Abstract: A passive thermal switch apparatus to produce an alteration between high and low thermal conductance above and below a selected set-point. The changing of thermal conductance enables amelioration of component and system temperatures and protection of components from extreme change of external or directly imposed heat load conditions. The switch actuates passively, meaning the switch will respond to the change in environment or applied heat without external interaction of control of a motor, sensor, signal, etc.

Abstract: Modular thermal truss plates are structures to hold mechanical loads of devices while also distributing heat in multiple directions “in plane” parallel to the truss plate, and “through-plane” orthogonal to the planar direction. An embedded lattice forms spaces or slots to receive thermally conductive spacer inserts conducting “through-plane” (a comparatively short distance, in a plate thickness direction) as well as comparatively longer (than the comparatively short distance) relief “channels” extending across from edge to edge (in the planar directions) sized for receiving flat heat pipe strips transferring heat therealong. With precision available by pre-fabricating the lattice with pre-threaded holes at vertices, the assembly into it of heat pipes and conductive inserts as well as attachment of outer skins and framing is faster, more precise, and reliable, with no need for risky or imprecise measuring or drilling after assembly.

Abstract: Modular thermal truss plates carry heat in multiple directions. Framing around an array of flat heat pipes provides mechanical and thermal connections to other truss plates, and a base, such as a satellite, thereby supporting thermally active equipment. Walls sandwich banks of flat heat pipes and may bond to a honey comb, metal core conducting heat between multiple walls. Each bank of flat heat pipes passes heat best in one direction, and may be formed of corrugated copper sheets spaced apart by a metal mesh, such as an expanded metal or screen, also stamped or otherwise formed into a corrugated configuration. Joining methods (e.g., brazing, soldering, etc.) increase stiffness, pressure containment, and strength, by binding the two layers of metal sheet to one another.

Abstract: Modular thermal truss plates carry heat in multiple directions. Framing around an array of flat heat pipes provides mechanical and thermal connections to other truss plates, and a base, such as a satellite, thereby supporting thermally active equipment. Walls sandwich banks of flat heat pipes and may bond to a honey comb, metal core conducting heat between multiple walls. Each bank of flat heat pipes passes heat best in one direction, and may be formed of corrugated copper sheets spaced apart by a metal mesh, such as an expanded metal or screen, also stamped or otherwise formed into a corrugated configuration. Joining methods (e.g., brazing, soldering, etc.) increase stiffness, pressure containment, and strength, by binding the two layers of metal sheet to one another.

Abstract: Modular thermal truss plates carry heat in multiple directions. Framing around an array of flat heat pipes provides mechanical and thermal connections to other truss plates, and a base, such as a satellite, thereby supporting thermally active equipment. Walls sandwich banks of flat heat pipes and may bond to a honey comb, metal core conducting heat between multiple walls. Each bank of flat heat pipes passes heat best in one direction, and may be formed of corrugated copper sheets spaced apart by a metal mesh, such as an expanded metal or screen, also stamped or otherwise formed into a corrugated configuration. Joining methods (e.g., brazing, soldering, etc.) increase stiffness, pressure containment, and strength, by binding the two layers of metal sheet to one another.

Abstract: A mower deck assembly which essentially “flips up” or raises from a mowing configuration to an access configuration-with minimal manipulation of controls and manual lifting. A deck is connected to a frame by a parallelogram suspension which includes front and rear support arms. A rear of the deck removably connects through a height adjustment mechanism that includes the hook and capture device selectively allows the rear of the deck to swing freely so that when the mower is in a non mowing configuration. The deck has mounted thereon a plurality of pulleys, including blade pulleys connected by a single drive belt and driven by a single motor. One of said the pulleys is a tension pulley that can be manipulated to disengage the pulley system. The front of the suspension includes a fine height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A front mounted mower deck includes a mounting and support assembly for operably joining the deck to a motorized vehicle. The mounting and support assembly includes a pair of pusher bars swivelly attached at one end to the deck and at the opposite end to the vehicle. A hanger is pivotally mounted on each pusher bar and includes a slot which receives a slot follower mounted on the deck to allow articulation from side to side by movement of the slot followers in the slots. Each hanger is biased to maintain an associated slot follower in the slot therefor. However, the hanger can be manually manipulated to overcome the biasing force so that the slot followers are released from the slots, thereby allowing the deck to be rotated about the connection with the pusher bars to provide for cleaning, maintenance, etc.

Abstract: A belt tensioner for a twisted belt that tends to elongate during usage includes a tensioning pulley for operably engaging the twisted belt, a carrier for the pulley pivotally connected to a frame, a tensioning device for applying continuous force to the tensioning pulley carrier so as to tension the belt, and an unidirectional locking mechanism that allows the carrier to swing in only one direction and not in a reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-buck vehicle comprising an engine chassis, an implement pivotally connected to a front end of the engine chassis, and an anti-buck device connecting the engine chassis to the implement to prevent sudden pivotal movement of the engine chassis toward the implement.