Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are provided which comprise a polyester resin alone or in combination with a poly(etherester) elastomer, a poly(etherimide ester) elastomer, or a mixture of the foregoing modified with a multi-stage polyorganosiloxane/polyvinyl-based graft polymer which exhibit materially enhanced impact strength, particularly at low temperatures, while maintaining other desirable properties without showing any tendency to delaminate. Particularly noteworthy are reductions in surface gloss and the substantially complete elimination of mottling.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing scatter in an X-ray imaging system of the type including a controllable source of X-ray radiation and means for collimating the X-ray radiation into a fan-shaped beam and effecting scanning of the X-ray beam across a target area. The improved system includes a grid assembly extending in a transverse direction across the target area and having a relatively narrow width in the beam scanning direction. A drive is coupled to the grid removing the grid in synchronism with the X-ray beam and an X-ray impervious belt is coupled to the grid and extends in a transverse direction across the target area and is movable with the grid for covering the target area outside the grid to prevent scatter radiation from impinging on X-ray film located beneath the grid. In one form, the grid includes a plurality of air interspersed septa to allow reduced beam energy.

Abstract: Plural-stage form-wound stator pole coil windings for a switched reluctance motor utilize a greater portion of the interpole space than conventional windings, thereby increasing production of magnetic flux. In a two-stage form-wound coil winding, the first stage comprises an inner coil winding which fits directly around a stator pole. The second stage comprises an outer coil winding which fits directly around the first coil winding. All outer coil windings are applied to the stator before inserting the inner coil windings into the outer coil windings and electrically connecting the inner coil windings thereto. Torque production and output voltage are increased, resulting in a highly efficient motor.

Abstract: A series resonant inverter is controlled to maintain a substantially constant gain and a substantially constant bandwidth, thereby ensuring stable operation under all operating conditions. A load compensating gain control circuit generates a unique gain or attenuation factor for each unique set of output load conditions. To maintain constant gain, inverter gain for each set of operating conditions is multiplied by the corresponding gain or attenuation factor. Bandwidth is increased (or decreased) and maintained constant to ensure stable operation.

Abstract: A control system for regulating electrical power input to the refrigeration mechanism or defrost mechanism in an atmospheric cooling apparatus, including domestic refrigeration appliances, is provided which employs at least one piezoceramic relay device. The electrical power is applied with the piezoceramic relay device responsive to control signals and with the control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the power source. In one embodiment, the control means employs individual piezoceramic relay devices for power regulation to the respective mechanisms while in a different embodiment a single piezoceramic relay device regulates power input between the refrigeration mechanism and the defrost mechanism. A method of operating the controlled apparatus in such manner and a refrigeration apparatus having such control means are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing expandable thermoplastic resin beads which comprises suspending in an aqueous medium interpolymer beads comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer such as styrene, polymerizing the vinyl aromatic monomer in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to interpolymerize the vinyl aromatic monomer with the polyphenylene ether and, optionally, adding a cross-linking agent, to form interpolymerized thermoplastic resin beads, and introducing a blowing agent under pressure into the thermoplastic resin beads. The resulting resin beads have excellent foamability and molding fusability, and a foamed shaped article having superior thermal stability can be prepared from these beads.

Abstract: A xenon metal halide lamp having an improved electrode structure that is particularly suited for automotive applications is disclosed. The electrode is comprises of a tip portion that is located at one end of a shank with the shank having a filament coiled therearound. The tip and shank portions are designed to allow for high initial current during starting and low current during operation. The coil filament is situated in opposite neck portions of an envelope forming the light source so as to; (1) cause the electrodes to be axially aligned within the light source; (2) keep the shank of the electrode from intimate contact with the envelope thereby preventing the condensation of the mercury and allowing for substantial vaporization of the metal halide ingredients at the neck portion; and (3) prevent the thermal expansion of the electrode from cracking the envelope.

Abstract: A fluorescent penetrant inspection sensor using a laser light source for locating and mapping minute surface flaws. The sensor focuses laser radiation to a point on a surface to be inspected and systematically scans the surface for reflections within a predetermined frequency range. A plurality of lenses on the sensor collect light from fluorescing penetrant. The sensed fluorescence triggers a detector which provides a flaw detection signal and coordinates the signal with the present location of the scanning radiation. Flaws are digitized and mapped for analysis. The sensor includes unique scanning and focusing apparatus with optical systems responsive only to radiation frequencies common to the fluorescent penetrant.

