Abstract: An improved method of depositing nickel on a clean refractory metal surface to form a multilayer article is disclosed, wherein the full thickness of nickel can be plated prior to the intermetallic bonding of the metals. The metal surface is cleaned and etched prior to the application of a first layer of nickel on the surface by electroplating means. After the article is rinsed, a second layer of nickel is applied to the first layer of nickel by electroplating means. The article is then heated in the absence of air to cause intermetallic bonding between nickel and the refractory metal substrate.

Abstract: A truss structure for use in orbital systems and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The structure is characterized by high stiffness and a precisely determined geometry and takes the form of an oblique triangular prism. The structure is constructed of a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements which achieve high stowage volume efficiency during transport to the construction site. In a first embodiment the truss is formed by joining the first vertex of an element to the third vertex of the next element to form a chain of elements, then sequentially joining the second vertex of each Nth element to the first vertex of the subsequent element N+2 and to the third vertex of the subsequent element N+3. Further embodiments employ an indexing and an indexing and rotating fixture.

Abstract: An improved electrical connection between a leadless chip carrier and one or more circuits on a printed circuit board is disclosed. A solder fillet connects a metallization layer on the groove face of the carrier to the printed circuit. The solder fillet is fused to only a portion of the full length of the metallization layer, thereby permitting the unfused layer portion to flex when differential expansion and contraction between the carrier and the substrate occurs. Thus, the solder fillet is only minimally stressed and the chance of failure of the connection due to cracking is reduced. The center of the carrier may be mechanically fastened to the substrate in order to equalize the differential expansion between different parts of the carrier and the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing and disassembling a triangular prism-form truss structure in spaced are disclosed. The apparatus includes a triangular prism-form construction fixture and three feed units disposed about the fixture for feeding the triangular frame elements that form the basic unit of the structure, or for removing the elements from the structure. The construction method, essentially automatic, comprises feeding frame elements to the fixture from the feed units in sequence. Fixture forward and backward movement along the fixture longitudinal axis, before and after element feeding, effects fastening of the frame elements to one another. Shifting of completed truss structure sections relative to the fixture is accomplished by periodic axial movement of the fixture. The disassembly method essentially comprises the reverse sequence of the steps of the construction method.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array having light concentrating reflectors is disclosed which includes a plurality of mutually attached and substantially identical assemblies, each comprising a photovoltaic cell supported within a frame structure opposite a light-concentrating reflector. Electrically conductive struts support the cells while further providing electrical interconnection as well as means for conducting waste heat away from the individual photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A truss structure for use in orbital systems and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The structure is characterized by high stiffness and a precisely determined geometry and takes the form of an oblique triangular prism. The structure is constructed of a plurality of substantially identical triangular frame elements which achieve high stowage volume efficiency during transport to the construction site.

Abstract: A master fitting is disclosed adapted to be subdivided into a set of vertex fittings for use in a truss structure which comprises a plurality of frame elements. Interchangeable vertex fittings with accurately aligned surfaces, slots and holes are provided at a low cost. The vertex fittings are adapted to form the frame elements with mating struts, or to form hinge joints for interconnecting groups of frame elements. The invention permits ease of assembly and quick and easy removal and replacement of a strut in the truss structure.

Abstract: A composite, single material, one-piece turbomachinery rotor constructed of fibers bonded in a matrix is disclosed together with a method of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: An automatic load shed control for a spacecraft power system employs a selectable one of a plurality of charging gains to approximate a state of charge in a secondary battery system. An ampere hour meter is initialized when the battery system is known to be fully charged and the inefficiencies of the charging system are lumped into a charging gain parameter. An output of the ampere hour meter is compared with a load shed threshold to determine the time for load shedding. The charging gain can be remotely changed as required to a value which causes the output of the ampere hour meter to track the true state of charge of the battery system closely enough for system satisfactory operation of load shedding. The charging gain may be a constant or may be a variable in dependence on the state of charge of the battery system. Charge which is delivered at a rate below a predetermined threshold is ignored by the ampere hour meter.

Abstract: Compositions of metal oxides which may be melted and cooled to produce glasses are disclosed. The glasses may be heat treated to produce glass-ceramics. The glasses have good transmittances for electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, infrared and visible spectra, while the glass-ceramics have good transmittances of infrared radiation. Other physical properties make these materials desirable for purposes such as radomes.

