Abstract: The present invention provides ground proximity warning system and method for aircraft, particularly rotary wing aircraft such as helicopters. The warning system generally includes an air ground detection device disposed on the aircraft to confirm whether the aircraft is on the ground or in the air. A controller is coupled to the air ground detection device and configured to move between a ground state when the aircraft is on the ground and an airborne state when the aircraft is in the air. The controller may be used for a variety of applications within the aircraft, such as disabling a ground proximity warning device when the aircraft is on the ground and enabling the warning device when the aircraft is in the air. In addition, the air ground controller may be used to signal the beginning and the end of a flight for the aircraft's flight history fault memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acceleration sensor and an accelerometer having isolation structure formed using a bulk straight wall deep reactive ion etch process, whereby external stress sources are isolated from active accelerometer components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel, optionally surfactant-free process for controlling particle number, particle size, and/or particle size distribution. The method of the invention also significantly improves monomer to polymer conversion rates, as well as, increases the level of polymer solids which can be emulsified/dispersed in water without polymer flocculation. Specifically, the improved process provides an aqueous dispersion of up to about 48% polymer solids in water in the absence of surfactant. The resulting fluoropolymers dispersions may be used in resin and coating applications.

Abstract: A starting device has a rotary drive member that is operable by hand or power devices. The device has a detented or geared strip arranged to engage with a similarly detented or geared starting wheel. The teeth of these parts are designed to grab and lock with each other in the starting direction and to slip past each other in the opposite direction. Crimping, sticking and other failure modes of conventional wind up rope units are virtually eliminated. A more consistent pull is afforded owing to a constant radius interface with the starter wheel rather than a diminishing radius of the type delivered by a wound rope.

Abstract: A single piece metal clamp is provided for. The clamp includes an upper portion having a cylindrical section and a cross member section integrally connected through spaced apart left and right legs. The clamp also includes a lower portion having a base with a plurality of through holes. The upper portion and lower portion are integrally connected by a pair of spaced apart left and right legs, each leg having a corresponding right angle formed therein.

Abstract: A combination bearing supporting a shaft interconnecting the turbine and compressor wheels of a turbocharger incorporates a rotating journal bearing, a squeeze film damper with a registration and retention flange, and a ball bearing assembly. The ball bearing assembly has an outer race providing a thrust shoulder and a registration receiver for the damper flange. Ball roller elements are retained by the outer race and engaged between the thrust shoulder on the outer race and an opposing thrust shoulder on the shaft.

Abstract: A liquid-to-air cycle system for conditioning water vapor bearing air and cooling a liquid load comprises an air cycle subsystem and a liquid cycle subsystem. The air cycle subsystem includes a first air-to-air heat exchanger, a reheater downstream of the first air-to-air heat exchanger, a first turbine downstream of the reheater, a first water extractor downstream of the first turbine, a first liquid-to-air heat exchanger downstream of the water extractor, and a second turbine downstream of the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger. Thereby, the second turbine can recover rejected heat from the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger. The liquid cycle subsystem is in heat exchange relationship the air cycle subsystem at the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger such that the first liquid-to-air heat exchanger absorbs the rejected heat from the liquid cycle subsystem.

Abstract: An integral blisk assembly includes a ceramic blisk having a forward and aft axial facing surface. To allow for torque transfer from the blisk, a forward and aft attachment ring contact the forward and aft axial facing surfaces respectively. These rings are mounted to other rotating components in the engine and are made of metal. A metal shim or precious metal coating may be disposed between the contacting surfaces to further reduce any stresses at the point of contact. To provide radial piloting, metal pilot rings are disposed underneath the regions where the attachment rings and blisk make contact. The aft attachment ring also has an axially extending base portion that in the event of a blisk failure contacts a stop that extends inwardly from the forward attachment ring, thereby preventing the other components in the engine from shifting.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cart (5) having a first vessel (10) which fits within a second vessel (90) is used to transport and store an integrated circuit substrate. The integrated circuit substrate is placed within the first vessel (10) and the door (18) of the first vessel (10) is closed and sealed against a door seal (24). The first vessel (10) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the first vessel (10). After purging, the first vessel (10) is then placed within the second vessel (90). The door (102) of the second vessel (90) is then closed and sealed against a door seal (104). The second vessel (90) is then purged with nitrogen to expel moisture and reactive gases from the interior of the second vessel (90). The cart (5) containing the integrated circuit substrate is then transported to the next manufacturing area. Integrated circuits and other articles may be manufacturing using the cart system of the present invention.

Abstract: An accelerometer formed from a semiconducting substrate and first and second active layers coupled to the opposite surfaces of the substrate. The substrate has a frame and a proof mass suspended from the frame by one or more flexures for rotation about an input axis in response to an applied force. The active layers each include a vibratory force transducer mechanically coupled to the proof mass for detecting a force applied to the proof mass. With this configuration, the transducers are located on either side of the substrate, which improves the differential design symmetry of the force detecting apparatus. This reduces the common mode non-linear response characteristics of the accelerometer, particularly in high dynamics applications, where high performance is required.

