Abstract: A composite tube structure is disclosed in which the end of the composite tube is either flared out at the end or is tapered in at the end and the flared or tapered portion is accurately formed to its final dimension so as to require no machining to size. An end assembly is applied to the end of the tube which has inner and outer portions fitting precisely into the inner and outer surfaces of the end of the tube. The inner and outer end pieces are drawn axially together to secure the tube in the end assembly between the inner and outer portions under a predetermined radial stress. The tube is secured to the end assembly without the use of pins or other fasteners which require severing the fiber strands of the tube.

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: The invention provides an improved combined body of ceramics and metal which maintains high anti-torsional strength and anti-slip off strength while stress concentration is relaxed and deterioration of the ceramics is well prevented. The combined body includes a ceramic member inserted into and firmly engaged with a recess or an opening of a metal member. The combined body has a treated surface region in the vicinity of an engagement end of a contact surface of either the ceramic member or the metal member, and an untreated surface region at a location other than the vicinity of the engagement end.

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 retainer member (2) suitable for retaining a gap filler (1) placed in gaps (20) between adjacent tile members (21, 22). One edge of the retainer member (2) may be attached to the gap filler (1) and another edge may be provided with a plurality of tab members (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) which in an intermediate position do not interfere with placement or removal of the gap filler (1) between tile members (21, 22). The retainer member may be fabricated from a shape memory alloy which when heated to a specified memory temperature will thermally activate the tab members (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to predetermined memory positions engaging the tile members (21, 22) to retain the gap filler (1) in the gap (20).

Abstract: An attachment fitting for securing metal structures to carbon-carbon structures which tightens as temperature increases. The fitting is particularly useful in high temperature aerospace applications such as hypersonic aircraft. The fitting basically connects an upstanding carbon-carbon blade on a carbon-carbon structure to a metal clevis which fits snugly thereover. A ceramic bushing is fitted in a transverse hole in the blade. A transverse bolt hole extends through the clevis and bushing. A bolt in the bolt hole is tightened with one or more nuts to tightly press the clevis against the busing and blade. The bolt and nut material is selected to have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the clevis so that differential thermal expansion between clevis and bolt keeps the joint tight at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A composite-to-metal joint is described which includes an axial metal rod that is embedded in a composite material component to facilitate the application of an axial preload to the joint and apply a compressive force to the composite material. A conical cavity is provided in the metal component of the joint and the composite material component has a surface designed to mate with the same when the two parts are assembled together. The metal rod is embedded in the composite material and extends through an axial aperture in the metal component. A nut threadably engages the rod to draw the two disparate material parts of the joint together, apply a preloading thereto, and apply the compressive force mentioned above to the composite material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for joining structures, an active structure (10) and a passive structure (12), and imposing a tensile pre-load on the joint by a remotely operable mechanism comprising a heat contractible joining element (15). The method and apparatus include mounting on the structure (10) a probe shaft (15) of material which is transformable from an expanded length to a contracted length when heated to a specific temperature range. The shaft (15) is provided with a probe head (21) which is receivable in a receptacle opening (41) formed in the passive structure (12) when the active structure (10) is moved into engagement therewith by an appropriate manipulator mechanism. A latching system (45) mounted on the structure (12) adjacent to the receptacle opening (41) captures the probe head (21) when the probe head (21) is inserted a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A non-pyrotechnic release system for use in satellites and other remote actuations applications is disclosed. This system employs shape memory rod assemblies to release a captive toggle that retains the item to be deployed. The shape memory rod assembly includes an internally installed resistance heating element for heating the rod to cause it to assume its memory shape.

Abstract: In a shaft connecting structure, particularly suitable for fragile or brittle shafts of ceramic materials, used in high temperature environments such as conveyors in sintering furnaces, two shafts are connected in end-to-end driving relationship. Each shaft has one or more axial sector-sectional projections and sector-sectional grooves alternately formed at its end. The sector-sectional projections of each shaft enter the sector-sectional grooves of the other shaft, and the assembly of projections and grooves is clearance-fit in a cylindrical opening of a body which may be carried by the shafts or fixed to another structure.

