Abstract: A rocket launch vehicle comprising a rocket body having a forward section and an aft section, a first rocket engine fixedly mounted to the aft section of the rocket body and axially aligned with the rocket body, a second rocket engine detachably mounted to the aft section of the rocket body and aligned axially parallel with the first rocket engine, a third rocket engine detachably mounted to the aft section of the rocket body and aligned axially parallel with the first rocket engine and being on the side of the first rocket engine opposite the second rocket engine, a first recovery structure fastened to the second rocket engine, a second recovery structure attached to the third rocket engine, and a plurality of propellant supply tanks connected to the first, second, and third rocket engines. Each of the rocket engines is a Space Shuttle main engine. The propellant tanks are detachably mounted to the exterior of the rocket body.

Abstract: A unit train consists of a plurality of hopper cars and a multi-purpose trailer car. The hopper cars have one or more hoppers each having a bottom discharge opening and a controller gate. The hopper cars are constructed with load bearing side sills to provide an unobstructed longitudinal channel immediately above the wheel axles and between the wheels. An endless belt conveyor traverses the length of the train including a portion of the trailer car within those car channels, and underlies the hopper discharge gates so that the hoppers may be emptied sequentially onto the train conveyor to unload the entire train. The trailer car includes a lift portion of the train conveyor to elevate the material for discharge onto a transfer conveyor carried on the trailer car. The elongated transfer conveyor is pivotally mounted at the receiving end to be swung laterally to discharge the material received from the train conveyor at some selected point relative to the trailer car.

Abstract: An imaging plate structure having a first conductive layer, a first insulative layer, a photoconductive layer, a second insulative layer, and a second conductive layer. The first insulative layer is integrally affixed to the side of the first conductive layer. The photoconductive layer is integrally affixed to the other side of the first insulative layer. The second insulative layer is integrally affixed to the other side of the photoconductive layer. The second conductive layer is integrally affixed to the other side of the second insulative layer. Both the first and the second insulative layers have a thickness suitable for preventing charge tunnelling therethrough. These first and second insulative layers are made of a true insulator material. The photoconductive layer is comprised of a photoconductor that is responsive to radiation of known energy. The first conductive layer and the first insulative layer are transmissive with respect to the radiation acting on the imaging plate.

Abstract: A multilayered detector apparatus comprising:a first conductive layer:a photoconductive layer having two sides thick enough to obtain a desired level of sensitivity and resolution of the detector apparatus when the detector apparatus is exposed to radiation of known energy, one side of said photoconductive layer being integrally affixed to and in electrical contact with one side of said first conductive layer;a insulating layer having two sides that is a phosphor that will emit light when irradiated by X-rays, one side of said insulating layer being affixed to the other side of said photoconductive layer; andtransparent conductive layer having two sides, one side of said transparent conductive layer being affixed to the other side of said insulating layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a microgravity environment for radiating waste heat using a multiphase mixture of gas and solid particles or dust as a heterodensity heat transfer medium. A conventional heat exchanger is in thermal contact with the heterodensity heat transfer medium, whereby the heat is imparted to the gas and the particles, whereupon the gas and particles are moved to a thin plate emission type radiator which absorbs heat from the particles and gas and radiates said heat into space. The heterodensity heat transfer's medium may be mobilized by modified centrifugal blowers throughout the system. A portion of the heterodensity medium may emit ionizing radiation to prevent the build-up of static charges in the solid phase of the heterodensity medium.

