Abstract: An integrated drive unit having planetary gearing and an annular cone brake element affixed to a hydraulic motor barrel. A brake piston encircles the hydraulic motor barrel and is selectively engageable with the cone brake element to actuate the cone brake element into frictional contact with the spindle of the integrated drive unit to act as a safety/parking brake. The cone brake element is formed of a bronze-type powdered metal of sufficient durability to withstand dynamic braking. The hydraulic motor is selectively connectable to a transmission including planetary gearing. The planetary gearing of the present invention includes a planet gear carrier having carrier pins formed of a relatively low carbon steel and locally hardened over the area on which the planet gears will be supported. In an alternative embodiment, a carrier pins sleeve formed of VESPEL is utilized as the bearing between the planet gear and the carrier pin.

Abstract: A method of avoiding low cycle fatigue failure of a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine having an electronic control module comprising the steps of: counting the number of cycles the speed of the engine and the fuel rate exceed a predetermined combination for a period of time and then drop below a lower predetermined combination for a period of time, determining an allowable number of said speed cycles that the turbocharger can experience without low cycle fatigue failure, comparing the counted number of speed cycles to the allowed number of speed cycles, providing an indication of the percentage of the counted speed cycles compared to the allowable number of speed cycles, and providing a signal that will alert an operator that the turbocharger is approaching low cycle fatigue failure.

Abstract: A method for providing an article of manufacture is described such that the article has a bracket with a pair of parallel, spaced-apart arms affixed thereto, with a hole in each of the arms, the holes being aligned with each other and precisely spatially positioned relative to a fixed reference point on the article of manufacture which is external to the bracket in which the holes are made. In this manner, the cumulative imprecisions inherent in welding the bracket to the article and punching the holes in the bracket are not necessarily additive and a more precise spatial orientation of the holes with the reference point may be obtained.

Abstract: A ramp stowable beneath the floor of a vehicle is normally power driven between retracted and extended positions. The drive, or propelling, mechanism for the ramp provides for the ramp to be manually disconnected from the propelling mechanism for manual extension and retraction in the event of a power failure in the system.

Abstract: A system for circulating hot or cold liquid through a pad placed in thermal contact with a patient for thermal therapy. The system includes a flexible thermal pad with an internal channel for carrying the liquid and a pump assembly for circulating and optionally heating the liquid. The patient-contacting surface of the pad comprises a foam having a cushioned surface to reduce the risk of ischemia and enhance patient comfort. An open-cell foam structure absorbs and retains moisture for applying moist heat. The system is microprocessor controlled and includes a heater to warm the liquid to a selectable temperature for heat therapy. A display selectively indicates set-point or actual liquid temperature in either .degree. F. or .degree. C. as desired. Safety features include three separate over-temperature sensors, a tilt switch and a float switch which de-energize both the heater and the pump when an abnormal temperature is sensed, the unit is tipped or a low liquid level is sensed, respectively.

Abstract: A process for reducing the permeability of a high permeability region in a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation by preparing an aqueous gelation solution at the surface comprised of a water-soluble polymer, a metal carboxylate crosslinking agent and a carboxylic acid delaying agent. The delaying agent substantially delays gelation of the solution until it is injected and in place in the desired treatment region.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for retaining an electrical element securely within a housing is specifically adapted for use with a loop-shaped (e.g., substantially annular) electrical element, having two ends separated by a small gap. The mechanism comprises a gap-registrable member in the housing cavity containing the electrical element, whereby the gap-registrable member registers with, and fits into the gap of the electrical element when the latter is seated on a seating surface in the cavity. The gap-registrable member is dimensioned to spread the gap, thereby radially expanding the electrical element to bring it into a locking frictional engagement against the walls of the cavity. The gap-registrable element advantageously serves also as a stop for a rotational contact, or wiper, included with the electronic device. The side wall of the cavity is advantageously provided with a radially-inwardly extending lip that is engageable with the electrical element to restrain it from lifting off of the seating surface.

Abstract: In an electronic device, of the type having an electronic component carried on a substrate, a housing to enclose the component, and terminal leads attached to the substrate, the housing is attached to the substrate by means of crimped tabs formed on extensions of the terminal leads. The extensions are directly generally perpendicularly to the substrate, and they terminate in inwardly-bent tabs which engage the housing in slots provided in the top surface of the housing. The tabs are crimped downwardly into the slots to lock the housing onto the substrate. An O-ring may optionally be retained in the housing, whereby the crimping of the tabs compresses the O-ring against the substrate to provide a substantially hermetic seal.

Abstract: A socket for an integrated circuit device, particularly of the "Small Outline" type, includes a receptacle having a base and a pair of opposing side walls. A row of spaced-apart, generally vertical guide members extending inwardly from the interior surface of each side wall defines a row of generally vertical slots adjacent the interior surface of each side wall. Near the bottom of each slot is an electrical contact, comprising a pair of elongate, overlapping wire loops, each having a leg interposed between the legs of the other loop. The contact has one end conductively connected to an interior portion of a conductive pin which extends through the base of the receptacle. The other end of the contact is a free end that exhibits a resilient flexibility. A cover is provided with two opposed rows of downwardly-extending fingers, each of which is registrable with, and receivable in, one of the slots.

Abstract: A terminal lead for a miniature electronic component or the like includes an integral clip formed at one end for engagement with a substrate onto which the component has been deposited. The clip has a labyrinthine configuration which provides a secure grip on the substrate through extended length contact therewith. This extended length contact also reduces stress on the solder joint between the lead and a metallized contact area on the substrate, while also providing improved sealing with a molded plastic housing which encases the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a self-compressing supersonic flow is provided by use of a contoured supersonic nozzle design. The shape of the supersonic nozzle array can be composed of curved blades which provide a focusing effect for a supersonic flow which will provide a gradient change in mach number along the supersonic flow path and efficient pressure recovery. Ideal design permits the self-compressing flow to have a secondary throat with down stream mach number of approximately one. As a result, a gas dynamic laser will have a well defined lasing region shortly after the increase in velocity of the working fluid to supersonic speeds. Controlled shaping of the supersonic flow is provided by means which will either use high speed jets or the Coanda effect. Further refining of the shape of the flow can permit the lasing region to take on the shape of a torus.

Abstract: A garment providing an emergency source of breathing gas is disclosed which utilizes small diameter tubing to form a reservoir for storage of high-pressure gas. A mask and pressure regulator attached to the reservoir enable a user to tap the stored gas. The tubing reservoir may be incorporated in the fabric of the garment, or retained between layers of the garment. A lightweight shielding layer protects the user against injury caused by accidental rupture of the high-pressure reservoir.

Abstract: Magnetic recording medium having a binder-free magnetizable coating of M.sub.2 P where M consists essentially of a combination of at least two transition metals, preferably iron, nickel and/or cobalt, which medium has high coercivity and low Curie temperature, making it especially useful as an intermediate transfer medium for thermoremanent contact duplication.

Abstract: A variety of peach tree which is of large size, vigorous spreading growth, being a productive and regular bearer of large size, firm, yellow-flesh, freestone fruit having yellow skin substantially overspread with red. The fruit is further characterized by its good eating, canning and stowage quality.