Abstract: A planar carbon segment commutator assembly made by forming an annular conductor substrate with an annular front projection extending integrally and axially from a front surface of the substrate. An annular carbon disk is formed on the conductor substrate by overmolding a carbon compound onto the front surface of the conductor substrate and around the annular front projection. The conductor substrate is mounted on an insulating hub. Electrically isolated, circumferentially-spaced commutator segments and corresponding mechanically interlocked conductor sections are formed by making radial cuts through the annular carbon disk and the metal substrate, respectively. According to one embodiment, each of the front projections has a greater cross-sectional area at a distal end than at a base end to mechanically lock the commutator segments onto the conductor sections.

Abstract: Improved articles of manufacture are disclosed, together with methods for preparing such articles, whereby the surface of a graphite or comparable substrate is first densified with carbon to reduce surface porosity while still retaining sufficient surface texture to enhance the adherence of a subsequently applied boron coating.

Abstract: An automotive trim panel is disclosed having an airbag door and at least one duct. The trim panel comprises a first retainer, having an aperture for deployment of an airbag, and a second retainer having an airbag door. When the first retainer and the second retainer are assembled, the airbag door of the second retainer is received in the aperture of the first retainer. Furthermore, at least one duct is formed when the first retainer and the second retainer are assembled.

Abstract: A deep socket which has two ends, where each end is configured to engage a pair of different sized nuts. Preferably, one end of the deep socket is configured to engage either a ¾ inch or {fraction (13/16)} inch square nut, and the other end of the deep socket is configured to engage either a 1 inch or 1-and-⅛ inch square nut. Preferably, the deep socket is configured such that the deep socket can be used to turn a nut fully down on a threaded rod which extends up to eight inches including a nut on the threaded rod. Preferably, the socket includes a body that provides a bore that is configured to accept the threaded rod when the socket is used to turn the nut down on the threaded rod. Preferably, each end of the socket is configured to be engaged with a ¾ inch square adapter. Ideally, each end is configured to engage a spring pin locking mechanism which is provided on the adapter such that the socket tends to remain engaged with the adapter.

Abstract: A locking and unlocking mechanism for moveable control fins extending from the surface of a missile. The locking mechanism includes a pin extending thru the outer surface of the missile into an opening provided in the movable fin. A link is pivotally connected between each of the pins and a slide member disposed internally of the missile and carried by a guide. The links are in a close to dead center position when the pins are extended into the openings in each of the fins. A striker assembly is disposed within the slide member and includes a rod carrying a hammer which is spring loaded spaced from the slide member when the pins are in their extend position.

Abstract: A window lift bracket for attachment to a mounting edge of a movable window and which is connectable to a window lifting mechanism. The window lift bracket includes a base which is attachable to the window lifting mechanism and spaced apart portions extending from the base being positionable on either side of the movable window. The spaced apart portions define a channel therebetween. The window lift bracket includes at least one member, such as a flexible beam member, which is disposed generally in the channel for engaging the window when the window is disposed therein. Preferably, the engagement between the member and the window provides a reduced stress area at the bottom of the channel. Opposing surfaces of the spaced apart portions may provide convoluted surfaces, such as protrusions and depressions, which effectively increase the surface area to which the adhesive adheres, thereby improving the adhesion of the adhesive to the window bracket and the window.

Abstract: A removable hoisting apparatus for use on an aircraft to hoist cargo and people into the aircraft. The removable hoisting apparatus comprises a base member, a telescoping mast member, a boom member, and a hoist assembly carried by the boom member. The base member is of negligible weight and is adapted for attachment to the floor of the aircraft. The telescoping mast has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion is releasably connected to the base member, and the top portion is releasably connected to the bottom portion. The top portion extends through an opening in the aircraft. A shoulder member is connected to the top portion, and a boom member is connected to the shoulder member. A rigid link member connects the boom member to the aircraft. The removable hoisting apparatus can be quickly removed from the aircraft by releasing only three quick-release fasteners, leaving only the base member attached to the aircraft.

Abstract: A cutter assembly positioning mechanism provides an improved positioning mechanism and control for a riding lawn mower. Specifically, the mechanism optimizes the speed and accuracy of positioning the cutter assembly in the desired position and allows the operator to raise and lower the cutter assembly without sacrificing control of the mower. The lawn mower has a frame including an actuator adapted to be coupled to the frame, a cutter assembly adapted to be movable relative to the frame for adjusting a cutting height and a first flexible member interconnecting the actuator and the cutter assembly. The actuator is operable to extend and retract thereby raising and lowering the cutter assembly.