Abstract: The invention is a connector to join structural members.In particular, the invention is a connector to assemble and join structural members where the members can be formed from dissimilar materials; for example, an aluminum plate joined by the connector to a steel plate. The connector can be formed in part or in whole from a shape memory metal that exhibits dimensional change upon assembly to complete the joint.

Abstract: A shape memory wire latch mechanism for releasably connecting two separable structural members. The latch mechanism utilizes the unique material properties of shape memory alloys as a means for releasing the structural members. The latch mechanism includes a pair of mating latch elements and a shape memory wire mounted on one of the latch elements. The mating latch elements attach to the two structural members and, when engaged, latch the structural members together. The shape memory wire disengages the latch elements when heated above its transition temperature, thus allowing the structural members to separate. The latch mechanism is particularly useful for securely stowing collapsible antennas and solar panels in a launch vehicle and then providing safe and reliable deployment of the antennas and solar panels once in space.

Abstract: A retainer for a landscape body which has a pair of base portions for supporting the bottom surface of the body, a pair of feet portions which extend downwardly from the base portion for penetrating the ground and anchoring the body to the ground, and a pair of arm portions which connect the base portions for engaging the side surfaces of the landscape body.

Abstract: A robotic wrist employs a plurality of elastomeric containers holding an electro-rheological fluid. An electromagnetic field can be selectively applied across the electro-rheological fluid within these elastomeric containers to selectively control the viscosity of the electro-rheological fluid and thereby control the stiffness of the elastomeric containers. Two sets of elastomeric containers can be used to control both the axial and radial stiffnesses of the wrist. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric containers have a hollow spherical shape. An electromagnetic field is created within the containers by applying a voltage between a conductive film on the interior surface of the sphere and second electrode extending through the sphere into the electro-rheological fluid.

Abstract: A fastener having an elongated shank formed of a shape memory alloy, a head at the upper end of the shank, and an annular segment at the lower end of said shank having a deformed cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion into an opening extending through adjacent workpieces. The annular segment has a frusto-conical trained shape that is larger than this opening. The annular segment radially flares from the deformed shape to an approximation of the trained shape when heated above a critical transformation temperature, thereby securing the fastener in place with respect to the workpieces. Alternatively, a sleeve made of a different material (e.g. aluminum) extending over a portion or the entire length of the fastener can be added for improved deformational characteristics, by providing the same frusto-conical shape through axial contraction of the shank.

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 ceramic-metal article including a ceramic rod, a metal rod, and a braze joining the ceramic and metal rods at a braze area of a coaxial bore in the metal rod. The bore gradually decreases in diameter, having an inward seat area sized for close sliding fit about the ceramic, a larger brazing area near the joint end, and a void area intermediate the braze and seat areas. The ceramic is seated without brazing in the bore seat area. The side wall between the brazing area and the metal outer surface is about 0.030-0.080 inch. The braze includes an inner braze layer, an outer braze layer, and an interlayer about 0.030-0.090 inch thick. A shoulder between the brazing and void areas supports the interlayer during bonding while preventing bonding between the void area and the ceramic member, leaving a void space between the void area and the ceramic member. A venting orifice extends generally radially through the metal member from the outer surface to the void space.

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: An apparatus and method for securing fittings to composite structures such as those composites formed out of resin-embedded fibers is disclosed. The invention includes the use of support structures wrapped around the fittings such that the support prevents the fitting from movement when a compression load is applied thereto. The support serves to transfer the force of the compression load into the entire body of the composite structure so that the force will be absorbed by the structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a composite fiber tow formed of high tensile strength fibers impregnated with a matrix material. The composite fiber tow is fibers wrapped around the fittings to form suspension strands. As the matrix material cures the composite fiber stiffens to hold the fitting in place against the composite structure.

