Abstract: A fixture 56 for disposing laser blocking material 52 on the interior of an airfoil 10 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which allow for the repetitive disposition of the laser blocking material in one airfoil after another. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a sprue plate 62 and locating block 126 which are spanwisely spaced and engage the ends 14, 18 of the airfoil.

Abstract: An hydraulic actuator for a spring closed poppet valve is connected to an electrically motivated valve selecting a high or a low fluid pressure source for a chamber in which a plunger reciprocates in a cylindrical body. Poppet valve closing is controlled by restricting fluid flow from the chamber to the low pressure source. Initially, closing flow is through a closing check valve and is gradually cut off by a frusto-conical end of the plunger. Closing flow is then restricted by an orifice bypassed by a snubber check valve during poppet valve opening. The closing check valve, an opening port, and a recuperation check valve open radially through the body. The closing check valve and the opening port communicate with an annular body groove connected to the electrically motivated valve.

Abstract: A solenoid actuated transmission shifting apparatus is provided for temporary or permanent installation in automobiles with conventional, H-pattern-type manual transmissions or automatic transmissions and also for use with motorcycle transmissions. The shifting apparatus allows for both upshifting and downshifting through the transmission gears by pressing pushbuttons mounted on the steering wheel, handlebar or dashboard.

Abstract: An antenna adapter for interfacing a portable radiotelephone with external equipment. In a preferred embodiment, a connector assembly includes a first connector portion that inserts directly into the radiotelephone's antenna port, replacing the normal antenna assembly. Matching electrical components on a circuit board are used to match the impedance of the antenna port of the portable radiotelephone. A second connector portion typically uses conventional RF connectors to couple the radiotelephone antenna port to external equipment.

Abstract: Fourier transform spectrometer using a multielement liquid crystal display. A ferroelectric liquid crystal mask is used as an optical encoder for a solid-state Fourier transform spectrometer. A 1.times.64 element array was striped and used as a 1.times.4 element device. The device intersected dispersed radiation and encoded each spectral component thereof with a carrier signal by applying half-wave potentials to each of the four striped (1.times.16) liquid crystal elements which varied the transmitted amplitude of the light from 0.03% to 28% of full scale. The light was spectrally recombined and imaged onto a photomultiplier and the resulting carrier frequencies (and their amplitudes) detected by Fourier transformation of the time-varying signal. Spectra of colored-glass filters were taken to demonstrate the spectrometer.

Abstract: A novel and improved antenna adapter for interfacing a portable radiotelephone 200 with test equipment is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter assembly comprises an RF connector 104 at one end of an elongated conductor 102 which connects directly to the radiotelephone's 200 antenna port, replacing the normal antenna assembly. The elongated conductor 102 makes electrical contact with an external ground 204 of the battery charging ports at the bottom of the radiotelephone 200 at another end. The RF connector 104 may be impedance-matched to minimize RF signal attenuation when connected to the RF test equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the RF connector 104 comprises a 50.OMEGA. impedance-matched SMA connector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a less costly and more reliable latchtacking technique that produces a finished work piece that is esthetically superior to the work piece that is produced by the current technique. A chain cutter has miniaturized cutting blades located at the back edge of the chaining tongue such that a relatively short unstretched chain is cut. The chain is not stretched because, stitch Also at the time the chain is cut, the vacuum in the hollow chaining tongue has been turned off. The tension on the needle thread is adjusted when chaining begins such that a short pliable balanced chain is produced which results in a more reliable technique and a latchtack that is esthetically superior to prior art latchtacks.

Abstract: Gas gun with reduced timing jitter. A gas gun having a prepressurized projectile held in place with a glass rod in compression is described. The glass rod is destroyed with an explosive at a precise time which allows a restraining pin to be moved and free the projectile.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control valve includes a double acting solenoid and a poppet valve seatable against two opposite valve seats. The respective solenoids are momentarily operated to move the poppet valve into respective valve seat positions. Solenoid actuation is terminated when the poppet valve reaches the valve seat position. The poppet valve is maintained against one of the valve seats by a spring force. A hydraulic force maintains the poppet valve against the opposite valve seat. One valve seat has a larger diameter than the other so that the hydraulic force against the poppet valve in one seat position develops a larger force than the spring force, whereas in the opposite valve seating position, the spring force is greater than the developed hydraulic force.

