Abstract: A switching device for detecting the rotational positions of a rotary shaft including a lever rotating with the rotary shaft as a unit, and an electrically conductive plate spring having a central portion and two side portions which is bent and mounted on the lever. The two side portions of the plate spring are each formed with a movable electrical contact, and electrical contacts each juxtaposed against one of the movable electrical contacts on the plate spring are formed in fixed members respectively. Rotation of the lever brings one set of movable and fixed contacts into and out of engagement with each other to detect one rotational position, and further rotation thereof brings the other set of movable and fixed contacts into and out of engagement with each other to detect another rotational position. The plate spring is held in position in flexed condition on the lever by retaining means which has the effect of positively keeping the two contacts with each other.

Abstract: A tubular shaped fluid level or fluid volume sensor for mounting in a fluid storage vessel for sensing the level or volume of the fluid within the vessel which comprises: a first pair of like electrically conductive capacitor elements each formed to present two electrically connected capacitive plate areas, the capacitor elements being spaced from one another and shaped and arranged to generally define together the outer periphery of the tubular sensor; and a second pair of like electrically conductive capacitor elements each formed to present two electrically connected capacitive plate areas, the second pair of capacitor elements being positioned within and spaced from the first pair of capacitor elements and being spaced from one another and shaped and arranged to generally define together the inner periphery of the tubular sensor.

Abstract: Two airplanes (A and B) combine in aerial maneuvers to accomplish pick up, transport and delivery of a payload (10) from and to designated surface locations (11). The payload (10) is connected to, carried in the open by and disconnected from the ends of cables (15) extending from each airplane during the aerial maneuvers. Such airplane maneuvers include orbiting 180.degree. apart while banking at prescribed angles to effect substantially vertical lifting and lowering of the payload (10) relative to the pick up and delivery surfaces (11).

Abstract: Correlation thermography permits high resolution passive remote thermal radiation sensing for non-invasive temperature measurement of the interior of a body. At least two directional transducers are coupled to the surface of the body at different locations about the body in such a manner that their directional receiving patterns intersect. These transducers may be acoustic or electromagnetic transducers, but in any case are capable of receiving thermally-generated energy from inside the body and generating corresponding electrical signals. The intersection of the receiving patterns of the transducers defines a common volume which is relatively small, and the signals at each transducer originating from this common volume within the body exhibit a high degree of correlation. A multiplier receives the electrical signals produced by the transducers. A fixed or variable delay is interposed between at least one of the transducers and the multiplier.

Abstract: The invention is an improved burglar alarm for doors and windows or other similar openings in an enclosure to be protected against secretive entry. The invention consists of a series or plurality of bell-like devices which are automatically dumped or knocked to the floor when entry is made, thus creating an alarm noise. The alarm is operable on doors or windows that swing or slide, or which open inwardly or outwardly. The alarm is of simple construction and easy to install, consisting of a plurality of bell-like elements, a supporting rod, mounting apparatus for the supporting rod, and a wiper member for certain mounting positions.

Abstract: A machine for testing and comparing chains and sprokets of various geometries and materials comprising four sprockets and two chains and having a pneumatic cylinder for loading one chain against another. A motor which drives a rotatable fixed shaft which is mounted in two pillow block bearings. This shaft contains two sprockets. A second rotatable shaft is journalized in two pillow blocks mounted on a movable platform. Means are provided for applying a predetermined load through the movable platform to the second shaft and means are also provided for measuring the total cycle to chain-sprocket system failure. Means are also provided for determining chain load, for measuring chain and sprocket temperatures, for lubrication of the chains and sprockets, for cooling the test chamber, and for automatic machine shut off at failure.

Abstract: A shiftable article storage device having a plurality of shiftable article storage units each adapted for mounting articles to be stored thereon and provided with a driving source. The article storage units are put together with no interval between each other when not in use but shifted, when an article on one of them is desired to be taken out, in such a manner that an aisle is formed on one side of one article storage unit to provide access to the article.

Abstract: A probe of very low thermal mass and fast response for a digital electronic clinical thermometer using an extremely small temperature-responsive element with leads supported between coaxial tubular members. The temperature-responsive element, with adjacent lead portions is supported on at least one substantially hemispherical cup, also of low thermal mass adhered to the ends of the tubular members. Preferably a pair of hemispherically ended cups enclose a thermocouple junction and the associated lead portions, although a thermistor may also be used as the temperature-responsive element.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the liquid level adjacent the bottom of a slurry vessel is provided with a liquid level indicator that works in conjunction with a flow conduit which passes through a container with an imperforate side surface that covers a first open-topped fluid retaining container to permit the liquid within the slurry vessel to enter the open-top first fluid retaining container and the flow conduit in response to the level of liquid within the slurry vessel.

Abstract: A system for measuring the level of liquid stored in deep tanks or vessels that allows the use of a lightweight, relatively non-toxic, non-corrosive gauge fluid of normal column height is disclosed. The system discloses a diaphragm manometer that alters a greater pressure from the tank liquid into a lesser pressure from the gauge fluid permitting such gauge fluid to be lightweight and making it unnecessary to use high density fluids which are usually toxic, contaminating and have other undesirable handling characteristics. The device can be used for open tanks, or, with adaptations, for sealed tanks. For open tanks, the device provides two sealed chambers having two opposing diaphragms. For sealed tanks, pressure neutralizing elements are added with one device providing three sealed chambers and two diaphragms with neutralizing connectors, and another providing three sealed chambers and three diaphragms.

