Abstract: An arrangement for concentrically positioning a first part relative to a second part, for example, a casing, or sleeve, (2) relative to a shaft (1), when the parts are made from materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, provides a radial clearance (4) between the first and second parts. The first part (2) is supported along its length by portions facing radially away from the second part, at an abutment arrangement (7, 8) having the same or similar thermal expansion characteristics as the first part (2). The abutment arrangement (7, 8) is held concentric relative to the second part (1).

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are disclosed.

Abstract: A cyclone expansion seal joint assembly for use in interfacing components having differing thermal properties and conditions such as that in power plant, said joint formed of connecting sections (12), each having a series of corrugated plates (4, 8), interspersed between substantially "U"-shaped expansion joints (5, 9), mounted perpendicularly to an inner edge (19, 21) and outer edge (20, 22) of each corrugated plate. The inner and outer perimeters of the assembly may have flanges (6, 10) for attachment to components (3, 7) of the power plant. The sections (12) may be combined to form any predetermined shape and size depending on the particular application.

Abstract: A fastener for securing two workpieces together in a desired spatial relation, at an axial distance within a predetermined spacing range comprising a screw, an insert, and a heat curable member. The heat curable member has a predetermined thickness establishing a maximum spacing within the predetermined range. The screw is drawn down toward the insert and the heat curable member is reduced in thickness until the desired spacial relation is attained. The heat curable member is subsequently cured setting the fastener and the first and second workpieces in the desired special relation.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder, preferably for use as a master or slave brake cylinder or in a hydraulic clutch system, maintains in a simple and inexpensive manner through the use of eccentric bushings the stroke length of the piston rod. The distance between the attachment lug and the attachment point determines the stroke length and is varied by adjusting the narrow tolerance of each bushing.

Abstract: A cylindrical standard shank is provided for rotating cutting tools for locating a standard shank in a cylindrical location opening, precisely produced with regard to shape and true-running accuracy, in the work spindles of so-called transfer lines or of, for example, steep-taper adaptors. The cutting tool is, in turn, fixed by a cylindrical press connection in the standard shank serving as an adaptor between the tool shank and standardized location opening. The standard shank has, at the front, a longitudinally slotted clamping sleeve accurately machined on the inside and outside. The clamping sleeve is clamped by an accurately machined shrink collar of shape-memory alloy which is approximately the same length and has at least the same wall thickness, is present in the austenitic structural state at room temperature and in the process is reduced in diameter on account of suitable pretreatment, and bears tightly against the periphery of the clamping sleeve.

Abstract: A mechanism (100) for fixing the relative position of two members including a first member (104) having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second member (102) positioned adjacent to the first member and having a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The first member (104) is adapted to receive thermal energy. The first and second members are mounted for relative motion therebetween at a first temperature and are in contact at a relative fixed position at a second temperature. In a specific embodiment, a microwave control valve (100) for use in a waveguide is disclosed and includes a housing (104) having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a first plurality of housing waveguide openings (130). A rotor (102) is positioned within the housing and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion and a plurality of rotor waveguide openings (132). The housing (104) is adapted to receive RF energy.

Abstract: A thermally stressed rotary connection of two coaxially aligned shafts includes two metallic coupling sleeves which are connected with the shafts by way of elastic intermediate layers. The two metallic sleeves engage one another. A ceramic centering sleeve is provided radially around the outside of the coupling sleeves and is shrunk onto the two shafts. The arrangement has the advantage of an effective connectability of different shafts such as ceramic or metal, in which case the two shafts may be connected with one another during the mounting. This allows undivided housings to be used.

Abstract: A workpiece transfer arm for supporting and moving a workpiece from one position to another has a telescopic arm one end of which is secured to a mounting bracket and the opposite end of which carries a workpiece support for engagement by the workpiece. The telescopic arm has a rod accommodated in a sleeve. The rod has a plurality of annular grooves occupied by a thermoplastic adhesive which, when at ambient temperature, is solid and fixes the rod in the sleeve. At elevated temperatures, however, the adhesive liquefies and enables relative movement between the sleeve and the rod to enable the position of the workpiece support to be adjusted.

Abstract: A casing around a turbine and a casing around discharge nozzles have a concentrically arranged shell portion. The seal contains internal pressure while accommodating eccentric, expansion and axial travel. Arcuate seal segments have one leg sealing against a radial surface extending from the inner shell and the other leg against the outer shell. A linkage guides travel of the segments.

