Abstract: A mechanism rapidly and repetitively launches missiles from inside an aircraft during flight. One or more missiles are carried and launched through a tube protruding through the front of the aircraft thus obviating the necessity for bomb bay or other sizeable, open doors. The aircraft interior may be used as a large accumulator so that pressurized internal air is utilized as the propellant when admitted to a breech. Thus, a "cold" launch is achieved negating the possibility of a "hang fire". Multiple missiles can be carried in revolving chambers which are capable of rapid rotation into firing position. The advantages of the system include the ability to launch at high aircraft altitudes and speeds with the missile moving toward the target.

Abstract: Effective utilization of pellets of material capable of subliming under conditions of use in a sandblasting process in which such pellets are propelled against a surface by a stream of pressurized gas requires careful control of a number of interrelated factors. When the process is employed for the purpose of removing material from a surface the pellets used should preferably have sharp edges and corners. Further, they should be employed so that they will hit against such a surface as rapidly as reasonably possible. Preferably these pellets are both agitated and subjected to alpha radiation as they are held prior to being entrained into a stream of moving gas and as they are introduced into such a stream. Further, preferably the particles are discharged against the surface being treated through a so-called "sonic nozzle" so as to maximize their momentum as they are directed toward the surface being treated.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, a configuration utilizing waste heat and evolved hydrogen gas for pumping electrolyte through the cell. More particularly, the cell is in a vertical, hollow tubular configuration with the reactive anode being bonded to the interior surface of the tube casing and a coiled metal screen cathode being positioned within the tubular cell and containing the anode over essentially its full working surface. As the anode is consumed in operation, by reaction with an aqueous electrolyte filling the interior cavity of the tubular configuration, the coil configuration of the cathode forces it to expand and maintain contact with the anode. During operation, evolved waste heat and gas cause a flow of electrolyte through the interior of the cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a deployable antenna or reflector having an offset paraboloid shape. The antenna can be packaged in a small volume. Radial ribs, interconnected by stiffeners, extend from a semicircular support hub. A metalized mesh is stretched between the radial ribs to form a reflective surface.

Abstract: The control system includes a sensing mechanism by which a true pure signal from flapping bending activity resulting from an external load force on a rotor blade in a rotor system is generated and fed back to a gyroscope which then precesses to return a correcting feathering motion to the rotor blade through a swashplate. Such generation is developed by the sensing mechanism which comprises a cantilevered beam or spring system secured at its one end to a fixed hub arm about which the blade feathers and having its other end operatively connected to the gyroscope. The gyroscope is positioned outside of a high force blade feathering loop and is independently sized from the rotor to which it is coupled. The system also provides for pilot command input to produce a control feathering motion to a pair of blades independently of the sensing means.

Abstract: A navigation method and system suitable for highly accurate all-weather navigation of vehicles such as ships and aircraft. An initial position of the vehicle relative to a plurality of known points each located at predetermined geographic positions is first determined. The distance or range of the initial position from each of the plurality of known points is determined and when the vehicle moves to a second and unknown position, the difference between the propagation time of electromagnetic wave energy transmitted from each of the plurality of known points at the initial and second positions is determined to thereby determine an incremental change in the distance to the second position from each of the plurality of known points.

Abstract: An impact resistant external casing is provided to enclose a canister containing a multi-layered chemical bed, with by-passes in each layer to accommodate the flow across and through the bed of exhaled breath which reacts with potassium superoxide in tablet form, the casing being provided with a (top) lid section which contains a mouthpiece, breathing hoses, and neck straps, the opposite side of the casing being provided with a bottom cover which accommodates the storage of a folded breathing bag and chest straps. An air passageway constituting an annular section is provided to accommodate a chimney extending from the bag through the passageway section between the casing and the canister, which is open to ambient air for cooling purposes. The inside bottom portion of the canister is provided with a trammel to prevent escape of deliquesced KO.sub.

Abstract: This device generates a simulated acoustic emission signal and simultaneously introduces the signal into a test article. The device provides a means for positioning precision brittle tubes or rods against the test article in a controlled fashion. A simulated signal, a stress pulse, is introduced into the test article at a point source when sufficient force is applied to break the tubes or rod against the test article. The stress pulse is generated by the rapid release of elastic energy within the test article itself therefore it very closely simulates the acoustic emission signal generated by a flaw in the material.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the mechanical properties of cast beryllium and beryllium alloy bodies by reducing beryllium grain size. More particularly, grain size is reduced by forming a metal beryllide phase that is soluble in molten beryllium but of limited solubility in the solid metal. Initially, molten beryllium is cast into a mold and solidified resulting in precipitation of the metal beryllide in the form of finely divided particles at the beryllium grain boundaries. The cast body is then mechanically worked below its recrystallization temperature to form an unstable, deformed microstructure which is converted to a fine grain microstructure during a subsequent anneal above the recrystallization temperature of the beryllium or beryllium alloy body. The anneal can be a separate operation or a continuation of the plastic deformation operation.

Abstract: Actuator for selectively and sequentially providing dual pressure forces for positioning and seating fasteners and for other purposes. Air pressure is selectively applied to a first piston to apply a relatively low level of hydraulic pressure to the actuating rod and then to a second pneumatic piston to intensify the hydraulic pressure applied to the actuating rod. The actuator is caused to be extended a first distance at low force and then to be extended an additional distance at a relatively higher force. Air pressure is selectively applied to cause all pistons and the actuating rod to retract to their initial positions.

