Abstract: An implantable bone lengthening apparatus may utilize an entirely self-contained lengthening mechanism which includes a shape memory material-powered hydraulic pump, a shape memory material-powered ratchet mechanism, a permeable head piston mechanism, and a bellows extension mechanism. The bone lengthening nails are more compact, simpler, eliminate unnecessary shifting or torsional movement, and maintain alignment of the bone during its natural healing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of blood coagulation using infrared electromagnetic transmission changes through a sample from a source of infrared energy to suitable detection electronics producing a peak signal representative of the clotting time.

Abstract: RF manifolding for a radar antenna which allows tight spacing of Phase Control Modules (PCMs) is disclosed. The manifolding consists of ridged branch manifold waveguides to which ridged cross waveguide sections are installed. Each branch manifold waveguide of the present invention has ridges on one broad wall, coupling slots on another broad wall, and a plurality of cross waveguides connected on the side having the coupling slots. The cross waveguides are likewise provided with ridges on one broad wall, which are oriented at right angles to the ridges of the branch manifold waveguide, and have coupling slots on the opposite broad wall which correspond to the coupling slots of the branch manifold waveguide. The PCMs are mounted on the end of each cross waveguide, parallel to the ridges thereof.

Abstract: A radio frequency coupler connector includes a housing having first and second housing portions. The first housing portion includes a first open-ended launcher operatively connected to a first connection terminal, and the second housing portion includes a second open-ended launcher operatively connected to a second connection terminal. When the first and second housing portions are assembled, the first and second open-ended launchers are overlapped and separated by a dielectric, thereby providing a non-contact connection by capacitive coupling.

Abstract: A fabricated dielectric aperture assembly includes a first layer of electrically conductive material having an opening therethrough to define a first aperture, a second layer of electrically conductive material spaced from the first electrically conductive layer and having an opening therethrough to define a second aperture and a plurality of solid dielectric layers interposed between the first and second layers of electrically conductive material. The first and second layers of electrically conductive material with the multiple layers of dielectric material interposed therebetween form a generally laminar assembly. A grid-like structure is embedded in the laminar assembly and extends between the first and second electrically conductive layers. The grid-like structure has an inner wall, an outer wall portion, an interior bounded by the inner wall and a plurality of openings extending from the inner wall to the outer wall.

Abstract: A light plane assembly for use in a phased array antenna to provide a communication link between a phased array antenna control system and the individual phase control modules in the array. The light plane assembly includes a translucent member having a plurality of openings therethrough. Each opening is adapted to receive a phase control module having an optic signal detector mounted thereon. Each module is positioned in an opening so that the optic signal detector on the module lies within the opening. Light emitting diodes in optic communication with an edge surface of the translucent member are connected with a phased array antenna control system and are operable to convert an electrical information signal provided from the control system to an equivalent optic information signal. The light emitting diodes generate an optic information signal which is transmitted through the interior of the translucent member for detection by the optic signal detector on each phase control module.

Abstract: Certain present antenna assemblies require that their antenna structure be first rotated to a predetermined azimuth orientation prior to being retracted translationally along an axis to a stowed state so that it may conform to the surface of the antenna supporting structure which it is designed to rest against. An antenna assembly which requires no such prior maneuvering of the antenna structure before retraction thereof is disclosed. Retraction of the antenna structure in accordance with the present invention may occur at any random azimuth orientation of the antenna structure. In one embodiment, at least one cam follower bearing is fixedly coupled to a support housing of the antenna assembly and positioned to engage one of a plurality of integral cam grooves disposed on the surface of a shaft which supports the antenna structure and used to extend and retract the antenna structure with respect to the support housing surface.

Abstract: A concentric pulley drive assembly is disclosed as having a central pulley mounted to a motor axle and rotatably driven therewith by a drive motor. A partial pulley in the form of a partial annulus is positioned about a portion of the periphery of the central pulley concentrically with respect to the motor axle. A tape strip coupling the two pulleys transmits torque from the central pulley to the partial pulley to induce annular rotations of the partial pulley about the motor axle commensurate with the annular rotation of the central pulley. An antenna or sensor support platform is coupled to the extremities of the partial pulley for pivotal positioning about the motor axle in conjunction with the annular rotation of the motor axle.

Abstract: A missile system is disclosed which collects and stores energy during the early stages of flight of a missile at a time when the acceleration forces on the missile are the greatest and thereafter, regulates the stored energy to at least one mechanism on board the missile for operation thereof. More specifically, the missile system includes a main support housing section and a nose cone section which is slidably, mechanically interconnected to the housing section. During the early stages of flight, the nose cone section is caused to move with respect to the housing section under the induced acceleration of the missile. Means are provided on board the missile to collect and store the energy resulting from the acceleration induced movement of the nose cone section with respect to the housing section and to provide the stored energy in a regulated fashion to at least one mechanism disposed on the missile for operation thereof during the flight time of the missile.

Abstract: An anti-backlash gear assembly including an hydraulic piston that automatically maintains clearance-filling positioning of two relatively circumferentially adjustable axial parts of a split gear by receipt of hydraulic fluid from a local accumulator via a fluid-retaining check valve means.

Abstract: A controllably electrically coupled, physically intersecting plural waveguide manifold assembly wherein the intersecting waveguide elements are fabricated in integral unitary relationship from a single piece of metal in order to avoid the inaccuracies and difficult-to-control fabrication steps associated with uniting separate waveguide elements into a unitary structure. An X-band aluminum airborne radar manifold example is disclosed, along with a fabrication sequence for the manifold and the electrical energy communicating apertures joining the manifold elements.