Abstract: A mechanical step scanner which moves an image in discrete steps relative to a detector array by displacing, rather than by deflecting, the optical path. The scanner includes first and second rotatable reflector discs that are in optical alignment with each other, with the optical path of the image, and with the detector array. Each reflector disc has a plurality of flat surfaces which are in parallel-spaced relationship (i.e., are "stepped"); and, the rotation of each disc is at a preselected synchronized speed. Unlike the prior art, this scanner can be placed at any point in the optical path forward of the first disc; avoids complex optical surfaces and the aberrations resulting from the use thereof; and, is not critically dependent on the angular orientation of the optical path, but is only dependent on the stability of the angle selected.

Abstract: A laser system computer in the preferred form of a hand-holdable, two-sided circular slide rule, for quickly and accurately solving a wide range of problems which are associated with laser radar, designation, communications and directed energy applications, the solution of which said problems could not be attained with prior art slide rules of any type. Calculations relating to the design, analysis and performance of lasers are performed on one side of the calculator. Atmospheric effects, such as attenuation and turbulence beam spreading, are computed on the other side of the calculator. Both continuous wave and pulsed lasers can be calculated with the use of this unique computer, which also may be used for ground, air and space laser applications. Structurally, the preferred embodiment is in the form of a circular slide rule having: a circular stator (i.e., base) with a front face and a rear face; a plurality of concentric discs (i.e.

Abstract: The inventive laser comprises two identical hollow nozzle portions which are positioned in layered fashion (i.e., in stacked condition), in registration, and with their respective longitudinal axes in parallel. Each nozzle portion has a protrusion extending into the void or hollow interior, and coolant flow passages are located in the protrusion. The internal surface of each nozzle portion has a nickel fiber wick sintered to it, and the wick is saturated with a metal, preferably sodium, which is in a liquid state. The unique structure of the inventive nozzle permits a very short transient start and also permits operation of the nozzle at steady-state conditions in an isothermal manner.

Abstract: A structural lock for locking in each of three axes, during the launch phase, the rotatable structural portion of a spacecraft and a despun structural shelf commonly used in dual spin spacecraft. A single sliding pin which connects the two sections, is withdrawn by a pyrotechnic device prior to achieving orbit. The pin engages an adjustable spring biased, two piece member which includes serrated mating surfaces for providing a positive shear path in the Z direction.

Abstract: An actuator adapted for use in separating two interconnected bodies, while maintaining their respective desired directions. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator includes a housing which supports and guides a captive coiled spring that is adjusted for proper preload compression by a nut, and a center plunger to which is removably connected a bolt, headup. The actuator is attached to one of the interconnected bodies. The proper plunger travel is adjusted by a retraction tool that is then removed; and, the bolt is extended to touch the other interconnected body. When the interconnection is broken, the spring is released and, without changing the direction of the body to which the actuator is attached, imparts the desired direction to the first body.

Abstract: Four anchored rope lines which are arranged as boundary vertices of an equilateral square pyramid, terminate at a four way shackle connected through a short line to a hook. The hook terminates lines on the nose of the balloon which are secured by an appropriate number of nose patches, two or three on each side or in the center of the balloon nose. Conventional mooring ropes are tethered to a monorail arrangement in a conventional manner. The four anchored rope lines replace the cumbersome mooring tower and eliminate the necessity of a protective nose framework on the balloon. In another embodiment the four rope lines are secured directly to the nose patches through the four way shackle and carried aloft with the balloon. At the time of mooring the lower ends of each rope line need merely to be connected to appropriate ground terminals.

Abstract: A liquid propellant gun system which operates by the direct injection of a two-component hypergolic liquid propellant, i.e., a liquid oxidizer and a liquid fuel, into the combustion chamber in the gun to the rear of the projectile to be propelled. The preferred embodiment is an adaption of the inventive gun system for use as a rapid fire, small caliber, high muzzle velocity aircraft cannon system. As the hypergolic components come into contact and burn, the projectile is propelled forwardly through and out of the gun barrel by the resultant combustion gases. Unlike the prior art, the inventive system permits a significantly higher rate of fire of projectiles, eliminates the need for an igniter, prevents misfires and detonations, materially increases the reliability of the gun and the system thereof, and greatly reduces both the weight and the volume needed to house and to use the gun and the other components of the system.

Abstract: A fragmentation bomblet, packaged as a close-ended steel right circular cylinder, having: an explosive train which is initiated along the periphery of the inner surface of the cylinder wall; a centrally located main charge; and a plurality of fragmentation-type plates parallel to each other, with an explosive layer between adjacent plates, and with the lowest of the plates forming the bottom of the cylinder.

Abstract: A toggle type adjustable latch mechanism which distributes the load to two attachment points on the wall of one part of a two-part container. Both overcenter and fulcrum principles are used to apply closure pressure and the latch itself lies within the envelope of the container in the closed position thereby preventing damage to the latch during handling and empty shipment.