Abstract: A method for making a glass frit paste is provided. First, nitrocellulose is dissolved in a high vapor pressure solvent of the nitrocellulose to make a solution. A portion of the solution is then mixed with alpha-terpineol to form a vehicle. Glass frit is mixed with the vehicle and then ground to form the paste. During the grinding step most of the high vapor pressure solvent evaporates. The resulting paste has a composition comprising about 0.3-12.0 wt. % nitrocellulose, about 0.5-2.0 wt. % of a high vapor pressure solvent of said nitrocellulose, about 14.0-25.0 wt. % alpha-terpineol, and the remainder glass frit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tailcone and power assembly mountable to the body of an aircraft using a height adjustable dolly. The tailcone assembly comprises a longitudinal support member, a gas turbine engine mounted to the support member; a firewall; two curved rotatable casings hingeably connected to the support member; an inlet duct extending from an aperture in one of the rotatable casings to the engine inlet; an integral exhaust casing, and interface means for making necessary engine accessory connections to the aircraft. The tailcone is installed on the aircraft by mounting the tailcone in the adjustable dolly, rolling the dolly up to the aircraft, adjusting the dolly until the auxiliary power assembly is properly aligned for attachment to the aircraft, connecting the engine accessories to the aircraft, and bolting the assembly to the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus removes carbon monoxide from hydrogen rich fuel by means of a catalytic material that preferentially adsorbs with carbon monoxide. The catalytic material is regenerated by an oxidizing agent that reacts with the carbon monoxide absorbed by the catalytic material. The reaction is initiated by an electrical current is generated either galvanically or electrolytically through the catalytic material.

Abstract: A microturbine power generating system includes a reservoir that is pressurized with compressor air during system operation. The pressurized air in the reservoir is used to purge combustor fuel nozzles of residue after combustion in the combustor has ceased.

Abstract: An emergency power unit comprises a turbine; a main combustor subsystem upstream of the turbine, with the main combustor subsystem being capable of operation at an augment power output and a main power output; a bleed air subsystem upstream of the turbine, with the bleed air subsystem capable of alternating operation with the main combustor subsystem; and a controller for controlling the operation of the said main combustor subsystem and the bleed air subsystem.

Abstract: A flux collector for an electrical machine includes a continuous strand of ferromagnetic material; and an electrical insulator covering the strand. The strand forms a tight cylindrical coil including a plurality of turns that are stacked axially. The insulator provides turn-to-turn insulation. The insulated wire is covered with a binder and cured. The strand can be a high permeability wire made of soft iron, silicon steel or cobalt steel. In the alternative, the strand can be a strip of METGLAS® amorphous alloy.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatic recovery of sulfated lead acid batteries rely on monitoring battery voltage, current and internal resistance during battery charging. The lead acid battery is recovered for usage by measuring the internal resistance to see if it is so high such that the battery is unrecoverable, or so low such that the normal charging methods can be used. If the internal resistance is between the two limits, the battery receives a first constant charge current. As the lead acid battery is being charged slowly by a constant charge current, the battery voltage is measured. The decrease in the internal resistance (IR) of the battery causes the battery voltage to decrease during charging, while the charging causes the battery voltage to increase. According to the present invention, if it is detected that the battery voltage has reached the minimum voltage and begun to increase in a predetermined period of time, the charge current is substantially increased (e.g.

Abstract: The integrated aircraft wheel, brake and axle comprises a hollow wheel and brake axle (16, 116) having longitudinal splines (17, 117) about its outer periphery, the longitudinal splines (17, 117) engaging splines (62, 162) of a piston housing (60, 160) to effect a non-rotatable connection therebetween. In one embodiment, the piston housing (60) is connected by way of a spline sleeve (70) with a backing plate (80). A wheel (45) is rotatably mounted upon an end of the brake axle (16) and includes a drum drive (52) which extends axially to a drum drive end (52A) having at its inner diameter a bearing assembly (55, 56) between the drum drive end (52A) and an outer diameter of the piston housing (60). In another embodiment, the drum drive (152) may include a thrust flange (151) engaging a rotor disc backing plate (192A).

Abstract: An improved, air tight valve seat for a pneumatic brake system is achieved by using a plastic valve seat that is coined by the valve member. The valve member is a harder material, for example metal, than the thermo-plastic valve seat. The valve member is brought to an elevated temperature less than the melting point of the valve seat. The valve member engages the valve seat, coining the desired surface of the valve seat to conform it to the valve member. The heated valve member then remains in the valve assembly after coining.

Abstract: A testing system and method are provided for an electronically controlled braking system to determine whether the solenoids of each of the modulators are properly wired. According to the test, each modulator is tested in sequence. The exhaust solenoid of a modulator is actuated multiple times and the hold solenoid of a modulator is actuated once. Discrete signals will evidence whether the modulator solenoids have been properly wired.