Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine (10) includes a stator (12), a rotor (14), a bearing (16) supporting the rotor (14) for rotation about an axis (20), and a housing (22). The housing (22) is manufactured by first forming a unitary metallic extrusion (24) including a radially innermost nominally cylindrical member (26), a radially outermost nominally cylindrical member (28), a central nominally cylindrical member (30) spaced radially between the innermost and outermost members (26, 28), a set of spokes (32) connecting the innermost and central cylindrical members (26, 30) together, a set of arcuate cooling passages (34), a set of spokes (36) connecting the central outermost cylindrical members (30, 28) together, and a set of arcuate cooling passages (38). A set of fins (40) are also formed during the extrusion process extending radially from the central cylindrical member (30) into the cooling passages (38).

Abstract: A method for assessing the reliability of an electrical power distribution system begins with identifying each element of the electrical power distribution system, and establishing characteristic data for each of these elements. The characteristic data at least identifies one operating characteristic of the element and further identifies interconnections of that element to other elements in the system. Next, at least one “minimum cut” is determined separating a first system element from a second system element, e.g., a power source from a load. The minimum cut is at least based upon the interconnection data. At least one third element is then identified, located on the minimum cut, and the reliability may then be assessed by evaluating the characteristic data of the at least one third element.

Abstract: Environmental control and electric power are provided for a vehicle (12) carrying at least one gas turbine engine (14, 16) including a turbine (40,46) and a compressor (42,48); a stored energy device (28); a first turbine (64) powered by the stored energy device (28); an expansion turbine (60) for an air cooling cycle; and an electric generator (34) rotatably driven by the first turbine (64) and the expansion turbine (60). The electric generator (34) has a minimum operating speed required to generate acceptable electric power for the vehicle (12).

Abstract: An air filtration device for intake of atmospheric air, removal of contaminants from the atmospheric air, expulsion of filtered air, includes a housing configured for application directly to an electrical outlet and provides air intake from the front surface of the housing and air expulsion from the side of the housing to utilize a wall surface to disperse the filtered air. A filter change indicator is provided to communicate that a filter should be changed, and a filter orientation system is provided to allow proper orientation of the filter with respect to air flow.

Abstract: An air filtration device for intake of atmospheric air, removal of contaminants from the atmospheric air, expulsion of filtered air, includes a housing configured for application directly to an electrical outlet and provides air intake from the front surface of the housing and air expulsion from the side of the housing to utilize a wall surface to disperse the filtered air. A filter change indicator is provided to communicate that a filter should be changed, and a filter orientation system is provided to allow proper orientation of the filter with respect to air flow.

Abstract: A toaster having a ferromagnetic armature movable between an engaged position adjacent to a solenoid and closing a switch and a disengaged position away from the solenoid and opening the switch. A displacement assembly is adapted to move from an up position through a toasting position to a down position, whereupon the displacement assembly displaces the armature from the disengaged position to the engaged position, closing the switch and energizing a heating element and the solenoid, thus retaining the armature in the engaged position. The armature engages the displacement assembly when the armature is in its engaged position to retain the displacement assembly in the intermediate toasting position. A timer de-energizes the solenoid upon completion of toasting, releasing the armature to return to the disengaged position, thus opening the switch and causing de-energization of the heating element independently of the displacement assembly returning to the up position.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a housing having an upstanding tower, a carafe support platform extending horizontally forward from the lower end of the tower, and a fixed, tubular filter basket support extending horizontally forward from the upper end of the housing above the platform. A horizontal filter basket cover, including a water spreader, is disposed above the filter basket support and carried by the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A cover pivotal about a horizontal axis is provided over a water reservoir defined by the housing. A valve mechanism is provided that operates upon pivoting of the filter basket cover to selectively permit heated water to be supplied to the water spreader, thereby preventing burns or the like from heated water when the water spreader is not located above the filter basket support. The coffee maker also includes an electronic controller having a control pad on the front surface of the housing platform.

Abstract: A valve (20B) is provided is provided for regulating the pressure differential between a high pressure side (16) and a low pressure side (18) of a fluid system component (14). The valve (20B) utilizes a damping washer (60) to restrict the flow of fluid from a valve bore (32) in response to translation of a valve spool (30) in the valve bore (32). The damping washer (60) includes an aperture (78) that is piloted on a valve stem (41) extending from the valve spool (30). The damping washing (60) is biased against an open end (66) of the valve bore (32) by a spring (62) engaged between the damping washer (60) and a spring seat (48) that is engaged with the valve stem (41). A separate spring (46) is provided to bias the valve spool (30) against the high pressure fluid acting on the valve spool (30).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission and method for preventing transmission belt slippage in the case of a sudden change in load torque on the transmission involve one or both of inserting a lag in the transmission with a torsional spring damper or elastomer damper device between the device to be driven and an output shaft of the secondary pulley of the transmission, and inserting a lag in a hydraulic pressure control loop of the transmission compensating for a difference between the rate of torque transmission between the device to be driven and the transmission, and a response rate of the hydraulic pressure control loop to a sudden change in load torque. The transmission is used to drive an aircraft electrical generator at a constant speed in the disclosed embodiment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tea steeper that enables an automatic drip coffeemaker to brew tea as well as coffee. The tea steeper comprises a cylindrical body having perforated side walls, a perforated bottom wall, and an open top surrounded by a support rim. A pair of upwardly extending finger grips are provided to enable one to easily grasp the tea steeper. In use, the support rim rests atop the spout of a carafe for suspending the tea steeper within the carafe. The carafe may also contain a pivotal lid which closes over the spout but does not engage the support rim or finger grip portions of the tea steeper resting atop the spout.

Abstract: Increased efficiency of operation in pressurized aircraft may be obtained by employing pressurized air to be discharged from an aircraft cabin 10 as combustion air by applying it to the inlet 42 of a cycle compressor 40 whereat it is compressed before being fed to a combustor 52. Fuel from a source 64 is combusted within the combustor 52 and drives a high pressure turbine 48 as well as a low pressure turbine 30, either one of which may drive a load 56, 58 to provide electrical power for the aircraft. In addition, a load compressor 20 provides air to an environmental control system including an ECS turbo machine 88 and a bypass 110 for delivering conditioned air to the cabin 10.

Abstract: A household electric can opener operable by vertical movements of a control button. The can opener has an easily removable assembly that includes all of the exposed operating parts, including a cutting blade, a can drive wheel, the control button, and a lid magnet assembly. The entire removable cutter assembly is water immersible or machine washable for improved sanitation.