Abstract: A strip of copper-based shape memory alloy is used as an actuator element in a restraint/release device (R/R) for a deployment mechanism particularly for space applications; the strip heated by a resistance bends and acts on a lever of a latch means to disengage a moving arm of the R/R device.

Abstract: A composite metal-ceramic article comprising a metal shaft and a ceramic ball bearing attached thereto. The shaft is tapered in such a manner to reduce the stress exerted on the ball.

Abstract: In the shaped junction portion, each end of the seat and back frame is deformed in order to obtain a flattened portion in a central area conveniently stiffened by thickened areas, raised edges, or protruding outer lips providing thereby for a perfect application of the shaped end of the tube onto a face of a flange of the articulation mechanism, these parts being thereafter connected together, junction studs of each flange of the articulation inclination being used for a respective centering of the part.

Abstract: A bicycle frame comprising a lug and a pipe to be fitted onto a projection at the lug, annular grooves opposite to each other being disposed at the mutual contact surfaces of the lug projection and pipe, wherein an unidirectional form memory alloy changeable of its outer diameter by heating is disposed in one of the opposite annular grooves, and the projection of the lug and the pipe are bonded at the fitting surfaces by means of a thermosetting adhesive, whereby the bicycle frame is high in safety and superior in productivity and has an improved bonding strength and mechanical juncture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an actuator comprising a plate-shaped output member including a shape memory alloy, which is disposed between two bodies capable of relative movement. The output member comprises a shape memory alloy having such shape memory characteristics that a wave plate shape having at least one wave which extends in the direction orthogonal to the line connecting the attachment ends of the output member to be attached to the two bodies is formed in a specific temperature region. By utilizing the force of the output member for restorign the memorized shape in this specific temperature region, relative movement is caused between the two bodies constructing an articulated arm. The two bodies are turnably supported on a shaft and the above-mentioned actuator is arranged in the state set off from one side relatively to a plane including this shaft so that two bodies are relatively turned around this shaft.

Abstract: A metal-ceramic joined, composite body comprises a metallic member and a ceramic member. The metallic member and the ceramic member are provided with a recess and a projection, respectively, and are integrally joined by inserting the projection into the recess. The recess of the metallic member is provided with a stepped portion to increase an inner diameter of the recess at an opening portion thereof, and a brazing metal is interposed at least in a gap between the stepped portion and the projection of the ceramic member. Alternatively, a groove is provided over substantially the entire periphery of the projection of the ceramic member in vicinity of an end of a joined portion between the metallic member and the ceramic member, and a brazing metal is interposed at least between an edge of the groove and the recess of the metallic member. Besides the above, the axial length L.sub.

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 corrosion resistant valve stem coupling for use in selected fire hydrants whose water valves are frequently opened and closed. The valve stem coupling is coated with a compressible, non-oxidizable, corrosion protection coating which does not oxidize and is not worn off in situations of repeated use. In one embodiment, the compressible coating is a nylon coating applied to the valve stem coupling with a fluid-bed, powder coating method.

Abstract: A high temperature turbine engine includes a hybrid ceramic/metallic rotor member having ceramic/metal joint structure. The disclosed joint is able to endure higher temperatures than previously possible, and aids in controlling heat transfer in the rotor member.

Abstract: A heat sink of a circuit package for high density integrated circuits is fastened by a spring element that has shape memory. The fastening is carried out in a manner so that the element can be easily removed for disassembly.

Abstract: A joint structure for joining a ceramic member to a metallic member where the two members have substantially cylindrical end portions. The end portions are place in an abutting relationship and joining member adherent to both connect the two members. A sleeve member covers the joint and is affixed at least to the surface of the end portion of the device having a composition most like the sleeve member. Where the sleeve member is metallic, the surface of the sleeve member is affixed to the metallic portion of the device.

