (78) mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus secures at least two patient supports within a vehicle during transport, particularly adaptable within helicopters. Patient supports are secured to trays that are removably, telescopically connected to bases on a floor of a vehicle. The trays are telescopically, longitudinally, extended relative to the bases. Also, the trays are pivotally attached to a base for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the floor, which includes an electric jack for moving the trays towards and away from the floor.

Abstract: A system for carrying out offline programming of an industrial robot takes steps to improve upon a known, approximate kinematic model of the robot. By placing three measuring devices within a robot workspace and calculating an approximation of their coordinate frame within that of the workspace, accurate positioning of the measuring devices is not required. This can be achieved by a multivariable search method performed by a computer.

Abstract: Ammunition cartridges are disclosed comprising means for reducing recoil fed to a weapon on discharge of a cartridge. The recoil reducing means comprises non-supportive material between a propellant charge and an end plate of the cartridge in which energy can be absorbed. In a preferred embodiment, the recoil reducing means may comprise one or more toric, air-filled bodies of resilient material.

Abstract: A device (10) remotely retrieves articles (12). The device includes a scissor mechanism(14) having a pair of cross members (22) rotatably connected to one another. The cross members define a first pair of ends and a second pair of ends opposite the first pair of ends. The first ends are urged to a position spaced apart from one another when the second ends are urged to a position spaced apart from one another. Conversely, the first ends are urged to a position proximate one another when the second ends are urged to a position proximate one another. Opposing jaws (16) connect to the first ends. A connection mechanism (14) connects the second ends of the scissor mechanism to one another. The connection mechanism is foldable for urging the second ends to a position proximate one another when tension is applied to the connection mechanism. A latch mechanism (20) connects to the scissor mechanism and removably connects to the connection mechanism for preventing the connection mechanism from folding.

Abstract: A device permitting a single primary laser producing a collimated beam at a given wavelength, to be used for different purposes by converting the collimated beam to a beam of different wavelength. The device comprises a secondary laser disposed within a body removably attached to the distal end of an articulated arm delivery system attached to the primary laser. Preferably, the secondary laser is interchangeable with respect to the delivery system thus to extend the wavelength (color) coverage of the primary laser according to the required wavelength conversion. The secondary laser may include an optical crystal or a circulated organic dye solution within a removable cell or reservoir. Appropriate lenses are provided to focus the primary beam and to determine the spot diameter of the conversed beam.