Abstract: A continuous fiber composite having carbon microfibers dispersed in the resin filling the interstices between the continuous fibers to enhance the transverse properties of the composite. The carbon microfibers are made by soaking carbon fibers in an intercalating acid solution comprising a mixture of fuming nitric and sulfuric acid to weaken the intercrystallite bonds. Gentle stirring of solution separates the carbon microfibers from the host fibers. The microfibers are then separated from the intercalating acid solution and washed to remove the residual acid.

Abstract: A control valve 44 for use in a fluid pressure operated motor 10 to control the communication of fluid between first and second chambers 34 and 36. The control valve 44 includes a plunger 58, a disc 46 and a retainer 70. The retainer 70 has a cylindrical body 82 with an inwardly projecting lip of which section 84 engages and holds the peripheral surface 48 against shoulder 78 on the hub 26 and an end section 94 which acts as a stop to limit the movement of plunger 58 in bore 38 when the valve 44 is in the released position. Tabs 100, 100'. . . 100.sup.N on sleeve or cylinder 82 are located in groove 102 to lock the retainer 70 in place. In response to an input, push rod 56 moves plunger 58 to allow disc 46 to move and initially interrupt communication of a first fluid between the first and second chamber 34 and 36 and thereafter permit a second fluid to flow into the second chamber 36.

Abstract: A brake actuation assembly 10 having a master cylinder 12 attached to a stationary wall (14) of a vehicle and a power assist apparatus 16. Linkage 66 connects a movable wall 125 in the power assist apparatus 16 with pistons 64 and 68 in chambers 60 and 62 in the master cylinder 12. A valve 133 responds to an input from an operator to allow a pressure differential to be created across wall 125. The pressure differential moves the wall 125 while at the same time the linkage moves pistons 64 and 68 to pressurize fluid in the master cylinder 12. An adjustment mechanism 82 acts on the piston 68 to control the timing of the interruption of fluid communication between a reservoir 46 and chambers 60 and 62 as a direct function of movement of wall 125.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly (10) includes a rotor (12) having a pair of friction faces (14, 16) and a pair of friction elements (18, 20) disposed adjacent the friction faces. A caliper (32) is slidably mounted on a support member (22) by mounting mechanism (40). Mounting mechanism (40) includes a camming member (66) supported by the support member (22) and slidably engaged by the caliper (32) and a torsion spring (82) which yieldably rotates the camming member (66) into camming engagement with the caliper (32) and support member (22).

Abstract: A fluid pressurizing device 10 having a master cylinder 12 with a cylindrical projection 52 that extends through the housing of a brake booster 14. The housing of the brake booster 14 has a front shell 56 located on a shoulder 54 of the cylindrical projection 52 and a rear shell 140 located against a shoulder 150. A nut carried by the cylindrical projection 52 engages the rear shell 140 to compress a bead 111 of a diaphragm 110 against a shoulder 57 on the front shell 56. A sleeve 80 connected to a hub member 70 retains a bead 108 of diaphragm 110 and bead 90 of a diaphragm 92 connected to the cylindrical projection 52. In response to an input force, a valve assembly 136 controls the development of a pressure differential across the diaphragms 92 and 110. The pressure differential acts on and moves the diaphragms 92 and 110 toward the first shell 56.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for a disc brake includes a nut (26) and a threaded stem (28). The threaded stem (28) defines a first diameter portion (72) and a second diameter portion (76) which cooperate to form a differential area sealingly engaging an inwardly extending partition (68). The partition (68) also forms a passage (88) to communicate fluid pressure to both portions (72, 76) so that the differential area and pressure communicating passage are compactly arranged at the partition (68).

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a housing (24) forming a bore (26) for receiving a first piston (38) and a second piston (40). Each piston is movable during braking to generate fluid pressure within a first pressure chamber (54) and a second pressure chamber (58), respectively. The first piston (38) is made from a stamping to define a uniform thin wall therefor. The stamped piston (38) forms a longitudinal body (84) movable relative to a fixed lip seal (32) and a base (86) defining a pocket (88) for receiving an input member (22).

Abstract: The invention is an integrated hydraulic control circuit for actuating the thrust reversers and variable exhaust nozzle on high preformance gas turbine engine powered aircraft. The hydraulic circuits for both systems are integrated into a single housing and are served by common elements. The circuit for the deployment and stowage of the thrust reverser buckets is hydraulically sequenced inhibiting the application of hydraulic power to the actuators prior to withdrawal of the locking pin. In a like manner, the thrust reversers must be fully retracted before the locking pin is deployed. The hydraulic circuit for the thrust reversers also includes a pressure compensating circuit which reduces the pressure applied to thrust reverser actuators with the thrust reversers in the stowed position.

