Abstract: A system for spacing and fastening tubular structures, and a related method. The system includes a spacer element configured to engage a plurality of tubular structures, to spatially separate the plurality of tubular structures from one another, and to distribute stress in the plurality of tubular structures. The system further includes a fastening element configured to extend around at least a portion of an outer surface of the plurality of tubular structures, and to fasten the plurality of tubular structures to the spacer element in an adaptively spaced configuration.

Abstract: A window assembly and method for use with a mobile platform, and particularly with commercial or military aircraft. The window assembly includes a composite window panel that is secured to the fuselage skin of the aircraft. A tempered glass fairing is used in connection with a retainer clip and a plurality of sealing components to seal the fairing over the window panel in a manner that provides a sealed air gap between the inner surface of the fairing and the outer surface of the window panel. The fairing and the sealed air gap help to thermally isolate the window panel from the significant ambient temperature changes that are encountered during flight of the mobile platform. The fairing also provides a hazard barrier to protect the composite window panel from impact by foreign objects during flight. The sealed air gap also helps to control deflection of the fairing to thus ensure that the fairing maintains an aerodynamic profile generally in accordance with the contour of the outer surface of the fuselage.

Abstract: A spring and damper suspension system which comprises one or more elastomeric spring elements in compressive load bearing relation to the members to be supported. A tubular housing surrounds said spring elements and supports a frictional surface or surfaces in its interior. Stabilization of the springs is achieved by mounting pairs of slidably engaged wedges between said springs. Compressive force on said wedges urges one face of each such wedge into sliding contact with the interior walls of the housing and maintains the upper and lower surface of the wedge pair, and hence the springs in proper alignment to the housing. For applications involving vehicle suspension, the tubular housing may be combined in telescoping relation with a second tubular housing for the purpose of resisting bending moments normally applied to the suspension of such vehicles.

Abstract: The suspension includes a moveable load arm assembly adapted to support a railcar axle, at least one elliptical cross-section rod spring carried by the load arm assembly in load bearing relation with a railcar body, a frictional damping surface connected to the body adjacent the load arm assembly, a frictional damping element, and a tapered operator carried by the load arm assembly in underlying relation with each rod spring such that one component of a load bearing force transmitted from the load arm assembly is applied to the rod spring as a transverse load bearing compressive force only, while a perpendicular component thereof is applied to and urges the damping element toward the friction surface. The suspension is suited for usage in railcar and rubber tired vehicle suspensions.

Abstract: The suspension includes a moveable load arm assembly adapted to support a vehicle axle, at least one elliptical cross-section rod spring carried by the load arm assembly in load bearing relation with a vehicle body, a frictional damping surface connected to the body adjacent the load arm assembly, a frictional damping element, and a tapered operator carried by the load arm assembly in underlying relation with each rod spring such that one component of a load bearing force transmitted from the load arm assembly is applied to the rod spring as a transverse load bearing compressive force only, while a perpendicular component thereof is applied to and urges the damping element toward the friction surface. The suspension is suited for usage in railcar and rubber tired vehicle suspensions.