Abstract: A full floating point vector processor includes a master processing unit having DMA I/O means, a wide bandwidth data memory having static RAM and/or interleaved dynamic RAM, an address generator operative to provide address generation for data loaded in the data memory, a concurrently operating pipeline control sequencer operative to provide fully programmable horizontal format microinstructions synchronously with the addresses generated by the address generator, and a pipelined arithmetic and logical unit responsive to the addressed data and to the synchronously provided microinstructions and operative to evaluate one of a user selectable plurality of computationally intensive functions. The address generator, the pipeline controlsequencer, and the master processing unit are configured in parallel. The address generator includes means operative to provide pipeline input and output data dependent address generation.

Abstract: A plasma-spray technique using rapid temperature quenching transforms commercially available .beta.-rhombohedral boron in powder form into thick, dense wafers of crystalline .gamma.-tetragonal boron.

Abstract: A process is described for the polymerization of cyclic olefins by ring-opening employing a coinitiator such as acetylene or substituted acetylenes. The polymers obtained by this method are highly stereoselective.

Abstract: PZT/polymer composites and a simplified method of their fabrication are dribed. Commercially available PZT Pb(Zr, Ti)O.sub.3 powder is thoroughly mixed with a binder such as polyvinylalcohol and polymethyl methacrylate (PMM) spheres and pressed into pellets. The binder and PMM spheres are burnt out by heating pellets slowly and the porous pellets so obtained are sintered by heating them in closed high-purity alumina crucibles and lead zirconate as a source of lead is added thereto. The highly porous pellets thus obtained are impregnated with a suitable polymer such as silicone rubber elastomer or vinylcyclohexene dioxide epoxy.

Abstract: A selected increase in the farfield amplitude of the difference frequency am of saturation limited parametric sonar sources is obtained by an array of saturation limited parametric sources having a center-to-center spacing selected such that the primary beams launched by each source coexist in a common region where attenuation has reduced the amplitude of each primary beam to a level which precludes saturation. The selected center-to-center spacing depends upon the number of individual sources implemented and each doubling of the number of selectively spaced sources provides at least a 3 dB increase in the farfield difference frequency amplitude without changing the nominal directivity characteristics of the parametric source.

Abstract: A novel method for nondestructively indicating the existence of micron-sized cracks, fissures, and other such faults on the surfaces of integrated circuit semiconductor packages and other test surfaces. An indicating layer of substantially uniform thickness is formed over the entire test surface by directing an inert fluorocarbon vapor into contact with the test surface. The temperature of the test surface is below the dew point of the inert vapor so that the indicating layer forms by condensation. The existence of cracks, fissures, and other such faults is clearly indicated to the unaided eye in a dull outline conforming to the shape of the fault as a result of the differential reflection of incident light off of the indicating condensate-layer. Faulted regions absorb comparatively more light than unfaulted regions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns using star sightings to supplement the ineal instruments in nonfixed launch systems so as to provide increased accuracy without refinement of the inertial systems. It is particularly applicable to a system in which the missile is launched from a moving base of uncertain position. A stellar fix is obtained by pointing a sensor in the direction of a star, scanning the optical field of view through an elongated slit which is parallel to the pitch axis and centered along the missile roll axis, rotating the missile 90.degree. to interchange the pitch and roll axes and scanning again to establish another coordinate on the first star sighted and a single coordinate on a second star.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using pressure changes to indicate volume chan in fluid level indicators or other devices with the required degree of sensitivity and accuracy is provided. A change in fluid volume is indicated by detection and display of a concurrent pressure change in a captive volume of air.

Abstract: An instrument having a logarithmic response is provided which continuously easures rates of rainfall over a range of from 0.3 to 350 mm/hr by determining the electrical power required to evaporate the water as it arrives on an exposed sensor. The sensor determines the flux of rain or cloud water arriving on its surface and consists essentially of a porous, water absorbent, dielectric material held between two metallic electrodes across which a fixed electrical potential is maintained. The water is evaporated by electrical heating as it arrives on the surface, and the amount of power required is a measure of the mass flux of water to the collecting surface.

Abstract: A balance system for rotating turbomachinery and other rotating devices is rovided wherein balance correction is obtained by snap rings having both an intentional eccentricity of their center of mass and discrete peripheral features which are adapted to be received in corresponding recesses in the machinery.

Abstract: A slow wave guiding structure such as a helix delay line for electron intction devices of the traveling wave type having diamond heat sink supports for substantial enhancement of power levels of operation is provided. The diamond supported helix structures are maintained in good thermal contact by pressure only in lieu of the diamonds being bonded to metallic members. The invention is applicable to numerous slow wave structures including ladder, ring-bar, meander, as well as interdigital types.

Abstract: Ammonia is utilized as a reversible plasticizer in the deformation of theplastic polyamides so as not to degrade the mechanical properties of the deformed material. It may be retained in the material under pressure and/or low temperature during extrusion or other deformation processes and is spontaneously released with time and at reduced pressure and/or elevated temperature at the end of the process, such as at the exit side of an extruder die.