Abstract: Butt joints between materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion are prepared having a reduced probability of failure of stress facture. This is accomplished by narrowing/tapering the material having the lower coefficient of thermal expansion in a direction away from the joint interface and not joining the narrow-tapered surface to the material having the higher coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Ceramic and metal shafts are joined at their ends by brazing, with a buffer member being interposed therebetween. The joined ends of the ceramic and metal shafts and the buffer member are received within a metal sleeve and joined by brazing to part of the inner circumferential wall of the metal sleeve in such a manner than an axial end of the joint where the inner circumferential wall is securely joined to the ceramic and metal shafts is positioned between opposite axial ends of the metal sleeve and at the same time between opposite axial ends of the ceramic shaft. The outer circumferential wall of the metal sleeve is formed with an annular groove in the place corresponding to the above mentioned axial end of the joint with respect to the axial direction of the metal sleeve.

Abstract: A movable window glass arrangement in use for a window of an automobile, made up of a plate glass a part of which is inserted in an injection-molded plastic holder member. The plate glass is formed at its bottom peripheral section with projections which project into the plastic holder member, thereby accomplishing secure connection between the plate glass and the holder member without using adhesive or metallic fastening members.

Abstract: An assembly for relieving shear stress when indirectly mounting a glass tube to a metallic header containing a pressure to be measured. A bore within the header includes first and second shoulders and first and second radially outwardly extending surfaces. An iron-nickel interface having an axially extending position and a radially outwardly extending portion is secured to the header by welding only at the juncture of the inside radius of the axially extending portion with the first shoulder, leaving the interface free to expand nearly stress free along the radially outwardly extending surfaces within the bore.

Abstract: A connection arrangement with profiled parts contains, in at least one hollow chamber in a profiled part, a connecting element by means of which a connection with the other profile part is effected. The purpose of the invention is to provide, at low manufacturing cost, a reliable connection and to eliminate any after-treatment of surfaces in the vicinity of the connection. It is proposed that the connecting element be secured to the web of the first profiled part and that a length thereof projects, prior to welding, beyond the front surface; and that, after welding, the weld-zone be arranged in the hollow-chamber in the second profiled part and be at a distance from the adjacent front surfaces of the profiled parts.

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 thermal stress-free joint assembly for joining a low thermal expansion member and a high thermal expansion member uses a fastener and a bushing fitted within a bore in the low thermal expansion member, wherein the fastener and bushing materials are selected to have predetermined coefficients of thermal expansion. The fastener includes a shank which passes through the bore in the low thermal expansion member. The bushing, bore and shank are dimensioned according to a mathematical relationship to maintain a predetermined clearance or preload as the joint undergoes changes in temperature, without damage to either joined member from thermally induced stress.

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: A centrifugal pump wherein the back shroud of a brittle impeller of ceramic or glass is coupled to the radially outwardly extending disc of a metallic adapter whose hub receives torque from the pump shaft. The adapter has a flange which surrounds the peripheral surface of the impeller or it has a collar which surrounds a complementary collar of the back shroud. The arrangement is such that the coupling between the adapter and the impeller does not subject the impeller to any tensional or other stresses which would be likely to affect the integrity of the brittle impeller. The disc of the adapter is adjacent the rear side of the back shroud so that the adapter does not interfere with the flow of conveyed material to, in and from the impeller.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint which allows the precise positioning of the line of contact between the ball and the socket utilizing a spherically curved socket and an offset radius ball. The significant manufacturing difficulties associated with the shaping of an offset radius socket is avoided by the use of the spherical socket and offset radius ball. Furthermore, the ball and socket configuration enables use of ceramic materials to produce the socket and/or ball components which, in turn, results in a dramatic increase of the life of the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A steel wear pin or shaft product utilizes three separate alloys each having opposing metallurgical properties in a core and outer layers which form a structure optimizing the desired properties of each alloy, thus providing a superior product with a substantially improved service life.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite body comprises a ceramic member with a projection formed thereon and a metallic member with a depression or through hole formed therein. The ceramic member and the metallic member are bonded together by fitting the projection of the ceramic member into the depression or through hole of the metallic member. The difference between the outer diameter of the projection of the ceramic member and the inner diameter of the depression or through hole of the metallic member when the projection of the ceramic member is extracted from the depression or through hole of the metallic member is not less than 0.2% of the outer diameter of the projection of the ceramic member.

