Abstract: The treatment of an uncured or partially cured rubber surface with a solvent mixture of a blend of n-heptane and iso-heptane. The treatment is to remove surface bloom and/or freshen the surface and to maintain or increase building tack. Cured adhesion can also be enhanced or maintained. An appropriate solvent mixture is provided. An article can be produced thereby as a cured assembly of rubber components. In one aspect, a purpose is to provide a suitable solvent mixture treatment of an uncured or partially cured rubber surface with a solvent mixture which has an acceptably minimal aromatic content, suitable drying time on the rubber surface and an acceptable odor in the workplace.

Abstract: The treatment of an uncured or partially cured rubber surface with a solvent mixture of n-heptane and specified hydrocarbon(s). The treatment is to add building tack. Cured adhesion can also be enhanced. An appropriate solvent mixture is provided. An article can be produced thereby as a cured assembly of rubber components.

Abstract: A lightweight cradle apparatus for supporting payloads such as an upper stage and a mated spacecraft in the cargo bay of a reusable space vehicle like the orbiter used in the NASA Space Transportation System. The cradle apparatus provides support for the payload during launch, abort, and landing of the orbiter and deployment of the payload. The cradle apparatus comprises a forward cradle and an aft cradle that are connected by longitudinal support members. The forward cradle comprises two radial sections joined by a hinge and by a latch, the aft cradle consists of an aft cradle disc and an aft cradle adapter assembly, each longitudinal support member consists of two longitudinal links. The links are joined together at the forward end where they connect to the forward cradle and the links are separated at the aft end by a spacer and connect to the aft cradle. The cradle apparatus transfers loads to the orbiter by means of a keel pin and trunnion connections.