Patents Assigned to General Dynamics Corporation
  • Patent number: 5078843
    Abstract: A carbon composite tensile test specimen for high temperature testing and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. A plurality of holes are drilled in first and second end sections of the specimen and then the end sections are electroplated with nickel. The nickel plating of the end sections prevents breakage of the ends in the jaws of a tensile testing apparatus. For high-temperature testing, a standard-sized specimen may be used with the jaws in the hot zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Air Defense Systems Division
    Inventor: Wilson N. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5073224
    Abstract: A barrier injection apparatus for injecting a barrier at a site characterized by a holder for holding the apparatus in place against the force of injection; at least one injector for injecting a medium for a barrier at the injections site when in place; respective conduit system extending from the storage unit, and including a pump for inducing pressure onto the medium, to the injection site for injecting the medium at the injection site under pressure; storage unit for storing the medium at atmospheric pressure and being connected with a suction side of a pump that will introduce pressure; a second conduit connected with the barrier injection apparatus and adapted to remove unused medium from the site, an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the injectors to a correct distance; and a gasket sealingly surrounding the injection site for constraining the medium to flow into the site under pressure and insulate the medium from a holding mechanism. Also disclosed are specific preferred embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Mark K. Addison, William F. Campbell, Ralph J. Panno
  • Patent number: 5073072
    Abstract: The threaded split-bushing fastener assembly has been designed for high temperature applications such as on hypersonic vehicles. The fastener assembly consists of a pin (with a standard countersunk head at one end and a tapered end at the other end), a tubular threaded split-bushing, a nut, and a washer. Installation is accomplished by inserting the pin in the parts to be fastened, then slipping the washer and split-bushing on the tapered end of the pin and finally screwing the nut onto the split-bushing. Tightening of the nut allows preloading of the fastener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation/Convair Division
    Inventors: Ebrahim Parekh, Jack E. Jensen, Jeffrey L. Summers
  • Patent number: 5067908
    Abstract: A self-aligning connector that is used with electrical plug-in-module connectors. The self-aligning connector has an elongated connector body with a cutout portion extending from its top surface to its bottom surface to form a walled structure that would surround an electrical contact area. A foot portion extends from each end of the connector body. Each foot portion has an inclined front surface that mates with the inclined bottom wedge surface of a wedge block. Elongated slots in the respective wedge blocks algin with vertically oriented bore holes in the foot portions and mounting screws are passed downwardly through the respective openings. As the mounting screws are tightened the wedge blocks and foot portions have relative translation along their inclined surfaces, thus aligning the connector in the cutout portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Guth
  • Patent number: 5062149
    Abstract: A millimeter wave device having a dielectric substrate with a pair of substantially parallel planar surfaces with at least one predetermined millimeter wave circuit pattern formed in a conductive layer located on at least one of the substrate surfaces. A substantially planar conductive channel plate is mounted adjacent the conductive layer on one substrate surface with the channel plate having an aperture overlying each circuit pattern formed in the conductive layer. A substantially planar conductive cover plate is mounted adjacent one of the channel plates so as to form a first cavity in the region defined by the substrate surface, the channel plate aperture and the cover plate. The device may further include a second substantially planar conductive channel plate mounted adjacent the other one of the substrate surfaces with the second channel plate having an aperture corresponding to and aligned with the first channel plate aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Garry N. Hulderman, Eugene Phillips, Richard J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5060365
    Abstract: A tool for installation of pin connector assemblies into a computer path board, the pin assembly being of a type that permits a locking bushing to be slid over the pin into a recess within the body of the assembly and thereby cause a tight interference fit of the assembly within a receiving orifice in the patch board. The tool includes a retainer to engage a guide groove formed on the upper portion of the pin assembly and a tubular driver that is mechanically coupled to the retainer for driving the locking bushing into position. The retainer and the tubular driver are preferably connected to opposing handles of a biased plier arrangement. The plier arrangement may be hand or machine operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventor: Robert F. Lanzo
  • Patent number: 5056356
    Abstract: A fluid injection method of nondestructive testing for bonding between two layers of material, at least one of which is penetrable is presented. One or two fluid injection members are inserted at selected locations along the penetrable material to the bond line between the materials. In the single injection member test, a fluid under known pressure is injected through the injection member to the bond line. The flow is measured at several locations and an average flow rate under satisfactory bonding conditions is noted. Any flow rates in excess of some fixed amount above this established norm is considered unsatisfactory. In the two injection member test. The two members are adjacently inserted through the material to the bond line and a fluid under known pressure is injected from one injection member to the bond line. If a disbond exists between the two members, the second member receives fluid from the first at the bond line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Division
    Inventors: David R. Kuhns, Gerald L. O'Barr
  • Patent number: 5050293
    Abstract: Method for fabricating a laminated coil conductor for a high current coil which includes wrapping a layer of insulation around a rotatable shaped mandrel and then winding a plurality of copper sheets over the insulation as the mandrel is rotated. Solder is interposed between the copper sheets and between coolant tubes positioned on each end of each coil conductor. The assemblage is then removed from the mandrel and raised to a temperature to bond the copper sheets and coolant tubes together. The assemblage is then placed in a structural box and a plastic is injected into the box to fill any voids between the coil conductor and the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation/Space Systems Div.
