Abstract: Improved drying, binder evaporation, and sintering processes which may be used in conjunction with specialized sintering tools to provide for the geometrically stable sintering of large, complex, metal injection molded preform parts or flowbodies. The improved process includes a three-stage drying process, a single stage binder evaporation process, and a two-stage sintering process.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for use in a process for sintering a metal injection molded body where the body comprises a material and having a first end, a second end, and a flowpath extending therebetween, the flowpath having a diameter. The tool assembly comprises an insert and an endcap. The insert is configured to be disposed in the body flowpath and has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, a channel, a slot having a width, an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The endcap is configured to be inserted at least partially into the channel at the insert first end when the slot width is increased, and at least a portion of the endcap has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or larger than the insert inner diameter.

Abstract: An optical sensor system and method for determining the position, displacement and/or angle of a member (for example, a seal plate or valve gate) within a system (for example, a valve assembly in an aircraft turbine engine system or environmental control system). The system has, in one embodiment, a controller in communication with an encoder via a fiber optic line or similar light transmitter and the encoder further has an optically layered element. The optically layered element has at least one coating whose optical characteristics vary over the angles (or distance) of interest to provide feedback based on the position displacement and/or angle of the valve member. The system may communicate and/or be controlled by a computing system via a data communication network.

Abstract: Improved drying, binder evaporation, and sintering processes which may be used in conjunction with specialized sintering tools to provide for the geometrically stable sintering of large, complex, metal injection molded preform parts or flowbodies. The improved process includes a three-stage drying process, a single stage binder evaporation process, and a two-stage sintering process.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in pneumatic actuators uses two or more diaphragms, one nested inside of the other. Each of the diaphragms, when shaped, includes a fabric pattern. The fabric patterns on each of the diaphragms are aligned one with another upon installation into a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: An optical sensor system and method for determining the position, displacement and/or angle of a member (for example, a seal plate or valve gate) within a system (for example, a valve assembly in an aircraft turbine engine system or environmental control system). The system has, in one embodiment, a controller in communication with an encoder via a fiber optic line or similar light transmitter and the encoder further has an optically layered element. The optically layered element has at least one coating whose optical characteristics vary over the angles (or distance) of interest to provide feedback based on the position displacement and/or angle of the valve member. The system may communicate and/or be controlled by a computing system via a data communication network.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in pneumatic actuators uses two or more diaphragms, one nested inside of the other. Each of the diaphragms, when shaped, includes a fabric pattern. The fabric patterns on each of the diaphragms are aligned one with another upon installation into a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: Improved drying, binder evaporation, and sintering processes which may be used in conjunction with specialized sintering tools to provide for the geometrically stable sintering of large, complex, metal injection molded preform parts or flowbodies. The improved process includes a three-stage drying process, a single stage binder evaporation process, and a two-stage sintering process.

Abstract: A method for facilitating control of a butterfly valve, butterfly valves (40, 180) adapted for use with the method, and a fluid system (242) incorporating such valves are disclosed. All three use or incorporate butterfly valve structure that provides for relative translational movement (246) between the valve plate (42, 182, 248) and a pivot axis (232) in order to alter fluid dynamic torque exerted on the valve plate.

Abstract: The invention is a butterfly-type check valve (8) wherein the valve plate (18) moves translationally relative to a pivot axis (90) and incident to its own rotational movement. The invention employs biasing means (102, 104, 108) for initiating movement of the valve plate when the latter is at a closed rotational position, thereby eliminating the need for a pilot valve.

Abstract: A butterfly-type check valve (8) in which a valve plate (18) moves translationally relative to a pivot axis (90) and incident to rotational movement (118) of the plate. The translational movement is effected by mechanical links (38, 40) which are pivotally secured to the plate and a support assembly (52, 54, 56, 76, 78). The translational movement is guided by two trunnions (30, 32) pivotally secured to the support assembly, and two rods (20, 22) rigidly secured to the plate and extending through the trunnions.

Abstract: A balanced-torque butterfly valve (40) incorporates a pivot mechanism (52) designed to provide for bimodal movement of the valve plate (42). The valve plate (42) has a cavity (54) formed therein to receive the pivot mechanism (52) and to accommodate translational movement of the valve plate relative to the mechanism. This eliminates fluid dynamic effects that would be produced if the mechanism were positioned in the flow path (44) and external to the valve plate (42). The pivot mechanism (52) comprises a center shaft (70) rotatable relative to the valve plate (42), and a carrier shaft (72) which is in fixed rotational relation to the valve plate (42) and extends through the mounting body (46). This permits both translational movement of the valve plate (42), and detection of its rotational position from a vantage point outside of the flow path (44).

Abstract: A butterfly valve method and apparatus (10) employing a variably positionable pivot shaft (30). The apparatus (10) comprises a duct (16), a valve plate (12), and a pivot shaft (30). Near closed rotational positions of the valve plate (12), the plate is pivotally supported by a support shaft (18) which is movably secured to the duct (16). Over a substantial range of open rotational positions, the valve plate (12) is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft (30), which is translationally movable relative to the valve plate (12) so that fluid-dynamic torque exerted on the plate can be altered. The method comprises the steps of rotationally moving the valve plate (12) away from the closed position whereby fluid-dynamic torque is increased, and translationally moving the pivot shaft (30) relative to the valve plate whereby the torque is then decreased.

Abstract: A method for exploiting the net torque exerted by a conveyed fluid on the valve plate of a butterfly valve to facilitate control of the valve, and a butterfly valve (40) adapted for use with the method are disclosed. The method employs translational movement of the valve plate to facilitate rotational movement of the same and to effect dynamic torque balancing. The butterfly valve (40) employs a differential gear (50) as a mechanical resolver to produce either rotational or translational components of movement depending on whether the net torque exerted by the fluid is sufficiently high to overcome impedance to translational movement.

Abstract: A method for opening a sealingly closed, balanced-torque butterfly valve, and apparatus adapted for use with the method. The butterfly valve (40) comprises a valve plate (42) having a peripherally disposed seal (162) seated in an annular recess (160). A flow passage (164, 166) is formed in the valve plate (42) and fluidically connects the recess (160) to the downstream-facing surface of the valve plate. A check valve (168) is disposed in the flow passage (164, 166) to alternately block or permit flow therethrough. Outwardly directed pressure exerted by high-pressure fluid on the seal (162) is relieved by opening the check valve (168) in reponse to a slight translational movement of the valve plate (42) relative to a rotatable shaft (72) which pivotally connects the valve plate to the duct (146).

Abstract: A disconnection apparatus (88) comprises two disconnect members (12,14) which are interfaced to define a continuous channel (28,29) extends therethrough, and two cylindrical cartridges (84,86) slidably disposed in the channel (28,29). The channel (28,29) intersects two flow paths (70,72) formed in the disconnect members (12,14). The cartridges (84,86) are positionable in the channel (28,29) to block both flow paths (70,72) and are operative to re-direct fluid in order to prevent leakage when the members (12,14) are disconnected.

Abstract: A follower nut assembly is attached to a load carrying nut all of which is threaded onto a ball screw of a drive actuator. The actuator drive causes a load attached to said load carrying nut to be translated to a fully extended position. At about the fully extended position, a run-off end without threads of the ball screw is positioned in the load carrying nut. This causes the translating force to be fully applied to a follower nut which is normally shear pinned to the load carrying nut. Because of the inertia of the load, the follower nut shears the pin and then rotates within a cage of the follower nut assembly. The translation of the load stops when the shear pin is broken. A thrust bearing is positioned between the follower nut and the load carrying nut to provide the necessary support when the load is fully extended.