Abstract: A bungee loader having a base and two fixed vertical posts with a movable cross arm sleeved over each post. The cross arm further has two descending arms that are slideably connected to the cross arm with sleeves. The descending arms further each have a fixed cross bar containing two fixed hooks. A self contained hydraulic jack attached to the base is operable to lift the cross arm and slideably attached descending arms. The slideable descending arms lift and load a bungee cord on a hydrasorb unit centrally secured in the base.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a composite swashplate ring utilizing a thermoplastic expandable mandrel which is rigid during braiding, yet softens after resin impregnation to allow expansion in a mold to increase fiber consolidation. Preferably, the mandrel accepts the incorporation of preformed structures prior to braiding with the braided mandrel suitable for incorporation in a resin transfer mold such that a dry fiber braided article having preformed structures may be impregnated with resin and consolidated to produce a net-shaped composite swashplate ring without machining.

Abstract: A method for fabricating composite structures wherein a single mold is used to preform a foam core between fiber reinforcement plies that are subsequently subjected to resin transfer molding to form an integrated foam core composite structure having the formed foam core mechanically interlocked to the composite skins. Fiber reinforcement plies are layed up on contoured molding surfaces of dies to define a core cavity with the mold closed. Foam is injected into the core cavity, concomitantly penetrating the fiber reinforcement plies, and allowed to cure to form the foam core. Heat and pressure generated during foam cure compresses the fiber reinforcement plies to provide debulking therefor. A resin binder is injected into the mold plenum to impregnate the layed-up fiber reinforcement plies, and the formed foam core/resin-impregnated layed-up fiber reinforcement plies are subsequently cured to form the integrated foam core composite structure.

Abstract: A microcrack resistant graphite fiber reinforced high temperature resin matrix composite laminate is disclosed. The laminate comprises layers having the fiber reinforcement in parallel alignment within each layer. The layers are arranged such that the fibers are oriented at 0.degree. and 90.degree. (.+-.10.degree.) in alternating layers. The specific number of plies per layer is selected so as to produce microcrack resistance. A method for making a microcrack resistant graphite fiber reinforced high temperature resin matrix composite laminate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid flowable polymeric material useful as a pressurizing medium that is ultraviolet detectable and is particularly adapted for use in a molding process. The polymeric material comprises a substantially uniform mixture of a solid, flowable, particulate silicone having a nominal flow rate of at least 0.6 gram per second through a 1.1 cm diameter pipe 7.6 cm long under applied pressure of 10.34 MPa at room temperature and an ultraviolet detectable compound. The polymeric material is especially useful for molding composites. A composite is disposed with a pressure vessel which is substantially filled with the above mixture. The silicone is caused to produce a substantially uniform, predetermined medium pressure on the surface of said composite prepreg. The composite prepreg is cured to form a composite which is removed from the pressure vessel and exposed to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A master cylinder of the quick-fill type has a pressure cylinder, a reservoir mounted thereon and a quick-fill chamber. The reservoir forms a compartment housing valve means controlling communication between the quick-fill chamber and reservoir.

Abstract: A master cylinder of the quick-fill type has an open-ended pressure cylinder closed by a closure member and a reservoir mounted on the cylinder. The closure member partially defines a quick-fill chamber in which slides a piston connected to a piston of the pressure cylinder. A valve controls communication between the quick-fill chamber and the reservoir.

Abstract: A fabricated master cylinder includes a pressure cylinder and a separately made reservoir mounted thereon by way of a mounting device on the cylinder and a mounting formation on the reservoir. The mounting device and reservoir provide restraint surfaces for engagement by a locking device which, when engaged, maintains the cylinder and reservoir in co-operative relationship. In an alternative arrangement, the restraint surfaces are on respective parts of the mounting device and formation which, themselves act as locking means.

Abstract: In a servo booster for a vehicle braking system, of the kind having a tie rod for relieving the booster housing of braking reaction forces which extends through the movable wall(s) of the booster, the movable wall is sealingly connected to a wall of the housing by a bellows located substantially coaxially about the tie rod. The bellows has at least one integral reinforcing rib which completely encircles the tie rod. The rib resists ballooning of the bellows and also guides the bellows along the tie rod. In the case of a tandem booster having a stationary partition wall between a pair of movable walls, the interior of a bellows connecting the rear movable wall to the partition wall provides fluid communication between the chambers bounded by the rears of the movable walls. Fluid communication between the other two chambers is provided via a tubular member integral with the front movable wall and extending sealingly through the partition wall.