Abstract: A display panel comprising a substantially planar structural layer of rigid material, a plurality of slats fastened to the structural layer, and a fastener for attaching the structural layer to a wall. The slats have a first surface that fastens flush against the structural layer. The slats also have a substantially planar second surface opposite the first surface. A horizontal slot is defined by the area between adjacent slats. A dado slot is formed within each of the slats and extends upwardly transverse to the horizontal slot and communicates with the horizontal slot. The fastener is a cleat which is fixedly attached to the side of the structural layer opposite the slats. The cleat has an angle cut along its lower edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolytic plating of computer memory discs comprising a plating container, a spindle, a prime mover, an anode, and an electrical transmission system. The plating container contains a liquid plating bath having a nickel compound included therein. The spindle is rotatably mounted to the plating container. The spindle has a section for receiving the computer memory disc radially. The prime mover is connected to the spindle so as to apply rotational energy to the spindle. The anode is fastened to the plating container generally adjacent and in plane parallel to the disc. Another anode is placed on the opposite side of the disc. The electrical transmission system is connected to the disc about the spindle and to the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a flashlight comprising a first strap, a second strap affixed to one end of the first strap, and a section of elastic material affixed to the second strap and arranged so as to define a hole between the second strap and the section of elastic material. The other end of the second strap is removably attachable to a portion of the first strap. The first strap and the second strap are longitudinally aligned. The longitudinal axis of the hole is aligned with the first strap and the second strap. The hole has an expandable size suitable for receiving the outer diameter of a flashlight.

Abstract: A power source for a starter motor comprising a frame, a hand crank rotatably connected to the frame, a flywheel generator connected to the hand crank, and power transmission electrically connected to the flywheel generator so as to transmit energy to a starter motor. The flywheel generator comprises a flywheel connected to the hand crank, a permanent magnet fixedly attached to the flywheel, and a stator winding mounted to the frame. The stator winding is electrically connected to the power transmitter. The power transmitter includes a rectifier bridge electrically connected to the flywheel generator and connector leads for connecting the rectifier bridge to terminals associated with a starter motor. A gear train is arranged within the frame so as to transmit a greater rate of rotation to the flywheel.

Abstract: A non-reusable syringe comprising a barrel having an open end and a restricted end, a piston slidably positioned within the barrel and forming a liquid-tight seal with the interior of the barrel, a shaft freely slidable within the barrel and extending beyond one end of the barrel, a connector engaging the piston and the shaft and having a protrusion extending therefrom, and a guide formed on the shaft for receiving the protrusion of the connector. The connector is detachable form the shaft. The connector comprises a collar holder fastened at one end to the piston and a collar freely rotatable about the collar holder. The guide comprises a groove formed on the shaft which engages the protrusion from the collar. The guide causes the shaft to be disconnected form the connector following an injection of a liquid from the syringe.

Abstract: An optical cleaning system for removing matter from underwater surfaces comprising the high energy strobe lamp, a capacitor electrically connected to the strobe lamp, a power supply electrically connected to the capacitor, and a trigger circuit electrically interactive with the capacitor. The strobe lamp is either a xenon or krypton lamp. Stainless steel reflectors are arranged about the strobe lamp so as to reflect and direct light. The power supply is a generator having a capacity of less than 5 kilovolts. The optical cleaning system may further comprise a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid circulation system in heat exchange relationship with the strobe lamp. The trigger circuit is a transformer electrically connected in series with the capacitor and a switch for actuating the transformer. The optical cleaning system further includes a remotely controlled manipulator arm for positioning the strobe lamp in position about the area to be cleaned.

Abstract: A power system for providing an uninterrupitible power supply comprising a first generator connected to a primary external load, a second generator connected to a secondary external load, and a prime mover connected to said first and second generators by a common shaft. The first generator is electrically isolated from the secondary external load. The prime mover is an internal combustion engine that supplies rotational movement to the common shaft. The secondary external load is an electrical utility. A thermal recovery system is connected to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A musical baby bottle comprising a nipple, a liquid container connected to the nipple, a base section fastened to an opening at the bottom of the liquid container, a microchip having musical information fastened to the interior of the base section, a speaker electrically connected to the microchip and fastened to the interior of the base section, a battery electrically connected to the microchip and fastened to the interior of the base section, and a switch electrically connected to the microchip for selectively activating the microchip. The switch comprises a mercury switch fixedly positioned within the base section. The mercury switch is tilted such that the off-position of the switch is closer to the bottom of the base section than is the on-position of the mercury switch. A second mercury switch is positioned within the base section and is angularly offset from the first mercury switch.

Abstract: An aircraft comprising a discoidal fuselage having a planar upper surface and containing at least one vertical duct extending longitudinally therethrough, an impeller located within the duct for producing an upward flow of gas, and a gas flow director movably mounted with respect to said duct. The vertical duct is central to the fuselage. The impeller is a vertical turbojet engine. The gas director comprises a central conical member, an upper annular flow control member, and a plurality of radially spaced apart vent controls. The vent controls are hydraulic cylinders. A hatch is mounted about the bottom opening of said duct. The hatch is movable such that one position seals the duct from the entry of liquids. An air passageway extends into and communicates with the duct.