Abstract: A diesel fuel system including a cam actuated unit injector employing a single control valve controlling the establishing and disestablishing of a hydraulic link in a timing chamber between a driven piston and a metering piston. The cam is configured to temporarily halt the upward motion of the pumping piston during a fuel metering period and until the disestablishment of the hydraulic link.

Abstract: An adjuster assembly for a nonservo drum brake includes a pawl (44) cooperating with a star wheel (30) of an extendible strut (22). The pawl (44) includes more than one (56, 58) edge cooperating with the star wheel to control extension of the extendible strut (22).

Abstract: A suspension assembly couples a wheel assembly (16) and a brake assembly (60) to a frame (10). The suspension assembly includes a support (20) for receiving an axle (24). The axle carries the wheel assembly (16) at one end of the support (20) and forms a drum (46) at the other end of the support (20) for engagement with the brake assembly (60). Therefore, the support (20) separates the wheel assembly (16) from the brake assembly (60) so that the brake assembly (60) brakes the wheel assembly (16) via the axle (24).

Abstract: A fast-fill master cylinder with integral proportioning includes a housing with a stepped bore defining a large diameter and a small diameter. A piston is disposed with the large diameter and the small diameter to form a fast-fill chamber in the large diameter and a pressure chamber in the small diameter. A passage extends between the fast-fill chamber and an outlet port to bypass the pressure chamber.

Abstract: A bearing member (10) having a series of carbon separators (16, 16' . . . 16.sup.N) with semi-spherical pockets (52, 52' . . . 52.sup.N) on the end thereof and semi-spherical ribs (20) and (22) on its inner and outer periphery. The ribs (20) and (22) are located in grooves (50) and (58), respectively, of races (44) and (43). Balls (14, 14' . . . 14.sup.N) are located between pockets 52, 52' . . . 52.sup.N and maintained in radial alignment in the grooves (50 and 58) of the races (43) and (44). Initially separators (16, 16' . . . 16.sup.N) are separated from each other but as the bearing (10) is used the separators (16, 16' . . . 16.sup.N) wear by providing balls (14, 14' . . . 14.sup.N) and races (43 and 44) with lubrication. At a predetermined wear condition, the separators (16, 16' . . . 16.sup.N) engage each other to provide controlled ball spacing thereafter protecting bearing member (10) from premature wear or total failure.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular electrical insulator assembly for an igniter plug comprising the steps of making a recess (11) in one end of a tubular insulator (10); cementing a portion of a tubular semi-conductor (20) into the recess (11) so that the remaining portion of said semi-conductor (20) extends slightly beyond the end of said insulator (10); and grinding an annular chamfer (21) into the ends of the insulator (10) and semi-conductor (20).

Abstract: A recirculating bearing assembly and method of making it in which the bearing assembly includes a bearing path-defining structure having two primary pieces, the first being an elongated "I" shaped member having an internal aperture extending through the elongated length and having integral end bearing returns formed as concave, inwardly facing rounded portions in each of the cross pieces terminating the elongated length and the second piece including flat upper and lower surfaces and fit within the aperture and having generally parallel upper and lower surfaces connected by rounded end portions. The second member defines the internal surface of each of two races for roller bearing elements.

Abstract: A linear motion bearing assembly and rail in which the bearing assembly includes two bearing bodies each having a pair of projections defining recirculating bearing races. The bearing assemblies are each secured to a movable member and to each other in an adjustable preload condition and provide one set of recirculating bearings of each assembly for supporting downward forces including the weight and the other to provide lateral and upward forces.

Abstract: A pair of rotatable coupling nuts (46, 76) are nested and mounted for relative rotation to a plug shell (10) and first and second cylinders (28, 62) are arranged coaxially to cooperate with a coil (90) connected to the inner coupling nut (46) for restraining unwanted rotation thereof relative to the shell, the inner and outer coupling nuts having, respectively, an opening (60) and a dog (84) extending radially inward into the opening for driving the inner coupling nut in coupling/uncoupling directions, coil (90) having one end (92) secured to inner coupling nut (48), the other end disposed in the opening (60) and the intermediate portion thereof adapted to be tightly coiled and partially uncoiled.

Abstract: An injector including a self-actuating three-way valve lodged in a passage between the fuel injector supply inlet and a control valve. The three-way valve permits fuel to flow from supply through to the control valve during a metering mode of operation while prohibiting fuel to be dumped to the supply line during the pre-injection timing phase of operation.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster is coupled to a master cylinder at the same time that an output member for the vacuum brake booster is adjusted relative to a piston for the master cylinder. The adjustment is carried out by a plunger adapted to activate a bonding material for bonding the plunger to the output member.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a first member and a second member joined via a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a pair of washer-like seats engageable with ball studs carried by the pair of members and a nut and bolt assembly. The nut and bolt assembly cooperates with one of the washer-like elements to define a stop and the one washer-like elements defines a stop with at least one of the ball studs and/or one of the members to permit easy assembly of the universal joint and smaller members.