Abstract: A flexible noise and vibration damping laminate attachable to a metallic substrate having a first and second constraining layers sandwiching a first viscoelastic layer, a second viscoelastic layer in abutting relationship with the second constraining layer, and a heat activated adhesive disposed on the second viscoelastic layer, all of which are respectively superimposed to the respective adjacent layer.

Abstract: Viscoelastic resins useful for forming vibration damping composites, i.e., metal layers adhered by the resins, contain only the elements hydrogen, oxygen and carbon and provide vibration damping over a wide temperature range. The resins are generally linear, high molecular weight polymers having blocks of epoxy and either polyester or polyether.

Abstract: The invention is a smoke mask for use by passengers in an aircraft, the aircraft having a source of pressurized fresh air. The improvement comprises a container of pressurized air, incorporating a flow control valve 40 mounted to the mask 26. A first conduit 42 is coupled to the valve 40 and is adapted to deliver the flow of gas to the interior thereof upon the opening of the valve 40. The mask 26 is provided with a vent valve 76 mounted thereon which is adapted to vent exhaled air from the interior thereof. A second conduit 44 is coupled to the source of pressurized air. A disconnect valve 46 is provided for coupling the conduit 44 to the interior of the mask 26 and which is further adapted where actuated to disconnect the conduit 44 from the mask 26 and to seal off the interior of the mask. A lanyard assembly 50 is coupled to both the valve 40 and the valve 46 and is adapted to open the valve 40 and to separate the second conduit 44 from the mask when actuated.

Abstract: The invention is a smoke mask and oxygen mask combination that can be coupled together so that protection from toxic fumes and supplemental oxygen gas can be provided to the passenger during a concurrent fire and decompression aboard an aircraft. A protrusion 70' of a smoke mask 26' is provided with a flat surface 230 which is adapted to mate with an internal flat surface 234 of an oxygen mask 200' providing alignment of an oxygen inlet valve 210, vent valve 206 and cabin air inlet valve 208 on the oxygen mask with an inlet valve 170 vent valve 74 and plug, respectively, on the protrusion 70'. In addition, a resilient locking element 236 on the oxygen mask 200' engages a groove 232 on the protrusion 70' when the oxygen mask 200' is installed releasably securing the oxygen mask to the protrusion.

Abstract: Upon the occurrence of a cabin depressurization emergency, a manually operated deployment handle is presented to the passengers in the vicinity of each of the aircraft's supplemental oxygen deployment compartments. A simple manual manipulation of the handle results in the extraction of the individual oxygen masks from the compartment and the activation of the oxygen generating system. In one preferred embodiment, the masks and related oxygen equipment are stowed in an overhead compartment and the manually operated handle is a deployment ring (22) attached by means of a lanyard (24), both to a mask extraction sheath (26) and to an actuator pin (32) associated with the oxygen supply subsystem (20). When the door (10) to the overhead compartment is opened automatically in response to a depressurization signal, the ring falls towards the passenger. When the ring is pulled, the oxygen flow is initiated and at the same time the masks are positively extracted from their stowed position.

Abstract: A latching assembly comprising first and second mechanically engageable latch members (14,24), biasing means (60,62) for causing the latch members (14,24) to assume a disengaged position, a permanent magnet (50) for overcoming the force of the biasing means, the permanent magnet (50) being isolated from the latch members (14,24) when the latch members (14,24) are in an engaged position, and an electromagnet (46) having a polarity when energized opposing the permanent magnet (50) for overcoming the force thereof and thereby permitting the biasing means (60,62) to cause the latch members (14,24) to assume the disengaged, unlatched position. The assembly is also designed so that the biasing means (60,62) and the electromagnet (46) are isolated from the latch members (14,24) when the latch members (14,24) are in an engaged position.

Abstract: A process for the production of novel polyimide polymers and copolymers which comprises reacting a cyclooctadiene-1,2,5,6-tetracarboxylic acid bisanhydride, or a derivative of same, with an amine, or mixture of amines, of the formula H.sub.2 N--A--NH.sub.2 wherein A designates an aliphatic, an aromatic, an araliphatic or a heterocyclic group, which may be substituted. Novel polyimides obtained by such process.