    Inventors: Robert W. Baldi, Thomas E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5046365
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a thermal protection systems for protecting instrumentation transducers having a low maximum operating temperature in the range of 200 degree F. to 900 degrees F. when exposed to operating environment greater than 2000 degrees F. The embodiments of the protection system include the use of zinc solid-to-liquid phase change as a heat sink, water-to-steam phase change as a heat sink and thermal electric cooling combined with a multi-foil insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation/Space Systems Div
    Inventors: Marvin A. Kumley, Daniel L. Simpson, Kurt W. Swanson, Bryan L. Beck
  • Patent number: 5045575
    Abstract: A method of improving the flowability and reducing voids in liquid synthetic thermosetting resins precursor compositions used to pot structures such as a honeycomb core or electronic parts and assemblies. Up to about 0.50 weight percent of a suitable titanate coupling agent is mixed with the liquid resin precursor, preferably in a vacuum or an inert atmosphere, any necessary hardener is added later to the premixed resin with the agent, then the resin is poured into a mold holding the structure to be potted. The titanate coupling agents have the general formula: ##STR1## where: R is an alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aralkyl group having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms or a substituted derivative thereof;M is zirconium or titanium; andR is independently an aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, alkyl or alkeno group having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair division
    Inventor: Solomon M. Gabayson
  • Patent number: 5040748
    Abstract: A payload interface ring adapted to releasably secure a payload to a multiple payload adapter arranged to be carried into outer space by a launch vehicle for positioning of the payload in a suitable orbit relative to the earth. The interface ring includes a latching mechanism secured to a base to receive a berthing pin carried by the payload and to releasably latch the berthing pin for securing of the payload for transport of the payload to a desired orbit. A plurality of springs cooperate with the berthing pins and the latching mechamism to secure the payload in a desired latched position during transport to the desired orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation/Space Systems Division
    Inventors: Christopher N. Torre, Jeffrey D. Holdridge
  • Patent number: 5032865
    Abstract: A system for calculating the dot product of the vectors A(k) and B(k) of dimension Q written in two's complement representation. A bus has a width sufficient for communicating signals representing a plurality of bit planes A(j,Q) and B(n,Q) corresponding to the two's complement representations of A(k) and B(k), respectively. Circuitry connected to the bus calculates C(j,n)=A(j,Q).B(n,Q) for each of said bit planes. An adder sequentially determines R(n)=C(0,n)2.sup.0 +C(1,n)2.sup.1 + . . . C(N-1,n)2.sup.(N-1) -C(N,n)2.sup.N for n=0,1,2 . . . N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation Air Defense Systems Div.