Abstract: The design and construction of current electronically-controlled hydraulically-actuated engine valve systems are currently still being tested for dependability. The electronics control various activities including actuation velocity and, therefore, can include complicated components. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a valve actuation system including an electronically-controlled hydraulically-actuated plunger for actuating an engine valve. Hydraulic means are utilized for reducing the plunger velocity thereby controlling the valve lift and the valve seating as the valve approaches the open and closed positions. The hydraulic means reduces the need for a complicated electronic control unit, therefore, improving the feasibility and dependability of the present invention.

Abstract: A microelectronic package (10) comprises a printed circuit board (12) enclosed within a metal housing (14) for shielding the board from spurious electromagnetic signals. The housing includes a base (30) having side walls (36). A series of first tabs (42) are formed in the side walls and engage the upper face (16) of the printed circuit board to secure the board within the housing. The side walls also include a series of second tabs (46) that engage the edge (20) of the printed circuit board in contact with the ground plane to enhance grounding of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid valve graphite packing assembly with graphite packing rings and thin PTFE disc rings surrounding an operating valve member. Softer graphite packing rings on the interior are bounded by progressively harder graphite packing rings. A PTFE disc ring is inserted between the graphite packing rings. The packing is subjected to sufficient packing stress to cause the PTFE disc rings to extrude onto the operating valve member. A laminated packing ring formed of alternating sheets of flexible graphite and PTFE which is die cut to provide a crown shaped cross-section aiding in enabling PTFE extrusion to enhance valve operating member lubrication and sealing.

Abstract: A diskette read data recovery system generates a clock which is locked to an incoming data stream. In a phase locked loop, a signal generated by an oscillator and frequency dividers is compared in phase to the incoming data stream to provide first or second signals depending on whether the incoming data signal leads or lags the clock signal. In order that the system may handle different types of incoming signals, different frequency divider circuits in the phase locked loop are selected for different incoming signals.

Abstract: A one-piece clamp includes a unitary body having a bottom panel, end panels and top panels movably connected to the end panels and to each other. A pair of top cross-panels are end mounted on the top panels and are brought into co-planar, end-to-end orientation when the top panels are moved into end contact with the bottom panel. The body can be extrusion molded and cut to any desired length.

Abstract: A tow truck of the type having wheels supporting it for movement along a path defined by a subfloor conveyor. There is a vertically movable tow pin at the front of the truck for vertical movement in and out of driving engagement with the conveyor. An accumulation bumper at the front of the truck is movable between a forward normal running position and a rearwardly retracted accumulating position when the bumper engages an object ahead of the truck. A connecting mechanism between the bumper and tow pin includes at least one bell crank member pivoted for rotation on a transverse axis behind the tow pin with a first lever arm projecting upwardly and connected by a link to the bumper, together with a second lever arm projecting forwardly and connected to a vertical lift rod, the upper end of which is operatively connected to the upper portion of the tow pin.

Abstract: A locking device for use in the chuck of an optical alignment and exposure apparatus is disclosed. The locking device comprises a plurality of flat, flexible blades fastened in pairs to a chuck plate in the chuck. Between each pair of blades there is a stationary element fastened to a base member in the chuck. Vacuum cups are fastened to the blades so that the blades are clamped tightly against the stationary element when the vacuum cups are evacuated.

Abstract: In the bonding apparatus disclosed herein, possible misalignment of a semiconductor chip at the work station is sensed by first optically scanning the workpiece using a video scanning head mounted on a common X-Y carriage with the bonding head. A zone signal is generated which defines, within the scanned area, a limited zone of consideration. The video signal is evaluated as a function of the zone signal to measure the extent of coincidence between the zone and a target area on the workpiece. The placement and dimensions of the zone are progressively adjusted responsive to the evaluation and in accordance with a search algorithm to locate at least two target areas on the workpiece and the bonding head is then traversed to adjusted target coordinates derived from the optically located target areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device for a combustion engine and particularly to a combustion engine for use with hydrostatic transmissions particularly as used in a fork lift truck.

Abstract: A system for monitoring air-water borne noise generated by an aircraft flg over a body of water from within the aircraft includes a sonobuoy having a phase linear array of hydrophones suspended beneath the surface of the water and an electromagnetic radar transponder to permit accurate location of the surface position of the sonobuoy and a plurality of electroacoustic transponders to provide positioning information for the hydrophone array located in spaced relation from the first sonobuoy.