Abstract: The present invention provides a yarn having a force-displacement profile such that: (a) when the yarn is subjected to an initial stress barrier of from about 0.8 gram/denier to less than or equal to about 1.2 grams/denier, the yarn elongates to less than 5 percent and has an initial modulus in the range from about 30 grams/denier to about 80 grams/denier; (b) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than the initial stress barrier and to less than or equal to about 1.5 grams/denier, the yarn elongates further to at least about 8 percent; and (c) upon subjecting the yarn to greater than 1.5 grams/denier, the modulus increases sharply and the yarn elongates further until the yarn breaks at a tensile strength of at least about 6 grams/denier, wherein the yarn comprises a multiplicity of fibers, all of the fibers have substantially the same force-displacement profile, and are made from polymers having a glass transition temperature in the range from about −40° C. to about +70° C.

Abstract: A composite molding compound comprising a combination of metal and ceramic powders is disclosed. The powders are combined with a binder, a liquid carrier and other processing additives in a manner to provide uniform distribution of two phases in a material format that facilitates the molding of complex parts at relatively low pressures and temperatures using conventional injection molding machines. The products formed from these molding compounds may be designed with tailored physical and mechanical properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, density, elastic modulus and wear properties.

Abstract: This invention concerns lasable bond-ply materials comprising a nonwoven reinforcing material and at least one resin material. The present invention also includes methods for using the bond-ply of this invention to manufacture high density multilayer printed wiring boards.

Abstract: A process for making a polyamide substrate characterized by enhanced breaking strength and fade resistance is disclosed. The process features the steps of treating a polyamide substrate, preferably a nylon 6 substrate having a hindered amine light stabilizer chemically bound thereto, with an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor, an antioxidant and optionally, a dye, in the presence of a swelling agent for the polyamide that is also a solvent for the ultraviolet inhibitor and the antioxidant to impart high breaking strength to the substrate. A life preserver or other type of buoyancy device may be made from the process. A polyamide fabric comprising a dye, an ultraviolet inhibitor and an antioxidant also is disclosed. When a polyamide fiber of the present invention is exposed to sunlight, the useful life of the fiber is greatly increased compared to untreated polyamide fiber.

Abstract: A process for forming a uniform nanoporous dielectric film on a substrate. The process includes horizontally positioning a flat substrate within a cup; depositing a liquid alkoxysilane composition onto the substrate surface; covering the cup such that the substrate is enclosed therein; spinning the covered cup and spreading the alkoxysilane composition evenly on the substrate surface; exposing the alkoxysilane composition to water vapor and base vapor to thereby form a gel; and then curing the gel. The invention also provides an apparatus for spin depositing a liquid coating onto a substrate. The apparatus has a cylindrical cup with an open top section and removable cover which closes the top. A vapor injection port extends through the center of the cover. Suitable means hold a substrate centered within the cup and spin the cup.

Abstract: A fuel control system for supplying metered quantities of fuel from a fuel supply (11), through a fuel pump (13), a metering valve (15) and a pressurizing valve (17) to a plurality of engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) includes an ecology valve (43) for withdrawing fuel from the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) during cessation of engine operation and for returning fuel to the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) to be burned during normal engine operation. The ecology valve (43) includes a valve housing (44) having a plurality of ecology ports (50, 52, 54) adapted to be coupled to corresponding ones of the engine fuel manifolds (31a, 31b, 33) and a control port (46) adapted to be connected to a corresponding control port (45) of the fuel pressurizing valve (17).

Abstract: A water extractor of an environmental control system includes a swirl section and a water collector downstream the swirl section. The water collector includes an upstream sump having an inlet positioned to capture the bulk of water droplets leaving the swirl section. The water collector further includes a downstream sump for capturing water droplets that were not captured by the first sump.

Abstract: A hydraulic power assembly is comprised of a hydraulic pump being attached to and powered by a ram air turbine. A strut is rotatably attached to an aircraft by having one end mounted on a trunion, and the hydraulic power assembly affixed to the other, distal end. Flexible hoses fluidly communicate the pump with a hydraulic interface located inside of the aircraft. The hydraulic interface fluidly communicates with the aircraft's hydraulic system. The hydraulic power assembly and the strut are normally stored within the fuselage of the aircraft and are deployable into an adjacent airstream in an emergency.

Abstract: A buffer seal arrangement is provided for improved buffer sealing of oil sump seals in gas turbine engines. The buffer seal arrangement includes a three section labyrinth seal. Disposed between the first and second section is a buffer air supply annulus for delivering pressurized air from the engine to said first and second sections of the seal. Oil drains are disposed between said second and third sections and adjacent the third section. The first section has four knife seals, and the second and third sections have three knife seals. Rig testing has shown that this buffer seal arrangement can prevent the leakage of oil into the gas path of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A convertible aircraft brake assembly (10, 60, 77, 78, 83, 85, 96, 120, 130) designed as original equipment to have heat sinks comprising a steel heat sink (20, 70, 80, 90, 91, 100, 110, 122) aircraft brake assembly and a carbon-carbon composite heat sink (40) aircraft brake assembly. When the aircraft brake assembly is converted from one type of heat sink to the other, the conversion is accomplished with minimal changes in component parts. The conversion can be accomplished without any changes in the piston housing (14), torque tube (12), and wheel (30) because the heat sinks include therein respective components which enable each heat sink to be utilized with the commonly used piston housing (14), torque tube (12), and wheel (30).

Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor capsule having a support base with a cavity is provided. The capsule includes a housing having a ceramic cover sealingly attached to a ceramic base to define an interior chamber. The base has a cavity facing this interior chamber and at least one hole adjacent the cavity that extends through the base. A glass sensor has a first diaphragm with a first electrode and a second diaphragm with a second electrode bonded together to form a capacitor and is mounted in the chamber so that one of the diaphragms is received within the cavity and the other diaphragm lies on the surface of the base and covers the hole. A conducting member extends from the sensor, through the hole to electronic circuitry mounted to the capsule. The cavity also has a land for supporting the diaphragm disposed therein.

Abstract: A spark plug includes a metal shell, an insulator coaxially disposed within the metal shell, and a center electrode coaxially disposed in the insulator. The metal shell has a substantially cylindrical base portion, and the base portion has a lower surface with a recess formed therein. A bimetallic ground electrode is affixed to the lower surface of the base portion at the recess thereof The ground electrode has a central core formed of a first thermally conductive metal which may include copper, and an external sheath surrounding the core, the sheath being made of a second metal which includes nickel. The recess in the lower surface of the metal shell is preferred to be provided as an annular grove extending therearound. The present invention also encompasses a method of making a spark plug, including a step of placing a ground electrode adjacent a lower surface of a spark plug shell, aligned with a recess thereof, such that a tip end of the ground electrode enters into the recess.

Abstract: A carbon-carbon composite material is made by providing an open-celled carbon foam preform, and densifying the preform with carbonaceous material. The open-celled carbon foam preform may be oxygen stabilized prior to carbonization, and the foam preform densified by CVD, HIP, PIC, VPI, pitch and resin injection, or any combination thereof. The carbon-carbon composite material can be heat treated to provide thermal management materials, structural materials, or a friction material for use in a brake or clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel cell bipolar plate including a fuel side having a series of fuel channels defining respective fuel paths and an oxidant side having a series of oxidant channels defining respective oxidant paths. At least some of the fuel channels are offset from adjacent oxidant channels in a direction transverse to the fuel and oxidant paths. A fuel manifold is connected to the fuel channels, while an oxidant manifold is connected to the oxidant channels. One of the two manifolds is located between the biplate and the other manifold, where a connector extends from whichever manifold is outermost to the associated fuel or oxidant channels.

Abstract: An oil separator such as used in an air charging system includes a bypass assembly. During normal operation, airflow from an inlet to an outlet passes through the filter to remove oil and oil vapor from the compressed air. If a restriction or blockage occurs in the filter, as exhibited by a predetermined pressure differential across the filter, a bypass passage is opened to allow direct communication between the inlet and outlet ports. A spring defines the pressure responsive member that allows the filter to move away from the valve seat and establish communication between the inlet and outlet ports of the housing.

Abstract: A process for forming a uniform nanoporous dielectric film on a substrate. The process includes horizontally positioning a flat substrate within a cup; depositing a liquid alkoxysilane composition onto the substrate surface; covering the cup such that the substrate is enclosed therein; spinning the covered cup and spreading the alkoxysilane composition evenly on the substrate surface; exposing the alkoxysilane composition to water vapor and base vapor to thereby form a gel; and then curing the gel. The invention also provides an apparatus for spin depositing a liquid coating onto a substrate. The apparatus has a cylindrical cup with an open top section and removable cover which closes the top. A vapor injection port extends through the center of the cover. Suitable means hold a substrate centered within the cup and spin the cup.

Abstract: A surface-coated nanoporous silica dielectric film that is prepared by a process comprising the steps of forming a nanoporous silica dielectric coating on a substrate, and coating the formed nanoporous silica dielectric film with a coating composition comprising a polymer precursor, under conditions effective to form a strength-enhancing and/or hydrophobicity enhancing layer on the treated nanoporous silica dielectric film.

Abstract: An air turbine starter with an improved seal assembly disposed between the turbine and the housing is provided. The seal assembly comprises a face seal, a non-contacting seal axially spaced therefrom to define an air filled annular chamber therebetween and a flow passage having an exit fluidly communicating with said chamber and an inlet fluidly communicating with a source of air.

Abstract: A process for molding metal knife blades from powders and molding compositions therefor are disclosed. Parts produced by this process are formed near net shape without the need for machining or other finishing operations. The process comprises forming a mixture containing metal powders, a gel-forming material and an aqueous gel-forming material solvent, and molding the mixture in an injection molding machine under conditions of temperature and pressure to produce a self-supporting knife blade having a sharp edge.

Abstract: An electronically controlled, programmable searchlight (1), particularly useful for mounting on helicopters. The searchlight (1) uses a digital electronic control circuit (30) in conjunction with rotary potentiometers (32), (34) to control movement of the searchlight (1). Adjustable trimpots (22) are employed to provide the searchlight (1) with preset positions, each preset position having an easily alterable operating envelope. The searchlight (1) may have light sources (50, 52) of varying type, which may also be controlled by the electronic control circuit (30).