Abstract: This articulated cable head includes a universal joint whose support (4) and ring (5) are made of fiber and epoxy resin laminates obtained by winding threads. The universal joint head (6) is spherical in shape and is made, together with an oscillating arm (7) which extends therefrom, as a single piece of cuproberyllium alloy. The oscillating arm (7) carries a tubular stop part (8) made of fiber and epoxy resin laminate obtained by winding threads, which is surrounded by a rubber sleeve (80, 81, 82) providing a transition in diameter, and which is hollowed out by a cavity serving as a housing for an anchor part (9) attached to the end of a line cable (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for securing a body made of an anisotropic material, the fibers of which are arranged essentially in an anticipated direction of application of a load. The arrangement consists of an outer casing made of a rigid material relative to the material of the body, into which outer casing one end of the body is capable of being introduced, and a wedge device arranged in the aforementioned direction and capable of being introduced into the aforementined end so arranged upon being introduced to cause the end of the body to expand and in so doing to force its peripheral surface against the walls of the outer casing. Characteristic features of the invention are that the moduli of elasticity, E.sub.ij, the moduli of shearing, G.sub.ij, and the indices of transverse contraction, V.sub.ij, of the wedge are substantially identical with those of the body in the longitudinal and transverse directions and in thickness.

Abstract: A rotary shaft assembly including a cylindrical ceramic shaft having first and second axially spaced apart and annular outer surface portions, the first surface portion defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart irregularities; a metal boss surrounding the first and second surface portions and having an axial opening defined by a first annular inner surface portion juxtaposed to the first outer surface portion and a second annular inner surface portion juxtaposed to the second outer surface portion and uniformly spaced therefrom, the first inner surface portion being deformed so as to intimately engage the irregularities in the first outer surface portion; and a metal collar disposed between the second inner and outer surface portions and sealed thereto so as to form a fluid tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A metal-ceramic composite fitting assembly is described in which an effective connection between a boss on the ceramic member and the metal shaft member is achieved by providing the shaft with a sleeve formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal elongation comparable to that of the ceramic member, which sleeve is joined to the shaft member and cooperates with a recess therein to engage the boss along its length and to impose thereon compressive gripping forces that increase in magnitude along the length of the boss.

Abstract: A clamping device for securing an object within an aperture of a ring member utilizing a shape memory alloy material. The shape memory alloy material contracts when heated and operates to bias pin members inwardly within a central opening of the ring to thereby secure an object such as a canister placed therein. The shape memory alloy material may be in the form of a strap or wire which is easily heated and provides for a fast clamping and release action of the clamping device.

Abstract: A shoe incorporated into a swash plate type compressor as a drive force transmitting element intervened between a rotatable swash plate and a reciprocal piston has a first member made of a seizure-resistant material such as ceramic and hard metal, and has a flattened contact face in slidable contact with the swash plate, and a second member made of less seizure-resistant material but easily machined and having a spherical bearing face slidably engaged with the piston, the first and second members being joined together to form a unitary element.

Abstract: A joint includes a stud, a socket, and an elastomeric bearing disposed between the stud and the socket. The stud includes a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion. The socket has a surface defining a chamber in which the head portion is disposed. The socket also has an opening through which the shank portion extends. The elastomeric bearing has a first portion and a second portion of a higher durometer than the first portion. The second portion is integrally formed with the first portion.