Abstract: The invention is a retractable landing gear for an aircraft. In detail, the landing gear includes a main strut having a first end pivotally attached to the airframe and a second end having a wheel assembly attached thereto. The main strut is rotatable about a pivot axis through an angle defined by the extended and retracted positions. a drag strut is pivotally attached by its first end to the airframe and by its second end to the main strut. The drag strut includes upper and lower strut members pivotally attached together at an intermediate point, with the intermediate point located angularly from the pivot axis of the main strut at an angle that is one half the angle rotated by the main strut from the extended position to the retracted position. An overcenter downlock and uplock linkage is provided for locking the main strut in either the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: The invention is a device for determining the thickness of radar absorption material coatings. The device comprises a radiating element assembly 22 for transmitting RF energy to and recovering reflected RF energy from the coating. A source of frequency modulated RF signal, including an FM ramp generator assembly 11, buffer amplifier assembly 13 and Gunn oscillator 16, is provided. A ferrite circulator 20 is adapted to direct the source of modulated RF signal to the radiating element assembly 22 and the reflected RF energy to a detector assembly. The detector assembly includes a Schottky detector 24, a video amplifier assembly 40, a converter/driver assembly 42, and a digital display 44, and is adapted to sense the reflected RF energy from the coating and provide a visual display in the form of a voltage inversely proportional to the amount of the reflected RF energy.

Abstract: The invention is a bed sheet assemby for a mattress and, in particular, for a rectangular mattress. In detail, the invention includes a fitted peripheral edge cover having side and end panels for covering the sides and ends, respectively of a mattress. The adjacent ends of the side and end panel are connected together to form vertical corners. The side and end panels each have upper and lower edge portions extending inward for extending about the peripheral edges of the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress when installed thereon. A sheet is adapted to overlay the mattress covering the top edge portion. A fastener system is provided for removably attaching the sheet to the cover.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a glass mold having opposed principle surfaces, the mold being generally transparent to infrared radiation, with one of the principle surfaces for receiving moldable materials. A stand supports the mold. Infrared heaters are positioned approximate to the opposite surface of the mold. An infrared radiation reflector is positioned behind the infrared heaters so as to reflect infrared radiation back toward the mold.

Abstract: The invention is a clamp for thermically clamping a circuit board module by its edge to spaced guide rails within an enclosure, the guide rails forming a channel for the module. In detail, the system includes at least one hollow closed off tube, filled with a fluid-like material, joined to the edge of the module, the at least one tube having a semi-flexible wall and a specific width and volume. A mechanism is mounted to the module for decreasing the volume of a portion of the at least one tube causing the remaining portion of the at least one tube to increase in width clamping the module between the guide rails.

Abstract: The invention is a flush head fastener for joining two or more structural elements together. The structural elements have a fasterner hole therein with one of the structural elements being countersunk to accommodate the head of the fastener. The fastener includes head and shank portions and a layer of material joined to the top of the head of the fastener which can readily be deformed to fill any gaps between the head and the countersink. Thereafter, the excess material can be removed leaving an aerodynamically smooth surface. The surface also will have no electrical discontinuities. The procedure for installing the fastener includes the steps of (1) providing two or more structural elements having a countersunk fastener hole therein (2) thereafter the fastener is installed in the hole (3) the layer of material is deformed so as to fill any gaps between the head of the fastener and the countersink, and (4) thereafter, excess material is removed leaving a smooth external surface.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for molding an article made of layed up materials having opposed principle surfaces, such as one that is hollow tubular shaped. In detail, the invention includes a first mold part for forming one surface of the article on which the layup is placed and a second mold part for forming the opposite surface. Additionally included are rubber layers placed on both surfaces of the layup which expand when heated compacting the layup. A containment structure is mounted about the first and second mold parts and is in moveable relationship to the first and second mold parts. First and second inflatable bags are mounted between the containment structure and the first and second mold parts for balancing the loads on the mold parts while the silicon rubber layers compact the layup.

Abstract: The invention is a honeycomb structure suitable for use with cryogenic materials. In detail, the invention comprises a honeycomb sandwich structure 10 having a titanium core 14, a first face sheet 12 made of aluminum alloy suitable for high-temperature applications, and a second face sheet 16 made of titanium bonded together by a high-temperature thermoplastic adhesive. Preferably the core 14 is made of Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3 aluminum, Ti-6Al-4V and/or Ti-3Al-2.5V. The first face sheet 12 is, preferably, made out of Al-8Fe-7Ce, Al-13Fe-4.6V, Al-1OFe-1Mo1V and Al-6Fe-6Ni-2Cr or other aluminum alloys suitable for use at temperatures in excess of 600.degree. F. The second face sheet 16 is, preferably, made of Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo or Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3Al. Preferably, the adhesive 18a, 18b is a thermoplastic material such as polyetheretherketone, polyphenylquinoxaline or a polyamide-imide.

Abstract: The invention is a method of molding an article from a layed up preform having an optical fiber embedded therein, the optical fiber having at least one end for coupling to an external optical fiber. The method comprising the steps of: providing the optical fiber; providing a hollow tubular sleeve having first and second ends; inserting the at least one end of the optical fiber into the first end of said sleeve such that it extends through a portion thereof forming an optical fiber assembly; providing a mold; laying up the preform in the mold; embedding the optical fiber assembly into the preform simultaneously with the step of laying up the preform; molding the preform to form the article; and removing the molded articel from the mold.

Abstract: The invention is a reduced radar detectable runway. In detail, the invention comprises a runway having a plurality of holes randomly orientated and randomly dispersed across and along the surface thereof. The holes are preferably polygons, and ideally square in shape, and filled with a dielectric material. Additionally, the minimum necessary perimeter of the runway should include an extended portion in an irregular pattern about a least a portion of the necessary perimeter. This portion should also incorporate the randomly positioned and orientated holes.

