Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure vessel having a non-circular axial cross-section, and a method for its construction, which achieves improved reliability, minimum weight, minimum cost, and maximum aerodynamic smoothness. The above characteristics are achieved through the use of honeycomb cores whose thickness varies in accordance with the distribution of bending moments created by the non-circular axial cross-sectional configuration under internal pressure. The present invention also provides a pressure vessel having a non-circular axial cross-section which may be especially designed to meet preestablished design criteria for optimal weight, volume, and strength.

Abstract: A fiber/thermoplastic resin matrix cylinder with a metal lining and a process for manufacturing such a cylinder using metal plasma spray and filament winding techniques are disclosed. In the manufacturing process, a molten metal plasma spray is deposited on a heated and rotating mandrel. After the metal layer has cooled, filament winding techniques are used to deposit a layer of graphite fibers and thermoplastic resin around the metal layer, after which the mandrel is removed. The metal layer remains bonded to the fiber/thermoplastic layer. The process results in a fiber/thermoplastic resin matrix cylinder of low cost, light weight, durability, and survivability.

Abstract: An inflatable external fuel tank is disclosed for carrying fuel under an aircraft wing, the tank having a predetermined displacement when full and being collapsible to a lesser displacement when empty. The tank skin is comprised of a flexible thermoplastic material. A keel structure is located inside the tank and defines the diameter and longitudinal length of the tank.

Abstract: An improved honeycomb core type load bearing structure having lessened susceptibility to fatigue failure when supported at its edges. The structure includes a plurality of corrugated ribbons forming the core and face members attached opposing lengthwise edges of the core ribbons. Edge members which may be employed for load bearing are attached to edges of the face members. Additional attachment elements are disposed between core ribbon ends abutting the edge members. The attachment elements are joined to both the core ribbons and the face members.

Abstract: An improved deadbolt lockset is provided in which one of two different backset distances is facilitated in a single latch assembly. At least one planar side plate coupled to a deadbolt extension is provided and is slidably contained within a hollow latch case. Movement of the side plate determines the distance from the face plate of the assembly to the axis of an actuating assembly. The latch case includes slots formed therein for positioning the actuating assembly and to allow movement of the side plates.

Abstract: Chromate-free aqueous solutions for treating metal surfaces to impart corrosion resistance and decorative colors are disclosed. The treated metal surface equals or exceeds ASTM adhesion standards for chromate treated metal surfaces. The solutions can be used to give the metal surface a wide range of colors.

Abstract: An improved deadbolt lockset is provided in which one of two different backset distances is facilitated in a single latch assembly. At least one planar side plate coupled to a deadbolt extension is provided and is slidably contained within a hollow latch case. Movement of the side plate determines the distance from the face plate of the assembly to the axis of an actuating assembly. The latch case includes slots formed therein for positioning the actuating assembly and to allow movement of the side plates.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided in which one of two different backset distances is facilitated in a single latch assembly. A latch slide which is used to retract the latch bolt of the assembly is provided with a removable latch slide extension which determines the distance from the face plate of the assembly to the center of the actuating assembly. The latch slide and bolt are carried within a latch case or housing which includes slots formed therein. The actuating assembly includes jaws which fit into the slots in order to fix the position of the latch assembly with respect to the actuating assembly upon final installation of the mechanism into the door.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a novel retaining strap for securing a lock cylinder within the assembly. The lock assembly is designed so that one of two different degrees of bolt extension can be chosen during assembly of the device. In addition the assembly incorporates a dowel pin to increase the strength of the joint between the lock bolt and a lock bolt extension connected to the lockbolt.

Abstract: A corrugated core strip for use in the formation of honeycomb core panels is formed by a punch forming operation which simultaneously forms flanges at the edges of the core strip. The punching operation causes the flanges to be gathered at the troughs of the corrugations. The gathering is accommodated by forming grooves in the flanges which extend toward the flange on the opposite edge of the strip. The use of thicker core strip materials is facilitated, and the configuration both simplifies the manufacture of honeycomb core panels and improves the characteristics of the panels.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a truss core sandwich panel of the type including first and second face sheets secured on opposite sides of a corrugated sheet. The first face sheet is welded to one side of the corrugated sheet and the second face sheet is positioned in contact with the other side of the corrugated sheet. A conductive mandrel is positioned between the first face sheet and the corrugated sheet, the height of the mandrel being less than the distance between the first face sheet and the corrugated sheet by a predetermined amount. The first and second face sheets are positioned between opposed welding electrodes, with the mandrel being coplanar with the electrodes. A welding force is applied to the first and second face sheets by means of the electrodes, the force being sufficient to deflect the first face sheet into contact with the mandrel and to bring the mandrel into contact with the corrugated sheet to permit electrical continuity between the electrodes.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a novel retaining strap for securing a lock cylinder within the assembly. The lock assembly is designed so that one of two different degrees of bolt extension can be chosen during assembly of the device. In addition the assembly incorporates a dowel pin to increase the strength of the joint between the lock bolt and a lock bolt extension connected to the lockbolt.

