Abstract: A special purpose optical collimator system which generates multiple collimated light beams, with precisely related angular separation of the beams. The system is comprised of a stack of relatively flat plate-like refracted prisms (10.sub.1, 10.sub.2 . . . 10.sub.15) in the form of wedges, each having a specified angular deviation, mounted on top of one another in a fixture (44) which holds the wedges so that they are adapted to operate at minimum angular deviation and thus are relatively insensitive to rotational and angular charges. A collimated source of monochromatic light generated for example by a helium-neon laser (20) and a collimated beam expander (24, 30 and 54) provides a common incident beam (14) to the wedges whereupon a plurality of, for example, equally spaced emergent beams (12.sub.1, 12.sub.2 . . . 12.sub.15) are provided.

Abstract: A low intensity X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometer 10 is disclosed for imaging, counting, and energy resolving of single invisible radiation particles. Spectrometer 10 includes a converting device 20 for converting single invisible radiation particles to visible light photons. Another converting device 24 converts the visible light photons to photoelectrons. A fiber optics coupling device 22 couples together converting devices 20 and 24. An intensifying device 26 intensifies the photoelectrons by an average gain factor of substantially 10.sup.4 -10.sup.7. Intensifying device 26 is an anti-ion feedback microchannel plate amplifier which is operated substantially below saturation. A displaying device 32 displays the intensified photoelectrons. Displaying device 32 indicates the spatial position, number, and energy of the incoming single invisible radiation particles.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for cleaving hard crystals (40), a typical example of which is lithium fluoride, with precision and uniformity and includes vertical axis positioning control means (12) for an adjustable spring tension guided hammer mechanism (17, 18) employed to strike an anvil (21) and thereby generate a crystal cleaving shock wave transmitted to a cleaving blade (23) having an angulated cleaving edge 24 in contact with one corner of the crystal (40). Connection between the anvil 21 and the blade is by means of a pair of vertical shafts (20) held in substantially friction free engagement by two pairs of adjustable linear bearings (19). An underlying crystal holding fixture (38) with horizontal position control means (14) includes a zero reference stop face (42) for the crystal (40) and opposing spring-loaded clamping and vertical positioning elements (43, 44) which are precisely guided.

Abstract: A spark chamber frame 8 is manufactured using only inorganic materials. Spark chamber frame 8 includes a plurality of beams 10, 12, 14, and 16 formed from inorganic material, such as ceramic or glass, and are connected together at ends 9 with inorganic bonding material having substantially the same thermal expansion as the beam material. A plurality of wires 18 and 20 formed from an inorganic composition are positioned between opposed beams 10 and 14 and 12 and 16 so that wires 18 and 20 are uniformly spaced and form a grid. A plurality of hold-down straps 22, 23, 24, and 25 are formed of inorganic material such as ceramic or glass having substantially the same chemical and thermal properties as the beam material. Hold-down straps 22, 23, 24, and 25 overlie wires 18 and 20 extending over beams 10, 12, 14, and 16 and are bonded thereto with inorganic bonding material.

Abstract: A transformer (20) for coupling AC electrical energy from a stationary element (22) to a rotating element (24) without the use of sliding contacts. The transformer (20) is of the rotary type and includes a ferrite core (39) and two primary windings (70 and 72) which are stationary with respect to a secondary winding (88) which rotates within an annular cavity (48) adjacent an axial bore (58) in the core. The core (39) is comprised of two cup type core halves (40 and 42). Electrical connection to the secondary winding (88) is made through a split bobbin assembly (89) which couples to a coaxial shaft assembly (59) located in the axial bore (58). The electrical coupling to the coaxial shaft assembly is made through a continuous transverse channel (68) connecting the axial bore (58) with the annular cavity (48). The transverse channel (68) forms a single air gap; however, it is not open directly to free space but is shielded by the magnetic permeable material of the core halves (40 and 42).

