Abstract: A machine (10) for preparing a sample asphalt material (74) for testing includes a rotatable shaft (22) carrying a disc (28) adapted to engage the sample (74). A channel (26) which communicates with a source of water is formed in the shaft (22). A plate assembly (16) having a predetermined weight carries the shaft (22). An actuator assembly (18) moves the plate assembly (16) upwardly and releases the plate assembly (16) so that it is allowed to move downwardly so that the disc (28) contacts the sample (74) with only the weight of the plate assembly (16) being applied to the sample (74). The disc (28) is made of a rubber material and receives the water from the channel (26) through aperture (72) which communicates with slots (44) on the side of the disc (28) facing the sample (74). As a result, water is produced to the interface between the disc (28) and the sample (74) as the disc (28) rotates to polish the sample (74) and prepare it for testing.

Abstract: An insert assembly for use in a nozzle, the insert assembly including a sleeve and a fitting. The sleeve includes a first end and a second end, a tapered opening in the first end, and a bore extending from the second end. The fitting is positioned within the bore and includes an orifice therethrough. The tapered opening terminates at an inner opening that is in fluid communication with the orifice to allow fluid to flow through the nozzle insert. The sleeve may be made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A cargo barrier net (10) is preferably made of a high-strength, lightweight, low-elongation material such as a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR®, and includes straps (11, 13) intersecting at intersections (15) at varying angles. A stitching pattern (20) is applied at each intersection (15) which is configured so that it will not fail irrespective of the direction of the force applied to the intersection (15). A hook (16) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. A bracket (17) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach other portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. At least some of the straps (11) are interrupted and a link (18) is provided to selectively join the interrupted ends of the straps (11). The net (10) may thus be quickly removed to load and unload the cargo by releasing the hooks (16) and operating the links (18) to interrupt the net (10).

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly (10) is provided around the doors (11) of adjacent railway cars (12) and together adjacent diaphragm assemblies (10) enclose the passageway between adjacent railway cars (12). Each diaphragm assembly (10) includes a mounting plate (15) having vertical sections (17, 18) at the side of door (11) and an arch portion (19) above door (11) mounted to a car (12). The mounting plate (15) is of a predetermined lateral width and carries side portions (22) of a flexible membrane (21). A bridge portion (23) of flexible membrane (21) extends between side portions (22) and is attached to a face plate (25) which has vertical sections (26, 27) at the side of door (11) and an arch portion (28) above door (11). The face plate (25) has a predetermined lateral width greater than the width of mounting plate (15). Face plates (25) of adjacent cars ( 12) are adjacent to each other and a seal assembly (40) may be provided between the arch portions (28) thereof to prevent liquid from entering the passageway.

Abstract: A portable inflatable shelter (10) for temporarily covering a portion of an object, such as an aircraft engine (12), while partially resting on another portion of the object, such as an aircraft wing (13), includes a plurality of inflatable interconnected tubes (15-25) which carry fabric (26) extending therebetween. When the tubes (15-25) are inflated, the shelter formed thereby includes a roof section over the portion of the object, side sections on each side of the portion of the object, a front access opening, and an overhang section resting on the other portion of the object. The shelter (10) is erected by positioning the uninflated shelter adjacent to the portion of the object to be covered with the front access opening facing the ground. Guy lines (31,33) are then attached from one of the side sections of the shelter to a first point (32) on the ground. Additional guy lines (34,36) are attached from the other side section to a second point (35) on the ground.

Abstract: A recoverable sea anchor for a vessel wherein the anchor is made from a flexible sheet material with a periphery and a center. A plurality of lines interconnect a plurality of spaced points around such periphery to a ring which in turn is connected via a releasable connecting means to a swivel. A mooring line is then used to connect such swivel to the vessel. The releasable connecting means is operative to release the connection between the swivel and the ring in response to a predetermined load to put into play a disabling line, in a slack inoperative condition which then interconnects the swivel and the center of the chute or another portion of the chute to disable or collapse the concave chute. A modification of the sea anchor is to make it frusto conical or tubular in shape.

Abstract: An improved life raft with inflatable tubes having a boarding ramp attached to such raft wherein the raft is inflated by a hose interconnected by a coupling means and via a second hose to the raft such that the pressurized life raft chamber inflates the boarding ramp. The coupling means is a quick disconnect coupling means which in a connected condition is operative to main a flow connection between hoses and chambers but in a disconnected condition is operative to block the flow connection from both hoses and their respective chambers. A tension member is used to interconnect the quick disconnect coupling means to the raft and provides the means for disconnecting the coupling means when sufficient tension is provided as extending the distance between the coupling means and the raft. Such coupling means with the tension member can also be installed between the main inflating cylinder and the raft.

Abstract: A lift tube for use in erecting a shelter that has an air inflatable section or sections which are raised into position with the aid of an inflatable lift tube composed of a plurality of compartments that are interconnected in seriatim order. Bulk-heads in the lift tube separate such compartments and have one way valves to be done in seriatim order to control the inflation action.

Abstract: An inflatable shelter having a plurality of sections wherein each section has a series of inflatable arched tubes that are arranged parallel to each other and in successive tangential abutting contact. Adjacent tubes in each section are interconnected along their abutting surfaces. Each section has a cover that overlies such section and provides means for securing the sections together and to the adjoining ground against movement. End flaps are connected to the shelter to fully enclose such shelter.

Abstract: A method for making a capture and containment bag having a large reservoir that tapers into an elongated conduit wherein the reservoir is formed by joining two heat sealable panels along their side edges to form a linear end edge and then joining such linear end edge to the flared end of a narrow heat sealable strip with a pair of longitudinally extending side edges of such narrow strip then joined to form a conduit. The two panels are then joined along the remaining side edges as a continuation of the joining of the sides of the narrow strip to form a bag with a large storage reservoir and a narrow elongated discharge control conduit.

Abstract: A davit launched inflatable life raft in a rigid container fastened to a deck by releasable latches is released and the raft inflated at a predetermined depth in a float free mode. A painter line fastened to the life raft is releasably connected to a retaining member mounted on the deck so that upon release of the container the retaining member will be actuated and the painter line secured to the retaining member to limit movement of the raft on the surface of the water to the area over the retaining member. A release lanyard for the davit hook and raft actuating cables connected to the lid fasteners are also releasably held in the retaining member for releasing the davit hook from the raft supporting davit ring and for releasing the fasteners holding the lid in place. Lifting of the flotable container provides relative movement of the retaining member mounted on the deck and the container to actuate a locking hook of the retaining member.