Abstract: A cold vapor pressurization system for outer space vehicles that is used prior to and during engine burn to pressurize its fuel tank and oxidizer tank to produce the required engines net positive suction pressure (NPSP). The engine start system uses reaction control system (RCS) hydrazine to pass through a gas generator where it is disassociated. The by-products are then introduced into the hot side of the propellant heat exchangers. An oxidizer feed system and a fuel feed system pass through the respective cold sides of the heat exchangers to vaporize the propellants which are then used to produce the required engine NPSP for the oxidizer tank and fuel tank respectively. This system could also be used to provide engine NPSP during engine burn.

Abstract: The locking device of the invention comprises a locking device mounted to pivot relative to a beam and having ends associated with an axle to lock the axle in a first position of the locking device and to release the axle by the locking device pivoting towards a second position, together with a control actuator and a set of two links for controlling the position of the locking device.

Abstract: An aircraft fuselage construction includes a track overlying and parallel to the aisle, a food carrier having wheels on its bottom engageable with the deck, and a guiding member engageable with the track for guiding the movement of the food carrier along the aisle.

Abstract: An improved mounting and carrying assembly for avionics displays including a swing handle with edge mounted sliding spring latches thereon for cooperating with holding pins disposed on a side of the display bezel that is not the front or viewing side.

Abstract: Relamination of a boundary layer formed in supersonic flow over the leading edge of a swept airfoil is accomplished using at least one band, especially a quadrangular band, and most preferably a square band. Each band conforms to the leading edge and the upper and lower surfaces of the airfoil as an integral part thereof and extends perpendicularly from the leading edge. Each band has a height of about two times the thickness of the maximum expected boundary layer.

Abstract: A vehicular traction control system (10) is provided wherein the foundation brakes (40, 42) associated with an excessively spinning wheel (28, 30) are applied, the braking torque required to terminate the excessive spinning is determined, the brakes are released and if the spin-out reoccurs, the brakes are rapidly reapplied with a braking torque just insufficient to have previously caused the excessively spinning wheel to be substantially stopped.

Abstract: A wave spring having uniformly positioned surface projections and predetermined consistent spring tension deflection is disclosed. The wave spring includes; a spring ring having projections in the ring's radial wall at predetermined positions within the wall thereby producing a wave spring having specific predetermined spring tension deflecting in response to specific loads. Deflection capability is maintained due to the position and heights of the projections. A wave spring which can be utilized in bayonet or non-bayonet style electrical connectors to provide a specified and predetermined spring tension deflection is also disclosed. A method of fabrication for a wave spring having uniformly positioned surface projections and predetermined consistent spring tension deflection is also described.

Abstract: A detachable support structure for a large turbine aircraft engine having a nacelle which is attached to an auxiliary support frame. The auxiliary support frame has an upper portion which is attached to an upper portion of the nacelle. The auxiliary support frame has a lower portion which is detachable from the upper portion of the auxiliary frame. The lower portion of the auxiliary frame is connected to a lower portion of the nacelle, the lower portion of the nacelle being detachable from the upper portion of the nacelle. By removing the lower portion of the nacelle and the lower portion of the auxiliary support frame, the thrust producing section of the turbine engine can be removed intact.

Abstract: A satellite attitude control system is usable in the absence of any inertial yaw attitude reference, such as a gyroscope, and in the absence of a pitch bias momentum. Both the roll-yaw rigid body dynamics and the roll-yaw orbit kinematics are modelled. Pitch and roll attitude control are conventional. The model receives inputs from a roll sensor, and roll and yaw torques from reaction wheel monitors. The model produces estimated yaw which controls the spacecraft yaw attitude.

Abstract: An improved brake system for use on moveable tool storage cabinets, hospital crash carts and the like which is comprised of brakes and a brake actuator and a brake release means, both operatively connected to the brakes. The improved brake system additionally contains an actuator bracket, whereby the actuation of the brake actuator causes the actuator bracket to swing and use available leverage, thereby allowing the brake system to be actuated using minimal force and to allow for the easy adjustment of tension of the brake system. The brake actuator and the brake release are both foot operated as well as being remotely located from the brakes. The brake system is adjustable and is capable of being fitted with a plurality of brakes.

Abstract: A large parachute having an inlet control parachute operable to positively expand the inlet area of a large parachute detachably secured thereto to facilitate deployment of the large parachute including a main canopy which is reefed to the outer portion of the inlet control parachute. The inlet control parachute includes an inlet control canopy with an upper vent and a plurality of longitudinally extending inlet control gore panels which are attached with respect to one another longitudinally therealong and define an inlet control skirt along the lowermost edge thereof. The inlet control parachute is designed to expand in a generally circular form and thereby positively expand and circularize the inlet area of the large parachute to minimize folding and uneven distribution of the canopy of the large parachute during deployment thereof.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus for proportionally directing fluid from a single conduct to multiple exhaust ports around the periphery of the duct. A controller is provided which is rotatably supported in the duct by an axial shaft. The shaft supports a radial barrier vane extending along its length and a helical vane forming a single 360.degree. helical wall surrounding the shaft. Rotation of the controller exhaust to shaft axis directs the fluid to the appropriate exhaust ports according to its angular position.

