Abstract: The present invention relates to a low VOC solvent based adhesive comprising a mixture of at least two organic solvents and a thermoplastic resin having a flash point of at least 100.degree. F. when measured in accordance with ASTM D3828-87. The low VOC solvent based adhesive of the instant invention volatilizes at substantially reduced rates as compared to conventional solvent based adhesives. Furthermore, this novel low VOC solvent based adhesive is easy to apply, cost effective, cures within a reasonable time without the use of heat, ultraviolet light or other mechanical devices. In addition, the novel low VOC solvent based adhesive can be stored in containers other than the steel tins.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of forming fibrous structures. A fibrous structure according to the invention has an upper group of fibrous layers and lower group of fibrous layers subjacent the upper group of fibrous layers. A multitude of Z-fiber bundles cohere the fibrous layers, each fibrous layer within the upper group of fibrous layers having a portion of the multitude of Z-fiber bundles originating in that fibrous layer and passing through a number of fibrous layers disposed beneath that fibrous layer without passing through all of the fibrous layers disposed beneath that fibrous layer. The number of fibrous layers penetrated by the Z-fiber bundles is constant within the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blend composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and an acrylic acid copolymer wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane forms the discontinuous phase of the blend. The blend can be used in films or made into fibers for personal care products such as ostomy bags and diapers. Moreover, such materials are also useful for packaging products such as garbage bags.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of high temperature composites made by the chemical vapor infiltration and deposition of a binding matrix within a porous structure. More particularly, the invention relates to pressure gradient processes for forcing infiltration of a reactant gas into a porous structure, apparatus for carrying out those processes, and the resulting products. The invention is particularly suited for the simultaneous CVI/CVD processing of large quantities (hundreds) of aircraft brake disks.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of heat shields for aircraft wheel and brake assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to such heat shields having removable sections. According to an aspect of the invention, a heat shield is provided for attachment to an aircraft wheel having a hub and a tube well concentric with the hub, a web interconnecting the hub and the tube well, and a plurality of torque bars fixed to the wheel generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel and spaced from the tube well. The heat shield comprises a plurality of heat shield sections to be disposed between adjacent torque bars and spaced from the tube well, and a plurality of elongate heat shield carriers to be fixed to the wheel generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel and spaced from the tube well with the heat shield carriers superposing the torque bars and engaging the plurality of heat shield sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride compound and an article made therefrom. The compound comprises a two step CPVC resin, chlorinated polyethylene as well as an impact modifier containing a polyorganosiloxane. The compound exhibits good physical properties, chemical resistance as well as ease of processability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low VOC solvent based adhesive comprising a mixture of at least two organic solvents and a thermoplastic resin. Desirably the adhesive has a flash point of at least 100.degree. F. when measured in accordance with ASTM D3828-87. The solvent blend of the low VOC solvent based adhesive of the instant invention volatilizes at substantially reduced rates as compared to conventional solvent blends in solvent based adhesives. Furthermore, this novel low VOC solvent based adhesive is easy to apply, cost effective, and cures within a reasonable time without the use of heat, ultraviolet light or other mechanical devices. In addition, the novel low VOC solvent based adhesive has good storage stability in metal or non-metal containers.

Abstract: An aircraft slide assembly used for evacuating personnel from an aircraft or other elevated structure having a longitudinally extending inflatable escape slide and a stabilizing support tube assembly attached to the underneath portion thereof closely adjacent the head end or upper end of the escape slide. The support tube has a first chamber and a second chamber with an orifice therebetween that allows inflation of the second chamber from the first chamber and thence allows the end wall of the first chamber to retract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low VOC solvent based adhesive comprising a mixture of at least two organic solvents and a thermoplastic resin. The low VOC solvent based adhesive of the instant invention volatilizes at substantially reduced rates as compared to conventional solvent based adhesives. Furthermore, this novel low VOC solvent based adhesive is easy to apply, cost effective, cures within a reasonable time without the use of heat, ultraviolet light or other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic deicing system includes a deicer assembly comprised of an outer layer, an inner ply, and a plurality of inflatable members provided therebetween. The deicer assembly is disposed directly on top of and bonded to an airfoil. The deicer assembly is inflated through an inflation port. Fluid is drained from the deicer assembly through a drain valve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a damped brake rod for use in an aircraft landing gear, the landing gear comprising a strut and a wheel and brake assembly carried on the strut. The brake rod connects the wheel and brake assembly to the strut and bears an axial load during braking. The brake rod is laterally damped to dissipate lateral vibrations imparted to the brake rod during braking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium density chlorinated polyvinyl chloride foam and the method of preparing such a foam using a blend of chemical blowing agents. The foam having a specific gravity in the range of about 0.3 to about 1.5 comprises chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, a blend of decomposition type blowing agents, a tin stabilizer, a optional impact modifier and a optional high molecular weight process aid.

