Abstract: A magnetic particle damper apparatus is provided for damping motion between two relatively movable members. The damper apparatus comprises first and second conductor members each attachable to one of the relatively movable members. The conductor members are disposed with confronting surfaces having a gap therebetween filled with a quantity of magnetic particles. A magnetic element is attached to one of the conductor members, producing magnetic flux which is substantially confined to a magnetic flux path defined by relatively magnetically permeable regions and relatively magnetically non-permeable regions of the conductor members to flow across the gap and through the magnetic particles. The magnetic field causes the magnetic particles along the flux path to adhere to one another and to the confronting surfaces of the conductor members producing a force opposing relative motion between said movable members and dissipating energy when the conductor members move relative to one another.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a metallized substrate using the island coating method, includes depositing a coating layer containing a radiation curable non-volatile film former. The coated part is then vacuum metallized to form the metal islands of the present invention. A layer of clear resinous protective dielectric topcoat containing a radiation curable non-volatile film former is then deposited to completely cover the layer of metal islands while maintaining the aesthetic properties of the metallizing island coating system at a reduced cost and with minimal variability among parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensionally reinforced ablative/insulative composite that includes a high density fabric-based ablative layer and a low density resin-based insulative layer that is chemically bound to the ablative layer. This composite further includes stitches of a temperature-resistant thread which extend through the ablative layer and form reinforcing loops within the insulative layer. These loops are preferably chemically and mechanically bound to the insulative layer.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support mechanism includes a flexible support member, a cushioning yoke, and a cable assembly. The flexible support member has oppositely disposed first and second longitudinal ends. The cushioning yoke has a first end attached to the flexible support member proximate to the first longitudinal end of the flexible support member. The cushioning yoke extends to its second end which is disposed between the first end of the cushioning yoke and the second end of the flexible support member. The yoke has a plurality of undulations disposed between the yokes first end and second end. The cable assembly has a sleeve and a cable slidably disposed therein. The sleeve has a first end attached to one of the second end of the cushioning yoke and the second end of the flexible support member. A first end of the cable is attached to the other of the second end of the cushioning yoke and the second end of the flexible support member.

Abstract: A removable battery tray for an electric bunker rake. The battery tray fits on the frame of the bunker rake during operation, and can be easily removed by a hoist or other method so that the bunker rake can continue to operate with another charged set of batteries. The battery tray also has a central power connector that is used for charging and is the only electrical disconnect required when changing the battery tray.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for densifying one or more porous preforms, including the edges and surfaces of one or more preform, when using a liquid precursor. The method includes covering at least a portion of the porous preform with an insulating material to insulate at least a part of the preform. The preform is submerged in a precursor liquid which is heat-decomposable. The preform is heated in the precursor liquid at a temperature sufficient to decompose the precursor liquid within the preform and to deposit a decomposition product of the precursor liquid within the preform. The heating of the preform is continued in the precursor liquid until at least part of the insulated portion of the preform, which would not densify in this process without insulation, is densified.

Abstract: A molded motor vehicle instrument panel made of a thermoplastic material has an integral air bag deployment door for a passenger side air bag that is defined by a tear seam and is normally retained by an integral flexible mounting/hinge flange to a part of the vehicle structure when the seam is torn by the inflating air bag and wherein this flange then bends to allow the door to swing open to allow deployment of the air bag through an opening in the instrument panel while retaining same to the vehicle structure as the door is then free of the instrument panel. At very low temperatures, a portion of the air bag door can break away from the mounting/hinge flange because of plastic embrittlement at these low temperatures and the high bending stresses encountered at this juncture.

Abstract: A cover for covering an air bag in a motor vehicle has a thin elastic plastic skin, a rigid substrate and an intermediate layer of soft plastic foam. The skin has a tear seam and the substrate includes a door that is impacted by the inflating air bag and presses outward against the foam layer and the skin to tear the foam layer and the tear seam and then swing outward with a torn section of the foam layer and skin to form an opening in the cover for deployment of the air bag into the passenger space in the vehicle. The tear seam in the skin has a score line formed by partial perforations defined by tapered holes that are evenly spaced and formed at a controlled depth on the underside of the skin by a lasing method.

Abstract: The present invention envisions a fastener and a blank for forming a fastener. Threads are formed on the fastener blank of the present invention to achieve the fastener of the present invention. The fastener and blank include a shank which defines a central axis of the fastener. A head is provided on one end of the shank and a leading end is provided on an opposite end of the shank distal the head. A plurality of lobes are provided on the shank and are generally axially aligned with the central axis. Flutes are defined between neighboring lobes. The plurality of lobes include at least three major lobes and three minor lobes. The major lobes are defined by a major arc which is struck by a major radius. The minor lobes are defined by a minor arc struck by a minor radius. The major and minor radii extend from different radial points of origin.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel cleat system for efficient and reliable attachment, disengagement and reattachment to a shoe. The cleat system includes a shank and a nut. The shank includes a head on one end with a leading end on the shank opposite the head. The nut has a wall which generally defines a bore having opposed edges which define a slot at least partially extending through the wall. Displacement structure is provided on at least one of the shank and the nut which provide a mechanical advantage in translating rotary and axial forces into generally circumferential and radial forces. Threads are provided on at least one of the shank and the nut for promoting axial displacement to engage and disengage the displacement structure. Threaded engagement and disengagement of the displacement structure deform or release the wall of the nut resulting in expanding and relaxing of the nut.