    Inventor: Richard S. Schlunt
  • Patent number: 5026100
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a rod having a handle end and a cam at the other end, a housing and a hasp holding means, a housing spring, a handle and a handle spring. The housing has an aperture formed therethrough for receiving the rod. The apparatus is adapted to be assembled to wall structure for releasable securing a door. The wall structure will have an aperture formed therethrough for receiving the rod. The apparatus is assembled by locating the housing and housing spring on one side of the wall structure and the handle and handle spring on the other side of the wall structure with the rod extending through the housing aperture and through the wall aperture with its handle end coupled to the handle and handle spring and its cam located in a holding position to engage the housing such that the cam cannot pass through the housing aperture. Means is provided for preventing the housing from rotating when held next to the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Francis J. Hulkenberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5027062
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a probe test structure for microcircuits utilizes a multiple coating method in conjunction with a novel double-cell electroplating apparatus having a relatively high-resistance ion path between the cells. Photoresist is applied to both sides of a copper foil, copper posts are electroformed onto selected areas of one side of the foil through image hole patterns, the remaining photoresist is stripped away, polyimide prepreg is laminated to the post side of the foil, the copper posts are exposed by sanding, photoresist is reapplied to both sides of the sanded remainder, additional copper is electroformed on each post through image hole patterns in the post side of the photoresist, the foil on the side opposite the posts is chemically milled to provide leads integral with each post using appropriate masking techniques and, finally, all of the remaining photoresist is removed to leave the desired test probe set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Air Defense Systems Division
    Inventors: William P. Dugan, Marvin R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5022803
    Abstract: A method for joining carbon-carbon structural elements together using a carbon-carbon pin type fastener for transfer of shear loads. A coating of powdered metal which undergoes a large expansion when reacted in the presence of a gas is used to coat the outer surfaces of a pin which extends through the structural elements to be joined, with the powdered metal coating between the body of the pin and the surfaces of the structural elements through which the pin passes. After installation through the structural elements the pin is heated in an oxygen atmosphere causing the powdered metal coating to expand up to 100% from its unheated volume binding the pin to the structural elements. A fluted or scalloped edge on the pin increases the surface area of the pin increasing its friction holding force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventor: Kurt W. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5013015
    Abstract: A swing clamp for clamping work pieces to a fixture is mechanically actuated. The clamp has a body with a base. The base has a threaded hole in it. A mandrel is carried by the body. A clamp member is mounted to one end of the mandrel. A shaft extends through the mandrel and engages a threaded hole in the base. A translational device changes rotational movement of the shaft to linear movement of the mandrel. A guide causes the mandrel to swing about 90 degrees during this linear movement. This releases and actuates the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Fatheree
  • Patent number: 5012948
    Abstract: A cryogenic vessel arrangement for a superconductive apparatus that is adapted to be launched into outer space for operation therein. A vacuum vessel, within which a liquid helium vessel containing the superconductive apparatus is positioned, is supported from an external frame. The liquid helium vessel is supported by a cable arrangement from the external frame independently of the vacuum vessel. The cable arrangement is preferably constructed to maintain a constant length throughout a service temperature range. A bumper arrangement is provided to provide direct support for the vacuum vessel independently of the cable arrangement during launch of the cryogenic vessel arrangement into space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventor: Hugo H. Van Den Bergh
  • Patent number: 5013128
    Abstract: Inexpensive, highly efficient, flexible, fiber optic light guide which includes a plurality of flexible optic fibers which are unclad along their length and arranged in a bundle to increase packing density with all the ends of the fibers of the bundle falling in common planes at the entry and exit ends of the light guide. The flexible optic fiber bundle is provided with a suitable protective cladding which also may include a layer of clad optic fibers that surround the bundle. Light incident at one end of the light guide is reflected internally along the longitudinal length of the guide by a cladding boundary or space boundary so that transmission losses are minimized. Suitable ferrules may be provided at each end of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventors: Theodore G. Stern, Mickey Cornwall
  • Patent number: 5010907
    Abstract: A mobile enclosure, which allows access to a vehicle in an unsafe environment and minimizes the possibility of contamination of the cockpit includes a trailer that is subdivided into plural subcompartments. A decontamination area is provided for decontaminating personnel ingressing the enclosure. The enclosure also has a vehicle maintenance area for receiving the vehicle personnel hatchway portion of a vehicle. The maintenance area has docking doors which are contoured to fit around the vehicle and open and close automatically to admit the vehicle. Decontamination facilities are provided immediately outside of the docking doors, to decontaminate the vehicle personnel hatchway portion as it is admitted to the enclosure. A crew compartment is provided where personnel, including the pilot, can rest, eat, and work. The enclosure has an auxiliary power unit that provides decontaminated air and water, electricity and heat for hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Henson, Michael K. Barron
  • Patent number: 5010255
    Abstract: A disk type magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator/channel and a hybrid pulse power transformer (HPPT) with a superconductive primary and a normal secondary for producing high power and high current pulses is disclosed. The HPPT surrounds the MHD channel through which hot gas is supplied. The channel upstream from the HPPT is formed into a flat circular configuration with narrow portion directed perpendicular to the channel passing through the HPPT. A MHD disk generator is positioned on the opposite side of the channel directly opposed from the HPPT. The output from the MHD is connected to the primary of the HPPT. Prior to generating power, the superconducting primary winding of the HPPT is charged to a low current. The primary is then connected to the MHD generator/channel for conditioning. When the channel is fired causing gases to flow through the channel causing the magnet current to increase producing a higher primary field and hence more power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Hilal, Jerome F. Parmer