Abstract: A method of attaching a composite member to a structure. The method including forming a laminate of fabric impregnated with resin; applying heat at a first temperature to the impregnated laminate; applying vacuum at a first pressure to the impregnated laminate to degas the resin and form a degassed, impregnated laminate; positioning the degassed, impregnated laminate on a structure; and curing the degassed, impregnated laminate on the substrate by applying heat at a second temperature and by applying vacuum at a second pressure.

Abstract: A helicopter main rotor blade balance weight retention system and assembly having a base plate (105), at least one support post (107) integral with the base plate and extending out perpendicularly from the base plate, a plurality of balance weights (109), a retaining nut plate (111), and one or more fastening bolts (113) for securing the balance weights to the base plate, and the base plate to the rotor blade. The balance weights (109) include apertures (117, 119) through which the support posts and the fastening bolts pass. The apertures through which the support posts pass are dimensioned such that the a snug fit is formed between the support posts and the balance weight; but the apertures through which the fastening bolts pass are dimensioned such that the threaded portions of the fastening bolts are not subjected to any shear loads from the balance weights due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotating rotor blades. The weight retention assembly is installed into pockets in the blade tip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tactile cueing of aircraft controls (21) is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention warns pilots of approaching limits on certain aircraft performance parameters. The most common warnings are for rotor speed exceeding a moving limit. The present invention uses tactile cueing through the collective stick (21). Tactile cueing means that the pilot does not need to scan the intruments to ascertain proximity to the aforementioned limits. Instead, the pilot can operate the aircraft within proper limits by touch, while maintaining situational awareness outside of the cockpit (20). The method and apparatus of the present invention provides customary friction resistance up to a limit position that is continuously updated. According to the present invention, continued motion of the collective (21) in a direction beyond that limit position results in a breakout force and an increasing resistive force.

Abstract: A servovalve has a sleeve having both a first metering aperture and a second metering aperture in fluid communication with a single port cavity defined by the servovalve. A spool oriented within the sleeve has a first land and a second land and defines a channel oriented between the first land and the second land. When the spool orients in a null position within the sleeve, the first land overlaps the first metering aperture and the second land overlaps the second metering aperture. As a low viscosity fluid within the servovalve assembly leaks across the first land and enters the channel, the overlap of the first and second lands with the first and second metering apertures minimizes flow of the fluid from the channel into the port cavity associated with the metering apertures. The configuration of the sleeve assembly, therefore, maintains a relatively large pressure gain within the servovalve assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum fitting having a check valve for use in bagging composite parts prior to and curing the during process, in which the body of the vacuum fitting is formed from a single piece of material, and the check valve has no loose fitting parts is disclosed. The vacuum fitting has a one-piece body portion having a base flange, a central neck portion, and a top quick-connect fitting adapted for releasable connection to a conventional vacuum source. The check valve is disposed within the central neck portion with a snap ring.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor apparatus includes a housing and a stator assembly coupled to the housing. The apparatus further includes a magnetic rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the housing. The magnetic rotor assembly is configured to rotate within the housing in response to electric currents through windings of the stator assembly. The apparatus further includes position sensors which are configured to provide position signals identifying angular position of the magnetic rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. Each position sensor includes (i) a Hall-effect sensor disposed distally from the windings, and (ii) magnetic circuit members having first end portions adjacent the windings and proximate rotor magnets and second end portions adjacent the Hall-effect sensor. Use of such magnetic circuit members enables the Hall-effect sensors to reside a greater distance from the windings vis-à-vis conventional brushless DC motors which position sensors adjacent to stator coils within motor casings.

Abstract: A headlamp adjuster which includes a housing, an expandable member on the housing, and an adjuster member which is extendable and retractable relative to the housing. One end of the adjuster member is engageable with a reflector of a headlamp assembly, and the other end of the adjuster member is receivable in the expandable member. The expandable member is configured to expand to accommodate retraction of the adjuster member. The expandable member may be a bellows which is, for example, molded to the housing. The housing may be molded over the bellows, or vice versa. Alternatively, the bellows may be attached to the housing using, for example, a snap ring, adhesive or some other suitable means.

Abstract: A reel mower assembly having a frame and a reel rotatably mounted to the frame. The reel includes a plurality of cross members connected with a reel shaft. A drive is operable to rotate the reel about a reel axis. A blade member is removably coupled to one of the plurality of cross members to prevent movement of the blade member with respect to the cross member, yet permit easily replacement thereof.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower having a frame supported by a plurality of wheels for movement over the ground and a rotary cutting deck assembly. A support bracket assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame for movement about a generally vertical axis. A telescoping arm is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the rotary cutting deck assembly and is adjustable into at least two lengths. An actuator is pivotally coupled between the support bracket assembly and the telescoping arm and is operable to move the rotary cutting deck assembly between a non-cutting position and a cutting position and further capable of retracting the telescoping arm between the at least two lengths to permit the rotary cutting deck assembly to be swung to a side of the frame for easy inspection, maintenance, and adjustment.