Abstract: A linear magnetic motor/generator (10) is disclosed which uses magnetic flux to provide mechanical motion or electrical energy. The linear magnetic motor/generator (10) includes an axially movable actuator mechanism (12). A permanent magnet mechanism (14) defines a first magnetic flux path (16) which passes through a first end portion (18) of actuator mechanism (12). Another permanent magnet mechanism (20) defines a second magnetic flux path (22) which passes through a second end portion (24) of actuator mechanism (12). A drive coil (26) defines a third magnetic flux path (28) passing through a third central portion (30) of actuator mechanism (12). Drive coil (26) selectively adds magnetic flux to and subtracts magnetic flux from magnetic flux flowing in the first and second magnetic flux paths (16) and (22), respectively, for supplying an axial force to the actuator mechanism (12).

Abstract: A fully implantable and self-contained device is disclosed composed of a flexible electrode array 10 for surrounding damaged nerves and a signal generator 12 for driving the electrode array with periodic electrical impulses of nanoampere magnitude to induce regeneration of the damaged nerves.

Abstract: A microwave switching power divider for selectively dividing and switching microwave energy among a plurality of outputs to other microwave devices includes a pair of parallel, spaced-apart circular ground planes defining a microwave cavity with multi-port microwave power distributing switching circuitry formed on opposite sides of a thin circular dielectric substrate disposed beween the ground planes. The power distributing circuitry includes a conductive disk located at the center of the substrate and connected to a source of microwave energy. A plurality of tapered radial power dividing transmission lines for intercepting the standing waves are symmetrically disposed about and connected to the conductive disk. Within each line, a high speed, low insertion loss switching diode and a DC blocking capacitor are connected in series between the outer end of a transmission line and an output port.

Abstract: A laser measuring system for incremental assemblies such as wire-wrapped frame assemblies used in spark chambers and the like is disclosed. The system utilizes a laser (10), an interferometer (11) and a retroreflector (12) to precisely measure distance. A light source (17) and a photodetector (18) are located adjacent the incremental assembly and mounted on a movable carriage (13). The interferometer (11) is also mounted on the movable carriage (13), while the laser (10) and retroreflector (12) are positioned at either end of the carriage track. The carriage (13) is moved along one edge of the incremental assembly between the retroreflector (12) and the laser (10), and as the carriage (13) is moved, the light from the light source (17) to the photodetector (18) is interrupted. This produces a trigger command to a control unit (20) which in turn causes a distance measurement to be made.

Abstract: The memory-based frame synchronizer comprises a serial-to-parallel converter which converts a serial input data stream to a constantly changing parallel data output. This parallel data output is supplied to programmable sync word recognizers each consisting of a multiplexer (18, 20, 22) and a random access memory (RAM) (38, 40, 42). The multiplexer is connected to both the parallel data output and an address bus (24) which may be connected to a microprocessor or computer for purposes of programming the sync word recognizer. The RAM is used as an associative memory or decoder and is programmed with the pattern of binary 1's and 0's necessary to identify a specific sync word. The RAM produces an output when the address supplied by the multiplexer corresponds to the specific sync word. Additional RAMs (62, 76, 78) are used as counter decoders to define word bit length, frame word length, and paragraph frame length.

Abstract: A cervix-to-rectum measuring device to be used in the treatment of cervical cancer which includes a handle and a probe pivotably connected to the handle for insertion in the rectum. The measuring device further includes means for coupling the handle to an intrauterine radiation applicator when the latter is positioned in the uterine cervix and the probe is inserted in the rectum to pivot the handle about the probe. A gear is provided which is adapted to pivot with the probe. A pinion pivotably connected to the handle meshes with the gear. A pointer fixed to the pinion is displaced in response to the pivoting of the handle about the probe, and this displacement can be read from a scale on the handle, providing an indication of the cervix-to-rectum distance.

Abstract: A low thrust monopropellant engine having a conventional body and nozzle configuration wherein the monopropellant fuel is fed into the thruster with dual injection tubes via an injector shell with dual spray jets formed therein. The spray jets are positioned generally opposed to each other. A heater-screen pack combination thermally decomposes the fuel after injection into the combustion chamber of the thruster.

