Abstract: A method of producing high quality stoichiometric thin films of vanadium dioxide by reactive evaporation utilizes an electron beam to evaporate a source of vanadium in a controlled, low pressure oxygen gas environment with the film being deposited at a predetermined rate onto a substrate which is heated to and maintained at a predetermined temperature above 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A magnetic field gradiometer includes a geometric arrangement of fiber op sensors through which light from a single frequency laser is transmitted. Having a pair of single-mode optical fibers, each of which are coupled to a magnetostrictive element, each sensor is formed in the manner of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer which is oriented to detect the spatial variation in a particular orthogonal component of the magnetic field by phase comparison of the light transmitted through its respective pair of fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for remotely detecting cracks of sub-critical lth which originate from stress raisers in structural materials, wherein the apparatus typically comprises a source of light, a continuous length of optical fiber to conduct the light, strain responsive devices coupled to the fiber and bonded to the structural member in close proximity to the stress raisers, and a light responsive detector which is optically coupled to the fiber in order to detect breaks in the fiber induced by either tensile or shear forces eminating from cracks around the stress raisers.

Abstract: A low cost sonobuoy is constructed of plastic pipe and fittings. A simple design is used comprising a section of plastic pipe and two end caps. One end cap is tapered and adapted for having an antenna mounted thereon. The other end cap has a recess for storing a hydrophone, cable and plastic streamers. The hydrophone and cable are held in place by water soluble tape. The sonobuoy may be launched from aircraft and thus the plastic streamers trail from the second end cap to provide in-air stability. The sonobuoy is designed to be self-righting and self-scuttling.

Abstract: A cover gas recirculator in an acyclic generator having liquid metal collors for reducing entrainment of the liquid metal in the gas. Radial passages in the stator housing provide natural recirculating paths for the cover gas to flow radially outward along the sides of the rotor and return inwardly through the passages. Scoops or lips located inward of the liquid metal collector divert the outward gas flow into the passages to minimize contact of the gas with the liquid metal.

Abstract: A low temperature inflator assembly for an inflatable life raft or life perver for ensuring sufficient buoyancy in low ambient temperatures. A CO.sub.2 cartridge and a solid pyrotechnic gas generator are positioned side-by-side in a heat transfer housing. A single actuator punctures the cartridge and ignites the generator. Combustion gas from the generator supplies immediate low pressure inflation while heat transferred from the generator to the cartridge accelerates a subsequent high pressure source of CO.sub.2. Higher gas capacity and pressure are obtained with no tradeoff of total size compared to the conventional CO.sub.2 cartridge inflators.

Abstract: Passivation of a hybrid microelectronic device is achieved by plasma polyization of hexamethyldisilazane on the device surface. A moisture impermeable thin film layer is deposited which protects the moisture sensitive components from corrosion. The layer is readily removable, however, in order to effect repairs to the device when necessary.

Abstract: Temperature compensation of an optical fiber interferometer is achieved by wrapping and bonding one fiber arm transversely about the length of a magnetostrictive rod which is sensitive only to the magnetic field component along its length. The other fiber arm is wrapped and bonded about two generally semicircular caps, attached to either end of the rod, in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: A system for arresting and recovering test ballistic missiles is adaptable or use in an existing facility and with the existing arresting engine. A long loop of cable encircles a sheave on the nose-end of the test missile and is supported by sheaves mounted on the support structure. The ends of the cable loop are terminated on one side of a singletree device. The other side is connected by a single cable to the arresting engine. One end of the cable loop slidably engages with the singletree and has an end cap. As the test missile is launched the cable loop and singletree are drawn toward a ratchet mechanism which grasps the end cap. An intermittent pulling machine is disposed for anchoring one leg of the cable loop whereby the test missile may be later raised or lowered for recovery. The system effectively doubles the load carrying capacity of an existing arresting engine by providing mechanical advantage.

Abstract: An automated anthropometric data measurement system includes a standing muring assembly and a seated measuring assembly to determine pertinent anthropometric features of aviators being screened for assignment to particularly suitable aircraft. Both assemblies have a plurality of position sensors and measuring probes which are selectively placed by an operator upon the aviator, each measuring probe producing a digital data signal indicative of the particular feature measured when selective position sensors indicate body contact. The signals are then collected by a microcomputer which compares them to a predetermined population and outputs the compared data to magnetic storage media.

Abstract: A dual redundant pitot-static sensing system for use in a system for deplng a parachute during ejection of an occupant from a disabled aircraft includes a pair of pressure-sensitive check valves to store peak dynamic airstream pressure for obviating difficulties experienced when the pitots are blocked by airborne debris.