Abstract: A non-explosive separation device for releasably holding together components of equipment or apparatus which are to be separated under controlled conditions. The separation device and method of operation includes a retaining element having a strain concentrated portion which completely cleaves when strained at a predetermined magnitude. Strain is applied to the retaining element by an actuating element which is comprised of a solid state phase change material having a shape memory. The actuating element is deformed to an armed shape at a temperature below the phase-change transition temperature. The device is activated by heating the actuating element through its transition temperature so that it recovers toward its memory shape. The retaining element is strained beyond its ultimate strength so that it cleaves at the strain concentrated portion.

Abstract: A high temperature ceramic/metallic turbine engine includes a metallic housing which journals a rotor member of the turbine engine. A ceramic disk-like shroud portion of the engine is supported on the metallic housing portion and maintains a close running clearance with the rotor member. A ceramic spacer assembly maintains the close running clearance of the shroud portion and rotor member despite differential thermal movements between the shroud portion and metallic housing portion.

Abstract: A coupling device with a thermal interface occuring along a curved vertical surface is disclosed. One curved surface is on a cold pin extending from a "cold" object and the other curved surface is on a hot pin extending from a "hot" object. The cold pin is fixed and does not move while the hot pin is a flexible member and its movement towards the cold pin will bring the two curved surfaces together forming the coupling and the thermal interface. The actuator member is a shape-memory actuation wire which is attached between the hot pin and the hot object. By properly programming the actuation wire, heat from the hot object will cause the actuation wire to move the hot pin towards the cold pin forming an effective thermal interface. The shape-memory actuation wire is made from a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol.

Abstract: Clearance control is provided by circumferentially segmented cooling manifolds having spray bars located radially outside selected components of the stator casing. Cooling air is directed onto stator components and returns immediately through circuitous paths to improve uniformity of cooling. The spray bars extend through limited circumferential angles to limit distortion due to uneven heating.

Abstract: A releasable connector for interconnecting a first part and a second part, at least one of the parts being subjected to high stresses in particular of vibratory origin and of thermal origin, the connector comprising a sealing ring compressed between the two parts, a main lip formed on the first part to be interconnected, and at least one connection part for exerting a retaining action on the main lip relative to the second part to be interconnected and for compressing the sealing ring. The connector further includes an intermediate ring provided with a flange and constituted by at least two lengths, the intermediate ring being interposed between the main lip and the connection part and being made of a material of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: So as to temporarily connect two elements, such as an artificial satellite lengthening piece and the body of this satellite, a device is used including a holding mechanism (22) of any structure and a freeing member (20) made of a form memory material. The holding mechanism (22) normally applies a holding mechanical tension between the elements. When it is desired to free these elements, the freeing member (20) is heated by, for example, a heating resistor (28) or by using solar energy, until it reaches the transformation temperature of the form memory material. The disposition of the freeing member (20) is such that its change of form suppresses the mechanical holding tension and creates a positive allowance between the elements.

Abstract: A connection for establishing a joint between materials having different coefficient of thermal expansion. The connection has a first and second members made from materials that have different coefficient of thermal expansion. The first member has a cylindrical end with a bore therein and a rib located on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical end. The second member has a first diameter section located in the bore of said first member and a second diameter section. A sleeve which surrounds a portion of the cylindrical end of the first member and the second diameter section of the second member has a groove for receiving the rib on the first member. Bolts extend through the sleeve into the second diameter section to establish an external compressive force between the sleeve and the rib to hold the first member and the second member in a fixed relationship and form a unitary structure.

Abstract: Permanent joinder of structural components is accomplished by means of a heat retractable member connected between them by mechanically interlockable elements and raising the temperature of the member to a value sufficient to cause retraction thereof.

Abstract: A compressor casing in a gas turbine engine includes an inner jacket formed by two half-shells connected by coupling flanges having cylindrical bellows fitted therebetween and arranged to expand and contract to control the inner diameter of the casing depending on the pressure within the bellows as provided by a supply of air taken from the downstream end of the compressor. The two half-shells are also interconnected by an additional flexible connection.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable structural joint particularly suited for use in space systems. The joint comprises a connector having at least two tubular sleeves, at least two tubular members, and at least two annular clamping means for securing the tubular members inside the connector. The connector comprises at least two elements, manufactured from a fiber reinforced composite, which, when mated, form the connector. The tubular members are manufactured from a material having a coefficient of axial expansion of substantially zero. The annular clamping means are manufactured from a material having substantially the same coefficient of radial expansion as the tubular members. The combination of the connector comprises at least two elements and the annular clamping means with substantially the same coefficient of radial expansion as the tubular members allows the joint to accommodate radial expansion and contraction while maintaining axial dimensional stability.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting structures having significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) which substantially eliminates thermal stress with varying ambient temperatures, while allowing said structures to be either abutting or spaced from each other. A frusto-conical bore through a wall of a first structure receives a frusto-conical surface of an elongated fastener which is coincident with said bore. The fastener has a base secured to a second structure. A shoulder is formed on the first structure around the narrow end of the bore, the shoulder having a frusto-conical outer edge. A flange member is secured to the vertex end of said fastener, the flange member having a surface configured to engage the outer edge in a coincident relationship. The fastener is tightened to bring both pairs of coincident conical surfaces into pressure contact. Both parts of conic surface preferably have a common vertex which lies outside the fastener.

