Abstract: System for reducing likelihood of an aircraft-induced lightning strike on an aircraft. The system includes a plurality of electric field sensors distributed on surfaces of the aircraft to monitor continuously the electrical environment to which the aircraft is subjected. A plurality of ion emission sources are distributed on selected aircraft surfaces, the ion emission sources adapted to emit either positive or negative ions. A computer runs an algorithm to control net charge level of the aircraft by commanding the emission of positive or negative ions from selected surfaces to retard inception of corresponding leader discharges.

Abstract: A snap ring is configured to retain components within a clutch assembly. The snap ring has an annular body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface. A number of retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body. Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate. A friction clutch assembly including a snap ring pair is also provided, which includes a clutch snap ring disposed adjacent to the snap ring including the retention features.

Abstract: A snap ring is configured to retain components within a clutch assembly. The snap ring has an annular body defining an opening through a center thereof. The annular main body defines a distal-facing surface and an opposite proximal-facing surface. A number of retention features extend from the distal-facing surface of the annular main body. Each retention feature has an axially-extending body portion a radially-extending engagement portion. The engagement portion is configured to engage a backing plate. A friction clutch assembly including a snap ring pair is also provided, which includes a clutch snap ring disposed adjacent to the snap ring including the retention features.

Abstract: System for reducing likelihood of an aircraft-induced lightning strike on an aircraft. The system includes a plurality of electric field sensors distributed on surfaces of the aircraft to monitor continuously the electrical environment to which the aircraft is subjected. A plurality of ion emission sources are distributed on selected aircraft surfaces, the ion emission sources adapted to emit either positive or negative ions. A computer runs an algorithm to control net charge level of the aircraft by commanding the emission of positive or negative ions from selected surfaces to retard inception of corresponding leader discharges.

Abstract: System for reducing likelihood of an aircraft-induced lightning strike on an aircraft. The system includes a plurality of electric field sensors distributed on surfaces of the aircraft to monitor continuously the electrical environment to which the aircraft is subjected. A plurality of ion emission sources are distributed on selected aircraft surfaces, the ion emission sources adapted to emit either positive or negative ions. A computer runs an algorithm to control net charge level of the aircraft by commanding the emission of positive or negative ions from selected surfaces to retard inception of corresponding leader discharges.

Abstract: A multiple-piece backing plate and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The multiple-piece backing plate includes a cap part and a main body backing plate. The cap part is formed of a first material. The main body backing plate is attached to the cap part, and the main body backing plate is formed of a second material, where the second material is different than the first material. The friction clutch assembly includes first clutch plates coupled to a first transmission member and second clutch plates interleaved with the first clutch plates and coupled to a second transmission member. The friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second transmission members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates directly against the cap part.

Abstract: A backing plate configuration and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The backing plate configuration includes a main body having a reaction section connected to a perpendicularly disposed strength section. The thickness of the strength section may be less than or equal to the thickness of the reaction section. The friction clutch assembly includes interleaved first and second clutch plates. The main body (of the backing plate) is disposed adjacent to an end second clutch plate. The main body is piloted by and/or splined to the same transmission member as the end second clutch plate. In an engaged position, the end second clutch plate is compressed directly against and into contact with the main body. A method of forming the backing plate configuration is included, which includes stamping of the main body.

Abstract: A multiple-piece backing plate and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The multiple-piece backing plate includes a cap part and a main body backing plate. The cap part is formed of a first material. The main body backing plate is attached to the cap part, and the main body backing plate is formed of a second material, where the second material is different than the first material. The friction clutch assembly includes first clutch plates coupled to a first transmission member and second clutch plates interleaved with the first clutch plates and coupled to a second transmission member. The friction clutch assembly is configured to be moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the first and second transmission members are coupled together by compressing the first and second clutch plates directly against the cap part.

Abstract: A backing plate configuration and a friction clutch assembly for an automotive transmission are provided. The backing plate configuration includes a main body having a reaction section connected to a perpendicularly disposed strength section. The thickness of the strength section may be less than or equal to the thickness of the reaction section. The friction clutch assembly includes interleaved first and second clutch plates. The main body (of the backing plate) is disposed adjacent to an end second clutch plate. The main body is piloted by and/or splined to the same transmission member as the end second clutch plate. In an engaged position, the end second clutch plate is compressed directly against and into contact with the main body. A method of forming the backing plate configuration is included, which includes stamping of the main body.

Abstract: System for reducing likelihood of an aircraft-induced lightning strike on an aircraft. The system includes a plurality of electric field sensors distributed on surfaces of the aircraft to monitor continuously the electrical environment to which the aircraft is subjected. A plurality of ion emission sources are distributed on selected aircraft surfaces, the ion emission sources adapted to emit either positive or negative ions. A computer runs an algorithm to control net charge level of the aircraft by commanding the emission of positive or negative ions from selected surfaces to retard inception of corresponding leader discharges.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ions can include an emitter having a first end and a second end. The emitter can be coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt. The apparatus can also include a power supply and a first electrode disposed downstream relative to the first end of the emitter and electrically connected to a first lead of the power supply. The apparatus can also include a second electrode disposed downstream relative to the second end of the emitter and electrically connected to a second lead of the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing negative ions including an emitter coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt, an electrode positioned downstream relative to the emitter, a power supply that applies a voltage to the emitter with respect to the electrode. The power supply is sufficient to generate a stable high brightness beam of negative ions having minimal chromatic and spherical aberrations in the beam. An electrostatic lens and deflector is used to focus and direct the beam to a target.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ions can include an emitter having a first end and a second end. The emitter can be coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt. The apparatus can also include a power supply and a first electrode disposed downstream relative to the first end of the emitter and electrically connected to a first lead of the power supply. The apparatus can also include a second electrode disposed downstream relative to the second end of the emitter and electrically connected to a second lead of the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing negative ions including an emitter coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt, an electrode positioned downstream relative to the emitter, a power supply that applies a voltage to the emitter with respect to the electrode. The power supply is sufficient to generate a stable high brightness beam of negative ions having minimal chromatic and spherical aberrations in the beam. An electrostatic lens and deflector is used to focus and direct the beam to a target.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus to produce drops with diameters several tens of nanometers and/or positive or negative ions with a wide range of chemical composition and masses as large as several kiloDalton is based on creating Taylor cone-jets of high electrical conductivity, moderate viscosity, and low volatility liquids under reduced pressure. The liquid is supplied at a controlled flow rate into a region at low pressure exposed to an electric field sufficient to electrically atomize it. Suitably charged, shaped and placed electrodes create the necessary electric field to form the Taylor cone and extract the charged particles it produces, with a desired energy and direction. Subsequent ion manipulation supplies beams of ions and/or nanoparticles for applications such as electrical propulsion or surface treatment. No liquids suitable to practice this invention have been known in the past and are introduced here as a key aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus to produce drops with diameters several tens of nanometers and/or positive or negative ions with a wide range of chemical composition and masses as large as several kiloDalton is based on creating Taylor cone-jets of high electrical conductivity, moderate viscosity, and low volatility liquids under reduced pressure. The liquid is supplied at a controlled flow rate into a region at low pressure exposed to an electric field sufficient to electrically atomize it. Suitably charged, shaped and placed electrodes create the necessary electric field to form the Taylor cone and extract the charged particles it produces, with a desired energy and direction. Subsequent ion manipulation supplies beams of ions and/or nanoparticles for applications such as electrical propulsion or surface treatment. No liquids suitable to practice this invention have been known in the past and are introduced here as a key aspect of the invention.