Abstract: A rivet feed system which includes a base feeder assembly (28), having a rivet passageway (30) extendign lengthwise therethrough. The base feeder assembly (28) includes cutout regions to receive rivet injectors (24) which are moved in operation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an opening (80) in the injectors (24) forms a part of the passageway (30) through the base feeder assembly (28), while in the second position, the opening (80) is positioned directly beneath a vertically oriented rivet cartridge (22) to receive a rivet therefrom. The passageway (30) is connected to a source of pressurized air (32) which moves rivets therealong to a rivet machine or the like. The plurality of cartridges (22) positioned along the base feeder assembly contain rivets of various selected sizes.

Abstract: The deicing system includes a plurality of relatively thin, flat coils positioned between an aircraft surface and an outer sheet. If the aircraft surface is electrically conducting such as aluminum, such that eddy currents may be established therein, then the outer sheet is resistant to eddy currents being established therein. An electrically conducting layer may be positioned between the coil and the aircraft surface to improve efficiency. If the aircraft surface is resistant to eddy currents being established therein, then outer sheet is electrically conducting. However, if an electrically conducting layer is positioned between coil and outer sheet, the outer sheet may be made from non-conducting material. A rapidly rising current through the coil will result in a rapid repulsion between the coil and the particular member which is electrically conducting, causing ice to be removed (shattered) from the outer sheet.

Abstract: A power supply for use with an electromagnetic force system used for dent removal or proof load testing, wherein the power supply includes slow and fast current pulse systems. The slow current pulse system includes a capacitor bank which is charged up to 1000 volts, while the fast current pulse system includes a capacitor bank which is charged up to 10k volts. Control switches are provided for each system which result in discharge of the respective capacitor banks into a work coil adjacent the workpiece at selected times. A crowbar circuit is provided across the coil, and is triggered following discharge of the fast current pulse system. The crowbar circuit includes a series connection of several diodes to block the high negative reverse voltage and an SCR to block the low forward voltge, the SCR being triggered at the selected time to initiate conduction of the crowbar.

Abstract: A C-shaped yoke (42) extends over the top of a fixture (10) containing a part to be assembled. A first support frame (70) is supported on the fixture (10) and moves longitudinally therealong. A second support frame (94) is secured to the yoke (42) and is mounted on the first support frame (70) for vertical movement relative thereto. One linear actuator (128) connects one portion (122) of the second support frame (94) to the remainder thereof so as to provide a capability of yaw movement for the yoke (42), while another linear actuator (200) connects the second support frame (94) with the yoke (42) in such a manner as to provide a capability of roll movement for the yoke (42). A pair of actuator systems (54,56) are mounted on the lower ends of the yoke (42) for movement toward and away from each other. The actuator systems (54,56) contain the automated tools such as drill, riveting assemblies, etc., for performing the desired mechanical operations.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a driver (86). The driver (86) includes a front portion (90) which is adapted to receive a riveting die (92), and a rear portion (88) which is a copper plate. The copper plate (88) is receptive to the establishment of magnetic field currents therein. The actuator further includes a coil (72) which is positionable in close proximity to the copper plate (88) of the driver (86). The apparatus further includes a bank of capacitors having a stored charge so as to produce a current pulse through the coil (72) when the capacitors are connected to the coil (72). Still further, the apparatus includes a control means for selectively connecting the stored charge from the capacitors to the coil. The copper plate (88) is relatively thick compared to that used in high voltage electromagnetic actuators, such that the present apparatus requires only a relatively low voltage in order to produce the required high forces to accomplish the desired riveting.

Abstract: A modular, electromagnetic de-icing system, useful for aircraft, each module being self-contained and including an actuator coil which has a surface configuration which is substantially the same as the shape of the aircraft surface to be de-iced. Each module further includes an electrolytic capacitor which, when discharged, produces a current pulse through the actuator coil, as well as a power supply connected directly to the aircraft-voltage supply for charging the electrolytic capacitor to a selected level, and an electronic switch for selectively connecting the capacitor to the coil when the voltage on the capacitor reaches a selected level. The current through the coil results in a magnetic force pulse which acts on the metal skin of the aircraft to debond and shatter the ice therefrom.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a driver (86). The driver (86) includes a front portion (90) which is adapted to receive a riveting die (92), and a rear portion (88) which is a copper plate. The copper plate (88) is receptive to the establishment of magnetic field currents therein. The actuator further includes a coil (72) which is positionable in close proximity to the copper plate (88) of the drive (86). The apparatus further includes a bank of capacitors having a stored charge so as to produce a current pulse through the coil (72) when the capacitors are connected to the coil (72). Still further, the apparatus includes a control means for selectively connecting the stored charge from the capacitors to the coil. The copper plate (88) is relatively thick compared to that used in high voltage electromagnetic actuators, such that the present apparatus requires only a relatively low voltage in order to produce the required high forces to accomplish the desired riveting.

Abstract: Electrified filter bed apparatus includes inner and outer cylindrical bed-retaining structures for confining a granular bed therebetween. The inner cylindrical structure may comprise a cage of superposed frusto-conical louvers and the outer structure may comprise a similar cage or a perforated cylindrical, liquid-drainage sheet. A cylindrical bed electrode for electrically charging the bed granules is suspended between the retaining structures. The tubular bed surrounds an internal gas passage from which polluted gas flows through the bed from the inside out. Gas enters the internal passage from above through an ionizer section of the apparatus. The ionizer section may include a disc-type ionizer assembly in an ionizer tube. The tube may form an extension of the inner louver cage. A corona discharge may be formed between the disc and the ionizer tube by providing electric current to the discs, whereby the corona discharge electrically charges particulate material within the gas stream.