Abstract: A hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster is intended for incorporation into a modular vessel thruster system, and is easily installed onto, and removed from, a vessel having such system. A housing is tiltably attached to a bracket, which in turn is removably mounted to a vessel. A cylinder is rigidly attached to the housing, and a tube is extensibly and rotatably disposed within the cylinder. A thrust means is disposed at a lower end of the tube. The instant thruster incorporates positive redundant down-tilt stop means, increased extension/retraction range, reduced shipping size, and means for securely and removably attaching the thruster to a vehicle deck.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster incorporates at least one lower unit housing tiltably attached to a base at a base lower unit cutout laterally offset from a helm platform. Tilt actuator(s) disposed entirely above a base upper surface tilt each lower unit up or down relative to the base. Two positive down-tilt means are disclosed: housing arm lower edge(s) resting on the base upper surface, and also down stop tab(s) extending from a base lower unit cutout wall into the base lower unit cutout against which a forward housing wall edge butts when the housing is tilted fully down. In addition, base bores through the base are disclosed, and pins which slidably fit into respective base bores and extend downwards from the base to serve as positioning stops when installing the hydraulic thruster on a vessel.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic thruster system for vessel. At least one thruster is hydraulically connected to a power pack and electrically connected to an instrument panel. The instrument panel has a thrust angle indicator, tube gear clamp status indicator, extension indicator, tilt angle indicator, and tachometer, all pertaining to each thruster. The thruster includes a tube rotating and reciprocating through a housing, which is rotatably attached to a bracket. A swivel union is attached to one end of the tube; a hydraulic motor drives a propeller to an opposite end of the tube. Some instrumentation electrical and hydraulic lines are routed through the swivel union and into the tube; others are further routed out of the tube through a tube aperture and through a flexible spiral conduit to accommodate tube reciprocation within the housing. Means is disclosed to prevent a swivel union stationary section from rotating relative to the housing.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. A power pack is mounted on a forward end of a base, and a helm platform is mounted on an aft end of the base at a substantial height above the base. A reservoir in communication with the power pack is mounted on the helm platform, thus facilitating hydraulic fluid flow from the reservoir to the power pack, and also rendering the hydraulic system self-priming. At least one lower unit is tiltably mounted to the base aft end, laterally offset from the helm platform. Due to the lateral offset between the lower unit(s) and the helm platform, interference between the lower unit(s) and the helm platform is avoided when the lower unit(s) is retracted and tilted up for transportation, storage, or maintenance.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. A power pack is mounted on a forward end of a base, and a helm platform is mounted on an aft end of the base at a substantial height above the base. A reservoir in communication with the power pack is mounted on the helm platform, thus facilitating hydraulic fluid flow from the reservoir to the power pack, and also rendering the hydraulic system self-priming. At least one lower unit is tiltably mounted to the base aft end, laterally offset from the helm platform. Due to the lateral offset between the lower unit(s) and the helm platform, interference between the lower unit(s) and the helm platform is avoided when the lower unit(s) is retracted and tilted up for transportation, storage, or maintenance.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster incorporates a lower unit housing tiltably attached to a lower unit mounting tube attached to a base, a tube whose upper end is attached through the lower unit housing, and a shaft slidably disposed within the tube. A substantial length of tube extends downwards from the lower unit housing, thus providing support for the shaft. An actuator is disclosed which extends and retracts the shaft relative to the tube. A steering clamp is releasably attached to an end of the shaft which protrudes through the top of the lower unit housing. A steering clamp key traveling in a shaft keyway, or a shaft key in combination with a steering clamp keyway, help maintain constant the angular orientation between the steering clamp and the shaft. A steering gear meshing with a steering assembly, or an actuator driving a tie rod, provide steering.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster incorporates an elevated helm platform mounted to a base having reinforced base feet, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir mounted on the helm platform. The elevation of the hydraulic fluid reservoir facilitates flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic power pack mounted on the base. A lower unit mounting tube is attached to the base, and at least one lower unit is mounted at an end of the lower unit mounting tube, laterally offset from the helm platform, so that when the lower unit is retracted and tilted up, it lies on one side of the platform, and the platform doesn't interfere with retraction and tilting of the lower unit. Lower units are pivotably mounted in lower unit housings with lower unit bushings, and steering is provided by a steering motor through an overhung load adaptor to a drive gear.

Abstract: A monolithic low cost, high frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) accelerometer is provided that is operable in high impact and vibration applications.