Abstract: A cage nut assembly includes a nut having a cylindrical portion extending from a plate portion. The nut is encaged in a cage such that the cylindrical portion extends through an aperture in the cage. The cylindrical portion of the nut is collapsible such that the nut collapses and provides a plurality of flanges upon an application of force. The flanges are folded or curved/mushroomed such that the plate portion of the nut is suspended within the cage so that the nut will not, or will minimally, stick to the cage or workpiece when coated with e-coat or ELPO. Upon torqueing a fastener into place, the flanges are bent up to allow the plate portion to interface with the cage or a workpiece to provide a solid joint.

Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.

Abstract: An assembly for providing flexure to a blade of a rotary blade system, the assembly including an upper support plate having an upper curved surface, a lower support plate having a lower curved surface, and a yoke positioned therebetween. At least one of the upper and lower yoke surfaces having a layer of cushioning material positioned thereon and secured thereto. The layer of cushioning material extending along and following the general contour of yoke surface, and the layer of cushioning material directly contacting a support plate. Another embodiment is an assembly for providing flexure to a blade of a rotary blade system, including, an upper support plate having an upper curved surface, a lower support plate having a lower curved surface, and a yoke positioned therebetween and directly contacting the support plates wherein one of the curved surfaces is a non-circular arc that does not form part of the circumference of a circle.

Abstract: Determination of the orientation of a unit is based on solar positioning. An actual measurement of the position of the sun is taken and compared to a theoretical determination of the position of the sun. By comparing the actual and theoretical positions, the orientation of the unit is determined in an accurate, reliable, and economical manner.

Abstract: A sand trap rake having a frame, a pair of rear wheels supporting the frame, a single front wheel supporting the frame, and a steering system operably interconnecting the steering wheel to the single front wheel. A grading device is coupled to the frame and is raised and lowered in response to a grading device actuation system. A steering limiting system is further coupled with the steering system. The steering limiting system is operable in a normal reaction mode and a slow reaction mode. A switch device is connected with the grading device actuation system such that the switch device outputs a control signal when the grading device is in the raised position. In response to the control signal, the steering limiting system consequently causes the steering system to operate in a slow reaction mode.

Abstract: An assembly includes a cable puller, a wheeled carriage and an adapter mounted on the wheeled carriage. The cable puller has vise chains attached thereto. The adapter has a frame onto which the cable puller is mounted by the vise chains.

Abstract: The invention provides an installation tool for use with a battery operated drill or a corded electric drill for repetitive installation of caulk-in anchors. The installation tool utilizes the mechanical advantage of a threaded shaft to improve consistency of the holding reliability of the caulk-in anchor and controls the anchor setting process to insure proper installation while reducing installation time. The installation tool does not rely on bottom setting or a hammer strike to set the anchor, but can be set at a depth independent of hole depth. In one embodiment, the tool can be used with a through hole in the substrate and uses a combination of a threaded shaft and a controlled sensing spring to insure a more uniform installation of the anchor within the substrate across the entire length of the sleeve portion of the anchor, along with a visual check of proper setting of the anchor.

Abstract: The invention provides a rivetless nut plate including a nut, a holding bracket having tubular and bracket portions, and a stem having an enlarged head. The stem is positioned within an aperture of the tubular portion such that the head is resting on a shoulder within the bracket aperture. The tubular portion is positioned within an aperture of a workpiece, such that the bracket portion rests on top of the workpiece. The nut is retained within the bracket portion. Force is applied to a bottom of the workpiece and another opposite force is applied to the stem such that the head expands the tubular portion radially outwardly such that lobes on the tubular portion become embedded into the wall of the workpiece, thereby securing the nut plate to the workpiece. The holding bracket could also be formed of two separate elements, a sleeve having a tubular portion and a bracket.

Abstract: A traction enhancement system and method of using the same for use with a turf mower having a vehicle frame, a first drive wheel operably mounted to the vehicle frame, and a cutting unit positionable in a first position, where the cutting unit is support by ground engaging rollers, and a second position, where the cutting unit is support by the vehicle frame. A traction system is then operably coupled between the cutting unit and the vehicle frame such that the traction system can modulate the cutting unit between the first position and the second position for improved traction of the first drive wheel.

Abstract: In a countermeasure system for an aircraft, a countermeasure module includes a chamber. Countermeasure equipment is housed in the chamber of the countermeasure module. An attachment mechanism allows for releasable attachment of the countermeasure module to an aircraft. A flight mechanism is provided on the countermeasure module for returning the countermeasure module to a location, such that when an aircraft to which the countermeasure module is attached reaches a desired airborne position, the attachment mechanism releases the countermeasure module from the aircraft, and the flight mechanism on the released countermeasure module returns the countermeasure module to the location.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a utility vehicle and includes an alternating-current (AC) motor for providing a drive torque. An AC motor controller receives a battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) signal, and run/tow signal indicative of the utility vehicle being configured to be driven and being configured to be towed. The AC motor controller generates an AC drive signal for the AC motor, wherein the AC drive signal is based on the battery voltage signal, throttle pedal position signal, brake pedal position signal, key switch signal, FNR signal, and run/tow signal.