Abstract: An L-shaped guard plate for reinforcing a door in the area of the door lock assembly. The L-shape provides a strengthening function without introducing any misalignment in the position of the lock bolt of a door with respect to the strike plate carried in a door frame. The device is thus both effective and easily installed on most doors. The guard plate may include integral tabs which engage slots in the housing of the lock unit. The tabs serve to provide increased resistance to the application of rotational forces to the lock unit.

Abstract: A lock employing a lock cylinder protected by an outer escutcheon and positioned coaxially with a lock control mechanism and an inner doorknob. An outer doorknob is supported by the outer escutcheon and mounted on an axis which is offset with respect to the axis of the lock cylinder and inner doorknob. A cam and pushrod arrangement is utilized to transfer rotation of the outer knob to the lock mechanism. The encasing of the lock cylinder within the outer escutcheon instead of the outer knob increases the security of the device by making it more difficult to tamper with the lock cylinder. In addition, slight modifications prevent the application of excess torque to the outer knob from releasing the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A key retaining cylinder for a lock operative on standard keys is disclosed. The cylinder of the lock includes an idler ring driven in rotation, with lost motion, by the lock plug. The idler ring is cooperatively disposed with respect to one of the pins so as to restrict the motion thereof when that lock has been used to lock the lock set and to not restrict the movement thereof when that lock has been used to unlock the lock set. Restricted movement of the pin together with the contrapment of the pin within the combinational notch of the key prevents removal of the key. Further features and embodiments are disclosed including provisions for symmetrical operation thereof for left-handed and right-handed doors.

Abstract: Encoded electrical control systems for household applications each employ an encoder/transmitter that provides an encoded signal and a receiver/decoder which effectuates control of an associated device only upon receipt of a signal containing the code unique to that specific receiver/decoder.For household applications, a separate receiver/decoder, each having its own recognition code, is associated with each power outlet or electrical device to be controlled. A common controller includes an encoder/transmitter and a control switch for each device, along with means such as an rf carrier source and modulator, for transmitting all the encoder/transmitter outputs over the electrical distribution system. When a particular switch is actuated, the associated encoder/transmitter sends a signal containing the code of the corresponding receiver/decoder, which in turn effectuates the intended control function.

Abstract: An encoded electrical control systems for motor vehicle employs an encoder/transmitter that provides an encoded signal and a receiver/decoder which effectuates control of an associated device only upon receipt of a signal containing the code unique to that specific receiver/decoder.For motor vehicle applications, a secure ignition system is acheived by enclosing the encoder/transmitter in a tamperproof housing associated with the ignition switch assembly. The encoded signal is transmitted when the ignition switch is closed. The receiver/decoder is contained in another tamperproof housing adjacent an ignition system component essential to engine operation, and, only upon receipt of the unique, encoded signal from the transmitter, effectuates a necessary electrical connection to this ignition system component. Operation also may be initiated by an electronic lock in place of the conventional ignition switch.

Abstract: There are disclosed herein spout assemblies, such as tub spouts or the like, for use in a fluid system employing a diverter valve and a shower head or the like. Most of the parts of the assemblies may be made of plastic, and include a spout body having inlet and outlet chambers and a partition with an aperture therethrough separating the two chambers. A lift button has a stem extending into the outlet chamber, and the stem is coupled with a flapper or gate mounted at the upstream side of the aperture in the partition for terminating the flow of water through the spout assembly to thereby cause diverter valve opertion, and flow through a shower head or the like in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, the stem is coupled with a spring biased nozzle in the outlet chamber, the nozzle being coupled with the flapper. In another embodiment, a spring is coupled with the flapper to bias it toward an open position.

Abstract: Method of making a cylindrically shaped, partially collapsible, foam mandrel to be used for the manufacture of hollow resin impregnated fiber tubes. The mandrel is made of a substantially rigid foam cylindrical member, an extractable bar, and a means for aiding in collapsing the cylindrical member such as a groove. Both the extraction bar and the means for aiding in collapsing the cylindrical member are disposed in and along the entire length of the cylindrical member such that the longitudinal axis of the bar, the means for collapsing the cylindrical member, and the axis of the cylindrical member preferably lie on the same plane.The method of manufacturing the aforementioned mandrel comprises the steps of first providing a circular mold having upper and lower sections. A groove-forming member is placed in the lower section and the extraction bar is placed on the upper section. Foam forming material is poured into the lower section which is then covered with the upper section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diffusion bonding metallic detail parts to form a structural component. This invention presents an efficient low cost method of establishing and maintaining the required intimate surface contact for solid state diffusion bonding. This contact is achieved by configuring the metallic details such that sufficient stability is present to permit applying bonding forces sufficiently great to plastic flow the to-be-joined surfaces into intimate contact. The self-stability of the detail parts eliminates the need for support tooling and the plastic flow to achieve intimate contact eliminates the need for close tolerance preparation of the detail parts. This method is particularly applicable to the fabrication of hollow internally stiffened structural components in which the shell skins are non-parallel; such as turbofan/turbojet engine vanes and blades.