Abstract: An occupant restraint system with an illuminable portion and/or thermal source integrated therein.

Abstract: A parallel-plate heat pipe is disclosed that utilizes a plurality of evaporator regions at locations where heat sources (e.g. semiconductor chips) are to be provided. A plurality of curvilinear capillary grooves are formed on one or both major inner surfaces of the heat pipe to provide an independent flow of a liquid working fluid to the evaporator regions to optimize heat removal from different-size heat sources and to mitigate the possibility of heat-source shadowing. The parallel-plate heat pipe has applications for heat removal from high-density microelectronics and laptop computers.

Abstract: Single-edged wood chipper blades which can be repeatedly removed from a wood chipper and sharpened, as needed, to prevent the need for disposing of multiple conventional blades over a prolonged period of repeated use. Each of the replaceable blades typically includes a blade mount base for engaging a rotary chipping head of the chipper, a clamp plate for engaging the blade mount base, and a blade body interposed between the blade mount base and the clamp plate. A blade edge is shaped in the front end of the blade body, and extends from between the blade mount base and the clamp plate. A blade babbitt is provided in the rear end of the blade body. Accordingly, the blade body can easily and repeatedly be removed from between the blade mount base and the clamp plate and sharpened, and again secured in place between the blade mount base and the clamp plate, as needed for optimum and economical operation of the chipper over a prolonged period.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor assembly including a rotor having a radially outer rim with an outer surface shaped to reduce circumferential rim stress concentration between each blade and the rim. Additionally, the shape of the outer surface directs air flow away from an interface between a blade and the rim to reduce aerodynamic performance losses between the rim and blades. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the rim has a concave shape between adjacent blades with apexes located at interfaces between the blades and the rim.

Abstract: Single-edged wood chipper blades which can be repeatedly removed from a wood chipper and sharpened, as needed, to prevent the need for disposing of multiple conventional blades over a prolonged period of repeated use. Each of the replaceable blades typically includes a blade mount base for engaging a rotary chipping head of the chipper, a clamp plate for engaging the blade mount base, and a blade body interposed between the blade mount base and the clamp plate. A blade edge is shaped in the front end of the blade body, and extends from between the blade mount base and the clamp plate. A blade babbitt is provided in the rear end of the blade body. Accordingly, the blade body can easily and repeatedly be removed from between the blade mount base and the clamp plate and sharpened, and again secured in place between the blade mount base and the clamp plate, as needed for optimum and economical operation of the chipper over a prolonged period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the forming of amorphous or near-amorphous, ternary films of W-Si-N on substrates by chemical vapor deposition of WF.sub.6, SiH.sub.4 and NH.sub.3 and a carrier gas. The present invention method will allow the conformal forming of amorphous or near-amorphous, ternary films of W-Si-N on patterned non-planar substrates at temperatures at or below about 450.degree. C., by chemical vapor deposition of WF.sub.6, SiH.sub.4 and NH.sub.3 and a carrier gas. A typical temperature range for the formation of the films is between 473.degree. K. and 773.degree. K., while the reactor pressure can be varied between 0.1 to 50 Torr. The composition of the deposited films is adjusted by varying the flow ratios of the reactive gases.

Abstract: A method of depositing a ternary, refractory based thin film on a substrate by chemical vapor deposition employing precursor sources of tungsten comprising WF.sub.6, either silicon or boron, and nitrogen. The result is a W--Si--N or W--B--N thin film useful for diffusion barrier and micromachining applications.

Abstract: In a die casting machine that includes a shot cylinder having a ram for injecting metal into a die cavity, an electrohydraulic system for controlling operation of the shot cylinder includes an actuator coupled to the shot cylinder ram. A valve supplies hydraulic fluid to the actuator cylinder as a function of valve control signals. Microprocessor-based digital control electronics includes memory for storing a desired ram velocity profile as an incremental function of ram position. The control circuitry is responsive to signals from a sensor coupled to the actuator, indicative of position at the ram, for retrieving corresponding velocity signals from memory and supplying control signals to the valve as a function of such profile velocity signals.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic system for bending tube stock includes a bend head having a mandrel and an actuator coupled to a bending die for engaging the tube stock and bending the stock around the mandrel. A clamp is coupled to a second actuator for gripping the tube stock, and a third actuator mechanism in the form of a boost cylinder is coupled to the clamp for urging the tube stock lengthwise into the bend head. An electrohydraulic valve is responsive to an electronic valve control signal for variably feeding hydraulic fluid to the boost cylinder, and velocity of slip at the clamp is determined. An input pressure command signal is compared with pressure at the boost cylinder to develop a pressure error signal. Slip velocity is compared with a velocity limit command to develop a velocity difference when slip velocity exceeds the velocity limit, and the pressure error signal is modulated and employed as the valve command signal to maintain slip velocity at or below the level of the velocity limit command.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic system for bending tube stock includes a bend head having a mandrel and an actuator coupled to a bending die for engaging the tube stock and bending the stock around the mandrel. A clamp is coupled to a second actuator for gripping the tube stock, and a third actuator mechanism in the form of a boost cylinder is coupled to the clamp for urging the tube stock lengthwise into the bend head. An electrohydraulic valve is responsive to an electronic valve control signal for variably feeding hydraulic fluid to the boost cylinder, and velocity of slip at the clamp is determined. An input pressure command signal is compared with pressure at the boost cylinder to develop a pressure error signal. Slip velocity is compared with a velocity limit command to develop a velocity difference when slip velocity exceeds the velocity limit, and the pressure error signal is modulated and employed as the valve command signal to maintain slip velocity at or below the level of the velocity limit command.