Abstract: A simplified torque motor which includes a plurality of parts defining appropriate alignment slots and grooves as well as openings for properly positioning the parts with respect to each other so that after being secured by appropriate fasteners, the torque motor may function as a first stage for the control of fluid through an appropriate valve. The various parts include a base carrying an armature, upper and lower pole pieces, permanent magnets, electromagnetic coils and shims disposed between the base and the lower pole piece to adjust the air gap between the poles of the upper and lower pole pieces. The shims are provided with appropriate slits to receive a tool for easy removal of the shim for air gap adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A DC electrical power generation system for aircraft having primary and emergency generation systems is disclosed. The system includes a transmission driven power generator, a dedicated generator control unit and a distribution network for providing sufficient capacity to all electrical loads on the aircraft. The emergency power system includes at least one engine driven starter generators, with an associated controller unit and associated distribution network for providing sufficient backup capacity to electrical loads assigned thereto.

Abstract: A shock absorber mounted electromagnetically operated real time damper valve which is mounted upon a piston rod and provides a flow path for fluid which bypasses the piston which separates a cylinder of the shock absorber into a pair of fluid containing chambers. The damper valve includes a spool reciprocally mounted within the hollow interior of a housing. A treatably secured cap is used to retain all of the component parts of the valve assembled without the need for other securing devices such as adhesives or brazing of parts together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gear pump consisting of two meshing gears which are each assigned to a shaft and which are each driven by means of a driving unit. The driving units are controllable by a control unit such that the shafts rotate at a definable angular velocity. According to the invention, the control units have a symmetrical construction, a control device being provided in each control unit, which control device is operably connected with the other by way of a data line.

Abstract: A skid landing gear for a helicopter, in which the directional stiffnesses of the cross members of the skid landing gear have been de-coupled from one another, such that optimization of the longitudinal stiffness of the cross members may be performed independently of the optimization of the vertical stiffness and fatigue life of the cross members. In order to de-couple the stiffnesses in the skid type landing gear, two approaches are employed. In the first approach, the skid landing gear has non-symmetric-section cross members and/or distribution of different materials within the cross-section for de-coupling the vertical stiffness of the cross members from the longitudinal stiffness, such that placement of the ground resonance frequency may be optimized, while retaining the vertical stiffness properties essential for optimizing vertical energy attenuation and fatigue life.

Abstract: An electric mower having constant speed control. The mower is powered by a battery and a controller connected to the electric motor. The controller monitors mower operation and ensures that a constant speed is maintained while mowing and transporting even on includes and declines.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a headlamp reflector of a headlamp assembly. The device includes a housing and a directing member, such as an adjustor screw, which generally extends from the housing. The directing member has an end which is engageable with the headlamp reflector of the headlamp assembly, and an opposite end which is configured to receive a driver generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the directing member. The directing member provides that rotation of the driver about an axis which is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the directing member causes the directing member to translate relative to the housing thereby causing adjustment of the position of the headlamp reflector which is engaged with the first end of the directing member.

Abstract: A gang-type rotary lawn mower including a frame supported by wheels for movement over the ground, a power source which is mounted on the frame and which drives at least two of the wheels, an operator's seat mounted on the frame, a steering system enabling the operator to steer the lawn mower, at least two side-by-side front rotary cutting deck assemblies mounted on the frame, the front deck assemblies defining a gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, and at least one rear rotary cutting deck assembly mounted on the frame behind the front deck assemblies, each rear deck assembly being aligned with a respective gap between adjacent front deck assemblies, each of the front and rear deck assemblies including a single-spindle mulching deck defining a downwardly opening space, a single spindle mounted for rotation about a generally vertical axis within the space, and at least one cutting blade mounted on the spindle for rotation therewith.

Abstract: An automatic breaking system which functions by applying a controlled breaking pressure signal through a control valve to each of the four corners of an automotive vehicle in response to input and feedback signals. A centralized computer receives various signals generated by transducers positioned at various positions within the vehicle including at each of the four corners as well as input signals from the vehicle brake peddle. These signals are processed by the computer and then applied through a control system to a direct drive valve which meters the application of the fluid under pressure to the breaks located at each corner of the vehicle. Direct drive valve is a limited angle rotary to linear direct drive valve which includes a housing having a first bore longitudinally disposed therethrough and a second bore disposed transversely therethrough and intersecting the first bore. A valve spool is slidably disposed within a second bore for controlling the flow of fluid under pressure.

Abstract: An instrument panel has an integral door cover for concealing a supplemental inflatable restraint system in a vehicle passenger compartment. The door cover includes a flap that is an integral part of a flexible plastic skin of the instrument panel. The plastic skin is cast in a special mold with a raised apexed rib that forms grooves outlining the flap that have a thin tear seam at their bottom.