Abstract: A dry rolling element bearing assembly for rotatably mounting a flight vehicle engine shaft to a housing. Rolling elements (such as ball bearings) are positioned between inner and outer races. Stop devices axial position the inner and outer races. A mounting device positions the inner race radially outward from the shaft so as to create a first annular air space between them. The mount has a flexible portion and has a support ring portion which contacts the outer surface of the inner race with a radial interference fit. A similar mounting device positions the outer race radially inward from the housing. Air directing devices direct cooling air impingingly against bearing surfaces.

Abstract: To improve computerized tomography (CT) imaging quality, a priori information of the test object is developed by probing the surfaces thereof at a multiplicity of points sufficient to spatially locate and define the envelope of the test object cross section to be imaged. A CT scan of the test object is then performed, and the CT image reconstructed therefrom is corrected with this a priori information. To expedite a priori information development, the convex hull of the test object is constructed from X-ray projection data and fitted with the probe developed measurement data to define the cross section envelope.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of an ignition mechanism for a main combustion chamber including an ignition antechamber having a first cross-sectional area, an electrode, and an inlet port for liquid propellant; a conduit having a length over diameter ratio greater than one, a second cross-sectional area which is less than said first area, and an inlet which opens into said ignition antechamber and an outlet which opens through an orifice into said main combustion chamber.

Abstract: A silicone polymer substituted with both hydrolyzable leaving groups and epoxy groups is catalyzed with condensation cure catalyst and onium salt photoinitiator to produce a dual curable composition.

Abstract: A composite comprises of a sintered matrix of spinel ferrite and an electrically conductive phase of elemental silver is produced by co-firing a laminated structure of ferrite powder-containing tapes containing a silver metallization-forming material having two end portions wherein only the end portions are exposed.

Abstract: The individual components of a shielded ceramic, RF mounting package are metallized on three of their outer surfaces. The package includes circuit supporting ceramic substrate metallized along its edges as well as on the horizontal surfaces to permit continuous metal contact between the substrate and a metallized ceramic seal ring and the metal lid and base of the package.

Abstract: The ripple factor in an electrical power supply of a dc-dc voltage raising type is reduced by using two double alternation dc/ac converters driven in phase quadrature with respect to each other. The signals delivered by the dc/ac converters are then combined by two transformers, the secondary coils of which are series connected. It is shown that the ripple factor is reduced and, similarly, that the reactive energy due to the commutation of th dc/ac converters is reduced even if it so happens that the power transmitted is doubled.

Abstract: A transfer tube is produced comprised of a high density ceramic oxide tube having a low density multi-layered ceramic oxide shell directly bonded to its outer surface wall.

Abstract: A fuel gas injector for a gas turbine engine employs a plurality of closely spaced parallel venturi tubes disposed in a pair of spaced-apart header plates. The venturi tubes are brazed to the header plates and the perimeters of the header plates are sealed to form a plenum into which pressurized gaseous fuel is supplied. Orifices lead from the plenum to throats of the venturi tubes thereby injecting the gaseous fuel at right angles into the high-velocity air stream existing at the the throats of the venturi tubes. High shear is imposed on the injected fuel for providing complete mixing with the air. The high air velocity in the throats of the venturi tubes avoids flashback and flameholding. The combined flow from the plurality of venturi tubes mixes downstream thereof to provide a uniform velocity and fuel-air mixture across the flow field. This flow field is suitable for use in a catalyst bed which may be disposed downstream of the venturi tubes.

Abstract: A digital circuit interrupter includes a microprocessor programmed for tailored overcurrent protection to industrial power systems containing a plurality of electric motors as well as motor protective relays. A communication link permits the overcurrent set points to be selectively set within the microprocessor memory from a remote location. The tailored overcurrent motor trip parameters are then derived by means of a logarithmic interpolation algorithm which resides in the microprocessor memory.

Abstract: A high efficiency gate driver circuit for driving a power switching device of a high frequency power converter utilizes a series resonant circuit to reduce or substantially eliminate turn-on switching losses. The resonant circuit comprises the input capacitance of the power switching device and an inductance connected in series between the upper and lower switching devices of a half-bridge driver circuit. During device turn-on, the input capacitance resonates up to a voltage level approximately twice that of the gate drive power supply, and turn-on is substantially lossless. The input capacitance is prevented from discharging back to the supply by a Schottky diode connected in series between the supply and the upper switching device of the half-bridge. During device turn-off, the input capacitance discharges through the lower switching device.

