Abstract: A contaminant detection system includes a transmitter for transmitting a guided wave through the skin at particular resonances, wherein each resonance point utilized will have propagation characteristics sensitive to a condition of interest. A contaminant may then be classified by transmitting several resonances and then carrying out appropriate feature extraction and pattern recognition techniques utilizing a host processor.

Abstract: An aircraft deicing assembly 101 for attachment to an airfoil 99 includes a deflection shell 101 disposed over a deflection means 102. The deflection shell is comprised of a primary layer 116 comprised of a high strength fabric reinforced with a phenolic resin and a backing layer 115 comprised of a high strength fabric reinforced with an epoxy resin. The thickness of the backing layer is varied as a function of curvature of the airfoil and spanwise length of the airfoil.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates for the production of carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) fiber reinforced carbon and/or ceramic (including mixtures of these) matrix composites, particularly friction discs, and to methods of manufacture of same. Offcut waste fibrous sheet material may be recycled and reformed into a web useful in the manufacture of such composites.

Abstract: An aircraft brake assembly with stators and interleaved rotors with a piston support and cylinders mounted thereon for cooperative action by pistons slidably mounted therein for brake actuation wherein each piston has a piston head with a honeycomb insulator structure composed of cells made of longitudinally extending thin strips of deformed thin strips with non-coplaner surfaces that are parallel to the central axis with a thin cap on one of the end edges and a backup disc contacting the other end edges and to the method of making such honeycomb structure.

Abstract: CPVC compounds intended for low shear extrusion, for example of piping, and articles such as piping derived therefrom are disclosed. The compounds comprise CPVC having 69% to 74% by weight chlorine and preferably 65% to about 69% chlorine; an acrylic impact modifier and a first chlorinated polyethylene containing from about 32% to about 37% chlorine by weight and a Mooney viscosity from 25 to 45, and a second CPE containing from about 36 to about 42% chlorine and a Mooney viscosity of from 60 to about 95. Compression molded plaques derived from the powder composition exhibit a good balance of tensile strength, tensile modulus, izod impact strength, HDT and dynamic thermal stability specified herein. A pipe extruded directly from said composition in powder form under ASTM-D2846 exhibits a long term hydrostatic: design strength of at least 500 psi at 200.degree. F. The invention is useful, for example, for industrial use applications such as steam condensate lines.

Abstract: CPVC compounds intended for low shear extrusion, for example of piping, and articles such as piping derived therefrom are disclosed. The compounds comprise CPVC having 69% to 74% by weight chlorine and preferably 65% to about 69% chlorine; an acrylic impact modifier and a first chlorinated polyethylene containing from about 32% to about 37% chlorine by weight and a Mooney viscosity from 25 to 45, and a second CPE containing from about 36 to about 42% chlorine and a Mooney viscosity of from 60 to about 95. Compression molded plaques derived from the powder composition exhibit a good balance of tensile strength, tensile modulus, izod impact strength, HDT and dynamic thermal stability specified herein. A pipe extruded directly from said composition in powder form under ASTM-D2846 exhibits a long term hydrostatic design strength of at least 500 psi at 200.degree. F. The invention is useful, for example, for industrial use applications such as steam condensate lines.

Abstract: An aircraft stall warning system includes an angle of attack sensor which provides a signal to an angle of attack processor which provides an angle of attack signal to a display. An air pressure sensor provides an air turbulence intensity ratio signal to an aerodynamic performance processor which provides an aerodynamic performance signal to the display. The display therefore simultaneously displays both theoretical stall margin and actual stall margin to thereby provide a pilot with wing contamination information.

Abstract: CPVC compositions, pipe, and a method of preparing a pipe are disclosed and comprise CPVC having 63% to 70% by weight chlorine and preferably 65% to about 69% chlorine; a high rubber impact modifier comprising a graft copolymer of a rubbery polydiene and one or preferably more than one hardening monomer selected from a group consisting of a vinyl aromatic monomer, a (meth)acrylate, and a (meth)acrylonitrile monomer including mixtures. Said graft copolymer exhibits a Shore D hardness of less than about 64, and preferably between about 35 and 45; and a chlorinated polyethylene containing between 30% and 40% chlorine by weight, compression molded placques derived from the powder composition exhibit a minimum tensile strength, modulus, izod impact strength, Tg and dynamic thermal stability specified herein. A pipe extruded directly from said composition meets ASTM-D2846 and exhibits unexpected ductility down to 20.degree. F. (-6.6.degree. C.) under fixed drop dart impact testing.