Abstract: A transducer for use in any of an accelerometer, a piezo-resistive strain gauge, a piezoelectric transducer, and surface acoustic wave transducers, the transducer having a beam and an electrode deposited on the beam, wherein the electrode is formed of a material having properties as compared to gold of: a low radiation capture cross-section, and high electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A monolithic low cost, high frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) accelerometer is provided that is operable in high impact and vibration applications.

Abstract: A transducer for use in any of an accelerometer, a piezo-resistive strain gauge, a piezoelectric transducer, and surface acoustic wave transducers, the transducer having a beam and an electrode deposited on the beam, wherein the electrode is formed of a material having properties as compared to gold of: a low radiation capture cross-section, and high electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An adjustable flexible strap for supporting and securing ducts, or like device, and the like formed of a strap member that has a fastener strap and a pair of integral support members integrally formed in the strap. When the fastener strap is separated from the integral support members a channel formed between the support members. One end of the strap can have an aperture formed therein to allow said strap to be attached to an existing structure such as a joist, beam or other support member. The other end of the strap has flap through which the fastener strap is inserted. When the fastener strap is inserted into the flap, the serrated edges of the fastener strap engage the sides of the flap opening, and the fastener strap and the support members form a loop. This loop encircles the duct, or like device, and cradles the duct in the support members, thereby securely suspending the duct from the joist, beam or other support member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for adjusting the position of the roller bearings that support large rotating apparatus such as a rotary kiln. The mechanism utilizes a box like base mounted on the kiln foundation. The base has a pair of compartments. In the rear compartment a fluid pressure device actuates a piston to drive a threaded bolt against the base of the roller bearing to adjust its position. A stop nut on the threaded bolt is moved to engage a wall of the base to prevent movement of the bolt away from the bearing and thereby maintain the bearing in its adjusted position.

Abstract: An improved multiple circuit module for use in an electronic device includes a number of cold plates sandwiched between pairs of circuit boards for taking away excess heat from the circuit boards. Each plate is provided with open spaces which permit communication between the circuit boards, and with circuit boards on other cold plates. Electrical communication between the circuit boards is effected by an array of metallic pins. The pins are received in a perforate pin header which extends along the depth of the cold plate, and pins communicating with other circuit boards extend into a connector block which is placed between a pair of pin headers. Shielding is provided in both the connector blocks and pin headers to prevent electronic cross-talk between pins disposed therein. In one embodiment, a novel type of pin which reduces installation and disconnection friction is utilized.

Abstract: A cooling plate for heat dissipation is particularly adapted for use within printed circuit board stacks. The cooling plate includes a fluid inlet manifold, fluid pass containing a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and a fluid outlet manifold. Externally, the cooling plate has a pattern of heat conductive pads that is substantially identical to the pattern of devices on a printed circuit board attached to the cooling plate. The cooling plate includes apertures and mounting elements for z-axis connector assemblies so that printed circuit boards attached to either side of the cooling plate may electrically interconnect.

Abstract: A seal for use in sealing an annular opening between a stationary member and a rotating cylinder telescopically arranged with the stationary member, the seal comprising a series of partially overlapping members circumscribing the cylinder adjacent the stationary member and closing the annular opening. The seal comprises a series of self-biasing leaf members attached to the stationary member and being biased into sealing engagement with the rotating member and a series of blanket members positioned adjacent the seal members to prevent leakage from the gaps between adjacent leaf members to substantially seal the annular opening between the rotating and stationary members.

Abstract: An electrical edge connector (14) of the zero insertion force type includes a pair of opposing blocks (30, 32) defining a longitudinal guideway (34) therebetween. Opposite corresonding pairs of female contacts (52, 54) are disposed in transverse holes in the blocks (30, 32), and male contacts (60) are slidably supported in the female contacts in one block for selective actuation into or out of sliding engagement with the female contacts in the other block responsive to insertion of a slider (36).

Abstract: A circuit module (10) having enhanced heat transfer and distribution characteristics which is particularly adapted for use in high speed electronic digital computers. The circuit module (10) includes a circuit board assembly (12) with a plurality of electronic devices (26) such as integrated circuits, mounted on a circuit board (28). The circuit board (28) includes conductive pads (42 and 44) and plated-through holes (46) forming a thermally conductive flow path from each electronic device (26) to the opposite side of the circuit board for more efficient heat transfer away from the module (10). The heat pads (42 and 44) and plated-through holes (46) are preferably connected with the ground plane layer (36) of the circuit board (28) for better heat distribution as well.