Abstract: A threaded coupling assembly include a union (12), a tube end (14), and a coupling nut (16). A pair of telescoping indicator rings (30, 32), a radially outer ring and a radially inner ring, are respectively connected to the union and the nut. The inner ring has a first visual characteristic contrasting with a second visual characteristic of the inner ring. The outer ring has a third visual characteristic contrasting with the second visual characteristic of the inner ring. The first visual characteristic is aligned with and viewable through the window (60) of the outer ring when the threaded coupling assembly is in the fully assembled state, and the first visual characteristic is out of alignment with the window when the threaded coupling assembly is not in the fully assembled state. The assembly may utilize tapered threads and have one or more features for self-alignment and/or sealability.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing a moisture level of a working fluid includes a body housing a moisture indicator that changes color in the presence of moisture. The moisture indicator has a fixed position immersed in a path of fluid flow through the body. A light source is configured to transmit light through the moisture indicator to a color-sensing sensor of the sensor system. The sensor is separated from fluid flow through the system, and the system is configured to prevent external light from affecting the sensor. The moisture indicator is manually viewable where necessary. The sensor system also is configured to provide an electric signal corresponding to the color level of the moisture indicator, to generate an alarm signal with respect to a moisture level, to adjust for change in light intensity being sensed by the sensor, and to signify if the moisture indicator is damaged or has failed.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing a moisture level of a working fluid includes a body housing a moisture indicator that changes color in the presence of moisture. The moisture indicator has a fixed position immersed in a path of fluid flow through the body. A light source is configured to transmit light through the moisture indicator to a color-sensing sensor of the sensor system. The sensor is separated from fluid flow through the system, and the system is configured to prevent external light from affecting the sensor. The moisture indicator is manually viewable where necessary. The sensor system also is configured to provide an electric signal corresponding to the color level of the moisture indicator, to generate an alarm signal with respect to a moisture level, to adjust for change in light intensity being sensed by the sensor, and to signify if the moisture indicator is damaged or has failed.

Abstract: An orbital vehicle (34) having a propulsion module (33) and a logistics module (36). The logistics module includes a generally cylindrical outer shell (56, 541, 542) with first and second ends. An openable cover (58) is coupled with the outer shell at the first end, thereby providing access to the interior of the logistics module. The second end is adapted to couple to the propulsion module. A cargo container (54) is disposed generally within the outer shell, the cargo container including a berthing mechanism (70) disposed to be accessible when the cover is opened. A retractable grapple fixture (176) is provided on the logistics module, selectively positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the grapple fixture is in the extended position a grapple shaft (78) can be accessed to secure the orbital vehicle. When the grapple fixture is retracted, it is enclosed within the orbital vehicle.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a trailer hitch includes a ball clamp member which has lateral arms or wings that limit the pivotal movement of the ball clamp member thereby improving the opportunity for the ball to properly fit in and totally seat within the cavity defined within the socket assembly.

Abstract: A two-stage wingless reusable aerospace vehicle having upper and lower stages that take off from a take-off area and separate at a separation point along a first trajectory. The separation forces are generated by air retained between the upper and lower stages, which is at a pressure higher than ambient pressure at the separation point. The lower stage is then propelled along a return trajectory to a landing area. After separation from the lower stage, the upper stage continues to an Earth orbit for deployment of a payload. After deploying the payload, the upper stage moves out of the Earth orbit, re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, and returns to the take-off and landing area. The upper and lower stages are powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene engines.

Abstract: The swirler for the fuel nozzle of the combustor of a gas turbine engine in engine designs where the swirler is off set from the center line of the combustor, localized erosion is obviated by locating and angling air cooling holes around the air swirler body to for flowing the cooling air uniformly along the body surface from bottom up to the tip of the swirler.

Abstract: The stator case for the compressor of a gas turbine engine is tied to the outer full hoop case by a spool/bolt assembly where the spool carries flange-like elements bearing against both cases and always being in compression and the bolt includes a relatively long shaft extending through the outer case to tie it to the spool which is threaded to bosses formed on the stator case for providing sufficient support during an engine surge while having good fatigue life characteristics. The threads of the bolt and spool are sized differently to assure that the bolt loosens before the spool.

Abstract: An improved patient chair includes a seat section, a pivotally attached back support and a removably attached leg support. A manually actuated camming mechanism permits adjustment of the back support between a prone position and a seated position. The leg support is detachable from the seat section to facilitate use of the patient chair construction as a chair.

Abstract: An improved transfer system for patients is incorporated either with a tub enclosure or a mobile frame and includes telescoping tubes for lifting a patient chair and thus elevating the patient and lowering the patient into the tube enclousre. The lift system incorporates an improved coupling assembly for coupling the actuator for telescoping the inner tube within the fixed outer tube of the assembly.

Abstract: The bathing tub assembly includes a removable side wall panel which is slidably engageable with a slot along the edge of an opening through the side wall of the tub. A special seal construction for the panel edge and slot prevents leakage of the contents of the tub through the slot.

Abstract: An improved buckle construction for coupling a flexible strap to a bushing includes a special buckle cooperative with both a strap that fits through a slot in the buckle and a bushing. The strap is positioned in a through slot in the buckle and engages the head of the bushing positioned in a keyhole in the buckle to bias the bushing into a locked position. The strap is maintained in a locked position in the through slot by means of a biased lever which is manually releasable.

Abstract: The compressor section which comprises a first group of stages are rotably supported in an axially split outer case and the second group of stages are rotatably supported in a full hoop outer case. The segmented stator within the full hoop outer case is tied to the full hoop outer case by spool/bolt elements such that each segment includes a spool/bolt element at each end and a spool/bolt element in the center thereof.

Abstract: System for guiding articles along a path, consisting of a rail with a metal core and a sheath of polymer material surrounding it, the sheath being formed to provide a generally cylindrical surface facing toward the path and to provide an opposite surface adapted to be used in clamping the rail in a selected position.

Abstract: An epoxy-encased wound capacitor suitable for being surface mounted and wave soldered to electronic circuitry, e.g. circuit boards and process for making the epoxy-encased wound capacitor. The wound capacitor is formed from winding together lengths of two bilaminar ribbons. The capacitor is then cured by exposing it to ultrasonic energy according to a predefined ultrasonic profile while at substantially the same time, mechanically pressing the capacitor. Contacts are formed on the capacitor and wire leads attached. Subsequently, the capacitor is placed in a flexible, reusable plastic mold featuring lead guides for precisely spacing the leads of the capacitor. Bubble-free epoxy is poured in the molds and heat cured. The epoxy-encased capacitor, suitable for surface mounting and wave soldering, is then removed from the mold.

Abstract: The inner and outer diameter of the flange of a snap ring are oriented relative to each other and the adjacent cases to which it is attached serve to support the high pressure turbine vanes of a gas turbine engine to maintain concentricity between the turbine rotor and stator.