Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved electric switch which changes its state via float response to achievement of a particular liquid level. The construction features mechanical seal and shield structure whereby liquid is kept out of the region of float guidance, with the result that float response is substantially isolated from sloshing action and from liquid contamination.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved flow switch providing an electrical output which is indicative of whether or not a predetermined flow or no-flow condition exists in an hydraulic line. In all its disclosed embodiments, the invention features simplicity of construction and a minimum of impedance to hydraulic flow, by reason of a straight-through flow alignment between inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to rotary machinery, including a wear ring seal member stationarily mounted in a holding member which extends generally coaxially about a rotatable cylindrical member in substantially sealing relationship with the surface of the rotatable member, the rotatable member being made of carbon steel. The improvement resides in providing the surface of the rotatable carbon steel member in sealing relationship with the ring seal with a fused alloy coating metallurgically bonded thereto, the coating being formed of a heat and corrosion resistant welding alloy composition containing about 10% to 30% by weight chromium and the balance at least about 60% nickel, such that the carbon steel member is protected against oxidation and ignition due to overheating.

Abstract: The invention contemplates improved hydraulic-pressure control apparatus which will proportionally reflect input-signal changes governing a wide range of output pressures. Use of a separate preamplifier stage, between a signal-pressure stage and a power stage, enables the signal pressure to remain essentially unaffected by load reaction or other transients at the power stage. In the forms described, an input electrical signal determines a step-function program of signal-pressure levels, and the power stage includes a relief valve which so diverts system-line flow to a sump as to assure quick and accurate response of system-line pressure to the instantaneous input electrical-signal level, all without system-pressure overshoot.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a virtually hysteresis-free actuator for converting an electrical input current into a substantially rectilineal force or displacement, using a single electrical coil and two spaced and oppositely polarized air gaps. Similarly spaced, opposed parts of the coil are compliantly mounted for and constrained to move in the respective air gaps, the constraint being such as to develop substantially a unidirectional force and/or displacement which is in the plane of the gap-shrouded parts of the coil. Various embodiments of suspension and force-output pick-off and development are described.

Abstract: A bearing is herein described having an annular housing defining a bore. A plurality of arcuate bearing shoes are spaced within the housing bore in such an array to define a cylindrical opening for axially receiving a rotatable shaft. The shoe members are disposed in a generally free floating posture.Mechanical stops are provided for maintaining the shoes in a generally operational disposition while the shoes are still in a free floating condition. A spherical male and female combination of inserts are provided with their operational axis generally along a radius of the bore of the housing and located at the approximate center of the arc defined by each shoe. The male and female spherical members are then operable to provide universal movement about a point approximately at the center of the arc of each shoe so that each shoe is infinitely flexible to adapt to shaft variations.

Abstract: A tubing coupling suitable for large diameter fuel lines in aircraft. A coupling comprising ferrules for the tubing ends with annular seals on each ferrule, a band positioned over the seals, a retainer with hinged sections positioned around the band and ferrules, and a bonding conductor in the retainer engaging both ferrules.

Abstract: The invention contemplates position-indicating means particularly applicable to producing an electrical indication of liquid level and employing one or more magnetic-reed switches at a selected one or more fixed positions or levels to be monitored. The switches may be in longitudinally spaced array within a single elongate housing, for proximity response to the field of a magnetized actuator element as it assumes various longitudinal positions external to and along the housing. At each switch station, a magnetic-latch element, which is the means of magnetically actuating the switch contacts, has limited freedom of longitudinal displacement into and out of its region of switch actuation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a remotely serviceable filter of the type which accumulates a filter cake which must be periodically removed. An upper casing half is fixed, and a lower casing half accumulates the filter cake and is movable to a cake-discharge position, using first and second sequentially interlocked actuating mechanisms. Completely automated servicing of the filter is described.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a protective measure for internal parts of a gas turbine, whereby foreign objects in the flow of inlet gas to the turbine are subjected to strong centrifugal action at a locally frangible region of the inlet duct, i.e., prior to turbine exposure. The material and structure of the frangible region are selected such that foreign objects of greater than predetermined mass will rupture the same and thus avoid ingestion of such objects in the gas turbine. The invention is described for the case of a turbocharger which is operated by exhaust gas from an internal-combustion engine, and which supplies compressed inlet air to the engine; upon rupture of the frangible region, a rotor-bypassing flow is established to the gas-turbine exhaust for safe handling of engine exhaust and for use in prompt development of a suitable warning.