Thomas M Rust

US Patent:

62938037, Sep 25, 2001

Filed:

Feb 9, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/501412

Inventors:

Thomas M. Rust - Agoura CA
Edward M. Gaddy - Greenbelt MD
Michael J. Herriage - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Robert E. Patterson - Manhattan Beach CA
Richard D. Partin - Cypress CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA
The United States of America as represented the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

H01R 4100

US Classification:

439 33

Abstract:

An interconnect, having some length, that reliably connects two conductors separated by the length of the interconnect when the connection is made but in which one length if unstressed would change relative to the other in operation. The interconnect comprises a base element an intermediate element and a top element. Each element is rectangular and formed of a conducting material and has opposed ends. The elements are arranged in a generally Z-shape with the base element having one end adapted to be connected to one conductor. The top element has one end adapted to be connected to another conductor and the intermediate element has its ends disposed against the other end of the base and the top element. Brazes mechanically and electrically interconnect the intermediate element to the base and the top elements proximate the corresponding ends of the elements. When the respective ends of the base and the top elements are connected to the conductors, an electrical connection is formed therebetween, and when the conductors are relatively moved or the interconnect elements change length the elements accommodate the changes and the associated compression and tension forces in such a way that the interconnect does not mechanically fatigue.

US Patent:

58028420, Sep 8, 1998

Filed:

Jul 29, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/688628

Inventors:

Dale L. Hook - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Thomas M. Rust - Agoura CA
Scott J. Rotenberger - Redondo Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

F02K 100

US Classification:

60271

Abstract:

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a thruster rocket engine throat insert (12) having a thin walled shell (54) made from a high strength, oxidation resistant material. The shell (54) having a throat (48) of reduced cross-section and a radially extending annular stiffening ring (60) located at the throat (48). A casing (56) made from a material having a thermal conductivity at least 10 times greater than that of shell (54) is molded around an outer surface (58) of shell (54) and has a generally cylindrical exterior surface (59). Shell (54) resists yielding and oxidation caused by the extreme temperatures of rocket fuel combustion products passing through the throat insert (12), while the casing (56) acts to efficiently transfer heat from the shell (54).

US Patent:

61347817, Oct 24, 2000

Filed:

Aug 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/916379

Inventors:

Dale L. Hook - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Thomas M. Rust - Manhattan Beach CA
Scott J. Rotenberger - Redondo Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

B23P 1500

US Classification:

2989001

Abstract:

A thruster rocket engine throat insert (12) has a thin walled shell (54) made from a high strength, oxidation resistant material. The shell (54) having a throat (48) of reduced cross-section and a radially extending annular stiffening ring (60) located at the throat (48). A casing (56) made from a material having a thermal conductivity at least 10 times greater than that of shell (54) is molded around an outer surface (58) of shell (54) and has a generally cylindrical exterior surface (59). Shell (54) resists yielding and oxidation caused by the extreme temperatures of rocket fuel combustion products passing through the throat insert (12), while the casing (56) acts to efficiently transfer heat from the shell (54).