Abstract: A washer faced spring assembly is disclosed for a motion absorbing and motion damping application which includes a first washer having a circular or polygonal hole therethrough centered about a central axis, a second washer disposed opposite to the first washer also having a circular or polygonal hole therethrough centered about a central axis disposed generally coincident with the hole of the first washer, and a spring connected between the first washer and the second washer, the spring including a plurality of fingers providing planar or full surface contact between the first and second washers. The washer faced spring assembly may also include a base portion utilized in conjunction with the plurality of fingers, where the base portion has one of several alternative shapes, such as circular or polygonal.

Abstract: A tubular wear sleeve includes radially outer and inner surfaces, with the inner surface having at least one protuberance extending radially inwardly therefrom for being received in a complementary indentation in a fluid carrying tube for restraining relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a bracket to a fixed member, the fixed member and the bracket each having at least one opening therethrough, where the apparatus includes a bolt having a threaded body and a head at a first end of the threaded body, where the bolt head abuts against a first surface of the fixed member, a nut threadably engaged to a second end of the threaded body, and a spacer positioned between the fixed member and the nut having an opening therethrough, the spacer having a flared portion at a first end which engages the bracket opening, wherein the threaded body of the bolt is positioned through the bracket opening, the spacer opening and the fixed member opening and secured together by the nut.

Abstract: An expansion joint for connecting first and second fluid-carrying pipes comprising first and second annular couplings which are operably affixable to respective ones of the pipes. In a preferred embodiment the couplings include cylindrical bores of substantially the same diameter disposed relative to one another to form a passage for providing flow communication between the pipes. An annular bellows extends between the couplings for accommodating relative axial movement and angular misalignment between the pipes and is disposed radially outward of the passage to capture any fluid leaking between the interfacing surfaces of the couplings. A second cylindrical bore of a first one of the couplings engages an outer spherical surface of the second coupling to allow the second coupling to pivot in a manner which accommodates angular misalignment between the pipes.

Abstract: A tube coupling assembly for use in connecting first and second fluid-carrying tubes comprising an annular sleeve member and an annular ferrule which are operably affixable to respective ones of the tubes. A tube connector and a coupling nut threadingly engage one another so as to force first and second spherical surfaces of the sleeve member against generally frusto-conical surfaces of the ferrule and coupling nut respectively, thereby forming a fluid sealing means and accommodating angular misalignment between the tubes. An internal locking means is provided for preventing the disengagement of the sealing means. The coupling nut and tube connector each include wrenching surfaces which must be used to torque the assembly, with the applied torque and counter-torque avoiding torsional loading of the tubes.

Abstract: A support system for coupling elements of different temperatures while reducing thermal and dynamic stress. The support system couples a fuel manifold to a combustor in a gas turbine engine and includes first and second elongated brackets connected, respectively, to the combustor and to the fuel manifold. Distal ends of each of the brackets are positioned in overlapping relationship. A slot is formed in one of the overlapping distal ends and an aperture formed in the other aligned generally with the slot. A fastener extends through the aperture and slot compressing the ends against each other with a preselected force such that the ends cannot separate but can exhibit a sliding motion in the slot direction. The compressive force is controlled by a spring member positioned between one end of the fastener and an adjacent surface of one of the first and second brackets. A second disk fits around the stud similar to a large flat washer and the spring member fits around the stud between the two disks.

Abstract: A fuel drain can assembly positioned between the fuel manifold and the fuel nozzles of a gas turbine engine which utilizes detachable connectors rotatable into locking engagement without special tooling.

Abstract: A rigid fuel manifold system for use in a gas turbine engine which is resistant to vibrations from operation of the engine. The system comprises two fuel feed manifolds, a fuel drain manifold and support brackets which attach these manifolds to one another and provide a structure with a high natural frequency above the 1/rev of the engine operating range. Structural support brackets that permit easy assembly and low installation stress are also provided.

Abstract: Conduit couplings for high temperature, high pressure applications with up to 10.degree. misalignment capability are provided. The couplings provide a tight seal without special machining or assembly methods. The coupling comprises a spherical ball that fits within an end cap having a frustoconically shaped receptacle. A metal sealing ring positioned therebetween helps provide a tight seal that withstands pressures above 100 psi and temperatures in the range of 700.degree.-1200.degree. F.