Abstract: An interferometric system for measuring a property of interest of a target, such as temperature, by detecting the velocities of the symmetric S.sub.o) lamb modes and anti-symmetric (A.sub.o) lamb modes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel amorphous carbon-coated carbon fabric which comprises a single ply of a woven carbon fabric comprising interwoven strands of yarn. The yarn strands are formed of bundles of individual fibers and have amorphous carbon disposed between the individual fibers.The present invention also relates to a method of forming an amorphous carbon-coated carbon fabric. The method comprises the steps of (1) impregnating a woven carbon fabric with a resin; and (2) heating the resulting resin-impregnated carbon fabric to a temperature which is sufficient to char the resin to form a residue of amorphous carbon, thereby forming an amorphous carbon-coated carbon fabric material.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim panel electrical switch assembly (10) includes a switch panel portion (16) with a continuous outer surface (18). Force sensitive resistor switches (20a-20g) are supported on the switch panel portion (16) and are secured to the inner surface of a skin cover having a continuous outer surface (18) and forming the outer layer of a soft feel composite. The force sensitive resistor switches are embedded in the soft feel composite either as being cast in a layer of flexible foam or being applied within preformed openings in a layer of flexible foam in certain embodiments in which case they are associated with a circuit module (34) that negates preloading effects due to thermal expansion caused by changes in ambient conditions. In a preferred embodiment the correction occurs due to a circuit configuration that corrects for such preloading effects on a deflection rate basis. The circuit module (34) for each switch (20a-20g) may also include a relay in high power applications.

Abstract: A slide bearing for a gear pump or the like has a lubrication groove provided in the surface of the cylinder forming the slide bearing. The lubrication groove is constructed to be ending flatly in the area of that edge which, with respect to the shaft rotating direction acts as an inlet edge into the slot between the slide bearing and the shaft. Thus, it is achieved that the slide bearing is sufficiently lubricated also by fluid which flows at a higher viscosity and has an unknown elastic performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an air bag through an automotive dash panel includes an air bag door integrally formed in the panel and defined by a frangible edge of reduced cross section. A dispenser supports the air bag behind the door. A metal reaction plate is positioned between the air bag and the door. When the air bag inflates it forces the reaction plate to bend around a horizontal hinge line. As the reaction plate rotates it concentrates inflation force along a lower portion of the frangible door edge. This helps predictably separate the door from the dash panel by tearing along the lower door edge and allowing the tear to propagate up two side edges. In one embodiment, the tear also propagates across an upper edge to completely separate the door from the panel. At least one, and preferably two or three tethers limit how far the door can travel during air bag inflation. A stop member may be included to limit reaction plate bending.

Abstract: A quick release fastener system which is used as an axle system for efficient and reliable attachment, disengagement and reattachment of a component secured by the fastener system. The axle system of the invention includes a pair of axle assemblies, each having an elongated fastener member having a shank, one end of which having a drive structure, an opposite end of which having a threaded portion. A nut member or expander is engageable with the threaded portion of the corresponding fastener and is adapted for engagement in a bore of a wheel assembly. Nut spreading structures are provided on each nut and each fastener which cause the nut to spread or enlarge when the fastener is engaged therewith and rotated therein. The nut is initially retained on the threaded portion of the fastener with the nut spreading structures disengaged. A spline, key, or equivalent structure is formed in the bore and at least one slot or groove is provided on the nut, which is sized and dimensioned for receiving the spline therein.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement and method for mower reel drive wherein the rotating reel has its shaft rotatably mounted on a mower frame, and a rotational drive motor is also mounted on the frame. The facility of making the connection between the motor and the frame and of aligning the parts along a longitudinal axis for the drive relationship, are both involved, and pin connections are employed to achieve those objectives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastener system which includes a shaft having expander retaining structure and a threaded portion thereon. An expander is configured for disposition and engagement in a receptacle at least partially defined by a surface. The expander has a bore defined by a wall, and has an end for receiving at least the threaded portion of the shaft. At least a portion of the wall of the expander is threaded for receiving the threaded portion of the shaft. The expander retaining structure on the shaft retains the expander thereon when the threaded portion of the shaft is received by the expander. Expander actuating structure is provided on at least one of the shaft and the expander causing the expander to engage with the surface defining the receptacle.

Abstract: A solid state mow system monitors and controls operations of a greens maintenance machine. This solid state system controls the other systems on the machine including: an interlock system, a reel lift control system, a cutting unit control system, a groomer control system, a backlap control system, a mow relay system or any other greens maintenance type system. The interlock system monitors input and output signals to determine if all of the preconditions to operation have been satisfied. The lift control system controls raising and lowering the cutting units. The mow control system controls the operation of cutting unit motors.

Abstract: A carbon-segment face commutator assembly for an electric motor includes an annular array of copper conductor sections stamped from a single copper blank. The annular array is overmolded with an electrical-conducting resin-bonded carbon composition that mechanically interlocks the conductor sections and defines a circular commutating surface. During overmolding, radial grooves are formed in a bottom surface of the carbon overmold opposite the commutating surface. An annular hub is then formed by overmolding an insulator material around and under the carbon overmold and the conductor section array. The hub insulator material flows into the radial grooves of the carbon overmold and leaves only the circular-commutating surface exposed. The carbon overmold is formed into an annular array of eight electrically-isolated carbon segments by machining radial slots inward from the commutating surface of the carbon overmold to the underlying radial grooves.