Abstract: A bottle holder assembly in a preferred embodiment adapted for use as an inflight intravenous bottle holder aboard an aircraft on an aeromedical airlift mission. The holder comprises: a cradle, generally configurated in the form of an inverted T, with an upper and a lower end and with a slot in each end, and with each end bent backwardly; a hook removably connected to the upper end; and, a strap subassembly attached to the cradle and suitably configurated and dimensioned to accept a standard intravenous bottle which is in the inverted, operative position. The intravenous bottle holder is removably attachable to, and slideably movable along, any one of the plurality of conventional litter support straps which such an aircraft is equipped. The cradle of the bottle holder is held in a gripping action with the support strap because of friction.

Abstract: A safing and arming mechanism which is adapted for use with a mechanical fuze, and which is armed only after having been subjected to the combined and total effects of a spin environment and of an aerodynamic deceleration environment, with the existence of the environments being either separate or simultaneous. The mechanism includes a rotor and a rotor spring which will arm the mechanism only at a higher static spin rate than a lockweight component of the mechanism. Because of a delay disc-lockweight interlock structural feature, the complete arming sequence of the mechanism is prevented until the necessary spin and deceleration environments exist. When this environmental combination is achieved, the lockweight moves before the rotor can return; and, that results in the release of the rotor and the arming of the mechanism.

Abstract: An accelerator including a framework having an aerodynamic fairing shaped to provide positive pitch and directional stability and including a support and attachment system for holding a fully fueled horizontal takeoff space vehicle such that the negative structure loadings are reduced to a minimum. The running gear system includes a plurality of wheel tire sets with braking and decelerating systems associated therewith.

Abstract: A mechanism which can be utilized to drive a rotating sector disc type light shutter with a high degree of precision, so as to control light exposures that are made through a stationary aperture. Unlike the prior art, this inventive mechanism can be used to extend the exposure duration range almost indefinitely. In essence, this is accomplished with the inventive mechanism by stopping the motion of the sector disc shutter, with the open portion of the sector disc aligned with the stationary aperture, and then, after a preset elapsed interval, restarting the disc to close the aperture and terminate the exposure. Also unlike the prior art, this inventive mechanism obviates the need for critical timing.

Abstract: An angle of attack indicator for use as a cockpit instrument including movable variable-area diaphragms which respond to the differences in pressure at selected points on the aircraft. The pressure points may include the total pressure sensed by the aircraft pitot tube and two other pressures at least one of which varies strongly with the angle of attack. The mechanism divides the difference between total pressure and one of the other two pressures by the difference between the total pressure and the other of the other two pressures obtaining a pressure coefficient which depends only on the shape and angle of attack of the aircraft. The use of the variable diaphragm as the sensitive element of a low level pressure sensor as in an aircraft airspeed indicator is described.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure including a plurality of trusses joined by cables with a hydraulic system for producing relative rotation of the trusses at their juncture axes. The trusses comprise series of subelements hinged at common juncture I-beams. The cables effectively join adjacent structural subelements and the hydraulic system includes a plurality of hydraulic elements having their outer casings secured to the I-beams and their piston elements extending downwardly against the cable. Upon the application of hydraulic pressure, the outer casing and juncture I-beams move upward in opposition to the restraint of the cables causing relative rotation at the junctures of adjacent trusses to the desired angular position thereby producing an arch bay section. The curved edges of a series of arches are connected together to form the self-erecting structure.

Abstract: A hand operated forklift truck including a swivel wheel assembly attached to the lowermost portion of a brace extending downwardly from the side rails and a load support comprising an angularly adjustable mast pivotally attached to the lower ends of the side rails with a pair of forks extending outwardly such that heavy loads can be lifted and balanced while being moved while the swivel wheel adds to the stability of the load.

Abstract: A vortex generator including a heat source in the base of a cylindrical member with a circular ringwing in the shape of an airfoil which is lifted upward and then impulsively released to move rapidly downward and thus generate a vortex behind it. The vorticity in the core of the vortex is highly concentrated and moves rapidly upward through cloud cover. A strong light in the center of the vortex will shine to great heights making it especially useful as an airport beacon or the like. When the invention is used with a chimney, the effluents therein are caused to proceed rapidly upward through atmospheric obstacles such as thermal inversions which have been cleared by the action of the vortex.

Abstract: An internal cavity calorimeter for measuring the output power from an edge coupled unstable laser resonator with a variable rectangular mode geometry while containing the radiation inside the resonator. The 45.degree. output coupling mirror of a conventional edge coupled unstable cavity is replaced by a calorimeter assembly including an absorbing copper plate having a rectangular hole of variable width w and height h to define a rectangular mode of variable width Mw and height Mh within the geometric optics approximation where M is the magnification.