Abstract: A jet engine subassembly. The high pressure (HP) turbine includes a ball bearing assembly whose inner race is attached to the HP turbine shaft. The outer race takes radial loads through radially-extending tie rods which pass through the HP turbine nozzle vanes and are connected to the combustor's outer casing. The outer race takes axial loads through a support cone which is attached to the combustor diffurser's radially inner duct through an intermediate forward segment of the combustor inner casing. This eliminates the need for a heavy turbine frame. The ball bearing is the thrust bearing, and does not experience thermal axial growth. This allows the use of unshrouded sloped HP turbine blades.

Abstract: A primary side power supply controller includes a full-bridge/half-bridge driver and is capable of being implemented on a single HVIC chip. Control circuitry enables operation in PWM, resonant, and phase-shift control modes. In the phase-shift control mode, a phase shift generator receives two input pulse train signals and generates two output pulse train signals, each having a 50% duty cycle, which are phase-shifted in a range from 0 to 180.degree. by an amount proportional to the duty cycle of the input pulse train signals and also proportional to the power supply load requirement. Dead time circuitry for ensuring that no two switching devices in a half-bridge, or in the same leg of a full-bridge, are conductive simultaneously employs a symmetrical delay circuit which independently delays the rising and falling edges of each signal pulse.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device which comprises either a bipolar transistor or a MOSFET, incorporates an integral Schottky diode in antiparallel connection with the transistor for conducting reverse current through the power semiconductor device. By fabricating the diode to exhibit a lower turn-on voltage, than the P-N junction at the base and collector interface in the bipolar transistor, or at the base and drift layer interface in the MOSFET, the power semiconductor device, when in the reverse conduction mode, exhibits excellent reverse recovery characteristics and without forward voltage overshoot transients.

Abstract: In operation, the device is lowered with paired lines attached to both housing lugs but suspended under tension only from one line to one lug so that the streamline housing is vertically disposed. With the housing vertically disposed during lowering, obstacles can be avoided such as the guide rod for the steam separator and dryer as well as the feedwater and core spray spargers. When lowered to the vicinity of the ledge and cover plate to be inspected, the slack line is fished around any obstacle and thereafter placed under tension. The streamline housing is then lowered using both lines in a horizontal position so as to expose downwardly the pedestal and rubber foot. Lowering is completed with remote camera assistance. Sample sweeps with the ultrasound transducer of spaced apart sections of the cover plate weld are used for precise centering of the pedestal and rubber base with respect to the center of the cover plate.

Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus is provided having a cabinet with a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment. The compartments define two passageways allowing air circulation therebetween. A refrigerator system is included having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator situated in the freezer compartment. The refrigerator system elements are connected in series in a closed loop, in a refrigerant flow relationship. A first fan is situated in the freezer compartment for providing air flow over the evaporator. A second fan is situated in one of the two passageways for providing air circulation between the two compartments. A first thermostatic controller situated in the freezer compartment by causing the compressor and the first fan to operate.

Abstract: In an aircraft propulsion system which includes a pusher propeller driven by an engine which is mounted to a fuselage by a pylon, the invention concerns apparatus for reducing turbulence generated by the pylon. In one example, a flap or vane attached to the pylon postpones the onset of flow separation, thereby reducing turbulence.

Abstract: An NTSC compatible widescreen EDTV system encodes a television signal via a process including intraframe averaging of mutually exclusive successive paired groups of image pixels above a given frequency. At a decoder, intraframe averaged luminance image information is interpolated on a line-by-line basis to help reduce unwanted jagged diagonal image artifacts. Vertical peaking is associated with intraframe averaging at the encoder.

Abstract: A combination panelboard-switchboard housing accepts plug-on connection with a plurality of modular electric switch-circuit breaker enclosures. The modular enclosure accepts circuit breakers or electric switches which can be field-installed with minor alteration to the enclosure. The modular switch enclosure further accepts a wide range of ampere ratings within a standard enclosure size. A mechanical latch arrangement on the bottom of the modular enclosure prevents the modular enclosure from being removed from the panelboard-switchboard housing. Controlled temperatures are achieved within the housing by optimized circulating air flow.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyester, copolyester and polyblend molding compositions impact-modified by glycidyl methacrylate grafted EPDM exhibit high impact strength combined with good knit-line characteristics, when the grafted comonomer content exceeds 2 percent by weight in the impact modifier, it has a gel content in the range of from about 10 to about 80 weight percent.