Abstract: A stator assembly 20 for a rotary machine 10 includes an outer case 22 and an inner case 56 which is positioned from the outer case. The inner case is formed of segments 76 which overlap and which are relatively slidable in the circumferential direction. Various construction details are developed to keep the segments in an overlapping relationship. In one embodiment, a fastener 104 and slot 102 configuration are used to limit relative circumferential movement between the segments.

Abstract: In a shaft composite structure wherein a ceramic shaft integrally formed with a ceramic turbine rotor is fixed to a metal sleeve integrally formed with a metal rotary shaft of a compressor impeller, a connection edge is located at a position corresponding to a recess for seal ring, and a thickness of tip portion of the metal sleeve is made thin to reduce a stiffness.Therefore, a stress concentration at the connection edge can be eliminated effectively and thus a reliable shaft composite structure can be obtained.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite body is produced by fitting a protruding portion of a ceramic member into a concave portion of a metallic member. In this case, the protruding portion has a quantity of undulation in a plane including the axial line of the protruding portion of not more than 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting structures having significantly different coefficients of thermal expansion which substantially eliminates thermal stress with varying ambient temperatures, while allowing said structures to be offset or spaced from each other. A frusto-conical bore through a wall of a first structure receives a frusto-conical surface of an elongated fastener which is coincident with said bore. The fastener has a base secured to a second structure. A shoulder is formed on said first structure around the narrow end of said bore, the shoulder having a frusto-conical outer edge. A flange member is secured to the vertex end of said fastener, said flange member having a surface configured to engage said outer edge in a coincident relationship. The fastener is tightened to bring both pairs of coincident conical surfaces into pressure contact. Both pairs of conic surface preferably have a common vertex which lies outside the fastener.

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor (18) and shaft (28) are secured against radial loosening between the shaft (28) and axially spaced rotor spigots (24, 26) by annular spacer rings (42, 43) which are fabricated from a material having a thermal coefficient of expansion significantly higher or lower than the thermal coefficients of the shaft (28) or rotor (18). The ring (42, 43) is pre-assembled during production of the engine in an interference fit with either the rotor hub (22) or the shaft (28), being sized to remain tight with the pre-assembled member over a range of operating temperatures, and becoming more tightly fit with the other member due to differential thermal expansion therebetween.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting helix members in series, which consists of a pair of U-shaped elements, one of which is attached to each helix end with the "U" sections of the elements interlocked. The coupling is particularly beneficial for interconnecting helical Nitinol elements utilized in thermal actuators or engines. Each coupling half is attached to the associated helix at two points, thereby providing axial load while being easily removed from the helix, and reusable.

Abstract: Fastener 36 threaded to stud 32 carries disk 46 which retains panels 16. Cooling air 14 passes through an axial opening 34 cooling the center of the disk by impingement cooling. Uniformly spaced involute shaped openings 48 carry cooling air to cool the balance of the disk.

Abstract: A new self supporting expansion joint for use in the preparation of concrete products which comprises a single unit molded inverted T having a flat base adapted for resting on the ground and a vertical beam perpendicularly joined to the center of said base, said beam being thicker at the point of junction with the base than at the top of said beam, the plastic being used for at least a portion of said beam being prepared from a plastic material that compresses and expands on temperature change.

Abstract: There is disclosed a termination device which includes a dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member and a dimensionally heat-unstable insert. The insert is positioned within the tubular member and is in abutting relationship therewith. The termination device may further include a fusible insert or inserts which may be thermoplastic polymeric materials or solder or both. The dimensionally heat-unstable insert is recoverable and the fusible insert or inserts, if present, are meltable at a temperature used to recover the dimensionally heat-unstable tubular member.

Abstract: A pivot rod, such as a push rod of the type found included in fuel injector drive trains and engine cylinder valve drive trains, has a mounting shaft with an interior receiving space at at least one end thereof, and a pivot insert formed of a ceramic material that is positioned with a first portion thereof disposed within the receiving space of the mounting shaft and a second portion thereof projecting axially beyond the end of the mounting shaft.