Abstract: A viewer for improving the visibility of Halide gas leak detectors, and comprising an observation tunnel embracing the flame shield of the detector at one closed end, open at the other end for closure by the face of the person making the observation directly by eye, and characterized by inlet and exhaust ventilators at opposite ends thereof and the later operating as a chimney for convection flow of heated flame gases, the ventilators being of labyrinth form obscuring outside light from the tunnel.

Abstract: According to the invention, simple measuring apparatus (10) is produced which is designed to ascertain if a so-called spring strut (50) appertaining to the front wheel suspension in a vehicle has been deformed or more specifically if it has been bent, the apparatus being designed to be used primarily on wheels equipped with disc brakes. The apparatus is used in situ, i.e. on a spring strut (50) mounted in place in the vehicle, and it is necessary only for the wheel to be removed, with the tire and rim, so that the disc brake (40) is exposed. The measuring apparatus consists of an upright (12) which is attached to a base part (14, 20) designed to be attached, preferably by means of permanent magnets (24, 26), to the outside of the brake disc (40).

Abstract: An elongated air scoop integrated with the engine housing for a jet prop powered aircraft is provided with a thin tubular metal manifold loop fitted to the open forward end of the air scoop and the hot exhaust gas bled from the engine exhaust system is continuously fed through the tubular loop which forms a hot defrost lip for the air scoop.

Abstract: Panel breaking apparatus for breaking a panel such as a military aircraft cockpit canopy ahead of an ejector seat and wherein at least one conductor formed of aluminum sheathed in palladium is embedded in the panel. The conductor is part of an electrical circuit which comprises initiation switch means, a power reservoir and a source of high electrical energy and is operative upon closure of the switch to explode and break the panel.

Abstract: An impact apparatus responsive to a time rate of change of velocity of a housing is used to activate a system. A specific application of the invention fixes the housing to an aircraft body with an inertial member movably contained within the housing and uses the relative movement between the housing and inertial member upon impact to inflate and elevate a balloon above the aircraft.

Abstract: A lighter-than-air (LTA) aircraft having a valve structure affording the rapid removal of the lifting gas. The valve comprises a circular panel sewn within the envelope about an upper opening in the envelope for approximately one-third of its periphery and sealed thereabout by a releasable fastening tape. The sewn portion and tape portion of the valve being spaced 5 to 10 inches from the opening. A drape may extend beyond and depend from the fastening tapes. Gas may be exhausted from the aircraft in flight by collapsing opposed sides to force gas from a lower opening as is present in hot air balloons.

Abstract: A thick panel is provided constructed of resilient deformable material and of a plan, size and shape to be snugly received in an airframe opening formed by the removal of an airframe stress panel. The resilient panel is positionable within the airframe opening in a manner fully closing the latter against the entrance of foreign material into the interior of the airframe from the exterior thereof. The thick panel includes an outer surface provided with a peripheral rabbet formed therein whereby the outer margin of the thick panel may be received beneath the airframe outer skin portions disposed about and defining the opening in which the thick panel is received. Further, the outer surface of the thick panel includes a flexible coating of substantially fluid impervious material.

Abstract: A gliding parachute of the flexible, multi-cell airfoil type having a length to width ratio in the range of approximately 2:1 to 2.85:1, a maximum camber height to chord ratio in the range of approximately 0.1:1 to 0.2:1, a wing span to load attachment distance ratio of approximately 2:1, and an attachment point approximately 25% to 45% of the chord aft of the leading edge. The suspension lines and the fabric sections of the wing are dimensioned to impart a side to side curvature to the inflated wing. The gliding parachute has superior maneuverability and lift. A special pilot chute and bridle assembly are provided so that upon deployment of the main chute the pilot chute will automatically collapse to substantially reduce its drag, thereby improving the glide ratio of the main parachute.

Abstract: The invention is a staggered-coil and nose-torquer electromagnetic pulse deicing system and process for deicing airfoil surfaces. A plurality of upper and lower electromagnetic impulse coils (18) and (20) are arranged in a staggered geometrical array spanwise of an airfoil or wing (22). The upper coils (18) are arranged adjacent to and spaced from the upper wing skin surface (24) while the lower coils (20) are arranged adjacent to and spaced from the lower wing skin surface (26) so that when the coils are activated a torsional wave mode deformation of the skin (14) occurs. In another embodiment, a deflection wave mode deformation is generated in the skin (14) by activation of two electro-magnetic coils (42). In yet another embodiment, torsional movement of a blade mass balance element (64) in a helicopter blade brings about a twisting of the upper and lower skin surfaces (24) and (26) of the blade (60) to produce a torsional travelling deformation wave in the skin.

Abstract: A non-moving fluid thrust deflector and force augmentor is disclosed for aerodynamic and hydrodynamic vehicles and devices. When the deflector is utilized in an aerodynamic application and in conjunction with a thrust producer and a plenum, upon pressure initiation within the plenum, a jet sheet issues and remains attached to a specially designed wing having a rounded trailing edge by balancing reduced static pressure with centrifugal force, and thus provides a controlled resultant force or thrust in some direction other than that corresponding to the original flow. Upon application to hydrodynamic vehicles, the deflector is placed in the propulsor stream and provides turning or pitching forces to the vehicle without any deflection of itself. These applications require no mechanical moving components to deflect or augment the thrust or force, and thus yield considerable reductions in weight and complexity.