Abstract: A lubrication system includes an external pump system which pumps air out of the housing and develop negative pressure therein in response to a loss of lubrication condition. The negative pressure operates as an air lock to minimize or prevent lubricating oil loss from the housing while an internal lubrication system continues to distribute lubricating oil—which although now increasing in temperature—still operates to lubricate the gearbox components. For further ballistic tolerance, the housing is a compound housing that reduces or closes the penetration and further minimizes lubricating oil and negative pressure loss. The housing may be still further hardened by an armor layer.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an external pump system which pumps air out of the housing and develop negative pressure therein in response to a loss of lubrication condition. The negative pressure operates as an air lock to minimize or prevent lubricating oil loss from the housing while an internal lubrication system continues to distribute lubricating oil—which although now increasing in temperature—still operates to lubricate the gearbox components. For further ballistic tolerance, the housing is a compound housing that reduces or closes the penetration and further minimizes lubricating oil and negative pressure loss. The housing may be still further hardened by an armor layer.

Abstract: In a solids profile measurement system for determining the quality of a solids bed formed from a liquid-solid slurry in a vessel, a sensor adapted to generate signals indicative of a profile as measured by progressively immersing the sensor deeper into the slurry is provided. An extension mechanism, at least a portion of which is coupled at one end to the sensor and at an opposite end to a piece of processing equipment, is provided to affect retrograde movement in a first direction to immerse the sensor in a slurry, and in a second direction opposite the first direction. A controller in communication with the extension mechanism is also provided and issues commands thereto and receives signals generated by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small, cylindrical hinge, or pivoting pin, which can be configured to produce various profiles of torque versus angle. The desired profile of torque versus angle is achieved by the shapes of the hinge shaft and the spring plates of the hinge. Detents at one or more angular positions can be achieved, with or without frictional damping torque at other angles. The friction of our hinge is produced symmetrically about the hinge axis, eliminating the problems associated with asymmetric construction.

Abstract: A hinge that provides equilibration and variable friction for a display screen or a laptop lid. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion rod provides a restoring force which increases as the lid is moved either direction from its vertical position. A friction hinge, of well know design, uses a spring band about a shaft. One end of the torsion rod is coupled to the end of the band of the friction hinge, so that the moment in the torsion rod increases or decreases the moment in the spring band of the hinge, modifying the frictional torque accordingly. This allows the frictional torque to be low as the lid is first opened, and larger as the display reaches the useful range of its motion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a friction hinge assembly that can be inexpensively produced having a shaft and, in the simplest embodiment, one sheet metal part. In the preferred embodiment, the friction band and the bracket are one piece. In order to achieve the necessary alignment between the axis of the friction band and the axis of the shaft, the configuration of the mounting hole for the shaft is elongated only along one axis. This provides clearance for necessary manufacturing tolerances without introducing additional backlash. In another embodiment, proper alignment is assured by slotted mounting holes for mounting the friction bands to the bracket.