Abstract: A compression linkage is disclosed for use between a first swivel pin having a first thermal expansion characteristic and a second swivel pin of a second and differing thermal expansion characteristic, comprising: (a) a first shaft comprised of substantially the same material as the first pin and having a mateable end and another end adapted for swivel connection to said first pin; (b) a second shaft comprised of substantially the same material as the second pin and having a mateable end and another end adapted for swivel connection to said second pin; and (c) means providing a rigid compression joint between the mateable ends of said first and second shafts. Preferably, the first pin is adapted to operate in a high temperature environment, such as 400.degree.-500.degree. F., and is comprised of a ceramic effective to have a flexural strength of at least 100,000 psi (500 MPa) in such temperature range.

Abstract: The inlet flow guide includes a generally cylindrical shroud plate, a generally cylindrical bridge piece, elongated attachment members, biasing members and sealing members. The shroud plate is in confronting cylindrical sections, is adapted to be attached to the pair of confronting stationary blades of the annular rows of turbine blades, and includes tapped bores therethrough. The cylindrical sections of the shroud plate are in arc cylindrical sections. The bridge piece is in semi cylindrical sections and has bores therethrough of a predetermined size to accommodate expected movements during the operation of the turbine, and which are capable of alignment with the bores of the shroud plate. The attachment members have enlarged heads and shoulders and are disposed within the bores of the bridge piece and shroud plate to attach the bridge piece to the shroud plate.

Abstract: A metal housing is provided with lead in members by way of a compression seal using a glass that can be worked below about 480.degree. C. The housing and lead in members can be preplated in a low cost process to provide a suitable protective coating that is present under the glass after the seal is made. This obviates a post seal plating and therefore avoids the related problems. It also permits using aluminum as the housing material.

Abstract: A temperature-actuated apparatus is disclosed for releasably supporting a safety rod in a nuclear reactor, comprising a safety rod upper adapter having a retention means, a drive shaft which houses the upper adapter, and a bimetallic means supported within the drive shaft and having at least one ledge which engages a retention means of the safety rod upper adapter. A pre-determined increase in temperature causes the bimetallic means to deform so that the ledge disengages from the retention means, whereby the bimetallic means releases the safety rod into the core of the reactor.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for accurately positioning an object such as a work has a guide track secured to the associated frame by a plurality of tightening devices each having a tightening force adjusting member. The guide track is also pressed laterally against a vertical face portion formed on the associated frame by means of a plurality of pressing plates which are affixed to the frame by other tightening devices each having a pressing force adjusting member. Both the tightening devices securely holds the guide track on the frame while allowing relative movement therebetween caused by a difference in the amount of thermal expansion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible metal joint in which two envelopes surrounding a metal core. The joint has, along its periphery which does not have an opening, at least two bosses, at which the envelope is not in contact with the joint core. A relative displacement between the flanges of the assembly between which the joint is secured consequently has no effect on the efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A linkage element for releasing a mechanism under influence of temperature, such as a fire extinguishing sprinkler or ventilation shutter. The element must be capable of retaining a maximum bias force, but has also to show a short response time to excessive temperature conditions. The linkage element comprises a pair of coplanar flat jaws, opposite to each other and having a common base. The resistance to flexion in the plane of each jaw is high, whereas the resistance in a plane perpendicular thereto is low. The element further comprises a shape memory alloy, treated for moving the jaws apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the jaws when the critical temperature is reached. The element is preferably made in the form of a small thin plate of shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A pipe cluster unit comprises a plurality of plastic pipes arranged parallel to one another and being in mutual engagement with one another along longitudinal lines of contact to form a pipe cluster and a cover layer bonded to external surface portions of the pipes. The cover layer connects adjoining pipes to one another by bridging the adjoining pipes at locations spaced from respective lines of contact between adjoining pipes.

Abstract: A metal-to-ceramic fastening device is disclosed for securing a metal member to a ceramic member with respective confronting surfaces thereon clamped together, comprising a threaded bolt adapted to extend through a bolt hole in the metal member and into an aligned opening in the ceramic member, a rod nut threadedly receiving the bolt and adapted to span the opening in the ceramic member, and a pressure limiting member received on the bolt between the nut and the confronting surface of the metal member for limiting the movement of the nut toward the metal member when the bolt is tightened, so as to limit the pressure applied by the nut to the ceramic member to avoid damage thereto. The fastening device also prevents damage to the ceramic member due to thermal stresses. The pressure limiting member may have a shallow dish-shaped depression facing the rod nut to assist in accommodating thermal stresses.

