Abstract: A control system for a linear motor adapted to accurately supply a moving window of power to the stator coils. A plurality of individually switched stator coils run the length of a linear motor to move a rotor down the long axis of the stator. Accurate inductive-based position sensors continuously provide position data for the moving rotor. A processing unit calculates a proper time delay from a source voltage peak in order to apply power to the next stator coil in the moving direction of the rotor such that no DC offshoot/undershoot occurs. The linear motor control system optionally includes a failure prevention switching scheme in which pairs of individual stator coils on opposite sides of a double-sided stator are switched together.

Abstract: A power converter that produces variable frequency multiphase AC power from fixed or variable frequency AC power. The converter can be used to drive an AC motor for propulsion applications or other motors and loads that require variable frequency AC power. The power converter system is based on a combination of several power conversion technologies used in a power circuit topology and a regulator control system that allows for higher electrical efficiency, higher power density and lower power distortion to be achieved than is possible from any of the individual technologies. Specifically, the input and output power distortion of a frequency changer is monitored, and a group of high performance inverters are used to inject harmonic currents into a specially designed transformer to neutralize the power distortion to a specified acceptable level. By this neutralization, the power density of a solid-state electric power converter is increased (e.g., by a factor of 5-6) and power quality distortion is reduced (e.

Abstract: A permanent magnet synchronous machine with improved torque and power characteristics. A circumferential-oriented rotor assembly is provided with alternating permanent magnets and magnetic pole pieces. In order to reduce the amount of leakage flux in the rotor and increase the effective length of the permanent magnet, a trapezoidal or otherwise tapered permanent magnet structure is used. By alternating trapezoidal permanent magnet, and magnetic pole pieces, a higher intensity magnetic field is created in the air gap utilizing the same radial space in the motor without altering the weight or volume of the motor compared to conventional machines.

Abstract: A rotor assembly end turn cooling system and method in which cooling fluid is introduced at both ends of each cooling fluid passageway and at various points therebetween and spent cooling fluid is exhausted through exhaust openings disposed at various points between the ends of each cooling fluid passageway, including near the end turn corners. Multi-layered bore baffle shells and/or helical exhaust ducts having multiple channels control the flow of cooling fluid through the passageways and into axial rotor slots for expulsion into the rotor-stator gap. Each duct or channel may increase in cross-sectional area in the flow direction to maintain constant fluid flow velocity in the duct or channel. Improved end turn cooling and reduced cooling fluid temperatures maintain more consistent temperatures in the end turns and reduce the maximum hot-spot temperature to provide greater generator power densities and longer rotor coil insulation life.

Abstract: A fluid pump utilizing a canned rotor and canned stator is provided. The fluid pump has increased insulative properties over past “spool-type” pumps and has an increased ability to cool the stator, making it suitable for high temperature applications. A nuclear reactor is also provided. The reactor comprises a reactor vessel, that contains a nuclear fuel, control rods, reactor coolant and a reactor coolant pump for providing the reactor coolant to a steam generator. In a preferred embodiment, a steam generator is also provided inside the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetically arresting an aircraft landing on an undersized runway, as on an aircraft carrier. The system preferably comprises a cross-deck pendant cable coupled to two purchase cables that are wound around low inertia purchase cable spools on opposite ends. The shafts of the purchase cable spools are mechanically coupled to one or more low inertia induction machines used to arrest the landing aircraft. As the aircraft contacts the cross-deck pendant cable and extends the purchase cables down the runway, power electronics in the system apply a torque based on closed-loop feedback to the induction machine acting as a generator, and the mechanical energy of the aircraft is converted to electrical energy at the generator and is dissipated as heat in an attached resistor. The one or more induction machines are preferably cup-type generators, and the generators may be briefly run as motors to initially reduce the tension on the purchase cables.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: An automatic fastening machine and method which reduces fastener installation cycle time by virtue of unique tool movements, pressure foot operation and other features. The pressure foot plate is coupled to actuators for moving the same in a manner allowing tilting of the plate relative to the plane of the workpiece during movement from one fastener installation location to another. The actuators are independently operated by a servo control arrangement in conjunction with the machine control. As a result, it is not necessary for the system to seek a new down position thereby saving machine cycle time. Sensors operatively associated with the actuators in conjunction with the machine control cause movement of the pressure foot plate in reaction to force applied to the workpiece during fastener installation to maintain the workline established by the position of the workpiece prior to application of force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning tooling for operation on a curved workpiece wherein a gantry beam assembly having a movable head assembly thereon carrying tooling is pivotally connected on a pivot axis to a pair of spaced apart pedestals each having a longitudinal axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis and wherein the workpiece is supported on a fixture between the pedestals and so that the gantry beam assembly extends along the workpiece. The pivot axis of the gantry beam assembly is moved along the longitudinal axes of the pedestals, the pivot axis of the gantry beam assembly is moved along a path substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the pedestals and the head assembly is moved along the gantry beam assembly. The foregoing operations move the head assembly relative to the workpiece enabling the tooling to perform operations thereon.