Abstract: A diffractive radiation shield for protecting eyes and radiation sensitive devices from laser radiation. The shield utilizes one or more holograms disposed on transparent substrates. These holograms consist of spherical holographic fringes recorded in a dischromated gel with which the substrates are coated. The holographic fringes reflect laser radiation which is normal to their respective surfaces. Reflectivity is maximized for a particular wavelength by proper selection of the fringe spacing. The shield may be configured as a visor for an aviator's helmet.

Abstract: A test signal generator for on the ground testing of coherent air-to-ground adars has a rotating antenna for simulating aircraft motion when receiving return radar signals. An angular position sensor provides a signal which is proportional to the angular position of the rotating antenna. Correlation of these signals in the radar computer provides a radar test signal having realistic amplitude and doppler histories.

Abstract: A mechanism for inserting and aligning electronic modules, especially in se configurations, is provided with removable ring or sleeve whereby the module assemblies may be automatically retracted. The removable ring or sleeve is installed near the threaded end of each mounting shaft. When a shaft is unscrewed from the chassis the ring or sleeve bears against a shoulder formed in the end-portion of the module assembly heat sink frame, thereby providing a lifting force on the module assembly. The ring or sleeve is easily installed or removed through an opening in the side of the end-portion.

Abstract: An axial-type homopolar motor having high density, high current fiber brush ollectors affording efficient, low contact resistance and low operating temperatures. The collectors include a ring of concentric rows of brushes in equally spaced beveled holes soldered in place using a fixture for heating the ring to just below the solder melting point and a soldering iron for the local application of additional heat at each brush. Prior to soldering, an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of the brushes and ring, and the bevels are burnished to form a "wetting" surface. Flux applied with the solder at each bevel removes to an effective soldering depth the oxide film on the brushes and the holes.

Abstract: A container for storing and handling multichip hybrid packages (MHP's) dug manufacture, testing and inspection. The receptacle and cover are recessed to receive a wide range of MHP sizes and configurations. An aperture in the cover provides visible access to the MHP without removing it or opening the container. The container is made of electrically conductive, high temperature resistant carbon plastic for protection from electrostatic discharges and environmental temperature chamber testing.

Abstract: A computer-aided process is disclosed for automatically generating a camera-ready hardcopy of a graphical plot upon command instructions inputted via a conventional storage tube graphics display terminal having an addressable cross-hair cursor and a keyboard. In accordance with an interactive graphics code or program, tabular data coordinates stored in computer file form are retrieved and plotted on appropriately titled and scaled axes with the plotted coordinates being interconnected along curves formed of a smooth or linear nature by interpolation. The graphical plot viewed on the display terminal is further enhanced by inclusion of labels, shaded areas, and reference symbols and characters prior to printing out the hardcopy of an associated hardcopy unit coupled to the display terminal.

Abstract: A bootlace microwave lens antenna has orthogonal delay lines for reducing adratic phase errors to improve focusing capability. The collector and radiator elements consist of mutually orthogonal pairs of subelements with one of the subelements oriented radially and the other oriented tangentially on the respective collector and radiator surfaces. Individual delay lines interconnect corresponding radial and tangential subelements on each surface thus allowing for phase corrections in the axial planes parallel to and perpendicular to the plane of scan by the introduction of an appropriate phase delay in each delay line.

Abstract: A webbing system is disclosed for use as an aircraft barricade wherein a rality of rectangularly-shaped engaging loops are arranged in an alternating, multi-planar array and suspended across a landing area in the path of an approaching aircraft upon an assembly of support loops stretched between a pair of stanchions and connected on either side to an energy absorbing device. Slidably connected along upper and lower horizontal components of the support loops, the engaging loops are free to move laterally along the support loops toward the longitudinal axis of the aircraft when penetrated by the fuselage so that the aircraft is ensnared about its wings by the loops with equalized loading and its forward motion arrested.

Abstract: A harness mounted arm restraint system for the occupant of an aircraft ejion seat to prevent the arms from flailing and being injured during ejection. Harness-mounted ribbons with slidable rings on them are hooked to snubber lines. The snubber lines are secured to the airframe of the aircraft so that when the seat ejects, the snubber lines pull the ribbons tightly around the upper arms and forearms of the seated occupant. The snubber lines then break away from the frame but the lines and ribbons are kept taut by a snubber block on the seat. The snubber lines are cut when seat and occupant separate.