Abstract: An automatic thermal switch to control heat flow includes a first thermally conductive plate, a second thermally conductive plate and a thermal transfer plate pivotally mounted between the first and second plates. A phase-change power unit, including a plunger connected to the transfer plate, is in thermal contact with the first thermally conductive plate. A biasing element, connected to the transfer plate, biases the transfer plate in a predetermined position with respect to the first and second plates. When the phase-change power unit is actuated by an increase in heat transmitted through the first plate, the plunger extends and pivots the transfer plate to vary the thermal conduction between the first and second plates through the transfer plate. The biasing element, transfer plate and piston can be arranged to provide either a normally closed or normally open thermally conductive path between the first and second plates.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a multi-channel matrix array of CCD devices wherein a plurality of sensor cells (pixels) in each channel are subdivided and operated in discrete intercoupled groups or subarrays with a readout CCD shift register terminating each end of the channels. Clock voltages are applied to the subarrays and are manipulated to selectively cause charge signal flow in each subarray in either direction independent of the other subarrays. More particularly, the array is divided into six independent subarrays, three on each side of the array, such that each channel common to three subarrays is divided into three sections of three sensor cells each. By selective application of four phase clock voltages, either one, two or all three of the sections cause charge signal flow in one direction, while the remainder cause charge signal flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The position of a terrestrial RF source is determined from a geostationary, synchronous satellite by scanning the beam of a narrow beam width antenna in first and second orthogonal directions over a region including the source. The peak level of energy transduced by the antenna in each of the scanning directions is detected and correlated with the scanning position of the beam by feeding the output of a detector responsive to the transduced signal to an indicator of an X-Y recorder. The X and Y axes of the recorder are scanned in synchronism with the beam being respectively scanned in the first and second directions to form X and Y traces on which are indicated the detected peak position in each of the scanning directions. The source position is determined from an intersection of lines drawn parallel to the X and Y axes and including the detected peak position of each trace.

Abstract: A method of making V-MOS field effect transistors is disclosed wherein a masking layer is first formed over a surface of a crystalline substrate. An aperture is then formed in the masking layer to expose the surface of the substrate. An anisotropic etchant is applied to the exposed surface so that a groove having a decreasing width within increasing depth is formed. However, the etch is not allowed to go to completion with the result that a partially formed V-shaped groove is formed. Ions are accelerated through the aperture for implantation in the crystalline substrate in the lower portion of the partially formed V-shaped groove. Thereafter, an anisotropic etchant is reapplied to the partially formed V-shaped groove, and the etch is allowed to go to completion.

Abstract: A fluorescent radiation converter (10) having a substantially undoped optically transparent substrate (12) and a waveshifter coating (14) deposited on at least one portion of substrate (12) for absorption of radiation (16) and conversion thereof to fluorescent radiation (18). Coating (14) is formed of substantially 1000 g/liter of a solvent, 70 to 200 g/liter of an organic polymer, and 0.2 to 25 g/liter of at least one organic fluorescent dye. The incoming incident radiation (16) impinges on coating (14) and enters therein. Radiation (16) is absorbed by the fluorescent dye and is re-emitted as a longer wavelength radiation (18). Radiation (18) is trapped within substrate (12) and is totally internally reflected by boundary surfaces (22) and (24) towards ends (20). Emitted radiation (18) leaves ends (20) to be detected.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for orthopedic braces includes upper and lower brace members pivotably jointed together, notched or recessed plates being fixedly secured to the lower brace member while a U-shaped locking bar is pivotably secured to the upper brace member for lockingly cooperating with the notched or recessed plates, a spring-biased actuating lever being operatively associated with the U-shaped locking bar. The upper and lower brace members are also provided with drilled holes or bores which are angularly oriented with respect to the longitudinal axes of the upper and lower brace members, the bores being aligned with each other when the longitudinal axes of the brace members are likewise aligned.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a small computer, or other portable appliance, against theft comprises a case having an open back through which the computer is installed or removed. Guide members in the form of slots are formed in a rear portion of opposite walls of the case for receiving a back plate to cover the opening and thereby secure the computer within the case. An opening formed in the top wall of the case exposes the keyboard and display of the computer. The back plate is locked in the closed position by a key-operated plug type lock. The lock is attached to one end of a hold down cable, the opposite end thereof being secured to a desk top or other stationary object. Thus, the lock simultaneously secures the back plate to the case and retains the case to the stationary object.

Abstract: A safety shield for protecting observers from flying debris resulting from a failure of a vacuum or pressure chamber viewing port following an implosion or explosion includes an optically clear shatter-resistant safety shield member spaced apart from the viewing port on the outer surface of the chamber.