Abstract: An aircraft having an annular body, defining a central passageway; an upper deflector, a lower collector and a fluid drive in the passageway. Air is accelerated by the fluid drive and circulates around the annular body. The collector divides the circulating air and directs a portion into passageway and a portion to beneath the aircraft to provide a further thrust.

Abstract: A crane has a generally horizontally disposed main boom arm centrally pivotally mounted on a turret supported for rotation atop a central column. The main boom arm supports a load at one end and a counterweight at its other end. The main boom arm load support end has a depending vertical arm, linked in parallelogram fashion with the turret, and with a lower rotatable load carrying swing arm movable through a full 360.degree. arc without interference with the column and turret. The column may be mounted on a dolly. A rack and worm pinion arrangement are provided on either the main boom or the counterweight for adjusting the distance of the counterweight from the column and turret, thus to balance the crane in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A barge apparatus which includes first and second elongated pontoon members each including a buoyant foamed plastic material and decking bridging the pontoon members with the pontoon members disposed in spaced relationship. Each of the pontoon members including first and second elongated longitudinally extending members that extend substantially the entire length of the pontoon member proximate to the upper surface thereof and each of the pontoon members including first and second lower corner angles disposed in nested relatioship to the lower extremities of the buoyant foam plastic material. The apparatus also includes either a plurality of straps disposed at axially spaced intervals along each of the elongated longitudinally extending members with each of the straps extending around the buoyant foam plastic material and the first and second lower corner angles or other apparatus that joins these members.

Abstract: A conduit arrangement in a hydraulic tilting system for an outboard drive unit wherein a plurality of connecting members are provided, one mounted at the lower end of the gimbal housing and two mounted on the outer periphery of the gimbal housing higher than the upper connecting member but lower than the tilt shaft on the gimbal ring. A pair of inboard conduits extend from a pressure source within the hull of the associated marine vessel to the lower connecting member while two pairs of intermediate conduits interconnect the lower connecting member with a respective one of the upper connecting members. There are two pairs of outboard conduits, each pair interconnecting one of the upper connecting members with a respective one of a pair of fluid motors which extend between the gimbal ring and the outdrive portion of the drive unit for effecting tilting and trimming movement of the outdrive.

Abstract: A watercraft performance type device for facilitating the on-plane operation of a watercraft comprising a plate-like member which is specifically designed to be removably attachable to the underside portion of the cavitation plate associated with the lower drive unit of a typical outboard motor or stern drive assembly, the plate-like member including an angularly related tab portion extending downwardly substantially across the rear end portion thereof, an opening strategically positioned for receiving the downwardly extending torque tab commonly associated with most cavitation plates, the torque tab opening being located and dimensioned so as to enable the torque tab to extend therethrough when the plate-like member is attached in operative position to the underside portion of the cavitation plate, and a cut-out arrangement associated with the front end portion of the plate-like member for positioning and locating the same in close abutting relationship with that portion of the lower drive unit located adjac

Abstract: An airship in the form of a self-powered, elongated dirigible which comprises at least three sections connected together by joints. The sections including a front section with propulsion devices and control surfaces, at least one intermediate section designed to carry a payload and a rear section with control surfaces. The joints allow limited articulation between sections under gust conditions and tend to return the sections to aligned condition in calm air. A cover may provide a streamline exterior shape for the airship; alternatively the sections may have rims which mate together when there is no articulation to provide a smooth exterior shape.

Abstract: A pneumatic mattress is arranged to include a recess within a pneumatic chamber of a plurality of pneumatic chambers to permit positioning of an anchor to provide for storage and transport of the anchor during periods of non-use. The anchor is arranged with annular upper and lower anchor ribs to enhance engagement for securement and tethering of the mattress.

Abstract: An air spring has pair of spaced end members for mounting the spring at spaced locations on a structure. A flexible sleeve of elastomeric material is sealingly engaged with the end members and forms a pressurized fluid chamber therebetween. A post is mounted on one of the end members and extends into the fluid chamber. A shock absorbing bumper formed of a high strength plastic is snap-fitted on an enlarged top of the post. A plurality of circumferentially arranged flexible fingers define an opening in a base of the bumper, and are snap-fitted over the enlarged top of the post which extends into the opening and seat into an annular undercut formed in the post beneath the enlarged top. The snap-fitted plastic bumper replaces the heretofore used elastomeric bumper.