Abstract: A friction brake includes a friction disk assembly having high dynamic stability against undesired vibration during a braking event. The friction disk assembly comprises an annular structural carrier of carbon and/or ceramic or other suitable structual material, preferably a fiber reinforced composite material, including a plurality of recessed regions and torque drive notches spaced around its circumferential direction, and a friction lining of carbon and/or ceramic or other suitable structural material, preferably a fiber reinforced composite material, mounted on the carrier, the friction lining having a flat wear (rubbing) face and an obverse face including raised areas corresponding to and matingly engaging the recessed regions of the carrier to prevent rotation of the lining relative to the carrier. The lining may be formed of of virgin or recycled carbon, ceramic or other suitable friction material. The lining may be retained to the carrier by mechanical fasteners such as rivets or clips.

Abstract: Multilayer fluid conduits are formed by adhering to a tubular outer surface of a metal pipe, a thermoplastic outer layer. The outer layer permits ends of the multilayer conduit to be joined together in leak-proof fluid conduit systems simply by adhering the conduit ends with compatible thermoplastic fittings. For fire protection systems, the preferred metal is steel, the preferred thermoplastic is CPVC and the preferred adhesive is heat activated. The adhesive coated metal pipe is preheated and the CPVC is extruded onto the outer surface of the heated metal pipe. Through the use of fire resistive CPVC, the multilayer conduit systems of the present invention can be installed in more severe fire threat areas than can existing, all plastic piping, including all CPVC piping systems. The conduit is assembled into systems on site simply by cutting and direct bonding with ordinary, all plastic fittings using appropriate bonding agents such as solvent based adhesives.

Abstract: Multilayer fluid conduits are formed by adhering to a tubular outer surface of a metal pipe, a thermoplastic outer layer. The outer layer permits ends of the multilayer conduit to be joined together in leak-proof fluid conduit systems simply by adhering the conduit ends with compatible thermoplastic fittings. For fire protection systems, the preferred metal is steel, the preferred thermoplastic is CPVC and the preferred adhesive is heat activated. The adhesive coated metal pipe is preheated and the CPVC is extruded onto the outer surface of the heated metal pipe. Through the use of fire resistive CPVC, the multilayer conduit systems of the present invention can be installed in more severe fire threat areas than can existing, all plastic piping, including all CPVC piping systems. The conduit is assembled into systems on site simply by cutting and direct bonding with ordinary, all plastic fittings using appropriate bonding agents such as solvent based adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a sharp small radius bend in a rigid thermoplastic pipe having a close fitting metal sleeve without kinking or cracking in the thermoplastic at the bend. Furthermore, the invention comprises a rigid thermoplastic pipe having a metal sleeve with a bend formed in the area of the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved brush assembly is provided for conducting electrical power from a fixed power system to a rotating ice protection system. The invention is especially adapted for use with an aircraft propeller ice protection system. According to an aspect of the invention, the brush assembly has a housing with a brush enclosure, the enclosure having slots provided therein for slidably receiving a plurality of brushes. A plurality of wear inserts are disposed in the slots adjacent the brushes in order to provide a wearing surface to prevent excessive wear of the brushes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and method of inhibiting catalyzed oxidation of carbon-carbon composites. The invention includes compositions, capable of impregnating carbon-carbon composites. The invention also includes a method of inhibiting catalyzed oxidation of carbon-carbon composites comprising the steps of treating a carbon-carbon composite with the catalyzed oxidation inhibiting aqueous mixture, and heating the treated carbon-carbon composite to a temperature sufficient to remove water. Articles, including friction brakes, made by this method are also part of this invention. Brake lugs, and other exposed areas of aircraft braking systems have improved resistance to catalyzed oxidation.

Abstract: A rotary needling process including a multitude of felting needles repeatedly driven into a fibrous structure disposed on a surface of a needle penetrable support as the support is rotated about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A very high-solids polymeric dispersion, having a very low percentage of volatile organic compound is prepared by dispersing a plasticized liquid acrylic polymer in water and blending with another high molecular weight polymer dispersion and/or latex in water. This plasticized acrylic polymer dispersion has been found to be useful in combination with high molecular weight polymer dispersion and/or latex containing some smaller diameter particles in the preparation of sealant, caulk, adhesive and coating compositions. Such compositions have a polydisperse particle size distribution due to the larger plasticized liquid acrylic particles and the smaller high molecular weight polymer particles which facilitates higher particle packing densities and hence higher solids content without any undue adverse effect on the dispersion stability and rheological properties.