Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a stepping motor, comprising a stator housing with electromagnets being annularly positioned therein, a flexible membrane rotatably mounted over said electromagnets on a bearing block shaft, said shaft being axially positioned within the stator housing, said membrane being a magnetically-conducting annular disc, adapted to act as a rotor, the improvement comprising race means whereby the membrane is prestressed on the side facing away from the electromagnets by pressing and its conically deformed by an amount coordinated to the step size and holding moment of the stepping motor, and including contact surface means corresponding with the race means on the one hand, and with the stator housing on the other hand, said surface means being equivalent at the upper side and the underside of the membrane.

Abstract: A dog bed comprising a first resting place for a dog which resting place is arranged in a housing comprising a bottom plate and having walls and being closed on all sides with the exception of a section comprising an entrance for the dog. The dog bed includes a second resting place provided in vertically spaced relationship to the first resting place which latter is open to all sides.

Abstract: Positionable deflector means are provided in a gas turbine engine inlet duct. The deflector means are actuated to change the axial and circumferential location of a forward protruding extension of the inlet duct in order to selectively reduce noise propagation. A method is disclosed for directional noise shielding as a gas turbine engine experiences altitude and operational changes.

Abstract: Positionable deflector means are provided in a gas turbine engine inlet duct. The deflector means are actuated to change the axial and circumferential location of a forward protruding extension of the inlet duct in order to selectively reduce noise propagation. A method is disclosed for directional noise shielding as a gas turbine engine experiences altitude and operational changes.

Abstract: Variable geometry guide vanes are provided in a variable pitch turbofan assembly. A method is disclosed for reducing aerodynamically induced stresses in the variable pitch fan blades as the blades are changed between the forward and reverse pitch modes. The guide vane geometry is scheduled to change in a manner to control the flow into and out of the fan blades in order to establish a favorable aerodynamic environment during the transition between the forward and the reverse pitch modes.