Abstract: An aerial payload delivery system uses a cruciform parachute canopy that is connected to base by plurality of suspension lines including an adjustable control line. A control system includes an actuator to selectively adjust the length of the control line. By adjusting the length of the control line, the parachute can be selectively set to glide or descend substantially vertically subject to wind. In an embodiment, the suspension lines also include a short line and a plurality of long lines. The parachute is set to glide by adjusting the control line to be about the same length as the short line and set to vertically descend by adjusting the length of the control line to differ from the short line.

Abstract: A composite article having blast and ballistic resistance suitable for helmets, personal protection and hard armor applications comprises a high-strain hardening elastomeric layer and a layer of continuous yarns having a tenacity of 15 grams per dtex and a modulus of at least 500 grams per dtex or an oriented polyethylene sheet layer having a modulus ten times greater in one direction than in another direction.

Abstract: A method for simulating sensor range data includes providing a pulse model configured to generate a sequence of discrete energy pulses. A sequences of flashes associated with the pulse model are electronically generated. Each flash in the sequence of flashes has at least one range value. A sequence of scans is electronically generated from the sequence of flashes. Each scan in the sequence of scans has at least one flash. The sequences of scans is a simulation of sensor range data. The simulation of sensor range data is output in a tangible medium.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-welded shape memory alloy ring, such as Nitinol, includes a wire segment. The alloy ring may be used in a venting mechanism for rocket motors or as a coupling device, such as for fitting piping.

Abstract: Targeted portions of material layered structure is probed by microwave radiation focussed onto the targeted portion by adjustment of antenna position and orientation establishing a single oblique incidence path for reflection of antenna emitted probing radiation. Signal measurements of the radiation along the oblique incidence path is obtained to provide for evaluation and detection of defects in the targeted portion of the structure being probed.

Abstract: A system for generating three dimensional images includes a data processor which generates a first data stream representing coordinates along a first axis, a second data stream representing coordinates along a second axis, and a third data stream representing intensities of optical beams. A demultiplexer transforms the first, second, and third data streams into multiple control signals each comprised of elements of the first, second and third data streams. The system further includes an optical energy source for generating an optical signal, and an optical beam steering system which divides the optical signal into multiple optical beams which are individually deflected and intensity modulated under the control of one of the control signals. The optical beams then are recombined and steered to reflect off the reflecting surface of a reflective structure, resulting in the presentation of a 3D image.

Abstract: A process for efficient modification and metallization of substrates includes the steps of providing a substrate with highly photoefficient chemical functional groups on at least a portion of this substrate, exposing the substrate to actinic radiation to transform, deactivate, or remove these chemical functional groups, to modify their chemical reactivity, and carrying out further chemical reaction steps on these modified chemical functional groups.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer comprising a housing, and first and second stacks of ransduction plates disposed within the housing for engaging opposed wall portions of the housing, the first and second stacks being adapted to be held in compression between the housing opposed wall portions. A threaded stud extends from the first stack to the second stack, and a nut is threadedly engaged with the stud and adjacent one of the stacks. Movement of the nut on the stud operates to move the stacks toward the housing walls, respectively, to compress the stacks, and operates to relax compressive force on the stacks to enable withdrawal of one of the stacks and replacement thereof.

Abstract: A quick disconnect intercell busbar for providing an easily removable, inidually insulated bussing system for deep submergence batteries. A bussing conductor having silver plated copper pin terminations carries battery currents with a minimal voltage drop. The busbar is insulated to provide sealing of the battery electrical circuits thereby eliminating shorts caused by electrolyte contamination or seawater intrusion. A low current conductor connected to the bussing conductor with suitable insulation provides for monitoring of intercell voltages.

Abstract: Radiant energy sensors situated in first and second orthogonally positioned rrays may be activated by radiant energy projected thereupon by radiant energy sources spatially separated therefrom, each of the sensors providing a first output level when activated and otherwise providing a second level of output. A control element subject to an operator's manipulation is situated between the sensors of both arrays and their respective activating sources, and is disposed to be movable in two spatial dimensions to selectively shadow sensors of both arrays. The combined outputs of the sensors of the first and second array comprise a control signal in digital form, wherein discrete positions of the control element are represented, the digital control signal being coupled through a digital-to-analog converter to generate analog signals determinative of the motion of a light element on the screen of a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device and functionally related to control element position.