Abstract:
A joint between materials having disparate coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) is compensated by a collar which extends a dimension of that one of the different materials which has the lesser CTE. A set of different collars provides compensation for sheets of material of different thicknesses when used with fasteners of a given material. The joint is assembled by selecting the sheets of various thicknesses to be juxtaposed, applying the fastener with a compensation collar corresponding to each one of the different sheets, and tightening the joint.
Abstract:
The Canoe-Angler is a tray style device designed for organizing fishing and other sporting equipment while occupying a canoe. The Canoe-Angler can hold a tackle box, a beverage, (2) fishing rods, and has an extra compartment for miscellaneous items. The tackle box compartment can also be used to hold binoculars, shotgun shells, etc., for other canoe-related sports and hobbies. The Canoe-Angler hangs over the canoe gunwales by adjustable arms for different canoe widths or differing widths within the canoe (front, middle, back, etc.). The Canoe-Angler consists of a molded plastic tray (with aforementioned equipment compartments), (2) aluminum frame tubes, (4) telescoping aluminum arm tubes, (4) aluminum angle gunwale clamps that are fastened to the telescoping tubes, and shock-cords holding opposing telescoping arms from inside the frame tubes.
Abstract:
In a method of ordering a consumable supply produced by a card manufacturing device of an identification card manufacturing system, a request to order the consumable supply is received from a user. Next, supply information relating to the supply is retrieved and the supply information is provided to a first web address. Finally, a second web address, which is different from the first web address and is associated with the supply, is retrieved through the first web address based upon the supply information. A diagnostic report includes a list of current settings including current default settings that match default settings for the device. The current default settings also include modified settings that are different from the default settings for the device, wherein the modified settings are highlighted to thereby visibly distinguish them from the current default settings.
Abstract:
A method is described for installing a stud to extend above a surface of a composite portion of a tank or other structure subject to the pressure of cryogenic fluid, so that another structure can be attached to the stud. The method includes drilling a through aperture at the location of the stud, and installing a threaded insert near the outer surface of the aperture, if not already installed. A metal bolt having a CTE less than that of the composite material is selected. The bolt has an unthreaded shank portion and a threaded portion. The length of the bolt exceeds the length of the projecting stud and the thickness of the composite. The bolt is assembled with a commercial k seal, a collar having a CTE much less than that of the bolt, and another k seal. The seals mate with corresponding frustoconical surfaces of the composite and of the collar, and when the bolt is properly torqued to a preload, prevent leakage. The assembly and torquing may be done at room temperature, and the CTE compensation aspects of the combination results in maintaining a preload over the entire range of temperatures. The preload not only aids in maintaining a seal, but acts to prevent delamination of the composite (210).
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for depositing a coating material on an underlying substrate are disclosed. Cathode sputtering techniques for rapidly depositing a relatively thick coating on a substrate having a complex geometry are developed. The apparatus employed includes a sputtering chamber formed between a center, post cathode and a hollow, cylindrical cathode. In one embodiment a magnetic field is imposed upon the sputtering chamber to concentrate the sputtered coating material in a preferred region.
Abstract:
A method is described for installing a stud to extend above a surface of a composite portion of a tank or other structure subject to the pressure of cryogenic fluid, so that another structure can be attached to the stud. The method includes drilling a through aperture at the location of the stud, and installing a threaded insert near the outer surface of the aperture, if not already installed. A metal bolt having a CTE less than that of the composite material is selected. The bolt has an unthreaded shank portion and a threaded portion. The length of the bolt exceeds the length of the projecting stud and the thickness of the composite. The bolt is assembled with a commercial k seal, a collar having a CTE much less than that of the bolt, and another k seal. The seals mate with corresponding frustoconical surfaces of the composite and of the collar, and when the bolt is properly torqued to a preload, prevent leakage. The assembly and torquing may be done at room temperature, and the CTE compensation aspects of the combination results in maintaining a preload over the entire range of temperatures. The preload not only aids in maintaining a seal, but acts to prevent delamination of the composite (210).
Abstract:
In an integrated circuit, a voltage level shifter transitions an input signal at a first voltage level to an output signal at a second voltage level. The voltage level shifter generally includes switching elements, such as transistors, that control switching the output signal between logical zero and logical one values. The switching elements have a maximum voltage below which they can operate. The maximum voltage is less than the second voltage level. The voltage across the switching elements is limited to less than the maximum voltage.