Abstract: A multifrequency antenna includes a main reflector for signals in a low frequency band. One or more portions of the main reflector are deformed to provide one or more auxiliary reflectors for signals in one or more higher frequency bands. The feed for the low frequency band is located axially of the main reflector, while the feeds for the higher frequency bands are offset to the side of the low frequency feed. The lateral and axial offsets of the vertex of an auxiliary high frequency reflector from the vertex of the main low frequency reflector and the focal length of the auxiliary high frequency reflector are selected to minimize the degradation of the performance in the low frequency band.

Abstract: A tubular assembly for transferring fluids in relative isolation from the ambient environment is disclosed. The assembly includes at least two similar conduit sections. Each conduit section has contoured ends which may be frusto-conical in shape. Means for joining the two conduit sections end-to-end are provided which position conforming contoured ends in mutually confronting, spaced relationship. In one embodiment, the assembly and the interspace formed by the space, conforming surfaces are oriented such that the condensate of the fluid flowing through the assembly is trapped in the interspace thereby forming a thermal barrier between the fluid flowing through the assembly and the ambient environment.

Abstract: A time delay memory system is used for enhancing the reliability of a data processing system or the like, wherein the critical information contents of temporary storage means are preserved from destruction by the adverse effects of an externally originated, transient condition. Critical information, which includes time-dependent critical data and a time reference, is periodically collected from a scratch pad memory and a timer respectively. The critical information is transferred to secondary storage means and remains there throughout a predetermined delay interval, substantially immune to the adverse effects of any transient condition. The delay interval exceeds the expected duration of the transient condition and its adverse effects. If the system is switched to a recovery mode by the occurrence of a transient condition, the critical data and the time reference are reloaded from the secondary storage means into the scratch pad memory and timer respectively at the end of the delay interval.

Abstract: A tubular pipe assembly for hot or cold fluid transfer which assembly includes a plurality of insulated conduit sections joined together, end to end, with male and female couplings. Each conduit section has concentric inner and outer pipes with insulation disposed between the pipes. The outer pipes have threaded ends. A means at both ends of each conduit section seals the cavity between the inner and outer pipes and supports the pipes relative to each other. A male coupling has a first end threaded on the outer pipe of a first conduit section and has a second end which is threaded. A female coupling has a first and a second threaded end. The first threaded end of the female coupling is threaded on the outer pipe of a second conduit section. The second threaded end of the female coupling is threaded on the second end of the male coupling and thusly joins the first and second insulated conduits together.

Abstract: Waveguide lenses characterized by wide bandwidth, polarization-insensitivity, and absence of physical zoning steps. A waveguide lens constructed in accordance with the variable cut-off frequency approach of the invention comprises a two-dimensional array of individual waveguide elements arranged in proximate juxtaposition extending between inner and outer lens surface contours. At least a portion of the outer surface contour follows a constant group delay surface contour, and the individual waveguide elements are configured so as to have cut-off frequencies individually selected so as to compensate the phase lengths of individual waveguide elements to provide constant phase delay. For determining the various cut-off frequencies and thus phase lengths, the individual waveguide elements may have various cross-sectional configurations, various fillings of dielectric material, or both.

Abstract: A composite, single material, one-piece turbomachinery rotor constructed of fibers bonded in a matrix is disclosed together with a method of manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A system for searched digitized data permitting the simultaneous searching of several queries. To minimize excessive matches of queries, the search may be limited to selected portions of each of the documents being searched.

Abstract: A low-density, thermally insulating composite which is ablation resistant and impervious to gases and liquids. The composite is comprised of a carbon-carbon syntactic foam material which is covered and penetrated by pyrolytic carbon, in order to increase the strength of the foam material. Pyrolytic graphite is then deposited onto at least one surface of the pyrolytic carbon covered and penetrated foam material to improve the thermal insulation of the composite and render it impervious to gas or liquids.

Abstract: An inclinometer has a ferromagnetic ball levitated between pairs of electromagnets. When the inclinometer changes attitude, the ball moves in response to the change in relative gravity direction. Alternating currents are applied to the proper electromagnets and in the magnitudes needed to re-center the ball. The same signals which determine the re-centering currents are the inclinometer outputs.

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating the use of an in-motion slit radiographic technique to inspect 3-dimensional composite materials. The system includes a lead lined device that is adjustable to form various slit shaped and size openings. When used in conjunction with a standard X-ray source and film, the device prevents the non-parallel and undesirable portion of the X-ray radiation from creating a distorted image when complex 3-dimensional structures are inspected.