Abstract: A circuit which converts one parameter to another such as from temperature to electricity. The circuit comprises a three winding differential transformer with one winding connected to output terminals and each end of the other windings connected to a source (or drain) of a different one of four field effect transistors. The circuit is adapted for receiving an alternating current source to be coupled between drains (or sources) of the transistors connected to one end of each winding and the drains (or sources) of the other transistors. A temperature measuring device and reference temperature measuring device are connected to respective ones of two of the transistors to set the current limits of the transistors as a function of temperature. A voltage produced at the output terminals, when the alternating current source is applied, is proportional to the difference in temperature of the temperature measuring devices.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker enclosure cooperates with the current-limiting line strap to prevent the egress of ionized gases. The gases are generated by a high temperature arc which occurs when the contacts are separated under short circuit conditions.

Abstract: The properties of polyesters, in particular the tracking index and the antistatic properties, can be improved by the addition of a salt of an alkane sulphonic acid.

Abstract: A paralleled amplifier arrangement includes a plurality of amplifier modules, the output ports of which are coupled to a common combining node. Switches are coupled to the output ports for selectively decoupling one or more of the amplifier modules from the combining node during those intervals in which the amplifier modules are held in reserve or are nonfunctional. Each amplifier module is associated with an isolation resistor which is coupled to all the isolation resistors. In order to reduce losses attributable to the isolation resistors when the decoupling switches are operated, the isolation resistors are each coupled to a switched network which decouples the isolation resistors associated with the decoupled amplifier modules.

Abstract: A three-mask process for fabricating liquid crystal devices enables the simultaneous fabrication of thin film transistors and conductor crossovers, thereby permitting the simultaneous fabrication of drive circuitry on the periphery of the devices.

Abstract: A dimension of an object disposed on a substrate, such as the width of a line of material deposited on a substrate in an integrated circuit manufacturing procedure, is measured by directing a plane wave of electromagnetic energy of predetermined dimensions toward the object at a predetermined angle of incidence. Electromagnetic energy scattered from two predetermined parts or features, such as the edges, of the object are combined so that they produce an interference pattern in space varying between maxima and minima. The characteristics of the interference pattern permit the dimension of the object to be deduced.

Abstract: A pseudo-resonant DC link for coupling direct current from a DC source to an inverter includes a plurality of switches which are controlled so as to minimize switching loss in the DC link and in the inverter. The DC link includes a capacitor and an inductor coupled through controllable switches in a manner that momentarily reduces to zero the input voltage to the inverter each time that a switch in the inverter is commutated. The controllable switches in the DC link function to allow the capacitor to resonate through the inductor and then be recharged at the end of a commutation interval. The controllable switches in the DC link are timed to that switching generally occurs under conditions of zero current.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer mixtures which comprise an aromatic polycarbonate and an aromatic polyester. The polymer mixtures are stabilized by the addition of a sulphurous compound.

Abstract: The human eye is more sensitive to brightness than to color. Accordingly, color definition is defined by a luminance or brightness (Y) component, an in-phase component (I) and a quadrature component (Q) and which are appropriately processed before being converted to more traditional red, green and blue (RGB) components for color display control. Scaling and redesignating YIQ data permits representation by fewer bits than a RGB scheme during processing. Also, Y values may be processed at one level of detail while the corresponding I and Q data values may be processed at a lesser level of detail. Translucency information may also be accommodated.

Abstract: The present invention includes a stationary housing having disposed therein an epicyclic star gearset including sun, idler, and ring gears. The sun gear includes an input shaft extending therefrom, and the ring gear includes a first output shaft extending therefrom. A bull gear having a second output shaft extending therefrom is also provided and is operatively connected to a pinion gear, which pinion gear is fixedly connected to an idler shaft extending from said idler gear. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gears are predeterminedly sized for obtaining equal and opposite rotation of the first and second output shafts during operation.

