Abstract: A mobile projectile launcher is disclosed having a tiltable launching platform for supporting a plurality of canisters in each of which projectiles to be launched are stored and fired, a support plate pivotally connected to a horizontal cargo bed, and at least one linear actuator by which the support plate is swingable from a closed position substantially perpendicular to the cargo bed to an open position substantially parallel to the cargo bed. The support plate is made of a material that is resistant to the projectile plume following launching and is sufficiently sturdy to support a technician during the loading of projectiles when set in an open position, yet is adapted to protect and hide the loaded canisters when set in a closed position.

Abstract: A mobile projectile launcher is disclosed having a tiltable launching platform for supporting a plurality of canisters in each of which projectiles to be launched are stored and fired, a support plate pivotally connected to a horizontal cargo bed, and at least one linear actuator by which the support plate is swingable from a closed position substantially perpendicular to the cargo bed to an open position substantially parallel to the cargo bed. The support plate is made of a material that is resistant to the projectile plume following launching and is sufficiently sturdy to support a technician during the loading of projectiles when set in an open position, yet is adapted to protect and hide the loaded canisters when set in a closed position.

Abstract: A modular launch-cell system for a launch vehicle. The method includes a number of launch-cells, a base and an upper attachment arrangement. The launch-cells include a missile and are arranged in a structure which includes a number of layers, each of the layer includes two or more launch cells. The launch-cells are substantially directly reversibly mechanically connected to the base. One of the launch-cells includes a lower attachment arrangement configured for reversibly mechanically connecting one launch-cell to one or more of the base and another of the launch-cells disposed below the one launch-cell. The upper arrangement is designed for reversibly mechanically connecting one launch-cell to another of the launch-cells disposed above the one launch-cell.

Abstract: A modular launch-cell system for a launch vehicle. The method includes a number of launch-cells, a base and an upper attachment arrangement. The launch-cells include a missile and are arranged in a structure which includes a number of layers, each of the layer includes two or more launch cells. The launch-cells are substantially directly reversibly mechanically connected to the base. One of the launch-cells includes a lower attachment arrangement configured for reversibly mechanically connecting one launch-cell to one or more of the base and another of the launch-cells disposed below the one launch-cell. The upper arrangement is designed for reversibly mechanically connecting one launch-cell to another of the launch-cells disposed above the one launch-cell.

Abstract: An optical fiber dispenser for the payout of optical fiber from a moving vehicle so as to maintain a wire communication link with a control station. The dispenser has a bobbin carrying a multi-layer optical fiber pack and holding heating means connectable to a power or heat supply.

Abstract: A spool is produced by winding a filament, particularly an optical fiber, onto a bobbin by forming a first layer wound in a helical pattern, forming a transition at a predetermined angle from each successive odd layer to the following even layer and creating starts in each even layer at the transition point from the preceding, odd layer. In each odd layer, except the first layer, two cross-over lines at 180.degree. from one another lie directly over those of the preceding, even layer.

Abstract: A system for the monitoring and, when required, correcting, the winding of filament pack of an essentially transparent optical fiber on a bobbin, and a method for effecting such winding. The system comprises a conventional filament winding device combined with an of indirect illumination of the fiber for projecting on a screen an enlarged silhouette of the uppermost layer of such filament as it is wound under controlled tension onto the bobbin, and a mechanism for interrupting such winding and effecting corrections whenever required. There may be provided a mechanism for automatically following the progress of the winding so as to maintain the silhouette in the filed of view on the viewing screen.

Abstract: A method for measuring attenuation of light signals passing through an opal fiber and means for effecting such measurements. The attenuation can be measured over varying angles of bend and with light of different wave lengths. The determinations made are of value in the evaluation of effects of bending optical fibers used in telecommunications, with certain sensors and the like.

Abstract: A method for measuring drag forces acting on optical fibers and thin metal ires as a result of the influence of wind of varying force. Also a system for effecting such measurements, based on means for exposing a tightened fiber or wire to an essentially constant flow of air, while at an angle to such flow, means being provided for measuring forces acting on such fiber or wire.

Abstract: A coupling between optical fibers, one of which rotates respective a light ensor coupled to another such fiber. The light emanating from the end of the fiber facing the sensor reaches such sensor directly or it is focused onto it by a lens. The area of the sensor is larger than the fiber diameter, which is axially mounted in the rotating body, so as to cancel out misalignments resulting from high speed rotations of the fiber respective the sensor.

Abstract: A pay out system for paying out a flexible elongated element such as a filament, connecting a first object such as an air vehicle, to a second object such as a launcher, includes a bobbin carried by the first object and having a first flexible elongated element wound therearound one end of which is connected to the first object and the opposite end of which is connected to the second object by a second flexible elongated element wound in loop form on a second bobbin adjacent to the second object. A tension sensor senses the tension in the second flexible elongated element. A clutch normally couples the second bobbin to the tension sensor but is effective, when the tension in the second flexible elongated element reaches a predetermined value, to decouple the second bobbin and to permit it to rotate in a direction to pay out the second flexible elongated element from the second bobbin.