Abstract: An oil replenishment system provides a remote reserve oil tank and the plumbing necessary to fill the main oil tank or tanks of engines, especially aircraft engines during flight. This system includes apparatus to determine the quantity of oil pumped to any one engine so that a quantity gauge is not required on the engine. A selector valve located on the reserve tank which may be remotely controlled directs replenishment oil to the selected engine tank. The system is designed to be powered from the existing on board hydraulic power system.

Abstract: An accelerometer senses a machine's vibration resulting from unbalance of its internal rotors and outputs an electrical signal which is then conditioned by means of an amplifier and uniform level filter. The resulting output signal has individual vibration (frequency) components which are adjusted to match the machine's specified vibration limit extending over each of the rotors' frequency range to achieve a uniform level. A storage oscilloscope is employed to display the conditioned signal.By utilizing the uniform level filter a normal operating band for the machine can be specified in terms of oscilloscope divisions regardless of the machine's operating frequencies. When a signal exceeds the specified band on the oscilloscope the rotor causing the excessive vibration may then be determined by analyzing the individual components. Utilizing relatively uncomplicated electronics, a limit exceedance warning may also be incorporated.

Abstract: A digitally tuned active filter is disclosed. The filter is tunable by digitally controlling the variable conductance which comprises two resistors, one of which is in series with a field-effect transistor switch and those two in parallel with the other resistor. The field-effect transistor switch is switched by a digitally controlled variable duty cycle generator.

Abstract: An assemblage of a rivet for securing at least a pair of sheets or other members, wherein the rivet is formed with a cavity in its upset end of predetermined dimensions with respect to the sheets and the remainder of the rivet. The cavity preferably terminates in the thickness of the bottom sheet, thus facilitating rivet upset while providing maximum strength.

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an alkaline electrolyte containing soluble inorganic ions which are reduced preferentially to water at the cathode. More particularly, the additives substantially reduce or eliminate reduction of water and evolution of hydrogen at the cathode resulting in significant improvement in current efficiency, gravimetric energy density and cell potential at a given current. Additionally, suppression of hydrogen evolution makes possible a sealed system with venting of gases from the cell no longer necessary. The inorganic ions of the invention are nitrite, hypochlorite, chlorate, bromate, dinitrogen trioxide and sulfite ions which are formed when soluble salts of nitrite, sulfite, hypochlorate, bromate, chlorate, soluble gases such as dinitrogen trioxide and sulfur dioxide and other soluble inorganic compounds are dissolved in the alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: An articulated high "G" force aircraft seat which is movable between a conventional upright position and a reclined position. As described, the head and eyes remain in a relatively stationary position without affecting instrument monitoring or external vision. The aircraft controls remain within easy reach, yet the pilot is able to sustain high acceleration maneuvers in excess of eight "G's".

Abstract: In a reactive metal-water electrochemical cell, an alkaline electrolyte, containing soluble peroxide ions which improve the uniformity of reaction at the anode, reduces the anode's sensitivity to changes in the hydroxyl ion concentration of the electrolyte, reduces the anode's sensitivity to electrolyte flow rate and reduces the anode's sensitivity to temperature. The improved characteristics of the cell result from the ability of the peroxide ions to stabilize the anode and also to be reduced at a more electronegative potential than is required for the reduction of water. The soluble peroxide ion, HO.sub.2.sup.-, is formed when hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide and other soluble inorganic peroxide compounds are dissolved in the alkaline solution.

Abstract: An escape capsule integrally designed within a parent aircraft and having a fly-away capability throughout the entire speed range of the parent aircraft. The capsule utilizes segments of the leading edges of the aircraft wings to provide flight capability and stabilization to the capsule, an elevon system controlling the capsule about both its lateral and longitudinal axes, and rudder and vertical stabilizing elements for controlling the capsule about its vertical axis. A rocket is provided to supply the thrust necessary to accomplish positive separation of the capsule from the parent aircraft along a required trajectory. A thrust system, such as a turbojet or fan jet engine, is provided for sustaining the capsule in flight.

Abstract: A method for making high ductility beryllium bodies by controlling beryllium oxide particle growth during hot pressing of beryllium powder to a maximum median size of 150 nm. More particularly, particle size is controlled by utilizing starting beryllium powder containing a maximum total concentration of aluminum, silicon and magnesium of 200 ppm and consolidating the powder at a maximum temperature of 1400.degree. F. Ductility is also enhanced by utilizing starting beryllium powder containing a maximum beryllium oxide volume fraction of 1.6 percent and annealing the consolidated powder at temperatures of from 2000.degree. to 2250.degree. F. The anneal can be a separate operation or a continuation of the hot pressing operation.

Abstract: A ski-type water borne craft adapted to plane along the surface of a body of water and having two stabilizing elements spaced laterally apart and mounted for upward and downward movement relative to one another in a relationship providing roll forces and giving lateral stability to the craft, with the stabilizing elements preferably being a pair of swinging flaps hinged to the after ends of two vertically shiftable hydroskis.