Abstract: A noise blanker is disclosed which blanks out impulse noise emanating from the alternator, ignition systems of rotor vehicles, and other sources. This is accomplished by delaying an input IF signal while generating a blanking gate pulse occurring at the same time as the noise pulses. These blanking pulses are then used in turn off the delayed IF signal precisely where the noise occurs, resulting in noise-free audio reception. The noise blanker operates to detect noise pulses by detecting the leading edge of any narrow pulse which is received at the front end of the receiver and is reflected in the IF input signal. At the same time, by virtue of the operation of an AGC amplifier the noise blanker's vulnerability to interference or capture by continuous-wave signals is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wholly aromatic polyetherimide further containing sulfur containing groups in the backbone of the polyetherimide. The polyetherimide is characterized by extremely high glass transition temperatures, high chemical resistance and thermogravimetric stability.

Abstract: A spacecraft structure for orbital assembly and servicing includes a payload module, a propulsion module and a bus module each of these modules includes attachement means for separately attching to the cargo bay of the Shuttle directly and via planar cradles. The bus module includes module docking and latching fittings at each end and matching locking and latching fittings at one end of each of said payload and propulsion modules. The bus module includes sectionalized assemblies forming a matrix of identical cavities adapted to receive orbital replacement submodules that allow easy replacement of equipment in orbit by an astronaut.

Abstract: In a nuclear fuel bundle, an improved lock washer is disclosed for permitting ease of remote removal of hex nuts on tie rods for the remote submerged disassembly of fuel bundles after use in a reactor. The improved lock washer includes two spaced apart and interconnected tie rods surrounding washer members, each of these tie rod washer members having radially inwardly extending keys. These keys register to corresponding keyways in the threaded ends of the tie rods to prevent tie rod rotation and threaded disengagement from the lower tie plate. Each washer member is manufactured from a spring material and includes at least one and preferably two radially protruding tangs T. These tangs are elongate and bent in an inverted U-shaped configuration. The inverted U-shaped configuration commences at the washer member and extends upwardly and outwardly away from the hex bolt to be locked. Reversal of the spring member occurs at the end of the U with the spring member returning angularly back towards the tie rod.

Abstract: A fuse body encloses a fuse element of a current-limiting fuse wherein the fuse body is formed from an inexpensive material and provided with a shield between the inner surface of the fuse body and the fuse element. Thus, when the fuse element melts and arcs during interruption, the fuse body is protected from the hot gaseous arc products by the protective shield thereby preventing burning of the fuse body. The protective shield can be a spray coating such a ceramic spray coating applied to the inner surface of the fuse tube, a glass coating, or ceramic paper. The fuse body can be made from glass filament wound epoxy material.

Abstract: A depletion mode thyristor includes a plurality of regenerative segments and a plurality of non-regenerative segments, each of which is elongated in a first direction. Regenerative and non-regenerative segments are interleaved in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction. A plurality of regenerative segments may be disposed between adjacent non-regenerative segments. Adjacent regenerative or non-regenerative segments are spaced apart by gate electrode segments which are effective, upon application of an appropriate bias voltage, for pinching off the regenerative segments to force the current therein to transfer to the non-regenerative segments to turn the device off. This structure enables large quantities of current to be transferred from regenerative segments to non-regenerative segments during turn-off without inducing detrimental current crowding.

Abstract: A method of operating apparatus to treat with a hardenable liquid adhesive material a plurality of cores each having a winding means with a pair of opposite end turn groupings thereon. An endless conveyor is operable with discrete intermittent movement to dispose a plurality of spindles for carrying the cores in a plurality of preselected indexed positions. In some of these indexed positions, the liquid adhesive material is dispensed onto the opposite end turns of the winding means on the cores carried by the spindles which are rotated while in the some preselected indexed positions.

Abstract: A matrix display apparatus fabricated in low mobility material includes integrated commutating circuitry for applying data signals to the display elements. The commutating circuitry includes demultiplexing circuitry coupled to a first set of latch elements. These latch elements are coupled to a second set of latch elements via transmission gates, and the output terminals of the second set of latch elements are coupled to column buffers. The demultiplexing circuitry includes pass transistors to coupled display signals to respective ones of the first set of latches. The first set of latches are preconditioned by appropriate timing signals so that the demultiplexor pass transistors operate in a common source mode to shorten the overall switching time of the commutating circuitry.

Abstract: A compact circuit breaker utilizing an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination contains a compact slot motor and a compact arc chute to minimize and control the arc that occurs when the circuit breaker contacts become separated upon intense overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray tube with a rotating anode which is driven by a magnetic bearings motor. The anodic current is outflowed by a friction-type contact device which is located inside the shaft supporting the rotor of the motor. The friction contact device is actuated so as to cut off or establish an electrical contact between an inner wall of the rotor and the friction contact device.