Abstract: A safety belt coupling device which comprises components mutually attached by a heat degradable adhesive, such as a low-melting solder. At a predetermined temperature, degradation of the adhesive occurs, which allows the components to separate and thus release the safety belt.

Abstract: A daze fastener system for connecting two or more structural elements wherein the structural elements and fastener parts have substantially different coefficient of thermal expansion physical property characteristics is employed in this invention. By providing frusto-conical abutting surfaces between the structural elements and fastener parts any differences in thermal expansion/contraction between the parts is translated to sliding motion and avoids deleterious thermal stresses in the connection. An essential feature for isotropic homogeneous material connections is that at least two sets of mating surfaces are required wherein each set of mating surfaces have line element extensions that pass through a common point.

Abstract: Differential thermal growth between joined flanged members is accommodated by making proximate pairs of axially extending sawcuts through the flange and into the casings to form elongated tabs which define sawcut springs. By joining the flanged members at the location of some of the sawcut springs, the springs deflect to permit differential thermal growth. Additionally, the flanged members can be maintained in a centered position, even under conditions of thermal growth, by centering the member by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced jackscrews which engage the remainder of the sawcut springs.

Abstract: A method of attaching a metal shaft (10) to a ceramic shaft (12) having a first diameter (d.sub.1) is characterized by the following steps. A shaft portion (16) is formed on the ceramic shaft with a second diameter (d.sub.2) less than the first diameter. The shaft portion extends from a free end (18) thereof along a portion of the length of the ceramic shaft to a terminal end (20) thereof where the ceramic shaft has a raised portion (22) formed thereon having a third diameter (d.sub.3) less than the first diameter but greater than the second diameter. The free end of the shaft portion has threads (24) thereon. A circular shaped expansion sleeve (26) is placed on the shaft portion in an encircling relationship therewith, the expansion sleeve extending from the raised portion of the metal shaft to a location (28) adjacent a termination of the threads on the shaft portion. All of the members are cooled and then assembled with the metal shaft.

Abstract: The housing of a pump, compressor, heat exchanger or another part which is subjected to thermally and/or otherwise induced expansion and contraction has several spaced-apart legs or analogous portions movably secured to a base plate or the like so that the legs are movable along straight or arcuate paths intersecting each other at or close to a fixed reference point within or without the confines of the part. The base plate has discrete guides for the legs of the expandible and contractible part, and such guides are designed to allow the respective portions to move along the corresponding paths toward or away from the reference point, depending upon whether the part contracts or expands. The guides can be slotted or recessed, or they may constitute rotary components having eccentric sections extending into openings of the respective legs.

Abstract: A method of attaching a metal shaft (10) to a ceramic shaft (12) having a first diameter (d.sub.1) is characterized by the following steps. A shaft portion (16) is formed on the ceramic shaft with a second diameter (d.sub.2) less than the first diameter. The shaft portion extends from a free end (18) thereof along a portion of the length of the ceramic shaft to a terminal end (20) thereof. A circular shaped metal lock nut (22) is placed on the shaft portion in an encircling relationship therewith. This lock nut has threads (24) on an outer facing surface thereof and a back end (26) which contacts the terminal end of the shaft portion. A circular shaped expansion sleeve (28) is placed on the shaft portion in an encircling relationship therewith, the expansion sleeve extending from the metal lock nut to the free end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: Shrink fit sleeves 30 interposed between the hub 21 and the shaft 10 of a large rotating apparatus adapted for operation in an environment subject to severe cyclical loading as occasioned by large thermal transients, are provided with the property of having greater axial shear flexibility than radial flexibility and/or greater axial flexibility than that of the shrunk on component 21.

Abstract: A thermally compliant structural interconnection of a support structure and working material components provided by surfaces of the working material components being engaged by surfaces of the support structure. Dissimilar materials or components that are at different temperatures may be interconnected by support structure projections engaging recesses in the components. By providing the recesses in at least two axially displaced rows, the projections expansion or contraction relative to the recesses is compensated for thereby maintaining the projections in engagement with the surfaces of the recesses. Accordingly, relative displacements of the members axes are minimized and distortions circumvented.

Abstract: A rotary drum having a toothed rim arranged on the drum casing and supported at several peripheral points on the drum casing by evenly distributed bridge members. Each bridge member includes two clips axially spaced from one another and welded to the drum casing and a cross plate which connects the clips and is radially spaced from the drum casing. Each cross plate is rigidly connected to one clip and slideably connected in the axial direction to the other clip so that differing degrees of thermal expansion and resulting deformation of the cross plates and further strain on the cross plates, clips and connection points can be compensated for.