Abstract: The electrical connector comprises a first connector half having a heating element mounted therein. The heating element includes at least one non electrically conductive surface having a set of electrically conductive surface traces mounted on the at least one surface. Also included in the first connector half are a set of first contacts having one end joined to a first portion of the surface traces on the at least one surface. A second connector half is included for mating with the first connector half. The second connector half includes a set of second electrial contacts for contacting a second portion of the surface traces on the at least one surface of the heating element when the connector halves are joined. A coating of solder is applied to the second portion of the conductive surface traces on the heating element or the one end of the second electrical contacts or both.

Abstract: The invention is a flush head fastener for joining two or more structural elements together. The structural elements have a fastener hole therein with one of the structural elements being countersunk to accommodate the head of the fastener. The fastener includes head and shank portions and a layer of material joined to the top of the head of the fastener which can readily be deformed to fill any gaps between the head and the countersink. Thereafter, the excess material can be removed leaving an aerodynamically smooth surface. The surface also will have no electrical discontinuities. The procedure for installing the fastener includes the steps of (1) providing two or more structural elements having a countersunk fastener hole therein (2) thereafter the fastener is installed in the hole (3) the layer of material is deformed so as to fill any gaps between the head of the fastener and the countersink, and (4) thereafter, excess material is removed leaving a smooth external surface.

Abstract: A laser doppler velocimeter system for wind shear detection comprising means for generating a beam of radiant energy, an optical system coupled to the beam for directing a first portion of the beam a predetermined distance to a scatterer of radiant energy, means coupled to the beam for conducting a second portion of the beam through a polarization preserving medium, the length of the medium substantially matching the predetermined distance, means for mixing the second portion of the beam with the radiant energy reflected by the scatterer and means coupled to the means for mixing for measuring a component of the velocity measurements of the scatterer. The velocity includes both horizontal and vertical components. The system may also be adapted for measurement of multiple predetermined distances by using multiple means for conducting a second portion of the beam, each of said multiple means having a length substantially matching one of the multiple predetermined distances.

Abstract: The invention is a small flap like device (18) for attachment to the trailing edge (14) of an aircraft wing (10) which improves the coefficient of lift and reduces the coefficient of drag providing an overall increase in fuel economy. The flap (18) is a flat plate-like member having a length (19) of between 0.5% to 1.5% of the chord of the airfoil and at a downward angle (21) to the chord of between 5.degree. and 25.degree..

Abstract: The invention is a composite rivet comprising a tubular preform having a longitudinal axis and an aperture therethrough aligned with the longitudinal axis. The preform further comprises a head portion, a head forming portion and a shear portion therebetween. The preform is composed of filamentary material in a resin matrix with the filamentary material in the head forming portion in a helical pattern about the longitudinal axis. A mandrel is mounted in the aperture with the mandrel having an end extending outward from said head forming portion.

Abstract: A method of testing composite materials for structural damage. A plurality of optical fibers are embedded in the composite material in predetermined patterns and light is introduced into one end of each fiber. A computer-connected optical receiver disposed in light-collecting relation to the opposite end of each fiber senses the presence or absence of light emerging therefrom. Detection by the computer that light has passed through any given fiber indicates that the composite is free of damage in the area along the extent of that fiber. If light is not detected emerging from any given fiber, this indicates that damage has occurred in that part of the composite structure within which that particular fiber is embedded.

Abstract: The invention is a window for transmitting infrared radiation for use with infrared systems, such as an infrared laser. In detail, the window comprises a polycrystalline silicon substrate doped with between 1.times.10.sup.14 and 1.times.10.sup.16 atoms per cubic centimeter of an n-type impurity. The impurities can be selected from the group consisting of Phosphorus, Arsenic, Antimony, Bismouth and Lithium. To reduce reflection, both sides of the sheet are coated with an antireflection coating. Sheet resistances of less than 25 ohms per square are obtainable while simultaneously providing excellent transmission in the infrared at both room and elevated temperatures. The internal heating produced by coupling the window to a source of electrical power can be used for deicing.

Abstract: The invention is a clamp. In detail, the clamp comprises a base having a vertical disposed first jaw rising from the base. A second jaw is movably mounted to the base, the second jaw being movable in a horizontal direction to and from the first jaw. An actuation system is mounted to the base and is coupled to the second jaw such that upon the application of a vertically directed actuation force the second jaw can be either moved toward or away from the first jaw.

Abstract: The invention is an anti-backlash gear assembly comprising a first gear rotatably mounted to a shaft incorporating a first slot partially therethrough which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A second gear is rotatably mounted to the shaft and has a second slot extending completely therethrough which is alignable with the first slot. First and second wedge members having contiguous bevelled side surfaces are mounted in the aligned first and second slots. The first wedge member is rigidly attached to the first gear, and the second wedge member is moveably attached thereto. The second wedge member is attached to the first gear by means of a fastener extending through an oversized hole therein and threadably engaging a second threaded hole in the back wall of the first slot. A Belleville spring washer is mounted between the second wedge member and a side wall of the second slot of the second gear.

Abstract: The invention is a method and tool used for the setting of fractured bones. In detail, the tool comprises an elongated, cylindrical rod having an axial bore. A T-shaped handle is removably fixed to one end of the rod to permit manual manipulation thereof. In the setting procedure the elongated rod is inserted into the medullary canal after it has been reamed. Manual manipulation of the rod aligns the fragments of the bone. After the bone fragments have been aligned a guide wire is passed through the bore of the rod and the rod is removed leaving the guide wire across the fracture.