Abstract: A system for manufacturing metal matrix composites, each including a porous preform infiltrated with molten metal, includes a programmable, automated arrangement for handling preforms for sequential introduction into a die caster of the system. A preform loader includes a reciprocable loading head which receives each preform from an associated stack, and delivers each preform to a horizontally reciprocable carrier of a preform shuttle. The preform shuttle effects indexed movement of each preform along a substantially horizontal path, through a preheating furnace, and into the die caster. Efficient operation of the system is promoted, while undesirable damage to the relatively brittle porous preforms is avoided.

Abstract: Two separate CRT image generators are symmetrically positioned with respect to the center line of a cockpit. A first generator projects a virtual image of reticle and symbol information to a pilot's left eye while the second image generator projects a virtual image of symbol information relating the right right eye, the images being contiguous and aligned but without disturbing overlap or gap. As a result, a pilot sees an object outside the windscreen in parallax-free accurate superposition with symbols projected by the first and second generators.

Abstract: Two separate CRT image generators are symmetrically positioned with respect to the center line of a cockpit. A first generator projects a virtual image of reticle and symbol information to a pilot's left eye while the second image generator projects a virtual image of symbol information relating the right eye, the images being contiguous and aligned but without disturbing overlap or gap. As a result, a pilot sees an object outside the windscreen in parallax-free accurate superposition with symbols projected by the first and second generators.

Abstract: An automatic control for a multi-zone push type carburizing furnace capable of controlling the flow of either an endothermic gas atmosphere or a nitrogen methanol atmosphere at both high and low flow rates and during normal and suspend carburizing utilizes cascaded multi-stage valving to assure good separation of the atmospheres in adjacent zones. The first stage of the cascaded multi-stage valving controls the total gas flow, and the second stage routes the gas to individual zones of the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the cooling characteristics of a quenching medium includes a temperature probe having a predetermined thermal mass and conductivity and a temperature sensor affixed to the probe. The probe and sensor are heated to a predetermined temperature and immersed in the quenching medium. The output of the temperature sensor is applied to a microcomputer that has been programmed to monitor the quench rate and to determine whether the quench rate is within predetermined limits at predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: A device for the outside display of the level and specific density of a liquid contained within a tank, particularly for inflammable liquids, characterized by a plurality of paired light pipes having optical interface means therebetween located at intervals within a support with electrical means operable by light energy from one of the pair of light pipes being conducted thereby due to a mismatch of the index of refraction caused by an absence of fuel at the area of the optical interface to provide a display of the fluid level and/or the density of the fluid within a tank.