Abstract: A control system and method for automatic fastening machines wherein a multi-axes motion controller is utilized in place of the conventional PLC or CNC control to provide for virtually an immediate change in system response when the systems feedback devices indicate the need for variance. The major advantage of the process control approach of the present invention is that all system feedback information is controlled via a single on board processor thus eliminating any communication lag associated with multi controller applications. This also provides for an improvement in fastener installation cycle time. An additional advantage to the approach of the present invention is the elimination of many mechanical hard stops and their respective electrical position switch indicators, which in turn reduces the chance for machine breakdowns resulting in a greater increase in productivity.

Abstract: Machining method utilizing an apparatus comprising a major C-frame for carrying an upper tooling head and a rotatable minor C-frame for carrying a lower tooling head cantileverly supported away from a body portion of the minor C-frame to provide a throat for receiving a workpiece edge portion while another workpiece portion is positioned between the heads for machining, the minor C-frame being rotated to provide clearance for the workpiece. As a result, a substantially semi-cylindrical workpiece may be machined over its surface without refixturing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is for use with high-tension electrical switchgear enclosed within a cabinet. The output shaft of a spring operating mechanism mounted on the exterior of the main safety door extends through the door and is connected to a bell crank. As the shaft rotates the bell crank, it imparts force to a first substantially vertical push rod which in turn imparts force to a second bell crank. An arm of the second bell crank imparts force to a second push rod which is connected to a lever arm that is connected to the operating shaft of the electrical switch, thereby opening or closing the switch. The first push rod has ball joints at both ends and a free twisting joint along the rod, thereby allowing opening of the door without disconnecting the operating mechanism. A push rod connected to the first bell crank engages a lip affixed to the cabinet wall to prevent opening of the door when the switch is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to slug riveting apparatus wherein a pair of opposed rivet head forming anvils move relatively toward each other to form heads at the opposite ends of a cylindrical rivet blank, more or less simultaneously, after the blank has been inserted in the workpieces. An annular elastomeric polyurethane member is associated coaxially with one of the rivet head forming anvils and has a bore for receiving and resiliently gripping a cylindrical rivet blank. The elastomeric annular member holds the blank during insertion of the blank in the workpieces as the anvils move relatively toward each other, and the rivet blank is moved out of engagement with the elastomeric annular member by the associated head forming anvil during the head forming operation by resilient radial expansion of the elastomeric annular member. The rivet forming anvils have flat bottomed head forming recesses with sloping side walls.

Abstract: The present apparatus transfers cylindrical rivet slugs or blanks from a supply point to an annular elastomeric holder which is coaxial with and associated with rivet head forming means. The apparatus comprises a fluid pressure power cylinder having a piston rod projecting therefrom and a transfer arm fixed to the piston rod. The power cylinder operates to raise and lower the transfer arm and means are provided for swinging the transfer arm horizontally between positions in axial alignment with the rivet slug supply means and the rivet head forming means. The transfer arm receives a rivet slug at the supply means, lowers by operation of the power cylinder, swings to axial alignment with the rivet head forming means, and raises to insert the rivet slug in the elastomeric annular holder. The movements are then reversed to return the transfer arm to the starting position.