Abstract: A fiberoptic sensing system comprising a light source, a sensor responsive to external stimulus, an optical fiber connected to the light source and the sensor, a detector arranged to receive light from the optical fiber, and output electronics electrically connected to the detector. The sensor includes a reflective surface arranged so as to reflect light from the optical fiber. This reflective surface is movable relative to the optical fiber. The light source comprises a light-emitting diode and a reference diode electrically connected to the source of electrical energy and to the light-emitting diode. A beamsplitter is disposed about the light source, the optical fiber, and the photodetector. The detector includes a transimpedance amplifier and a RMS to DC converter. The output electronics includes a gain control and a offset control. The sensor may be either a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A front end mount for a service body to a cab chassis of a truck comprising a first crossmember fixedly fastened to the forward portion of the floor of the service body and extending along the width of the floor and a second crossmember fixedly fastened to the frame at a location corresponding to the location of the first crossmember. The first crossmember is received by the second crossmember such that the vertical movement of said first crossmember is restricted by the shape of the second crossmember. The second crossmember has two parallel sections which define the line of travel of the first crossmember relative to the second crossmember. The second crossmember has a section extending horizontally inward from the end of one of the parallel sections opposite the frame. First and second stops are affixed to the first crossmember generally about the ends of the second crossmember so as to restrict the lateral travel of the second crossmember relative to the first crossmember.

Abstract: A life raft testing device comprising an arrangement of transducer sensors; connectors between the transducers and the life raft desired to be tested; processors electrically connected to the transducer sensors; a controller electrically connected to and interactive with the processors; and a display of the electrical output. The transducer sensors comprise a pressure transducer, a temperature transducer, and a load cell transducer. The temperature transducer is positioned generally adjacent to the nozzle of the life raft. The processors of the present invention comprise a multiplexer electrically connected to the transducer sensors, a differential amplifier electrically connected to the multiplexer, and a sample/hold amplifier electrically connected between the analog-to-digital converter and the differential amplifier. The controller comprises an input/output keyboard connected to the processors through an RS-232 communication line.

Abstract: A sound engine comprising a firing chamber, an output horn, an igniter, a valve system, an electromagnetic control device, and a source of electrical signal impulses. The igniter is mounted about the firing chamber. The valve system is arranged generally adjacent the firing chamber for permitting the controlled separate introduction of fuel and air into the firing chamber. The valve means comprises a source of fuel, a source of air, a fuel shuttle valve, and an air valve. The fuel shuttle valve and the air valve are integrally connected. The electromagnetic control device is connected to the valving system for causing movement of the valving system in response to electrical signal impulses. The electromagnetic control device includes voice coils, magnetic field windings, and a housing. An output area occurs relative to the firing chamber to permit sound output from the firing chamber. The output area includes suitable mounting flanges for attaching horns thereabout.

Abstract: A solar sail propulsion system comprising a solar sail for intercepting light pressure; a tension truss having two ends attached to one end of the solar sail; and a payload attached to the other end of the tension truss. The solar sail is a thin metal film. The tension truss comprises a plurality of attachment sections for attaching shroud lines to the top of the tension truss. The shroud lines are attached to the attachment section at one of their ends and to the payload at the other. A plurality of reels are attached to the shroud lines. The sail is a disc attached to a truss built of tension structures with catenary-edged panels installed in apertures in the disk structures. The sail is made of several layers of different materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing acoustic panels comprising the steps of pouring a solidifiable liquid into a container, placing a porous layer of material onto the solidifiable liquid, solidifying the solidifiable liquid into a rigid layer, and removing the rigid layer and the porous layer from the container. The container has at least one form member extending from the bottom of the container upwardly. This form member extends upwardly into the porous layer. The solidifiable liquid is a slurry of cement. The container and the form member are magnetically attractive. The form member has a generally tapered cylindrical shape and rounded edges. The porous layer is a fibrous material.