Abstract: A preform sheet for a composite component comprises a body section and a flange section. The preform body section includes a plurality of axial tows braided with at least a plurality of first bias tows and a plurality of second bias tows. The preform flange section includes a first braided flange layer and a second braided flange layer. The first braided flange layer is defined by the first and second braided bias tows of the preform body section extending into the flange section. Neither the first nor second braided flange layers have axial tows.

Abstract: Methods for extraction of carotenoids from carotenoid-containing plant material using an extraction solvent comprising ethyl lactate. The invention is also directed to products obtained thereby. In the method, a sample of dry, particulate carotenoid-containing plant material is contacted with the ethyl lactate extraction solvent to extract the carotenoids. The method also includes the use of an ethyl lactate-ethanol blend as the extraction solvent. After extraction, the solvent containing the extracted carotenoids is separated from the extracted plant solids and treated to separate the dissolved carotenoids from the extraction solvent and obtain a carotenoid-containing concentrate. The concentrated carotenoid product may be used directly or may be subjected to further treatment. After removal of the dissolved carotenoids, the extraction solvent can be recycled for further use.

Abstract: A guide vane for a gas turbine aircraft engine includes an aerodynamic shell for turning a flow of working fluid and an internal spar spaced from the aerodynamic shell by an air gap and reinforced by stiffeners.

Abstract: The cross sectional flow area of a fan discharge nozzle on one side of a central plane of an associated gas turbine engine power plant is greater than the corresponding flow area of the fan discharge nozzle on an opposite side of the central plane to compensate for the blockage of fan airflow by a pylon.

Abstract: A variable geometry inlet guide vane for a gas turbine aircraft engine includes an aerodynamic shell for turning inlet flow to a turbine or compressor and an internal spar spaced from the airfoil shell by an air gap. A number of actuation mechanisms grounded to the spar and connected to the inner surface of the aerodynamic shell adjust the shape of the shell in response to varying operating conditions of the engine, imbalanced aerodynamic loading of the shell or vibration or other transient loads on the shell.

Abstract: A closure system for an astronaut space suit comprises a frame member provided within a hard, upper torso section of an astronaut space suit, and a hatch or door closure provided within a rear portion of the hard, upper torso section of the space suit such that the closure system comprises a rear-entry type closure. The closure member is provided with an outwardly projecting peripheral flange portion and a seal member operatively associated therewith, while the frame member is provided with a complementary, matable inwardly projecting peripheral flange portion and a seal member operatively associated whereby the closure system is of the pressure-assist closed type. Pressurization of the space suit increases the sealing of the system and the closure cannot be opened without depressurization of the suit.

Abstract: The invention includes a low activity localized aluminide coating for a metallic article made by positioning a coating material, preferably in the form of a tape, on a portion of the article. The coating material comprises a binder, a halide activator, an aluminum source, and an inert ceramic material. The coating material and the article are heated in an inert atmosphere between about 1800.degree. F. (982.degree. C.) and about 2050.degree. F. (1121.degree. C.) for between about four and about seven hours thereby producing a low activity localized aluminide coating having an outward diffusion aluminide coating microstructure characterized by two distinct zones, an inner diffusion zone and an outer zone including between about 20-28 percent, by weight, aluminum.

Abstract: A segmented brush seal (10) having coaxial annular backing (20) and side (25) plates sandwiching a plurality of tightly packed, circumferentially arrayed bristles (30) which extend radially inwardly at a constant circumferential skew angle, and its method of manufacture, is disclosed. The side plate (25) has a plurality of radially inwardly extending tabs (32) each having a tab end (34) which extends proximate to an inner diameter (22) of the backing plate. The sandwiched plates (20, 25) and bristles (30) are welded together at each tab (32), wherein the resulting weld zone (50) lenghtwisely extends from the radially innermost tab end (34) to an outer circumferential weld (40) at the local bristle skew angle. The seal is then lengthwisely bifurcated through each weld zone (50) at the local bristle skew angle to produce the segmented seal (10).

Abstract: A micromachined three-plate capacitive accelerometer incorporates hinges attached to top and bottom surfaces of the proof mass that are symmetric about X and Y axes and also about diagonal axes; passageways for gas film damping in the fixed members that do not affect the capacitance to any significant degree; and provision for independently selecting two of the parameters sensitivity, capacitance and maximum acceleration.

Abstract: A micromachined three-plate capacitive accelerometer incorporates hinges attached to top and bottom surfaces of the proof mass that are symmetric about X and Y axes and also about diagonal axes; passageways for gas film damping in the fixed members that do not affect the capacitance to any significant degree; and provision for independently selecting two of the parameters sensitivity, capacitance and maximum acceleration.

Abstract: A micromachined three-plate capacitive accelerometer incorporates hinges attached to top and bottom surfaces of the proof mass that are symmetric about X and Y axes and also about diagonal axes; passageways for gas film damping in the fixed members that do not affect the capacitance to any significant degree; and provision for independently selecting two of the parameters sensitivity, capacitance and maximum acceleration.

Abstract: A method of forming silicon integrated circuits offers radiation resistance together with a high degree of planarity, including a thin field oxide together with a set of conductive plates over the field region combine to suppress the formation of parasitic transistors. In one embodiment, a silicon substrate is etched to form trenches and is then covered with a thin barrier layer, (410) of high quality thermal oxide. A polysilicon layer (423) is next conformally deposited and planarized until the barrier layer (410) is exposed, followed by an oxidation step for isolation or gate oxide formation.

Abstract: An improved acoustic charge transport device having an acoustic wave passing through a piezoelectric semiconductor is improved by utilizing heterostructure Quantum-wells for confining charge packets.

Abstract: An improved shared aperture sampler for high power laser beams includes a buried mirror positioned behind a dichroic reflective surface that reflects the high power beam and permits the sample beam to pass through and to be focused or deflected by the buried mirror.

Abstract: A heat conducting thermal plate (55) is fixed to a thermal load (10) by means of fasteners (75). Bosses (60) on the thermal plate are received within bosses (75) on an adjacent heat exchanger (25) to maintain a sealed interengagement between those components as the thermal plate is drawn up into surface-to-surface contact with the load.

Abstract: A durable low weight compressor having improved performance is disclosed. The compressor includes a fiber reinforced resin matrix composite housing and a fiber reinforced glass marix composite compression chamber liner. An air conditioner including an improved compressor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the transmission of signals along an optical carrier employs a technique to extend the effective frequency range of modulation beyond that of which a semiconductor laser is capable by combination of signals at the source to form a composite difference signal and recombination at the receiver to restore the original signal.