Abstract: A flexible induction heating coil comprising an elongated flexible core having proximal and distal ends. The core includes a plurality of core segments flexibly interconnected to make the core more flexible than the individual core segments. An elongated flexible inductor extends along the core.

Abstract: A process for treating metal surfaces to obtain improved susceptibility to bonding with adhesive compositions is disclosed. A metal surface is oxidized with a halogen to form a monolayer of halide ions on the surface. The halide ions are then exchanged with azide ions to form an azide monolayer on the metal surface. Upon contact of the treated surface with an adhesive composition, the azide layer may be thermally or photochemically decomposed to form active nitrene species, which react to bond the adhesive composition to the metal surface.

Abstract: A glass laminated structure includes a core of curable flowable material sandwiched between first and second glass panels. A pair of frame members sealed to the panels with an ultraviolet curing adhesive overlap marginal portions of the panels so that an overlapping portion of the core abuts the peripheral edges of the panels to absorb stress and inhibit delamination. The laminating apparatus includes platens with vacuum ports for securing the panels to the platens without excessive panel deformation, recessed portions for proper frame member alignment, and elastomeric seals supplanting the usual vacuum grease. The methodology proceeds by retaining the glass panels and frame members in position using the platens, and sealing the frame members to the panels. Then, the curable flowable material is introduced so that it flows between the frame members to abut the peripheral edges of the glass panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding together at least two composite tapes comprising a tape head, a support surface adjacent the tape head and a supply system for supplying first and second composite tapes between the tape head and the support surface. The tape head includes a heating section and a pressure section pivotally coupled to the heating section. The heating section includes a heater for heating the tapes, and the pressure section includes a system for applying a force for urging the tapes against the support surface.

Abstract: An actuator comprising an actuator body, a shape memory member mounted on the body and a heating element in heat exchange relationship to the shape memory member. By activating the heating element, sufficient heat is generated to heat the shape memory member to its transition temperature so that it deforms from a distorted shape toward its original shape.

Abstract: A glass laminated structure includes a core of curable flowable material sandwiched between first and second glass panels. A pair of frame members sealed to the panels with an ultraviolet curing adhesive overlap marginal portions of the panels so that an overlapping portion of the core abuts the peripheral edges of the panels to absorb stress and inhibit delamination. The laminating apparatus includes platens with vacuum ports for securing the panels to the platens without excessive panel deformation, recessed portions for proper frame member alignment, and elastomeric seals supplanting the usual vacuum grease. The methodology proceeds by retaining the glass panels and frame members in position using the platens, and sealing the frame members to the panels. Then, the curable flowable material is introduced so that it flows between the frame members to abut the peripheral edges of the glass panels.

Abstract: A rotor for high temperature and high speed applications including a rotatable hub, a plurality of rotor blades mounted on the hub for rotation therewith, and a shroud coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith and lying radially outwardly of at least a portion of the blades so that, upon rotation of the rotor, the shroud is unevenly deformed due to the centrifugal force resulting from the mass of the blades. This uneven deformation of the shroud places it in shear. The shroud is stronger in hoop tension than in shear. Centrifugal members are positioned between adjacent blades to apply a centrifugal force to the shroud between the blades. This causes the shroud to be more evenly deformed to reduce the shear.

Abstract: The following specification discloses the use of a nickel titanium alloy component referred to as Nitinol for purposes of providing a pre-stressed structure. The alloy component provides stiffness to shell structures and tubular members such as oil well pipes, and conduits, as well as pre-stressed loadings for head bolts on engines or other pre-stressed fasteners. Pre-stressing is accomplished by deforming the Nitinol component below its transformation temperature which can be a cryogenic temperature, after which the Nitinol component returns by its memory to a desired shape for pre-stressing. The foregoing develops a large pre-load on a structural joint, so that successful design applications of Nitinol can pre-load joints with minimum load path offset for a shell or other structure. This minimizes in-plane local moments, as well as eccentric loading, and provides joints of lower weight and less internal volume protrusion.

Abstract: A laser protection device comprising a plurality of edge filters for receiving an incident beam and progressively separating the desired optical energy from the laser energy contained in the beam. The first edge filter receives the incident beam and provides a first reflected beam and a first transmitted beam. One of the beams provided by the edge filter comprises a relatively high percent of desired optical energy and the other of the beams provided by the edge filter comprises a relatively high percentage of laser energy. The other edge filters are arranged in series to similarly progressively reduce the percentage of laser energy contained in the beam.

Abstract: A method of making a glass laminated structure comprising retaining first and second glass panels against first and second platens respectively, using differential fluid pressure. The panels are held in spaced, generally parallel relationship and a curable flowable material is introduced into the space between the panels. The flowable material is then cured to provide the glass laminated structure.

Abstract: The following specification discloses the use of a nickel titanium alloy component referred to as Nitinol for purposes of providing a pre-stressed structure. The alloy component provides stiffness to shell structures and tubular members such as oil well pipes, and conduits, as well as pre-stressed loadings for head bolts on engines or other pre-stressed fasteners. Pre-stressing is accomplished by deforming the Nitinol component below its transformation temperature which can be a cryogenic temperature, after which the Nitinol component returns by its memory to a desired shape for pre-stressing. The foregoing develops a large pre-load on a structural joint, so that successful design applications of Nitinol can pre-load joints with minimum load path offset for a shell or other structure. This minimizes in-plane local moments, as well as eccentric loading, and provides joints of lower weight and less internal volume protrusion.