Abstract: An attitude control system (ACS) for a spacecraft includes an attitude control assembly (ACA) interface, a control moment gyro (CMG) array and a reaction wheel assembly (RWA) control unit. The ACA interface converts torque commands received from the RWA control unit into CMG gimbal rates for the CMG array. The ACA interface receives CMG gimbal angles from the CMGs and converts the CMG gimbals angles into RWA speeds, which are then provided to the RWA control unit.

Abstract: A concrete distribution system for pouring concrete floors over areas inaccessible to concrete trucks comprises a conduit assembly, leveling member, interconnecting cables and activating members. The conduit assembly includes a first rigid, moveable support which supports a first pipeline immediately above the area to be concreted. The pipeline has a plurality of openings through which the concrete is poured across the area. Control valves selectively open and close access to the openings so that concrete pours across the area. The first support is interconnected by cables with the leveling member. Activating members simultaneously move the conduit assembly and leveling member across the area to be concreted.

Abstract: A golf club putter embodying this invention is formed from a peripheral rod, bent to provide peripheral weighting of the putter head both at the top and bottom, as well as from heel to toe. The method of manufacturing the putter head includes bending a rod of suitable rigid material, such as stainless steel, into the desired head shape, to provide an enclosed open area into which a striking face insert is installed and permanently held in place with a suitable adhesive filler material, such as a polyester fiberglass resin and attaching the putter head to the bottom of a shaft by means of a threaded connection.

Abstract: A process for the production of butanediol from the hydrogenation of .gamma.-butyrolactone is provided. The process involves passing vaporized .gamma.-butyrolactone, water and hydrogen over a copper zinc catalyst. The incorporation of water with the .gamma.-butyrolactone and hydrogen results in increased productivity of butanediol.

Abstract: A distributed parallel processing architecture for electronically steerable multi-element RF array antennas provides real time rapid array updates with decreased hardware cost and complexity. The array is subdivided into plural sub-arrays (each sub-array has more than one RF radiating element) and a phase shift interface electronics ("PIE") device is provided for each sub-array. Parameters specific to the RF elements within the sub-arrays are preloaded into the corresponding PIE. Pointing angle and rotational orientation parameters are broadcasted to the PIEs, which then calculate, in parallel and in a distributed processing manner, the phase shifts associated with the various elements in their corresponding sub-arrays. Linearization, phase compensation for various factors (e.g., operating frequency, measured characteristics of individual RF elements, feed line delay to individual elements, etc.

Abstract: Lactones, particularly gamma-butyrolactone, are hydrogenated in the vapor phase to glycols over a copper chromite catalyst.

Abstract: A method of and device for aligning and securing an annular member on a shaft. The annular member is formed with a bore through which the shaft extends with clearance between the parts. A plurality of set screws are provided at one axial location of the annular member and one set screw is provided at another axial location and is axially aligned with one of the first mentioned set screws. The axially aligned set screws are tightened against the shaft to draw the opposite side of the annular member against the shaft so that the centerlines of the shaft and annular member are parallel but not necessarily concentric. The other set screws are then tightened to secure the annular member to the shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical face seal including a non-rotable member fixed to a container and a rotatable member fixed to a shaft. The rotatable member includes a laminated holder constructed of press-fitted, metallic bands, and a non-metallic insert press-fitted in the holder. The outer band is in tension and the inner band in compression upon assembly of the holder so that the stresses in these parts tend to balance one another. Upon assembly of the insert to the holder, the inner band may be in tension.

Abstract: A self-damping bellows seal assembly for providing a seal between a rotatable shaft and a stationary member through which the shaft extends. The assembly includes a flexible bellows surrounding the shaft and secured at one end thereto. An annular face seal is fixed and sealed to the other end of the bellows and is biased by the bellows into sealing engagement with the stationary member. The means which secures and seals the face seal to the bellows includes a flexible member which closely surrounds the shaft and dampens vibrations induced in the bellows. The bellows seal assembly includes stamped sheet-metal parts and can be used when the assembly is to be secured to the stationary member and the face seal to engage a radial face on the shaft.