Abstract: Blends of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride and chlorinated polyethylene and methods for preparing extruded profiles such as a window spacer, a glazing bead, a window lineal, and a track for lighting, having smooth surface characteristics are disclosed. The blends comprise 100 weight parts CPVC containing from 62% to 72% chlorine, preferably 65% to 71% chlorine and from 10 to 30 weight parts, preferably 15 to 25 parts of chlorinated polyethylene containing from 25 to 45% chlorine and extruding the blend. The preferred embodiments of the invention are further defined by a particular combination for the chlorine content of CPVC, the real weight average molecular weight of CPE (M.sub.w) and polydispersity (M.sub.w /M.sub.n), defined as the ratio of the weight average to number average molecular weight, and extrusion shear rate.

Abstract: Polyoxometalates are provided which are highly soluble in organic solvents, including monomer mixtures utilized in reaction injection molding. High solubility is obtained by organic moieties incorporated in the cation and anion of compounds having the formula [R.sup.1.sub.m ER.sup.2.sub.m' ].sub.n M.sub.x O.sub.y L.sub.z. These compounds provide improved solubility while maintaining catalyst activity within reaction injection molding formulations. A method is also provided for preparing these polyoxometalates within an aqueous acidic medium, wherein ligands are incorporated in the complex simultaneously with the formation of the polyoxometalate complex.

Abstract: An electro-expulsive deicing system 114 for attachment to an airfoil 110 is comprised of a plurality of electro-expulsive elements 120 separated by a dielectric filler regions 122 all of which are disposed between a top dielectric layer 124 and a bottom dielectric layer 128. A contiguous top skin layer 116 covers the entire deicing apparatus 114.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrostatic dissipative polymeric compositions comprising a polyether polyurethane which can be blended with one or more base polymers. In some applications, the polyurethane is useful without further blending. Further, the polyurethane blends can be blended with glass beads or glass fibers which have a synergist effect when combined with the electrostatic dissipative agent.

Abstract: Addition polymers derived from norbornene-functional monomers are terminated with an olefinic moiety derived from a chain transfer agent selected from a compound having a terminal olefinic double bond between adjacent carbon atoms, excluding styrenes, vinyl ethers, and conjugated dienes and at least one of said carbon atoms has two hydrogen atoms attached thereto. The addition polymers of this invention are prepared from a single or multicomponent catalyst system including a Group VIII metal ion source. The catalyst systems are unique in that they catalyze the insertion of the chain transfer agent exclusively at a terminal end of the polymer chain.

Abstract: An ice detector 110 includes a pair of electrodes 122, 124 connected by a pair of leads 116, 118 to a control unit 120 which measures the impedance (or other parameters) between leads 116 and 118 to thereby sense and detect ice or other contaminants formed on top thereof. Electrodes 122, 124 are integrated into patch 134 and comprised of a top layer 142 of conductive resin, a middle layer 144 of conductive cloth and a bottom layer 146 of conductive resin.

Abstract: A system for performing a flexometer test includes a balanced beam supporting an anvil upon which a viscoelastic material is placed, the balanced beam being balanced upon a rotatable shaft and pivotable about the axis of the rotatable shaft, an assembly for applying a static load to the material, a hammer opposite the anvil for applying a dynamic strain to the material, and a sensor which senses permanent dimensional changes in the material.

Abstract: Addition polymers derived from norbornene-functional monomers are terminated with an olefinic moiety derived from a chain transfer agent selected from a compound having a terminal olefinic double bond between adjacent carbon atoms, excluding styrenes, vinyl ethers, and conjugated dienes and at least one of said carbon atoms has two hydrogen atoms attached thereto. The addition polymers of this invention are prepared from a single or multicomponent catalyst system including a Group VIII metal ion source. The catalyst systems are unique in that they catalyze the insertion of the chain transfer agent exclusively at a terminal end of the polymer chain.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicing system includes a deicer assembly comprised of an outer layer having a low modulus of elasticity, an inner ply, and a plurality of inflatable members provided therebetween. The deicer assembly is disposed directly on top of and bonded to an airfoil. The inflatable members are inflated with an inflation apparatus that inflates in an inflation pattern comprised of a sequence of high frequency pressure pulses superimposed on a low frequency inflation pressure wave.

Abstract: An apparatus for deicing an outer shell includes an element comprised of shaped memory metal which undergoes a transformation from a weaker low temperature form (Martensite) to a stronger, high temperature form (Austenite) when the element is heated through its transformation temperature. The change in shape is utilized to deflect the outer shell to thereby shed ice accumulated thereon.

Abstract: A de-icer module especially adapted for installment on the inner surface of an airfoil is provided. The structural member has an outer surface upon which ice accumulates. The de-icer module comprises a support sheet delimited by a support area, a single pancake shaped separation means for developing a transient electro-mechanical separation force between the support sheet and the structural member distributed over the support area, the separation means being adjacent the support sheet, attachment means for connecting the support sheet to the inner surface of the structural member with the support sheet in close proximity to the inner surface of the structural member and the separation means sandwiched between the support sheet and the structural member. The invention provides a simplified mounting arrangement.